MSM Family Connection Newsletter

May 19, 2023

Celebrating MSM’s Class of 2023!

The MSM Class of 2023 celebrated their last day of school on Tuesday, May 16th! It was a bittersweet day full of celebration and traditions, both old and new. Seniors were also treated to a picnic lunch provided by our wonderful MSM Parents Association. To an amazing group of young leaders ready to take on the world, we will miss you but look forward to hearing about your future adventures and accomplishments!

Pictured below: MSM Class of 2023 celebrating Mass at the start of school in September & seniors celebrating their final day of classes on Tuesday.

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Gemtones Singing at St. Joseph University Parish

From the Desk of Mrs. Katherine Spillman:

Please join us for worship at St. Joseph University Parish at the 11:30 am Mass this Sunday, May 21st. The parish is located at 3269 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214. Our MSM Gemtones, directed by Mr. Tim Wells, will be singing with the Contemporary Music Ensemble at this liturgy. The music is sure to be lovely! We hope to see you there!

Congratulations to Our MSM Student Councilor of the Year!

Congratulations to our MSM Student Councilor of the Year, Diana DeAngelo '25! Diana, along with the rest of MSM's Student Council members, worked tirelessly to make this year a huge success. We applaud you for your excellent leadership and true Mountie spirit! Great work Diana!
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Exciting News from the MSM STEAM Department!

Mount St. Mary Academy is pleased to offer a science-based immersion trip abroad during the February Break of the 2023-2024 school year. The focus of this immersive experience will be on Marine Science. Mr. Todd Glosser, co-STEAM division chair, will spearhead this educational trip to San Salvador Island in the Bahamas with the support of Terra Science and Education. This trip will be offered from February 17-25, 2024. Participants will stay at the Gerace Research Centre (GRC), a marine research station affiliated with the University of the Bahamas. A typical day will consist of two field activities (snorkeling, hiking, or cultural learning), with an evening lab and lecture. Service outreach will also be a possible part of this experience. Although we are in the early stages of planning this trip, we wanted to provide an informational session for any students and families interested in learning more about this opportunity. The trip will be open to students in the classes of 2024, 2025, and 2026 that have a love of science!


Please join us for an informational session on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 7:00 pm in the MSM Cafeteria. Mr. Glosser will be joined by Mrs. Colleen Makar Silver, who has worked with Terra Science and Education and will serve as a guide on our inaugural trip.

Catholic Educator Discount

From the Desk of Ms. Anne Kohl:

Mount St. Mary Academy is dedicated to and firmly supports Catholic education. A 25% discount will be applied to the tuition accounts of those families who have at least one parent who is a full-time employee at a Catholic elementary school, a Catholic high school, or a Catholic church. Families must have a demonstrated financial need in order to qualify for this discount. Financial need is demonstrated by completing an application for Financial Aid via the FAIR, Inc. application. A letter of employment verification from the principal or pastor is required each year. If you have not yet applied for this discount, please complete the process right away. We have extended the deadline to May 19th. Please contact the Finance Office if you have any questions.

Limited Number of One Day Darien Lake Passes Available

From the Desk of Mr. Mark Flynn, Director of Instrumental Music:


The MSM Band has a limited number of one-day passes to Darien Lake that are available to MSM families! This is serving as a fundraiser for our Marching Band program. For $20.00, a ticket can be purchased for Darien Lake ($40.00 usually). All funds raised will go to support the MSM Band program. If interested in purchasing tickets, please write a check out to Mount St. Mary Academy with memo: Marching Band. On the outside of the envelope and on a paper inside with the check, include your child's name, parent/ guardian cell number, and the number of passes desired. Any monies should be put into the safe right near the main office. Mr. Flynn will process the order and ensure that the correct number of passes will be delivered to your family.

Questions? Please contact Mr. Mark Flynn at mflynn@msmacademy.org

Counselor Connections Special Scholarship Edition!

From the Desk of Mrs. Joanne Uhl:

The Scholarship version of MSM's Counselor Connections began earlier this school year as a monthly publication of scholarships curated from multiple sites. As we move into the summer months and next school year, hopefully students and families will find it helpful as they search for scholarships to help pay for college.

