SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

2022 FALL FAIR

Thank you to all of the families for your support. Through your volunteer hours as well as bracelet and food purchases–you made this event a great success!

From the

Principal's Desk

Already our Saints have hit the ground running. We have enjoyed the Fall Fair, students had an extraordinary visit to the UN, and our Little Saints had their first week of classes.

Last Saturday, I was honored to join members of SMS PTA as the Trenton Diocesan PTA held its 97th annual Fall Conference. The theme of the Conference, which included Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell was “Community Through Unity” and was attended by the administration and PTA board members from Catholic schools in all four counties in the Diocese. It was great to gather with so many wonderful parents dedicated to Catholic education.

Tomorrow, I hope you will all join us for Back To School Night which is a great opportunity to get a student view of the SMS experience. Moving forward we are excited to partner with you to give our students an engaging school year.

If you are around town on Saturday, make sure you stop by our SMS table at Middletown Day from 11 am-5 pm at Croydon Hall. Help spread the great word about our school!

Craig Palmer

Principal

Upcoming Events

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

Sept. 22, 6 pm

Agenda. We will begin together in Memorial Hall (big gym). If you have multiple children, there will be ample time to visit all teachers.

EARLY DISMISSAL

Sept. 23, 12:05 pm

HARLEM WIZARDS vs. SMS TEACHERS

Sept. 28

Tickets

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION NIGHT

6th, 7th, and 8th grade only

Oct. 6, 7-8:30 pm

GOLF OUTING

Oct. 17

DEADLINE to register is Oct. 10. SPONSORS must commit by Sept. 30. Support us here.

TRUNK OR TREAT

Oct. 28

This event is for SMS families only! All families must register by Fri. Oct. 14. No walk-ins allowed. Registration form

SMS Goes to the UN

On Friday, Sept. 16, SMS student ambassadors received the great honor of attending the International Day of Peace Youth Observance at the UN headquarters in New York. This year’s theme was “End Racism; Build Peace.” Students heard inspiring speeches from several of the UN’s messengers of peace, as well as presentations from other students who created projects to tackle this tough issue. SMS student ambassadors were accompanied by Katie Anderson, the faculty advisor for the ambassador program, as well as Red Bank Catholic students and Mater Dei alumni. This was all made possible by George Anthony, former director of Mater Dei Prep’s Global Institute of Emerging Leaders program and Pathways to Peace representative. It was an amazing experience!

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Jonathan Schultheis

Middle School

History and Philosophy

Princeton University

Bachelor of Arts in History

Marygrove College

Masters in the Art of Teaching

I started teaching at Saint Mary after retiring from a career in public education. The family atmosphere, emphasis on faith, and opportunities for teachers to be personally creative in their methods all contribute to the Saint Mary atmosphere. I love the freedom to incorporate faith and ultimate truth into my lessons with confidence. The truths of God are foundational to every academic study.”

M E E T O U R P T A

"I have twin boys who are now in the 5th grade. My husband and I have been part of the SMS family since our boys were three. I have been working in the financial industry for a stocks and bonds security company for over 25 years. I love to cook, bake, and relax if I can find five minutes. Volunteering for SMS is one of the most rewarding things I do, I am not only helping our school/community, but helping our children and I would not have it any other way."

Fran Hornig

PTA Corresponding Secretary

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)

By the 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

Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Shrine is open 24/7 with Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. All are welcome to visit and be a part of the Shrine.

Parent Homework

If you are interested in being a Class Parent please register here
Genesis/Parent Portal is now open here. New families will receive an email from the diocese with their login information. Returning families, your username is your primary email address.
SMS Handbook link
Lunch tickets are available. Fill out this PDF and return with a check to your child's homeroom teacher. Lunch menu is here.
The Spirit Shop sells all of our gym uniforms, plus adult swag. Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm
If you need an “I Love Saint Mary” sign, please take one home from outside our classrooms

Pre-K

Our Pre-K has some amazing adventures ahead of them this year. More information will be coming home from your teachers.

FALL FUN DAY & PUMPKIN PATCH Pumpkin picking, science experiments with pumpkins, making and stuffing a scarecrow with hay, apple cider and fall treats.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE

Oct. 31. This will be held around the Early Childhood Center building at 1:15 pm, parents are welcome to attend.

PRE-K ANNUAL THANKSGIVING POW WOW: Memorial Hall, Nov. 18 at 12:30 pm. Parents you will want to clear your calendars for this event. It is adorable.

PREK’s FIRST ANNUAL LIVE MANGER Dec. 21 outside the pre-K building. This will be for school students/teachers and staff only, during the school day.

Little Saints

The Little Saints had a great first week. Making new friends, learning classroom routines, and fun was had by all!

If you know anyone who’s interested, please share this link with them.

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 is still accepting registrations for the league so if your child wants to play have them register.

Current Teams Link

Girl Scouts

Our first meeting will be Sept. 30 right after school and will go until 3:30 pm. We are so excited to start our troop.