Dear St. Mary’s Families,
Fr. John’s homily this week was very fitting. He encouraged each of us to listen to the Lord. To give ourselves the opportunity to listen, we might need to find a time to be silent. Ironically, the letters used to spell “listen” are the same needed for “silent”.
In the busy world we live in, it is important to take time to be silent to listen to the Lord. We rush from one thing to the next, we are constantly stimulated with devices, tv, or other screens, we are coming off of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and as a result, we may have not allowed ourselves to take a moment, take a breath, be silent, and listen.
Imagine If – Gala
The Gala is rapidly approaching. Everything is coming together. If you have not purchased your tickets yet, please be sure to do so quickly. Tickets will go fast and I would be saddened if anyone missed out. Please use the link below to purchase your tickets and get the details about the event.
The last day to purchase tickets is January 21st…. Unless they are sold out by them…
The PTO sponsored Gala is the single greatest fundraiser of the year for St. Mary’s. The funds are used to subsidize tuition, fund scholarships, and meet our operating needs. Your participation is greatly appreciated.
There are many ways to contribute. The main billboard in the school is decorated with a Wishing Wall. Please take a moment to see if you have or have the ability to acquire any of the items being wished for…..
If you have time to volunteer, please check out Track it Forward.
Gala Tickets
Gala Information and Details
Thank you for your continued partnership to enrich our students. We appreciate everyone’s contribution to fulfill St. Mary’s mission
OUR MISSION:
St. Mary’s School is to provide a Catholic environment that instills academic excellence while preparing the whole child for life-long personal and spiritual growth, empowering them to become global citizens.
School Choice Letter Diocese – Additional Information 
The Idaho Tax Commission is working to educate the public about House Bill 93, the bill designed to help families with the expense of non-public education. The link above will bring you to the latest information from the Diocese. You are also encouraged to visit the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit page. It provides information about the bill along with courses to help families understand the finer details.
*** The following was sent to me from the Diocese. I have heard from a number of you with questions cornering eligibility. Eligibility is determined by the student and family. St. Mary’s usage of IDLA did not disqualify the school, only the students in the semester they took IDLA. St. Mary’s has discontinued any usage of IDLA and we are looking for alternatives to meet the needs of our students.
School Choice Tax Credit – IDLA – and How to Apply
2026-27 Re-enrollment and Enrollment
Re-enrollment for our existing families begins February 1. Please find the FACTS Family Portal through Parent Quick Links. If you know of anyone interested in St. Mary’s for the 2026-27 school year, please let them know enrollment will be officially open on February 14.
St. Mary’s is an incredible school with incredible teachers, staff, students and families. We are always looking for more incredible families to join our community. If you know of anyone looking for something incredible, please encourage them to schedule a tour and/or contact our incredible office.
Why St. Mary’s?
Partnership Page
St. Mary’s school initiated a partnership page on our website to share information about businesses that are associated with and support St. Mary’s. If you are looking for something, I encourage you to check out the directory.
If you are interested in listing your business, please contact Mandy at the front office. We would love to continue to grow our partnerships and encourage support for our St. Mary’s businesses.
Catholic Schools Week – January 25-January 30
While Catholic Schools Week is still a couple of weeks away, I want you to be aware of special traditions that are unique to St. Mary’s and an opportunity to have you join us.
Sunday, January 25 – Students sponsored Mass at 10:45 – All families are invited to kick off the special week at Mass on Sunday. Whether or not you are Catholic, we would love to have you there to celebrate St. Mary’s and Catholic Schools. Our students will be welcoming, serving, reading and greeting.
Tuesday, January 27 – Alumni Breakfast – All alumni are invited for a special breakfast on Tuesday morning. Our former students now at Bishop Kelly, and those in college and beyond are welcome to come back to reminisce about the glory days walking the halls of St. Mary’s.
Wednesday, January 28 – All School Mass at St. Mark’s – Due to the number of students from the Treasure Valley Catholic Schools, only students and teachers are invited. I encourage you to pray for us as we celebrate the Eucharist together on Wednesday morning.
Friday, January 30 – Family Picnic and Ringing of the Bells – We would love to have everyone join us for lunch on
Friday. Bring a blanket and spread out as we enjoy our lunch as a school and as a community. Later that day, you can join us at 3:00 on the sidewalk to ring bells in recognition of Catholic Schools and St. Mary’s. If you are unable to ring the bells, please drive by a honk.
Friday, January 30 – 7th and 8th Grade Dance at St. Ignatius
Saturday, January 31 – Imagine If Gala – Riverside Hotel
Recycled Textiles
St. Mary’s is going to be collecting used clothing, purses, bedding, towels, hats, bags and other used garments for recycling. We are entering into a partnership with Just Porch It to collect and recycle textiles. We will have a bag in the cafeteria beginning in January if you have any items to discard.
***We have the basket for the textiles downstairs. Please feel free to drop off your overly used clothing.
Mexican Dance
Beginning Wednesday, January 14, Ms. Gloria will be teaching, inspiring, and choreographing the St. Mary’s Mexican Dancers. It is open to any student that would like to show up. If you are interested, you can show up on Wednesdays.
Calendar of Events
- January 14 – BK Counselor Visit to St. Mary’s (8th graders)
- January 20, 2026 – Nutrition Education – 6th through 8th grade, 11:00-12:00
- January 25, 2026 – Catholic Schools Week – Kick Off Mass
- January 26, 2026 – Bishop Kelly New Student Information Night
- January 26-30, 2026 – Catholic Schools Week
- January 27, 2026 – Alumni Breakfast
- January 28, 2026 – All Schools Mass @ St. Mark’s
- January 30, 2026 – Family Picnic & Ringing of the Bells
- January 30, 2026 – 7th and 8th Grade Dance @ St. Ignatius
- January 31, 2026 – St. Mary’s Annual Gala – Please save the date
God Bless and Take Care
Kevan Grant
St. Mary’s Catholic School – Principal
Go Spartans!
Other Things
- Tuition and Registration 2026-27 – Tuition and fees for the 2026-27 school year have been set. Please check the link above to review. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Grant to discuss.
- The 2026-27 School Academic Calendar has been set. I am excited to announce the first day of school in the Fall of 2026 will be August 19th. We still have a number of events to finalize, but the linked calendar gives you the days we are in and out of school.
- Building Our Future: Together in Faith – Capital Campaign – The capital campaign, Building Our Future: Together in Faith, is in full swing. The community has already pledged over $1.3 million dollars towards the cause. If you are interested in learning more, please use the link above to the parish website which contains information about our plans, progress and how you can contribute.
- Dress Code – As the weather becomes colder and the first semester comes to an end, it is important we reiterate our dress code expectations with you and the students. Please find the specifics in the link above. Please take a few minutes to review the dress code with your students. We would appreciate your support with:
- St. Mary’s Sweatshirts are the only sweatshirts permitted. All other sweatshirts are to stay at home.
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- Hair must be trimmed neatly and not fall into the students eyes.
- Return to School Policy – Each year the nurses evaluate and provide a return to school policy to keep us as healthy as possible during the school year. Please be sure to review the linked letter.
- Bishop Kelly Athletics – Bishop Kelly has a plethora of athletics happening throughout the year. The BK website has a link to team pages with game schedules.
- Get your Uniforms and Spirit Wear from Educational Outfitters