Although you might not find any scholarships to which you can currently apply, it will give you a sense of what will be available next year. Please look at the requirements for some of the scholarships in order to prepare yourself for the application process next year. Most scholarships will require an essay of some kind. If you can write a generic essay this summer to have prepared for scholarship applications, then it might be easier to revise and tailor that essay for specific applications during the busy school year.

Now is the Time to Think About Joining Our MSM Music Program!

From the Desk of Mr. Mark Flynn:

The music department has openings for lessons on all instruments for beginners and experienced musicians! Playing an instrument is a wonderful way to expand your horizons and boost your resume for college. Participating in a performance ensemble offers social benefits, travel opportunities, college visits, rewarding experiences and fun.

Not interested in playing an instrument? But still want to be in the marching band?
Mr. Flynn has opened up the band/marching band to anyone interested. There are also openings for the flag and dance teams under new instructors.

Concerned about how you can do both sports and the arts?
Sport conflicts will be minimal to nonexistent and worked out by Mr. Flynn and Mr. Frank.

What activities does the band have planned for next year?

For 2023-24 the band has applied to perform at The NY State Fair Parade, University at Buffalo Band Day halftime show, the Lewiston Peach Festival Parade, University of Massachusetts Band Day halftime show, the Canadian Thanksgiving Day Parade and a Pittsburgh trip with performances at Mercyhurst or Grove City. All are potential performances for next year. Join us! The window of opportunity is short while you are in high school. Join with a friend or friends. Be a part of something wonderful and share our enthusiasm and pride for MSM.

How do I join the Strings Club?
We are so proud that our strings club is back (they sounded awesome yesterday)! If you are interested in joining the strings club next year - please see Mrs. Nigrin, or contact her at nnigrin@msmacademy.org. You can also speak with Mr. Flynn who can get you in touch with her!

What do I do if I have questions?
Contact Mr. Flynn at mflynn@msmacademy.org, or speak to a band officer.
Stop by the AUD to visit - there is a sign up sheet for interest.

What if I want to sign up for Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble or Gemtones?
These are classes you take for academic credit. Please talk to your school counselors (Mrs. Uhl or Mrs. Shepard), they can add this to your schedule for next year and also connect you with the teachers!

Counselor Connections

Counselor Connections provides the Mount St. Mary Community with a weekly communication tool from our Wellness Department. The newsletter will be published and sent to your inbox every Tuesday morning. You will also find a link here each week in the Family Connection Newsletter. Please click on the link below for this week's Counselor Connections.

Register for MSM Summer Camps Today!

SUMMER IS (almost) HERE! And Mounties, and future Mounties know, our MSM Summer Camps are the best! Registration is open for girls going into grades 5 - 8 (Fall 2023) for a variety of summer fun including: Flag Football, Softball, Basketball, Cooking, Photography, STEAM, Leadership, Musical Theater... and SO much more. Click here for the full list of camps and to register today! Current Mounties may contact Mrs. Jo Ann Wiatrowski jwiatrowski@msmacademy.org if they are interested in volunteering to get service hours.

Refer a New Family to MSM and Receive a $500 Tuition Credit

Any current MSM family (registered for 22-23) is eligible for a one-time tuition credit of $500 if they refer a new family with a student in the class of 2025, 2026, or 2027 to our school! Important details: New family must register, not just inquire. Contact the Office of Admissions for more details.

MSM Thunder Athletics Calendar

Click the link below to visit the official Mount St. Mary Academy Thunder Website for a calendar of upcoming athletic events. Come out and support our Mounties in action!

Mount St. Mary Academy Thunder Website

Mount St. Mary Academy

Mount St. Mary Academy, founded by the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, is a Catholic, private, college preparatory school for young women. Within a nurturing and academically challenging and inclusive environment, the Academy strives to develop the whole person’s gifts and potential. Guided by our Catholic tradition, and rooted in Gospel values, we empower scholars to be leaders dedicated to lifelong learning, moral integrity, social justice, and service to and inclusion of others.


We Believe in You!