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February 1, 2023

Catholic Schools Week 2023 is in full swing

There have been so many exciting events that helped us kick off Catholic Schools Week 2023. From over 150 families attending our Open House to Lead U coming to campus–bringing with them teaching artists who creatively engaged, educated, and empowered our Saints.

Principal's Message

We had a 223% increase in our Open House attendance this year with more than 30 families hand in applications on the spot. It was an amazing show of how lucky we are to be part of the Saint Mary School community. As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week I would be remiss to not tell you to get your applications in for reenrollment as soon as you can. They will be going home on Friday and will need to be returned by February 16 to hold your seat. We have a time stamped waiting list of families waiting to hear if they have secured a spot for the 2023-24 school year.


The students are having so much fun this week with LeaderU and thanking the clergy and teachers during Catholic School Week. On Thursday, at 9am,Middletown Mayor Tony Perry will visit Saint Mary School to sign a proclamation in honor of Catholic Schools Week. In addition to marking Catholic Schools Week, the proclamation will recognize the excellent education provided to area students by Saint Mary. Catholic Schools Week, which this year runs from Sunday, Jan. 29, to Friday, Feb. 3, is an annual event that highlights the outstanding educational opportunities offered by the nation’s Catholic schools.


We are almost at 50% of our Polar Plunge goal. We only have our days left. Please help support the school with a pledge now. The weather looks to be a balmy 32 degrees!


God bless,


Craig Palmer

Principal

Upcoming Events

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Wed., Feb.1, Red, white & blue dress down day

Fri., Feb. 3, Blue & gold, $2 dress down day



POLAR PLUNGE DINE TO DONATE

Fri., Feb. 3

On The Deck, please present this flyer


POLAR PLUNGE

Sun., Feb. 5


GALA MEETING

Wed., Feb. 8, 6 pm

Please join us in the cafeteria to learn ways you can help make this event a success!


STEAK BAKE (BBQ Style)

Fri., Feb. 17, See flyer below for more information.


NO SCHOOL

Fri., Feb. 17

Mon., Feb. 20


ASH WEDNESDAY

Wed., Feb. 22


BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMNENT @ Highline Arena

Sat., March 4


DADDY/DAUGHTER DANCE

Sun., March 5


SMS ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

Sun., March 11


MOTHER/SON DANCE

Sun., March 19

IT'S POLAR PLUNGE TIME

THIS IS OUR LAST WEEK...Register now! Sign up your family or child today at http://polarplunge23.stmaryes.org/.


PLUNGE FORM. You must fill out this form to be able to enter the water.


Register for the after party at Ocean House Tap & Grill in Sea Bright. See form here.


Coin Fundraising for students: Each grade will collect a specific coin each week leading up to the plunge. Winners receive a free pizza day!

  • Week 1: PENNIES ended. 5th Grade was the winner!
  • Week 2: NICKELS ended. 5th Grade was, again, the winner!
  • Week 3: DIMES ended. 5th Grade was, AGAIN, the winner!
  • Week 4: QUARTERS for the week ending Fri., Feb. 3

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Red, White, & Blue dress down day is Wednesday.


Blue and Gold $2 dress down day is Friday.


For a full pdf, click here.

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Caroline Hourican

First Grade Teacher


University of Delaware

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Minors in Human Development & Families Sciences and Disability Studies

As a graduate of Saint Mary School, I was inspired to enter the field of education by my teachers here. I’ve always loved working with children because they approach learning and new experiences with such awe and wonder. My favorite part of the day is first thing in the morning. Saint Mary students arrive at school with smiles on their faces and joyous attitudes as they get ready to conquer the day ahead.”

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT

8th grader Jake Hoffman's was selected to be a Red Bank Catholic Mercy Scholar which entitles him to receive one of RBC's Mercy Scholarships. Jack's academic achievements and his Catholic values have allowed him to be eligible for this four year scholarship in the amount of $5,000 per year. This helps Jake to continue his Catholic education at a recognized institution that is committed to those things that make Catholic education special: academic excellence, formation of the whole person, service to others, and a sense of purpose. Congratulations to Jake on receiving this honor. We know he will make us all proud as he becomes a Casey!

