A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.
Pope Francis
Dear Parents,
This week we have begun and ended each day in prayer for Pope Francis whose condition remains critical but stable. It has been nearly twelve years since Pope Francis was elected, and his impact on the church has been far-reaching. As I was searching for quotes attributed to Pope Francis, the above quote struck me because it seemed so well-aligned with the presentations we had from Ben Tracy at school on Tuesday. It was sobering to hear Ben speak of the loss and tragedy that has been brought on by social media in a digital world, particularly for children. One of the important points that Ben made was about how much more traction negative posts get than positive posts. Negative posts take on a life of their own and influence adults and children in ways that contribute to poor mental health, anxiety and depression, all of which lead to a world cold and seemingly unforgiving. It is much easier to overlook showing the mercy that Jesus asks of us when we are sitting behind a keyboard and a screen, when you cannot see the impact it has on a human level because that screen and that device make the world seem like a cold place. Ben encouraged the kids to “be the change,” and paired with this message from Pope Francis, to show mercy, forgiveness and kindness to each other, that change can become a reality. As we approach Ash Wednesday next week, and with all of this in mind, maybe we can encourage our children, and even ourselves, to put social media and time on devices aside during the holy season of Lent. Certainly six weeks of doing so would be hugely impactful. As we continue to pray for Pope Francis, we can also honor him by showing mercy to others, showing compassion and forgiveness.
God Bless,
Rachel
Legos for Love to LA Drive
From February 10-28, SMS will be collecting gently used loose Legos. The legos will be traded in to a donation facility that will give us money for the legos wich will be donated to help those affected by the fires in LA. Start looking for any pieces you have to donate! There will be a large bin by the main entrance to the school.
Green Team Used Battery Collection
Green Team will be hosting a used battery collection from through February 28th. Each battery should be placed in an individual plastic bag. We will reuse the plastic bags if we are able. There will be a bin in the science lab for collection. All of the batteries will be taken to the HRRA to be either recycled or disposed of properly.
SMS Talent Show
Calling all students in grades K=8. Be a part of the SMS Talent Show on March 26. Prepare a solo, duet or group act and show us your talent. Singing, playing an instrument, dancing, magic, comedy, and more. Click here to sign up for auditions on March 13. All acts must be 2 min or less, well-rehearsed, and music must be cut and emailed in an MP3 file by auditions. Please contact Jeanette Campo with any questions campij@smsridgefield.org
Green Team Shoe Drive - Soles 4 Souls
Green Team is sponsoring a gently used or new shoe drive to donate to Soles 4 Souls. Soles 4 Souls helps lift others out of poverty by creating “microenterprises” to sell shoes to other underprivileged individuals. Your spring cleaning can be done early. Just send your gently used or new shoes and bring them to the Science lab. We will send them directly to Soles 4 Souls. In addition to helping others, shoes are also kept out of landfills and reused to help others. We will be collecting from now until March 14th. As always, thank you for your support and kindness. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Kennedy. For more information about Soles 4 Souls, please click here.
Grade 8 Class Fundraiser - Pizza Lunch
We are offering Planet Pizza for lunch on the second Tuesday of each month when we host the senior citizen lunch. These days hot lunch is not available from our school. One slice is $4.50 two slices is $9. Planet Pizza lunch will be served on March 11. Students from grades TK-8 may order. Deadline for February orders is Tuesday March 4. We can NOT accept any orders after March 4.
You will get an email confirmation of your order.
Please click here to order.
Bishop Scholarship Fund Open
- Student eligibility includes incoming Kindergarten-Grade 8 only.
- Apply online via FACTS Grant & Aid application and complete all questions relative to Bishop's Scholarship Fund. ($35 FACTS application fee required)
- Application requires the entire 2023 or 2024 IRS Federal tax return along with 2024 W-2s. If applicants do not receive W-2s, then they must submit their entire 2024 tax return.
- If applicants do not file taxes, they should contact the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-908-9946 and request verification on non-filing.
- Deadline to apply - March 15, 2025 for families with a child currently enrolled in K-8 at any of our Diocesan schools; April 15, 2025 for families new to our schools.
- Award E-Notification – early May for current families; late May for new families
RSVP for Mother Son Night!
Pins & Penguins Mother Son Night will be on March 28th at BOWLERO!
Please RSVP by March 12 by clicking here.
Please join us for our next HSA Meeting
Please join us Friday, March 7th following first Friday Mass. The executive directors from Camps Bernadette and Fatima will join us to share information about their summer camps. Located in New Hampshire, their mission is "... to create a community where all are welcome. Guided by our Catholic faith we provide a fun and engaging outdoor camping experience where campers and staff learn new skills and grow in faith, confidence, and friendship." You can click here for more.
