Great Kids, Great Families

Congratulations Mr. Kelm!

2008-06-24T19:11:24Z

Congratulations to Mr. Kelm, one of our 5th grade teachers, on his recent marriage. Mr. Kelm found his "Miss Right" by marrying Ms. Wright who is a 5th grade teacher at Holy Apostles in New Berlin.

Congratulations to both.

Our best wishes for a long and happy marriage!

Alumni TMJ4 Interview

2008-05-27T17:56:57Z

St. Mary Alumni went from a businessman to an FBI spy, uncovering fraud along the way. John Schilling is the author of “Undercover: How I Went From Company Man To FBI Spy.”

Check out the interview from Channel 4:

http://www.todaystmj4.com/features/seenontmj4/19139304.html?video=YHI&t=a

Book signing and presentation - May 21st

2008-05-15T13:17:33Z

You are cordially invited . . .St. M a r y P a r i s h S c h o o l M e n o m o n e e F a l l s P r o u d l y A n n o u n c e sWhistleblower’s JourneyA Presentation by Author & St. Mary AlumnusJohn W. Schillingbased on his new bookUNDERCOVERHow I Went from Company Man to FBI Spy —and Exposed the Worst Healthcare Fraud in U.S. History Wednesday, May 21stSt. Mary Parish School Activity Center5:30 PM Hospitality 6:00 PM Presentation 6:30 PM Book Signing Reserve your seat by calling Jennifer Ridgeman at 251 1050, or email ridgemanj@archmil.orgto hear author John W. Schilling recount his life-transforming adventure from accountant to confidential informant and leading witness for the prosecution in the largest healthcare fraud case in U.S. history. Listen as John highlights his ten year odyssey, working with the FBI and Department of Justice and journeying into an undercover world of taped conversations and secret government raids. Mr. Schilling credits his extraordinary accomplishment to his strong sense of morals and values. During his upbringing at home in Menomonee Falls and while attending St. Mary Parish School, John was taught to respect others, be honest, and strive to live with integrity. Learn how those early lessons helped him prevail.

St. Mary's Alumnus - Company Man to FBI Spy

2008-04-22T13:15:00Z

Author and St. Mary’s Parish School Alumnus John Schilling will be here Wednesday, May 21^st to talk about his new book called: Undercover: How I Went from Company Man to FBI Spy - and Exposed the Worst Healthcare Fraud in US History. Suspenseful and provocative, Undercover tells the story of Schilling’s journey from ordinary citizen to federal informant. The book recounts how he allied himself with the FBI and the Justice Department and journeyed into an undercover world in which he carried a wire and mapped out offices for secret government raids. Schilling recalls his time at St. Mary’s Parish School fondly and even mentions the school in his book: “The school, run by the Franciscan sisters, was known for its rigorous curriculum and strict adherence to Catholic religious teachings. That upbringing at home and at school taught me to respect others, be honest, and strive to live with integrity.” Schilling will be at St. Mary’s Parish School for a day of events on May 21^st, capped off with a special program including a book signing event and a sneak peek at the school’s new one-to-one learning initiative. Undercover is available at Barnes & Noble and www.amazon.com.

Dream In Color

2008-04-08T03:12:59Z

Fourth Annual Parochial School Art FairMenomonee Falls Public Library April 9-30, 2008Reception: April 18, 2008, 6:00pm-8:00pm Participating Schools:· Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran School· Grace Evangelical Lutheran School · St. Anthony Parish School· St. Mary Parish School

Sharing time and talents

2008-04-04T00:03:53Z

We share with you what some of our children and young people told us about how they are sharing their time and talent with God and with our own community. In their own words, our children remind us how simple, beautiful and meaningful living our faith can be. • “I prayed for my friends who were fighting” ------2nd Grade• “Singing solms (psalms) to God” ------ 2nd Grade• “Helped my little brother make an airplane” ------ 1st Grade• “I brushed the snow off of the car for my mom.” ------ 6th Grade• “I shoveled the driveway without being asked to.” ------ 5th Grade• “I prayed the rosary” ---- 2nd Grade• “I bought art supplies for the poor (giving tree items)” ------ 1st Grade• “God. I love you.” --------- K5 Student• “Playing with uthers. Learning at school.” -------- K5 Student• “I bought a soccer ball for Honduras” ------- K5 Student• “I will lisin to my teecher.” ------ K5 Student• “Prayed for my grandma.” ---- 2nd Grade

WE'RE SO PROUD OF OUR DI TEAMS!!!!

