January 4, 2016

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Happy New Year! I hope that you had a wonderful holiday spending time with family and friends. It is hard to believe that it is 2016! We at SMS have many exciting things to look forward to in the next few months!

The plans for Catholic Schools Week are being finalized and will soon be posted in our on-line Communication.

Re-registration information for the 2016-2017 school year is being sent home today in your child’s communication folder. We hope to have the tuition rates finalized as soon as possible. Please return the re-registration form no later than Wednesday, February 3rd so that we can continue with our planning for the new school year.

We have received funding from the state to be used for school security purposes. This funding has allowed us to update the security camera monitor in the main office, purchase privacy curtains and rods for each classroom door and other doors throughout the building, as well as new locks and exit devices throughout the building. The safety of our faculty, staff and students is always a priority. We will continue to keep you informed of our safety updates.

I wish you a blessed 2016! Thank you again for all the treats and kind wishes for Christmas!

Sincerely,

Patricia Mancuso Principal

ST. MARY SCHOOL Re-registration form for current students ONLY

for the school year 2016-2017 Family Name ____________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________________________ Child’s Name Grade for 2016/ (CURRENT STUDENTS ONLY) 2017 school year For School Use Only ______________________________ _________ ______________________________ _________ ______________________________ _________ ______________________________ _________ Re-registration fee is $100.00 Amount Enclosed $________________ Check # ____________ Per child (NON-REFUNDABLE) *****************************************************************************************

FOR OUR ENROLLMENT PLANNING PURPOSES, PLEASE ADD ADDITIONAL NEW STUDENTS ENTERING GRADES K-8 (ONLY) INFORMATION BELOW – PLEASE DO NOT SEND REGISTRATION FEE FOR THESE STUDENTS AT THIS TIME

GRADE FIRST NAME OF STUDENT LAST NAME OF STUDENT For Office Use Only If you have an additional student/s to register for Pre-School, Kindergarten, or Grades 1st to 8th, you must come to our New Student Registration on Wednesday, February 3rd. The registration fee for new 3 and 4 year old preschool students and kindergarten thru 8th grade students will be collected at the new student registration on Wednesday, February 3rd. ***************************************************************************************** Please check: _____ I will not be registering my child/ren in SMS for the next school year. Please list the reason on the other side. Thank you! PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BUT BY WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016 AT THE LATEST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROMPT RETURN OF THIS INFORMATION.

Student 1 $____________________ Student 2 $____________________ Student 3 $____________________ Student 4 $____________________ Total $____________________

$____________ $____________

New Jersey Catholic Conference 149 North Warren Street

Trenton, New Jersey 08608 609-989-1120

Representing the Archdiocese of Newark, Diocese of Camden, Diocese of Metuchen, Diocese of Paterson, Diocese of Trenton, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic and

Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese

ISSUE: Nonpublic school transportation continues to be hampered by a number of

problems which emphasize the major difficulties that nonpublic school parents

face in attempting to get safe rides to school for their children. The major budget

issue for Governor Christie’s Fiscal Year 2017 on this topic is the failure for the

ceiling for nonpublic school transportation to be increased since 2008. An

enclosed Fact Sheet explains the issue in greater detail.

OUR

POSITION: The New Jersey Catholic Conference and the New Jersey Network of Catholic

School Supports every attempt to provide equitable transportation services for

nonpublic school pupils. The focused issue in this Alert (and in this Budget cycle

for the Governor) is the increase in the ceiling for nonpublic school transportation

from $884.00.

ACTION: Call, write, or email the office of Governor Chris Christie at the address listed

below. Parents should be encouraged to tell their stories in great detail with

regard to how their children face greater challenges in getting to school than their

neighboring public school children. We encourage group letter writing sessions in

schools and any efforts made to contact members of the Governor’s staff that you

New Jersey Catholic Conference 149 North Warren Street

Trenton, New Jersey 08608 609-989-1120

Representing the Archdiocese of Newark, Diocese of Camden, Diocese of Metuchen, Diocese of Paterson, Diocese of Trenton, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic and

Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese

may know personally with regard to this effort. Please note that this initiative is

focused strictly on the Governor at this time because the Legislature will not begin

developing a Budget until the Governor’s Budget has been presented in late

February.

Address: The Honorable Chris Christie Governor of the State of New Jersey The State House P.O. Box 001 Trenton, NJ 08625 Phone: (609) 292-6000 Email: http://www.nj.gov/governor/contact/

Or

You can also contact Governor Christie through the NJCC Voter Voice System https://votervoice.net/GAC/Admin/Admin.aspx?Screen=NameCampaign&IssueID=43871

Nonpublic School Transportation Fact Sheet

• Nonpublic school transportation is provided up to a statutory ceiling of $884.00 per

student. Public schools districts will typically use their own vehicles first for public

school students, and then, if any vehicles and drivers are available will transport

nonpublic school students. Thus the majority of nonpublic school transportation occurs

through private contractors. Public school transportation has no per-pupil ceiling for

transportation, although public school transportation costs less because students are

generally located within a more concentrated geographical area. Therefore, the cost of

the routes is less than those for nonpublic school students because transportation depends

upon the number of miles traveled by the bus and the number of stops.

