The Cougar Chronicles November 2006 Joanne F. Gannon, Principal James T. Ferdella, Asst. Principal

Saint Mary Parents’ Association Greetings
WELCOME FALL

Here we are already in November. The leaves have changed and look beautiful.  Our children had a great time with their "buddies" for the Halloween Parade and of course the teachers and their awesome costumes. We just finished our Cherrydale Fundraiser and we would like to thank Julie Belbin and her committee for this great event! Thanks to Kristen Ward, Maureen McCabe and their committee for the success or our Family Portrait event! We can’t begin to express how much the SMPA appreciates all the hard work that goes into each and every fundraiser and event that we do. THANK YOU!

We have many events coming up in November and December. The Senior Luncheon will be on November 17th. The seniors in our Parish look forward to this event every year! November 25th and 26th is Jesse Tree. Stop by the Parish Hall after Mass to get your Advent wreaths and candles! On December 1st we have Elves Workshop for our children to do their holiday shopping and December 2nd and 3rd we have our Annual Holly Fair. This is a great place to start your Christmas shopping!  There will be a lot of crafters and of course our famous Christmas Wreaths.  And don’t forget to bring the kids for pictures with Santa!

We have many opportunities for our parents to volunteer.
Contact April Patch with any questions.

We wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

"O God, of Whose mercies there is no number, and of Whose goodness the treasure is infinite; we render thanks to Your most gracious majesty for the gifts You have bestowed upon us, evermore beseeching Your clemency, that as You grant the petitions of them that ask You, You will never forsake them, but will prepare for the reward to come. Through Christ our Lord. Amen."

Emelie Hayden
Susan Lynch

Saint Mary Schools’ "Contemporary Ensemble" Mr. Gannon is very excited about this new, young group of musicians, claiming there is a lot of talent in the 7th and 8th grades. The group is simply composed; acoustical guitars, vocals and a very snazzy set of drums! “We hope to create a repertoire for school and community performances” said Mr. Gannon with light in his eyes. The talent consists of Jack Palermo, Tim Evans, Molly Farber, Lyndsay Strand and Ben Covino!

The smiles on these wonderful, yet spooky Jack-O’-Lanterns were created by Mrs. Rohanna’s Preschool class.
SThe children used multi media in paint and paper to create these enchanting grins.

Nature's Classroom

On Monday, September 11, the seventh grade class of St. Mary’s gathered on the patio to go to Nature’s Classroom in Charlton, MA. We had a wonderful time and would like to thank everyone who made it possible. Included are just a few of the pictures of our wonderful experience. Assembled by the Nature’s Classroom Committee: Amelia Benstead, Kelsey Giordano, Warren Hayden, Anders Johnson, and David Wassef.

On Monday morning we all gathered on the patio. We were excited, but nervous since we did not know what to expect.	Okay everybody; say your last good-byes, because here we go!
Welcome to Nature’s Classroom!	Down a winding dirt road is the lodge where our rooms were. This is the main building which includes the dining hall.
The girls are waiting for the boys to arrive, again!	The geodesic dome, made entirely by triangles in one class time, showed strength and team work.
We built and also found shelters in the woods. We felt like the early American Indians.	Some field groups got to visit the beautiful lake!
Everyone loves Mr. Ferdella…….and he loves us!	We discovered the hidden field, covered with beautiful grass and wild flowers.
These are our counselors. They played a huge role in the wonderful time we had at N.C. They were always happy, knowledgeable, and caring. Their great personalities made everybody happy.	During transition time, we had fun playing volleyball, football, and basketball in the area next to our dorms.
All the girls crowded together into one room and talked before bed…and then we “went to sleep.”	During the dance, we fooled around and had a blast!
After our awesome week at Nature’s Classroom, it was time to leave and we were sad to say our last good-byes.

Health News

A NOTE OF THANKS - FROM THE BLACK FAMILY

We want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who generously supported us on our walk for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The Black Attack raised over $4500, $800 of which came from St. Mary's families! It's occasions like this that show us what wonderful friends we have at our school! And to finally silence the doubt so many of you voiced as to the team's ability to complete the physical task, we are proud to announce that all members have glided across the finish line with astounding speed and grace!

My Family

By Marissa Scricco
Mrs. O’Brien’s 2nd Grade Class

We are the Scricco family. We are a group of five. We live at 30 Lamplighter Drive in Shrewsbury, MA. My dad is smart. He makes the best pancakes. And he is the best dad in the world! My mom is beautiful. She makes the best birthday cakes. And she is the best mom in the world!
I have two sisters. My sister Arianna is smart, pretty and she is eleven. My name is Marissa Scricco. I go to Second Grade at St. Mary School. My birthday is December 21, 1998, which is the first day of winter. My younger sister’s name is Isabella. She is very funny and smart. She is three years old.

I like when we all go to the beach together. I also like when we paint and make crafts. I love my family.

