Patience is a moral virtue that enables us to endure hardships with a calm, positive spirit. It involves trusting in God’s plan and accepting struggles as opportunities for spiritual growth and closeness to God. Patience is more than just waiting; it is seeing trials as pathways to holiness, modeled by Jesus and cultivated through prayer. Thank you to all students and teachers who demonstrated patience over the past months - and throughout all of their months at St. Mary's.

Hello!
Due to the inclement weather in Lancaster and the surrounding areas, along with staff traveling from other locations, we will be cancelling our Open House for this evening.

We do have Another Open House scheduled for January 25th. Here is the link and information for it:
Pre-K 3 through 8th grade( January 25th) :
https://forms.gle/aznSUG5xBSkqPPhM8
Children are welcome. The Open House will be 11:15-1:00pm

We can send you an electronic copy of our registration upon your request.. If you are unable to make the 25th, we can set up a day and time for you and your family to come for a tour of our school.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

Stay warm and safe. Enjoy the rest of your day

St. Mary's is so much more than just a school. Come see why - our Pre-K and Kindergarten Open House is this Thursday, January 15th, from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. Our Pre-K - Grade 8 Open House is January 25 from 11:30 - 1:00 pm. Contact Mrs. Jayne O'Grady @ admissions@smeschool.com for additional information, or to set up a private tour or shadow day.

https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/eastern-suburbs/its-an-exciting-time-st-marys-catholic-elementary-school-in-lancaster-prepares-to-expand?fbclid=IwY2xjawPTMRxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeQFSqmgMczOhh-Nonp2VFc8doS_N-td7Km0mPU9qKy_JZb79juBByjjqpWxQ_aem_A9X8pmxpygHpY87ygdpiXQ

Victory Monday!

In response to the overwhelming and shocking number of requests from parents, we will celebrate Victory Monday! Students and teachers are encouraged to wear their favorite Buffalo Bills attire or Bills red, white, and/or blue.

Congrats to the Bills ... and to all of their fans!!

Due to unfavorable weather conditions both this week and today, SME Ski Club has been cancelled today, January 9, 2026. The start date for our Ski Club will be next Friday, January 16. Ski Club Members - please see the email communication from this morning for additional information.

Tomorrow (1/9/26) will be a Buffalo Bills dress down day!

Staff and students are encouraged to wear their favorite Bills gear to show their support for the team!

We are excited to invite you to our Pre-K and Kindergarten Open House on January 15, 2026 from 6-7:30pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet our teachers, learn about our programs, and ask any questions you may have. Please RSVP at the link to reserve your spot: https://forms.gle/cq5VD1JGfAYWPydr9

We look forward to seeing you there!

Each month, our students and teachers enjoy a "Dress Down for a Cause" day, during which we can attend school out of uniform for a donation. The organization we partnered with BreakthroughT1D, formerly JDRF. BreakthroughT1D works to make everyday life better for all those affected by Type 1 Diabetes. To learn more about T1D, please visit https://www.breakthrought1d.org/ Thank you to our students for volunteering to present our school's check - and for being some of most brave Knights each and every day :)

This month, we highlighted the virtue of humility. The biblical meaning of humility involves recognizing one's limitations and acknowledging dependance on God. Biblical humility emphasizes valuing others and seeing oneself honestly. Humble people prioritize relationships and value other people. They are empathetic and foster a genuine sense of modesty, without a need to appear or feel superior to others. Congratulations to all members of our SME community who served as role models for all of us this past month!

Tonight is our Living Nativity! Please take note of the following important details regarding seating arrangements:

Seating: All students are expected to sit with their homeroom teachers, as outlined in the attached flyer. Please ensure your child knows their teacher's location. Open seating is available for families towards the back of the gym.
Location: The play will be held in our school gym.
Entry: We kindly ask all attendees to enter through the front main door.

We look forward to celebrating this festive occasion with you!

Starting next week, we'll have our festive Christmas dress down days! We encourage everyone to embrace the holiday spirit by wearing Christmas-themed attire! See the attached flyer to see the specific theme for each day. Let's bring joy and creativity to our school while spreading holiday cheer together! We look forward to seeing all the fun ensembles! Happy Holidays to all :)

This year, SME has chosen a different cause to support each month with a dress down day. In October, we hoped to raise awareness and some funds for the Breast Cancer Network of WNY, a vital resource for breast cancer awareness and support in Western New York. They offer a range of services, including support groups, education programs, and transportation for those unable to attend screenings. BCN also hosts events like "Early Detection Awareness Day" to educate the community about the importance of regular screenings. Some of our pillar team student leaders presented a representative of BCN with a charitable donation on behalf of SME. Thanks to all who helped support our dress down for a cause day!

FROM THE ART ROOM - Square1Art 2025 Deadline approaching...
Hello SME Families,
The Square1Art deadline is quickly approaching for ordering keepsakes and gifts that feature your child's artwork.

Order by: 12/5/2025 (Free Shipping on orders before deadline)
All orders ship directly to your home.

Shop Online square1art.com/shop

Need to find your child's art?
Use the online Art Search.

Do you know you can upload additional art and make an order?
Use the online Art Upload

Thank you for supporting the Visual Arts at St. Mary's Elementary!

Our future graduates with Bishop Fisher after the 8th grade at St. Joseph Cathedral earlier this week.

Thursday, November 20, will be a free Buffalo Bills Dress Down Day! Students who choose to participate may wear Bills apparel or Buffalo Bills red, white, and/or blue! Students who prefer to not participate should attend school in their SME uniform.

Congratulations to our student and teacher leaders who demonstrated the virtue of studiousness. Being studious means more than just memorizing facts on the back of flashcards to do well on a quiz or growing our rote memories. Instead, the virtue of studiousness involves seeking knowledge to grow closer to the Truth. Studiousness is the good habit of a person who uses his or her God-given intellect and reason for the purpose of accumulating knowledge in service of God and others. Today’s recipients, through their actions, have served as role models of our school who have demonstrated the virtue of studiousness.

*Important Message*: Grandparents Mass Tomorrow!

Grandparents Mass will be held in the CHURCH for grades 1-8. For Pre-K & Kindergarten, Mass will be livestreamed in the PARISH CENTER -unless- they're a Christian Witness Recipient -or- a sibling/cousin of a student in grades 1-8. Those students will be at the Church.
*Eucharist will be offered in the Parish Center for those that would like to receive.

Seating:
Pre-K and Kindergarten students who are receiving the Christian Witness Award and/or have cousins and siblings in grades 1-8 will be seated in the front right side of the church (when facing the altar). Grandparents and sibling/cousins of those students are welcome to come sit in that reserved section.

Mrs. Michalek's Grade 3 students (who are leading the mass) will have seats reserved in the front LEFT side of the church. Grandparents and siblings/cousins of those students are welcome to come sit with Mrs. Michalek's class.

All other grades will be assembled in the church and Grandparents are welcome to find their grandchildren to sit with them.

Students are to find their teacher immediately following Mass to return to school.

Please be advised that there will be an early release day on Friday, November 7th. Students will be released at 10:45am. Kindly check with your district to confirm that busing will still be provided on this day.

Additionally, there will be no after-school care offered on Friday, November 7th and Friday, November 14th. Please plan accordingly. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! Have a blessed day :)

The Varsity Volleyball Girls made the 2025 WNY CESAA Girls Volleyball Championship playoffs, the first time ever for SME!!! Coaches, MaggieAnn Kramer and Melissa Kusak, led the team to a 10-2 overall record. The girls are excited to play tonight at THE ROCK in West Seneca! We invite you to come out and support the girls team at 4:30pm. See you there!