

Monday Morning Memo
February 24, 2025
School News and Events
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to SMA! The fair will be here from March 11-14, 2025. The book fair accepts credit cards, checks (exact amount) and ewallet. No cash will be accepted.
Volunteers are needed during school hours, after school, and at the HSA meeting. Contact Mrs. Pla at rpla@stmaryum.org to volunteer.
Brick Fundraiser Extended by Popular Demand!
St. Mary of the Assumption School is celebrating 100 years of educational excellence. For the Centennial, we are sponsoring this Brick Fundraising Project to benefit the school. Proceeds from this project will give back to the school and to our families through teacher development, school infrastructure, and student scholarships.
The Addams Family Musical
They're creepy, they're kooky, and they're coming to the St. Mary’s Ryken stage!
Join us for The Addams Family Musical as our talented students bring this delightfully spooky and hilarious story to life! Packed with unforgettable characters, dazzling performances, and toe-tapping tunes, this show is a must-see for the whole family.
March 13-16, Various Show Times
SMR Campus | Romuald Hall | Mary Joy Hurlburt Theatre
Reserve your seats here: https://smrhs.booktix.com/
Don’t miss out—come experience the magic, the mischief, and the mayhem of The Addams Family!
Volunteer Hours Due May 16th!
As a reminder, all families must log 20 hours each school year in Track It Forward. Unfulfilled service hours will be billed for $20 each on June 1st.
Summer Camp Sign-Ups Now Available!
St. Mary’s Summer Camp offers a fun-filled, prayerful camp for incoming PreK3-8th grade campers enrolled at St. Mary’s or St. John’s (Clinton) for the 2025-26 school year.
The camp is run by faculty, volunteers, and teens from the Archdiocese of Washington. Children will spend their days creating, praying, learning, playing, and experimenting with the help of their teachers and counselors.
PRICES & FEES
$275 per week per camper
$200 for each additional camper per week per family
$35 per camper ($65 per family) per week for Morning Care (6:30 - 9:00 AM)
$25 per camper ($45 per family) per week for After Care (4:00 - 5:00 PM)
$55 per camper ($105 per family) per week for both Morning and After Care
$25 summer workbook fee (required, one-time)
CAMP HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Dates: June 30-August 1, 2025
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Director: Hannah Ruckstuhl
Email: hruckstuhl@stmaryum.org
Phone: 301-627-4170
LUNCH
Main and Market will offer lunch Monday-Thursday and we will have Papa John’s pizza on Fridays. Ordering information will be provided to those that register.
Read and Hit a Home Run with the Chesapeake Baysox!
All St. Mary's students are invited to participate in this year's Chesapeake Baysox "Read & Hit a Home Run" Jersey Design Contest and Reading Program!
READING PROGRAM INFORMATION: Love reading and baseball? Students in pre-K through 8th grade who read four books between December and March 1 will receive two free tickets to St. Mary's Night at the Baysox! Students may read independently or with the help of a family member. Fiction and non-fiction books count; audiobooks and graphic novels are included. Parents/guardians should complete this Google Form by March 1 to verify that students have read 4 books. A separate form is needed for each child.
CYO News
Spring 2025 CYO Track & Field and Soccer registration is Open!
CYO registration for the Spring 2025 season is now open! Please register your child as soon as possible using the links below.
Track & Field: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXT3YIzkE0XWNtGlpF906B-_jmPynbJOc7_VS3wojB2MX1lQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0 (Your registration fee will be charged in TADS.)
Soccer: https://reg.sportspilot.com/106205/leagues?search=2025%20Spring%20Soccer (Be sure to select “TADS” for payment type.)
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 26th
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Track:
Coach Norm – (301)659-3134 normsr12@gmail.com
Mary Butler- (240)463-5166 marybutler711@gmail.com
Soccer:
Coach Tallack - (240)447-0040 nedmt2002@gmail.com
Basketball Updates
12U Boys Dominate St. Augustine 42-22, Complete UNDEFEATED Season!
In a game that will be remembered as the ultimate showcase of teamwork and tenacity, the 12U Boys stormed past St. Augustine to close out their perfect season. The Saints started strong, keeping things competitive in the first half. But halftime was the turning point, and Coach Kelan delivered the rallying cry: “Fellas, it’s time to SHINE! Unleash the Saints’ Holy FULL COURT PRESS!”