My Best Friend

By Kevin Murphy
Mrs. O’Brien’s 2nd Grade Class

My best friend is my sister Lea. She has brown hair. She is eight years old and is in the third grade at St. Mary School. Lea likes to go swimming. She likes gymnastics. She loves to read. Her favorite food is pizza.

We like to watch TV together. We also like to play chess and checkers. Lea dislikes hockey, tea, and being sick. Lea helps me to read. She also helps me with spelling and drawing. Lea is a great friend and a great sister.

Notes from the Nurse….

With autumn comes crisp cool days, as well as, the odd warm day. Please remember the children go outside for recess everyday. Unless it is raining, or there is a severe wind chill, the children will need to wear their coats, hats, gloves/mittens. Recess is an important social time for the children, and they truly need to get outside and run around.

We have already had our share of illness pass through the school. Several cases of Strep throat, common cold, and Fifth disease have been reported. Parents can help prevent the spread of viruses/disease to their children's classmates by following a few simple steps:

1. Remind your child to cover his/her nose and mouth with tissue when sneezing or coughing.
2. Encourage hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, after they have wiped their nose, or have used the bathroom.
3. Do not send your child to school if he/she has a fever, fever with cold symptoms, or has been vomiting.
4. If started on antibiotics for a bacterial infection, please remember your child cannot return to school for 24-48hrs following the start of the medicine, unless your physician/nurse practitioner orders otherwise.

Looking forward to a safe and happy school year. Please call with any questions.

Moira Barresi
School Nurse

From The Office of The Principal

Drop Off and Pick Up Time

We have two drop off points in the parking lot each morning. Most cars stop at the “big school” travel around the lot and some stop again at the kindergarten at the Pastoral Center. Some parents may only be dropping off at the kindergartener. Kindergarten parents should park their car and walk their kindergartener to the school door. The parking lot is a busy place so hold your child’s hand. Please remember to follow the flow of traffic, drive slow, and be courteous.

Dismissal is also a busy time in the parking lot. Kindergarteners are picked up first and then walked across the parking lot to pick up their older siblings. No children should be running through the parking lot at dismissal time. Parents please hold your child’s hand and keep them at your side during dismissal of the “big school”. This helps to keep everyone safe and away from moving buses and cars. Children at play are not thinking of safety. Dismissal time is not play time.

Let’s start and end our day with an act of kindness in the parking lot and keep our children safe.

Video Club Announcement

The St. Mary School News Magazine Show featuring highlights of the 2005-2006 school year produced by the St. Mary School Video Club will air on SETV Channel 29 in Shrewsbury for the next four weeks, beginning Thursday, October 19, as follows:

• Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.
• Thursdays at 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 3:30 p.m.
• Fridays at 8:00 a.m.

St. Vincent Community Healthcare Fund

Our school nurse, Mrs. Barresi, and Mrs. Sullivan attended the White Mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Worcester. During the reception that followed our school was given a check from the St. Vincent Community Healthcare Fund which is administered by the Diocese of Worcester.

These funds are offered to provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations to support health needs in our community. Forty-five recipients shared in $68,000. Our school was granted $1000.00. These funds will enable us to purchase automated external defibrillator equipment, an enrichment program on nutrition, and supplies for the health clinic.

Uniform Policy Reminder

All students need to wear a uniform gym sweatshirt to school on their gym day every week. All uniform sweaters are v-neck, pullover, cardigan and vest. Thank you for your help in this matter.

Professional Development for Teachers

The topic of diversity was addressed at our professional development day, Monday, October 30. Barbara Holland, the President and Founder of BreakThrough Partners of Ashland, MA, was the featured presenter. She has over (25) years of experience in the field, and has made many television and radio appearances. As a facilitator with the World of Difference program for over 19 years, Ms. Holland has led discussions and action planning for K-12 public and private schools throughout New England.

Our superintendent, Steve Perla states that this professional day, “responds to our Church and community changing populations, it is critical that our schools be prepared to effectively work with diverse groups of students, staff, and parents. More importantly, our hope is that a reflection and an increased awareness on the topic of diversity will also deepen our commitment to witnessing to Gospel values in our schools. How each of us responds to the various cultures in our communities is a powerful statement that either promotes or denies what Jesus taught us.”

We hope your children enjoyed the day off.

Help Wanted

Saint Mary School Senior Luncheon Volunteers Needed

The Senior Luncheon is an annual event sponsored by the Parents’ Association to recognize and thank the Seniors of Saint Mary’s for their contribution to our school and church community. Our students serve the seniors a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and also provide entertainment. This year’s luncheon will be on Friday, 17 November 2006, from 11:30A – 1:30P in the saint Mary’s Parish Hall. Help is needed to run this event. If you are able to help in any capacity, it will be greatly appreciated!

Here’s how you can help:

• Help on the day of the event so classroom entertainment runs smoothly
• Oversee older students in serving the meal
• Help assemble utensil/napkin packets
• Help with decorations and clean-up
• Help with set-up Thursday night

Volunteers are needed to make this event a success … it is a great way to share time with the seniors. Thank you in advance for your help!

