Weekly Newsletter – April 19, 2024
Dear Parents,
Please congratulate your student(s) on a wonderful job finishing MAP testing in grades 1 through 8 this week. We will send out the results with additional information in the near future.
The “S” was removed from the building before it fell. Unfortunately, the school now reads “ST. MARY’S CHOOL”. One suggestion was to remove the “H”, to make it “ST. MARY’S C OOL”. While we like the suggestion, we have decided to replace the lettering on the building in entirety. It will take 3-4 weeks for the materials to arrive. We are discussing what to do in the meantime.
There are many things going on as we rapidly make our way through the next six weeks. In addition to the regular Spartan Spotlight, there will be additional communication shared concerning plans for next year. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Please mark your calendars for important dates:
- April 28 – Children’s Day (Dia de los ninos) – School and Parish Celebration
- May 3 – Teacher Inservice – No School
- May 4 – First Communion
- May 7 – Spring Music Program – See Below
- May 14-16 – 8th Grade Retreat – St. Gertrude’s, Cottonwood
Important Upcoming events:
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MAP Testing – MAP testing will be completed this week on Thursday. The students did a wonderful job. While it is easy to focus on achievement, the goal is growth. To read more about MAP Testing, please visit this LINK
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NWEA MAP testing has a Family Toolkit for you to review if you are interested in learning more about the tests and how to read and interpret results.
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Summer Language Programs – I had the pleasure of meeting with representatives from the Suntree Language Academy this week. They offer incredible after-school and summer immersion camps in Spanish and French. If you have the time and would like to continue to enhance your student’s language skills, please look into their program. Summer immersion camps are for students grades 1st through 6th. Suntree Language Academy
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Enrollment – Thank you to all the families who have recommended St. Mary’s to their friends. We have had a nice and steady stream of tours in all grade levels. While our enrollment numbers are strong, we will always appreciate your help in recommending St. Mary’s to those looking for a high quality Catholic school experience in a positive and supportive environment. Please have them contact the office or use our website to schedule a tour.
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Spring Music Program – We are 3 weeks from our Spring Music Program – Below is information Mr. Peters shared earlier this week.
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When: Tuesday, May 7th at 6:00pm. Students should arrive between 5:40 and 5:45 and go to their classrooms (Bands and Choir should meet in the church). THE SCHOOL/CHURCH WILL NOT BE OPEN UNTIL 5:40, so please plan accordingly. The program is expected to last about one hour.
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Where: St. Mary’s Church (Free!)
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Who: The program will feature students in Grades 4-6, as well as our Bands and Choir.
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What (to wear): Students in 4th and 5th grade, as well as Band and Choir, should wear nice clothes – think “going to church with Grandma on Easter Sunday.” Please help students not to wear anything that might become a distraction to others or prove challenging for them to move around in. When in doubt, they are more than welcome to wear their Mass Dress uniform. 6th grade students should wear anything related to their costume(s); I will update you further as needed.
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Why: We do this each year to share the gift of live performance with family and friends, gather as a community, and celebrate music being a valued part of our students’ education.
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Volunteer Opportunities – We have volunteer opportunities for some special events coming up. If you have the time, we would appreciate your help. Volunteering is a great way to meet others and continue to grow our community.
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Graphic Designer needed – This is a unique opportunity for someone with a unique skills set. Our PTO is looking for someone with graphic design skills to help create and produce our auction Save the Date, Invitations, related announcements, and print materials. This volunteer would help develop a package of standards including font specifications, colors, and a “logo” for the event to be coordinated with the poster and program producers. If you are interested, please contact Kristen Colter at kristen.ann.colter@gmail.
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Dia de los ninos – Children’s Day – April 28th – 2:00-5:00 pm – St. Mary’s PTO and the Hispanic Knights of Columbus are joining together to host an incredible event celebrating children. There will be Pinatas, Inflatables, Soccer, Games, Mexican Dancers, and Tacos and Treats for Sale. While there, please consider volunteering to help.
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God bless.
Kevan Grant
St. Mary’s Catholic School- Principal
Other Items of Interest
- St. Mary’s & Niche – Niche is the top online school search platform in the country. St. Mary’s subscribed to the platform in October of 2023. Since then, we have seen a 454% increase in awareness of St. Mary’s and a 272% increase in engagement (people that spend time reviewing our profile and our website). Each month Niche has a $1000 sweepstakes to families, alumni, or students willing to complete a review of the school. Click here to leave a review and enter the sweepstakes.
- BK Dance Team Tryouts – April 23-25
- Parent Article – From time to time I plan on including interesting articles about the challenges facing society, parents and students. Recently, this article was sent to me concerning the dangers of screen time and our children. I encourage you to read the linked article.
- Officer Gomez spoke last week at Bishop Kelly about Social Media, drugs and crime against youth. If you did not get a chance to attend, you can follow him on Youtube
- Chromebooks Available – St. Mary’s has a number of Chromebooks no longer in use, but in good condition. If you would like a Chromebooks for your student to use at home, please stop by the office. Donations are appreciated.
- 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
- Mexican Dance Group – Wednesdays at 3:30. No need to sign up, you are welcomed to stop by and try – More details HERE