Today is Ash Wednesday! We enter the 40-day season of Lent, a time to renew our hearts and examine our lives in preparation for Easter. Every SMCS campus will have unique ways of marking this season, so watch for ways to grow as a family in faith. See below for opportunities to connect at our parishes, also, as we dedicate ourselves to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to support those in need.

IMPORTANT: for the news from a specific campus, click on the correct photo below.

Remember that you'll see news from St. Mary Catholic Schools every other Wednesday, except holiday weeks when school is not in session. (Next edition will be Wednesday, March 19.)

Please take time to discover our system-wide news in this email. You'll find important dates, links, and upcoming events. Then click the photo below for news and information from your child(ren)'s specific campus. If there is something you can't find, please let us know, and please "follow" and "like" SMCS social media. It's a great way to stay current on all the good news from our schools!

Preparing and inspiring students to lead meaningful lives,

rooted in the teachings of Christ and our Catholic tradition.

One of the most beloved musicals of all time is coming to the Zephyrs stage! It's a favorite for all ages, and these shows are expected to sell out. Get your tickets now, and please share with friends, neighbors, grandparents, and more!

Astrophotographer Greg Cheslock will be joining us tonight to explore with students and families the wonders of our universe. He will share how he captures his stunning, 'out of this world' photos and explain the astronomy behind them.

Location: Middle School Commons

Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Greene's Pour House

Limit 50 people, adults only, $50/person

Valued at $80

Kickoff the Final Four with dinner, drinks and a dominating number of TVs in downtown Neenah.

Impress the sports fans by wearing your team spirit and bringing your A- game (or luck) to destroy the competition in onsite games!

Basketball knowledge optional, but must be ready for a fun night! Click here to save your spot.

Thank you to our gracious hosts for this event:

Ken & Sarah Champa

Josh Blomberg & Amber Abraham

Chad & Jessica Trinkner

James & Shena Straka

Matthew Swanson & Jethe Abraham

George & Drea Carberry

Blake & Jennifer Hildahl

You can still join in any or all of the FIVE more events hosted by fellow SMCS families. Ask any of our long-time school parents - these become some of the most fun and memorable ways to grow friendships with other parents and students! These "Event Boards" are a fantastic Zephyrs tradition - they are a ton of fun, and they are not fundraisers... just great parties with great people! Be sure to sign up soon, because space is limited.

To join any or all of the events, please click this link! Not sure you know anyone? Reach out to some friends and sign up together!

March Madness Party - $50 per person - adults only - April 5, 2025

Bay Beach Bash - $40 per family - Date TBD

Neenah Pool Party - $50 per family - one adult per family required to attend - Date TBD (Summer 2025)

Back to School Backyard Bash - $55 per person - adults only - September 5, 2025

You could drive away with a brand-new 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer at this year's 40th Annual Zephyrfest!

Zephyrfest will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center. Your presence allows St. Mary Catholic Schools to grow as a community inspiring success. Click Here to Enter for your chance to win a 2025 Chevy Trail Blazer.

Find opportunities to connect and worship at our parishes during the Season of Lent.

You can make an immeasurable impact on children around the globe, truly reshaping their futures and paving the way toward education and nourishment. Our goal is to pack 50,000 nutritious meals for young people in the developing world. Turn your Lenten fasting into almsgiving that makes a difference. Click here to donate. Want to help with the meal pack? Watch for signups during Lent! Thank you for your prayerful consideration and generosity.

• ACTION: Current SMCS students will be re-enrolled through PowerSchool for the 2025-26 school year. All families must complete the online form by March 15th stating their children are returning to qualify for the reduced $75 per student enrollment fee. The reduced fees will be added to existing tuition accounts on March 15th. There is a max reduced re-enrollment fee of $225 per family. Enrollment fees are non-refundable and are not deducted from tuition fees.
• ACTION: If you have a student that will NOT be returning to SMCS for the 2025-26 school year, please use the online form or notify admissions@smcatholicschools.org by March 15th to avoid the enrollment fee charge.
• Families with new students may apply to enroll on our website at any time. Our Enrollment Coordinator is available to provide guidance and answer questions throughout the enrollment process at admissions@smcatholicschools.org. New students who have applied for enrollment by March 15th will be assessed a $75 per student early enrollment fee on their 2025-26 tuition bill. There is a $225 max early enrollment fee per family. Applications will be accepted after this date if there is room available.
• After March 15th, the enrollment fee increases to $105 per student (family max $315).

1. Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) – Apply NOW through Thursday, April 17. With new HIGHER income limits, families who need assistance are first encouraged to check WPCP eligibility. Families with students already receiving the WPCP grant must reapply by the April 17th deadline. Students who are eligible may be awarded a grant for full tuition. This frees up SMCS donor funds and allows SMCS to help more students. You do not need to have filed your taxes for 2024 to apply. For complete details, please check the comprehensive DPI guidelines. Click here to apply: https://sms.dpi.wi.gov/ChoiceParent/

2. St. Mary Catholic Schools FACTS Tuition Assistance Application – Apply during the priority consideration period for a $0 application fee from February 15 to March 15. Through the help of generous donors, SMCS provides tuition assistance to every family who desires for their children to attend SMCS but have financial barriers. We encourage all those who need help and do not meet the WPCP eligibility to complete this application so we may fairly and compassionately meet those needs. There is a $40 fee associated with this application that is covered by SMCS during the priority consideration period. After priority consideration, applicants will be prompted to pay the application fee to submit their application. APPLY NOW: FACTS assistance application.

We are always here to help!

• In-Person Drop-In Sessions February 15th to March 15th - There will be representatives available to answer your questions and help you complete these applications. No appointments necessary, stop by at your convenience at these locations:
• Menasha Location: St. Mary Elementary on Tuesdays from 10 to 2pm
• Neenah Location: St. Gabriel Elementary on Wednesdays from 12 to 3pm

(Bring ID, income and address verification, W2s and/or federal 1040)

• Resources
• Enrollment process: admissions@smcatholicschools.org
• Tuition and Assistance: tuition@smcatholicschools.org
• 2025-2026 Tuition & Enrollment Information Sheet

SMCHS Alum, coach, author, and historian, Adrian Martin '62, will be at the Menasha Library on March 22nd from 10:00-11:00 am to sign and expound on his latest book: Peanuts & Cracker Jacks. You may even recognize a few Zephyr teams, players, and coaches highlighted in his book. You will be able buy a copy of his book for $10 and receive a free box of Cracker Jacks!! Come out to support Adie and the Menasha Historical Society. All proceeds go to the Historical Society.

More Information at:

https://events.getlocalhop.com/peanuts-and-cracker-jacks-meet-author-adrian-martin/event/nXRbl1ik1C/

We just opened our Totus Tuus registration for the summer! This is for ALL the Neenah/Menasha schools and parishes:

When: June 22-27

Where: St. Mary Parish

What is Totus Tuus?

Totus Tuus is a weeklong program for children grades K-5 and 6-12 to get together and have fun while learning about the Catholic faith with young adult missionaries. Students will interact with each other and the missionaries on their own grade levels and learn just how exciting our faith can be!

Details:

• Children currently in grades Kindergarten - 12th grade
• Sunday - Thursday evenings 7-9pm for 6-12th grade
• Monday - Friday day program 9am - 2:30pm for K-5 grade

Click on this link to register: https://forms.gle/oRmwZobxEM4ozQKu6

Help build excellence at St. Mary Catholic Schools! Are you or someone you know committed to bringing the Zephyr Way to life in our system? Consider applying -- or referring someone -- for the Board of Trustees! If you share a referral, a board committee member will take care of reaching out to that person to share information. At the very least, he or she will be grateful to be contacted for such an important responsibility. Email boardapplication@smcatholicschools.org

Check here for current PDF listings of upcoming lunch menus

Did you know?

Parents may include the tuition payments for 5-year-old kindergarten through grade 12 on the state of WI Schedule PS tax form. 2024 I-094 Schedule PS - Private School Tuition To access your receipt of payments from 1/1/24 to 12/31/24, log in to Blackbaud/Tuition Management: https://parent.blackbaud.school/Login.aspx. At the right under Related Links, choose “Family Year End Statement”. For Part 1 on the PS Form you will enter: St. Mary Catholic Schools, 1050 Zephyr Drive, Neenah, WI 54956. The federal ID will print on your statement as the School Tax ID. Please consult a tax professional to inquire about claiming payments on P3/4K tuition.

