News and Events 2006-2007

Conserve Our Water!	NEWS AND EVENTS 2006-2007 (Recent news here, scroll down for prior events.)	Classroom Reports

On Friday evening, June 1st, the excellent Class of 2007 graduated from St. Mary's Episcopal Day School as tropical storm Barry brought much needed rain to Tampa. An amazing and amusing commencement address was delivered by Carol Marie Fraley, chosen by her peers to represent the class. Headmaster Laird's remarks brought smiles to the graduates and faculty, as he quoted the students' fond and funny memories of their school careers. It was a very special evening, and a fitting tribute and farewell to the 8th graders as they move on to high school. They will be missed!

Monday, May 21st, sixth graders loaded up a truck full of small toys and toiletries to send to impoverished families in the Dominican Republic. The 6th grade collected the items during the week of May 14th-18th. USF medical students and faculty traveling to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip this summer will be delivering the donated items. Financial contributions also allow the medical students to treat patients and distribute medical supplies. Great job 6th grade!

A Baccalaureate Service for the Class of 2007 was held on Sunday, May 20th. Father Kezar spoke about the decisions we face in life and ended his sermon with Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken." A reception following the service was held in St. Mary's Hall for clergy, faculty, staff, students, and their families. Everyone enjoyed reminiscing with the graduates.

St. Mary's 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classes presented the musical, "Praise Rocks" on Thursday, May 17th for their parents, relatives and friends. The students performed beautifully and will repeat the show for the whole school on Friday, May 18th during assembly. Job well done!

St. Mary's students enjoyed a new art program this year, organized, coordinated and introduced by Meg Carte. In collaboration with parent volunteers, Pre-K through 4th grade students are taught about the style and history of major artists, and are able to view great art on slides while learning about the artist and his creative process. Each grade level is introduced to six new artists each year, thirty-six artists in all. The program has been a huge success, and was featured Monday, May 14th on Fox News' "What's Right with Tampa Bay" segment. Congratulations to Mrs. Carte and her parent volunteers!

Monday, May 14th, in a solemn ceremony in St. Mary's Church, Mr. Q and Ms. U were united in marriage. Fully inflated and dressed in their wedding finery, the couple swelled with pride as they enjoyed the company of their Pre-K well-wishers. "We fell in love quickly," said Ms. U. "Q may be quiet, but he's also quixotic. I had no qualms at all, I feel like quite a queen. We never quarrel or quibble, and we hope to have quadruplets!" After the wedding a lovely reception was held in St. Mary's Hall.

In chapel on Monday, May 14th, academic awards were given by subject area to top students in each Middle School class. Mr. Laird emphasized that many of the decisions were based on a hundredth of a point and there were a number of students with very competitive averages. Also recognized were St. Mary's Distinguished Faculty. These teachers were honored for their outstanding service to the school. The awards this year went to Peter Atherton and Kaki Lang. Last year's recipients, Faye Ennis, Maureen Ripley, Mary Branch, and Mary Jane Stewart, attended and were also recognized at the presentation. At the end of the service, the 2006-2007 yearbook was presented and dedicated to Coach Rick Sandman.

St. Mary's Episcopal Day School recently held the 2007 Saints' Sports Banquet, recognizing all athletes in 6th-8th grades. St. Mary's Athletic program is one of the strongest in the area, with participation by 97% of middle school students on at least one competitive team this year. Awards were presented by coaches of each team, with top 8th grade honors of the year awarded to: (photo, L to R) Noble Fowler, Kippy Castillo, and Montana Herron, Athletes of the Year; Timmy Gillman, Jimmy Robbins, and Julia Baldwin, Sportsmanship Awards; and Isabel Dalence and Ben Adams, Academic Athletes of the Year.

Chapel on May the 7th was a special day, as Bishop Darby Smith spoke to the congregation and surprised us with his musical talents. Bishop Smith experienced Hurricane Katrina first hand, and was able to share with the school community what it was like to live through such a disaster and how much help the area still needs to recover. He ended with songs he composed and sang himself, strumming along with his guitar. St. Mary's hopes to welcome Bishop Smith back again soon.

Pre-K and Kindergarten delighted us on May 4th as they performed their first annual joint production, Be a Good Neighbor in St. Mary's Hall. Singing and moving to the music, the young performers didn't miss a note or beat. The show, emceed by Headmaster Laird, emphasized how important it is to be helpful to one another. Mrs. Jungers congratulated the students on their fine presentation, emphasizing how accomplished they were, especially considering some are still four years old!

