St. Mary third grade teacher Mrs. Ann O’Leary standing with student Jack Greenleaf. Students seated clockwise from right are: Ethan Forrest, Hunter Brown, Jason Gong, and Matthew Uy.
Saint Mary School at 183 High Ridge will hold an open house for prospective students and families on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 9 to 10 a.m.
This award-winning Catholic school received the National Blue Ribbon Award in 2010 placing it among the top 50 schools in the nation. It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
“At Saint Mary School, we educate the whole child,” said Mrs. Anna O’Rourke, principa. “Our faith-based education and nurturing community environment enables us to offer more than just strong academics — it enables us to focus on every aspect of helping a student thrive.
“The upcoming open house gives parents a great opportunity to meet our very talented and dedicated teaching staff first-hand, visit the classrooms, ask questions, and see what daily life at the school is like. Individual student visit days can also be arranged,” Mrs. O’Rourke said.
One of the many talented teachers at Saint Mary School is third grade teacher Ann O’Leary. “I have filled all three roles at Saint Mary School — student, parent, and teacher,” said Mrs. O’Leary. “I attended Saint Mary School starting in 1963 as a kindergarten student through fifth grade when my family moved out West. I returned to the East Coast as an adult — my husband and I raised our four children in Brookfield. My youngest daughter attended middle school at Saint Mary School and I have been the third grade teacher here for the last 10 years.”
Mrs. O’Leary will earn a master of arts degree in reading and language arts this spring.
“I am often asked what makes this school so special, and I believe it is the faith-based education, which children will use throughout their lives, and the emphasis we place on a strong home/school connection,” said Mrs. O’Leary. “I credit my experience here as a student, in such a loving and supportive environment, with leading me towards a career in teaching,” she added.
In addition to a solid, comprehensive math program, third graders focus on narrative opinion and informational writing. Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum. Some of the students’ favorite third grade highlights are the Fifty States Fair, Holy Communion and the buddy/mentoring program with pre-kindergarten.
To register for open house, families should call the school at 203-438-7288 or register online at www.smsridgefield.org. Click on the open house button.