Saint Mary of the Assumption School

Backpack Alert! Today’s backpack mail brings news of the upcoming middle school musical and ice cream social and a notice regarding
a weekend hike for grades 3-5 families.

We’re also sending along a “time sensitive” school lunch survey that will earn an extra service hour for families that complete and return by Monday morning May 21st!

Fast Forward St. Marys eighth graders are already looking forward to their next educational steps with acceptances at a range of area secondary schools which include Boston Latin School, Cardinal Spellman High School, Fenway High School, O Bryant School of Math and Technology, St. Joseph Preparatory Academy and Walnut Hill School. Meanwhile, parents should be on the look out for information about upcoming academic and celebratory events leading up to the June 14th St. Mary School graduation.

Road Trips Great weather offers new opportunities for teachers and students to expand and enrich learning through field studies. Preschoolers are participating in a series of visits around Brookline Village this month as they learn about community helpers. In upper grades, a number of scheduled trips in the metropolitan area and beyond are linked to ongoing curriculum. Parents should be on the lookout for permission forms and particulars.

Fifth Graders continue their in depth study of the events leading to the American Revolution with a June 7th field trip to the Paul Revere House. As part of an educational program “Paul Revere: Man Behind the Myth”, they’ll examine primary source artifacts as clues to the story behind this American patriot. Following a tour of the Revere House, they’ll visit the Old North Church and then enjoy lunch in the North End. Permission forms for the day long trip arrive via backpack next Monday.

The Museum of Science continues to be a popular St. Mary field study destination. Mr. Coughlin’s Grade 7 science students travel there on May 18th to learn more about the digestive and nervous systems of the human body, while Miss Drielak’s and Miss Kelly’s classes are at the museum on May 22nd. First graders are to explore the butterfly garden
and attend a live animal presentation, while second graders will visit exhibits and participate in a engineering design challenge.

The Traditional Eighth grade field trip takes place Tuesday, June 12th. “Rain or shine”, Mr. Coughlin’s class heads to the eastern most edge of Martha’s Vineyard for a field study exploration of the barrier beach at the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge.

St. Marys Unplugged Grades 6, 7 and 8 students are currently in rehearsal for their special May 24th event, a Broadway Musical Revue. Under the direction of middle school music teacher, Mrs. Sarah McCoy and A Capella Choir director, Miss Frances Early, the evening features scenes from The Lion King and Wicked. Please see today’s flier for details!

Parents’ Connection
12th Annual Spring Book Fair

Our annual spring book fair will be held the week of May 22nd – 24th

The book fair hours are as follows:

-Tuesday, May 22, 2012 2:00pm -3:00pm

-Wednesday, May 23, 2012 7:30am – 9:30am
-Wednesday, May 23, 2012 2:00pm – 3:00pm

-Thursday, May 24, 2012 7:30am – 9:30am
-Thursday, May 24, 2012 2:30pm – 6:30pm (For your convenience, the Book Fair is open before the musical and during the Ice Cream Social.)

-Friday, May 25, 2012 7:30am – 9:30am

ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION SCHOOL SPRING WALK-A-THON
Friday, June 1st

For the past 10 years St. Mary’s students have been asking family and friends to “sponsor” them as they walk the neighborhoods that surround our school.

A typical walk-a-thon participant asks someone to pledge a certain dollar amount per mile walked, but with the little feet of the preschoolers and the larger steps of the 8th grade, and every size in between, a per mile amount is a challenge.

Rather, we are looking for pledges for each student’s participation in the event. 100% of funds raised benefit the mission of our school and count towards families’ annual fundraising commitments. Please feel free to contact the office for updated information on your remaining fundraising fees.

As part of this year’s walk, younger students will be asked to report back on the people, places and things that they observed during their travel through the community. “Reports” might include class discussion, stories or drawings. Students in upper grades will take an environmental hike to Brookline Reservoir.

Walk-A-Thon pledge sheets will be available Monday, May 21st. Please check backpacks for forms!

“Prayer is Faith Passing into Action”
Each Wednesday morning interested St. Mary parents, grandparents and guardians are invited to meet in guided prayer for the requests and concerns of our students, teachers and staff. We gather in the cafeteria at 8:15a.m.
~Elaine Pearson

A New Development After five years in the planning stage, a Teen Center is coming to Brookline Village and it’s to be located on Aspinwall St., just a block away from St. Marys. The center, which is to serve grades 7-12 students who attend school in Brookline, will offer basketball, music and dance studios as well as study areas. To follow plans for the opening of the center, please visit www.BrooklineTeenCenter.org

Brookline Food Services director Sonya Elder sends along a reminder that students enrolled in the school lunch program should begin each month with a positive $50 account balance.

Year End Accounts As the school office begins the process of finalizing 2011-2012 PK through grade 7 accounts, parents are asked to review statement balances. Families not participating in the FACTS program should have completed final tuition payments at this point. The EDP final statement for June is payable June 25th. (EDP will be available by reservation on June 19th, the last day of classes!)

NO WAY! The St. Mary School parking lot is for faculty/ staff use exclusively. Yet, some parents enter and exit the area to drop off their children by the cafeteria and on occasion, they even drive at high speed! The school handbook explicitly outlines the safety procedures for morning drop off and parents who have enrolled their children in the school acknowledge their cooperation when they sign the required handbook agreement form. As a school community we are committed to ensuring the safety of all our St. Mary children. We expect this commitment from each and every one of us.

Looking Ahead
May 17: School Mass, 12:10pm
May 18: Museum of Science, Grade 7 field trip
May 22: Museum of Science, Grades 1 and 2 field trip
May 22-24: Spring Book Fair
May 23: Trader Joes Community Helpers Unit, PK-K1 field trip
*MBTA $ due
May 24: Broadway Musical Revue, Middle School performance, 6:30pm
May 25: Noon Dismissal, Hot Lunch and EDP available
May 28: Memorial Day, No Classes

Fast Forward!
June 1: Annual Walk-A-Thon
*Noon Dismissal, Hot Lunch and EDP Available
June 4: Annual Field Day, Larz Anderson
*(Rain date: June 11th)
June 7: Grade 5 field study of Paul Revere and trip to the North End.
June 8: Spring Band Concert, 8am
June 12: Grade 8 class trip to barrier beach at Cape Poge
June 14: Grade 8 Graduation, 5pm, St. Mary’s Church
June 15: Student Operetta, 1pm, auditorium
June 19: Final Day! All School Assembly, 9:45am Dismissal, 11:00am (EDP Available by reservation only)

Progress Reports for students in grades K2- grade 8 arrive home via backpack today. Once parents have reviewed them, the reports should be signed and returned to classroom teachers by Tuesday, May 8th.

Fast Forward: St. Marys eighth graders are already looking forward to their next educational steps with acceptances at a range of area secondary schools which include Boston Latin School, Cardinal Spellman High School, Fenway School, O Bryant School of Math and Technology, St. Joseph Preparatory Academy and Walnut Hill School. Meanwhile, parents should be on the look out for information about upcoming academic and celebratory events leading up to the June 14th St. Mary School graduation.

Road Trips Great weather offers new opportunities for teachers and students to expand and enrich learning through field studies. Preschoolers are participating in a series of visits around Brookline Village this month as they learn about community helpers. In upper grades, a number of scheduled trips in the metropolitan area and beyond are linked to ongoing curriculum. Parents should be on the lookout for permission forms and particulars.

Middle school students travel by school bus to Dorchester on May 14th to hear Dr. Terrance Roberts speak. As a fifteen year old, Dr. Roberts was among a group of students, the “Little Rock Nine”, who helped to desegregate his hometown high school in Arkansas in 1957. Dr. Roberts will describe that early experience and his life long commitment to social justice. The presentation is sponsored by Facing History.

Fields, Forests and Wetlands K2 students will pack up their lunches and head for Drumlin Farm on May 14th. The classes will be on the look out for tracks and signs of animal life as a part of the Homes and Habitats program.

