Good afternoon SMS Families,
We had a busy week with our first snow day of the year, and our rehearsal at the Gaslight in preparation for Sunday's Christmas concert. We look forward to seeing everyone Sunday!
Although we only had three days of morning prayer this week, on Wednesday we read from the book of the prophet Ezekiel, which talks about God as the shepherd that is always there for us. Even though it is not an exact analogy, we talked about how we want what is best for our pets, but sometimes they do things they shouldn't do, and they don't know what is for their own good. God gives us free will so we can do our own thing, and often times we make decisions that aren't what is best for us, and the best thing we can do is trust God like the shepherd who knows what is best for us. With the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, we will have Mass twice this week. In morning prayer we will read from the Book of the prophet Isaiah.
Please remember the Pork Tenderloin Dinner tomorrow, Saturday, December 6 from 5:00-7:00 at Daly Hall in Fayetteville. This is another fundraiser that is raising money to pay for our School Resource Officer. If you can, attend, or get a takeout meal! Please encourage anyone you know to go as well. Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus in Fayetteville for having this benefit for our school, and to everyone who baked desserts. We had a great turnout for those!
Of course, Sunday is our Annual Christmas Concert at the Gaslight Theater in Georgetown. The show begins at 2:00 pm, and students should arrive around 1:30. Attire is Sunday best unless you have had a teacher reach out to you about different clothing as some groups have different plans for what they are wearing. Admission is free of charge. Thanks to Jill Dotson for helping us to have access to the Gaslight, and to our music staff for working hard to put this show together.
The field trip to Maria Stein has been postponed until the spring. With weather being uncertain, and the distance of the destination makes planning a winter trip difficult. We will plan to go in March.
If you have not filled out the permission slip for the 5-8 grade trip to the Ohio Supreme Court, please do that immediately. If anyone has feedback on permission slips in general, please let me know. I thought getting permission slips back electronically would be easier than constantly sending home paper slips. It has actually been just as difficult. Permission slips are a must if we plan to have learning opportunities off campus. If anyone has a better idea, feel free to let me know.
Next Friday, December 12 is the Ripley Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. We will have a float in the Parade. Parade lineup is at Ripley Elementary School from 5:00-6:00 and the parade begins at 6:00. Thanks to the Boone Family for donating a creche, and Kelly and Mark Gilkerson for donating the trailer. We will have students creating a Nativity Scene, and all other students on the float should wear SMS spiritwear.
Hopefully most of you were able to see my video on Facebook yesterday regarding the Scholarship Granting Organization opportunity we have for our students, and the ability to donate up to $750, and get it all back in your state taxes. I had spoken to several people who thought a video was a better way to let everyone know about this opportunity that we have not been able to take advantage of as a school community. If you have not seen it or do not have Facebook, I encourage you to read this article and consider donating. I have had several people reach out to me since yesterday telling me that they talked to their tax preparer and they assured them , this is completely legitimate. I have also had people tell me that they have shared it with friends, family and co-workers as well. It sounds like it is gaining momentum, this could be a game changer. If you have any questions of course, feel free to ask me. Thanks again!
Finally, I would like to invite anyone to stop in (even if its just for 10 minutes!) this evening or tomorrow morning for some quiet prayer time in Adoration at St. George in Georgetown. There will be someone there beginning at 4:00 pm today, every hour until 9:00 am tomorrow morning. Mr. Pedigo playing worship songs for a special teen hour from 11:00-12:00 tonight. Of course this is not mandatory, but I wanted to make sure everyone has the opportunity and was invited to get some extra prayer time this Advent season. All are welcome!