A New Year At Saint Mary’s School
Two weeks ago, I discussed the exciting new programs for our middle and high school students, Edge and Life-Teen. This week I would like to welcome back our students, families, staff and faculty of St. Mary’s School. It is a joy to seem them back once more.
Last week, I wrote about St. Mary’s…a place to belong, believe and become. This tag line describes our school perfectly. For children, a school is a special place. It is where they learn to read, to write, learn math, hear stories, and learn about science and so much more. St. Mary’s is also the place where our children make lifelong friendships. For the students, families and staff, it is a place where they belong not just while they are students there but always.
One of the many things that makes St. Mary’s School so special is faith. It is where students learn about God every day. Each morning, they begin their day in prayer together. They learn and live the gospel in what they study and how they treat each other. Learning about the Catholic faith is one feature that the makes St. Mary’s unique. It is where our children learn to believe
Watching our students at St. Mary’s grow from young 4 and 5 year olds in pre-Kindergarten to teenagers in middle school at St. Mary’s is an exciting transformation. They not only mature in inches but they grow in mind and spirit. St. Mary’s School is where our children begin to identify who they are and will become.
This past summer, we have experienced many exciting changes at St. Mary’s school. We have new teachers bringing new ideas and energy to our school. Our new teachers join our returning teachers in making St. Mary’s an academically challenging place that meets the needs of all our students.
The renovation project at the school is complete and has brought several improvements to our facility. We have upgraded our school security systems and created an improved office space for our administration. The pre-Kindergarten has moved from the lower church to the school building where the children can be a more involved part of our school.
St. Mary’s School has new academic offerings this fall. The Art Truck will be at our school twice a week to instruct our students in fine arts. We are also excited to be in our second year of the iPad initiative. All students have an iPad and utilize it daily to learn, explore and create.
There are so many people to thank for the hard work at our school this summer. Marie Gannatti, our principal, for her vision and leadership of the renovation project. Jason Hoffman, the general contractor, for his dedication to the project – coming in early and staying late to ensure the project was completed on time. Donna Hatch, Tammy Budnick and Mary Ann Henzler worked through the summer keeping our office open whether they were working out of boxes or a closet. Kevin O’Bryan, Ralph Chappano and Terry Spak, who all donated significant time, talent and materials to the project. And to all our teachers for being helpful and flexible in the changes that occurred.
As you can see, we have so many things to be excited for this fall. Every Wednesday in October we will have Walk-in Wednesday from 9 am to 11:30 am. Feel free to stop by our school and see it in action. We would love to see you.