Saint Mary School Weekly Newsletter
August 29, 2024 - Volume 6, Issue 1
Thoughts from Mrs. Ambrosio
You’re off to great places, today is your day! Your mountain is waiting…so get on your way!
Dr. Suess
Dear Parents,
There are so many things I love about the first few days of school. I love the excitement of the children as they come bounding into the building, hugs and smiles ready for friends they haven’t seen. I love the enthusiasm of our teachers who meticulously prepared their classrooms and lessons for their incoming students. I love the stories students tell about their summer vacations. I love their sunkissed faces and their clean, new school shoes. I love that on the first day of school, we have a tradition of doing a Backpack Blessing assembly with our clergy, and I am so grateful that our priests are eager to be involved in the life of the school. To top it off, we had perfect attendance at school on our first day. We are off to a great start to the 2024-2025 school year!
Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend with family and friends.
God Bless,
Rachel
Tomorrow at SMS
Early Dismissal Friday
Just a reminder that Friday, August 30 is an early dismissal day. K-8 students will be dismissed at 10:30 am for the Labor Day weekend, with no school on Monday, September 2.
A Peek at Next Week at SMS
September 2-6
- Monday - No School - Labor Day
- Tuesday - First Day TK-8 Hot Lunch
- Wednesday - First Day Preschool; Preschool Parent Coffee; First Day Before and After Care
- Thursday - Band and Strings Assembly; Student Government Assembly
- Friday - First Friday Mass; HSA Meeting
Important Dates and Events
First Day of Preschool Wednesday
We welcome our Little Penguins on Wednesday, September 4 for their first day of school.
- Our morning only hours are 8:30 am -12:00 noon.
- Our full day hours are 8:30 am - 2:00 pm.
Before and After Care Begin Wednesday
Our before and after care programs begin Wednesday, September 4. Registration is required, click here to register.
- Before care - no need to let us know each day if you are attending. Please park and walk your child in beginning at 7:10 am.
- After care - if you have not set up a default schedule, please let us know by 1pm each day that your child will attend by emailing attendance@smsridgefield.org.
Preschool Parent Coffee Wednesday
Preschool parents are invited to a "Yahoo/Boohoo Coffee" on Wednesday, September 4 at 8:30 am in the front parking lot. No matter how you are feeling about your little one starting school, you will find new friends! Thank you to the HSA for sponsoring this event.
Band and Strings Assembly Thursday
Our optional music programs begin in the coming weeks, and our students will get a closer look at which instruments are available to them. Students in Grades 3-8 will attend a Band Assembly by Paul Effman Music, and students in Kindergarten-Grade 8 will attend a Strings, Guitar, and Keyboard Assembly by Music Kids. (Students in Preschool are also eligible to participate with Music Kids).
Student Government Assembly Thursday
Students in Grades 5-8 will learn more about the Saint Mary School Student Government and the process for running for office.
Test Prep Registration Forms Due Friday
Ms. Kasinskas and Mrs. Amenta are offering a series of 6 1-hour classes to Grade 8 students preparing for High School entrance exams. Classes begin September 12. For more information and to register, please click here. Registration forms must be turned into the main office by September 6.
Book those Haircuts! School Photos September 10 and 11
Coffee Pond Photography will be visiting Saint Mary School on September 10 and 11 for school pictures. We will let you know which day your child/ren's class is scheduled the week before. Preschool students should wear uniform pieces. K-7 Students should wear their Winter Uniforms. Student in Grade 8 may dress down according to guidelines that will be shared in homeroom. Look for more information to come.
Class Color T-shirt Orders Due September 16
Each class at SMS has a class color. Students may wear their class color during themed dress down days, field trips, field day, and SMS Spirit Days. You may either purchase a class color t-shirt or wear items you have in that color. K-8 students keep the same color until they graduate. Our current colors are:
- Preschool - tie-dye
- Kindergarten (Class of 2033) - light blue
- Grade 1 (Class of 2032) - red
- Grade 2 (Class of 2031) - maroon
- Grade 3 (Class of 2030) - yellow
- Grade 4 (Class of 2029) - orange
- Grade 5 (Class of 2028) - purple
- Grade 6 (Class of 2027) - kelly green
- Grade 7 (Class of 2026) - turquoise
- Grade 8 (Class of 2025) - lime green
Parents' Night September 19
Save the date for Parents' Night on September 19. A detailed schedule is coming soon, but plan on spending tim e in your child's classroom along with a general session with Mrs. Ambrosio.
General News
Dismissal Changes
Just a reminder that we need to hear from you if your child is staying home from school or if you have a change to their regular dismissal plan.
- Please send an email to attendance@smsridgefield.org. If you have a dismissal change AFTER 1 pm, please call us at 203.438.7288.
Thank you for your assistance!
Student Absent?
Reminders - Handbook Signoffs
Just a reminder to complete the following:
You can click here to access all of the documents.
Pints for Penguins
Thanks to an amazing partnership with our beloved Deborah Ann’s you can now buy LIMITED EDITION PINTS for you to enjoy!
Flavor and toppings are inspired by our own chilly mascot. Vanilla ice cream with a naturally-colored blue color. Mixed with snow caps and two gummies on the top!
Cost is $10.00 per pint and a generous portion of the proceeds will go directly to the PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUND REFURBISHMENT PROJECT.
Hurry. This is a limited time offer while supplies last!
Cub Scout Pack 126 Informational Meeting
There will be a kick off meeting for boys interested in joining Cub Scout pack 126 on Thursday, September 5 from 6:30-7:30 pm at Branchville School. Questions? Contact cubmasterpack126@gmail.com.
From Around the Diocese
St. Mary Parish Altar Server Training
All students entering Grade 5 or above who would like to begin altar serving must attend at least one training session with Fr. Lomnitzer. Sessions will be held:
- September 4 7-8 pm
- September 6 7-8 pm
RSVP is required, please email Marcy Miller at marcybutler@hotmail.com
Retreat Invitation with Bishop Caggiano
All are invited to a special Lourdes Retreat with Bishop Caggiano on Saturday September 7 1:00 PM -2:30 PM at St. Mary in Stamford. For more information on or to register for the Lourdes retreat, email lourdesretreatstmarystamford@gmail.com.
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, "Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget."
High School News
Immaculate Fall Admission Events & HSPT
Immaculate High School has opened registration for fall admission events to include Open House on Sunday, October 20 and Mustang for a Day Shadow Visits beginning September 30. For more information and to register please go to immaculatehs.org/visit.
Gain confidence in taking the HSPT! To register for the High School Placement Test Prep Session on Saturday, September 7, please visit immaculatehs.org/placementexam. The fee is $40 payable upon arrival at the exam.
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/