Parent Homework

The Gala committee is still looking for volunteers to help with the most important part of our event, soliciting! We need people willing to go out and get donations from local businesses around Monmouth County. Without your help, this event cannot be a success. PTA volunteer hours will be given. The sign-up genius for gala volunteer solicitors is now open here.These hours count toward your PTA hour obligation.

Who is ready for the 7th Annual

Steak Bake–BBQ Style, in Honor of Presidents Day? See the full flyer here.

February Lunch Menu

The cafeteria will be closed on pizza day. You must pack a lunch if you are not participating.

February menu here.

Lunch form here.



Tuition Assistance Program 2023-24

For families with children attending Catholic schools


The first round of diocesan aid for next year is now open to our families through FACTS. All families, current and new, should apply for aid if needed. (One application per family.)

Applications are available online now at https://online.factsmgt.com For Grades K-8: To be considered in round one, applications must be completed by March 1, 2023. The deadline for round two is May 12, 2023. For more information, click here.

8TH GRADE FUNDRAISING

This is a great way to clean out your closets while helping support the Class of 2023. This fundraiser is EASY and won’t cost you any money! Pickup day is Sat., Feb. 11, at 10 am. You can bring your items directly to the pickup at the back of the school beginning at 9 am.

Enter to win a chance for one of three choices for dinner with Le Cordon Bleu Chef Joseph Schmittler. Flyers went home yesterday. Thank you and good luck!

PRESCHOOL FUNDRAISING

Friday nights are perfect pizza nights. Cugini's is donating 5% to St. Mary's Preschool so you can enjoy delicious pizza and support our wonderful preschool at the same time. This offer is ongoing, no time limit, and we very much appreciate Cugini’s generosity.

After School Activities

Aftercare 

SAINTS AFTERCLUB


Aftercare is available. Please read our brochure for more information. For the morning, children can be dropped off as early as 7:15 am and gather in the cafeteria.

SPORTS

Make sure you follow Saint Mary Athletics on Facebook here.


Basketball practices and games are underway. Our schedules are posted here. Cheerleading practices are Mondays immediately after school until 3:15 pm. Come out and show your Saint Spirit!


NOTE SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE


JV BOYS

Feb. 4 • St. Rose of Belmar • Home • 11 am

Feb. 11 • St. James • Away • 9 am

Feb. 12 • Holy Cross • Away • 1 pm

Feb. 18 • St. Mary Academy • Home • 11:30 am

Feb. 19 • St. Leo • Away • 1:30 pm


VARSITY BOYS

Feb. 4 • St. Rose of Belmar • Home • 12:15 pm

Feb. 11 • St. James • Away • 10:15 am

Feb. 12 • Holy Cross • Away • 2:15 pm

Feb. 18 • St. Mary Academy • Home • 12:45 pm

Feb. 19 • St. Leo • Away • 2:45 pm


VARSITY GIRLS

Feb. 4 • St. Dominic • Home • 1:30 pm

Feb. 11 • St. Rose of Belmar • Home • 11 am

GIRL SCOUTS

Girl Scouts

Our next meeting is Fri., Feb. 3, right after school in the cafeteria. Be sure to join the troop's Facebook page to see all of our activities. Please reach out to any of our troop leaders if you have any cookie questions. We have sold almost 3,000 boxes so far. Our Facebook page link is here.

MUSIC

Saint Mary offers a wonderful assortment of music programs for grades 1 and above. Have your child try an instrument and enrich their learning of the arts. 


1st grade and above can start on piano, ukulele, or drums.


3rd grade and above can start on voice, guitar, trumpet, trombone, strings, bass, flute, clarinet, and saxophone.


5th grade and above can start on all the instruments, including bagpipes, and learn music recording and production.


More information here.