Fifth grade patrols had a memorable overnight trip to EPCOT and Blizzard Beach April 30th and May 1st. This annual reward is well deserved as patrols serve the school all year long in so many capacities. Thank you fifth grade, for all you do!

April 24th-27th, eighth graders enjoyed their annual trip to Washington. Our students always represent us well in the nation's capital. Their extremely busy schedule includes major national monuments and museums, and the popular comedy, Shear Madness, a "whodonit" where the audience gets to participate. This longest running off-broadway play in American Theatre History is always a hit. A stop in Philadelphia was added this year, and students were able to enjoy the many historic sites in that city relating to the American Revolution.

Former Saints and their parents gathered at 5:30 Sunday, April 22nd to enjoy catching up with one another and compare notes about where they will attend college in the fall. Most of the St. Mary's Class of 2003 were in attendance, and each spoke with Headmaster Laird before the group assembled, sharing their favorite memories about St. Mary's and plans for the future. Many teachers present had a hard time recognizing their former students, as they had changed so much during their high school years. The group enjoyed a breezy afternoon outside the entrance to St. Mary's Hall as they reminisced.

Thursday, April 12th, 2007 ~ At the beginning of the academic year, "Water" was introduced as a school wide theme. Students have explored the ways water is crucial to life on Earth, and how they can conserve this resource and help provide it for others. Barrels were decorated and placed around campus to catch rainfall for watering plants on the grounds. A watering can placed in chapel serves to hold contributions for building a well in Africa where clean water is severely limited. Students have written prayers for water we share during morning services, and Easter mite boxes will be added to the well building fund. The student council has just announced their plan to begin a recycling effort at St. Mary's, taking an important step to help our school continue to move towards focus on planet sustainability.

St. Mary's prepared for Easter in chapel, in the classroom, and on the grounds, as we remembered the blessings of the first Easter, and enjoyed the fun of decorating and hunting for eggs. Kindergarten paid a visit to Daisy and Blackberry, the resident bunnies in Mr. Luikart's science lab, and with Mrs. Fernandez along to answer questions about the furry twosome, everyone enjoyed watching them nibble on carrots picked fresh from the Kindergarten garden.

April 1st-4th the seventh grade took a four day adventure to Sea Camp on Big Pine Key. This trip, which compliments their science studies, allows first hand observation and exploration of the ocean life they have been studying in the classroom. It is a "St. Mary's Favorite" trip for many, and this year was no exception. Everyone came home with lots of stories from a great trip.

Everyone was delighted this morning when Mr. Laird announced on "Saints at Eight" that the whole school was going to the Florida Aquarium for a half day. We all boarded buses for the short ride and enjoyed viewing aquatic animal and plant life and learning about conservation in keeping with our water theme this year. What treat a for the first day back from Spring Break!

St. Mary's annual "John A. Shepard Field Day" was held on a somewhat damp morning, Friday, March 16th. The blue and gold teams competed in a variety of events including Sack Races, the 40 Yard Dash, Dodge ball, Jump Rope, Tug of War, and of course, the Knowledge Bowl. All the athletes and scholars did their best and in the end, the gold team took the cup. Thanks to Coach Sandman and the athletic department for another great Field Day. Everyone was dismissed at noon.

The sixth grade science classes held their 2007 Science Fair and Exhibit in St. Mary's Hall on Thursday evening, March 15th. All the students put a lot of thought and time into their scientific investigations, and Mrs. Sutfin was extremely proud of them.

On March 13th and 14th, seventh grade presented A Little Broadway Now and Then for the St. Mary's community. Filled with songs and dancing from familiar and popular musicals, this ambitious undertaking showcased a very talented group of performers. After such an excellent production, we can all look forward to an awesome musical in the fall!

All week preceding Field Day on March 16th, St. Mary's students dress up according to theme! Monday is blue and gold day, Tuesday is Decades Day, Wednesday's Hawaiian Day, Thursday is your favorite team jersey day, and Friday is Field Day and a half day of school prior to Spring Break. What a spirit filled week!

Friday, March 9th, William Durbin spoke to three groups of students in St. Mary's Hall about his life as a writer and books he has written. Mr. Durbin is author of El Lector, a book 7th grade and the faculty will read this summer. El Lector is about a cigar factory lector in Ybor City, Florida. Lectors used to read newspapers and books to workers as they rolled cigars. Mr. Durbin lives in Northeastern Minnesota and has written many other books of historical fiction, and won numerous awards and honors for his work. Our thanks to media specialist Ramsay Jones for arranging this outstanding author visit.

St. Mary's grad Matt Anderson returned to campus March 7th to spend the day with old friends as part of the field work required for his college curriculum. Matt is working towards a career in education, so his day at St. Mary's was part business and part pleasure as he reconnected with many of the teachers and administrators remembered from when he studied here.