• Even though transportation costs should logically decrease because of the dramatic drop

in fuel costs, bus owners contend that rising costs for insurance and salaries (many

contractors are using unionized workers) are the problem.

• A significant number of public school transportation coordinators have told our

administrators and parents that the ceiling MUST be raised, or our students will not be

able to receive transportation.

• Nonpublic schools have attempted a variety of options in order to maintain transportation

within the $884.00 per pupil ceiling. These include the following:

o Centralized stops,

o Changes in arrival and dismissal times in our schools,

o Having routes bid at fewer than 180 days (i.e. 176, 175) in order to have

transportation for student during the majority of days the school is in session.

We have run out of ideas in this regard. The remaining solution is to raise the per-

pupil amount.

• The transportation statute authorizing the per-pupil amount calls for an annual increase,

in direct proportion to the increase in the State transportation aid per pupil in the year

prior to the pre-budget year compared to the amount for the pre-budget year or by CPI,

whichever is greater (N.J.S.A. 18A: 39-1a). Both the Corzine Administration and the

Christie Administration have frozen this amount, thus ignoring the requirement for any

annual increase.

• It is important for parents to tell their own frustrating stories of what has happened in

recent years in their attempts to have their children transported to a nonpublic school.

• We recognize that some of the problems have been caused by a lack of

knowledge/competency on the part of district personnel and a state-wide shortage of

drivers and buses. The New Jersey Catholic Conference and others have been working to

deal with some of those issues in a committee within the New Jersey Department of

Education. However, the contrast between transporting public school students (some of

them are neighbors of our children) and nonpublic school children needs to be described

in real terms and in detail to the Governor.

Congratulations to the following students:

Jayden Hennessy K1 Alexander Cunanan K2 Trevor Robinson 1A Noah Rouse 1B Giovanna Slimm 2A Demian Ruiz Storch 2B Nico Rosenstiehl 3A Kailyn Servus 3B Ava Liberi 4A Angelo Mastro 4B Kailyn Williams 5A Savannah Graffeo 5B Alexander Trewin 6A Isabella DiStefano 6B Ciara Minkel 7A James Eddowes 7B Joseph Hozalski 8A Rianna Evans 8B

HOUSE POINTS WINNERS 2015-2016

House of Saint Patrick Sawyer Johnson

House of Saint Valentine Vanessa Alcott

House of Saint Joseph Andre Sta Ana

House of Saint Francis Nico Mazzarelli

House of Saint Theresa Samantha Mazzone

House of Saint Elizabeth Savannah Graffeo

House of Saint Dominic Emma Laramee

House of Saint Joan of Arc Matthew Guerrero

House of Servant Maria Esperanza Maria Abrahamian

The division winners for highest points

Division 1 House of Saint Patrick

Division 2 House of Saint Francis

Division 3 House of Saint Joan of Arc

Individual Pictures Absentee/Retakes

Individual absentee/retake pictures will be taken THURSDAY, JANUARY 7TH. For retakes, please be sure to return your original portraits with your student on Thursday, January 7th. For absentee pictures, please make sure your child brings in order form with payment. If you need an order form, please request one from your child’s teacher. Students may wear casual clothing.

Class Pictures Class pictures will be taken FRIDAY, JANUARY 8TH. All students should wear the official winter school uniform for class pictures. NO NUT CARDS MAY BE USED ON THIS DAY. If Friday is your child’s usual gym day, please have your child wear the winter school uniform and not their gym clothes. Order forms were sent home before Christmas in Communication Folders.

Graduation Pictures 8th Grade graduation pictures will be taken on Thursday, January 21st. 8th grade students should wear their official winter school uniform. NO GYM CLOTHES OR NUT CARDS PLEASE. You will not receive an order form ahead of time. You will receive proofs and you will be able to order what you choose from the proofs. THANK YOU!

INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL K-1 2016

DATES: JANUARY10, JANUARY 17, JANUARY 24,

JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 14, FEBRUARY 21 ****FEBRUARY 28 IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED FOR A MAKE-UP DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. PLAYERS WILL BE GIVEN A TEE-SHIRT AT THE FIRST GAME. THEY MAY WEAR GYM PANTS AND SNEAKERS. TEAM PICTURES - Saturday, February 6th, TIME TBA INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL SCHEDULE FOR GRADES K-1 (HALF-COURT)***NEAR STAGE (90 MINUTE SESSIONS FOR PRACTICES/GAMES) JANUARY10 JANUARY 31 1:00 TEAMS 2&4 1:00 TEAMS 2&4 2:30 TEAMS 1&3 2:30 TEAMS 1&3 JANUARY 17 FEBRUARY 14 1:00 TEAMS 1&4 1:00 TEAMS 1&4 2:30 TEAMS 2&3 2:30 TEAMS 2&3 JANUARY 24 FEBRUARY 21 1:00 TEAM 1&2 1:00 TEAM 1&2 2:30 TEAM 3&4 2:30 TEAM 3&4 IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, GAMES WILL BE CANCELLED BY 10:30AM EACH TEAM MUST HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE IN THE SNACK STAND DURING THEIR SESSION. WE ASK THE COACH TO COORDINATE THIS WITH TEAM PARENTS. PLEASE CALL THE SCHOOL OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, 629-6190.

2016

INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL GRADES K-1

Team 1 Team 2 Team 3 Team 4 Keller-Williams Maximum Refund Gemini Healthcare Crusaders Washington Township “Where Refunds…” (Coach) John Clidy (Coach) Reid Madden (Coach) Grady Reilly (Coach)Landen Totten William Asquith III Ayden Whitehurst Christian Shenk Vanessa Alcott Payton Foley Keira Dumas Rosalie Sharp Stacia Audio Jayden Taylor Brooke Bertolino Madison Kelsey Alaina McGee Alexander Cunanan Raina Raubertas Daniel Carter Luke Badagliacco Christian Russell Mason Brooks Mason Balog Juliano DiCicco Jacob McGee CJ Phillips Jake Neimeister Logan DePaul Nathan Russell Neven Franks Luke Loguidice Joseph DiScienza

INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL 2-3 2016

DATES: JANUARY10, JANUARY 17, JANUARY 24,

JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 14, FEBRUARY 21 ****FEBRUARY 28 IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED FOR A MAKE-UP DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. PLAYERS WILL BE GIVEN A TEE-SHIRT AT THE FIRST GAME. THEY MAY WEAR GYM PANTS AND SNEAKERS. TEAM PICTURES Saturday, February 6th , TIME TBA INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL SCHEDULE FOR GRADES 2-3 (HALF-COURT)***NEAR KITCHEN (90 MINUTE SESSIONS FOR PRACTICES/GAMES) JANUARY10 JANUARY 31 1:00 TEAMS 2&4 1:00 TEAMS 2&4 2:30 TEAMS 1&3 2:30 TEAMS 1&3 JANUARY 17 FEBRUARY 14 1:00 TEAMS 1&4 1:00 TEAMS 1&4 2:30 TEAMS 2&3 2:30 TEAMS 2&3 JANUARY 24 FEBRUARY 21 1:00 TEAM 1&2 1:00 TEAM 1&2 2:30 TEAM 3&4 2:30 TEAM 3&4 IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, GAMES WILL BE CANCELLED BY 10:30AM EACH TEAM MUST HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE IN THE SNACK STAND DURING THEIR SESSION. WE ASK THE COACH TO COORDINATE THIS WITH TEAM PARENTS. PLEASE CALL THE SCHOOL OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, 629-6190.

2016

INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL GRADES 2-3

Team 1 Team 2 Team 3 Team 4 PCH Technologies Pete’s Pizza PTA C Sports (Coach) Nick Ciavardone (Coach) Pete Amato (Coach) Logan Whitehurst (Coach) Ryan Bertolino Maggie Marshall Kaci Adams Vincent Rice Gabriel Soldevila Giovanna Slimm Lizzy McGoldrick Eric Gerst Hope Drahos Justin Fauerback Ethan Martone James Reilly Elizabeth Drahos Andre Sta Ana Christian Lampone Jacob Lenhardt Joseph Rouse Jacob Bittle Jackson Alcott Michael LaPlaca Matt Weisensee Charles Agnew Michael Audio Maryelena Baldassarre Aiden Eberhardt Brett Quintavalle Luke Plunkett Mason Walls Wilson Torres Sal Everheart Jacob Engel Anthony Gregorio

2016 Intramural Cheerleading Time: 12:30 TO 2PM

Dates: January 10, January 17, January 24, January 31, February 14, February 21, February 28 is available, if needed, for a make-up due to any inclement weather.

Team pictures will be Saturday, February 6th, time TBA. Cheerleaders will be given a tee-shirt the first day. They may wear gym pants and sneakers.

