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November 15, 2023

Issue 11

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

For individual retakes, please send the original package back with your student.

St. Mary School Picture Order Form - Strawbridge

Say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. It's not too late to set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy. Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started.


The Book Fair will be open each day for about 40 minutes immediately after school and continues until November 17th.



St. Mary School Cafeteria (lower school)

Scholastic eWallet

November 12 -17

Book Fair in Cafeteria

November 16

Class Pictures - Picture Makeup Day

November 16

Dexter "Loveboat" Williams Assembly 9:00 am - 10:00 am in the Gym

November 12

Thanksgiving Basket Donation Due

November 22 - 26

Thanksgiving Holiday

November 28

Giving Tuesday

December 14

Advent Program K-8 6:30 pm in the Basilica

December 20

Noon Dismissal

December 21 - January 2

Christmas Holidays - No School

School Calendar

News and Announcements

We are already looking ahead and making plans for next school year. In preparation for the start of 2024 - 2025, please take time now to complete reenrollment for next year. Due to the expansion of the NC Opportunity Scholarship, we anticipate that all of our available openings will be filled quickly.


Re-enrollment is open to all families. To complete our online reenrollment process, you will access our Family Portal through your existing login.


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

Re-enrollment for Current Families

The 2023 Appropriations Act Expands Eligibility for the Opportunity Scholarship Program

Changes will take effect for 2024-2025 school year


RALEIGH, NC – On October 3, 2023, the North Carolina State Budget (House Bill 259) became law. The new law authorizes several changes to the State’s Opportunity Scholarship Program, which will begin with the 2024-2025 school year.

Changes for the 2024-2025 school year include:

  • Removal of the income cap for families to receive the scholarship; now all North Carolina students in kindergarten through 12th grade will be eligible for the Scholarship regardless of income.
  • Prior public school enrollment is no longer a requirement for eligibility for the scholarship.
  • A student’s scholarship amount will be based on household income.
  • Scholarship amounts will range from approximately $3,000 to approximately $7,000.



The Opportunity Scholarship application for the 2024-2025 school year will open on February 1, 2024. Families must apply by March 1 to receive priority consideration. More information about the application process will be available on the program website in January.


The Opportunity Scholarship program was created by the General Assembly in 2013 to help parents pay tuition and fees at eligible nonpublic schools. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (SEAA) administers the Opportunity Scholarship. More information will be available January 1, 2024 on www.ncseaa.edu. You can also contact the program at OpportunityScholarships@ncseaa.edu or 855-330-3955.


The best guidance is for all St. Mary families to complete the NCOS application between February 1 and February 29, 2024. We will make that our mission.

North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Preliminary Information 2024 - 2025 School Year

COAT DRIVE: Thanks to everyone who brought gently used coats. So far we have filled four bins for the Sister Isaac Center. We will continue to accept coats through November 21.


THANKSGIVING FOOD BASKET: During parent/teacher conferences, many signed up for donations to your classes' Thanksgiving baskets. Those food items are due by November 21.


DONATIONS COLLECTED WEEKLY: Send your student with a non-perishable food item, hygiene or cleaning item every Wednesday to stock The Sister Isaac Center shelves. Items are collected during Mass.

ST. MARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate the new billing for Mrs. Vickie's Lunch Program. Please remit payment to office of your student's homeroom teacher.

How to order Ms. Vickie's Lunch

COMMUNICATE WITH THE ST. MARY SCHOOL COMMUNITY

You are the eyes and ears of our school community. Falcon news, school calendar, social media and website are all great ways to connect with fellow St. Mary School families.


Follow this process to submit your news:

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

Practice Times on Monday and Wednesday

3:00 - 4:30 Girls

4:30 - 6:00 Boys

Club Information

Science Olympiad Website
Sign up for Science Olympiad

Looking Ahead

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December 14 at 6:30 pm -

Advent Christmas Program (grades K-8) in the Basilica


December 20 - Noon Dismissal


December 21 - January 2 - Christmas Holidays


January 3, 2024 - Classes Resume

Support St. Mary School

Support St. Mary School students by donating to the Joshua1:9 Scholarship Fund. This fund, established by a former St. Mary parishioner, supports New Hanover Count Catholic families financial needs. Donations may be made only and are tax deductible.

Joshua 1:9 Scholarship Fund

Quick Links

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