The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School May 9, 2021
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.
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School aims to form what is True, Good, and Beautiful in the souls of our young disciples of Christ.
Principal's Message
Dear St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Families,
Happy Sunday and a very Happy Mother's Day to all moms today!
Last week was an exciting week as we celebrated our amazing teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week! Our Home and School volunteers and many other parents and students did an amazing job showing our teachers just how special they are to our SMGCS community!
We were so thrilled to be able to host the spring Book Fair last week and our students were excited to peruse the selections and pick up some new books, just in time for summer! Thank you to Mrs. Utendorf for organizing the book fair and to the many volunteers who helped out each day as students shopped.
Speaking of summer and books, please look for the Summer Reading List & Requirements in next week's Trojan Times and in your students' Friday Folders this week.
We ended last week with the first-ever Trojan Trot Fun Run & Color Run, which was a huge success and a ton of fun! With the help of our wonderful students, families, friends, and sponsors, we not only met our $10,000 goal, but exceeeded it with a grand total of $12,800! All funds will go towards our tuition assistance fund, which helps us to continue to make possible a Catholic education for all who desire one for their children. Please see the pictures and video from the Fun Run below in this newsletter!
Please see information further below in this newsletter regarding keeping our children safe in this virtual world in which we all find ourselves these days. I sent the letter to all school families last Friday, and have heard from several parents who found the material very informative and useful. A huge thank you to Mrs. Pennell for all she did to put this information together!
As most of you may have heard, last Friday Fr. Jim announced to the parish community and to the school faculty and staff that he will be leaving St. Maria Goretti as pastor on June 6th, transferring to Franciscan University in Stuebenville, OH. Fr. Mike will take over as pastor and Fr. Jim Mormon, T.O.R., who was stationed here at St. Maria Goretti from 2004 to 2008, will be returning as the associate pastor at the beginning of July. We are so grateful to Fr. Jim Angert, T.O.R. for his pastoral leadership, guidance, and love of our school and parish community the last three years. Though he will be very missed by many here, Franciscan University is very blessed that Fr. Jim will joining their community once again. I ask that we all keep Fr. Jim, Fr. Mike, and Fr. Jim Mormon in our prayers, especially during this time of transition.
Finally, Fr. Jim and I, along with Fr. Mike, and interim Superintendent, Ms. Kasmeier, have begun the search for a new principal for the 2021-2022 school year and will begin preliminary interviews of applicants this week. The future leadership of the school will continue to stay true to our mission of educating and forming students in Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
Open Enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year continues! We ask you to please share the good news of St. Maria Goretti Catholic School with any family and friends with school-aged children. Invite them to call to schedule a personal tour to learn more about SMGCS. YOU are our best advertisement and we need your help! Thank you!
I pray you all enjoy the rest of your day and have a wonderful week ahead!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
Marian Hymns
Religion teacher, Mrs. Pennell, recommended some beautiful options for Marian hymns to share with your family during this upcoming month of Mary. Our Lady, Queen of Hope, Pray for us!
2021-2022 Registration & Enrollment Continues!
Registration and Enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year is OPEN! Information, including tuition rates was emailed to all current school families and can be found at the following links:
https://smgschool.org/documents/2021/1/Tuition%20Letter%202021-2022%2001%20ML.pdf
https://smgschool.org/documents/2021/1/2021-2022%20Reg%20%20Tuition.pdf.
Tuition assistance is available ( https://smgschool.org/financial-aid ) and we are committed to making a Catholic education a reality for any family who wishes one for their child(ren). Please contact Mrs. Behee (lbehee@smgschool), our Registrar, Mrs. de la Pena (jdelapena@smgschool.org), or our Business Manager, Mr. Rogalsky (mrogalsky@smgschool.org), with any questions or concerns.
