Wow! Past the halfway point in September! Remember that you'll see news from St. Mary Catholic Schools every other Wednesday, except holiday weeks when school is not in session.

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 see the good news from our schools!

Find specific news for each campus by clicking on the photo below.

Preparing and inspiring students to lead meaningful lives,

rooted in the teachings of Christ and our Catholic tradition.

Click here or use your mobile app to finish or edit your PowerSchool information. We will use this information for the SMCS directory, so we strive for accuracy. Thank you for your help!

If you aren't the Run/Walk type, then you can certainly be there for the fun, the kids' games, the entertainment, and the food!

This fun-filled Fall event supports our extracurriculars *and* kicks off Homecoming week!

There's something for everyone at Zephyrs Connect! We invite people of all ages to join this open-air celebration at Zephyrs Fields on Sunday, September 29 from 2:00-6:00 pm. This year, Zephyrs Connect will lead right into the Homecoming kickoff - you'll see the introduction of the Homecoming Court, Powderpuff football game, tug-o-war, and the "Lighting of the Z", all beginning at 6:00!

Schedule of Events

2:00 p.m. Registration/Check-in with Entertainment, Kids' Games, & Concessions

3:30 p.m. Kids' Fun Run

4:00 p.m. Fun Run/Walk

The Fun Run has divisions and distances by age / grade, concluding with the 5K Fun Run/Walk. Pre-registration for participants is greatly appreciated! Other attendees do not need to register. You can register at the link below or download the form.

Show your business or family support for the extraordinary extracurriculars at St. Mary Catholic Schools. There are very exciting new sponsorship opportunities at SMCS! Contact Kathleen McCurdy, SMCS Director of Advancement, kmccurdy@smcatholicschools.org or 920-722-7796 x201

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! A high-energy family event like Zephyrs Connect only happens with smiling faces and willing hands! Please click on the sign-up to pitch in on some basic responsibilities, from grilling and concessions, to set-up or take-down. You'll have a great time for a great cause!

One of the best ways to connect with families in the SMCS community is to work together and celebrate together! All Aboard is a casual night of camaraderie, food, and fun, turning the vision of St. Mary Catholic Schools into a reality for more than one thousand children. (Note that it's CASUAL... a Masquerade *Party*, not a formal ball!)

If you can help before or during the event, we are especially grateful - but whatever you do, be sure to attend! Start by marking your calendar for Saturday, November 2nd to attend All Aboard at The 513 in Downtown Appleton.

If you want to be part of the fun-loving team to help the planning and coordination, or you are willing to sponsor, host an event board, or donate something for the silent auction, contact Advancement Director Kathleen McCurdy at kmccurdy@smcatholicschools.org

What can you expect at All Aboard? Lots of laughter and Zephyrs spirit as we bring together parents, friends, and supporters of SMCS. This year's theme is "Masquerade Party". Play games, bid on silent auction items, and sign up for event boards to make more memories in the months ahead. The highlight of the night will be the first ever Zephyrs "Masked Singer" competition!

All New Zephyrs Webstore

If you have not done so already, please take a moment and visit our 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.

Tuition payments are still made via Blackbaud.

The following comes to us courtesy of Mrs. Justina Plemon (SMCS Director of Technology and Innovation) and Mrs. Patricia Donaldson, Learning Support Teacher. The content is from Matt Miller, who offers "AI for Educators" training.

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Last night, I did something I’ve never done before. I talked to K-12 parents for an hour about artificial intelligence. The meeting was at Plainfield High School in suburban Indianapolis.

You can watch the whole thing here — and view my slides here.

The biggest concern parents expressed going into the evening was this: They just didn’t see how AI could support student learning in schools. They were afraid problem solving, critical thinking, and human connection were out the door.

My response? We have to be careful of that, because AI can stand in the way of student thinking and skill development. But it can really support student learning, too. AI is a tool like fire. Fire can be used to warm us, to cook, for light. But it can also be used for destruction and human harm. We have to learn to use this tool in the right ways.

Here are some of the examples I shared of how AI can support student learning:

• An AI assistant can serve as a 24/7 tutor, answering questions and satisfying curiosity at any hour.

• An AI assistant can help students brainstorm, helping them develop big-picture ideas they’re excited to tackle.

• An AI assistant can give timely feedback to students, right when they need it so they can move forward.

But, I pointed out … AI isn’t just ChatGPT. This broad technology is used in lots of other ways — and in other tools.

• MirrorTalk (mirrortalk.ai) turns AI into a thought partner, helping students think and reflect on their work.

• Goblin Tools (goblin.tools) can help neurodivergent students (really, all students) to manage life.

• MagicStudent (magicschool.ai) and SchoolAI Spaces (schoolai.com) can bring history to life with character chatbots.

• AI image generators like Adobe Firefly (firefly.adobe.com) can help students visualize their ideas.

• Microsoft Translator (translator.microsoft.com) can break down language barriers for students, parents, and educators.

“Using AI,” I told them, "doesn’t mean turning students over to the robot overlords. It can support really solid teaching and learning."

