OCTOBER 5, 2022

The Harlem Wizards

Another huge thank you to all of our families, students, staff, clergy, and especially our PTA for a great game with the Harlem Wizards. If you missed it this year–don't worry, this will now be an annual all school event. A special thank you to our Saint Mary School Choir, who did a great job singing the national anthem.

From the

Principal's Desk

We have had a lot of welcomed rain this week for our grass, gardens, and plants. On the flip side, it also made us bring all recess and gym classes inside. On Tuesday I had the pleasure of watching our pre-k burn off some energy in Memorial Hall playing a game of freeze tag. Their laughter and pure joy brought a smile to my face. It allowed me to reflect and pause. I refrained from activity, both outward and inward, to see what is really happening. Kids were free to be loud, enjoy their peers, and play in a safe environment guided by their teachers.

From that pause my heart and mind opened. I began to self-reflect, which always leads to a silent gratitude prayer. It reminds me that this is what Saint Mary School is all about– happy, engaged students. When children have joy in their school, they do better. It leads to Inspired Learning.

I ask all of you to take the opportunity from your daily routines to observe the joy in your children. Be deliberate and seek out what makes them so happy at Saint Mary School. I would also ask you to say a prayer for all of those affected by Hurricane Ian. I know many of us have relatives who have been impacted.

Craig Palmer

Principal

Upcoming Events

PIZZA DAY

Fri., Oct. 6

All forms need to be in by Wed. Oct., 5. If your child is not ordering pizza you must pack a lunch. The cafeteria will be closed.

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION NIGHT

6th, 7th, & 8th grade only

Fri., Oct. 6, 7-8:30 pm

NO SCHOOL

Mon., Oct. 10

EARLY DISMISSAL

Fri., Oct. 14

GOLF OUTING

Mon., Oct. 17

Deadline to register: Oct. 10.

GENERAL PTA MEETING

All parents are invited

Tues., Oct. 25, 6 pm

TRUNK OR TREAT

Oct. 28

All families must register by Fri. Oct. 14. No walk-ins allowed. Registration form

PICTURE DAY

Wed., Nov. 2–Thur., Nov. 3

Grades: Pre-K–8

Specific details to follow

Sponsor A Scarecrow

What better way to bring in the fall than to sponsor a festive scarecrow to be displayed on our school campus?

Each scarecrow will have a tag displaying your family name and a personal message, if you choose. We have limited quantity available for sponsorship, so don’t wait–get your order in today!

Cost: $20 per scarecrow

Cash, Venmo (@StMarys-PTA) or check payable to Saint Mary’s PTA are accepted.

Look for the form in your child's folder this week or download it here.

M E E T O U R P T A

John and Margaret McGraner

PTA Co-Treasurer and Vice President

“I am the Vice President and have been a member of the PTA board for three years. Volunteering at our school is one of the most rewarding things I do. Anything to make our school better and to be able to watch our kids have fun is worth it! I have two children at our school, one in 1st grade and one in 5th grade and they absolutely love it! I am looking forward to working with you all and to another great year at SMS!”

– Margaret McGraner

“I am the SMS PTA Co-Treasurer. I am the proud father of two Saints, one in 5th grade and one in 1st grade. I am an accountant at my firm in Red Bank. The flexibility allows me to get to spend more time with my wife and kids. In my free time, I like to golf and watch my kids play their sports. Being on the PTA board with this group of women has been a great experience. To spend time collaborating with these very dedicated and passionate people on making our school better each day has been a very fulfilling experience and cannot wait to see what else we can do!”

– John McGraner

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Georgean Harriott

Fourth Grade Teacher

Georgian Court University

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

Walden University

Master’s in Math, specializing in K-5

My favorite part of the school day is first thing in the morning. Every morning is a fresh start and an opportunity to set the tone for a wonderful day. For my own family, Saint Mary feels like home. My two children are students here, and they’re receiving an excellent education that feeds their minds and their souls. In addition to academics, they are learning how to be a good Christians who emulate the love of God and Jesus. That is something they would not be receiving at another school.”

Parent Homework

The Spirit Shop sells all of our gym uniforms, plus adult swag. Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm

SMS Handbook link. You must hand in your forms for Gensis!

by Fri. Oct. 14. No walk-ins allowed. Registration form

Third Grade

At Friday's Mass, our 3rd graders recited the Guardian Angel prayer leading up to the Feast of the Guardian Angels on Sunday.

DID YOU KNOW?

Congratulations are in order!

The Middletown Library Board of Trustees and Director Heather Andolsen announced that our very own Principal Craig Palmer, is the recipient of the 2022 Joyce P. Murphy Imagination in Education Award!

When you see Mr. Palmer make sure you congratulate him! More information can be found here. Mr. Palmer will receive his award at their gala.

FATHER JEFFREY J. KEGLEY

Cordially invites you to the

Solemn Dedication of the

Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady

of the Most Blessed Sacrament

The original Saint Mary Church built in 1901

MOST REVEREND DAVID M. O’CONNELL, CM

Bishop of Trenton

On Sun., Oct. 16, at 10 am

beginning with Holy Mass celebrated in

Saint Mary, Mother of God Church

Ways to Give

After School Activities

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.

Floor Hockey and Flag Football have begun. Visit here for more athletic information.

Girls and Boys Varsity Soccer is underway. Come out and cheer on our Saints. Girls Schedule Boys Schedule

eSports

Practices are 2:40-3:45 pm

10/5/22

10/14/22

10/25/22

10/27/22

11/9/22

11/16/22

11/30/22

Practice on half days is right after school until 1:10 pm.

All practices are in Room 119. Students are encouraged to bring their own controllers. They do not have to bring their own system. We are taking the winter to practice for big tournaments in the spring.

Girl Scouts

Fri., Oct. 7, right after school in the cafeteria. Remember to return your health forms.

Saint Mary offers a wonderful assortments 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