Fifth graders continue their in depth study of the events leading to the American Revolution with a June 7th field trip to the Paul Revere House. As part of an educational program “Paul Revere: Man Behind the Myth”, they’ll examine primary source artifacts as clues to the story behind this American patriot. Following a tour of the Revere House, they’ll visit the Old North Church and then enjoy lunch in the North End. Permission forms for the day long trip arrive via backpack next week.

St. Marys Unplugged Grades 6, 7 and 8 students are currently in rehearsal for their special May 24th event, a Broadway Musical Revue. Under the direction of middle school music teacher, Mrs. Sarah McCoy and A Capella Choir director, Miss Frances Early, the evening features scenes from The Lion King and Wicked.

Oops! Photos from our annual Family Night Dinner can be found on the website this week. However, since I inadvertently left my phone on the stage just before the performance of Miss Yelena’s singers, we are missing pictures of our choristers. Any digital contributions to our album would be greatly appreciated. ~ Mrs. J.

A Tip of the Hat goes to fifth graders Molly R. and Nicholas (Nicky) M. who are currently preparing for their roles in the upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast, a musical production sponsored by the West Roxbury Community Center Players. The show premiers this Friday, May 11th and there is a matinee on Saturday, May 12th. Tickets can be purchased at the Roche Family Community Center, 1716 Centre Street, West Roxbury or by calling 617.635.5066.

Parents’ Connection
12th Annual Spring Book Fair

Our annual spring book fair will be held the week of
May 22nd – 24th

The book fair hours are as follows:

-Tuesday, May 22, 2012 2:00pm -3:00pm

-Wednesday, May 23, 2012 7:30am – 9:30am
-Wednesday, May 23, 2012 2:00pm – 3:00pm

-Thursday, May 24, 2012 7:30am – 9:30am
-Thursday, May 24, 2012 2:30pm – 6:30pm
(For your convenience, the Book Fair is open before the musical.)

-Friday, May 25, 2012 7:30am – 9:30am

Parent volunteers will be notified shortly about Fair assignments.

ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION SCHOOL SPRING WALK-A-THON
Friday, June 1st

For the past 10 years St. Mary’s students have been asking family and friends to “sponsor” them as they walk the neighborhoods that surround our school.

A typical walk-a-thon participant asks someone to pledge a certain dollar amount per mile walked, but with the little feet of the preschoolers and the larger steps of the 8th grade, and every size in between, a per mile amount is a challenge.

Rather, we are looking for pledges for each student’s participation in the event. 100% of funds raised benefit the mission of our school and count towards families’ annual fundraising commitments. Please feel free to contact the office for updated information on your remaining fundraising fees.

As part of this year’s walk, younger students will be asked to report back on the people, places and things that they observed during their travel through the community. “Reports” might include class discussion, stories or drawings. Students in upper grades will take an environmental hike to Brookline Reservoir.

Walk-A-Thon pledge sheets will be available Monday, May 21st. Please check backpacks for forms!

“Prayer is Faith Passing into Action”
Each Wednesday morning interested St. Mary parents, grandparents and guardians are invited to meet in guided prayer for the requests and concerns of our students, teachers and staff. We gather in the cafeteria at 8:15a.m. ~Elaine Pearson

A New Development: After five years in the planning stage, a Teen Center is coming to Brookline Village and it’s to be located on Aspinwall St., just a block away from St. Marys. The center, which is to serve grades 7-12 students who attend school in Brookline, will offer basketball, music and dance studios as well as study areas. To follow plans for the opening of the center, please visit www.BrooklineTeenCenter.org

Brookline Food Services director Sonya Elder sends along a reminder that students enrolled in the school lunch program should begin each month with a positive $50 account balance.

*****

Looking Ahead
May 10: Spring Sing, Pk-K1, 10am
*Progress Reports Issued, Grades K2-8
May 14: Drumlin Farms, K2 field trip
*Middle School field trip: Facing History event
May 15: Smoke House Community Helpers Unit, Pk-K1 field trip
May 17: School Mass, 12:10pm
May 18: Museum of Science, Grade 7 field trip
May 22: Museum of Science, Grades 1 and 2 field trip
May 22-24: Spring Book Fair
May 23: Trader Joes Community Helpers Unit, PK-K1 field trip
*MBTA $ due
May 24: Broadway Musical Revue, Middle School performance, 6:30pm
May 25: Noon Dismissal, Hot Lunch and EDP available
May 28: Memorial Day, No Classes

Fast Forward!
June 1: Annual Walk-A-Thon
*Noon Dismissal, Hot Lunch and EDP Available
June 4: Annual Field Day, Larz Anderson
*(Rain date: June 11th)
June 7: Grade 5 field study of Paul Revere and trip to the North End.
June 8: Spring Band Concert, 8am
June 12: Grade 8 class trip to barrier beach at Cape Poge
June 14: Grade 8 Graduation, 5pm, St. Mary’s Church
June 15: Student Operetta, 1pm, auditorium
June 19: Final Day! All School Assembly, 9:45am Dismissal, 11:00am (EDP Available by reservation only)

Oh, What a Night! The April 26th Family Night Dinner brought our community together for a delightful meal catered by James’s Gate restaurant of Jamaica Plain, topped off by coffee contributed by Brookline Village’s Starbucks. We’re grateful for the dedicated assistance of Mrs. Evelyn Berman and her refreshment team and teachers Huong Corsini, Meghan Drielak and Emily Munson for coordinating displays of student art work.

Our evening’s entertainment was highlighted by performances of the school’s grades 3-5 chorus, led by Mrs. Yelena Gridneva, and the gospel songs of St. Mary parents Vanessa Santos and Orlando Emiliano. Mrs. Su Dong’s students, who presented an elegant Chinese traditional dance, were followed by a memorable aerobic Chinese dance team comprising members of St. Mary’s faculty and staff. What fun!

Please be on the look out for an upcoming email album of photos which captures some of the celebratory moments during our Annual Dinner.

Tomorrow, Friday, May 4th is a full day of class. Please note that Friday, May 25th will be an early dismissal day. Students will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m. Hot lunch and EDP are available.

Lifetouch Spring Photos arrived via backpack last week. Please review and choose the portraits you want to purchase by completing the order form and returning payment to your child’s classroom teacher. The cost of all five sheets is $44.00. Please return payment and any unpurchased portraits by Tuesday, May 8, 2012. Lifetouch charges for any unreturned portraits or packages.

From Our Handbook Our school uniform is a symbol of unity and school spirit. All K2-grade 8 students are expected to wear the approved St. Mary school uniform. This would include navy fleece jackets or vests, navy cardigans and navy t-shirts or sweatshirts for gym and appropriate footwear at all times. After May 1st, students may choose to wear the optional white polo shirt. Please note: With this option, students must wear the official St. Mary full length pants; shorts are not an option.

Road Trips Great weather offers new opportunities for teachers and students to expand and enrich learning through field studies. Preschoolers are participating in a series of visits around Brookline Village this month as they learn about community helpers. In upper grades, a number of scheduled trips in the metropolitan area and beyond are linked to ongoing curriculum. Parents should be on the lookout for permission forms and particulars.

Tea Is Brewing!! Grade 5 students are to debate the Revolutionary War issue of “taxation without representation” at the Old South Meeting House next Tuesday, May 8th. Parents and guests are invited to join them for a spirited presentation. Please check Friday back pack mail for chaperone sign ups and student permission forms.

As one facet of the “Good Neighbor” program, third graders visit the Frederic Law Olmstead National Site on May 9th to learn how public parks contribute to the life of a community. Students will have an opportunity to learn about the history of landscape architecture and participate in problem solving activities that draw on their science, math and language arts skills.

Middle school students travel by school bus to Dorchester on May 14th to hear Dr. Terrance Roberts speak. As a fifteen year old, Dr. Roberts was among a group of students, the “Little Rock Nine”, who helped to desegregate his hometown high school in Arkansas in 1957. Dr. Roberts will describe that early experience and his life long commitment to social justice. The presentation is sponsored by Facing History.