2008-03-20T20:20:44Z

We are SO proud of our two Destination Imagination competition teams!! They presented their team challenges and performed instant challenges on Saturday, March 15, at Kennedy Middle School in Germantown, and did extremely well! The "DI've Got A Secret" team coached by Mrs. Witney and Mrs. LoCicero took 4th place! The "Hit or Myth" team coached by Mrs. Kuske and Mrs. Krikorian took 5th place and also won the prestigious "DaVinci Award" for outstanding creativity! Fantastic! We appreciate all of the work the team members and their coaches did over the last four months! It was worth it!

Optimist Club Recognition

2008-03-05T00:10:58Z

On Wednesday, February 20th Andrea S., a St. Mary’s 8^th grader, was recognized by the Optimist Club as student of the month. Andrea was chosen based on academic achievement and how she Lives Jesus. Her positive attitude and many contributions to school and community were just a few of the reasons she was recognized. Andrea was in good company with St. Mary alum Andy V. (2007) who was also recognized.

Congratulations to both of these wonderful young people!

Big Cash Raffle

2008-02-26T00:23:28Z

GRAND PRIZE $10,000.00!!
Second Prize $5,000.00 Third Prize $1,000.00Fourth Prize $ 500.00Fifth Prize $250.00Sixth-Fifteenth $100.00 each

15 WINNERS IN ALL!

What makes the BIG CASH RAFFLE so special? Only 2,000 tickets will be sold. If you purchase 3 tickets your chance of winning a prize is 1 and 45. Those are some great odds!! The price for a ticket is 1 for $50.00 or 3 for $100.00. If you are interested in buying tickets, please call the school office at 262-251-1050. Proceeds from the BIG CASH RAFFLE support our parish school. A strong school means a strong community! Thank you so much for your support! This year’s drawing will be held on May17th at the parish auction; you need not be present to win. GOOD LUCK!

January Food Collection

2008-02-21T21:26:31Z

By: Mrs. Kristin Walker6th Grade Teacher As part of their service project this year, the 6th graders are asking that everyone in our school help them in collecting food to fill the shelves at the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry. During the month of January, the 3rd and 6th grade students were asked bring in non-perishable items.

Their joint efforts brought in a total of 198 items, weighing 150 pounds. That brings the combined total for the year to 566 items, weighing 379 pounds.

The sixth graders would like to thank their 3rd grade buddies for their generosity and effort.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Day in Third Grade

2008-02-18T04:19:03Z

By: Mrs. Jean Sorenson3rd Grade Teacher

On Friday, February 8th, third graders in Mrs. Birschbach's and Mrs. Sorenson's classes celebrated the 17th annual "Laura Ingalls Wilder Day."

They enjoyed reenacting a pioneer school day, and participated in many historical and fun learning activities, such as writing math facts on slates, mapping Laura's travels, butter churning, maple candy making, and a pioneer picnic.

Dominican High School Academic Challenge

2008-02-10T20:12:53Z

On Friday, February 8^th, twelve 7^th and 8^th graders represented St. Mary Parish School in the Dominican High School Academic Challenge. They used their talents as they answered content knowledge and application questions. Prizes were awarded to both schools and individual students.

Congratulations to our own Joseph Fellows who took first place in the 8th grade Art category!! He received a trophy and a $1,000.00 scholarship to Dominican High School.

The Art students were Libby Phillips and Joseph Fellows. English competitors were Michelle Pohl and Madelyn Murphy. Jacob Newman and Alex Ash competed in Math. Katey Burkhart and Jessica Wierzchowski competed in Religious studies. Science students were Courtney Mehring and Taylor Seidl. Kyra Porter and Joseph McAsey competed in Social Studies competition.