Coffee and Conversation - "The Anxious Generation"
Following the HSA meeting on March 7, Coffee & Conversation will be led by Kate Jablonski, mother of SMS 3rd and 5th graders, who will share an overview of the book Anxious Generation. Books on the Common where they would be happy to offer 15% off Anxious Generation this week to anyone who wants to purchase the book for the meeting. Please reach out to Kate - kcecil@gmail.com - with any questions.
Recording of Guest Speaker Ben Tracy of Safe Social Network
We encourage all parents to view this incredibly informative and important presentation given by Ben Tracy on Tuesday here at SMS:
The recording is split into two parts.- Click here for Part 1
- Click here for Part 2
These recordings are for the viewing of Saint Mary School parents/guardians and staff only.
Free K-5 Math Homework Help and Tutoring
For my Capstone Project I am starting an afterschool program to provide free math tutoring and homework help to interested students in grades K - 5. For more details and to sign up, please click here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0549AFAA2DA4FD0-54222596-smsmath
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at dunleavyr25@smsridgefield.org
Thank you! Ryan Dunleavy
St. Mary Parish Mardi Gras Potuck for Young Families
Friday, February 28 from 6-8 pm in the Saint Mary Hall. Enjoy jazz music, a childrens Lenten craft, and an ice cream sundae bar! Bring an entree, side or salad to share and BYOB. Water and juice boxes provided. Please click here to RSVP
Immaculate HS Youth Baseball Clinic
Immaculate High School is hosting a Winter Baseball Clinic for kids aged 7-12 in March. Registration is required and spots are limited. Email Coach Simone to register at coachdavesimone@gmail.com
Ridgefield High School - The Wizard of Oz
RHS Theatre Department is presenting WIzard of Oz on March 7. 8. 14 & 15 at 7pm and a Family and Sensory Friendly performance at 1pm on March 8. Please share the attached flyer with your school community. Get your tickets at https://www.rhsperformingarts.info.
CT March For Life
The St. Mary Parish Respect Life Committee along with the Knights of Columbus are proving a bus to take people to the CT March for LIfe in Hartford on March 19, 2025. The bus will depart from Saint Mary School at 10:15 am and return at 4 pm. Please register at www.smcr.org
Join us at Immaculate’s Blue & White Gala!
You're invited to Immaculate's annual Blue & White Gala on March 29! Register now and get ready for an unforgettable evening of dinner, dancing and exciting auctions, games and prizes! Best of all, celebrate with our amazing Immaculate community and support a fantastic cause. Raffle tickets for a $10,000 prize are on sale and ONLY 350 tickets will be sold. $100 per ticket. The drawing will be held at the gala but the winner need not be present to win. Purchase your raffle tickets here! Immaculate will honor Rev. Michael L. Dunn '82 with its Lifetime Achievement Award and The Baker Family (Raymond & Diane posthumously and Andrea '84, Ray '86 & Mark '90) at the event.
You're Invited to Immaculate's Spring Info Session on April 9!
Join us on Wednesday, April 9 at 6pm for our annual Spring Information Session at Immaculate! This event is great for current 6th and 7th grade families hoping to learn more about Immaculate and our admissions process, as well as for 8th grade families looking to enroll in Fall 2025. Students and parents will hear from our director of enrollment management, meet with administrators, faculty, athletic staff and current students, as well as tour the classrooms, newly renovated science labs, Dining Hall, Chapel and Fitness Center. We can't wait to welcome you to IHS! Click here to register.
Family Movie Night Suggestions
To help families spend time together and share common experiences, the Leadership Institute of the Diocese of Bridgeport provides recommendations for Family Movie Night. Each week, a new recommendation and explanation are available. Click here for recent suggestions, including this week's suggestions, "Because of Winn Dixie".
High School LInks
While most Open Houses are complete. below find links to High School Admissions Pages of schools
- Immaculate High School, Danbury
- Fairfield Prep (boys only), Fairfield
- Notre Dame Prep, Fairfield
- Convent of the Sacred Heart (girls only), Greenwich
- Canterbury School, New Milford
- Kennedy Catholic, Somers NY
- St. Joseph High School, Trumbull
- Cardinal Kung Academy, Stamford
- Lauralton Hall (girls only), Milford
- Iona Prep (boys only), New Rochelle
- Fordham Prep (boys only), Bronx
About Us
Email: dowdinga@smsridgefield.org
Website: www.smsridgefield.org
Location: 183 High Ridge Avenue, Ridgefield, CT, USA
Phone: 203 438 7288
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StMaryRidgefield/