Wednesday, March 7th, Sixth Grade performed Shakespeare in St. Mary's Hall as part of their language arts and drama studies with Ms. Bostick. After studying the play and learning their parts, the actors amused the audience with their comedic portrayals of kings and queens, star crossed lovers, and woodland fairies. The familiar tale was recreated with modern language and attitudes. Visual effects and costuming were creatively achieved by the students themselves. Bravo 6th grade!

St. Mary's annual benefit auction dinner dance was held March 3rd in St. Mary's Hall. The evening included a patron's party, dinner by Salt Rock Grill, and dancing to the tunes of the popular band, Full Circle. Numerous silent auction items were available for bidding, and the live auctioneer this year was our own Headmaster Laird. Thank you to all the hard working planners and contributors who made our annual benefit so successful!

March 1, 2007 ~ Orange Blossom Catering transformed our lunch room with Saints colors, balloons, and stars before beginning their first day providing meals at St. Mary's. Students were excited to receive new menus and see the attractive presentation, including a special cake to celebrate our new association with the firm. Also on the menu day one were Cuban sandwiches with pickle, pasta salad, fresh fruit, and baked chips. Many thanks go to Suzanne Ennis who worked overtime to organize new catering, and to Orange Blossom for making such a great first impression with their courtesy and professionalism.

Eighth graders have enjoyed several entertaining mystery trips this year. Two recent surprises took them to the Florida State Fair and deep sea fishing. As always, the students never know when they will come to school and hear the announcement that books, pencils, and studying don't apply to them that day, as they are whisked away to an unknown destination. What a great reward for years of academic excellence!

Patriot Games

Thursday afternoon, February 15th, the intermediate division enjoyed our annual Patriot Games in St. Mary's gym and outside in the chilly weather. After the history trivia competition, lighthearted games of Stick the Star on the Flag, Roosevelt's Rough Riders, Kennedy's Pillow Polo, and Washington's Water Relay made fun afternoon activities. Snacks provided by our parents rounded out the day, and red, white, and blue clad athletes headed home after the last bell ready for a four day long weekend.

A national organization, All Pro Dads is a program designed to create an opportunity for dads to spend quality time with their children. The SMEDS group gathers in St. Mary's Hall monthly on a Friday morning at 7:00. Breakfast is provided and the fathers and their children enjoy some food and fellowship. As breakfast ends, the group leader creates conversation starters to help dads and their children tackle discussing topics such as peer pressure, faith, and other subject matter designed to help them learn a little about one another. The program provides an environment for dads who want and try to spend time with their children, but who may appreciate a forum to help stimulate conversation about those tough subjects.

St. Mary's faculty, vestry and board of trustees gathered for dinner in St. Mary's Hall on Thursday, February 1st. The group enjoyed a video presentation looking back over ten years of St. Mary's history, followed by speeches from special guest Matt Metcalf, Father Dennis Kezar, Cindy Ruff, and Headmaster Laird. Faculty and staff were awarded service pins, and Rick Hampton and Tiffany Gould received special recognition for their hard work on the construction committee for the hall.

Friday the 26th of January, 8th grade boys took on the faculty in a showdown under the hoops. The back and forth score saw each side ahead and then behind as the clock ticked toward the buzzer. In the end, 8th grade prevailed. In the final seconds it came down to one basket as the boys won with a score of 37 to 35. Go Saints!

On Thursday afternoon, January 25th, pirates stormed the campus and took over St. Mary's Hall. The buccaneers sang raucous sailing songs and shared their pirate booty with our delighted students.

Legacy author Herman Parish entertained students on Friday, January 19th in St. Mary's Hall with anecdotes about his aunt, Peggy Parish, who originated the Amelia Bedelia book series. He continues writing the series about the misguided housekeeper to the delight of readers everywhere. Amelia (a.k.a. Kelly Hoffman) even made a personal appearance, dusting and cleaning the audience in her own special fashion. Thanks to Mrs. Jones for arranging this fun and interesting presentation.

The evening of January 17th, 8th graders once again entertained us with their short speeches during the annual Speech Extravaganza. Culminating their second quarter class with Headmaster Laird, the polished presentations were sometimes humorous, sometimes revealing, and sometimes touching. Family, friends, and faculty all enjoyed each speaker after they were introduced by Mr. Laird. Well dressed and looking poised and calm, the eighth grade drew accolades from all attending.