We’re proud of all of our students as they meet the challenges of academic competition and success.

Celebrate the USA! At St. Mary’s Family Fun Fair

2008-01-30T14:08:02Z

Chase away the winter doldrums and join the St. Mary School Community from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 at our annual Family Fun Fair. St. Mary’s is located at N89 W16215 Cleveland Ave., Menomonee Falls. Enter off of Main St., just east of Appleton Ave. Come for dinner and stay for the fun!

This annual community-building event is sponsored by the Day School’s Home and School Association, and planned by the 1^st Grade Families of the Parish School. Our first graders selected this patriotic theme in honor of our great country and the many men and women who protect us and our freedoms.

All are welcome to this FREE admission carnival that features: games, inflatable attractions, hair and face painting, scavenger hunt, cake walk, raffles, food and more! Tickets for food, beverages and activities will be sold during the night for 50 cents each. Most games are only one ticket! Contact Janet Larsen, Fun Fair Chairperson, at (262) 781-9782 or jalarsen@wi.rr.com.

St. Mary Parish School Open House

2008-01-22T16:50:02Z

St. Mary Parish School has been giving children the best a Catholic education has to offer since 1916! In celebration of Catholic Schools week, we are hosting an Open House on Sunday, January 27th from 11am-2pm. We invite all prospective families to join us to tour our fully accredited school, meet our outstanding teachers and staff, and see how our school excels at Challenging Minds, Developing Character, and Living Jesus!

St. Mary School offers quality education in grades K4-8, with both full and half-day 5K program options, differentiated instruction with a focus on multiple intelligences, and a rich variety of activities to encourage and nurture the God-given talents of each child. Come and see in person why the Archdiocese of Milwaukee awarded St. Mary exemplary recognition in the areas of community, climate and mission!

We are located at N89 W16215 Cleveland Avenue, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051.

For more information or to schedule a personal tour outside of our Open House, please call (262) 251-1050

“Christmas Special Delivery” Production

2008-01-05T01:10:33Z

There was a “Christmas Special Delivery” recently in the Activity Center here at St. Mary’s. 117 boys and girls in K5, 1st and 2nd grade delighted a packed house with their singing and dancing.

What amazing talents these young children shared! Mrs. Joyner and Fr. Greg began the evening with prayer and what followed was a true testimony that “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.”

We did have a scare early in the morning when one of our families was involved in a car accident on the way to school. Thankfully, there were no injuries but, just in case, an ambulance was called to transport everyone to the hospital. Well not everyone…. Zach, who was playing ‘Elvis’ and singing “Blue Christmas” in the program - he really exemplified the motto, ‘the show must go on,’ because he pleaded and convinced his Mom and the ambulance driver to drop him off at St. Mary’s on the way because he simply couldn’t miss play practice! Now, that’s dedication!

Yet another example of dedication was the group that represented us by singing Christmas carols at the Maude Shunk Library on Saturday morning. These 2nd graders and their parents came out early on a snowy day and shared their time and talents with others.

And, THANKS TO YOU FAMILIES, I used some of Thursday night’s donations to purchase a wonderful Memorex Karaoke Machine. It really helped showcase our kid’s poise, personality and ability!

I could go on, I often do, but there are not enough words to thank you for your continued support of the music and drama program. And there’s more to come!

Christmas Blessings to you and yours!

Marie Green MakalSt. Mary’s Music and Drama Teacher

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music

2007-12-27T15:00:50Z

By: Mrs. Robin Grismer

1st Grade Teacher Room 118

Julie Andrews once sang, “The hills are alive with the sound of music”. Well, it might not be music, but the sounds coming from our snow mountains on the playground sounded just as sweet on Wednesday, following our recent snow day. The kids were enjoying every snowflake! There were forts, tunnels, houses, slides, even furniture and “jewels” in those mountains. Rosy cheeks and runny noses marched back into the building along with wet snowsuits. As a frequent supervisor for the playground, I hope the snow stays around for a while!

