Not only is it a beautiful month where the weather is warming up, plants are blooming, green, and growing, but we celebrate one of the greatest role models in our faith: Mary.

Mary reminds us to be humble; loving; reflect quietly; and to say "yes" to what God is calling us to do for Him.

There are some amazing Marian hymns to listen to, the rosary can be a powerful prayer, and the litany of Loreto helps us understand how meaningful Mary is to all the world. I included some resources at the end of this newsletter to help your family honor Mary, the Mother of God this month.

May is a busy month. We have many special events happening in May to plan for.

• May 1 - Summer uniforms begin. Today is a spirit wear day for students and staff.
• May 2 & 3 - New York State Math test for grades 3-8.
• May 5 - 8:30 am First Friday Mass and Food Truck event in the evening.
• May 7 -1 pm First Eucharist Celebration at St. Stephen church.
• May 8 - 12 -Teacher Appreciation Week
• May 9 - 6:30 pm PTO Meeting
• May 12 - 1 pm May Crowning at St. Stephen church
• May 15 - 1 hour early dismissal for Geneva bus riders only.
• May 16 - Grades 2, 4, 7, & 8 attending the Bishop's Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
• May 17 - 6 pm Marketing Committee Meeting
• May 18 - 8:30 am Ascension Thursday Mass at St. Stephen church
• May 18 & 19 - 7th and 8th grade class trip to Philadelphia
• May 19 - 8:30 am grade 2 class Mass
• May 24 - 7 pm Band Concert at St. Stephen church
• May 31 - 9:30 am - 1 pm grade 2 visits Hobart William Smith College

We are looking into walking to represent our school in the Waterloo and/or Geneva Memorial Day parade. Stay tune for more information. We hope many will be able to join us for the parade to share the SFSS spirit!

We are going to try something new: A Kindness Money Calendar. This idea came from another Catholic school who is hugely successful with this and it makes a large impact not only for the school, but in the community.

How it works:

• Students collect donation amounts to sponsor the activities on the calendar.
• Cash or checks for the amounts are placed in the envelope and at the end of May or on June 1st, return the envelope with the white sheet to school.
• It is important for donations amounts to be marked on the white sheet of paper so those who have collected specific amounts can receive or participate in the kindness acts in June.

We ask that everyone do what they can.

Each student has the potential to raise up to $478 with each calendar. As a school, we have the potential to raise up to $46,366. This amount can be monumental to the possibilities we can offer or do in the coming years.