Dear Families,
The Christmas Season is upon us. You can sense the excitement in the hallways and classrooms. The next week and a half will be filled with many special events and activities.
Important recognition:
- Please join me in congratulating Father Jesus Camacho on his 48 years as a priest as of December 25. Thank you Fr. Camacho for your service and guidance in our community.
- Thank you to the parish for putting on an incredible celebration honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe – If you were not able to attend any of the festivities, I encourage you to mark your calendar in 2024
Thank you one and all for giving your support and volunteering your time during the past semester. Below is a list of only some of the things we were able to accomplish together during the first half of the school year:
- Welcomed 21 new students to start the school year
- Enjoyed PTO Welcome Back Bash
- Embraced New Spartan Spirit Wear
- Attended MOSS – McCall Outdoor Science School
- Conducted Field Trips to Boise Art Museum, Idaho Historical Museum, Anne Frank Memorial
- Rolled out FACTS
- Requested Climate and Culture surveys of teachers, students and families
- Held Success MAP Testing – Fall of 2023
- Witnessed remarkable participation at Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Partnered during Math Literacy Night
- Welcomed Fr. John – His presence is appreciated
- Introduced Trust Based Observations
- Celebrated Mexican dancers at Dia de los Muertos, Festival of Trees and Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Set a record for participation (100%) and funds raised at our first ever Spartan Run
- Record sales of peaches to help 8th grade fund annual trip to St. Gertrude’s
- Focused on and celebrated School Learning Expectations – Learners, Friends, Stewards, and Disciples
- Enjoyed participating at the Foodbank OktoberFest
- Held a fantastic Book fair
- Enjoyed Trunk or Treat
- Witnessed increased participation in Prayer Square and weekly Mass
- Celebrated Veterans’ Day recognition
- Enrolled in Niche
- Supported BK State Football Title
- Sang along at an excellent Christmas Program
- Encouraged 8th Grade Shadow Day at Bishop Kelly
- Welcomed new student aid – Melissa Murano
- Welcome 7 new students at break (some have already started!)
- Welcoming new 3rd grade teacher – Briana Young
We have had a terrific year so far. I am excited to see what we can do together in 2024!
Important Upcoming events:
- Mardi Gras Gala – February 10, 2024 – Save the date for the social event of the year. Tickets will be available soon. We still have a few volunteer positions available if you have the time. Please use the following link – Volunteer
- Pastorelas – Please join us for our annual Pastorelas performance on Wednesday, December 20th in the cafeteria at 2:30
- Angel Tree – Thank you to everyone who graciously took a tag. We were able to have all the tags taken by parents and parishioners. Merry Christmas!
- BK Music Department’s Winter Concert – St. Mary’s has an incredible music program, as witnessed at the Christmas Concert. I encourage you to see how students continue to cultivate their skills in high school. The Bishop Kelly High School Band, Choir, Orchestra, and Guitar ensembles are having their winter concert on Wednesday, December 13 at 7:00pm in the REG at BK (the gym located in the main school building just past the fountain at the front entrance). Admission is only $5 for adults, $3 for HS students, $2 for younger students and senior citizens, and kids age 5 or younger are free. The award-winning BK ensembles will be performing a wide variety of music sure to get you into the holiday spirit! Doors will open to the public at about 6:30pm. Please contact Mark Peters (mpeters@bk.org) with any questions and we hope to see you there!
- Altar Server Training – Thank you to Jason Jaszkowiak for training altar servers. Students will be trained on December 15th
- Bishop Kelly Softball is holding a camp for interested players December 14-21. See the linked flier for details.
- Annual Hallissey Invitational will be February 23-25. All 7th and 8th graders are encouraged to play for the Spartans in this fun and unique basketball tournament. More information coming from Mrs. Sullivan.
Please mark your calendars for important dates:
- Bishop Kelly Music Concert – December 13
- TVCS Middle School Dance – Sacred Heart- December 15
- Pastorelas – Wednesday, December 20 at 2:30
- Catholic Schools Week – January 29 – February 1st
- Opera Idaho – 1:00 pm on January 26
- Mardi Gras Gala – February 10, 2024 – Save the Date
Thank you again for all your support and encouragement. God bless.
Kevan Grant
St. Mary’s Catholic School- Principal
Other Items of Interest
- St. Mary’s has become a member of Niche, the nation’s leading K-12 school search site. We are using the platform to market to families and students, both locally and in other states, to share all the wonderful things happening at St. Mary’s. Please check out our profile and leave a review about the school.
- Bishop Kelly Softball is holding camp December 14-21 – See flier for details
- Whole Family Religious Education
- Instrument Donation – Do you have slightly used music equipment? Check out this link…
- Important information from the School Nurse – Return to School Policy
- Get your Spirit Wear from Educational Outfitters – New Spartan Design
- Calling on all 3rd – 6th grade basketball players – The 3rd annual Catholic School Invitational is planned for March 15th through 17th in Boise
- Mexican Dance Group – Wednesdays at 3:30. No need to sign up, you are welcomed to stop by and try – More details HERE