St. Mary Parish To Send 300 Stuffed Bears With Prayers to Honduras

2007-12-05T15:34:00Z

Families from St. Mary Parish in Menomonee Falls will be sending stuffed toy bears and prayers to families in Honduras this December as they participate in a service project sponsored by the Child Ministry program at the parish.

300 toy-sized “Prayer Bears” will be hand-stuffed by over 200 parents, grandparents and children on Sunday, December 9th, as part of a Fiesta themed service day at the church. Parish members will connect with the culture of their sister parish, Puerto Cortes, in Honduras by attending mass together, then making the prayer bears during a gathering which will feature a Fiesta including lunch and music, with piñatas for the children. Afterwards, the bears will be sent to Honduras, as an expression of the prayers and support St. Mary parishioners have for the people of their sister parish.

Each bear has a pocket, in which a two-sided prayerful message card will be inserted, one side with a prayer in Spanish and the other an expression of hope and joy, chosen by the family working on each bear. Harcourt Religion Publishers in Orlando, Florida, has generously donated the bear kits. Parish members have responded to a request for donations of enough polyester fiberfill to fill all 300 bears.

As part of the Christian Formation program at St. Mary in Menomonee Falls, the Child Ministry program provides religious education for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Barbara Searing, Director of Child Ministry, creates and organizes family service days at the parish.

For more information, please contact Barbara Searing at 262-251-1154, or via email at searingb@archmil.org.

The December McDonalds night will be Tuesday Dec. 4th.

2007-12-03T21:26:00Z

The December McDonalds night will be Tuesday Dec. 4th. It will once again be held at the McDonalds on County Line Road from 4:00-8:00. The address is N96 W17512 Countyline Road.

Any sales of food, soda or gift certificates are included in our totals so please stop by for some great food and camaraderie. Consider buying gift certificates for stocking stuffers, Christmas gifts, etc.

Thanks for your support!

Traveling This Season

2007-12-03T15:05:00Z

Basketball season has arrived!

Attending the first games of the season this past weekend was a lot of fun – win or lose. The time spent in the gyms reminds us parents of the enthusiasm that comes with youth.

Watching the 5^th grade games is often the most entertaining. If it has been a few years since you’ve watched this level of play, you can forget how many times traveling is called early in the 5^th grade season. It’s also great to watch them learn how to in-bound the ball (you can’t just walk it in!) and how to properly substitute players (no running onto the court without the ref knowing!)

These inexperienced young players are learning the fundamentals of the game from their very patient coaches and the very understanding referees. They’re also learning some of the benefits that come from a team sport….fair play, hard work and supporting each other.

Thanks to all the basketball coaches who give their time and talent to help turn these traveling youngsters into sound basketball players!

Engineers for the Future

2007-11-30T03:35:00Z

Last Saturday, 21 Junior Girl Scouts from Troop 2522 traveled to the UW-Madison campus for a day-long program where they learned about many different facets of engineering and earned three science badges! The girls were welcomed by several different groups of women studying to become engineers at the school, and they told the girls about why they chose to go into the engineering field, and the perks of being a woman in a male-dominated career! In addition, many of the students talked to the girls about their personal Girl Scout experience! Many of them are life-long Girl Scouts, and even belong to a campus Girl Scout program, providing Madison area Girl Scouts with special programming and support!

After hearing from these student engineers, the fun began! The girls learned about friction by experimenting with wheels on different surfaces, and studied various optical illusions, trying to figure out how they work! They also tried to make a paper clip float in a bowl of water, and one of our Scouts, Chloe, was the only one who could make it float several times! This even surprised the engineers. The girls then learned that there is acid in soda (yuck!) and they made their own version of flubber! Finally, the Scouts measured their heartbeats at rest, and then again after “jumping around” in true Badger spirit.

What a great experience for our girls! They were able to travel to a top-notch university, earn 3 science badges, and have a blast in the process!