Yale Spizzwinks(?) Sing in Chapel

We were lucky to have the men's a cappella group from Yale sing for us in chapel on Monday, January 8th. The music ranged from show tune favorites like "Old Man River" to more modern popular songs. With their perfect harmony and humorous antics, the Spizzwinks(?) entertained the congregation for forty-five minutes, helping us start the week off on a high note.

The annual Christmas games for Pre-K through second grade were played this year on the afternoon of December 14th. The fun events included the beanbag toss, cookie decorating (and eating), "snowball fights" and "sled races".

Students from the 8th grade traveled to Metropolitan Ministries on Thursday, December 14th, to assist with unpacking, sorting, and organizing donated items. The extra help was appreciated, especially during the busy Christmas season.

The evening of December 13th, 8th grade students gathered at Mr. Laird's home to celebrate their last Christmas together as St. Mary's students with a festive dinner and gift exchange. The "gift swap" tradition found guests competing this year for an appealing pet mouse! Also popular were gifts commemorating Plant High School's state football championship. Naturally, most participants tried to avoid Middle School Head Steve Edwards' annual gift, an autographed picture of himself!

On December 12th and 13th, first through fourth graders wowed us with their presentation of "The First Leon", the story of a Christmas pageant with an unlikely hero. Held in St. Mary's Hall, the singing and stage direction made the young performers look more like a Broadway cast than the students we know and love so well. The animated chorus and many featured players were flawless, no missed cues, no sour notes! Bravo everyone, and thanks to Mrs. Jungers for giving us another stellar show.

At the end of Saints at Eight on December 12th, Headmaster Laird announced that everyone should gather in chapel for a special event. Buses were waiting to transport the entire school to Westshore Plaza for a premiere showing of Charlotte's Web. As the students climbed aboard, they were given bracelets with words from the book describing the humble main character, Wilbur the pig. Everyone enjoyed our morning at the movies!

Pre-K's annual jaunt to Mr. Laird's house for Christmas cookies and stories took place Monday afternoon, December 11th. This is always an exciting outing for our youngest students who enjoy special attention from the Headmaster and, of course, the sweets. Rookies just a few months ago, they are now seasoned St. Mary's students, ready for adventures!

December 11th ~ In chapel this morning Kindergarten presented the story of Christmas in full costume and perfect voice. Parents, faculty and students were captivated by the beautiful message and traditional carols. Kindergarten didn't miss a cue and even repeated the performance a second time just for parents to enjoy. Thank you Kindergarten, and Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 9th, the St. Mary's community came together for the first Angel Tree event organized by Susan Eaton to benefit children whose parents aren't able to be with them on Christmas. Donations allowed gifts and Christmas dinner to be provided for the children. The Boy Scouts, Pioneer Girls, and bible study groups all helped in one way or another to prepare for and provide a festive and fun day. Entertainment was provided by Lori Jungers and her cast of "The First Leon". Thanks to the many people who generously donated time and money to make this event possible, and for sharing the spirit of Christmas with those in need.

The week of December 4th, two groups of students from St. Mary's performed Christmas music at Tampa International Airport. Tired travelers stopped to listen to the serenade, tapping their toes and nodding in appreciation. Our singers were featured on the six o'clock news in a spot called "What's Right with Tampa Bay". Being interviewed by the reporter, music director Lori Jungers summed it up saying, "We just want to bring a smile to their faces!"

The Plant High School Madrigal Singers entertained us in St. Mary's Hall the afternoon of December 1st, starting the month off in fine holiday tradition. Many of our former students performed with the group and their voices and presentation were outstanding. Music ranging from sacred to silly left the students and teachers wanting more. Thanks to the Plant High Singers!

A special tradition at St. Mary's, suspended last year due to construction, happily resumes on November 21st. The faculty and children are extra excited to welcome grandparents and friends to our campus and perform for them in the new St. Mary's Hall. "We can do and share so much more with the wonderful equipment and space than we could in the gym," declared music director Lori Jungers. She added, "The program should be very special this year!"

On November 15th, the lady Saints showed what they are made of. In a pitched battle right up to the end, the girls volleyball team managed to tie the faculty with one game each at the buzzer. Not to be outdone by their much older, larger, and more experienced opponents, the girls fought hard to earn the second game and call it a tie. Go Saints!

November 15th ~ Josie Little received three Accelerated Reader awards today in chapel for reaching 1,000, 1,100, and 1,200 points in the school's incentive reading program. Headmaster Laird honored Josie with the Lamp of Learning medal for her accomplishment. Only three other students have passed the 1,000 point goal since the program began ten years ago. Past award recipients, now graduates of St. Mary's, are Jordan Hatton, Sarah Josey, and Paul Perry. Congratulations Josie!

