Prayers for the Cross Family
As announced earlier today, Mrs. Cross will be away from campus the week of Jan. 31-Feb. 4 to attend to arrangements after the passing of her mother late on Thursday, Jan. 27. While she is away and taking care of her family, please direct all questions about academic matters to Dennis Archuleta, dean of students. He can be reached via email at darchuleta@smhscs.org. And we ask for prayers for Mrs. Cross and her entire family as they navigate these difficult times. We also ask that you continue to pray for healing for Robyn's husband, Tommy, as he recovers from his recent heart transplant.
FACTS Submission Deadline Extended to Feb. 15
As noted in an email sent on Thursday, St. Mary's is extending the financial aid application and FACTS data submission deadline to Feb. 15. A link to the FACTS website and more information about our tuition assistance program is on our website at www.smpirates.org/page/tuition-assistance. You’ll find more information, including some clarifying points, about FACTS in the News section of our website at www.smpirates.org/article/639956. Questions on how to navigate that process may be directed to finance director, Mr. Tommy Darneal (tdarneal@smhscs.org).
Board Meeting Thank You
St. Mary's board chair, Mr. John Stinar; president, Deacon Rob Rysavy; and principal, Mrs. Robyn Cross, would all like to thank the parents and faculty who attended the board meeting Wednesday night (1/26/22). What you shared with us was that you were grateful for the opportunity to be heard by the board of directors. As we go forward, our prayer is that we will all continue to hear each other. You'll find all of the information about the board, including meeting schedule, on our website at www.smpirates.org/page/board-of-directors
Again, we thank you for your attendance and your commitment to St. Mary's!
Join Father Joe for Mass on Sunday
Father Joe Dygert will celebrate Mass at St. Patrick on Sunday, Jan. 30, at 9:30 am and 11:30 am. Please come in your St. Mary’s attire to support Father Joe and promote St. Mary’s.
Catholic Schools Week Schedule
Jan. 31 through Feb. 4 is Catholic Schools Week. Each day we will have special activities to celebrate our community. Check out the schedule for the week on our website at www.smpirates.org/article/639927.
Faculty, Staff Appreciation Opportunities
The Pirate Pride Crew invites St. Mary’s families to join in a couple of the faculty/staff appreciation efforts next week as part of Catholic Schools Week. The PPC is looking for volunteers to help stock the faculty/staff lounge with treats and snacks on Wednesday, Feb. 2, and for families to spoil a teacher and bring in a gift of appreciation on Thursday, Feb. 3.
Please sign up for these opportunities to show our faculty and staff appreciation using the following links:
Lounge Stocking Sign-up
Teacher Appreciation Gift Sign-up
Winter Outerwear Drive
The National Honor Society (NHS)’s drive is ending soon! Bring in coats, hats, gloves, and scarves that are new or gently used to Mrs. Cichon’s office. NHS members will be delivering these items to the Springs Rescue Mission during Catholic Schools Week.
COVID Diligence Appreciated
We continue to have positive COVID cases within our St. Mary’s community, but we remain committed to our primary objectives of student safety and keeping students in school. Please remember to be diligent in staying COVID aware. The administrative leadership continues to meet every morning to discuss the current status of COVID within the school and in the larger community. Almost two years into this pandemic, we are all well-versed in the basic preventative measures. Just a reminder that one of the most important preventative measures is staying home when exhibiting symptoms of any illness. Again, thank you for your help as we navigate these interesting times!
Bingo is Fun and We Need Volunteers – come get service hours!
Many families may not be familiar with the Bingo sessions run on behalf of St. Mary’s High School since operations were impacted by the pandemic. Bingo World at 272 S. Academy is run by the Barney family who is a St. Mary’s family. Several sessions each week are for the benefit of St. Mary’s, so we receive revenues (over six-figures annually) from those sessions. We provide the volunteers to help sell the “pull tab” games that supplement the actual bingo games. Selling the “pull tab” games is easy and fun…the bingo players buy the “pull tab” games for $1 or $5 and players can either win cash or a multiplier for the actual bingo games in the event they get BINGO. The sessions for St. Mary’s are Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday and times are on the Sign-up Genius here or you can navigate to the sign-up from our website under the “Give” tab. Volunteering at Bingo counts as service hours for students and parents. Please find a session or two you can support this semester. THANK YOU!
Volunteers Needed to Sew for Gala
Would you like to get volunteer hours for doing something you love? Please help us sew table runners for the Gala. All you have to do is sew straight lines! Email or call Ramon Falt, director of Events, for more info at rfalt@smhscs.org or 719.635.7540 ext. 40.
From last week’s Signal, if you missed it:
- Our Q&A about the 1:1 Chromebook rollout is on the website.
- Senior recognition ads should be placed by March 18. You can create your ad on the Jostens website. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Partain, yearbook adviser, at apartain@smhscs.org.
- Yearbooks are on sale, and prices are increasing Feb. 11. Order yours today either online through Jostens or at the SMHS Business Office.
UPCOMING Events:
- Pirate Theater will present a variety show at 7 pm on both Feb. 17 and Feb.18 in the Cove. Tickets will be $5 for students and senior citizens and $7 for adults. Watch us dance and sing and show our talent!
- College Information Night for parents of juniors is Feb. 16 from 6-7 p.m. in the Cove.
- The Pirate Theater will perform “Arsenic and Old Lace” on April 7, 8 and 9 at 7 pm in the Cove. Tickets will be $5 for students and senior citizens and $7 for adults.
- St. Mary’s Annual Gala will be on April 23, 2022. If you would like to help, please contact Ramon Falt at rfalt@smhscs.or