The Trojan Times
Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School May 24, 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,
This is it--the final week of the 2019-2020 school year! It seems like not that long ago that we were welcoming students & families back to begin the new school year, and here we are, wrapping it up and under such unprecedented circumstances!
Last Thursday, we bid farewell to the 8th Grade Class of 2020 at the 8th Grade Graduation Mass & Celebration. What a special night it was and we are so grateful that we were able to come together, social distancing and donning masks, to send this class off as their time at SMG has come to an end. We wish them continued success and many blessings as they move to the next phase of their academic journey in high school, a phase for which I know they are well-prepared.
Though teachers may meet virtually with their PK - 7th Grade classes tomorrow and Wednesday morning, most completed instruction and collected final assignments/work last Friday. Tomorrow, our Kindergarten students will graduate! Mrs. Richards & Mrs. Bara have put together a Kindergarten Graduation video ceremony and will host a virtual "watch party" for Kindergarten students & their families, as well as their 5th Grade "buddies". Mrs. Bara has sent invites and information on joining the watch party to all Kindergarten & 5th Grade students/families.
Please join us on Wednesday morning as we live stream 8:00AM Mass immediately followed by the 1st - 7th Grade Awards Ceremony. Both will be live streamed on Face Book and the parish website at smgparish.org. Wednesday's "dismissal" is at 12:00PM (noon).
On Thursday, the last day of school, we will finish with a virtual End-of-Year Celebration. Students are invited to bring their lunch or a treat to enjoy and join us on zoom at 11:00AM for special words of goodbye from all of us, a slide show, and a final prayer before we "leave" for summer break! Zoom meeting information will be emailed to families on Wednesday. Also on Thursday, Summer Reading information will be emailed to all families. Dismissal on Thursday is also at 12:00PM. Final Report Cards will be mailed (not emailed) to families next Monday.
If you were unable to drop-off or pick-up materials at our final Materials Pick-Up/Drop-Off last week, please contact either Mrs. de la Pena (jdelapena@smgschool.org) or Mrs. Malloy (smalloy@smgschool.org) to make arrangements. Report cards of those still needing to return textbooks, laptops/devices, or pay missing/damaged materials fees will not be released until the materials have been returned and/or fees paid.
Finally, many thanks to all of you, our wonderful SMG families, for your continued support and prayers, and for sharing and trusting your most precious gifts - your beautiful children - with us. I pray you all have a most wonderful, relaxing, fun, and safe summer. We look forward to welcoming you all back in August!
Enjoy the rest of your day!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
2020-2021 Enrollment & Registration
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.
Like Us on Facebook!
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!
8th Grade Graduation Photos Available!
A huge thank you to Abby Pfaff Photography for photographing the 8th Grade Graduation Mass & Ceremony and then taking individual portraits of each graduate following the ceremony. All photos taken are now available for viewing and for purchase. Please visit the link below to place your order!
https://abbypfaffphotography1.shootproof.com/gallery/12117806
Kindergarten Promotion - May 26th
This year's SMG Kindergarten Promotion will be celebrated via a Zoom Watch Party on Tuesday, May 26th, at 11:00 AM. An email invitation with instructions for joining the party has been sent to all Kindergarten parents and fifth grade Big Buddies. Contact Mrs. Bara with any questions at cbara@smgschool.org.
1st - 7th Grade Awards - May 27th
Join us for 8:00AM Mass this Wednesday, May 27th and the 1st - 7th Grade Awards Ceremony which will be live streamed on Facebook and on the parish website (smgparish.org).
Noon Dismissal
Virtual End-of-Year Celebration & Last Day of 2019-2020 SMG School Year - Thursday, May 28th
Students, bring your lunch or a snack and meet us on Thursday, May 28th at 11:00AM for a Virtual End-of-the-Year Celebration! Meeting details and zoom invite will be emailed to parents by Wednesday. Noon Dismissal. Enjoy your summer break. Stay safe!
Yearbook Sales Deadline EXTENDED to May 29th!!
Virtual Summer Camp Provides Unique Opportunity for Play!
With youth sports interrupted across America and many summer camps shut down, Play Like a Champion is offering kids of all ages a chance to get moving and learn new skills. Our new Virtual Summer Camp will take place from June 1-19th, providing kids 3-weeks of fun and activity from the comfort of their own home. The camp will feature coaches from Play Like a Champion partners leading kids in both rigorous exercise and sport-specific drills, as well as daily character development and fun!
Camp sessions will take place live Monday - Friday beginning at 11:00 am EDT and last for approximately 90 minutes. The sessions will be available on-demand for attendees who cannot attend during the live broadcast or just can't get enough of the fun! A typical day will include the following:
* Welcome & Joke of the Day (5 Minutes)
* Sport-Specific Training (20 Minutes)
* Cardio & General Movement Activities (30 Minutes)
* Character Development (15 Minutes)
* Mindfulness Exercise (10 Minutes)
* Closing Gratitude Exercise (5 Minutes)
The "sport-specific training" portion of camp will include coaches leading workouts in a variety of sports that both hone traditional skills and encourage sports sampling. While designed around a popular sport, these workouts will be adaptable to any child's setup or equipment and focus on a wide-range of exercises that will benefit kids playing any sports.
Making new friends is key to every camp experience. While attending this virtual camp, kids will have the opportunity to connect with other children from diverse neighborhoods all across the country. In addition, children who register will receive a "Camp Kit" in the mail with Play Like a Champion "goodies" including a "Player Handbook" that will facilitate growth in virtue, in concert with the Character Development component of the camp. The Camp Kit will also include our Parent Like a Champion manual so that parents get in on the fun with research-based educational content.
