We open this week with a serious topic. Our society is now all too aware of the dangers of VAPING as our young people are quickly addicted and suffering terribly, even losing their lives. This scourge on our society MUST be dealt with and together, home and school, we need to make sure our students understand the serious risks.

I for one, as a parent and an educator, am already angered by the ease with which our young people can get access to these drugs, but also the directed advertising.

We ask that you speak openly and honestly about the dangers of vaping, smoking and other drugs. Their bodies are temples and must be treated as such.

The teachers have received some valuable information and will incorporate some of it into their classes, as appropriate. In addition, the School Staff will be scheduling more professional development on this topic so we can be more proactive.

Along those same lines, at our last Faculty Meeting, a representative from New York Life met with us and we were initiated into becoming a Grief-Sensitive School. The PD provides various ways teachers can respond to students during times of loss or tragedy.

We will be testing our IRIS System this weekend. IRIS is our instant notification system used in the event of snow closures, delays, early dismissals, emergencies or other situations that require important information be sent to families quickly.

The IRIS System is not used often. It is ONLY used when the need arises. Therefore, it is imperative that the information we have is accurate. All the phone numbers and email addressed are taken directly from our Student Database. This information comes directly from your applications and re-registrations. If any changes occur, please inform the school office right away.

We are beginning our After School Enrichment Programs. Students can take classes in Coding, Arts & Crafts, Piano and more.

Use the Registration Forms below to make your selections and plan your afternoons.

CODING
ARTS & CRAFTS
K.I.N.G.

Looking for something to do this weekend - check out the Annual Trevor Duffy Corn Hole Tournament right here at St. Margaret's. Registration can be done on-site. Gather a team and get ready to have some fun!

Our Regular School Uniform starts this week. For Grades K - 2, the polo shirt, skort/pants are still in effect. For all other grades (3rd - 8th) students should be in khaki pants/skort, white, Oxford, button-down shirt and sweater, black shoes and belts.

NB - In the earlier handbook, a typo occurred regarding girls socks. It should have read Maroon and not black. If you purchased black socks, the girls may wear them, but the maroon socks/stockings are the proper item. Thank you for understanding.

Our Annual Chocolate Sale is well under way and we are thankful to those that have sold their boxes. Please do not wait to return your money envelope. Send it in right away.

If you would like an additional box, sign the bottom of the provided envelope or send a note to your child's teacher.

The sale ends on Friday, October the 18th. All incentives will be final on that day. Returns on Monday the 21st will NOT be eligible for NUT Cards or Chromebook consideration. So please send your returns in NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, 10/18/19. Thank you.

The SMSPA is deep into their planning for our Annual Trunk or Treat Harvest Dance.

In addition to that event, Manhattan College (Kappa Delta PI) organizes an Annual Safe Halloween event. Details are available in the flyer on our website.

My last item is in regards to the appropriate use of electronic devices. Recently, the teachers and I have had to address the use of phones in school and out of school, as well as Chromebooks. Our Handbook and Technology Policy is clear. Students will be accountable for their poor usage of these devices. We ask that you remind them of their online behavior and the dangers/consequences.

God's Blessings to you all.

Mr. Keenan, Principal