The Trojan Times
Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School May 10, 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,
Happy Mother's Day to all of our wonderful SMG mothers! We hope you all have a beautiful day filled with God's blessings today and everyday.
Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week and though we weren't able to celebrate our teachers in the ways in which we normally do, many found alternate means to show their appreciation for our teachers, including home deliveries, drive-bys, and virtual appreciations.
We can not thank our teachers enough for their commitment and dedication to our SMG Catholic School students. We know we have the best teachers around and are glad you think so too!
Last Thursday, we also celebrated our 8th Grade students, soon-to-be SMGCS graduates, with home deliveries featuring a yard sign and a bag of goodies that included a special t-shirt, a graduation inspired cookie, and a graduation gown. It was so great to be able to visit all 34 of our 8th Grade students whom, along with all of our students, we have missed so much. The looks of surprise and excitement when they came to the front door of their homes were priceless! Check out the pictures below!
Speaking of graduation, we have received approval from the diocese to hold our Graduation Mass and Ceremony as we had originally scheduled on Thursday, May 21, 2020 beginning at 5:30PM. I will be sending an email to all families of 8th Grade students by Wednesday, outlining the details and the guidelines that we must adhere to for the health and safety of all. The Mass and ceremony will also be live streamed on Facebook. Unfortunately, we will not be permitted to have our traditional Candle Lighting and Robing Ceremony earlier that day, where the 8th Grade students "pass the light" to the 7th Grade students, encouraging them to be examples for the younger students as they go forward as the new leaders of the student body. It saddens me that we will not be able to keep this tradition this year, but at the beginning of the graduation ceremony, we will try to incorporate a symbolic acknowledgement of the "passing of the guard", so to speak.
Please consider participating in the Walk for Life, scheduled for May 15th. Please see the information below. This is a great opportunity for families to support life and enjoy time together walking and praying. We hope you will consider participating!
We are tentatively planning a Materials Pick-Up & Return on Wednesday, May 20th. In an effort to continue to limit the number of faculty & staff on campus and in the building, this will be the only and final materials pick-up & return we will hold. I will again send a Sign Up Genius and details by the end of this week, similar to the materials pick up we held several weeks ago. Nurse Rycroft will also be returning medications and all library books and textbooks should also be returned. We will make arrangements for some time after Memorial Day for the return of any laptop or device that any PreK - 7th Grade student may have borrowed, allowing those students the ability participate in the virtual activities and events we have planned for the last week of school.
Finally, please continue to keep praying for all who are suffering with COVID-19, especially friends and relatives of members of the SMG community.
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
North Texas Giving Tuesday- THANK YOU!
A HUGE Thank You to all of our friends and families of SMG! Your VERY generous support on NTxGTuesday was incredible! Funds collected will go directly to our Tuition Assistance Fund, helping us to continue to make a Catholic Education possible for families. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
If you are interested in making a gift to SMGCS, please click on the link here:
Virtual Spirit Week for the Week of May 11 - 15, 2020!
C'mon, Trojans! Let's see how many of you will participate in this week's Virtual Spirit Week!?! Especially calling all 8th Grade students--this is your last Spirit Week as students at SMG!! Let's see you show your Trojan pride one last time!!
Students Invited to Lead Morning & Afternoon Prayer
We are looking for a few SMG students to lead us in Morning and Afternoon Prayers. Students will need to video record themselves leading the prayers and then submit the video to Mrs. Utendorf (autendorf@smgschool.org) at least one day prior to their scheduled day/time to lead prayer. Mrs. Utendorf will email those who sign-up a copy of the prayer script.
Sign-up by visiting: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D45A8AC2FABFD0-morning
Walk for Life - Texans for Life Coalition
Each year in May, SMG participates in the Walk for Life and it is that time again. We will walk and pray for the sanctity of life from the miracle of conception to the serenity of natural death. All life is precious. Because we believe in the power of prayer, this will once again be a school wide event this year. On Friday, May 15th we invite all families to join in and take a walk in your neighborhood while praying the Life Rosary.
Click on the following link for an entry form to receive your 2020 Walk for Life T-shirt.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/5/Walk%20For%20life.pdf
To receive a T-shirt, you must return your entry form with a personal or pledge commitment total of $25 or more. The shirts only come in adult sizes. Parents of elementary students, consider signing up as a family and getting one adult size shirt.
Entry forms must be turned in by Monday, May 11th.
- Email your completed for to smgwalk4life@smgschool.org
- Be sure to fill out the Walker Registration information and Sponsor Pledge form
- T-shirts will be distributed at end of the year pick up
The Texans for Life Coalition is thankful that SMG is keeping our tradition and hosting a school wide “Walk for Life”. They have suspended all other scheduled “Walks” because of COVID-19. Let’s show them our Trojan pride and raise funds to promote the sanctity of Life!
Yearbook Sales Deadline EXTENDED to May 29th!!
8th Grade Information Needed for Graduation Plans!!
While all the events that surround the 8th Grade Graduation are not going to happen as they have in the past, we are working to make this a memorable event for our students and families.
To make that happen we need the following information:
- 8th Grade student's current height
- A baby picture of 8th Grade student
- Name of High School student will attend in the fall
- A favorite memory at SMG
Please send this information to Mrs. Utendorf at autendorf@smgschool.org.
