March 30, 2012

Dear St. Mary School Families,

     This Sunday, Palm Sunday, begins our Holy Week celebration. During this week we mark the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem; the institution of the Eucharist; and, the arrest, trial, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus Christ.   We know the end of the story – On the third day, Jesus rose from the grave. Jesus did this for us because we are loved – unconditionally and completely. Jesus had heard the voice of the Father telling him, “You are my beloved Son. On you my favor rests.” That voice made it possible for Jesus to walk in the world, to live in truth, and also to suffer. He knew who he was, he claimed it, and he lived from it. People ruined his life, rejected him, hurt him, spat on him, and finally killed him on the cross, but he never lost the truth. He lived his pain as well as his joy under the blessing of the Father. And later he said, “As the Father has loved me, I love you.” Let us remember we are beloved children of God.

Testing

     We begin our annual New York State Testing Program for grades 3-5 in mid-April. The English Language Arts Test is scheduled for April 17-April 19 and the Mathematics Test is scheduled for April 25-27. The purpose of these assessments is to determine your child’s level of achievement in meeting the New York State Learning Standards. The NYS Education Department has established four levels of achievement. Students who score below the State-designated performance level will be provided with academic intervention services next year.

     Our classroom teachers have been giving students practice materials to acquaint them with the test format. You can assist your child by encouraging adequate sleep the night before each test section and providing a good breakfast prior to school. Please remind your child to give the test his/her best effort.

Spring Calendar

April 5- 13            Easter Break – No School

April 17-19           NYS ELA Testing grades 3-5

April 25-27           NYS Math Testing grades 3-5

May 4                    First Friday School Mass at 9:30 a.m. (Kindergarten class)

May 5, 12             First Communion celebrations – St. Mary’s Parish

May 10                 Academic Art Fair and Band Concert (evening – more information to follow)

May 17                 Ascension Thursday

May 23- June 1 Grade 4 Science Performance Testing Period

May 24                 Big Heart Day (more information to follow)

May 25 – 28        Memorial Day Weekend (Friday through Monday) No School

May 30                 5^th Grade Trip to NYC

June 1                   First Friday School Mass at 9:30 (Grade 2 class)

June 4                   Field Day (rain date June 6)

June 5                   NYS Science – Written section grade 4

June 14                 Fifth Grade Graduation and Mass – information to follow

June 21-22          Half Days of school  - dismissal at 11:30

June 22                 Last day of school – dismissal at 11:30

(Please note that preK classes, nursery school class and Kindergarten classes will schedule graduation/final days and teachers will notify families.)

May our God continue to bless you throughout this Holy Week and Easter Season!

Sincerely,

Michele Lezon, Principal

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