St. Marys Unplugged Grades 6, 7 and 8 students are currently in rehearsal for their special May 24th event, a Broadway Musical Revue. Under the direction of middle school music teacher, Mrs. Sarah McCoy and A Capella Choir director, Miss Frances Early, the evening features scenes from The Lion King and Wicked.

Need Service Hours? We need Book Fair volunteers!

Our annual spring book fair will be held the week of
May 22nd – 24th. This is a wonderful opportunity for completing service hours while helping our children
enjoy our 12th Annual Spring Book Fair.

We will need volunteers for set up and clean up and for morning and afternoon sales throughout the week of the fair. Listed on the reverse are the dates and times for volunteering:

• Tuesday, May 22, 2012 7:30am (for set up)
• Tuesday, May 22, 2012 2:00pm -3:00pm

• Wednesday, May 23, 2012 7:30am – 9:30am
• Wednesday, May 23, 2012 2:00pm – 3:00pm

• Thursday, May 24, 2012 7:30am – 9:30am
• Thursday, May 24, 2012 2:30pm – 6:30pm

(For your convenience, the Book Fair is open before the musical.)

• Friday, May 25, 2012 7:30am – 9:30am
• Friday, May 25, 2012 9:30am (pack up)

A volunteer sign up sheet is located in the office.

Parents’ Connection

“Prayer is Faith Passing into Action”

Each Wednesday morning interested St. Mary parents, grandparents and guardians are invited to meet in guided prayer for the requests and concerns of our students, teachers and staff. We gather in the cafeteria at 8:15a.m. ~Elaine Pearson

A New Development: After five years in the planning stage, a Teen Center is coming to Brookline Village and it’s to be located on Aspinwall St., just a block away from St. Marys. The center, which is to serve grades 7-12 students who attend school in Brookline, will offer basketball, music and dance studios as well as study areas. To follow plans for the opening of the center, please visit www.BrooklineTeenCenter.org

Brookline Food Services director Sonya Elder sends along a reminder that students enrolled in the school lunch program should begin each month with a positive $50 account balance.

*****

Looking Ahead
May 4: Full Day of School
May 5: First Communion, 11:00am, St. Mary’s Church
May 7: Olmsted Ranger Visit, Grade 3
May 8: Old South Church debate, Gr 5 field trip
May 9: Olmsted Center, Grade 3 field trip
May 10: Spring Sing, Pk-K1, 10am
*Progress Reports Issued, Grades K2-8
May 14: Drumlin Farms, K2 field trip
*Middle School field trip: Facing History event
May 17: School Mass, 12:10pm
May 18: Museum of Science, Grade 7 field trip
May 22: Museum of Science, Grades 1 and 2 field trip
May 22-24: Spring Book Fair
May 23: Trader Joes Community Helpers Unit, PK-K1 field trip
*MBTA $ due
May 24: Broadway Musical Revue, Middle School performance, 6:30pm
May 25: Noon Dismissal, Hot Lunch and EDP Available
May 28: Memorial Day, No Classes

Fast Forward!
June 1: Annual Walk-A-Thon
*Noon Dismissal, Hot Lunch and EDP Available
June 4: Annual Field Day, Larz Anderson
*(Rain date: June 11th)
June 8: Spring Band Concert, 8am
June 14: Grade 8 Graduation, 5pm, St. Mary’s Church
June 15: Student Operetta, 1pm, auditorium
June 19: Final Day! All School Assembly, 9:45am Dismissal, 11:00am (EDP Available by reservation only)

Tonight’s the Night

For the 8th Annual St. Mary’s Family Dinner

Catered by James’s Gate Restaurant of Jamaica Plain!

The focus of the evening will be on the accomplishments of our unique school, including its 113th year history of educational excellence and the current achievements of the children, their families, the teachers and staff that make up our close-knit community!

St. Mary’s Family Night Program

First seating (preschool – grade 1) families check in at cafeteria entrance only.

• 5:30 p.m.-6:15 p.m. Preschool through grade 1 families will enter the school by the cafeteria door and check in at the reservation table. Families will then be seated by our host/hostess and will enjoy a family style pasta dinner served to individual tables.
• 6:15 p.m.-6:45 p.m. All families will gather in the school auditorium where they will be treated to special entertainment (including a performance by the Big Sing chorus) and have the opportunity to view art student.

Second seating (grades 2-8) families check in at front door entrance only.

• After the entertainment, first seating families will enjoy coffee and dessert in the front hallway while second seating families will be directed to the cafeteria to enjoy their dinner, followed by dessert and coffee.

Taking the Stage!

Tonight’s Family Night Dinner brings together the talented contributions of students, parents, faculty and staff. Everyone’s invited to join us in the auditorium from 6:15-6:45pm this evening when our St. Mary chorus presents three numbers from the recent Big Sing celebration, then St. Mary parents Vanessa Santos and Orlando Emiliano will share two selections of gospel music. The entertainment culminates with a presentation by 3rd and 4th graders of traditional Chinese dance lead by long time staff member Mrs. Su Dong. Miss Su has also inspired some mystery guests to join her in a delightful rendition of Chinese aerobic dance. Can you guess which talented faculty and staff will take the stage?

Lifetouch Spring Photos arrive via backpack. Please review and choose the portraits you want to purchase by completing the order form (available in the office) and returning payment to your child’s classroom teacher. The cost of all five sheets is $44.00. Please return payment and any unpurchased portraits by Thursday, May 3rd. Lifetouch charges for any unreturned portraits or packages.

Road Trips Great weather offers new opportunities for teachers and students to expand and enrich learning through field studies. Preschoolers are to begin a series of visits around Brookline Village this month as they learn about community helpers. In upper grades, a number of scheduled trips in the metropolitan area
and beyond are linked to ongoing curriculum. Parents should be on the lookout for permission forms and particulars.

Tea Is Brewing!! Grade 5 students are to debate the Revolutionary War issue of “taxation without representation” at the Old South Meeting House next Tuesday, May 8th. Parents and guests are invited to join them for a spirited presentation. Please check Friday back pack mail for chaperon sign ups and student permission forms.

Parents’ Connection

Our annual spring book fair will be held the week of May 22nd – 24th. This is a wonderful opportunity for completing service hours while helping our children enjoy the 12th “Annual Spring Book Fair”

During the week we’ll need volunteers for set up and clean up and for morning and afternoon book sales. Look for signups in next week’s Update.

“Prayer is Faith Passing into Action”

Each Wednesday morning interested St. Mary parents, grandparents and guardians are invited to meet in guided prayer for the requests and concerns of our students, teachers and staff. We gather in the cafeteria at 8:15a.m. ~Elaine Pearson

By Popular Demand! We’re delighted to learn that karate instructor, Sensei Jesse, has time in his spring schedule to teach two after school programs on Mondays beginning April 23rd. Kempo Karate sessions take place 3:30-4:30pm for K2-grade 2 students and 4:30-5:30pm for students in grades 3-6. For details regarding this six week program, please contact the office.

St. Marys Unplugged Grades 6, 7 and 8 students are currently in rehearsal for their special May 24th event, a Broadway Musical Revue. Under the direction of middle school music teacher, Mrs. Sarah McCoy and A Capella Choir director, Miss Frances Early, the evening features scenes from The Lion King and Wicked.

A New Development: After five years in the planning stage, a Teen Center is coming to Brookline Village and it’s to be located on Aspinwall St., just a block away from St. Marys. The center, which is to serve grades 7-12 students who attend school in Brookline, will offer basketball, music and dance studios as well as study areas. To follow plans for the opening of the center, please visit www.BrooklineTeenCenter.org

Brookline Food Services director Sonya Elder sends along a reminder that students enrolled in the school lunch program should begin each month with a positive $50 account balance.

Lights, Camera, Action! St. Mary second and third graders will be featured in two upcoming segments of the PBS science series, Curious George. Filming for the production took place in our classrooms and once the school is notified of program scheduling, we’ll convey the news via the Update. Please stay tuned.

