Hello there my party people!

I was trying to make plans for a Girl’s Night Out with Bernie the other day, and she is impossible to nail down at this time of the year!  If she’s not at one happy hour, she’s at some sort of festival – that lady is like the mayor, always shaking hands and kissing babies wherever she goes. This got me thinking… in lieu of answering one of your emails this week, I am going to channel another one of my closest friends – Oprah. Today, I am going to bestow upon you Maggie’s Favorite (Fall) Things. Fall is finally here, and it is easily my most favorite time of year – and since Bernie is the Gayle to my Oprah, we’ve compiled a list of everything we’re looking forward to in the coming weeks.  You’re welcome in advance for the loads of fun you’re about to have.

First up is the SMOS tent at the Shaw Art Fair on Oct. 5th & 6th.  Yes, the fair itself is great neighborhood fun, but I can’t wait to see the amazing showcase of our student’s artwork that will be featured (we’re part of the students’ section in the median on the 4200 block of Flora). This year’s judges were the rectory staff and from what I hear the competition was fierce! Thanks to our Fine Arts Committee for organizing this event.

Next is Picture Day on Oct. 10th. Oh man, do I LOVE to see all the kids in their finest clothes – I especially love the inevitable three or four 3rd grade boys who are still feeling themselves from 1st Communion and decide to wear their suits for picture day. Don’t ever let anyone blow out your candle guys!

Then onto the Walk-A-Thon that is on the morning of Oct 19th.  Who isn’t dying to watch 465 kids walk in a huge circle for 5 hrs?! I mean, what’s not to love: Doritos at 8am? Check!; The one group of middle schoolers who decide to walk the loop backwards 🙄? Check!; Sr Marie blasting the Trolls soundtrack on loop surrounded by more bubbles than you’ve ever seen? Check!  We, of course, can’t forget the dads grilling 4000 hot dogs at 9am. We’re really got something for everybody here!  And speaking of EVERYBODY, we need a lot of help to pull this one off, so all hands on deck (nudge, nudge)!

Halloween is, of course, at the end of the month, but the students are off for teacher conferences on the actual day… so the annual HalloweenFest is on Tuesday, Oct. 29th, which is a half-day (so, I’m sure lots of learning will be happening THAT day!?!).  This sweet event hosted by the Student Council is just so fun – all the kids play games and get into the Halloween spirit. 

And speaking of… what better way for teachers to relax after a half-day of Halloween parties, than by meeting up with a bunch of parents for Parent-Teacher Conferences?!? 🤪 Seeing that this is happening in the two days (Oct. 29th & 30th) before Halloween, my hope is that this is less bone chilling and more sweet treat for parents and teachers alike. 🎃

Last up on my short-term calendar is the Dragon Library Holiday Market. This year’s market will be on Nov. 22nd and based on all the spreadsheets I’ve been seeing going around the library, the line up of vendors this year will be top notch!

That’s all I’ve got for upcoming events but I do have a little lagniappe for ya!

• 8th Grade Sweatshirt Mass is happening in the next week or so (TBD based on sweatshirt delivery) and seeing those beaming smiles on otherwise sulky teens brings me immense joy!
• Sip into Fall!  Dragon’s Blend Coffee is BACK!!! Well, it never really went anywhere but they were running low on inventory but now it’s back in stock. So, go get caffeinated and support the PTA while you’re at it! Contact Julie Mudd for your bag today!
• Last but certainly NOT least PUMPKIN SPICE EVERYTHING!! Axel (Fr. John’s dog) and I are some seriously Basic B’s… we will try it all – pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin spice Cheerios, pumpkin spice Oreos, heck even the pumpkin spice SPAM that came out in 2019!  (I will admit that was a mistake BUT I regret nothing!)  And yes, there are even pumpkin spice dog treats for Axel (Trader Joes – must have run out of everything else to put it into!) – he loves them!  Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to feel alive again (even if you’re a dog!).😜

Now, I’d really like to be like Oprah and grant all of your wishes, but 1) I’m not a media mogul billionaire; and 2) I’m not sure “you get SPAM… and you get SPAM… and you get SPAM…” is really what all of you want to hear!  Even if it is all kinds of pumpkin spicy – I fear it might just be the gift that keeps on giving! 

— Maggie