SMLS News and Notes
Updates from Mrs. Rash- August 2017 Part 2
Welcome Back to School!
I hope the summer has given you wonderful memories and experiences that you'll cherish forever. Although it is bittersweet to see summer fade into fall, there are so many wonderful experiences ahead at St. Mary of the Lakes School! The building is bustling with preparation for an exciting school year and we are so glad that you are going to share it with us!
I am proud to announce the most recent batch of new hires joining the SMLS family and enriching our professional staff. Please join me in welcoming the following:
- Mrs. Teresa Lauth is joining us full-time as an administrative assistant in our main office. Mrs. Lauth brings a wealth of experience from her years of involvement at SMLS and her role as part-time administrative assistant. We are in the process of finding a candidate to fill the part-time administrative assistant vacancy.
- Mrs. Kathy Wheeler, Media Specialist, has years of library experience and supported Mrs. Quinn in the media center last year. We are so pleased that, new this year, our media specialist will be able to work with children from Pre-K through 8th grade.
- Ms. Allison Kaiser joins us as our new 5th and 6th grade language arts teacher and 5th grade literature teacher. Ms. Kaiser is a Medford resident and a dynamic and passionate teacher who brings experience with reading and writing workshop.
- Mrs. Janet Lynam will support our teachers and students as a new Teacher Assistant. Mrs. Lynam is familiar with our school and community through her years of volunteer work and service to the school. We are excited to welcome her in this new role.
- Mrs. Joan Irwin will be our new Kitchen Supervisor, overseeing the preparation and distribution of lunches in the lunchroom. Mrs. Irwin has been very involved in the school and community and is looking forward to continuing her work at SMLS. We are so pleased she is joining us!
- We are hiring a new Spanish teacher who will provide instruction to students in kindergarten through 8th grade, expanding the reach of our foreign language program. The finalist has accepted the position and will be officially 'on-board' shortly!
Class Lists!
We know that our students (and parents) are eagerly awaiting the posting of class lists! This is such an exciting time as we think about the new adventures that are ahead. Please keep in mind that class lists have been created with input from various staff members to create a well rounded classroom environment that is supportive of all of our students. Because of the factors that go into creating these lists, requests for switching classrooms are not able to be accommodated. The lists will be posted on our website at noon on Friday, September 1. They will only be posted electronically, not in person at the school. You can access the lists by clicking the link on our homepage on Friday, September 1 at noon.
Just Arrived: Terra Nova Reports
The Terra Nova Home Reports have just arrived at SMLS and we are sorting and preparing them to be sent home. We will send the reports home in envelopes with the students on Friday, September 8.
Facilities Update
The summer is anything but slow at SMLS! The parking lot lines got a fresh coat of paint and so did most of the hallways in the school. Rugs have been shampooed, floors waxed, and materials are being delivered. Staff members are eagerly awaiting the return of their students and we are looking forward to an outstanding year!
Immunization Required
St. Mary of the Lakes School is required to adhere to New Jersey State laws that pertain to students’ immunizations. We cannot accept students who have not had the necessary immunizations. Our nurse has been attempting to contact parents whose children are still in need of immunizations. Please provide the appropriate documentation before the first day of school so your child can participate.
Important Dates
- Tues 9/5- First day of school for 1st-8th grade; 12:40 dismissal, no lunch served; Kindergarten parent meeting 9-11AM or 5:30-7:30PM; Pre-K Parent orientation 7PM
- Wed 9/6- First day for Kindergarten; 12:40 dismissal, no lunch served; Pre-K student walk through 9-11AM
- Thurs 9/7- Before and after care begins; first day for Pre-K; pack your lunch, no lunch served
- Friday 9/8- Back to School Mass 9AM, Auditorium; pack your lunch, no lunch served
- Sat 9/9- Parish Picnic at SML School grounds 11:30-3:00PM
- Mon 9/11- Milk/lunches begin; 8th Grade parent meeting 7PM
- Wed 9/20- Back To School Night Kindergarten-4th Grade, 6:30PM
- Thurs 9/21- Back To School Night 5th-8th Grade, 6:30PM
- Thurs 11/9- SMLS Fashion Show 6-10PM at Lucien's Manor