*****

Looking Ahead
April 26: 8th Annual Family Night Dinner
May 1: Paul Effman, Make Up Lesson, Grades 3-8
May 2: First Communion Practice, 3 p.m. upper Church
May 4: Full Day of School
May 5: First Communion, 11:00am, St. Mary’s Church
May 7: Olmsted Ranger Visit, Grade 3
May 8: Old South Church debate, Gr 5 field trip
May 9: Olmsted Center, Grade 3 field trip
May 10: Spring Sing, Pk-K1, 10am
*Progress Reports Issued, Grades K2-8
May 14: Drumlin Farms, K2 field trip
May 17: School Mass, 12:10pm
May 22-24: Spring Book Fair
May 23: Trader Joes Community Helpers Unit, PK-K1 field trip
*MBTA $ due
May 24: Broadway Musical Revue, Middle School performance, 6:30pm
May 25: Noon Dismissal, Hot Lunch and EDP available
May 28: Memorial Day, No Classes
June 1: Annual Walk-A-Thon

The St. Mary School Bullying Prevention Policy

St. Marys Follows the Bullying Prevention Policy of the Archdiocese of Boston.

“Bullying” is the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal, or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at a Target that:

• causes physical or emotional harm to the Target or damage to the Target’s property;
• places the Target in reasonable fear of harm to him/herself, or of damage to his/her property;
• creates a Hostile Environment at School for the Target;
• infringes on the rights of the Target at the school; or
• materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of the school.

By way of example only, Bullying may involve, but is not limited to:

• unwanted teasing
• threatening
• intimidating
• stalking
• Cyber-Stalking
• physical violence
• theft
• sexual, religious, racial or any other type of harassment
• public humiliation
• destruction of school or personal property
• social exclusion, including incitement and/or coercion
• rumor or spreading of falsehoods

“Cyber-Bullying” means Bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a:

• wire
• radio
• electromagnetics
• photo-electronic or photo-optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, internet communications, instant messages or facsimile communications.

Cyberbullying: Also includes impersonating another person.

Common Language
At St. Marys, these discussions about bullying are rooted in our core values of Reverence, Respect and Responsibility and reinforced through Facing History and Ourselves curricula. Actors from the Power One visited the school recently to help dramatize and to provide concrete discussions about bullying issues and the power of one student to make a positive difference. We have used these sources to provide a common language for students as we promote understanding in the discussion and prevention of bullying.

Bullying happens when there is an imbalance of power: bullying causes physical or emotional harm to others. Bullying is hurtful, purposeful and it is repeated.

Aggressor: the persons or person who bullies others.

Target(s): the person or persons who are being bullied.

Upstander: An upstander is the student who makes a powerful choice to say “no” to bullying. The upstander reports bullying, not to get the aggressor in trouble, but to get help for the target(s) of bullying by reporting to an adult at school.

Bystander: A bystander makes the choice to ignore bullying and does not get involved, does not get help. A bystander becomes part of the problem.

Dilemma Moment: A dilemma moment happens when a student has the power to choose from two different paths; he or she chooses to ignore a bullying situation or to stand up for what’s right by getting help for the target(s) of bullying.

ST. MARY BULLYING PREVENTION PLAN
Regarding any form of bullying, St. Mary students are responsible for their actions at school, during school related events and in the wider community.

A student who witnesses or is aware of a bullying situation must report the incident to a responsible adult. At school this would be a teacher or assistant teacher, staff member or the principal. All St Mary faculty and staff are required to report bullying to the principal. An investigation, conducted by the principal, then takes place and includes the students involved, parents or guardians and in certain instances, outside community resources. Depending on circumstances, the consequence of bullying may result in suspension or dismissal from school.*

*It should be noted that anyone falsely accusing another of bullying is subject to discipline as well.

The Triduum: Three Holy Days This week we enter into the sacred Triduum, the holiest days of the year. The Triduum begins on the evening of Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. It continues on Good Friday with the celebration of the Lord’s Passion as we remember Christ’s sacrifice for us. On the night of Holy Saturday, we celebrate the great Easter Vigil, and on Easter Sunday, Christ’s Resurrection.

Family and Friends are invited to join us for Stations of the Cross, lead by the fourth grade students. We gather in the auditorium at 2pm, Thursday, April 5th.

Good Friday school is not in session tomorrow Friday, April 6th in commemoration of the Lord’s Passion.

Parent Connection
Soccer Update:

Hi Guys, Last week’s soccer clinic turned out great and fun seemed to be had by all. In my initial email I noted a second soccer clinic for 4/7 at 3pm. Sorry for the late change notice, but due to the Holiday weekend we have rescheduled this to 4/15 at 3pm at Lars Anderson Park. Once again, this is open to all St Mary’s 3rd and 4th graders. You do not need to be signed up for our Brookline Recreation team to attend. For those who are playing on the Brookline recreation team, “Caribous”, our first practice will be Friday 4/20
at 6pm. We have not received our practice field assignment yet, so I will email this detail when it becomes available. The games will be on Saturdays with starting times varying from 8am to 2pm. The games will be held at the Lawrence School field and our first game will be 4/21 at 11am. Looking forward to seeing everybody again next week. Have a great weekend and Happy Easter!

Best,
Steve

“Prayer is Faith Passing into Action”
Each Wednesday morning interested St. Mary parents, grandparents and guardians are invited to meet in guided prayer for the requests and concerns of our students, teachers and staff. We gather in the cafeteria at 8:15a.m. ~Elaine Pearson

By Popular Demand! We’re delighted to learn that karate instructor, Sensei Jesse, has time in his spring schedule to teach two after school programs on Mondays beginning April 23rd. Kempo Karate sessions take place 3:30-4:30pm for K2-grade 2 students and 4:30-5:30pm for students in grades 3-6. For details regarding this six week program, please contact the office.

Got Reservations?

For the 8th Annual St. Mary’s Family Dinner on Thursday, April 26th

Catered by James’s Gate Restaurant of Jamaica Plain!

The focus of the evening will be on the accomplishments of our unique school, including its 113 year history of educational excellence and the current achievements of the children, their families, the teachers and staff that make up our close-knit community!

St. Mary’s Family Night Program

1st Serving
Preschool – Grade 1 Families
5:30-6:15pm: Pasta Dinner, Cafeteria
6:15-6:45pm: Special Musical Performance by School Chorus – and more! Dessert and Coffee

2nd Serving
Grades 2-8 Families
6:45-7:30pm: Pasta Dinner, Cafeteria. Dessert and Coffee

Service Hours, Perhaps? This week’s mail includes a request for volunteers to help orchestrate our Family Night Dinner. It’s a great opportunity to earn school service hours and our everlasting gratitude!

St. Marys Unplugged Grades 6, 7 and 8 students are currently in rehearsal for their special May 24th event, a Broadway Musical Review. Under the direction of middle school music teacher, Mrs. Sarah McCoy and A Capella Choir director, Miss Frances Early, the evening features scenes from The Lion King and Wicked. Middle school parents should check today’s backpack mail for news regarding practice schedules and costume plans.

A New Development: After five years in the planning stage, a Teen Center is coming to Brookline Village and it’s to be located on Aspinwall St., just a block away from St. Marys. The center, which is to serve grades 7-12 students who attend school in Brookline, will offer basketball, music and dance studios as well as study areas. To follow plans for the opening of the center, please visit www.BrooklineTeenCenter.org

Brookline Food Services director Sonya Elder sends along a reminder that students enrolled in the school lunch program should begin each month with a positive $50 account balance. Please check today’s backpacks for your child’s billing statement.

TO MUSIC! Our congratulations go to Ms. Yelena and her grades 3-5 chorus for their extraordinary work in preparation for the Big Sing East, an event sponsored by the Massachusetts American Choral Directors Association.

The student’s presentation included works by Schubert, (An die Musik), Gummesson, (All Singing Together) and
Ms. Yelena’s arrangement of Dona Nobis Pacem.

