St. Mary Catholic Schools News
December 22, 2021
COVID Updates
Dear St. Mary Catholic Schools families,
As we head into Christmas break, I want to update you on our approach to COVID especially in light of the Omicron variant.
We started this academic year with COVID protocols in place including required masking. After a few weeks, we decided that we would encourage, but not require masking while keeping other policies in place. Included in the approach was an inherent obligation to vigilance. If the situation changed or if one of our five campuses warranted stronger mitigation, we were committed to act.
Throughout the fall we saw cases of COVID throughout our system. While every case of COVID is concerning, the overall case numbers in our system were not as high as feared. When we did have concerns, we acted. Indeed, we pivoted to requiring masks at St. Gabriel Elementary twice during the fall because of concerns of spread. I share this as an example of our approach working as it should.
Our plan in January is to continue implementing our policies. If Omicron numbers continue to rise in our region and our campuses reflect these cases, we will enhance our mitigation strategies accordingly until the wave subsides. When the numbers recede, so will our mitigation. Be assured, Zephyrs will meet the moment.
If you are traveling or are around large groups over Christmas break, please be mindful of COVID symptoms and err on the side of caution next week.
On behalf of the faculty and staff of St. Mary Catholic Schools, I wish you and your family a holy and happy Christmas and all the best for 2022!
God bless you,
Dan McKenna
SMCS Superintendent
Click here to review the most current policies and protocols.
Click here to review daily dashboard and other COVID resources here.
SMCS families are welcome to connect with us during the Christmas break with COVID questions and concerns at kbweiss@smcatholicschools.org or 920-722-7796 ext. 157.
Upcoming Events
Cheer on your Zephyrs this winter season! View the Big East calendar here to find games that work with your schedule. All SMCS students get in free to home events. Go Zephyrs!
ZFAB Winter Community Art Project
Submission Deadline: January 6
All SMCS K-Grade 12 students, as well as parents, parishioners, alumni, and staff, are invited to participate in the Zephyrs Fine Arts Boosters (ZFAB) winter community art project. Learn more and submit art here.
January 7 and 8, 2022
Jane Bergstrom Fine Arts Education Center
SMCMS will present Junie B. Jones The Musical Jr. January 7 and 8, 2022, at the Jane Bergstrom Fine Arts Education Center (FAEC.) Tickets may be purchased here.
January 28 and 29, 2022, 7 p.m.
This annual event will feature many fabulous performers and offer an evening of entertainment, apps, and drinks. Tickets are now on sale for ZCabaret 2022, so join us for an evening full of entertainment and celebrating nearly 10 years of excellence in the Jane Bergstrom Fine Arts Education Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
April 30, 2022
Fox Cities Exhibition Center
Save the date! This annual premier event brings the St. Mary Catholic Schools community together in celebration of students, teachers, and our mission. www.smcszephyrfest.org
Click here to view the SMCS calendar for more upcoming events and happenings.
SMCS Band/Choir Concerts
Enjoy recordings from SMCS band and choir Christmas concerts in December at the links below. Audiences enjoyed listening to the gift of music in person earlier this month!
SMCS Middle/High Schools Band Concert - Watch the stream here.
SMCS Middle/High Schools Choir Concert - Watch the stream here.
Annual Fund 2021-22 Matching Gift Challenge
Only a few days remain! Double your impact by making a gift today through the end of 2021 to the Annual Fund here. Funds raised support our mission and help provide an exceptional educational experience for students. This includes helping to cover tuition assistance, professional development, and general operational needs. Learn more and donate here.
Scrip
Don't miss out on Christmas season Scrip special bonuses. Kwik Trip is currently offering 10% bonuses, now - December 31. Learn more here.
Tuition Bills
Please continue to check your tuition bill online for payment adjustments due to newly applied fine arts and sports fees, co-curriculars, and quarterly scrip credits.
Families can view their tuition bills at: https://parent.smarttuition.com/
If you have not logged in to review your billing statement, select “I AM A FIRST TIME USER”. Make note of your computer-generated username for future log in. (TIP: Click the gold button, “My billing details” to see fees and credits.)
Please contact Shelley Wautlet swautlet@smcatholicschools.org with questions on fees and discounts. If you need help logging in, please call customer service at Blackbaud Tuition Management at 888-868-8828.
Christmas Break Office Hours
SMCS school and business offices are closed December 23, 2021-January 2, 2022. All offices will reopen (along with school classes) on Monday, January 3, 2022. Have a wonderful break!
