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Traditions at the School of St. Mary
May is a busy season at both campuses. Last weekend, our second graders celebrated their First Communion. On Friday, our 8th graders celebrated our patron saint, Saint Mary, with the annual May Crowning Service. It's one of many final milestones and activities they will participate in over the last few weeks of their time at St. Mary's. Speaking of annual milestones and rites of passage, we thought we would dedicate this communication to a few traditions that we invite all of you to learn and love as you begin at the School of St. Mary (SOSM) this fall.
As we teach our youngest students, school proceeds in a rhythm throughout the year, and at SOSM it flows with the liturgical cycle and allows for many opportunities to celebrate and reflect. Throughout the spring, traditions turn towards easing transitions outward and upward- welcoming third graders to the UGC as rising fourth graders, wishing our 8th graders well as they move onto high school, and saying goodbye for the summer to our returning friends and faculty.
Though we all continue to create new traditions as we grow as a grade level and community, a few beloved ones that have withstood the test of time occur through the years but culminate in the 8th Grade Experience.
We are looking forward to walking through these milestones with you,
Mandy Castle
Director of Admissions
P.S. Unfortunately, we need to cancel the New Family Walk, which was scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2024.
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Welcome Back Ice Cream Social
Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Primary Grade Center (PGC)
Every year, we welcome students and staff back to school in the “backyard” of the Primary Grade Center. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., students and families may enter through the Early Childhood Playground and come to the blacktop for an ice cream or popsicle treat from the ice cream truck. While families may connect or reconnect, it is an opportunity to turn in forms and collect the carpool code for the upcoming school year. For returning families, the number remains the same, but for the safety and security of our children, please update the card in your dashboard.
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First Week of School
Begins Wednesday, August 21, 2024
SOSM opens its doors as an early release day for 1st through 8th grade students on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, with business as usual beginning on Thursday. However, for Early Childhood, the week includes Classroom Previews and early dismissal for the first two days (starting Thursday, August 22, 2024). The full schedule for early childhood dismissal may be found here. Please note that the regular drop-off and pickup schedule, along with the extended day, will not begin until Monday, August 26, 2024.
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Homecoming at the Upper Grade Center (UGC)
Friday, September 20, 2024
The tradition began years ago when SOSM had a competitive tackle football team, which culminated in a late season game in which we celebrated the outgoing 8th grade class and reunited with recent alumni at the game. Today, we continue the tradition of celebrating our fall athletes through a spirit week of special dress days, led by Student Council, and concluding with a pep rally and recognition of 8th grade students and parents during the presentation.
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Special Guest Show & Tell (Preschool)
Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
Once a year, preschool students have an opportunity to show off their friends and classrooms to a special guest. Come spend the morning with your preschooler, see their favorite activities, and catch a glimpse of life at SOSM preschool. It is an early release day for full-time preschool students and business as usual for Kindergarten through 3rd grade students.
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1st Grade Thanksgiving Sing (PGC)
Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
What began as the “Turkey Tango” has evolved into an enthusiastic, 1st Grade performance featuring Thanksgiving traditions, themes, and music in an age-appropriate format in the gymnasium at the PGC. Parents, grandparents, and family members are invited to enjoy this class’s special performance. It is our first graders’ time to shine!
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Thanksgiving Baskets for the Roberti Community House in Waukegan
November 18-22, 2024
UGC & PGC
Led by the 3rd and 6th grade classes, SOSM collects items to be presented to the Roberti Community House in Waukegan to help provide a festive and nourishing Thanksgiving dinner to community members in need. Students organize the drive, collect donations, and pack up the trucks for transportation to Waukegan.
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Night at the Bookfair with Cookies and Santa
December 5, 2024* 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
At the beginning of Advent, the PGC hosts a bookfair for students to visit during the day. The event includes an evening shop staffed by parent volunteers and middle school students who serve cookies and enjoy a visit from Santa Claus.
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December 16-20, 2024
Advent is a special time at both buildings. SOSM celebrates the season through weekly prayer services, led by 3rd graders, at the PGC, a Nativity Prayer Service at the Church of St. Mary, and several performances by our youngest students as they depart for Christmas break:
- Little Angels Party: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 & Wednesday December 18, 2024
- Christmas Sing with PreK 3 and Junior Kindergarten: Wednesday, December 18, 2024
- Kindergarten Nativity at the PGC: Thursday, December 19, 2024
- 2nd and 8th Grade Nativity at the Church of St. Mary: Friday, December 20, 2024
Parents, grandparents, and other families are invited to these special performances— please watch for detailed information this fall. All grade levels celebrate with receptions after their performances, or in lieu of a dedicated performance, classroom parties will be held on December 20, 2024.