We offer a “Tip of the Hat” to: Betanya A., Uzoma A., Luke A., Nell A., Ina B., Tim B., Darragh B., Jack C., Mateo D., Kallea DeP., Beamlak E., Nikita FA., Isabel G., Nathaniel H., Olivia M., Nicholas M., Sebastian M., Isabella M., Nate M., Alyssa M., Kathleen O., Sofia P., Shanel P., Perrin P., Sabryna R., Simon R., Molly R., Devin R., Angelise S., Allen S., Sofia S., Camille S., Amy S., Edward S., Andrew S., Anna S., Kessiah S., Tegan T., Andre W., Arthur W and Angie W.

In recognition of hard work, chorus members who participated that evening are offered a special “no uniform” day on Monday, April 9th.

April Opportunity: As the annual school calendar indicates, there are three no school days in April so that
our faculty can participate in professional workshops sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association. This year the annual conference takes place in Boston from April 11-13th with all teachers and administrators in attendance. We recognize that this block of time may present a dilemma for working parents who may need to arrange childcare. Based on the interest, St. Mary’s is happy to offer a special Extended Day Program during this time. Our three day sessions will run from 8am- 4pm and will be led by EDP coordinator Mrs. Huong Corsini and staffed by Mrs. Evelyn Berman and our instructional assistants and aids. Program offerings include a full early childhood curriculum for PK-K2 and a variety of planned activities for students in grades 1-8: chess lessons, cooking, art, music, drama, table tennis, gardening and bicycle safety. Program info is available in the office.

From Time to Time: We publish the Archdiocesan Policy on Bullying; this week’s on line version can be found at www.stmarys-brookline.org  just click on Update.

Lights, Camera, Action! St. Mary second and third graders will be featured in two upcoming segments of the PBS science series, Curious George. Filming for the production took place in our classrooms and once the school is notified of program scheduling, we’ll convey the news via the Update. Please stay tuned.

Spring Break With Eco-Explorers Brookline Recreation Department invites students to celebrate Earth Day with a week full of science and nature activities during April vacation. Children learn the principles of earth science, chemistry, biology, and physics by participating in earth, wind, water, and climate activities. They will travel to different parks and sanctuaries in Brookline to learn about the science behind our environment. Please visit www.townofbrookline.com/recreation for details.
Ages: 5-8

*****

Looking Ahead
April 5: Easter Triduum
April 6: Good Friday, Classes not in session
April 8: Easter Sunday
April 10: Museum of Science, Field Trip, Gr. 6
April 11-13: NCEA 2012 Convention (Classes not in session)
April 16-20: Spring Break (Classes not in session)
April 24: School Mass, 12:10pm
*MBTA $ due for May
April 25: Franklin Park Zoo, Field Trip, PK-K1
April 26: 8th Annual Family Night Dinner

Report Cards Report Cards for grades K2 – 8 are to be sent home tomorrow, Friday, March 23rd via backpack. After reviewing students’ progress we ask parents to sign and return to school by Wednesday, March 28th.

Musical Note Our congratulations to St. Mary students who participated in the 2012 Massachusetts Catholic School Honor Band Concert Sunday, March 18th in Melrose: Nell A., Ina B., Adonay B., Orit B., Darragh B., Jack C., Elizabeth D., Stephanie G., Caila K., Marcel L., Olivia M., Nicholas M., Iain M., Emma P., Perrin P., Diego R., Simon R., Molly R., Miguel S., Jeremy S., and Benjamin W.

The Big Sing The 5th Annual Urban Children’s Choir Festival takes place Tuesday, March 27th. The festival, also known as the “Big Sing,” is sponsored by the New England Conservatory, Kodály Music Institute and the American Choral Director’s Association. Families and friends are warmly invited to join the school for this event which takes place at 6:30p.m. at St. Cecilia’s Church, 18 Belvidere Street, Boston.

Lights, Camera, Action! St. Mary second and third graders will be featured in two upcoming segments of the PBS science series, Curious George. Filming for the production took place in our classrooms and once the school is notified of program scheduling, we’ll convey the news via the Update. Please stay tuned.

What Happens in Lent? Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, marked the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is a journey of faith. During the time from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday we take special care to follow God’s will for our lives. It is a time of reconciliation as we ask Gods’ forgiveness and seek to follow Jesus Christ in all things. It is a time to move forward toward the light of Easter and the light of Christ in our lives.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… you shall love your neighbor as yourself.
‘Mark 12:30-31’

Life Touch Spring Photos Spring photos will be taking individual school portraits at school on Friday, March 30th. A flier regarding spring pictures will be distributed early next week. Parents are advised to complete the order form by indicating the preferred pose for their children and returning the form to school on that Friday. All students will have a no-uniform day on the 30th. The attire for the day is spring best! (no jeans please!)

Stanford Standardized Testing Standardized testing for students in grades 2-8 concludes Friday morning, March 23rd. These assessment tests provide information about individual student performance based on national percentiles. This is a different series of tests from MCAS which are administrated only to public school students on a statewide basis. At St. Mary’s we use the information to analyze areas of academic strengths and weaknesses. The Stanford standardized tests are also an important planning tool that will help us identify the skills that we want our students to accomplish. Parents are encouraged to send along extra snacks during the week. Making sure that children have a good night’s rest, a healthy breakfast and are on time for school are helpful ways to prepare for standardized testing.

LAST CALL! 2012-2013 Scholarship Information for families of K2 through grade 8 students who intend to apply for financial aid is available in the office. We can accept applications at this time; parents should be aware that the final deadline is March 30th.

The verification process should be completed by May 2nd. Families who prefer to use an online application may go forward with the process at anytime at www.factstuitionaid.com

Should you need any assistance with the application process, please contact the school office. We’d be delighted to help!

April Opportunity: As our annual school calendar indicates, there are three no school days in April so that
our faculty can participate in professional workshops sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association. This year the annual conference takes place in Boston from April 11-13th with all teachers and administrators in attendance. We recognize that this block of time may present a dilemma for working parents who may need to arrange childcare. Based on the interest, St. Mary’s is happy to offer a special Extended Day Program during this time. Our three day sessions will run from 8am- 4pm and will be led by EDP coordinator Mrs. Huong Corsini and staffed by Mrs. Evelyn Berman and our instructional assistants and aids. Program offerings include a full early childhood curriculum for PK-K2 and a variety of planned activities for students in grades 1-8: chess lessons, cooking, art, music, drama, table tennis, gardening and bicycle safety.

There will also be opportunities for students in all groups to visit the library and take other excursions in Brookline Village.

Program costs are similar to extended day rates:

• Full Day Program (8am – 4pm) $45 per day
• Regular School Day Hours (8am – 2:30pm) $35 per day
• Four Hour Program (8am–Noon or Noon–4pm) $25 per day.

A $20 registration charge is credited toward each child’s billing statement for days in attendance. For planning purposes, the registration fee and sign up form must be submitted by Monday, March 26th.
Spring Break With Eco-Explorers Brookline Recreation Department invites students to celebrate Earth Day with a week full of science and nature activities during April vacation. Children learn the principles of earth science, chemistry, biology, and physics by participating in earth, wind, water, and climate activities. They will travel to different parks and sanctuaries in Brookline to learn about the science behind our environment. Please visit www.townofbrookline.com/recreation for details.
Ages: 5-8

“Prayer is Faith Passing into Action”

Each Wednesday morning interested St. Mary parents, grandparents and guardians are invited to meet in guided prayer for the requests and concerns of our students, teachers and staff. We gather in the cafeteria at 8:15a.m. ~Elaine Pearson

Parents’ Connection
Around Town Soccer Sign up for coed grade 2-8 and girls grade 3-8 teams begins April 21st. The early enrollment fee is $65 for the ten week session.

Both coed and all girls Brookline youth soccer leagues are open to all, regardless of previous soccer experience.

Players are assigned to play on one team throughout the nine-week season and play a different opponent team each Saturday. Besides the Saturday hourly game, each team usually has one evening team practice session per week, depending upon coach availability. Most teams have two parent volunteer coaches/team managers leading the team. Space is limited in these soccer leagues so sign up early at www.brooklinerec.com

*******

Girls Softball Grades: 2-8
Fee (Res): $65 on or before March 11, $75 on or after March 12 Reg Date
Location: Larz Anderson Park and Cypress Field

The Brookline Recreation Department is offering an eight week youth softball program for Brookline girls in grades 2 through 8. There will be three divisions which will meet on both Wednesdays.

