February 14, 2024

Issue 17

You can access current and past edition of Falcon News at thestmaryschool.org

Mr. Joseph Poletti, Principal

Click HERE to read from the Desk of Mr. Poletti

Coming Up

Important news for 8th grade parents:

HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL PROGRAM DEADLINE EXTENDED

Attention all applicants to 2024-25 high school special programs: The application window has been extended until Friday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. The first round of video submissions are due by the end of the day on Friday, January 26. The second and last video window (including all Isaac Bear Early College video submissions) will open on February 11 and close at the end of the day on Friday, February 16. Please reach out to your school counselor or Jean Hall, Supervisor of Innovative and Special Programs (special.programs@nhcs.net) for assistance.
Atención a todos los solicitantes de programas especiales de escuela secundaria 2024-25: el período de solicitud se extendió hasta el viernes 16 de febrero a las 6 p.m. La primera ronda de envíos de videos vence al final del día viernes 26 de enero. La segunda y última ventana de videos (incluidas todas las presentaciones de videos de Isaac Bear Early College) se abrirá el 11 de febrero y se cerrará al final del día. Viernes 16 de febrero. Comuníquese con su consejero escolar o con Jean Hall, Supervisora de Programas Especiales e Innovadores (special.programs@nhcs.net) para obtener ayud
Specialty Program Acceptance: March 8, 2024
All students, regardless of high school or specialty program, will need to complete enrollment via the district's enrollment portal

New Hanover County Link

Brunswick County Link

February 14	Ash Wednesday (Mass at 8:30 am)
February 19	Presidents Day - No School

School Calendar

News and Announcements

Order Yearbook Here

St. Mary Catholic School began our 2024 Fat Tuesday celebration at "Clifton's Tree" and continued with our annual parade, bead toss and king cake. Clifton's Tree was planted in memory of Mr. Clifton Lively who was instrumental in creating our Mardi Gras traditions at St. Mary School which we continue to celebrate.

Regional Science Fair

Congratulations to all the brilliant minds from St. Mary Catholic School who shone brightly at the Regional Science Fair! Every single one of our students will be advancing to the State Science Fair Competition at NC State on March 23rd! We couldn't be prouder of their hard work, dedication, and innovative ideas.

A huge round of applause to Mrs. Smith for her exceptional leadership and guidance throughout this journey. Thank you for nurturing and inspiring our young scientists to reach for the stars! St. Mary is renowned for our outstanding STEM program, and once again, our students have showcased the excellence it fosters.

Let's continue to cheer on our talented scholars as they prepare for the next level of competition!

Catholic High School Feasibility Study Closed 02/15

The Catholic Church has always been committed to providing quality education for all students, regardless of their economic or social backgrounds. Feasibility studies are often conducted to assess the potential for a new Catholic high school in a certain area. These studies take into consideration factors such as demographics, enrollment projections, financial stability, and community support. A committee has been formed consisting of representatives from the local Catholic parishes to determine the feasibility of building and staffing a Catholic high school in Wilmington, NC. This survey has been created to gather information and opinions from members of the community, to aid in this assessment. Kindly complete the survey regardless of whether you have a potential student. If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Laura Sterner at 910-398-6526.

Have you completed your St. Mary School re-enrollment?

Opportunity Scholarships will be available to all K - 8 St. Mary students for 2024-2025.
Applications for the 2024-25 African American and Native American Tuition Assistance program are available from 2/1 - 3/14/2024. Preschool students are eligible to apply. Decision letters will be mailed no later than 5/24/2024. https://form.jotform.com/schoolsoffice/2024-25BIMOGrant

If you have any questions, please contact Susan Linn at linns@thestmaryparish.org or 910-762-5491, ext. 140.

Re-enrollment for Current Families

2024 - 2025 African American and Native American Ancestry Scholarship

North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Household Income Guidelines Preliminary Information 2024 - 2025 School Year

NCOS Information Session 3

The best guidance is for all St. Mary families to complete the NCOS application by February 29, 2024. We will make that our mission.

COMMUNICATE WITH THE ST. MARY SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Follow this process to submit your news:

Provide a 1 - 2 sentence description.
Include details such as name of event, date, time, location and contact person information.
Submit via email to smsnews@thestmaryparish.org.

Falcon Athletics

Falcon Basketball

Despite a hard-fought battle, St. Mary lost the championship basketball match against St. Mark. Both teams displayed incredible skill and sportsmanship, and we're proud of our team for their determination to come back from behind, making it an intensely close game. They earned the second place position in the Division, which is something of which to be proud!

Thanks to all of the fans who came to support our school.

Club Information

Athletic Booster Club

St. Mary is starting up our Athletic Booster Club! Please join and submit brilliant ideas for sprucing up our facilities, fundraising, or otherwise enhancing the athletic experience for our students and spectators! Sign up here https://form.jotform.com/233376221929157

Go Falcons!

Science Olympiad

Practice days are Mon/Wed/Fri
Wilmington Regional SO Tournament (mandatory): 3/9/24 @ UNCW 7a-3p
NC State SO Tournament (Varsity Only, if invited): 4/12-13/24 @ NCSU

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who came out for our In My Mardi Gras Era celebration and night of trivia!

Thank you to the businesses that donated the prizes for trivia.

Our 1st place winners won 2 nights at the Hotel Ballast and a four course dinner for 4 at Pilot House. These 2 businesses donate so generously to to our school each year. Please show them our gratitude by supporting their businesses along with our other generous donors.

The 2nd place team won $50 to the Greeks Restaurant and $50 to Bourbon Street. amd $150 to Giggles. Cape Fear Retina donated back their prizes for faculty and staff. We will be drawing names at random.

Lastly, we'd like to thank Susan Linn and LeeAnne Quattrucci for soliciting these prizes for us.

Special thanks to all of our sponsors who not only gave so generously to our school, but happen to be great at trivia.

Gwathmey Residential Group took 1st place with Cape Fear Retina right behind them in 2nd place. Accord Mediaton made a great comeback from 12th place to a 3rd place finish in the 2nd half. They are looking for a re-match.