Play Like a Champion is making this virtual camp available for free because we believe that all children, regardless of their family's economic circumstances, should be able to play sports and participate in summer camps, whether virtual or in-person. However, we are asking that those who are able consider making a donation to Play Like a Champion so that we can continue pursuing our mission of providing a safe and supportive youth sports environment for all children.
There are limited spots available for this exciting new virtual camp, so register today and join us this June!
First Holy Communion Rescheduled!
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 11:00AM for SMG 2nd Grade students. Second Grade teacher, Ms. Meurer, will communicate more information and details to parents in the coming weeks.
First Communion Portraits
Abby Pfaff Photography is offering special pricing exclusively for 2nd Grade SMG students! See below for details or contact Abby at abbypfaffphotography@gmail.com.
Order School Supplies for the 2020-2021 School Year!
Save time and benefit from a streamlined and cost-efficient way of purchasing school supplies by ordering from School Supplies Company. Click on Find Your School on the following web site to place an order. All orders will be delivered to your child's SMG classroom on August 3rd.
The last day to order is June 19th at midnight.
Kountry Karnival Date: Saturday and Sunday, October 3-4 2020
In order for KK 2020 to be successful, we will need all hands on deck and several people to fill key positions. At this time, we are still looking for volunteers to help chair the event.
- Kountry Karnival Chairs/Co-Chairs– Can be 2 to 4 people or families. The chairs will work together to manage the Kountry Karnival alongside Laura Perez, Development Coordinator. Each Chair/Co-Chair will be responsible for a section of the Karnival and work closely with other SMG families. If you or your family is interested in becoming KK Chair/Co-Chairs, please contact Laura Perez at development@smgschool.org
Send Us Your Photos!
We are documenting SMG Distance Learning on our official SMG Facebook page (@StMariaGorettiArlington) and in the Trojan Times each week. Please send your pictures to photos@smgschool.org!
Morning & Afternoon Announcements
Remember to check Google Classroom Homeroom (2nd-8th graders), Seesaw (PK4-1st graders), or our official Facebook page (@StMariaGorettiArlington) daily for Morning and Afternoon Prayers and Announcements!
Calling All of Those on the Frontlines!!
We are so grateful to all worldwide who are on the frontlines fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic, especially those in our SMG school and parish community. We would like to acknowledge those heroes, the frontline and essential workers from our SMG family in the Trojan Times as we continue through the weeks ahead, sheltering from home, social distancing, distance learning, and hopefully staying safe and healthy.
If you or a family member are a frontline worker out there fighting this fight, please send us photos along with the following information: name; place of employment; position or job title; explanation, if needed. Send photos to photos@smgschool.org.
May God continue to bless and keep safe all Frontline and Essential Worker Heroes!
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!
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.....
SMG Adopt-A-Teacher (and Staff)
7th Grade Wishes 8th Grade Good Luck
8th Grade Clap Out/Walk Out
Many thanks to Mrs. Paladini for coordinating an 8th Grade Walk Out to replace our traditional Clap Out. Students and faculty gathered in a Zoom meeting on Thursday afternoon. Eighth graders shared the high school they will be attending next year and a favorite memory from SMG. Teachers shared a favorite memory or funny story about the each graduate. It was a special closure to a difficult year. We look forward to the day that 8th grade students will be able to visit SMG and share their new high school experiences with us.
8th Grade Graduation Mass and Ceremony Thursday, May 21st
The 8th Grade Graduation Mass and Ceremony was live streamed on Facebook Thursday evening. Although attendance was limited to graduates, parents and select faculty members, there was still a full house of proud students and family. A special thanks to the Boyea family for making face masks for the graduates, which coordinated with their cap and gown. To symbolize the passing of leadership from the current eight grade class to the incoming class, graduate, Christopher Lewis, lit a candle and passed the torch to incoming 8th grade SMG student, Jocelyn Geller. Following the graduation ceremony, students were presented with specially made individual graduation cakes and a framed cross picture signed by the 8th grade class. Congratulations to the SMG class of 2020!
1st Grade Marble Run
Slopes, turns, gravity, heights, and more – building a marble run from scratch is challenging and teaches the fundamental concepts of engineering in a practical way. Read about the 12 Benefits of marble runs at this web site: https://conniedeal.com/12-benefits-of-marble-runs/.
By the smile on Camila's face (see picture on left), this project was a lot of fun!
Click on student names below to view videos of their projects:
Adam's Lego Marble Run
Noah's Marble Run
Ava's Tree Marble Run
Olive Explains Gravity
Isabelle's Paper Tube Marble Run
Damian's Wall Marble Run
1st Grade Field Trip
PK3 - The Letter O
PK3 - The Number 16
PK3 - Plant Experiment
Calendar Notes
- Monday, 5/25: Memorial Day, No School/Virtual Classes
- Tuesday, 5/26: 11AM Kindergarten Promotion Watch Party
- Wednesday, 5/27: 8:00AM Mass & 1st-7th Grade Awards Ceremony Live Streamed on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/stmaria.goretti.796 Noon Dismissal
- Thursday, 5/28: Last Day of 2019-2020 School Year; End-of-Year Celebration on zoom at 11:00AM. Noon Dismissal
- Friday, 5/29: Last Day to order SMG 2019-2020 Yearbook
- Monday, June 1: Report Cards mailed
- Saturday, 6/6: First Holy Communion; SMG 2nd Grade Students-11:00AM Mass
- Friday, 6/19: Deadline to order supplies for 2020-2021 school year
- Wednesday, 8/12: First Day of School
- Saturday/Sunday, October 3-4: Kountry Karnival
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/