*******

Spring Lacrosse Opportunities: Lacrosse Grade 1-8
Fee (Res): $125 on or before Mar 11, $135 on or after Mar 12 Reg Date.
In Brookline Youth Lacrosse children experience two evening training sessions per week at a Brookline field as well as a game on Sundays against a Mass Bay Youth Lacrosse league team. Equipment is a separate purchase; participants need to provide their own lacrosse stick, facemask, and mouthguard. For more information please visit www.brooklineyouthlacrosse.org.

*****

Looking Ahead
March 19-March 23: Standardized Testing Week, Gr. 2-8
March 23: Report cards issued, grades K2-8
March 27: Big Sing East, School Chorus to St. Cecilia, 6:30pm
March 30: LifeTouch Spring Photos

Further Ahead
April 2: Brookline Department of Public Health, Hand Washing Puppet Show, PK-K1
April 4: NSTAR Energy Conservation Program
April 5: Easter Triduum
April 6: Good Friday, Classes not in session
April 8: Easter Sunday
April 10: Museum of Science, Field Trip, Gr. 6
April 11-13: NCEA 2012 Convention (Classes not in session)
April 16-20: Spring Break (Classes not in session)
April 24: School Mass, 12:10pm
*MBTA $ due for May
April 25: Franklin Park Zoo, Field Trip, PK-K1
April 26: 8th Annual Family Night Dinner

What Happens in Lent? Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, marked the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is a journey of faith. During the time from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday we take special care to follow God’s will for our lives. It is a time of reconciliation as we ask Gods’ forgiveness and seek to follow Jesus Christ in all things. It is a time to move forward toward the light of Easter and the light of Christ in our lives.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… you shall love your neighbor as yourself.
‘Mark 12:30-31’

Grand Finale! The St. Mary coed basketball teams celebrate the conclusion of their amazing season
on Saturday, March 17th at Mt. St. Joseph Academy, the venue for this year’s “home” games. The afternoon’s festivities feature a variety of match ups between parents and students. With the following schedule in mind, the occasion promises to be a “photo op” not to be missed!

Ram Rao has forwarded the following schedule:

• 1:30 to 2:00 – 1st & 2nd Graders vs. their parents
• 2:15 to 2:45 – 3rd & 4th Graders vs. their parents
• 3:00 to 3:30 – pizza & ice cream
• 3:30 to 4:00 – medals
• 4:15 to 4:45 – 5th & 6th Graders vs. their parents
• 5:00 to 5:30 – parents vs. parents game
• 5:30 to 6:00 – clean up

Each of the games will consist of two 15-minute halves with five minute periods for rotations.

We will have any available 6th graders to help out as refs for the other games. Would greatly appreciate it if parents of 3rd through 6th graders could help keep the kids occupied during the time between their games and the parents game.

PLEASE RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND AND WHETHER YOU PLAN TO PLAY IN ANY OF THE GAMES!

Thanks for all of your support throughout the season.

Let’s have some fun! Ram Rao

Stanford Standardized Testing Stanford Standardized Testing for students in grades 2-8 takes place next week, March 19th-23rd. These assessment tests provide information about individual student performance based on national percentiles. This is a different series of tests from MCAS which are administrated only to public school students on a statewide basis. At St. Mary’s we use the information to analyze areas of academic strengths and weaknesses. The Stanford standardized tests are also an important planning tool that will help us identify the skills that we want our students to accomplish. Parents are encouraged to send along extra snacks during the week. Making sure that children have a good night’s rest, a healthy breakfast and are on time for school are helpful ways to prepare for standardized testing.

Lights, Camera, Action! St. Mary second and third graders will be featured in two upcoming segments of the PBS science series, Curious George. Filming for the production took place in our classrooms this week and once the school is notified of program scheduling, we’ll convey the news via the Update. Stay tuned!

A Tip of the Hat …goes to fifth through eighth grade celebrants who participated in Pi Day activities on March 14th. Throughout the morning students used their estimating, measuring, and calculating skills as they explored the concept of pi, the world’s most mysterious number. We offer congratulations to top grade level contestants who memorized the digits of : JP, grade 8, Amanda, grade 7, Perrin, grade 5 and first place winner, 6th grader John L. who got up to 132! A round of applause also goes to top entries in the “pi” baking contest: Angelica, grade 7, along with Emma, and Ina in sixth grade. A Special thanks belongs to middle school math teacher, Mrs. Susanne Heidt, who coordinated the event.

The Big Sing The 5th Annual Urban Children’s Choir Festival takes place Tuesday, March 27th from 6:30 -8p.m. at Saint Cecilia Parish in Boston. The festival, also known as the “Big Sing,” is sponsored by the New England Conservatory, Kodály Music Institute and the American Choral Director’s Association. Music teachers, Mrs. Yelena Gridneva and accompanist Mrs. Sarah McCoy, are delighted that our school chorus has an opportunity to participate and will forward permission forms and particulars shortly.

2012-2013 Scholarship Information Scholarship information for families of K2 through grade 8 students who intend to apply for financial aid is available in the office. We can accept applications at this time; parents should be aware that the final deadline is March 30th.

The verification process should be completed by May 2nd. Families who prefer to use an online application may go forward with the process at anytime at www.factstuitionaid.com

Should you need any assistance with the application process, please contact the school office. We’d be delighted to help!

Life Touch Spring Photos will be taking individual school portraits at school on Friday, March 30th. A flier regarding spring pictures will be distributed early next week. Parents are advised to complete the order form by indicating the preferred pose for their children and returning the form to school on that Friday. All students will have a no-uniform day on the 30th. The attire for the day is spring best!

April Opportunity: As our annual school calendar indicates, there are three no school days in April so that
our faculty can participate in professional workshops sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association. This year the annual conference takes place in Boston from April 11-13th with all teachers and administrators in attendance. We recognize that this block of time may present a dilemma for working parents who may need to arrange childcare. Based on the interest, St. Mary’s is happy to offer a special Extended Day Program during this time. Our three day sessions will run from 8am- 4pm and will be led by EDP coordinator Mrs. Huong Corsini and staffed by Mrs. Evelyn Berman and our instructional assistants and aids. Program offerings include a full early childhood curriculum for PK-K2 and a variety of planned activities for students in grades 1-8: chess lessons, cooking, art, music, drama, table tennis, gardening and bicycle safety.

There will also be opportunities for students in all groups to visit the library and take other excursions in Brookline Village.

Program costs are similar to extended day rates:

• Full Day Program (8am – 4pm) $45 per day
• Regular School Day Hours (8am – 2:30pm) $35 per day
• Four Hour Program (8am–Noon or Noon–4pm) $25 per day.

A $20 registration charge is credited toward each child’s billing statement for days in attendance. For planning purposes, the registration fee and sign up form must be submitted by Monday, March 26th.

Spring Break With Eco-Explorers Brookline Recreation Department invites students to celebrate Earth Day with a week full of science and nature activities during April vacation. Children learn the principles of earth science, chemistry, biology, and physics by participating in earth, wind, water, and climate activities. They will travel to different parks and sanctuaries in Brookline to learn about the science behind our environment. Please visit www.townofbrookline.com/recreation for details.
Ages: 5-8

“Prayer is Faith Passing into Action”
Each Wednesday morning interested St. Mary parents, grandparents and guardians are invited to meet in guided prayer for the requests and concerns of our students, teachers and staff. We gather in the cafeteria at 8:15a.m. ~Elaine Pearson

Parents’ Connection
Around Town Soccer Sign up for coed grade 2-8 and girls grade 3-8 teams begins April 21st. The early enrollment fee is $65 for the ten week session.

Both coed and all girls Brookline youth soccer leagues are open to all, regardless of previous soccer experience.