What followed was an electrifying display of defensive dominance and offensive precision. From the moment the second half began, the FULL COURT PRESS took over like a tidal wave, leaving St. Augustine helpless. Nick ignited the run immediately sinking a three-pointer that brought the crowd to its feet. Brice followed suit, cashing in another three-pointer in rapid-fire succession. "The Saints' defense had their opponents rattled and reeling! With relentless pressure and quick hands, they forced a flurry of turnovers and steals that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
The Saints' relentless pressure overwhelmed St. Augustine, turning turnovers into points at breakneck speed. Brice and Josef took charge of the scoreboard, lighting it up like fireworks on the Fourth of July. But this wasn’t a one-man or two-man show—it was a symphony of effort, with every player contributing to the masterpiece. Every Saint on the roster played a pivotal role Brice, Josef, Nick, Josh, Lyndon, Ethan, Kahmel, Kelan, Will, & Vehkai, from game-changing steals to key assists, underscoring the strength of unity.
As the final seconds ticked away, the Saints stood victorious, undefeated, and untouchable. In the words of a legendary coach, “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”
For the 12U Boys, this season wasn’t just about basketball; it was about heart, grit, and proving that together, they are Truly Unstoppable!!!
14U Boys WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
Saints Triumph in a Thrilling 43-41 Victory Over St. Jerome!
In a game that could rival any NBA Finals matchup, the Saints faced off against St. Jerome in a nail-biting battle for the championship. From the opening tip, it was clear this matchup would be a battle of wills, with both teams leaving everything on the court.
Kay led the charge offensively, showcasing dominance on both ends of the floor. His precision and poise under pressure were matched by Gio’s defensive brilliance, as he locked down opponents and forced game-changing turnovers. Meanwhile, the Saints’ defensive core—anchored by Eli, Kendall, Bryan, Kovi, James, and LJ—put on a clinic in grit and resilience.
The tension reached its peak in the final seconds. With the score tied and the championship hanging in the balance, the Saints’ defense forced a crucial miss. Kay, with ice in his veins, took control, driving the length of the court to sink the game-winning basket with seconds remaining.
As the buzzer sounded, the gym erupted. Fans stormed the court, players embraced, and the championship trophy was hoisted high amid jubilant cheers.
“Offense wins games, but DEFENSE wins CHAMPIONSHIPS!” declared an elated Coach Kelan, his voice barely audible over the roaring crowd.
This victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement—a testament to the Saints’ unwavering determination and team-first mentality. The Saints didn’t just win a title; they etched their legacy in the annals of 14U basketball history.
What a season. What a story. What a TEAM.
The 8U co-ed team closed out their season with a thrilling 27-26 victory over Holy Redeemer, finishing with an impressive 5-1 record. Emery led the scoring with 15 points, followed by Morgan with 4, while Alexis, Chloe, Mikko, and Marshall each added 2 points. The team showed great teamwork and determination, ending their season on a high note.
The 12U girls also played their final game of the season, falling 14-20 to Holy Redeemer in what was their only loss of the year. They finished with a strong 7-1 record, showcasing their talent and resilience throughout the season. Taylor led the team with 9 points, while Kaia added 3 and Kali contributed 2. Despite the loss, the girls had a remarkable season, demonstrating resilience and strong teamwork in every game.
Girl Scout Cookies!
Our St. Mary’s Girl Scout Troop 21121-Daisies and Brownies will be selling Girl Scout Cookies at this week’s HSA meeting. All cookies this year are $6.00 per box. Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted.
Community Events and Resources
Free Tax Preparation through Catholic Charities
If your income is under $67k, have IRS VITA certified volunteers prepare and review your
tax return for FREE!
Calendar
Google Calendar Link
Friday February 28th: 10:00 a.m. Mass
Monday March 3rd: No School
Wednesday March 5th: Ash Wednesday Mass
Friday March 7th: No Mass
Monday March 10th: No School
Monday March11th-14th: Scholastic Book Fair
Friday March 14th: 10:00 a.m. Mass
Monday March 17th: Out of Uniform Fundraiser- Wear Green
Friday March 21st: 10:00 a.m. Mass
Friday March 28th: 10:00 a.m. Mass; 12:30 p.m. Dismissal
St. Mary of the Assumption School
Email: school@stmaryum.org
Website: stmaryum.org
Location: 4610 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD, USA
Phone: 301 627 4170