Opening prayer from Mrs. Martin

Mrs. Kelley was unable to attend due to a schedule conflict.

Mrs. Martin:
- Successful back to school after the Holidays.

- Catholic Schools Week is coming up. Week begins on Saturday, January 26^th with the Quiz Bowl Competition at Malden Catholic. This is a “Jeopardy-like” competition in which 12 of SMA’s 8^th Graders will be competing against other schools. SMA is sending two teams to compete: The Malden Catholic team and The Lancer team as well as two alternates. Catholic Schools Week will end on February 2^nd with the SMA Basketball teams competing in the last games of the regular season. Note that anyone can attend SMA basketball games, even if your child is not on the team. SMA’s home court is at St. John’s Prep. Games are free, they last approximately one hour, and there is a snack bar to purchase food items. A schedule is available on the SMA Web site of all games. A Program of all events occurring during Catholic Schools Week will be issued in the school bulletin soon.

 Joyce Buccheri:
 - Candy Bar Bingo is coming!  It will be held on February 1^st during Catholic Schools Week. Get your ticket requests in early as this popular event always sells out fast!

 - SMA Shopping Night at the North Shore Mall was a big success. There were many bargains and the mall was not too crowded. We will plan to hold this event again next year. The revenue generated from this event helps the Parent Guild to pay for the Moon Bounces for Field Day as well as the Teacher and Staff Appreciation Luncheon given by the Guild.

- The SMA Card Program has been going great. This is administered by Joan Shay, Deb Mistretta and Kandi Kukas. Gross sales of Gift Cards on Parent/Teacher Conference day alone were $5,200. This was a great convenience to parents. In total, SMA has made a profit of approximately $3,600 from this program so far. Please do not forget that cards can be purchased all year long for gifts or for your own personal use!

 - Tickets for the upcoming Lowell Devils Hockey Game will be going home in this weeks Communication envelope. SMA’s own Concert Choir, under the direction of Music Teacher Mrs. Carberry, will be singing the National Anthem at the game!

 - Kindergarten screening for those students new to St Mary’s is coming up during Catholic Schools Week.

 - Sunday, January 27^th, will be the SMA Family Liturgy at 9:00am at St Richard’s Parish. This Liturgy will be accompanied by a Pancake Breakfast at St Mary’s School both before the mass at 8:00 and after the mass at 10:00. Tickets are on sale now.

 - Other events upcoming during Catholic Schools Week are the annual Parent Open House on February 1^st from 8:30 to 10:30 as well as a Student Appreciation Day which will include a “dress-down” day for the kids.

 - Auditions for the 2008 SMA school play “Twinderella” took place on January 8^th. There were many children who auditioned for a part. The children will be notified via mail if they have been given a part. Due to the small number of parts in this play, “cuts” will unfortunately need to be made.

 - Questions regarding the parking lot and drop off/pick up were discussed again. The school is hoping to have an evening Parent Guild meeting where the current parking plan and worsening parking problems can be discussed.

- The next Parent Guild meeting will be February 13^th.