Players are assigned to play on one team throughout the nine-week season and play a different opponent team each Saturday. Besides the Saturday hourly game, each team usually has one evening team practice session per week, depending upon coach availability. Most teams have two parent volunteer coaches/team managers leading the team. Space is limited in these soccer leagues so sign up early at www.brooklinerec.com

*******

Girls Softball Grades: 2-8
Fee (Res): $65 on or before March 11, $75 on or after March 12 Reg Date
Location: Larz Anderson Park and Cypress Field

The Brookline Recreation Department is offering an eight week youth softball program for Brookline girls in grades 2 through 8. There will be three divisions which will meet on both Wednesdays.

*******

Spring Lacrosse Opportunities: Lacrosse Grade 1-8
Fee (Res): $125 on or before Mar 11, $135 on or after Mar 12 Reg Date.
In Brookline Youth Lacrosse children experience two evening training sessions per week at a Brookline field as well as a game on Sundays against a Mass Bay Youth Lacrosse league team. Equipment is a separate purchase; participants need to provide their own lacrosse stick, facemask, and mouthguard. For more information please visit www.brooklineyouthlacrosse.org.

*****

Looking Ahead
March 16: Honor Band Practice, 4:30-7:00p.m., School cafeteria
March 17: Honor Band Practice, 9:00-12:00p.m., School cafeteria
*St. Mary Basketball Teams Wrap-up Celebration, 1-5p.m. at MSJA
March 19-March 23: Standardized Testing Week, Gr. 2-8
March 23: Report cards issued, grades K2-8
March 27: Big Sing East, School Chorus to St. Cecilia, 6:30pm
March 30: LifeTouch Spring Photos

What Happens in Lent? Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, marked the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is a journey of faith. During the time from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday we take special care to follow God’s will for our lives. It is a time of reconciliation as we ask Gods’ forgiveness and seek to follow Jesus Christ in all things. It is a time to move forward toward the light of Easter and the light of Christ in our lives.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… you shall love your neighbor as yourself.
‘Mark 12:30-31’

Musical Notes Field trip permission forms for the March 15th trip to Symphony Hall accompany today’s mail. Grades 4-8 students should return signed forms to classroom teachers no later than Monday, the 12th. This year’s concert “The Beat Goes On: A Musical Look at Perseverance, Pace and Pulse in Music”, offers a wide ranging program of selections from the works of Tchaikovsky and Beethoven to Sousa and John Willams.

Final Two St. Marys coed basketball teams wrap up their season with back to back games this season. Our athletes play an away game this Saturday afternoon at Mount Alvernia School, 20 Manet Road, Chestnut Hill; and host St. Theresa School this Sunday at Mt. St. Joseph Academy. Game times are as follows:

Saturday, March 10th:

• Gr. 1 & 2 @ 12:00 PM
• Gr. 3 & 4 @ 1:15 PM
• Gr. 5 & 6 @ 2:30 PM

Sunday, March 11th:

• Gr. 1 & 2 @ 1:30 PM
• Gr. 3 & 4 @ 2:45 PM
• Gr. 5 & 6 @ 4:00 PM

A Timely Reminder Daylight Savings begins this Sunday, March 11th. As you turn the clock ahead an hour, we ask you to consider this reminder from our school handbook: The school day begins at 8:00am. Students who arrive after that time are late. Tardiness puts a student at a disadvantage when he/she misses important organizational and instructional time.

Pi Day How is Pi the world’s most mysterious number? Students in grades 5-8 will explore this question when they gather on March 14th to engage in an afternoon of activities that result in some intriguing mathematical discoveries. Stay tuned for news of their findings!

2012-2013 Scholarship Information Scholarship Information for families of K2 through grade 8 students who intend to apply for financial aid is available in the office. We can accept applications at this time; parents should be aware that the final deadline is March 30th.

The verification process should be completed by May 2nd. Families who prefer to use an online application may go forward with the process at anytime at www.factstuitionaid.com.

Should you need any assistance with the application process, please contact the school office. We’d be delighted to help!

April Opportunity As our annual school calendar indicates, there are three no school days in April so that
our faculty can participate in professional workshops sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association. This year the annual conference takes place in Boston from April 11-13th with all teachers and administrators in attendance. We recognize that this block of time may present a dilemma for working parents who may need to arrange childcare. Based on the interest, St. Mary’s is happy to offer a special Extended Day Program during this time. Our three day sessions will run from 8am- 4pm and will be led by EDP coordinator Mrs. Huong Corsini and staffed by Mrs. Evelyn Berman and our instructional assistants and aids. Program offerings include a full early childhood curriculum for PK-K2 and a variety of planned activities for students in grades 1-8: chess lessons, cooking, art, music, drama, table tennis, gardening and bicycle safety. There will also be opportunities for students in all groups to visit the library and take other excursions in Brookline Village.

Program costs are similar to extended day rates:

• Full Day Program (8am – 4pm) $45 per day
• Regular School Day Hours (8am – 2:30pm) $35 per day
• Four Hour Program (8am–Noon or Noon–4pm) $25 per day

A $20 registration charge is credited toward each child’s billing statement for days in attendance. For planning purposes, the registration fee and sign up form must be submitted by Monday, March 26th. Please see today’s backpack mail for details.

Spring Break With Eco-Explorers Brookline Recreation Department invites students to celebrate Earth Day with a week full of science and nature activities during April vacation. Children learn the principles of earth science, chemistry, biology, and physics by participating in earth, wind, water, and climate activities. They will travel to different parks and sanctuaries in Brookline to learn about the science behind our environment. Please visit www.townofbrookline.com/recreation for details.
Ages: 5-8

Parents’ Connection
Around Town Soccer: Sign up for coed grade 2-8 and girls grade 3-8 teams begins April 21st. The early enrollment fee is $65 for the ten week session.

Both coed and all girls Brookline youth soccer leagues are open to all, regardless of previous soccer experience.

Players are assigned to play on one team throughout the nine-week season and play a different opponent team each Saturday. Besides the Saturday hourly game, each team usually has one evening team practice session per week, depending upon coach availability. Most teams have two parent volunteer coaches/team managers leading the team. Space is limited in these soccer leagues so sign up early at www.brooklinerec.com

Meanwhile…

St. Mary parent Steve Albanese has late breaking news for families of 3rd and 4th graders regarding a special option for the town’s Recreation Department soccer program. His note follows:

Hey Parents,

Luke’s Dad here. I hope all is well. 35 days until spring. Yahoo! Do you think your son our daughter is interested in playing co-ed soccer? We have a St Mary’s team in the Brookline Recreation program and would love to see as many of our 3rd and 4th graders participate as possible. I will be coaching the team along with 3rdgrade parents Angela Serig and Migen Hasanaj.
If you’re interested, please signing up at www.brooklinerec.com. You don’t need to live in Brookline to participate. Any kid who goes to a school in Brookline is eligible to play. When you sign up, enter St. Mary’s as the school, enter our team name “Caribou” and ask if you can put my name as coach. There is a $65 sign up fee, which gets you a snazzy T-shirt. The games are on Saturdays with start times varying from 9AM to 2PM. We’ll have one practice a week and the day and time has not yet been determined. Last season we practiced at 5:30PM on Fridays.
If you’re interested please try to sign up by March 1st.
I hope to see ya out on the field. Best, Steve

Girls Softball Grades: 2-8
Fee (Res): $65 on or before March 11, $75 on or after March 12 Reg Date, Location: Larz Anderson Park and Cypress Field The Brookline Recreation Department is offering an eight week youth softball program for Brookline girls in grades 2 through 8. There will be three divisions which will meet on both Wednesdays.

Spring Lacrosse Opportunities:
Lacrosse Grade 1-8
Fee (Res): $125 on or before Mar 11, $135 on or after Mar 12 Reg Date.
In Brookline Youth Lacrosse children experience two evening training sessions per week at a Brookline field as well as a game on Sundays against a Mass Bay Youth Lacrosse league team. Equipment is a separate purchase; participants need to provide their own lacrosse stick, facemask, and mouthguard. For more information please visit www.brooklineyouthlacrosse.org.

Brrrring! As part of the school’s recent vacation time rewiring project, new alarms have been installed at the exits by the preschool and primary grade exit doors. This is an additional security measure and since these areas are identified as Emergency Exits only, we ask for your attention and cooperation in following this St. Mary School safety procedure.

