"I don't need very much now," said the boy. "just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired." "Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, "well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest."
And the boy did. And the tree was happy.”
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Dear Parents.
When I was growing up, the book The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein was one of my favorites. I am not sure that I could have articulated why at the time, but as I grew older, I grew to love the book more and more. The beauty in the story is that it has spoken to me at every stage of my life. What stands out to me now is its ending, where the boy simply needs a place to sit down and rest, and the tree can give that. Although the book, The Giving Tree, was written in 1964, the final lines in the story apply to the fast pace of life in 2024. Sometimes we all need to take a moment to sit and rest. Sometimes we just need someone to sit with us. We can’t always be everything to everyone, even though it can feel that way, but we can be like the Giving Tree. We can be the place where our children lean when they need to rest. For it is in resting where we often hear God most clearly. Psalm 46 “Be still and know that I am God!”
God Bless,
Rachel
Kindergarten Open House November 15
We will be hosting an informative Kindergarten Open House on Friday, November 15 at 9:30 am. This is a great chance for our Preschool families to take a closer look at our Kindergarten, as well as for new families to get to know Saint Mary School! RSVP is required, please click here.
K-8 Breakfast Cart on Thursday, November 21
Student Government will be visiting each K-8 classroom the morning of Thursday, November 21 with a Breakfast Cart. All items will be $1. The items we have are Rice Krispy Treats, Enteman Chocolate chip and Party Cake mini muffins, 2 for $1 Motts Fruit Snacks, Nutri Grain bars, applesauce, and Made Good granola minis choc chip and berry. Parents of children with allergies, please consider sending them to school with a special treat.
Penny Wars November 12-22
We are raising money to replace the Preschool Playground, and have a fun competition to kick things off! From November 12- November 22 we will have a Penny War - students are grouped together in teams and can earn points by bringing in loose change. But watch out - silver coins can take away points from another team! All proceeds will go towards the Preschool Playground project, and the winning team will get a dress down day!
A Peek Ahead
There are so many upcoming events, here is a peek ahead beyond next week:
- November 27 - Praise and Thanksgiving 9:15 am - Early Dismissal Day; No Aftercare
- November 28-29 - No School Thanksgiving Break
- December 2 - SMS Spirit Dress Down Day
- December 2-5 - HSA Christmas Shop
- December 3 - Giving Tuesday
- December 5 - K-5 Parent Coffee
- December 6 - First Friday Mass, HSA Meeting & Coffee and Conversation
- December 9 - NO SCHOOL - Feast of the Immaculate Conception
- December 10 - Senior Luncheon
- December 11 - Christmas Card Stuffing
- December 12 - SMS Christmas Pageant and Concert
- December 13 - Festive Christmas Sweater Dress Down Day; Staff Christmas Party - No Aftercare
- December 16 - Grade 8 Periodic Table Fair
- December 19 - PK-8 Class Christmas Parties; Christmas Colors Dress Down
- December 20 - Benediction and Early Dismissal; No Aftercare
- December 23-January 1 - No School Christmas Break
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch orders for December close on Sunday, November 24 at midnight. We will not re-open ordering after that date. Please take a moment today to submit your orders. Click here.
December Pizza Order for Lunch December 10th
Our Grade 8 class came up with a creative way to raise money to defray the cost of their class trip. They are going to offer 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 December 10. Students from grades TK-8 may order. Deadline for December orders is Monday December 2. 2024. We can NOT accept any orders after Dec. 2. Please use the following link to order for December orders. Order Here Questions, please contact Mrs. Campo at campoj@smsridgefield.org.
Winter Weather Procedures
There is a chill in the air, and that brings with it the chance for a weather related school closing, delay or early dismissal. Saint Mary School follows the decisions of the Ridgefield Public School System. SMS Parents will be notified via text/email/ and or phone call, depending on the timing of the notification.
In the event of a 2 hour delayed opening:
- K-8 students and PK before care participants may be dropped off beginning at 9:10 am.
- K-8 begins at 9:30 am.
- Preschool begins at 10:30 am. Morning preschool students are invited to stay the full day.
In the event of a 3 hour delayed opening:
- K-8 students and PK before care participants may be dropped off beginning at 10:10 am.
- K-8 begins at 10:30 am.
- Preschool begins at 11:30 am. Morning preschool students are invited to stay the full day.
In the event of a weather related early dismissal:
- K-8 students may be dismissed at 10:30 or 11:30 am.
- Preschool students are dismissed at 11:00 am.
- There will be no aftercare.
Preschool Flu Shots Required by December 31, 2024
Preschool parents this is just another reminder if you have not already done so, please make sure your child receives their annual Flu shot by December 31st, if your child has never received a Flu shot please schedule and complete the first series (2 doses) before December 31st. The Flu shot is mandated by CT State to be enrolled in preschool. Please provide the nurse with documentation once it has been administered. Please reach out to me directly if you have any questions or concerns at nurse@smsridgefield.org.
Mother Daughter Tea 11/16
We are looking forward to seeing so many SMS moms and daughters at the Mother Daughter Tea this Saturday beginning at 3pm!
A couple of reminders about this event:
- If you have signed up to donate sandwiches or desserts please bring them to school Saturday between 11am and 1pm. Please remember all items must be nut-free.
