10 July 2026

Dear St. Mary's Families,

A couple of quick things as we head deeper into summer.

First, thank you to the individual who gently flagged a few typos in my recent emails! I appreciate the kindness with which it was pointed out — we're all human, and I'd much rather have a community that offers gracious correction than one that lets things slide out of politeness. Consider this my standing invitation to keep letting me know (typos or otherwise) — I'll do my best to slow down and proofread more carefully going forward.

Second, I'm settling into my new home here in Moscow and loving getting to know this community. If you'd ever like to grab coffee, take a walk, or just say hello, I'd genuinely love that. Please don't hesitate to reach out — my door (and my calendar) is open.

I also want to share some wonderful news: please join me in welcoming Melissa Barnham as the newest member of our middle school team! Mrs. Barham will be teaching 6th and 7th grade ELA, Christian Leadership, and 6th grade Religion. From her very first interview, her passion for young people, her love of literature, and her heart for faith formation were evident, and we are so proud to have her join us at St. Mary's. I want to extend my sincere thanks to our leadership team for their time, care, and discernment throughout this hiring process — finding the right person to walk alongside our students and families is never a small task, and their partnership made all the difference.

Mrs. Barham's arrival is also a good moment to reflect on the strength of our departmentalized 5th–7th grade model, now in its first full year. Our middle schoolers benefit from teachers who go deep in their areas of expertise: Zak Bright leading Math and Science, Brad Herrenbruck guiding Physical Education and faith formation, and now Mrs. Barham bringing her gifts to Humanities and Christian Leadership. This structure allows our students to grow in independence and rigor as they prepare for high school, while still being known, supported, and formed in the fullness of our Catholic identity. The Christian Leadership Elective, a three-year journey from being called to serve, to living as disciples in community, to leading their peers through Student Council and Morning Assembly, remains a distinctive part of what makes the St. Mary's middle school experience so special.

This edition of the Lion's Share also includes a few mid-summer reminders: our upcoming blood drive, summer work expectations, and financial aid applications, which are coming due soon. For easy reference, I've included buttons below linking directly to the school calendar.

Looking forward to a great year together.

Warmly,
Dr. B

Dear St. Mary’s School community,

It is an honor and a blessing to join St. Mary’s as your new Humanities and Christian Leadership teacher.

With a Bachelor of Arts in English Literary Studies from Washington State University and a secondary education teaching endorsement, I bring a multifaceted background to the classroom. My experience spans English Language Arts, Social Studies, and academic writing, alongside a strong foundation in local small business ownership and community leadership. At the heart of my work, I have always felt a passion for cultivating growth, character, and community, and I am thrilled to begin this new chapter here at St. Mary’s.

My priorities lie in fostering confident and knowledgeable readers, writers, and thinkers within a classroom where faith and reason work in harmony. I am committed to creating an environment where every student feels welcomed, valued, and challenged.

From my very first visit to SMCS, I felt a special connection to the school; our family was received with such positive energy, genuine warmth, and true kindness. I look forward to entering this role in that same spirit and am honored to contribute to your children’s academic and spiritual growth.

Melissa Barham

Parents if you were planning on applying for some financial aid for next school year, please know all requests need to be in by the July 15 deadline.

Application Link to apply for financial aid: https://online.factsmgt.com/grant-aid/inst/468PV/landing-page

CWL Swim Party - Dive into fun at the Catholic Community Pool Party sponsored by the CWL!

Join us at the Hamilton Aquatics Center on Thursday, July 23rd. Bring along a friend and a snack to share! We've got the pool all to ourselves from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. Can't wait to see you there!

Camp Moscowanna, a summer-camp-themed block party, takes over Main Street on Friday, August 15, from 4:00–8:00pm. With live music, camp-style activities for all ages, s'mores, and over 20 local vendors serving up food and treats, it's the perfect way for our St. Mary's families to soak up the last stretch of summer together. Free and open to the public — come find us there!

Save the Date: County-Wide Catholic Mass & Ministry Expo - Mark your calendars! On Sunday, August 23, at 11:00 AM, Catholics from across Latah County will gather at the University of Idaho ICCU Arena for a special county-wide Mass celebrating a new chapter in how our local Catholic churches are led. A Ministry Expo will run alongside the celebration, giving families the chance to explore the many ministries at work across our community — with fellowship and food to follow Mass. Doors open at 10:00 AM. We hope to see St. Mary's families there for this joyful, county-wide celebration!

May you walk with God this summer