The events are part of the nationwide celebration of Catholic education during the week of January 31 to February 6. This year’s theme, “Catholic Schools: Dividends for Life,” underscores the commitment of schools like St. Mary’s School to offer the foundation of faith, knowledge, morals and discipline that prepares students for successful lives.

All Community members are invited to join St. Mary’s Students at the Catholic School’s Week “kick-off” Mass on Saturday, January 30th, 4:00 pm St. Mary’s Church. Students will take part in all parts of the Mass celebration . Join the School for a Cracker and Cheese reception following Mass . Enrollment information will be available at the reception.

St. Mary’s School will hold an open house on Tuesday, February 2nd from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm for prospective students, their families and community residents. The school will offer two presentations for the community, “Is Your Child Ready for Preschool” at 6:15 pm and “Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten” at 7:00 pm. Anyone interested in these sessions is invited to attend. The presentations are appropriate for families with children from Birth to age 6. Tours for Kindergarten through Grade 5 run every Tuesday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and Preschool tours run every Thursday between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm.

During the week, students will donate dollars to dress down. The funds raised will go to Catholic Charities for their Haiti relief effort. Students will also compete in the St. Mary’s Triathlon challenge, one of the school’s major fundraisers. Students work to grow in the areas of Fit Mind, Body and Spirit. Some of the challenges include healthy eating, praying, “unplugging”, partaking in random acts of kindness, making Valentines for organizations in the community, like the Children’s Hospital and Nursing Home and extra academic and physical activities.

Many fun and exciting events will take place during the week, including a Parent and Volunteer appreciation breakfast, a Faculty and Staff appreciation lunch, a Student appreciation lunch and a Radio Disney event.

St. Mary’s School will complete the Catholic Schools Week Celebration at Barnes and Noble in Wilton on Saturday, February 6th between 11:00 and 3:00. Please stop by during that time, meet the principal and students and see student work on display. Enrollment information will also be available. A percentage of Barnes and Noble sales on February 6th will benefit St. Mary’s School. That evening families will gather at the Tree Paad in Malta for an evening of fun and community.

Catholic Schools Week is a joint project of the National Catholic Education Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

St. Mary’s School serves students in grades Preschool through Five and offers a Full-day Pre-k and Kindergarten program. The School offers excellent academics, certified teachers, traditional values and a small school environment. St. Mary’s School is accredited by Middle States Commission on Elementary School. Curriculum meets or exceeds NYS Standards. For more information call 518-885-7300, email development@smsbspa.org or visit http://www.smsbspa.org