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Welcome everyone! The first day of the 2011-2012 school year at St. Mary's School is quickly approaching! I hope that you and your children are enjoying a relaxing, peaceful and fun-filled summer. I also hope that this was an opportunity for your family to share some quality time together creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Always remember that you are the first and foremost educators of your children and that what you teach them by example now, spiritually, morally and academically will have a direct impact on the future adults they will become. Therefore, your parental involvement during the school year is crucial so that we can work together for the well-being of your children.
The start of a new school year is always an exciting time. Enthusiasm and expectations are high. Parents, students, teachers and the community share the common hope that this school year will bring outstanding achievement in education, in community spirit, and in affirming our faith in God.
Realization of that hope requires both commitment and a plan of action. Your prayers, your participation, and your spirit of cooperation are essential to our success. We plan our curriculum to meet the high standards which characterize Catholic education. Our goals focus on areas of knowledge to be studied, skills to be acquired, and habits and attitudes to be developed.
We will continue to focus on the use of technology as a tool to further curriculum content and standards. The faculty will be participating in a book study of "Curriculum 21: Essential Education for a Changing World" by Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs. This book delves into practical approaches to integrating 21st Century Learning Skills into the classroom. The faculty will also be reviewing the new National Standards for Language Arts and Math.
The school learning community will be deeply involved in the re-accreditation protocol for Middles States during the entire school year. St. Mary's School has had Middles States Accreditation for the past eleven years. Accreditation is a standards-driven process. As an accredited school, St. Mary's School meets the rigorous Middle States Standards, but also is committed to continuous improvement through strategic planning. The accreditation protocol involves an evaluation of the school curriculum and programs along with strategic planning for future school improvement and growth in student performance. The principal and faculty will chose three curriculum areas for examination and study. Throughout the year I will be sharing information with you about the process and may ask for your input. I am hopeful that this evaluation and planning tool will strengthen our already strong academic and faith-based educational programs offered at St. Mary's School.
I have exciting news for the fifth grade this school year! The fifth grade will become departmentalized and become part of our middle school program. This will enable our fifth grade students to take advantage of our excellent middle school faculty and experience a rigorous academic program.
As the new school year approaches, I am filled with optimism, anticipation and excitement. I am very happy to be here at St. Mary's School and be a part of your faith community. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate how welcoming you have all been to me. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve you as the principal of this very special school community.
The school staff has worked very hard to make sure that everything is ready for the first day. The curriculum has been review by the teachers, the proper textbooks and supplies have been purchased and the building has been thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom.
I want to extend a cordial invitation to all parents, guardians, and extended family to attend all of our school liturgies, functions, meetings and activities. I invite everyone to attend our first annual school Family Mass on Sunday, September 18 at the 9:00 a.m. liturgy to kick off our new school year. All school families are asked to attend. Children are asked to wear their school uniform to Mass. This particular Sunday is also Catechetical Sunday. Our teacher-catechists will be given a special blessing at this Mass. Make sure you place this date on your calendar! Coffee, doughnuts and juice will be provided in Rosary Hall after the Mass.
Please come and share with us our opening school liturgy on the Feast of Padre Pio on Friday, September 23 at 9:oo a.m. in the school gym. We will also be having a 9/11 prayer service at the school on Monday, September 12 at 9:00 a.m. This prayer service will begin in the gym and move to the front school yard.
Please take time to read over the entire school newsletter and review the online September calendar,school year calendar and lunch calendar. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the school office. I will always return your telephone call or make myself available to meet you for a scheduled appointment whenever necessary.
In closing, I ask the Lord to bless all of our school families with His love, peace and joy. May our patroness, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, help us all to grow in the love of Christ as we strive together to motivate, lead, and educate our children in both mind and spirit.
Love and prayers,
Mr. Steven P. Hogan
Principal
St. Mary's School
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