Fr. Paco celebrated Mass with St. Mary's today and reminded us to pray and help each other, to practice silence this busy world and to promote the Rosary. He encouraged us to pray the Rosary with our family. Our Blessed Mother wants only that we love her son, and likewise, Jesus wants us to love His Mother.

Thank you to Home and School, the auction committee and the entire St. Mary's school community for making this a special week for our teachers and staff! The Hollywood VIP themed week was a great way to start the busy month of May. Parents decorated the classroom doors in the Hollywood theme on Sunday. Our staff received vases of roses on Monday, enjoyed a popcorn bar on Tuesday, had lunch together from Olive Garden on Wednesday, Tropical Smoothie was enjoyed on Thursday, and ice cream was provided on Friday. Thank you to all involved who made Teacher Appreciation Week a VIP experience.

In addition to Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrated our Lunch Super Heroes. Our lunches are made with love and hard work thanks to Ms. Amanda and Ms. Sheri. Thank you ladies for being our super hero!

Fr. Joe led us in prayer as we had our May Crowning on Monday. Thank you to everyone who brought flowers, they made our ceremony special.

On Thursday, May 4 we were joined by Sr. Cabrini Koelsch, a Sister of Mercy, who presented students with the Mercy Value of the Month certificates for Companioning. This certificate was given to students who are present for others and help out when someone is in need.

Books checked out from St. Mary's School Library are due by May 12. Please return the books to the library by May 12 or fines will be added to your account.

Thank you to Mrs. Tara Horinek and Dr. Kelly Gorman who came on Tuesday, May 2 to speak with our students about the Ronald McDonald House, which was the charity for our May dress down day. The May charity dress brought in $465.51 for Ronald McDonald House. Mrs. Brower's class donated more than $114, and receives cookies for an award.

The Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders had a beautiful performance on Thursday night in the cafeteria.

Our 3rd-5th graders program will begin at 6 p.m. on May 10 for 3rd-5th grade. The location of the program is in the St. Mary's Cafeteria. Students need to meet in the commons by 5:45 p.m. After the program, parents are invited to the classrooms to view the Project Fair and visit the Book Fair, which will be in the Youth Room. Students should be dressed in their Spring or Sunday best for the program. No jeans and No shorts.

Preschool will have their Spring Program beginning at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church on Tuesday, May 16.

The book fair is set up in the Youth Room. It is a BOGO Book Fair - Buy 1 Get 1 Free. You can also purchase online at https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/stmaryschool26

The hours of the Book Fair:

Monday, May 8th - 3-4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 9th - 7:45-8:45 a.m.

Wednesday, May 10th - 6-7:30 p.m.

The Joplin Area Catholic Parishes invite all children entering pre-k (4-year-olds) through 5th grade to join us at Vacation Bible School (VBS) 2023 as we discover the hidden treasures of the parables June 26-30th. Monday through Thursday will be held at McAuley Catholic High School from 6-8pm. NEW this year will be a FAMILY PICNIC on Friday, 6/30! Mass at St. Peter the Apostle begins at 5:15 p.m., followed by a dinner for the whole family. Registration is $10 and includes a T-shirt. All registrations after June1st will be $15 and your child will not be guaranteed desired T-shirt size. Please make checks out to St. Peter the Apostle. Visit https://www.jacss.org/news/vacation-bible-school-vbs-2023/ to download the registration form.

The Junior Cheer Camp for Preschool children - 8th grade is June 6-June 9 at McAuley Catholic High School from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Visit: https://www.jacss.org/news/junior-cheer-camp/ for more information and to download the registration form.

Sunday, May 7: 1st Communion for 2nd graders who attend St. Peter the Apostle, 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

Tuesday, May 9: 5th grade field trip Great Americans Day (parent drivers)

Wednesday, May 10: 3rd-5th grade Spring Program and Project Fair, 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 11: 5th grade class trip

Friday, May 12: Warrior Walk, ~10 a.m.

Friday, May 12: Half Day of school, after school care available

Friday, May 12: Library Books Due

Sunday, May 14: McAuley Catholic Graduation at St. Mary's Church, 2 p.m.

Monday, May 15: 3rd grade field trip to Bluff Dwellers

Tuesday, May 16: Preschool Spring Program, 10 a.m.

Wednesday, May 17: Preschool Big Wheel Day, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, May 17: JACS School Board meeting at McAuley Catholic, 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 18: Field Day and Scoop Up (2 p.m.) - Free dress day socks must be worn

Thursday, May 18: Kindergarten Park Day, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Friday, May 19: Early Learners Fun in the Sun Day

Monday, May 22: Student-led Rosary outside at St. Mary's - 2 p.m.

Monday, May 22: Pre-Kindergarten Graduation, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, May 23: 4th grade field trip to George Washington Carver

Wednesday, May 24: Last day of school - Half Day No After School Care