October 31st ~ The St. Mary's community enjoyed a festive holiday morning as students arrived in costume for the first Halloween show in the new hall. The audience was treated to songs, humor, and poetry, accompanied by music fitting the occasion. Everyone could see and hear so well, thanks to our splendid new hall. The whole event was frightfully delightful!

On October 26th we were invited to attend the 8th grade play presented by St. Mary's Class of 2007 and directed by Lori Jungers. Shining Princess of the Slender Bamboo was the first full production in the new St. Mary's Hall and it was a spectacular inaugural performance. Kudos to 8th grade and to all the teachers and families who supported them in this history making event. The show was lively and entertaining as well as visually enchanting. Thank you 8th grade!

Seventh Grade took their annual field trip to Dayspring in Ellenton on October 25th. The purpose of the Initiatives Course the students participate in is to promote trust and teamwork. It's also fun to miss a few classes, especially on a cool Florida day!

Senorita Amos and her students raised money for children on Wednesday, October 25th as they wheeled their cart of sweets (dulces) from classroom to classroom. To reinforce foreign language skills, students conversed in Spanish to complete their transactions. The funds raised will go for food, clothing and school supplies to help six migrant Hispanic children.

October 23rd found the fifth grade boarding a bus for their annual outing to Cedarkirk. This is the first overnight trip St. Mary's students take and is always a favorite. Working on group activities and problem solving challenges, the students bond and learn how to work as a team. This year the cool weather made it even more fun!

Middle Schoolers had a blast the evening of October 20th at the Student Council sponsored Halloween Dance in the gym. A special surprise was in store for them when they arrived as they found laser tag was a part of the fun for the night. Costumes were creative and everyone relaxed and enjoyed a well deserved reprieve from the books.

"It's a wrap" for the annual gift wrap fundraiser! The students sold over $52,000 worth of products which is a 10% increase in sales over last year. Chairperson Lisa Couch presented sales awards during assembly on Friday, October 20th. Top honors were presented in St. Mary's Hall to Pre-K's Yammile Barber, who sold the most gift wrap of all.

7th Graders enjoyed a day off from school as they canoed down the Hillsborough River and relaxed at Sergeant's Park on October 13th. As water quality and conservation are being emphasized school wide, students were able to experience first hand the importance of these issues to our quality of life.

Student Council raised money for the Humane Society by sponsoring Flip Flop Day on October 5th. Everyone was allowed to wear their favorite flip flops provided they contributed to this good cause. The first fundraiser of this type, it proved a popular and successful effort. Flip flops of all designs and colors were seen and heard all over campus!

Friday, September 29th, the school day began with Blessing of the Pets, an annual event at St. Mary's. Animals of all varieties, furred and feathered, scaled and slimy, were blessed by the patient and loving hands of Father Kezar, Father Ben, and Deacon Wolfe. Everyone enjoyed this special occasion, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. This year's biggest pet visitor arrived with Meg...she brought her horse!

Smart Boards arrived the week of September 18th on St. Mary's campus. The Smart Board interactive whiteboard is a large, touch-sensitive display. Connected to a computer and projector, the interactive whiteboard is like a giant computer screen that students and teachers simply touch to operate. Using their finger or a pen as a mouse, teachers and students can access and control any computer application, file or multimedia platform, including the Internet, CD-ROMs and DVDs. They can also write over applications in digital ink, then save their work for future study and review. The Smart Board interactive whiteboard engages and involves the children. Four classroom teachers have introduced this new technology to rave reviews from their students. More Smart Board purchases and teacher training are planned for the future.

The Museum of Science and Industry sent their "Marine Gang" on Friday, September 15th to share with students the importance of our water supply. Special guests helped illustrate the ideas of conservation and pollution prevention.

Eighth Grade had a blast on this year's High Ropes outing September 7th and 8th. Focusing on team building and trust exercises, the participants worked together to achieve common goals by sharing their individual talents. After completing the ropes course, the students and chaperones relaxed and played at Busch Gardens before returning home.

Everyone gathered for our first assembly in the new hall on Friday, September 1st. On stage and waiting to present was the class of 2016. Having practiced "Mr. M with the Munching Mouth" countless times in the classroom, they were ready and eager to share their talents. As the familiar song began, many Kindergarten students joined in from the audience, and cameras clicked to record the milestone event. Fine presentations by fifth and sixth grades were also enjoyed.

School began with the traditional opening chapel service introducing our new Pre-K and 8th grade classes. There was excitement as friends greeted one another and met their new teachers. With construction completed, everyone looks forward to a wonderful year. St. Mary's Hall is a great addition to the campus! Also new is our theme for the year, "Water".