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		<title>News &amp; Announcements</title>
		<description>News &amp; Announcements</description>
		<link>http://smsct.org/about/news-announcements/?rss=1</link>
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					<guid>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fgolf-tournament-1</guid>
					<title>Golf Tournament</title>
					<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
					<link>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fgolf-tournament-1</link>
					<description>&lt;p&gt;Saturday, August 29 at 1:30pm&lt;/p&gt;
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							&lt;p&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;button&quot; href=&quot;https://smsct.org/community/advancement/golf-tournament/&quot;&gt;Learn more&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;https://smsct.org/uploads/images/golf26.png?v=1781658518681&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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					<guid>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fwait-lists</guid>
					<title>Wait Lists</title>
					<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
					<link>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fwait-lists</link>
					<description>&lt;p&gt;We are committed to small class sizes!&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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							&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;With a commitment to small class sizes, we are proud to share that we are now accepting applications on a wait list for the half day Pre-K3 class, Grade 4, Grade 6, and Grade 7. Dr. Plasky still loves to meet with families of those interested in classes with wait lists in the event that space becomes available.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Limited openings remain in the other classrooms. Our next anticipated classes to reach capacity are the full day Pre-K3 class, half and full day Pre-K4 classes, and Kindergarten.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Don&#039;t delay, begin the admissions process today!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Minds and hearts matter here.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
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					<guid>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fawarded-continuing-accreditation-by-neasc</guid>
					<title>Awarded Continuing Accreditation by NEASC!</title>
					<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
					<link>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fawarded-continuing-accreditation-by-neasc</link>
					<description>&lt;p&gt;New England Association of Schools and Colleges&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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&lt;div&gt;Did you know that St. Matthew School has been proudly accredited by the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.neasc.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;New England Association of Schools and Colleges&lt;/a&gt; (NEASC) since 1986? 🎓&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;Every ten years, our school undergoes a major self-study and re-accreditation visit. We are excited to announce that SMS recently received word that we have been granted &quot;continued acceptance&quot; by the Commission on Independent Schools! 🌟&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;The visiting team commended our Parish school in several key areas:&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;✨ Fully living our mission&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;✨ Strong Catholic identity&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;✨ Students who are joyful, engaged, and eager to learn&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;✨ Increasing enrollment&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;✨ Differentiation in the classrooms&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;✨ Student-centered teaching practices&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;This is the St. Matthew that we know so well and are blessed to call a school family. It’s even more exciting when visitors see that there is truly something greater here!&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;Congratulations to our entire community on making St. Matthew School a place where minds and hearts matter. 💙🤍&lt;/div&gt;
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					<guid>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fopen-house-for-pre-k3-grade-8</guid>
					<title>Open House for Pre-K3 - Grade 8!</title>
					<pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
					<link>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fopen-house-for-pre-k3-grade-8</link>
					<description>&lt;p&gt;Sunday, February 22 from 10am-12pm&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
					<content:encoded>&lt;div class=&quot;ss-section-wrap&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;ss-section-wrap-inner&quot;&gt;
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							&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;https://smsct.org/uploads/images/open-house-22226.jpg?v=1769353409883&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Please join us for our upcoming Pre-K3 through Grade 8 Open House on Sunday, February 22, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm to discover a school family where your child will flourish!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;St. Matthew School is an extraordinary community for students, masterfully blending innovation with tradition, ensuring each child finds joy in learning and remains passionate about their interests. Minds and hearts matter here!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Our rigorous academic program has a long tradition of success. Alumni consistently rank at the top of their high school and college classes. With competitive athletics, robotics, diverse extracurriculars, and a loving atmosphere, SMS is the perfect place for your child to learn and grow!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Questions before you visit? Contact Kate Ricci, Administrative Assistant, at 860.583.5214 or kricci@smsct.org. &lt;span&gt;Enrollment has officially opened for new families&lt;/span&gt;: &lt;a href=&quot;https://smsf-ct.client.renweb.com/oa/inquiry.cfm?memberid=17924&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;begin the admissions process for 2026-2027 today&lt;/a&gt;!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
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					<guid>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fafter-school-programs</guid>
					<title>After School Programs</title>
					<pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
					<link>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fafter-school-programs</link>
					<description>&lt;p&gt;Minds and hearts matter here!&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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							&lt;p&gt;Minds and hearts matter here - before, during, and even after school. Check out some of our after school programs that were recently featured on &lt;em&gt;Crossroads Magazine&lt;/em&gt;! There&#039;s always an exciting event or activity at St. Matthew School.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;button&quot; href=&quot;https://vimeo.com/1140171583&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Crossroads Magazine&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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					<guid>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fsms-golf-tournament</guid>
					<title>SMS Golf Tournament</title>
					<pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
					<link>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fsms-golf-tournament</link>
					<description>&lt;p&gt;Monday, September 15, 2025&lt;/p&gt;
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							&lt;h4&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://smsct.org/community/advancement/golf-tournament/&quot;&gt;Click here&lt;/a&gt; for more information on registration and sponsorship opportunities for our Golf Tournament on Monday, September 15, 2025. See you there!&lt;/h4&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;https://smsct.org/uploads/images/player-flyer.png?v=1754496216813&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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					<guid>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fsmall-class-sizes</guid>
					<title>Small Class Sizes</title>
					<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
					<link>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fsmall-class-sizes</link>
					<description>&lt;p&gt;Our commitment to families&lt;/p&gt;

