Mustang Memo

The Mustang Memo is an important source of school news and updates that will be delivered to email inboxes per the PowerSchool email distribution list each week on Sundays. A catalogue of Mustang Memos is kept on the school website under the "Parents" tab for easy reference.

• Spiritual Reflection
• Back to School Info
• Home & School Association Notes
• Student Life Notes
  
• Mark Your Calendars!

Our Spiritual Theme: We Walk by Faith

August & September Focus: We Walk by Faith... in Wisdom

Matthew 14: 22-33

Spiritual Reflection by Dr. De Angelo, Superintendent of Schools

Have you had the experience of a successfully addressing a life challenge and wondering, “How did I do it?” Or perhaps, you lived through a personal event and in reflecting upon it thought, “How was I able to get through it?” For us, as Christians, we know that God was with us in such situations. We recognize that when God calls us, God gifts us. In other words, God never asks more of us than the graces he gives us to accomplish what he asks.

So as “We Walk by Faith” into this school year, we know that God has provided us with gifts to assist us on our faith walk. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit, received in Baptism and strengthened in

Confirmation, provide God’s grace to support us in life. These gifts include wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. They help answer the questions, “How did I do it?” or “How did I get through it?”

Each month of the school year we shall explore one of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit more fully. That means more than simply naming or defining them. It means trusting that the gift is there for us, if we but only ask for it when a situation arises where it is needed. In those moments when we cannot explain how we did what we did, it most likely was the Holy Spirit acting through one of the gifts we have been given.

The faculty & staff of SAS joined the whole community of diocesan educators at the annual Spirituality Day offered by the Catholic Schools Office on 8/21. The liturgy with Bishop Koenig and time for prayer and reflection really helped us to connect with the mission of our schools!

Special congratulations and thanks to Mrs. Charlene Ryan, who celebrates her 25th year as a Catholic school educator!

Please remember the faculty and staff of St. Ann School in your prayer intentions.

Reminders: Arrival, Dismissal, & Office Hours

The below information represents policies in accord with the School Handbook, located in the "Attendance Policies" section, pages 5-8. Consult the handbook for more detailed information!

• The school office is open from 7:30 am - 3:30 pm, daily.
• BeforeCare services are available from 7:00-7:30 am, daily. BeforeCare students should ring the doorbell at the "Student Entrance" on Shallcross Avenue (the doors closest to Union Street).
• When school opens at 7:30 am, all students should enter the building using the "Main Entrance" on Shallcross Avenue (up the ramp to the main office).
• The school day begins for all students and school doors are locked at 7:45 am.

• All students will be dismissed at 2:45 pm on regular school days, and 11:45 am on half-days via Shallcross Avenue.

• Students will report outside for pick up with their teacher in designated locations. Pre-K students will be located at the "Student Entrance" on Shallcross Avenue, closest to Union Street, and 8th graders will be located at the corner of Shallcross and Grant Avenue.

• Car Riders: Families will receive several copies of name cards to display in car windshields. Please be sure to display them in the front right windshield so that we can responsibly and safely deliver your children to you. Please pull up as far as possible on Shallcross Avenue to allow efficiency. Students may only enter vehicles on Shallcross Avenue.

• Walkers: Students must check out with teachers before being dismissed, so parents of non-car riders are asked to report to the area designated for your child's class for pick up.

• AfterCare services, which bear a fee, are available from 2:45- 6:00 pm. Parents must report for pick up using the "Gym Entrance" on Union Street and sign their children out before leaving.

• Please be sure to direct all attendance matters to the main office: office@thesaintannschool.org or 302-652-6567.

Please be sure to abide by posted speed limits and stop signs, be vigilant with crosswalks, follow crossing guard instructions, and be mindful not to block driveways/ entry points for local homes and neighborhoods during these times. Thank you for your patience and attention to student safety during morning arrival and afternoon pick up!

School Lunches

Cafe Napoli is St. Ann's partner in providing a full-service school lunch program. Lunch delivery will begin on Tuesday, September 3rd. We ask that you carefully review Cafe Napoli's service guidelines, which have been updated to reflect changes for the new school year:

A few items of particular note:

• Orders must be placed by Thursdays at 11:59 pm in order to ensure meal delivery for the following week. Late orders can be accepted, but there are important restrictions to note!
• Please place your orders for the week of September 3 by 11:59 pm on Thursday 8/29!
• Cafe Napoli has the SAS calendar, but does not track field trips. You should keep this in mind when placing your orders.
• There are no refunds for absences, and lunches will only be kept for same-day pick up in such cases to ensure meal freshness and quality.
• Credits are not issued for closures without 48 hours notice (including snow days), as supplies have already been procured.
  
• Vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are all available!

Click here to start ordering!

Student Update Forms: Due Today!

These forms contain critical safety information and permissions that your children will need in order to begin school on Monday, 8/26.

☑️Please begin by signing into you parent access account here.

☑️For each child, go to student forms, then general forms, then student update form.

☑️For each child, complete the forms outlined below in their entirety, including dates where requested. (👍Remember to hit submit after each section!):

🗒️Student Demographics Update - this is where you will update your address and indicate whether your student is a car rider or walker.

🗒️Family Information - this is where you will verify who your student lives with, who has custody and confirm parent email addresses.

🗒️Student Contacts - this is where you will edit contacts and designate things like custody, school pick up and emergency contacts.

🗒️Permissions/Agreements - this is where you will give permission for things like use of student photos or agree to abide by the handbook and use of technology.

🗒️Family Survey - this is the only form that only needs to be completed once per family. Information provided on this form determines St. Ann School’s participation in federal programs and funding.

🗒️Acknowledgement of Completion - please submit this form only after all of the above forms have been completed in their entirety and submitted.

Questions can be directed to office@thesaintannschool.org.

Thank You!
St. Ann Faculty and the Home & School Association would like to thank faculty, staff, and new families who attended the New Family Ice Cream Social last week! We are grateful for the opportunity to welcome you to our school family and look forward to your participation in many school events to come.

We’re looking for parent volunteers who are looking to take an active role in planning the activities for our school community this year. Please email hsa@thesaintannschool.org if you are interested in getting involved!

Mustangs Wanted: Mass & Second Sunday Social on 9/8!

Mustangs, help us start the school year off right by attending a "Back to School" Mass on Sunday, September 8 at 10:30 am! The parish Welcoming Committee hosts a Second Sunday Social each month to connect members of the Church community and to enjoy light refreshments. On September 8, the Second Sunday Social will salute 125 years of education at St. Ann School in the Social Hall after the 10:30 am Mass, and they welcome the Mustangs to be in attendance!

It is our hope that this special event will build on the beautifully symbiotic relationship between the church and school, which are part of one Saint Ann community. Our school is built upon the faith and support of St. Ann parishioners, and this is a wonderful way to acknowledge the impressive tradition of Catholic religious education in the Highlands!

How can you get involved?

• Bring your family to the 10:30 am Mass on 9/8!
• Come wearing your St. Ann uniform of school gear to show your school pride!
• Visit the Social Hall following the 10:30 am Mass to connect with the St. Ann community and enjoy light St. Ann School themed refreshments!
• Mark your calendars for all subsequent Second Sunday Socials!

CYO Joseph A. McNesby, Jr. Golf Outing (Wednesday, September 18) - The 32nd Annual CYO Joseph A. McNesby, Jr. Golf Outing will be held at Deerfield Golf Club in Newark. Proceeds support youth and athletic programs that benefit the young people within our diocese and community. More information on contributing to this event by becoming a sponsor, donor, and/or registering to golf can be found online.

Diocesan Eucharistic Congress (Saturday, October 5) – Register now for a Spiritual Journey! Join Bishop Koenig and our diocesan family on October 5, 2024, at the Ocean City Convention Center for the Eucharistic Congress, "The Eucharist: The Source and Summit." This day-long event will deepen our faith and strengthen our community through worship, reflection, and celebration. Don't miss this powerful opportunity to reconnect with the core of our Catholic identity! Register at https://www.cdow.org/EucharisticCongress/

• August 26: First Day for All Students! Half-Day Schedule, 11:45 am Dismissal (Grades 1-8)

• Regular Uniform Day

• Students in Pre-K 3- Kindergarten should follow separate orientation schedule as outlined by your classroom teacher

• August 27: After Care Program Begins

• August 30: Half-Day Schedule, 11:45 am Dismissal

• September 2: Labor Day Holiday, School Closed

• September 8: Second Sunday Social Salutes St. Ann's, following 10:30 am Mass

• September 10: Opening School Mass, Formal Uniforms for Middle School

• September 17: Picture Day, Formal Uniforms for Middle School

• September 19: Back to School Night, 6:30-7:30 pm

• Please join us in the Social Hall for an opening presentation, followed by classroom visits

• September 20: Casual Day - $1 to Support Missions

• September 28 & 29: Share in the Sprit Collection at Weekend Masses - student volunteers needed!

Special Note: STAR Testing will take place during the week of September 23

School Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am -3:30 pm

rcasey@thesaintannschool.org

302-652-6567