- You do not need to bring a dress to take a dress at the dress swap! Likewise, you may donate one or more dresses without taking one.
Dance Friday, November 22 to Benefit Big Brother Big Sister
My name is Rourke Barry and I am an 8th grade student at Saint Mary School. I am completing my Capstone project for Big Brother Big Sister. Big Brother Big Sister is a nonprofit organization that provides mentoring relationships to support young boys and girls. Big Brother Big Sister is very dear to me because I have been a little brother for 3 years. I am having a Toy Drive Dance at Ridgefield Recreation Center for the students at SMS in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. The dance will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. All students attending are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy as their "ticket" to entry. Each toy collected ensures each child served by Big Brother Big Sister receives a gift at their holiday party. This Toy Drive Dance is a special event aimed at bringing joy to children in need this holiday season, while also offering a fun night out for SMS students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. There will be plenty of adult chaperone's to ensure that all have a great time. I hope you all can attend, don't miss your chance for holiday cheer at the Toy Drive Dance! Click here for more information and to register.
Collection for Malta House
My name is Zoe Fehring and I am in eighth grade at St Mary School. I am doing a service project for school to collect items for Malta House, We will be collecting things like socks, toothpaste, and hand sanitizer. These items will be used to make Christmas gift bags for mothers at Malta House. Below is a link to an Amazon Wishlist where you can donate items. All items will be about $15. If you are interested in donating, please buy the high priority items first. Please order these NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 1st. If you would like to ask me any questions you can email me at fehringz25@smsridgefield.org. Thank you so much for your time and support!
- For wishlist, click here.
- For more about Malta House, click here.
Pokemon Players Club Sunday December 8 - Blake P's Capstone
Join Pokemon Players Club as they host a special "Seasons Greetings" tournament event. This event is for "seasoned players" AND for those that are "new" to the experience. Put on your festive season gear and play/learn the Pokémon TCG. Side by side, two tournaments will be held, advanced and beginner. For advanced players, they will use their own preconstructed 60 card expanded format deck (any 60 official Pokémon cards with 4 of a named card limit, same as the club plays every Tuesday). Beginner players will borrow a 30 card starter deck and battle for glory. Prizes will be awarded to ALL players, but the more you win, the more you earn! So bring the MERRY and SPREAD the cheer with Pokémon Players Club. Pokemon Players Club will be hosting a SEALED TOY DRIVE at the event. So bring a sealed toy for donation if possible to support Toys for Tots (not required). Click here to register.
Be Part of Immaculate High School's Junior Inspire Choir!
The Music Department at Immaculate High School has just started preparing for the Christmas season! We are excited to offer an opportunity for your Grade 3 through 8 students to participate in our annual Christmas concert as a member of our Immaculate Junior Inspire Choir
If your student is interested in participating, here is the schedule: (Attendance is mandatory at all listed rehearsals.)
- Monday Nov. 18 4:00-4:45pm
- Monday Nov. 25 4:00-4:45pm
- Thursday Dec. 12 4:00-4:45pm
- Sunday Dec. 15 3:00pm Dress Rehearsal
- Rehearsals will be held at the Monsignor Hossan Chapel at Immaculate High School in Danbury, CT.
- The Junior Chorus will sing three songs, two of which will be sung with the Immaculate High School Concert Choir.
- The Junior Chorus will be led by Mrs. Jennifer Doherty, Choral Director at Immaculate High School. Members of the Immaculate High School Concert Choir will help lead the choral rehearsals.
Name of participant
School and grade participant attends
Parent contact (email and cell phone)
Parents will fill out a consent of participation form at the first rehearsal. Parents are welcome to stay at the first rehearsal to learn more about the program.
Bishop's Lecture Series
The Bishop’s Lecture Series features leading national Catholic writers and speakers who will offer their insights into renewal through truth, beauty and goodness as we seek to accompany all in their journey of faith. The lectures are presented free of charge and are open to all. Bishop Caggiano will offer brief remarks at every lecture. Parents are invited to attend The Evangelizing Power of Beauty by Joseph Pearce on Thursday, November 21 at 7pm at the Barone Campus Center at Fairfield University. To register click here.
Knights of Columbus Food Drive
The Knights of Columbus are having drive thru collection drop on Saturday, November 23 from 10am-12pm in front of the School. Click here for needed items.
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, "Paul Blartt: Mall Cop."
Box Tops for Education
An easy way to support SMS is to sign up for the Boxtops for Education program and scan your grocery receipts. Click here for more information.
Ridgefield Holiday Stroll December 6-7
The Holiday Stroll is happening December 6-7! On Friday night from 6-9 PM, enjoy horse-drawn carriages, live music, carolers, and even toy soldiers spreading holiday cheer. Over at the Lounsbury House, meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, see live reindeer, and send postcards to the troops! Shops will be open late, so don’t forget to support local and get your holiday shopping done. And don’t wait—make your restaurant reservations soon before they fill up!
Immaculate HS Early Decision Applications Due Tomorrow
Early Decision applications for the Class of 2029 are due on November 15. To learn more about the application process, including the difference between Early Decision and Regular Decision (deadline: December 20) applications, please visit www.immaculatehs.org/apply. Questions? Contact the Admissions Office at (203) 744-1510 x164.
Fairfield Prep
Fairfield Prep is holding its final Open House on Sunday, November 16. Please click here to RSVP.
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/