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Parent Perspectives
A True Blessing for Our Family
St. Mary's School has been a true blessing for our family. When we found St. Mary's, we knew we had found the "educational home" we had been searching for. Not only is the scholastic education above and beyond our expectations, but the religious experience has benefited my 2 children and my 5 nieces and nephews. St. Mary's has allowed our children to take pride in and to value their religion.
Since our children were very small, they learned that their behavior was to reflect Jesus' behavior and they were to act in a manner that would make God proud. It is wonderful to have a nurturing, loving environment that mirrors our sentiments and works as a partnership in raising our precious little ones.
I have also benefited from being a parent at St. Mary's school.Had I been at another school I could not have had the joy of being around children who are (even on difficult days) God's reminders of the beauty in this world and be able to share a prayer. I have deep admiration for St. Mary's School and all who give parents peace of mind and an educational dream.
Verneen Ritoli Paradise, mother of Elleana, Gr. 4 and Timothy, Gr. K
More than uniforms
What is St. Mary's School? I'll give you a hint...It's much more than children in uniforms learning reading, writing and arithmetic. It is an entire family of dedicated staff, students and parents who are continual Catholic role models bringing religious education to life through their everyday actions. Each school day begins with the children being greeted at the door by their principal and biggest advocate, Mrs. Gannatti, followed by morning prayers led by the students. If you happen to stop by during the school day you usually won't find Mrs. Gannatti in her office. She spends the majority of the school days participating in classes and truly getting a feel for what her students and teachers are doing on a daily basis. If you happen to be a parent volunteer and lugging a big stack of books, the students at St. Mary's do not even think twice about offering a helping hand or holding a door open. Kindness and respect are second nature to these children. After having the opportunity to hear them speak at a school function or attending a class Mass, you will immediately be taken aback by the maturity and intelligence of St. Mary's students. As a room mother often asking for assistance, there is never a shortage of parent volunteers. Just walking through the doors at St. Mary's School as a parent leaves me with a smile on my face as I am continually reminded of how proud I am to have my children be part of this special family.
Mary Clark, mother of Evan, Gr. 1 and Sydney Prek 4's
We knew we were home
In December 2006, my family was relocated to the Farmington Valley due to a career move. I was concerned about uprooting my children during the school year and moving to a place where we had no friends or family. I enrolled my children in St. Mary's School because they attended a Catholic school in Pennsylvania and I myself attended Catholic school. As a parent, I believe in the value of a Catholic education. From the moment we entered the doors of St. Mary's, we knew that we were home. The entire St. Mary's community embraced my children and my family. The faculty, staff and families that make-up the St. Mary's community is truly wonderful. In addition to its warmth, the school also prides itself on academic excellence. The teachers access their students' capabilities and provide enrichment work for students who need to be challenged and provide individualized attention to students who may be struggling. It is both a privilege and an honor to be a part of this school, and I look forward to many years at St. Mary's School.
Donna Nolan, mother of John, PreK 3's, Maria, Gr. 1 and Timothy, Gr. 3
Community & constant communication
As a new family with twins at St. Mary's School, we have been more than impressed with St. Mary's sense of community, constant communication and warm environment from which our daughters are benefiting. St. Mary's School has not only focused on the academic growth of our twin girls, but also the equally important spiritual, emotional, and social well being of EACH of them. We value the emphasis placed on having a positive relationship with God and caring for others.
David & Kerry McElroy, parents of Ellie & Mary, Gr. K
Educating the whole child
Our family moved to the valley 7 years ago. We picked Avon because the public schools were, and continue to be, among the academically best in the nation. Our son started kindergarten there in 2002. We sent another child in 2004 and our last in 2006. I am very active in the community and was very active in the schools. Eventually, after watching the culture there for five years, I concluded that academics were very good, but character development clearly was not consistent with what we taught at home. Public schools are forced to remain amoral on issues such as defining right and wrong, as well as what defines the common good and goals for leadership. Considering that parents give their children to a school community for 8 hours a day and 180 days a year, the influence of the culture which the school exerts has a significant impact on how each child sees the world. School may very well be an almost equal force in the development of a child. The whole child. This reality struck me as an argument for a faith based community of educators.
