The Trojan Times
Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School March 22, 2020
Mission Statement
St. Maria Goretti is a living testament to our Lord's work in His youngest disciples, exemplified by academic excellence, spiritual formation, and compassionate service to others.
Principal's Message
Dear St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Families,
Never in a million years would I have thought we would find ourselves in this unusual situation--hunkered down at home, distance learning, distance working, social distancing, and being unable to come together in person for ordinary gatherings, such as getting together with friends, birthday parties, enjoying a meal at a restaurant, traveling, and going to Mass. While this is a unique time for all of us, we will continue to move forward, meeting the challenges we all face during this time, together. Our teachers and staff have done an outstanding job of making sure students continue learning at home as they work tirelessly to provide meaningful and engaging lessons and activities through our virtual/online platforms.
In addition to the academic component of learning, we hope to include more virtual faith experiences for our students and families. We will continue beginning each day the way we do each morning at SMG, with prayer, pledge, and announcements, and will conclude each day in prayer as well. Morning and afternoon prayer will be posted on FaceBook at 8:00AM and 3:10PM respectively each day. Please join us at those times! As well, we will be sharing a virtual Stations of the Cross on Friday afternoon at 2:00PM.
We are working on ways to continue some of the other activities, clubs, and SMG experiences through virtual platforms to our students. For example, the National Junior Honor Society Induction that was scheduled for this Tuesday (3/24) is being planned to take place virtually next Tuesday, 3/31. As well, look for more information in the coming days on virtual club meetings, such as virtual Rubrik's Cube Club. And gear up for this week's Virtual Spirit Days (see below for details)--a fun way to stay connected, engaged, and show your Trojan pride and spirit!!
We have really enjoyed seeing photos of your students Distance Learning from home! Please continue to share those photos by emailing them to photos@smgschool.org. We will continue to share those each day with the school community!
Finally parents, we appreciate your continued support, patience, positivity, and prayers, which has made the circumstances and the challenges much easier to tackle. Thank you!!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
Online Educational Resources for Parents
Click the link below for a list of online educational resources that parents may find worthwhile and helpful while children are not at school over the next two weeks. This list is not exhaustive as there are MANY other educational sites, many that are offering free resources and access during the COVID-19 crisis. Please note, St. Maria Goretti Catholic School does not specifically endorse any site on the list.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/3/Online%20Resources%20for%20Parents.pdf
Reminders:
- We are hoping to update our official Facebook page with some more recent, positive reviews, likes, and shares. Please visit our official FaceBook page (Facebook@StMariaGorettiArlington) and help us spread the word about our great Catholic school!
- Registration & Enrollment: Registration & Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year is well underway! All registration and enrollment information can also be found on our website. As well, if you would like to defer your registration fee and pay it next month or over the next few months, please contact our registrar, Mrs. de la Pena (jdelapena@smgschool.org). As a reminder, tuition assistance is available and Father Jim and I are committed to making a Catholic education available to any family who wishes one for their child(ren). I also encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns.
SMG 2019-2020 Yearbooks On Sale Now!
Greek Story Theatre Performance April 17-18
Before spring break and the Coronavirus pandemic, the SMG Stars from our 6th-8th Grade Performing Arts Classes began rehearsing for our Greek Story Theatre performances that at this time, are still scheduled to take place on April 17-18, 2020. Please mark your calendars to join us!
Private School Interscholastic Association District Meet Canceled
The Private School Interscholastic Association (PSIA) District Meet that was scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2020 and the State Meet that was scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2020 have been canceled for this year and will not be rescheduled. We know this is disappointing for the coaches and students who have been working all year long, practicing and reviewing to compete in the District Meet. We will be recognizing those students for their participation in the program before the end of the school year. We will participate in PSIA again next year as a school and look forward to competing in the District and State Meets in next spring.
Fort Worth Zoo Run on April 4th-CANCELED
The Fort Worth Zoo's 23rd Annual Zoo Run that was scheduled for April 4th has been canceled. Registered participants should have received the following email excerpt:
The health and safety of our Zoo Runparticipants, vendors, sponsors and staff have always been our top priority. In light of the many unknowns regarding COVID-19 and our desire to adhere to health officials’ recommendations, we’ve decided to cancel this year’s Zoo Run. Participants can choose to receive a full refund or designate their registration fee as a charitable donation to the Fort Worth Zoo, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
We know this is a trying time for many. Our decisions to temporarily close the Zoo and cancel Zoo Run were difficult ones, especially since we rely on daily admission and events like Zoo Run to cover our operating expenses, which support activities like education programs and conservation projects around the world. We want to thank you for your understanding and flexibility regarding this cancellation and humbly ask for your continued commitment to the Fort Worth Zoo during this time.