“Prayer is Faith Passing into Action”
Each Wednesday morning interested St. Mary parents, grandparents and guardians are invited to meet in guided prayer for the requests and concerns of our students, teachers and staff. We gather in the cafeteria at 8:15a.m. ~Elaine Pearson

*****

Looking Ahead
March 8: Honor Band Practice, 5:30-8:00p.m., School cafeteria
March 11: Daylight Savings time begins
March 13: School Mass, 12:10p.m.
*Honor Band Practice, 5:30-8:00p.m., School cafeteria
March 14: Pi π Day Celebration, grades 5-8
March 15: Boston Symphony Youth Concert, Grades 4-8 field trip
March 16: Honor Band Practice, 4:30-7:00p.m., School cafeteria
March 17: Honor Band Practice, 9:00-12:00p.m., School cafeteria
*St. Mary Basketball Teams Wrap-up celebration, 1-5p.m. at MSJA
March 19-March 23: Standardized Testing Week, Gr. 2-8
March 27: Big Sing East, School Chorus to St. Cecilia, 6:30pm
March 30: LifeTouch Spring Photos

Early Dismissal Friday, March 2nd is a noon dismissal so that teachers can attend their staff development meeting. Hot lunches and EDP are available.

At Home: St. Marys coed basketball teams host St. Columbkille School this Sunday, March 4th at Mt. St. Joseph Academy, 617 Cambridge St., Brighton. We hope you’ll join us for games that take place:

• Grades 1 & 2, 1:30 pm
• Grades 3 & 4, 2:45 pm
• Grades 5 & 6, 4:00 pm

What Happens in Lent? Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, marked the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is a journey of faith. During the time from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday we take special care to follow God’s will for our lives. It is a time of reconciliation as we ask Gods’ forgiveness and seek to follow Jesus Christ in all things. It is a time to move forward toward the light of Easter and the light of Christ in our lives.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… you shall love your neighbor as yourself.
-‘Mark 12:30-31’

Brrrring! As part of the school’s recent vacation time rewiring project, new alarms have been installed at the exits by the preschool and primary grade exit doors. This is an additional security measure and since these areas are identified as Emergency Exits only, we ask for your attention and cooperation in following this St. Mary School safety procedure.

2012-2013 Scholarship Information Scholarship information for families of K2 through grade 8 students who intend to apply for financial aid is available in the office. We can accept applications at this time; parents should be aware that the final deadline is March 30th.

The verification process should be completed by May 2nd. Families who prefer to use an online application may go forward with the process at anytime at www.factstuitionaid.com

Should you need any assistance with the application process, please contact the school office. We’d be delighted to help!

Pi Day How is Pi the world’s most mysterious number? Students in grades 5-8 will explore this question when they gather on March 11th to engage in an afternoon of activities that result in some intriguing mathematical discoveries. Stay tuned for news of their findings!

Sweet! Brookline Recreation offers its annual Maple Sugaring Day, Saturday, March 10th. Participants will explore the wooded spots of Larz Anderson, learn how to tap for syrup and enjoy some sweet samples. Please see www.townofbrookline.com recreation for registration information.

Spring Break With Eco-Explorers Brookline Recreation Department invites students to celebrate Earth Day with a week full of science and nature activities during April vacation. Children learn the principles of earth science, chemistry, biology, and physics by participating in earth, wind, water, and climate activities. They will travel to different parks and sanctuaries in Brookline to learn about the science behind our environment. Please visit www.townofbrookline.com recreation for details.
Ages: 5-8

April Opportunity: As our annual school calendar indicates, there are three no school days in April so that
our faculty can participate in professional workshops sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association. This year the annual conference takes place in Boston from April 11-13th with all teachers and administrators in attendance. We recognize that this block of time may present a dilemma for working parents who may need to arrange childcare. Based on the interest, St. Mary’s is happy to offer a special Extended Day Program during this time. Our three day sessions will run from 8am- 4pm and will be led by EDP coordinator Mrs. Huong Corsini and staffed by our instructional assistants and aids. The program schedule includes reading activities with learning specialist Mrs. Evelyn Berman and music and drama with Miss Sarah McCoy, middle school choral director .For a complete description of events, please look for a brochure which will be available in the office on March 9th.

Parents’ Connection

Around Town Soccer: Sign up for Coed Grade 2-8 and Girls Grade 3-8 teams begins April 21st. The early enrollment fee is $65 for the ten week session.

Both coed and all girls Brookline youth soccer leagues are open to all regardless of previous soccer experience. Players are assigned to play on one team throughout the nine-week season and play a different opponent team each Saturday. Besides the Saturday hourly game, each team usually has one evening team practice session per week, depending upon coach availability. Most teams have two parent volunteer coaches/team managers leading the team. Space is limited in these soccer leagues so sign up early at www.brooklinerec.com

Meanwhile…

St. Mary parent Steve Albanese wants to alert families of 3rd and 4th graders about a special option for the town’s Recreation Department soccer program. His note follows:

Hey Parents,

Luke’s Dad here. I hope all is well. 35 days until spring. Yahoo! Do you think your son our daughter is interested in playing co-ed soccer? We have a St Mary’s team in the Brookline Recreation program and would love to see as many of our 3rd and 4th graders participate as possible. I will be coaching the team along with 3rd grade parents Angela Serig and Migen Hasanaj.

If you’re interested, please signing up at www.brooklinerec.com. You don’t need to live in Brookline to participate. Any kid who goes to a school in Brookline is eligible to play. When you sign up, enter
St. Mary’s as the school, enter our team name “Caribou” and ask if you can put my name as coach. There is a $65 sign up fee, which gets you a snazzy T-shirt. The games are on Saturdays with start times varying from 9AM to 2PM. We’ll have one practice a week and the day and time has not yet been determined. Last season we practiced at 5:30PM on Fridays.

If you’re interested please try to sign up by March 1st.
I hope to see ya out on the field.

Best,

Steve

Spring Lacrosse and Soccer Opportunities:
Lacrosse Grade 1-8
Fee (Res): $125 on or before Mar 11, $135 on or after Mar 12 Reg Date.
In Brookline Youth Lacrosse children experience two evening training sessions per week at a Brookline field as well as a game on Sundays against a Mass Bay Youth Lacrosse league team. Equipment is a separate purchase; participants need to provide their own lacrosse stick, facemask, and mouthguard. For more information please visit www.brooklineyouthlacrosse.org.

Girls Softball Grades: 2-8
Fee (Res): $65 on or before March 11, $75 on or after March 12 Reg Date, Location: Larz Anderson Park and Cypress Field The Brookline Recreation Department is offering an eight week youth softball program for Brookline girls in grades 2 through 8. There will be three divisions which will meet on both Wednesdays.

“Prayer is Faith Passing into Action”

Each Wednesday morning interested St. Mary parents, grandparents and guardians are invited to meet in guided prayer for the requests and concerns of our students, teachers and staff. We gather in the cafeteria at 8:15a.m. ~Elaine Pearson

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Looking Ahead
March 5: Read Across America celebration with guests from Catholic Daughters (new date)
March 2: Noon Dismissal, EDP, Hot Lunch Available
March 7: National Read Aloud Day
March 8: Honor Band Practice, 5:30-8:00p.m., School cafeteria
March 11: Daylight Savings time begins
March 13: School Mass, 12:10p.m.
*Honor Band Practice, 5:30-8:00p.m., School cafeteria
March 14: Pi π Day Celebration, grades 5-8
March 15: Boston Symphony Youth Concert, Grades 4-8 field trip
March 16: Honor Band Practice, 4:30-7:00p.m., School cafeteria
March 17: Honor Band Practice, 9:00-12:00p.m., School cafeteria
*St. Mary Basketball Teams Wrap-up celebration, 1-5p.m. at MSJA
March 19-March 23: Standardized Testing Week, Gr. 2-8
March 27: Big Sing East, School Chorus to St. Cecilia, 6:30pm
March 30: LifeTouch Spring Photos