After several years of looking at options and talking to our families, we picked St. Mary's. My husband was still somewhat reluctant. Then he heard Mrs. Gannatti speak at the fall open house. He can be skeptical and very measured in his response or support of individuals. We left school that night with not only him on board, but sold on placing our children there. Mrs. Gannatti is an articulate representative of all that the public schools are not. She has the courage and clarity to lead families and children to educating the whole child. Under her guidance at school, we are confident that our children will learn how to succeed in a moral life, not just succeed in securing a well-paying job. Our children are being raised by a village of people who understand the value of character as a necessary component in creating an educated individual. After all, what is knowledge worth if the individual who uses that knowledge as a tool cannot do so in a positive way? How can the children grow to be leaders which will meet the complex challenges that we are today facing if they cannot have the courage and faith to speak up for what is right? Mrs. Gannatti gives our children guidance by setting clear boundaries, teaching lessons in a positive and loving way, and reinforcing the common ties which make a community work together.
Leigh Ann Bacevich, mother of Samuel, Gr. 6, Margaret, Gr. 4 and Sarah, Gr. 2
A well rounded experience
St. Mary's School has been a well rounded learning experience for our child. Throughout the years (9, in total!), the teaching staff has guided him along to be respectful of others, to "walk with Jesus," and has offered academic challenges which have well prepared him for high school. Our goal as parents was to engage our child in a nurturing environment that worked hand in hand with our own philosophy of raising a child. These goals have been met, we are certain, through his Catholic education at St. Mary's School.
Mary & Andy Stephanou, parents of Andre, SMS Graduate
That "extra" education
When we moved to Simsbury in 1998, Emily was less than a year old. The major reasons we picked this town were its reputation for great public education, low crime rate, recreational facilities and prime real estate. We were so delighted to have found out at that time, there was a Catholic school in town. There was no doubt that first, we will be part of that parish and second, we plan to put our children at St. Mary's School. Angie and I both went to Catholic schools. The school, its faculty and administration, and student community have met all of our expectations and more. We can see the development, not only academic and physical, but most importantly, the spiritual and moral values of our children. When Emily was in third grade, I remember in one of our prayers before dinner, she offered our intentions for a man she saw walking in the street. I asked her why we should offer our prayer for someone we didn't know. She said that he looked sad and that he probably had nobody to pray for him. In her actions, I saw a good person who wanted better things for other people. I attribute this to St. Mary's and the teachings of the school. It reminded me that we are responsible for other people as well, not only our immediate family and friends.
I would recommend St. Mary School to any family looking for that "extra" education for their children, the one that I think matters the most.
Fred Bautista, father of Emily, Gr. 6
A gift to my children
I am the "product" of 16 years of Catholic education. On my first day of medical school when I walked into the lecture hall, the first thing I thought was, "Why is there no crucifix on the wall?"! I know for a fact that all I have achieved is because of the gift of the Catholic education I received, and I am only too happy to give this gift to my children in a very special place called St. Mary School in Simsbury, Connecticut. The minute one walks into the main lobby of the school you know you have entered a safe haven of learning where the teachings of Christ and prayerful worship of his Blessed Mother form the core of a very challenging curriculum. Children are nurtured, and taught to nurture one another. Religion is not just a subject offered once a day; Catholic values are part of each and every class, and faith formation is part of the students' daily routine. One day, my 7 year old son came home and said to me, "Mom, did you know that in public school they can't talk about Jesus!" He was truly amazed and could not comprehend how faith and education could be mandated to be totally separate entities! We are so glad and believe we are very fortunate to be part of the St. Mary's family.
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hanley Carbon, mother of Christopher, Gr. 4 and Terry, Gr. 3
Truly pleased with our SMS experience
We are parents of two current SMS students and one recent graduate. SMS appealed to us six years ago when we moved to CT from Ohio not only for the religious education and academic excellence it would provide our children, but also for its welcoming, friendly community. The administration, faculty, and parent community truly care about all the children and are actively engaged in providing a safe, nurturing environment within which the children will grow and mature spiritually, socially, physically and academically. We are truly pleased with our SMS experience.
Tom and Letha Kunkel, parents of Laura, Gr. 4, Grace, Gr. 8 and Robert, 2007 graduate
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