Saint Mary School Weekly Newsletter
May 7, 2020 Volume 2, Issue 31
A Note from Mrs. O'Rourke
“Wherever the spirit of Christ is known, there is much of goodwill, of mutual respect, of love and appreciation and kindness.”
- Gordon B. Hinckley
Dear SMS Families,
What a week...it began with Teacher Appreciation Week then add in #GivingTuesdayNow and finally Nurse’s Appreciation Day! The words “thank you” aren’t enough for the generosity, goodwill, kindness, and appreciation we received this week from all of you. In addition to working from home, assisting your children with distance learning, and taking care of your families; you all took the time to make cards, create videos, send gifts and more to the teachers, staff, and myself. Our hearts were touched and you made us smile through tears of joy!
As you know, we will continue distance learning for the remainder of this school year. We are still working through the details of many end-of-year events and issues, but we do have the following information to share:
Friday, May 22nd is an early dismissal day that will end for everyone, Pre-K through Grade 8, at 11:00 am. Memorial Day, May 25th there is No School. As you know, the town of Ridgefield has canceled the Memorial Day Parade.
We will have designated days for you to pick up your children’s personal items that remain at school as well as to drop off textbooks, library books, uniform donations, etc. We will share that plan shortly.
Nurse Linda will be in touch with those families of students who have medicine at school to communicate pick-up procedures.
The last day of school for Grade 8 students is June 5th. The last day of school for Preschool through Grade 7 is June 11th. June 11th will be an early-dismissal day, ending at 11:00 am for all.
Kindergarten Groovy Graduation and the Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony will be virtual, with more information to come.
We have not made a final decision about Grade 8 graduation plans as they will be dependent upon the State of Connecticut’s protocols for social distancing in the coming weeks. We have several scenarios, will communicate the plan once our decision is finalized.
Please know that the teachers, staff and I are sad for all of our students who will not be celebrating their commencements as in past years. We are going to do everything we can to make all commencements special and meaningful!
During this month of May, please continue to pray to our Mother Mary for an end to this pandemic.
Happy Mother’s Day to all our fabulous mothers and grandmothers!
Blessings, peace, and wellness!
Anna
Virtual Scholastic Book Fair Now Open
SMS Virtual Coffee House - Mark your Calendars
New Enrichment Ideas
Virtual Help Desk for School Families
The Diocesan virtual help desk is open for all of our families. A member of the Office of the Superintendent will be present in these virtual rooms for you to login, ask questions, and get support on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00am - 12:00pm and Wednesdays from 4:30pm-5:15pm. You can join by Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81272322709 (password is dobschools) or by dialing into 646-558-8656 using Meeting ID Meeting ID: 812 7232 2709.