Celebrating Our 8th Grade Graduates!
Kountry Karnival T-Shirt Contest - DEADLINE May 11th
Last year, our graduating 8th Grade class helped create our Kountry Karnival t-shirt design. They did such a great job that we would like to make it a tradition and are asking our 8th Grade graduating class of 2020 to design this year’s t-shirts. The theme will for Kountry Karnival 2020 is:
Esprit de Core
Together We Can Do Great Things (Mother Teresa)
Submit your entry to Development@smgschool.org by May 11th.
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
15 Life Skills Every Teen Should Learn
When we teach kids skills, it can be hard to know which ones will ultimately matter in the long run. Did you know that learning things like doing the laundry and saving money, builds independence and help kids improve their social and emotional skills?
Find out more about 15 particular life skills that really help teens succeed.
Virtual Instruction Class Schedules
Virtual Instruction Schedules for 2nd-8th Grade students can be found following the links below, as well as on the school website (smgschoool.org).
The schedules allow teachers to meet virtually with students via Zoom or Google Meets to deliver instruction in each of their core classes and Spanish class at regularly scheduled times, once a week on either Monday or Tuesday. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, teachers will continue to offer tutorials, conference with students, hold discussions, and will be available to students (and parents) through Google Classroom or email. Fridays will continue to be a "catch-up"/independent learning day. Specials classes for PreK -8 have also been scheduled.
Please see Mrs. Behee's letter explaining the schudules in more detail, expectations for participating in the virtual classes, the actual Virtual Instruction Class Schedules, as well as a Zoom Guide for Students document, outlining student behavior expectations while in a virtual classroom or Zoom meeting.
Mrs. Behee's Letter: https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/4/Letter%20to%20Parents%20RE-Virtual%20Schedules.pdf
Virtual Instruction Class Schedules:
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/4/Virtual%20Instruction%20Class%20Schedule%20Final.pdf
Zoom Guide for Students:
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/4/Zoom%20Guidelines%20for%20Students.pdf
Please be sure to thoroughly read the documents, being sure that you and your students understand the guidelines.
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.
This week, we send virtual high-fives and many thanks to:
- Melissa Harris (pictured below), aunt of Mya Miller; working with COVID-19 patients at Baylor Medical.
May God continue to bless and keep safe all Frontline and Essential Worker Heroes!
Teacher Appreciation from Trang Vu
WE Love Our SMG Teachers!!
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!
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.
First Holy Communion Rescheduled!
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2020 for SMG 2nd Grade students. More information and details will be communicated to parents in the coming weeks.
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.....
Mrs. Jamison Did a Little Dress Up for Her 5th Grade Art Class."The art is STRONG with this one"
Joseph & Jillian Took a Little Break from School to Watch the Blue Angels Fly Over last Tuesday.
8th Grade Graduation Special Deliveries!
2020-2021 National Junior Honor Society Officers
The 7th grade NJHS members who wanted to run for office gave speeches via Zoom on Friday, May 8, 2020. Following the speeches, elections took place via Survey Monkey.
Congratulations to NJHS officers for the 2020-2021 school year.
President: Maria Jaramillo-Davila
Vice President: Colleen Malloy
Secretary: Still looking for someone to fill this position
Treasurer: Angel de la Rosa
Historian: Jocelyn Geller
Service Chair: Teresa Nguyen
PreK 3 Mother's Day Message
PreK3 Writing Their Last Names
PreK 4 Mother's Day
1st Grade Sound Energy
First grade students had a blast experimenting with different sound energy! Sound is a type of energy made by vibrations. When any object vibrates, it causes movement in the air particles. These particles bump into the particles close to them, which makes them vibrate too causing them to bump into more air particles. This movement, called sound waves, keeps going until they run out of energy. If your ear is within range of the vibrations, you hear the sound. http://www.sciencekidsathome.com/science_topics/what_is_sound.html
Music
Sign into this week's PreK through 3rd grade Google Classrooms and visit Mrs. Richard's virtual classroom. Almost everything you select is a hyperlink to a fun and interesting activity! Kudos to Mrs. Richards for creating a new form of learning for SMG students!
Computer Class - Blackout Poetry
Blackout Poetry a form of poetry where students take an existing text and black-out, or somehow obscure, most of the text, intentionally leaving behind words to create their poem. See samples of 8th grade student blackout poetry below.
Calendar Notes
- Monday, 5/11: Kountry Karnival T-Shirt Design Due; Walk For Life Entry Forms Due
- Friday, 5/15: Walk for Life
- Tuesday, 5/21: 8th Grade Mass & Graduation Ceremony; 5:30PM
- Monday, 5/25: Memorial Day, No School/Virtual Classes
- Tuesday, 5/26: Kindergarten Promotion
- Wednesday, 5/27: 1st-7th Grade Awards Live Streamed
- Thursday, 5/28: Last Day of 2019-2020 School Year
- Friday, 5/29: Last Day to order SMG 2019-2020 Yearbook
- Saturday, 6/6: First Holy Communion
- Friday, 6/19: Deadline to order supplies for 2020-2021 school year
- 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/