Middle School News - 10/18/23
08.23.2023
SMCS MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
October 18, 2023
Catholic Corner
As we participate in the year of the Eucharist, we find it important to share some truths about our faith. Did you know that 37% of Catholics do not believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist? When we go to Mass and receive the Eucharist, we believe this is the real body and blood of Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us in paragraph 1384, “The Lord addresses an invitation to us, urging us to receive him in the sacrament of the Eucharist: ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.”(Jn 6:53) Because of the power of receiving the body and blood of our Lord, “Anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive the sacrament of reconciliation before coming to communion.”(CCC 1385) Go and be in communion with our Lord. He is waiting for you.
Message from Mrs. Ahles, Principal
**Monitoring Appropriate iPad Usage:**
One of our key responsibilities is to monitor and guide students in the appropriate use of their iPads. We have implemented measures to ensure that students are not using their devices for game playing or other non-educational activities during class time. Our teachers are vigilant in supervising device usage in the classroom and helping students stay focused on their educational goals.
**Encouraging the Love for Physical Books:**
In a world filled with digital distractions, we believe in the timeless value of physical books. We encourage our students to turn to a good book when they feel they have "nothing to do" in their class. Reading a physical book not only fosters a love for literature, but also provides a much-needed break from screen time. Our school library and ELA rooms are well-stocked with a diverse range of books to cater to every student's interests.
We understand that it can be tempting for students to engage in games or other leisure activities on their iPads. However, we firmly believe in the transformative power of education and the role that technology plays in enhancing it. It is our responsibility to guide our students in using these tools wisely and for educational purposes.
As a community, we should continue to have conversations with our children about responsible digital citizenship. Encouraging a balance between technology and other activities, such as reading, is a valuable lesson that they can carry with them into their future.
We appreciate your support in reinforcing these values at home, and together, we can help our students become responsible and well-rounded individuals.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership.
Zephyrs Spirit Wear - Thursday, 10/19
In honor of the high school soccer and volleyball teams who are both participating in sectionals, we are having a system-wide Zephyrs Spirit Wear day on Thursday, October 19. We wish them the best of luck!
GO ZEPHYRS!
SMCS Directory
Celebrate our Families!
This year, SMCS will be creating and printing a system-wide directory for all our families and staff. In order to make sure it is as accurate as possible, we are asking for your assistance in verifying your information is correct. Please log into PowerSchool and verify that the following information is accurate in your Student Contacts for each student:
- Parent Name(s)
- Address(es)
- Phone number
- Email address
We would like as many families as possible to participate, but we do understand the need for privacy. If there is certain information you do not want included, please fill out this form. If you want to be included in the directory, DO NOT fill out the form, but do verify your information is up to date in PowerSchool.
The deadline to opt-out is Friday, October 20.
Box of Joy
We are participating in the annual Box of Joy ministry, coordinated by Cross Catholic Outreach. This is a gift to bless children suffering from extreme poverty. We will be filling boxes with toys and other gifts, sharing the joy of Christmas. Students will be pairing up in Advisory to pack a Box of Joy! There is a small cost to transport each Box of Joy from our community to the receiving child. Please donate online at https://crosscatholic.org/box-of-joy/online or write a $9 check per box to Cross Catholic Outreach and mail it using the envelope attached to the Box of Joy brochure that your child will bring home. For guidance on what to pack, look here or email Maria at mschmitz@smcatholicschools.org.
New for this School Year: Earth Club!
Faith Involvement Hours
1st Quarter Faith Involvement Hours are due the week of October 23 (by October 27). Please contact Rob (6th grade) at rsrnka@smcatholicschools.org or Maria (7th & 8th grade) at mschmitz@smcatholicschools.org with any questions.
Adoration at the Middle School
We are excited to bring our students to adoration on a monthly basis, but we need your help! Are you able to take an hour to spend with Jesus on Thursday, October 19? Sign up here.
Help SMCS earn $10,000 and an out of dress code day!
Want to help earn $10,000 for SMCS? On Saturday, October 21, from 9am to 5pm, visit Bergstrom Lincoln on Green Bay Road in Neenah and test drive a Lincoln. For every test drive, Lincoln will make a donation to SMCS, which Bergstrom will match, up to $10,000.
In order to earn this potential $10,000, we need a total of 200 test drives (one per household). There is no cost to you to participate, just show up with your drivers license and say you are here for St. Mary Catholic Schools.
If we reach our goal of 200 test drives and $10,000 earned, the entire SMCS system will get an out of dress code day!
Please register in advance using this link.
Halloween Social
This year's Halloween Dance/Social will take place on Friday, October 27. Students may change into costumes at the end of the school day. To participate in the event, please sign up here and bring $10 to the office. Thank you!
Called & Gifted Workshop
Volunteer Opportunity: SMM Halloween Carnival
The St. Margaret Mary FACES group will be hosting the annual Halloween Carnival on Saturday, October 28th from 10:00-12:30. Lunch will be available from 11:00 - 12:30. All kids preschool – 5th grade are welcome to attend for games, prizes, face painting, balloon animals and more. Middle school students are invited to volunteer at the event. The carnival proceeds benefit the mission projects of St. Margaret Mary parish.