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If you're curious about this rapidly emerging technology, and the ways it is already beginning to impact learning, check out some of the links above.

St. Mary Catholic Schools has so many opportunities for students to grow beyond the classroom! Be sure to check out STEM and Fine Arts offerings especially in the newsletters for each campus. Among other things, VEX Robotics is already ramping up for Middle School and High School, and preparations are beginning for the Middle School and High School Fall productions in the Jane F. Bergstrom Fine Arts Education Center.

Did you know your child can get breakfast at our SMCS campuses? See your specific school newsletters for details and menus!

NEW applications for free or reduced lunch (and breakfast) can be done at any time throughout the year. If you qualify, your child will receive free breakfast and lunch each day. The applications are kept confidential at the business office level and are not seen at the school level, so it is up to each parent to disclose to their child if they choose.

You can find the free and reduced lunch forms here, or download them below. How to Apply and Application Form. There are also printed forms available at the school office.

If you need help completing the form, please ask first in your school office.

If you have other questions related to SMCS Food Service, please contact Tracy Ludka, our Director of Food Services, at tludka@smcatholicschools.org or 920-574-5974.

BREAKFAST TIMES by Campus:

• Elementary School - all campuses - 7:30 - 7:45 am
• Middle School - during Community Time at 9:10 am
• High School - 7:30-7:45 am

BREAKFAST PRICE for all Grade Levels: $2.00 (unless free or reduced)

BREAKFAST DETAILS: Children can use this as a breakfast or a snack time. They can choose any one item from an assortment of grains and proteins from our a la carte selection, plus a fruit, fruit juice and/or milk. The breakfast menu is preselected each day.

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.***

RaiseRight is the easiest way to lower your tuition bill! If you haven't used RaiseRight yet (formerly known as Scrip), you're going to love it. You can purchase digital or physical gift cards right from your phone or computer for places you already shop - for gas, groceries, and so much more! With every purchase, a portion of the value gets applied to your SMCS tuition. Learn more at this link.

If your child has changed campuses and therefore you need your delivery location changed, please take the time to email our RaiseRight coordinator Liz Uhlenbrauck (luhlenbrauck@smcatholicschools.org) so she can update your RaiseRight/Scrip profile.

Bonus Rebate Offered for Kwik Trip - During the month of September, Kwik Trip is offering a 5% bonus on our existing rebates. Regular gas card rebates will go up to 10% and grocery only cards will go up to 20%. This bonus rebate does not include car wash cards. Plan ahead and take advantage of this rebate bonus!

Friday - September 27 - NO SCHOOL - Professional Development for teachers

Sunday - September 29 - Zephyrs Connect - Fall Fun Run, Food, & Festivities!

Sept. 29 - Oct 5 - Homecoming Week - celebrations all week long!

If you want to see what's happening at SMCS right on your own calendar, all you have to do is "Subscribe" by clicking on the +GoogleCalendar in the lower right-hand corner of our calendar page. This works best for the System, High School, or Middle School calendars.

For complete listing of all SMCS sporting events, check out the Big East Calendar

Please remember that no dogs/pets are allowed on the SMCS campuses, with the exception of licensed service dogs.

Wednesday, 9/18 – MS Volleyball

Thursday, 9/19 at 4:00 pm – JV & Varsity Volleyball vs. Reedsville

Thursday, 9/19 at 6:00 pm - MS Soccer vs. Stockbridge

Friday, 9/20 at 7:00 pm – Varsity Football vs. Kiel

Saturday, 9/21 at 9:00 am - Girls Varsity Tennis - Quad

Saturday, 9/21 at 7:00 pm - Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Lourdes

Monday, 9/23 at 4:30 pm - JV Football vs. Kiel

Monday, 9/23 - MS Volleyball

Tuesday, 9/24 at 7:00 pm Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Random Lake / Ozaukee

Tuesday, 9/24 at – JV & Varsity Volleyball vs. Elkhart Lake - Glenbeulah

Monday, 9/30 - MS Volleyball

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!

We are in search of our next Elementary Music Teacher to join the St. Margaret Mary and St. Mary campuses! Reach out to Human Resources at HR@smcatholicschools.org if you know someone that could be a great fit. 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 our current employment opportunities for St. Mary Catholic Schools.

We are excited to welcome a couple of additional students to attend St. Mary Catholic High School for the second semester on our exchange program. Becoming a host family for an international student for St. Mary Catholic Schools makes the world smaller and your heart bigger! You get the joy of sharing culture, traditions, and everyday life with a young person from another country. You'll develop relationships that last a lifetime, and your hospitality creates a welcoming environment for a student to absorb the American experience beyond the classroom! To help support room and board, the ABC Education exchange program offers a stipend of $600 per month for a host family, and in addition, you can receive a $1,000 tuition credit for St. Mary Catholic Schools for your own child for making this one semester commitment. To learn more, contact Kelly Beisenstein-Weiss at kbweiss@smcatholicschools.org

• SMCS 2024-25 systemwide calendar
• 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!