Wishing everyone an enjoyable long weekend as we commemorate Presidents’ Day! With all of the instances of the flu, head colds, and strep throats, my hope is that this break will allow everyone to regain their health and break the germ cycle.
Now that we have put Catholic Schools Week, Valentine’s Day, and Sixth Grade Camp behind us, we are ready for some intense academic work. In the past couple of weeks, the Principal’s Book Club met twice to discuss books that various grade levels were reading. Our fourth and fifth graders read and discussed the book” Fish in a Tree” by Lynda Hunt. Our second and third graders read “Sports Dream” by Paul Orshoski. Both groups had a wonderful discussion and activity. Thank you to our librarian, Mrs. Carla Solomon, for hosting the clubs with me and for expertise in facilitating the activities. I am looking forward to our next selection and meeting! On a side note, author, Paul Orshoski will spend a day at St. Mary School on March 8th. He will hold two separate assemblies with our students. We look forward to his visit.
At the end of this month our school, along with the rest of the diocesan elementary schools will be administering the ITBS and CoGat tests to our children in grades one through seven. This is a standardized test that the diocese mandates us to use. This will be the last year we will be using this particular test. The diocese has decided to move in a new direction. In the Fall of 2017, we will be using a new tool to measure the progress of our students. It will be administered online, three times per year.
Just a reminder that registration for the 2017-2018 school year is due on Wednesday, February 22nd. Please call the school office if you have any question.
Thank you to everyone who came to our annual Viking Quest fundraiser! What a great evening of laughter, good food, and great company! The show, “Late Night Catechism” was hilarious and engaging. Thank you for supporting our school and all of our endeavors! Your generosity is much appreciated! Thank you to our PTU and Fundraising Committee for hosting and planning this event. We appreciate the time, energy, and effort that goes into it! Thank you to Mrs. Sonya Virant for chairing the event along with the core committee of volunteers!
For the past few years at this particular fundraiser, a special person is honored as The Distinguished Viking. The person receives the award for a strong commitment to St. Mary School through support and volunteerism. This year’s recipient was Mrs. Beth Ryan. A former teacher, whose own children went through our school, Mrs. Ryan volunteered as a sixth grade camp chaperone, taught the stations of the cross to our eighth graders, and substituted in our school – all after she retired. We are very proud and happy to add her name to the plaque in our school! Congratulations Mrs. Ryan!
Joyfully in Christ,
Mary Petelin
Principal