Here is a sign-up genius for student and parent volunteers and donations. Volunteers will assist with set up, serving lunch, running the games and clean up.
All Aboard for Christmas
Please join us for All Aboard on November 11. All Aboard is an event to bring all schools and families together for a night of community and fun. This spirit of community can continue all year with your involvement in “Dinner Board” events.
“Dinner Boards” are events hosted by SMCS families and friends. A group of families host an event. You can sign up to help host an event that is already planned or plan a unique event of your own. The dinner boards can be adult-only events (wine tastings, March Madness party, Wild Game dinner, etc.) or boards can be family friendly (kickball tournament, gingerbread house decorating, ice skating, etc.).
When you attend All Aboard on November 11, you sign up and pay to join one of the planned events, which is a direct contribution to our schools. Dinner Boards are a great way to meet new families, have fun and support our schools.
We are looking for families to host events. Hosting an event includes a financial contribution and planning the event. We have several events where planning is minimal and we are looking for more families to host or you are welcome to start your own event.
Please contact Meghan Healy Teeling (mhealy@direnzolaw.com or Kathleen Healy Osland (khealy@direnzolaw.com) if you would like more details or would like to host a "Dinner Board"!
Nurturing Quality Conversations with a Family Technology Agreement
In our fast-paced digital era, technology has become an integral part of our lives, offering convenience and countless digital delights. Nevertheless, amidst these modern wonders, we must not overlook the importance of genuine, in-person family conversations. A family technology agreement is the answer, a resourceful tool that helps us strike a balance between technology and meaningful family connections.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
At its core, a family technology agreement emphasizes setting clear boundaries for screen time. By creating dedicated time slots for device use and tech-free intervals, the tool encourages face-to-face interactions, be it a special dinner hour or a screen-free weekend. These boundaries open doors for authentic family conversations.
Quality Over Quantity
A family technology agreement promotes quality over quantity when it comes to screen time. It encourages purposeful device use for educational and enriching activities, igniting engaging conversations as family members share their experiences.
Embracing Digital Detox and Outdoor Adventures
Regular digital detox days and outdoor adventures are recommended in an agreement. These unplugged activities, such as hikes or picnics, create opportunities for family bonding and deep conversations.
Weekly Family Meetings
To enhance family communication, a family technology agreement advises weekly family meetings. These gatherings provide a platform to discuss screen time limits, individual experiences, and concerns, fostering open dialogue and strengthening family ties.
Documenting Cherished Memories
A family technology agreement encourages families to document memories using technology, whether it's capturing moments from outings or recording life's ups and downs. These shared memories can be conversation starters, strengthening the family's emotional bonds.
In a world where technology often threatens family connections, a family technology agreement offers a practical approach to reintroduce meaningful conversations into our lives. It's a tool to help us find balance in the digital age, where technology and genuine conversation coexist harmoniously.
Teacher Wish Lists
Support your child(ren) and their teacher(s) in the classroom. Donate to a specific school and grade level and provide classroom enhancement for our teachers. Gifts can be made in $25 increments. You can select as many grade combinations as you wish. You can choose the school you would like your donation to go towards on the second page. Donations will be used for teachers to purchase additional items for their classrooms in order to better the educational experience and opportunities for their students. Check out our teacher wish lists here.
After School Care
After School Care services are available for our middle school students. If your child is still awaiting pick up at 3:30 PM, they will be placed in our After School Care program, which costs $5.50 per hour per child.
Please use this link if your middle school child needs after school care, available 3:30-5:30.
Lunch Volunteers
We are in need of 1-2 volunteers for lunch duty each day to serve food, sanitize tables, and help with general lunchroom tasks. It is fun and easy to learn! No previous experience needed, must be Virtus trained.
New this year: Receive 1 free out of dress code pass the first time you volunteer. You will also receive 1 free out of dress code pass for every third time you volunteer after that. You can share that pass with any middle school student or staff member of your choice.
Sign up here! There are tabs across the top of this linked page that allow sign ups thru January.
Important Dates...
Thursday, October 19: Adoration at the Middle School, Zephyrs Spirit Wear Day
Friday, October 20: No School, Conferences 8:30-11:30
Saturday, October 21: Lincoln/Bergstrom Test Drive Event
Friday, October 27: Halloween Dance/Social 3:30-5:00
Saturday, October 28: Called & Gifted Workshop, SMM Halloween Carnival
Thursday, November 2: Last Day of Quarter 1
Friday, November 3: No School
Tuesday, November 7: Builder's Club Meeting 3:30-4:30
Saturday, November 11: All Aboard for Christmas
Tuesday, November 14: Earth Club Meeting 3:30-4:30
Helpful Links
- Attendance Email: smcmsattendance@smcatholicschools.org
- Virtus Training: Volunteer Hub
- Big East Calendar
- SMCS Systemwide Calendar
- SMCS Staff & Teacher Directory
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/smcatholicschools
Instagram: www.instagram.com/smcszephyrs
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Zephyr_Sports