Keeping Children Safe in a Virtual World
As the reliance on technology has become more of a necessity over the last year, instances and concern of misuse among our students, particularly students in 6th - 8th grade, has grown. Please click on the link below for the letter that was emailed to all parents last Friday, which contains detailed information regarding some of these concerns, and ideas and resources for parents as we all work together to keep our children safe in the "virtual" world.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2021/5/Letter%20RE%20Technology.pdf
SMGCS Table Tennis Tournament!
Mr. Nguyen will host a Table Tennis Tournament on Monday May 17th from 3:30-4:30 PM in room 109. This fun event is open to all 4th-8th grade students, but space is limited to 12 participants. Students in good standing in academic and citizenship are considered before email confirmation sent. Equipment will be provided but students are welcome to bring their own paddles. Click on the following link to sign up. https://bit.ly/33eerr9
*12 spots for tournament while others can be on wait list.
Order 2021-2022 School Supplies - June 15th Deadline
Prepackaged School Supplies for the 2020-2021school year can be ordered at the following link. Supplies will be delivered to the school.
https://schoolsuppliesco.com/collections/st-maria-goretti
A list of supplies by grade level is also available on the SMG web site:
NJHS Gabriel Project
SMG Cheerleading Informational Meeting - May 17th
Sign up for an SMG Cheerleading informational meeting using this Signup Genius link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C45A9AA2DA5F4C34-smgcheerleading
You will be emailed the Zoom link the day of the meeting.
Date: 05/17/2021 (Mon.)
Time: 6:30pm - 7:00pm EDT
Location: Zoom
2nd Grade First Communion Pictures Available
Dear Second-Grade Parents,
Please see the information below from our photographer from First Communion.
The Google Drive link (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1C_GHXiisEowKuoAHFPNQYLQeEgBbCGz0?usp=sharing) is where you will download all of the social media sized digital images straight to your computer. All you have to do is open the folder and it will take you to all of the images. There, you can select all of the images, right-click and save all of the images to your computer or flash drive.
If you would like to purchase the copy/printing rights to the full resolution images, let me know and we can definitely arrange that! Or you can purchase high res downloads and prints via the Shootproof link (https://abbypfaffphotography1.shootproof.com/gallery/14917642)!
Thank you so much, I had a great time working with everyone! Don't forget to tag @abbypfaffphotography on Instagram and Facebook if you post the images!
Abby Pfaff
Baby Jamison has Arrived!
Congratulations to Art Teacher, Alie Jamison and husband Sean on the arrival of Waylon Duke-Carleton Jamison. He was born Tuesday, May 4th and weighed in at 7.4lbs.
Grandparent Blessing
Thank you to all of those who purchased a Grandparent Blessing for their children or grandchildren during the 2021 Evening of Light Gala!
Masks Required for Remainder of 2020-2021 Academic Year
Yearbook Pictures Needed!
Hey SMGCS Parents and friends, we need your help to make this year's yearbook the best one yet!
Parents can upload photos to the yearbook project via the new Entourage Link app. According to the Entourage team, “Many of our memories nowadays are captured on smartphones. The Entourage Link app for iphone and android has allowed for the uploading of photos directly from one’s device. Never before has it been easier to contribute to the yearbook project." The yearbook staff is excited and grateful for this as it will give us access to more photos to design our yearbook pages.
Download Now!
Entourage Yearbooks is excited to announce our NEW smartphone app! App users can instantly submit photos from their phones to the yearbook staff for consideration in the yearbook.
SPIRIT Hours
Volunteer Hour Policy-
We will be continuing with our SPIRIT Hour policy from last year. In the absence of Kountry Karnival, we will be working to find other ways that families can earn hours. Opportunities will be communicated via emailed SPIRIT Updates, the Trojan Times, and on our website.
All SMG families must complete 40 hours (20 hours by December 18, 2020, and 20 hours by May 14, 2021). Please note that due to having fewer events and volunteer opportunities at which to earn SPIRIT hours right now, we will defer charges for incomplete SPIRIT hours for 1st Semester until the end of the 2nd semester, and will reevaluate at that time.