Tuition Payments – Are you current?

As we mark the halfway point in the school year, please take a moment to review your tuition account. https://parent.blackbaud.school/Login.aspx Have you paid at least half of your total tuition bill for the 2024-25 school year? If you need to catch up with an extra tuition payment, we accept cash and checks at each of our schools. Feel free to reach out if you have questions on your account or have issues logging in to Blackbaud Tuition Management at tuition@smcatholicschools.org.

All New Zephyrs Webstore

IMPORTANT NOTE - if you are just adding lunch money for the first time to your child's account, you need to access the webstore through PowerSchool. This will ensure that your family record stays together for PowerSchool and lunch.

All other transactions can be done directly by clicking on the new Zephyrs Webstore! It is your one stop shopping site for Athletics registrations, Enrichment Program registrations, putting money on your child's lunch account, visiting our online clothing store, and for making additional payments for events throughout the year. The first time you use the Webstore you will have to make your own account but rest assured that it is simple and easy. Click on the link below to see the Zephyrs Webstore! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Terry Frase in the Advancement Office at tfrase@smcatholicschools.org

You can still put money in your child's lunch account through the school office with cash or check.

Questions about Free & Reduced meals? (Breakfast and Lunch) Please see the forms below.

Tuition payments are still made via Blackbaud.

Facebook

Instagram

SMCS Athletics

SMCS Fine Arts

SMCS Alumni

YouTube for Livestream Events

Like & Follow St. Mary Catholic Schools on social media... and please help elevate our profile in the community by reacting to and sharing posts often!

***Keep in mind that your specific campus may also have a parent group for Facebook that can be a helpful resource. Contact your school office for more information.***

GOOD LUCK TO BASKETBALL, POWERLIFTING, HOCKEY, and VEX ROBOTICS as they begin playoffs!

Wednesday, March 5 - ASH WEDNESDAY - Lent Begins - Masses at all schools

March 6 - 9 - The Sound of Music - Jane Bergstrom Theatre at SMCHS

Friday, March 21 - NO SCHOOL - Professional Development Day

Monday, March 24 - Friday, March 28 - NO SCHOOL - SPRING BREAK

Saturday, May 3 - Save the Date for Zephyrfest!

The Spirit Stop is located at the St. Mary Catholic High School Commons, adjacent to the Ralph "Cyclone" McClone Gymnasium. The Spirit Stop will also have hours of availability during the school year, and that schedule will be released shortly. The Spirit Stop has a variety of adult-sized clothing, as well as baseball caps, winter beanies, and blankets available for sale. Unfortunately, we do not carry small kids clothing in stock in the store, but we do have several options online. For this and more, be sure to check out our online store here: St. Mary Catholic Schools Online Store | Silly Toast Designs | powered by OrderMyGear (itemorder.com)

Visit the online store frequently, as we will be adding new styles throughout the different seasons. We can't wait to see you sporting your Zephyrs pride!

Reach out to Human Resources at HR@smcatholicschools.org if you know someone who could be a great fit for St. Mary Catholic Schools! We are growing, and looking for amazing people who believe in our mission of "Preparing and inspiring students to lead meaningful lives, rooted in the teachings of Christ and our Catholic tradition." Click here to view this and any other current employment opportunities for St. Mary Catholic Schools.

We are so grateful for our volunteers and are always looking for new and returning faces to help out in our schools!

Please visit the Volunteer Hub on our website to learn more about how you can complete the required steps to volunteer with SMCS.

If you are already a volunteer with SMCS, please ensure you have completed all Safe Environment requirements through Virtus Online- background check, online Virtus annual retraining, and annual acknowledgment form.

If you have any questions on the Safe Environment process, please reach out to the Human Resources department: ckind@smcatholicschools.org.

• SMCS 2024-25 systemwide calendar
• SMCS 2025-26 Calendar Highlights
• SMCS Staff & Teacher Directory

*** If you have changes to your email address or other updates, please click on "Contact" at the very bottom of this newsletter, but ALSO be sure to update any changes in your PowerSchool account!