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&lt;div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Small class sizes have a BIG impact on student success.&lt;/strong&gt; With our mission to educate minds and hearts at the forefront of everything we do, SMS is committed to keeping the student-to-teacher ratio as low as possible in order to create an environment where all children can thrive!&lt;/div&gt;

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&lt;div&gt;At St. Matthew School, &lt;strong&gt;every child is known, valued, and supported&lt;/strong&gt;. Our intentionally small class sizes help us nurture each student’s unique gifts, creating a loving and safe environment where students find joy in learning!&lt;/div&gt;

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&lt;div&gt;We continue to enroll in Pre-K3 through Grade 8 for the 2025–2026 school year with limited openings available, especially in Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten.&lt;/div&gt;

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&lt;div&gt;Reach out to Ms. Ricci in our school office to answer your questions and set up a personal tour with our Principal, Dr. Plasky: 860.583.5214 or kricci@smsct.org.&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;You can even begin the application process online:&lt;/div&gt;

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&lt;div&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;button&quot; href=&quot;https://smsf-ct.client.renweb.com/oa/inquiry.cfm?memberid=17924&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Apply today!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

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&lt;div&gt;We look forward to meeting you soon!&lt;/div&gt;
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					<guid>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fpre-k3-and-pre-k4</guid>
					<title>Pre-K3 and Pre-K4</title>
					<pubDate>Sat, 15 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
					<link>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fpre-k3-and-pre-k4</link>
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							&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Looking for the &lt;a href=&quot;https://smsct.org/academics/pre-k3-pre-k4-kindergarten&quot;&gt;BEST preschool program around&lt;/a&gt; to finish out the school year?&lt;/strong&gt; Look no further than St. Matthew School! While we are &lt;a href=&quot;https://smsct.org/apply/sms-advantage&quot;&gt;already enrolling for 2025-2026&lt;/a&gt; with high interest, we do have just a few openings for the current school year.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;At SMS, your child will begin the day lovingly greeted by our teachers and their friends and welcomed into a joyful community of learners. Pre-K classrooms are located steps away from our main school building (affectionately known as the “big school” to our little ones) and are learning spaces designed with 3- and 4-year-olds in mind. Our programs are child-centered, play-based environments designed to facilitate learning in the most engaging way, ensuring your child is exceptionally prepared for Kindergarten. Your child will enthusiastically participate in our complete academic program including Spanish, Art, Music, Library, Makerspace, and Physical Education. We’re confident your child will LOVE school!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;To briefly capture the spirit of our programs, we share a memory. Our former Pastor, Father Brian Monnerat, is remembered for many positive contributions to our community, but his simple philosophy to care, share, and love is fostered among all of our children and is THAT feeling in our classrooms you won’t find anywhere else.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Ready to learn more…for this year or next year? Please give Kate a call at 860.583.5214 or email kricci@smsct.org. There is no one better than Kate to get you started on your journey to St. Matthew School!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;We look forward to sharing more about our exceptional early childhood programs with you!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
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					<guid>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fbulldog-athletics</guid>
					<title>Bulldog Athletics</title>
					<pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
					<link>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fbulldog-athletics</link>
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							&lt;p&gt;The basketball season is underway and our boys and girls are playing well and having fun representing our school. From practice in our full-sized gymnasium to games at other Catholic Schools across the area, we are proud of this experience we are able to offer students!&lt;/p&gt;

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					<title>Staff vs. Student Volleyball!</title>
					<pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
					<link>https%3A%2F%2Fsmsct.org%2Fabout%2Fnews-announcements%2Fstaff-vs-student-volleyball</link>
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							&lt;p&gt;The traditional Catholic Schools Week volleyball game...eighth grade vs. staff! Staff won the first game while students won the second game! &lt;img alt=&quot;🏐&quot; height=&quot;16&quot; src=&quot;https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t57/1/16/1f3d0.png&quot; width=&quot;16&quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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