Current Volunteer/Donation Opportunities:
- Disposable Face Masks & Gloves-Donate boxes of disposable face masks and gloves of all sizes and earn one SPIRIT hour for each box donated. Donations can be brought to the school front office, Monday - Friday between 7:30AM - 3:30PM.
- Items for Christmas Store 2021-Purchase new items for next year's (2021) Christmas store and receive one SPIRIT Hour for every $10 spent. Needed items include small toys, small household items, trinkets, gift bags, and tissue paper. Receipts must be included when donation is dropped off in order to receive SPIRIT hour credit. Donations can be brought to the school front office, Monday - Friday between 7:30AM - 3:30PM.
Summer Solutions Books
How Are We Doing?
https://forms.gle/SJtUW2iBSzT5xeKW9
SMG School Club Opportunities
SMG Clubs - Mark Your Calendars!
Monday
- 3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Drama Club - LAST DAY May 24
Tuesday
- 12:09-12:39 Rubik’s Cube Club in Library: 6th-8th LAST DAY May 18
- 12:29-12:49 Rubik's Cube Club in Library: 4th – 5th
- Rubrik's Cube Google Meets Available for Distance Learners
Wednesday
- 12:08-12:48PM Out of the Box Art and Literary Magazine working lunch
- 3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Garden Club (Pick) LAST DAY May 19
- 3:30-4:15PM Running Club (weather permitting) (Gutierrez/Salomao) LAST DAY May 12
- 3:30-5:00PM Cheer Club (Paladini) LAST DAY May 12
- 6:00-7:00PM Ballet Folklorico (Zavala) SMG Cafetorium NO MORE MEETINGS
Thursday
- 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-8th Cecilian Singers Club (Richards) LAST DAY May 13
- 3:30-4:15PM 4th-8th Coding Club (Nguyen) LAST DAY May 13
SMGCS Art and Literary Magazine: Out of the Box, Seeking Submissions!!
Our submission period is now OPEN! We can’t wait to see and share your creativity! To share your art or written works, please complete this google form. https://forms.gle/W7oA7WiVVKiuFovD6
If you have already made submissions, thanks! Our student editors have begun processing the entries and will contact you if they need further information or have questions.
Email Mrs. Jamison (ajamison@smgschool.org) or Mrs. Richards (rrichards@smgschool.org) for more information.
4-H Club Now at SMGCS!
We are excited to be announce that SMGCS has joined the Diocese of Fort Worth-Tarrant County 4-H Club! Membership is open to all 3rd - 8th Grade students. For more information or questions, contact Mrs. Pick at apick@smgschool.org. As well, see the information below and at the following link with details on how to register! Parents are welcome (and encouraged) to volunteer!
More info here: https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/11/4H%20Flier%20for%20families.pdf
Joining information:
go to https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
(if that link doesn’t work, go to https://agrilife.org/urbantarrant4h/join/, scroll down, and click on 4-H online)
Create new account as a new member
Choose "Diocese of Fort Worth-Tarrant County" for your club
Pay the $30 registration fee
Parents, if you are interested in helping as project leaders, you can register the same way. You should have one account per family, and then click “add family member” to the first account. Parent volunteers must be current on their VIRTUS training, and the membership fee is $10.
You can learn more about the Texas 4-H projects here:
Gardening Club
Last Running Club - May 12th
Mark Your Calendars! The SMGCS Run Club will meet for the final time on May 12th to celebrate all your miles. Let's finish the year strong!