Please contact Paula Hayeck
508-869-9990 / pachayeck@yahoo.com

Calling All Bakers!

The Holly Fair is coming and is sure to be fun. When you’re baking for the holiday’s please consider doubling your recipe and donating something to the Bake Table at our Holly Fair.

Please sign up to bake your specialty: Breads, Cookies, Cakes, or pies.
Drop off is Friday 01 December from 2:30PM to 6:30PM in the school cafeteria.

Please call Maureen Wassef if you can help!

Holly Fair Weekend - Volunteers are Needed!

Please click here for all the juicy details about this event!

This event requires assistance from many people. Please consider helping out at some point during this great weekend. We need volunteers to work at home prior to the event as well as volunteers to work the weekend of the event.

Work at Home: Before Thanksgiving, you can work at home preparing wreath items. This will involve wiring the wooden picks to either the wreath balls or pinecones, or making ribbon loops. Wednesday, 01 November, 6:30PM in the Pastoral Center, is where we will show you how to prepare these items. A convenient drop off time will be arranged the night of the workshop!

Set Up: Friday, December 1st, 2:00P – 6:00P. We will need several men as it involves some heavy lifting to move tables and take out supplies from the church basement and ladder work to hang decorations. Many other workers are necessary to prepare and transform the church hall into a winter wonderland for the weekend.

General Assistance: Saturday, 02 December, 8:45A – 6:15P and Sunday, 03 December, 7:45A to 1:30P. There will be many ways to help out during the weekend. We need cashiers, raffle ticket sellers, helpers at the kids craft table, Kitchen help, runners for pre-sale items and to restock green inventory. We are also looking for helpers at our bake goods table and Parents’ Association Gift Table.

Holly Fair Break Down, Inventory and Clean Up: Sunday, 03 December, 2:00P – 3:30P. We will need a group of men and women to breakdown the fair. Yes, all good things must come to an end and someone has to clean up. We will inventory the remaining gifts, pack away and store all inventory for next year down in the basement. The church hall needs to be spotless for school on Monday morning.

Please contact Tracy Morelli to volunteer! 508-845-6938 or tracey.morelli@townisp.com

Holly Fair

It’s that time of year again to breakout the holiday spirit!!! Holly Fair volunteers are busily working at home preparing pinecones, Christmas balls and bows for decorating all the fresh greens. Holly Fair will be held December 2nd, from 9 am to 6 pm and December 3rd, from 8 am to 1 pm. Plans are already in the works to transform the parish hall into a virtual Winter Wonderland filled with holiday charm.

Crafters will fill the hall with a wide array of wonderful handcrafted items. The SMPA will be selling natural wreaths, kissing balls, door swags, cemetery boxes and boxwood trees. Some poinsettias will be available while supply lasts. Pre-orders are recommended. The SMPA Gift table is loaded with many remarkable gifts and the Bake Table is always a great place to pick up those home baked treats for those holiday parties and gifts. Kid’s crafts and Photos with St. Nick are also available for the children while you shop.

This year, in addition to the outstanding Crafter’s raffle, there will also be a special American Girl doll raffle featuring Kit the American Girl doll. Chris Cringle’s Kitchen will once again be serving its special homemade chili, meatball grinders and pizza, and much more. Any one interested in helping with this busy, but fun-filled event, please contact Tracy Morelli (508-845-6938). All other questions regarding Holly Fair can be forwarded to Debbie Leonard (508-842-5401) or Wendy Lyon (508-852-7779).

Parents' Association Info

School Advisory Board Classroom Liaisons

Bob Terry - Kindergarten
Tracy Padula - 1st Grade
Maura Egan - 2nd Grade & 3rd Grade
Erik Johnson - 4th Grade
Mike Durran - 5th Grade
Steve Gregory - 6th Grade
Bill Sex - 7th Grade
Dot Henry - 8th Grade

Save The Date!!!! - Worcester Sharks

The 2006 Mother and Son event is fast approaching.  This year we are going to the Worcester Sharks on January 19th.  Sales are open to all St. Mary’s boys and their moms or significant adult female in grades Preschool through 8th grade.  Ticket sales will begin December 6th and end December 22. 

ELVES WORKSHOP NEWS

Our Elves are very busy preparing for their Workshop on Friday, December 1st. They are so excited about this year’s event. Check your Wednesday envelopes for details on volunteering and donating items.

The Cougar Chronicles

Editor: Jennifer Srnka - 508-842-3324 - Srnka@townisp.com

The Cougar Chronicles is a monthly, volunteer-produced publication of Saint Mary School, produced in cooperation with and funded by the Saint Mary Parents’ Association (SMPA). Our goal is to provide current information which is useful to parents whose children attend Saint Mary School. Unless indicated otherwise, opinions and statements in any article within this newsletter are solely those of the author.