You can choose to designate your registration fee as a charitable donation to the Zoo or request a full refund by following the directions below.
- Sign into your Race Roster account here– if you do not see the 23rd Annual Zoo Runregistration please call Race Roster at 855-969-5515.
- Click "Edit registration" in the right corner of the screen
- Choose from the options under the question "How would you like to convert your registration?"
- Hit "submit" to save
Due to the high volume of cancelled races, our service provider, Race Roster, will be sending receipts at a later date. Please continue to watch your inbox.
There is Still Time to Join the SMG Running Club
It is not too late to join the SMG Running Club.
These are the official Thursday dates that Running Club will meet:
- April 23, 30
- May 7, 14
Running Club Information Flyer: https://ec-prod-sites.s3.amazonaws.com/12396/documents/2020/1/Running%20Club%20Flyer%202019%202-1.pdf
Running Club Sign-Up Form: https://ec-prod-sites.s3.amazonaws.com/12396/documents/2020/1/Running%20Club%20sign-up%20form%202019%202-1.pdf
Progress Continues on Ooutdoor Learning Center!
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who last week completed the installation of the fence around the Outdoor Learning Center Garden! We are so excited to begin planting the garden and continuing to watch it grow!!
First Communion Pictures
The 2019-2020 Annual Fund
The St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Annual Fund is essential to help fill the gap between tuition and operating expenses. The school’s 2019-2020 Annual Fund helps provide funding for many of the school’s most pressing needs such as academic enhancements, security improvements and updates, professional development for our teachers, and general operating expenses.
Please, prayerfully consider supporting our school through the 2019-2020 Annual Fund. Donations can be made by check (payable to SMG Catholic School), or online by visiting https://smgschool.org/give-now. Every gift counts!
Remember to Keep Collecting Those BoxTops!
Nolan Catholic High School Happenings
Online Application is Open
New Student Tuition Assistance Application is NOW OPEN
The application for returning students opened December , 2019. Learn More.
Please contact admissions@nchstx.org to schedule a family tour, or for more information.
LAST WEEK AT SMG.....
Distance Learning from Home: Day One
Distance Learning From Home: Day 2
Distance Learning From Home: Day 3
Some Pictures from the Week Before Spring Break!
2nd Grade Science
Second grade observed sandpaper, coarse, medium and fine sandpaper. They made crayon rubbings of each and also used it on a craft stick to compare and determine what sand does for sandpaper.
3rd Grade Science
Third grade students built a thermometer with a bottle and pipe system which they used to test the effects on water when it gets cold or hot.
School Website Under Construction
Pardon our reconstruction.....we are in the process of cleaning up and updating the school website. This is a work in progress, and we ask for your patience as we work to improve the site. In the meantime, if you are unable to find information you are looking for on the website, please feel free to call the office.
Calendar Notes
- All academic, club, and athletic events are cancelled beginning Monday, March 16th until further notice.
- Saturday, 3/28: PSIA District Meet Canceled
- Tuesday, 3/31: Virtual National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony
- Thursday, 4/9: Holy Thursday
- Friday, 4/10: Good Friday
- Sunday, 4/12: Easter Sunday
- Friday, 4/17: Teacher for the Day; Greek Story Theatre Performance, 6:00PM in Cafetorium
- Saturday, 4/18: Greek Story Theatre Performance, 1:00PM in Cafetorium
Need Prayers?
We all do!! The St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Community would love to pray for you and your intentions. Please send all prayer requests to: smgprays4u@smgschool.org.
Meet Our Priests!
St. Maria Goretti Parish Website: https://www.smgparish.org/
Fr. Jim Angert, T.O.R.
Fr. Mike Ciski, T.O.R.
Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth
Serving the North Texas Catholic community by providing the faithful opportunities to grow in Christian discipleship and strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School
Email: development@smgschool.org
Website: https://smgschool.org
Location: 1200 South Davis Drive, Arlington, TX, USA
Phone: (817)275-5081
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StMariaGorettiArlington/