Coaches:
Mrs. Gutierrez egutierrez@smgschool.org
Mrs. Salomao ssalomao@smgschool.org
Miscellaneous Information
Student Email Accounts and Google Classroom
All students, whether learning On-Campus or via Distance Learning, have school email accounts that they generally access during computer class, and will also need to access Google Classroom. Parents of students in Grades 4th - 8th who are attending classes On-Campus were sent information and instructions for their student(s) to access their email accounts, log-in to Google Classroom, and create a bookmark on their home devices. Students have also be given this information during computer class, as many 4th-8th Grade teachers provide feedback on assignments, etc. to students via Google Classroom. As well, being familiar with logging in to Google Classroom will be helpful should we ever need to move to distance learning during the school year. If you did not receive your student's log-in information or have questions, please contact Mrs. Daly (jdaly@smgschool.org).
As well, please check out the following tutorial for detailed instructions on signing into Google Classroom.
2020-2021 Academic Calendar
Please click on the following link to view the 2020-2021 Academic Calendar. It can also be found on the school website at smgschool.org.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/5/SMG%202020-2021%20Academic%20Calendar%202.pdf
COVID-19: Safety Procedures and Protocols
Please see the SMG Safe Return to School plan that was sent to all school families last week, by clicking the following link.
Box Tops - Earn Money for SMG!
Box Tops makes it easy for families to earn cash for schools and help teachers get the supplies they need. Traditional Box Tops clips are being phased out of production, but may continue to be found on many products throughout the store. Although you may still clip coupons, there is a NEW and EASY method:
- Create a Box Tops for Education account via the Box Tops app or website - View the video: How it Works, Join For Free
- Buy Box Top Products
- Use your app to scan the store receipt within 14 days of purchase -View the video: How to Scan
Nolan Catholic High School: 6th-8th Grade Family Information
Nolan Catholic is excited to announce that the application process for the 2021-2022 school year has already begun. Our goal is to continue to allow for as many admissions opportunities as possible for our prospective families to learn more about Nolan Catholic High School.
As a quick highlight, the admissions department is offering informational sessions, one-on-one meetings, virtual or on-campus tours, and an open house this fall.
For more information, visit http://www.nolancatholic.org/events-and-tours
NCHS Upcoming Workshops, Concerts, Auditions and Camps
Last Week at SMGCS.....
Faith Families
Mrs. Behee introduced this month's virtue of responsibility and spoke about Saint Peter, Saint Henry, and Blessed Bartolo Longo, all of whom exemplified this virtue. During the month of May we honor Mary, mother of Jesus as "the Queen of May". Mrs. Behee read The Donkey's Dream and discussed the traditional Marian symbols used throughout the book. The presentation concluded with the SMGCS Cecilian Singers singing I Will Trust in You.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibwEyyHAIQE&feature=youtu.be
Students gathered in homerooms to work on various Marion activities, discuss the collection of baby supplies for the Gabriel Project and to prepare for the Walk for Life on May 13th.
Teacher Appreciation Week - Thanks for a Wonderful Week
Whether presented with a hand written note, a bouquet of flowers or a drink and snack, teachers couldn't help but feel appreciated. Teachers were treated to a pizza and salad lunch on Monday, followed by snacks and treats galore throughout the week! Thanks for showering us with love! We had a terrific week.
The Book Fair Was an Adventure!
The SMGCS Follett Book Fair has come to a close. Remember that adventure awaits in every book. Thanks for supporting the love of reading. Children who love to read get to feel the joy of being lost in a good book while also building a strong life skill.
A big THANK YOU to our volunteers who helped students as they shopped made their purchases. We couldn't have done it without you!
Shirley Nelson, Alex Massengale, Theresa De Alva, Christina Bui, Ha Kieu, Patrica Garcia, Vanessa Flores Nieuwenhuis, Amanda Coello, Melanie Smeragliuolo, Veronica Chavez
Evening of Light Teacher Outing - Princess Tea Party
Although Rachel was unable to attend last week's Pirate and Princess Tea Party, Mrs. Richards made sure Rachel got the whole "Princess Experience".
Evening of Light Teacher Outing - Ice Cream Sundae - Science Style
Mrs. Schump hosted a Science Style Ice Cream Sundae party. Students created their own ice cream, then topped it with their favorite treats.
