Enrollment Period for 2008-2009 School Year Underway
Mary Kay Masterson, Admissions Director of SMSA, said that another busy enrollment period is underway, with many prospective families touring the school and requesting information about SMSA’s early childhood programs, which include Noah’s Ark day care/pre-school program for three- and four- year -olds, a pre-Kindergarten program and two sections of Kindergarten. In fact, she said, the pre-K and three-year-old pre-school classes are already almost filled to capacity. There are a limited number of openings in upper grades as well.
SMSA has experienced a 30 percent increase in enrollment over the past three years, and next year’s early numbers look strong again.
Ms. Masterson welcomes calls from prospective families and pointed out that the best time to visit the school is while classes are still in session. This year, pre-Kindergarten classes end on June 13; Grades 1-5 on June 16; Kindergarten on June 17; and Noah’s Ark on June 20.
Enrollment for new families remains open throughout the summer for any classes that have not filled. Current SMSA families are asked to re-register before May 1.
Ms. Masterson can be reached at (518) 792-3178 ext. 1002 or at mmasterson@smsaschool.org.
The Cornerstone Project, a major gifts program to renovate and restore SMSA’s historic building, has reached the million- dollar mark in gifts and pledges.
Led by retired physician Dr. Dan O’Keeffe -- father of SMA alums Jim, Kate and Dan -- The Cornerstone Project began in 2002 and has become the school’s largest capital campaign in recent history. Alumni, friends and parents have donated more than $1,112,000 to date, making possible the restoration of many areas of the school including the gym, classrooms, clay studio, kitchen, theater, science lab and playground.
Development Coordinator Sally Behan said the Cornerstone Project took on a life of its own from the very beginning.
“Our friends and alumni responded enthusiastically from the very first moment,” she said. “The only challenge has been keeping up with their generosity! Each summer there is a tremendous flurry of activity here in the building as work crews try to complete the restoration projects before the children return in the fall. But that’s a great problem to have!”
Gifts of all sizes are welcome from individuals, families, classes, businesses and foundations, and pledge payments may be spread over five years. Naming opportunities are available for those making gifts of $12,500 or more.
For more information on the Cornerstone Project, call Sally Behan at (518) 792-3178, ext. 1007 or email her at sbehan@smsaschool.org.