Academic Awards Banquet: Students who have excelled throughout the year have been invited to the Academic Awards Banquet, scheduled for Thursday, May 2, beginning promptly at 6:30. Tickets have been given out in homeroom.

Progress Reports for all underclassmen will be e-mailed on Wednesday, May 8. If you need to make changes to your e-mail on file, please call Mrs. De Poalo at 201-437-4545 ext. 201. If your child is doing poorly, please encourage them to stay motivated and to finish the year strong.

The Resurrection of Jesus and the Octave of Easter were observed joyfully on our Mind, Body, Spirit Day with a simple liturgy. The Senior Retreat Leaders presented a Gospel Pageant of the Resurrection and "Knight Jam," our Christian Rock group coordinated by Mr. Ortiz, led us in song. Ms. Miesnik led a reflection about the new life themes of Easter symbols and between Josue Johnson's, shall we say, "vivid" portrayal of St. Peter and the vibrant sounds of the band, Marist celebrated in a way that certainly said "Alleluia!"

Our Service Day on Wednesday of Holy Week was a great success.  Marist students spread the work of the Gospel all over the County and beyond. All reports were good and the kids were eager volunteers. We were very proud of them in the diverse ways that they helped the community.  We received many  "thank you" notes from the local community and many invitations to return.

Ascension Thursday will be celebrated on May 9th and is a Holy Day. There is no school for students. Catholic students are reminded that they are obliged to attend Mass on Ascension Thursday. Faculty will meet for a full day of Professional Development.

Graduation Mass takes place on Thursday, May 30th at 7 PM at our Lady of Mercy Church in Jersey City (very close to Marist). A more formal invitation will be sent to you via the Seniors.  All Seniors are expected to attend. Bring family and friends to thank God for four years of blessings at Marist, and to ask God's blessing on our graduates and their families.  All are invited.

Marist Youth Retreat, a leadership workshop for sophomores from Marist schools in the United States, Canada, Mexico and other Latin American countries, will take place at the Marist Brothers Retreat Center in Esopus, NY over Memorial Day weekend. Six students have been nominated to attend to learn skills that will help them become leaders at Marist High School.

Many of our Seniors made an Encounter Retreat this year and they periodically get together at one of our schools to pray in the Taize style (Taize is an ecumenical  monastery in France which attracts many young people.) Their last trip was to Mt. St Michael in the Bronx where they shared prayer, dinner and  community,  reconnecting with friends they had made on Encounter.

Community Service: volunteers needed! Liberty Health has asked us to send monitors and "water people" to help them with their Newport Half marathon. Parents are welcome along with our students. Contact Ms. Kehoe mkehoe@marist.org  if interested. Saturday, May 11th!

Junior Parents' Night:  Back by popular request!  On Wednesday, May 8th, Ms. Heymer and Ms. E. will be hosting another Junior Parents night to help parents continue to gain knowledge about the college planning process.  We are planning to have a college rep join us to give you another perspective on the process.

May & June SAT's:  May 3rd is the deadline to register for the June  1st SAT's.  We encourage the Junior class to take the June 1st test to get a start on the college process.  The best way to prepare is to practice, practice,  practice.  Use the free resources at www.collegeboard.org  or see Guidance for other tools.  If your student is taking the May 4th SAT, be sure they have a good night's rest, have a good breakfast, and bring a healthy snack and water with them for break time.  Also, make sure they have their admissions ticket, School ID, several #2 pencils (traditional, not mechanical), and a calculator with them before they leave the house!

Guidance Tips for the Summer:  Summer is the perfect time to make strides in the college preparation process-no matter what year your student has completed.  Colleges are looking for consistency in extra-curricular and volunteer activities, so why not start now.  Encourage your student to join a sports league, work at a camp, or volunteer at the local library, church or recreation center.  And don't forget that summer reading!  Junior parents, summer is also a great time to visit those colleges that are farther from home. 

No classes for students on Ascension Thursday, May 9, Friday after the prom, May 24, and Monday, Memorial Day, May 27.

Early dismissals will occur at 1:40 on Friday, May 3 and Friday, May 31.

Spring Musical, "Oliver" will be staged this Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4 at 7:00 pm.  Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5 for children/students.  Come an hour early on Saturday for some English tea and treats being provided by the Marist Parent Association.

Afghan Raffle: Our very own Sr. Mary Agnes, who works in Guidance, has once again crocheted a beautiful afghan that she will be raffling off to benefit the school. Look for her at all events, buy a chance, help the school!

Final Activity Period of this school year meets this Wednesday, May 8. We hope this has been an enjoyable experience for your sons and daughters.

Percussion Discussion:  On Friday, May 17, at 7 PM, Ms. Vargas and Percussion Discussion will host its second annual extravaganza which was a huge success last year.  Cost is $5 for Marist students and $7 for general admission.  $10 at the door.  Be there! It's an event not to be missed. 

The Senior Prom will be held at The Vanderbilt on Staten Island on Thursday, May 23. The "toast off" will begin at 5:00 in the Marist High School gym. All are welcome to the "toast off".

Ice Cream Social: Underclassmen receive their yearbooks at the annual ice cream social, which takes place on Wednesday, June 5. Seniors are also welcome back to take place in the yearbook signing in the gym. The social begins at 1:45. Dismissal will be at the regular time.

Summer School Registration takes place on Wednesday, June 19 from 1:00-3:00 for any Marist student who failed one or two subjects. Remember: NO student may proceed to the next grade with an outstanding failure. All failures must be made up at Marist summer school. If a student fails three (3) or more subjects, he/she cannot return to Marist.  Summer School Classes begin on July 8 and end on August 2. 

Go Marist Knights!!