See the following link if you would like to try this at home with your family!
https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a54721/ice-cream-in-a-bag-recipe/
EOL - Junior High Fellowship and Dance-Cumbia Style
Mrs. Zavala, Mrs. Cruz and Mrs. Vasquez treated students to delicious food and lots of music and dance, Cumbia Style! Judging by the pictures, they learned some fancy new dance steps!
EOL - Pysanky Party/Ukrainian Egg Decorating
Mrs. Pennell hosted a Pysanky Party after school Thursday. Student learned about Ukrainian Egg Decorating and left with an original creation.
Pysanky eggs are hand-drawn creations—first in pencil using guidelines to section off an egg into a grid pattern, and then with detail within the grid. Afterwards, pencil lines are covered with beeswax and layered with colors of dye, similar to the batik work done on fabric.
Trojan Trot Fun Run & Color Run
Friday was the culmination of our week long Boosterthon to raise money for tuition assistance. We finished strong with a Trojan Trot Fun Run & Color Run. I think we can all agree, it was a blast! After a frozen yogurt treat, students and faculty watched Mrs. Behee and Mrs. Utendorf get slimed. A special thanks to Mrs. Richards for creating the following video with the highlights of the day. Enjoy!
Kindergarten Boosterthon
KB silly sock and no shoes in class day for earning $30 on the Pledge O Meter.
Kindergarten was Sweet . . .
Kindergarten Can't Wait for Summer
First Grade Boosterthon
Mrs Girton’s class earned a Mystery Reader through Boosterthon. Mr Girton and Auggie read Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathman to the class Wednesday.
First Grade Math
Second Grade Celebrates Boosterthon With Silly Socks and NO SHOES!
Third Grade Boosterthon
Third Grade was excited to win the incentive of wearing crazy socks Monday for raising funds during the Boosterthon. Way to go Third Grade!
Third Grade Reading & History
After reading a biography on Alexander Graham Bell, students sequenced how communication has changed over the years. We've come a LONG way (from drums to email).
Fourth Grade Literature
After Mrs. Vasquez's class read Lailah's Lunchbox, A Ramadan Story to celebrate Arab-American history month, students created culture flags. Culture flags include symbols and descriptions of the traditions and customs of our 4th grade families.
Fifth Grade Math - Drawing Tools
Spanish - Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Spanish class enjoying buñuelo for Cinco de Mayo compliments of Zen Munoz. Buñuelos are a dessert made from fried dough covered in cinnamon sugar. Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the Mexican army's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 during the Franco-Mexican War.
Music
First grade will present a mini musical to PreK and Kindergarten on Friday, May 21st. We are looking forward to their performance.
Pennell's Words of Wisdom
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.
Calendar Notes
- Tuesday, 5/11: May Crowning
- Wednesday, 5/12: Escape Room with Mrs. Utendorf, 3:30-4:30PM
- Thursday, 5/13: Walk for Life(in the morning); Pep Rally, 2:00PM
- Friday, 5/14: 5th - 8th Sports Awards & Lunch, 12PM-1PM; 6th - 8th Grade Dance; 6:30PM-8:30PM
- May 17-19: 8th Grade Finals
- May 19, 21, 24: 6th & 7th Grade Finals
- Thursday, 5/20: Candle Lighting & Robing Ceremony, 10:30AM; 8th Grade Graduation, 6:00PM
- Tuesday, 5/25: Kindergarten Promotion, 2:00PM
- Wednesday, 5/26: Last Mass of school year followed by Awards Ceremony
- Thursday, 5/27: 4th Quarter Ends, Last Day of School, 8:30AM-10:30AM Field Day; 12:10PM Early Dismissal, No Lunch Service, No SMEED
- Monday, 6/7: Final report cards mailed
- June 21-24: Summer Camp with Nurse Beth, 8:00AM - 3:00PM
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.
Like Us on Face Book!
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!
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/