2016 Intramural Cheer Roster

Adrianna Fazzio Sophia Weisensee Emily Green

Kayla Smith Ana Mosher Sophia Balog

Sophia Medina Jacqueline Lyons Lora Kunicki

Olivia Hensh Maya Joseph Mia Brooks

Khloe Mullen Abigail Bryson Bronwyn Garber

Ella McShane Carissa Gonzalez Sienna Clidy

Lily Burgo Elisabeth Trachtman Isabella Elentrio

Savannah Curry Haley Plunkett Lorelai Chiarella

Natalia Clidy Ashley Dodd Grace Walls

Sophia Schumin Lilyana Ciavardone Kylie Krause

Annual Snow Tubing Trip This trip is open to all Youth Group members, their families & friends and ALL SMS Families!

What: Snow Tubing When: Saturday, February 6th, 2016 Where:Blue Mountain 660 Blue Mountain Dr. Palmerton, PATime: Meet at OLOPP parking lot at 7am

we will return around 6pm Costs: Snow Tubing 3 hr package of unlimited hills: $50*/person *Please pack a lunch or bring money for snack bar.

Payments: A $25 deposit made out to “Our Lady of Peace” is due by Jan 17th. Final balance of $25 is due Feb. 4th with the signed waiver and signed parental permission slip that can be downloaded from: www.youthgroupinfo.com

Costs Includes:

Round Trip bus ride to Blue Mountain• We travel on a coach bus w/movies & a bathroom • 3 hours of snow tubing • Continental brunch on the bus • Snacks during the day

This trip is open to all Youth Groups-Jesus’ Fish Guppies*, Jesus’ Fish* & JP2! Or any St. Mary School Family.*

*THOSE under high school age must have a parent chaperone over the age of 25 years old. (The Chaperone pays full price.)

SPACE is LIMITED to a 55 passenger bus! Please get your deposits in ASAP to hold your spot

NAME: _________________________ GROUP (circle one): Jesus’ Fish Guppies Jesus’ Fish JP2 SMS Family (If younger than high school) Chaperone Name: ________________________________________________ Total Deposit: ____________________ Cash or Check written out to “Our Lady of Peace Parish”

Attention all NEW and CURRENT St. Mary School Volunteers:

As per the Diocese of Camden, school volunteers must have CAP (Child Assault Prevention) training every 5 years. If you are a new volunteer and have never attended a CAP session before, you will have to attend a CAP 1 session.

If you are a current volunteer and have attended a CAP session you have the option of attending CAP 1 again or you may attend the CAP 2 session. Please see the next page for the CAP dates and locations.

If you have any questions regarding CAP, please email Ann Marie Morales at mainoffice2@smarys.org.

DIOCESE OF CAMDEN Office of Child and Youth Protection

We can be sure that we love God’s children when we love God and do what he has commanded. 1 John 5:2

631 Market Street, Camden, New Jersey Phone: (856) 583-6115 Fax: (856) 583-1045

The Office of Child and Youth Protection is announcing CAP (Child Assault Prevention) sessions. CAP is the safe environment training program for adults who have regular contact with minors. Attendance is required in order to comply with the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The policy of the Diocese of Camden is that adults will attend CAP once every five years.

CAP 1 teaches attendees to recognize child abuse and neglect and how to report to the proper authorities. Adults are taught that children have the right to be safe, strong and free. CAP 1 is for new volunteers and employees.

CAP 2 is called CAP’s Bullying Prevention Program and is a workshop addressing bullying awareness and bullying prevention. Cyber-bullying is also presented.

CAP 3 is called Cyber-Empowerment and is a workshop which promotes adults understanding of cyber activity of youth while teaching them realistic ways to help children keep their own rights and guard the rights of others in the cyber-sphere.

Each presentation is 90 minutes. Adults who are new employees or volunteers should attend CAP 1 before attending CAP 2 or CAP 3. After five years, adults

have the option of attending CAP 1, 2 or 3 when they renew their CAP. The following sessions will be offered in January 2016:

CAP Phase 1

Thursday, January 07, 2016 7:00pm Cape Trinity Catholic; 1500 Central Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260

Thursday, January 14, 2016 10:00am St. Gianna Beretta Molla; 1421 New Road, Northfield, NJ 08225

Tuesday, January 20, 2016 7:00pm Gloucester Catholic High School 333 Ridgeway St; Gloucester, NJ 08030 Thursday, January 28, 2016

7:00pm

Holy Eucharist Parish; 344 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

CAP Phase 2 – Bullying Prevention Program NONE

CAP Phase 3 – Cyber Empowerment NONE

To attend one of these classes, please call the CAP REGISTRATION LINE with the Office of Child and Youth Protection at (856)583-6165 or contact Lucie Alcazar at luz.alcazar@camdendiocese.org. Please leave your name and the Session Date you are attending; you will not receive a call back. Please register at least five days before the session you would like to attend. The CAP schedule, location, phone numbers and directions may be found on the diocesan website www.camdendiocese.org/cyp. IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER PLEASE CALL THE LOCATION DIRECTLY.