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January 26, 2025-February 1, 2025
Church of St. Mary, PGC, and UGC
The National Catholic Educators’ Association (NCEA) leads an annual celebration of Catholic education across the country. We kick off the week with a school-led Sunday Mass at the Church of St. Mary at 10:00 a.m., which features choirs from both buildings. Each grade level has a dedicated day and time for interactive activities with parents, teachers, and students, as well as annual highlights of the Spelling Bee, Geography Bee finals, Religion Bee, and the faculty vs. student volleyball games at each building. It is an opportunity to peek into classrooms and learn more about what SOSM offers its families and students. Generally, programming at the PGC will be 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., and UGC will be 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
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Third Grade Musical
April 2024 - date TBA
Gymnasium of PGC
Third graders may not appear sentimental about “graduating” to the UGC, but the transition is in the air throughout the month of May. The class comes together in April to present a musical during the day for younger students and again in the evening for parents and family. Our music teacher organizes it, and all rehearsals and preparation occur at school. Watch for additional communications and information in January.
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Special Person Day (Kindergarten - 3rd Grade)
Friday, May 2, 2025 - PGC
Kindergarten - 3rd grade only
Parents and families, please join your kindergarten through third grade students at the PGC for a “morning in the life” and prayer service to celebrate the moment. For kindergarten - 3rd grade, the day is a half-day with 11 a.m. dismissal. For preschool students, it is business as usual.
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Confirmation and First Communion
Confirmation Masses - Saturday, March 14, 2025, 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
First Communion Masses - Saturday, May 3, 2025, 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Church of St. Mary
The Church of St. Mary Department of Religious Education coordinates the Sacramental preparation of our students. SOSM students unite with the parish Religious Education students in informational meetings, retreats (required by the Archdiocese), and the celebration Masses.
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May Crowning
May 9, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - Church of St. Mary
We honor our patron saint, Mary, at May Crowning. The 2nd and 8th grade students have enjoyed being buddies for the past three years as they prepare for sacraments together; and May Crowning is a special day for them as it is their last official meeting together. The second and eighth grade students wear formal attire and lead the service to honor Mary. Traditionally, families attend the service, and second and eighth graders enjoy early dismissal and a grade-level celebration organized by parents off campus.
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The 8th Grade Experience: For many families, graduating from SOSM concludes 11-12 years of a space that served as home. The class takes time to transition out of our school through several old and new(er) traditions such as:
- Back-to-school pool party
- 8th grade Sunday Mass at 10:00 a.m. (September 8, 2024)
- Field trip to Chicago
- Trimesterly Mass together as a class
- Class-wide service project
- Nativity at the Church of St. Mary (December 20, 2024)
- Living Stations of the Cross (April 17, 2025)
- 8th Grade Musical
- Washington, D.C. field trip
- May Crowning service and luncheon (May 9, 2025)
- Great America (organized by parents)
- 8th Grade Clap Out (June 3, 2025)
- Graduation party at the Deerpath Inn (dinner dance with parents) (June 4, 2025)
- Graduation Mass (June 6, 2025)
SOSM has a dedicated link on our website to the 8th Grade Experience, which details timelines, volunteer opportunities, sign-ups for events, and information on high school registration. Please learn more at the 8th Grade Experience.
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Upcoming Admissions Events
Please note: The New Family Walk, which was scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2024, has been canceled.
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May 17th & 31st: Virtual New Family Information Sessions
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June 5th: Kindergarten Welcome Day
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June 10th & 11th: UGC Welcome Day
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June 14th & 28th: Virtual New Family Information Sessions
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If you are currently enrolled at the School of St. Mary for the 2023-2024 academic year, you are eligible to attend SOSM Summer School!
SOSM offers two sessions: June 10th - 28th and July 8th - 26th. Summer School is open to students entering Kindergarten through 5th grade in fall 2024. Classes will meet from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Parents can expect literacy, math, outside exploration, social-emotional learning, and FUN! Learn more and register here.
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