SMCS Emergency Notifications
SMCS utilizes a text message notification system for emergency notifications, weather-related closures and delays, and other information. To enroll your phone number, please text SMCS to (844) 947-5948. You will receive a confirmation text and a text indicating that when you want to opt out of this service you simply need to reply STOP. You may enroll multiple cell phone numbers using that same process.
With winter nearly here, a reminder that as soon as a weather-related delay or cancellation is determined for school day or activities, information is posted on the SMCS Facebook page, SMCS email, text notification mentioned above, and local TV and radio stations.
Become a Host Family
SMCS is seeking host families for the following international students:
- (January 14-June 3, 2022) Marghi is from Italy and will be at SMCHS for one semester. She is a senior and enjoys gymnastics, tennis, horse riding, skiing, fashion, and traveling. Marghi plays the piano and likes to sing. She prefers a home without dogs or only small dog(s). Host stipend of $600 month and pro-rated tuition credit of $500.
- (January 5-February 3, 2022) Short term host families are needed for middle school aged-students from South Korea, who will attend the middle school in January for a cultural experience. Host stipend of $600.
Host families are an important part of keeping the SMCS international program strong. It's also a great cultural opportunity for all students! Families do not have to have children in SMCS schools to host. Stipends are paid and tuition credits issued for hosting. If interested, please contact SMCS International Coordinator Sue Thelen at sthelen@smcatholicschools.org or 920-722-7796, ext. 808.
Parish Connection
The Neenah-Menasha Catholic community, in partnership with SMCS campus ministry, is hosting three mission trip opportunities for middle and high school students in summer 2022. Learn more here. All students are welcome, regardless of parish/church affiliation.
Neenah-Menasha Summer Service Mission Experience
June 6-10, 2022, Neenah/Menasha, WI
Catholic Heart Workcamp
June 12-18, 2022, New Castle, PA
Catholic Mission Trips
July 9-17, 2022, New Orleans, LA
Upcoming info session is on January 3 and 27. RSVP for an informational session here.
You're invited! St. Gabriel Parish is hosting two special sessions of Bible Study, "The True
Meaning of Christmas," at the church. Join for a morning or the evening session on one or both days. No RSVP is required.
Thursday, January 6 at 9:15 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 13 at 9:15 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
St. Margaret Mary Parish will host Open Wide Our Hearts exhibit January 15-17 after Masses at the parish. The exhibit features photos of Catholics from various racial and ethnic backgrounds alongside written narratives that document what life in the Church is like for them. Learn more at gbdioc.org/openwideourhearts.
St. Mary and St. John the Baptist
The next First Saturday Devotion is on January 1, 2022. At Mary Parish, Adoration and Confession begin at 9 a.m., followed by Mass at 10 a.m. The Five First Saturdays Devotion is one of the main points of the Fatima message. On the First Saturday during five consecutive months, the Devotion consists of 1) going to Confession, 2) receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion, 3) saying five decades of the Rosary, and 4) meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary.
Fr. Jude will be out of town the week of December 27, so no daily Masses will be offered at St. Patrick Parish. Daily Masses will be offered at the other four Neenah-Menasha Catholic parishes, per schedule.
Employment Opportunities
Staff Opportunities
Check out other current openings here.
Substitutes
SMCS is also looking for substitutes for the following positions: teachers, aides, and food service staff. We would love to have you join us!
If you are interested in substitute teaching, you must hold at least a bachelor’s degree to be a substitute teacher. You do not need a teacher or substitute license; however; if you wish to obtain one, please use this link to apply for one through DPI. Interested in attending a substitute training course through CESA 6 to learn classroom management and lesson planning skills? More information on the substitute teacher training can be found here.
If you are interested in subbing as a teacher aide or food service staff, you must hold a high school diploma/GED or higher. Any questions or are interested in applying for a substitute position with SMCS, please contact HR Director Chelsey Kind, ckind@smcatholicschools.org or 920-722-7796 ext. 803 or apply with us on our website, https://smcatholicschools.org/human-resources/ or on WECAN.
St. Mary Catholic Schools
Website: https://smcatholicschools.org/
Location: 1050 Zephyr Drive, Neenah, WI, USA
Phone: 920-722-7796
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smcatholicschools
Twitter: @Zephyr_Sports
St. Mary Catholic Schools is preparing and inspiring students to lead meaningful lives, rooted in the teachings of Christ in our Catholic tradition.