Mary’s Making Moves: Elementary School Expands its Programming

St. Mary’s Elementary School has always sought to be responsive to the evolving needs of its students and community at large since its opening in 1926, while always keeping its mission at the center: integrating the truths and traditions of the Catholic faith into the lives of our students and celebrating the uniqueness of each individual by educating the whole child. Over the years, this has meant introducing new classes such as STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math); adopting new curricula such as Teachers College Reading and Writing Program; and of course constantly updating its facilities to maintain a bright and beautiful physical atmosphere, matched only by the joy and happiness which radiates from the teachers and administrators. This summer, again responding to the needs of its students and community, St. Mary’s Elementary will be making moves to expand its programming and update its facilities accordingly.

With the Middle School, grades 6 through 8, moving out of the Elementary School building and across the parking lot to Immaculata Hall, the Elementary School is already hard at work this summer to renovate and reconfigure its spaces. More classroom space means the Elementary School is able to open a new grade level for 2 year olds: Cherubs. Principal Theresa Kemp officially announced the School’s newest grade-level launch last week. “I am excited to open our doors to our youngest students by offering the Cherubs Program for all two-year-olds. This latest move by St. Mary’s creates the opportunity for parents to immerse their children in a nurturing learning environment that will present participants with an introduction to the Catholic faith, socialization, enriching experiences, and activities.” This groundbreaking addition to the school's already impressive offerings further affirms the administration's goal to provide excellence in education coupled with a support system beyond the classroom.

While traditional classroom spaces are important for whole group instruction, it is equally important that students work collaboratively in groups in part so that their independence and leadership skills can grow from an early age. In order to reinforce this need, some of the newly vacated classroom spaces will become flexible learning spaces with creative resources to support literacy and math instruction. Additionally, PE classes and daily recess already do provide young students with the chance to be physically active and get fresh air during the school day, but the Elementary School also has plans to expand its indoor playroom into a more dedicated play space with equipment for climbing and building when it's not possible to get outdoors.

Two of the most dramatic updates in the renovations taking place this summer are the addition of a chapel as well as a total overhaul of the library. The former music classroom is set to be converted into the chapel out of a desire to give students more direct access to prayer in the presence of our Lord, again central to the School’s mission. Teachers will be able to regularly bring their classes to the chapel and be more ‘hands-on’ with their religion classes. The library, thanks to fundraising dollars from the Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Organization, will become a more flexible space with soft seating, updated technology, and a living wall. The library will serve as a central location again for teachers to bring their classes for independent study or group learning in addition to a gathering place for parent socials.

At St. Mary’s Elementary School, every student has the potential to excel and achieve greatness, from two years old and up. Make the move to St. Mary’s Elementary School and learn more about the incomparable Catholic education available by visiting the website at saintmaryses.org. Registration for September 2023 is rolling.

The demolition of the library is complete, and renovations are well underway.

Fr. Dominik confidently evaluated the color swatches and floor samples presented during a recent team meeting.

With four distinct programs, St. Mary’s is ready to pave the way for the next chapter of Catholic Education on Long Island. 2-K | 1-5 | 6-8 | 9-12

# MOVEWITHUS

Knights of Columbus

Father William A. Daly S.J. Council #2122

Serving St. Mary’s Parish in Manhasset and St. Aloysius Parish In Great Neck www.kofc2122.org

What is a Knights of Columbus Family?

We are Catholic families building a bridge to our faith.

Our lives, time, efforts, and resources are dedicated to these values: Charity. Unity. Fraternity. Patriotism. We come from different places, backgrounds, and all stages of life. But the common thread is our Catholic faith. We are Catholic families seeking to improve ourselves and the world.

It’s one thing to say who you are.

It’s another thing is to live it. Put your values into practice.

Become a Knights of Columbus family.

Interested? Please call:

Tony Racioppo 917 539 0859

Dan Garcia 516 358 1817

Ladies interested in joining the Columbiettes

Please contact Maura Clifford at Macliff56@gmail.com

Business Owners:

Please consider advertising in our bulletin. It’s a great way to support our parish. Call our printer, LPi at 1-800-477-4574 or visit their website www.4lpi.com for more information. We are in region 03. Please Patronize Our Advertisers

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Parable of a sower planting seeds

Matt 13:3-9: Jesus said, “A sower went out to sow. Some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil, so it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirty fold. Whoever has ears ought to hear. Plant seeds in your relationship on rich soil and produce fruit. Come expxerience a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience where the seeds are planted on rich good soil. The dates are:

August 11-13, 2023 in Storrs, CT

August 25-27, 2023 in Vermont

September 22-24, 2023 in Huntington, NY

October 20-22, 2023 in Vermont

Worldwide Marriage Encounter sponsors a variety of in-person and virtual marriage experiences, some on weekends and some on seven weekdays. Couples explore their relationship with each other, God, and the Church. Registration is limited; there is a $100 application fee. For more information or to apply, call Chuck & Maria Reiss at 631-486-8607 or https:// wwmenyli.org/.