The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School May 2, 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! It is hard to believe that May is here and we are now in the final few weeks of the school year. I am especially proud of how well our entire school community has transitioned and worked through this very different school year.
What a special day we had yesterday as our 2nd Grade students received their First Holy Communion! Students have been working all year to prepare for this special day and I am so grateful that we were able to come together to celebrate this blessed sacrament.
Last week, 3rd - 8th Grade students completed the Summative ACT Aspire Assessments. We will not have results for the summative assessments back until July. We will consider those results as we plan instruction for the fall, and parents will receive copies of the results after the start of the new school year.
The Trojan Trot Fun Run & Color Run has officially begun and will take place this Friday, May 7th! The event will raise funds for tuition assistance, which helps us to continue to make possible a Catholic education for all who desire one for their children. Please see the information below in this newsletter for details and to register your students if you have not done so already (funrun.com).
The spring Book Fair opens on campus tomorrow, Monday, May 3rd, and runs through Thursday, May 6th, and online now through Friday, May 7th. Please see details below.
Also, this week is Teacher Appreciation Week! Our excellent teachers work so hard, always going above and beyond for their students. This year has been especially difficult and they have come through it with such grace. Please see below for some ideas on how to show your students' teachers how much they are appreciated.
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!
Please be assured that Fr. Jim and I, along with the interim Superintendent, Ms. Kasmeier, have begun the search for a new principal for the 2021-2022 school year and are in the process of reviewing applications that have been submitted thus far. The future leadership of the school will continue to stay true to our mission of educating and forming students in Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
Reminder: This Friday, May 7th, is an Early Dismissal day. Dismissal is at 12:10PM; No Lunch Service, but SMEED will be available.
I pray you all have a beautiful Sunday as we enter the month of May, dedicated to our Blessed Mother Mary. May she guide our faculty & staff through a successful last few weeks of the school year!
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.
MAY VIRTUE: Responsibility
Taking responsibility for our work and our actions makes us dependable, someone others can count on. Everyone makes mistakes and bad choices. It is important to acknowledge our failings so that we can fix things and move forward. Frequent Confessions helps us to practice responsibility and gives us the grace to make amends and do better in the future. Asking other’s forgiveness shows them we want to do better.
Saint Peter: Feast Days-February 22 and June 29
Saint Peter had great faith, and Jesus made him the leader of the Apostles and the head of the whole Church. He was the very first pope!
When Jesus was arrested, Peter denied even knowing him. But after Jesus rose from the dead, Peter admitted it, and asked Jesus to forgive him. Jesus did forgive Peter and again said that it was his job to take care of Christians all over the world! Saint Peter knew he could not do his job alone, so he prayed that the Lord would help him and show him how to guide the Church.
Saint Henry: Feast Day – July 13
Saint Henry was born of a royal family. He was crowned King of Germany and King of Italy and then became the fifth Holy Roman Emperor.
Although he was an emperor, Saint Henry did not seek power, but knew it was his role to serve others. He always fought for the good of his people and the good of the Catholic Church. He defended the rights of the church and supported the bishops. He affirmed Rome’s sovereignty, or power to rule and insisted on priests living holy lives. He built Bamberg Cathedral, a magnificent church which still stands today.
Saint Henry had a lot of common sense and energy as king. He was always victorious in battle and well-loved by his people for his justice and kindness. Saint Henry was also humble and able to admit his mistakes. Once he fell on his knees before the Bishop of Cologne to beg his pardon after a misunderstanding. He desired holiness so much that he wanted to abdicate, or retire as king, so that he could become a Benedictine monk. The abbot of Verdun counseled him to remember the responsibility God had given him to care for the empire. So Saint Henry remained emperor, and became an oblate, or lay member of the Order.
Saint Henry’s wife was also a saint, Saint Cunegunde. They are buried together in Bamberg Cathedral.
Blessed Bartolo Longo: Feast Day-October 6
Do you think of some people as “hopeless cases” who will never turn to God? Do you think that some deeds, maybe some of your own, are unforgivable? Blessed Bartolo Longo gives us hope that anyone can turn to God and find forgiveness.
Bartolo was raised Catholic, but while studying for a law degree he fell away from his faith, became involved in a cult, and was ordained a satanic priest. An old friend brought him back to God and introduced him to a Dominican friar, Father Alberto, who heard his confession and helped him to leave the cult. He began to work for a charity group, and to use his skill as an attorney to help the poor. He married the Countess di Fusco who led the group and together they raised many orphans and funded over 45 seminarians.
Blessed Bartolo remembered Father Alberto saying that the Blessed Virgin Mary had promised, “One who propagates my Rosary shall be saved” and so he began to spread devotion to the Rosary in reparation for his past sins. He moved to the ancient city of Pompeii, where he started a yearly feast for the Rosary which included fireworks, music, and games. He published pamphlets on the Rosary and worked with the people of Pompeii to build a shrine to Our Lady Queen of the Rosary. He became so well known for this that Pope John Paul II praised him in his 2002 letter on the Rosary, Rosarium Virginis Mariae. Blessed Bartolo Longo died at the age of 85, listening to the Rosary prayed around his bed by the orphans he had assisted.
2nd Grade First Holy Communion
Congratulations to Mrs. Salomao and Mrs. Gutierrez's 2nd grade students who received First Holy Communion Saturday. First Holy Communion is a rite of passage also known as the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and is a celebration of a child's decision to follow the teachings of the Catholic Church. He/She will eat the Bread of Life and drink wine from the Cup of Life.
Photographs @abbypfaffphotography on Instagram & FB
Teacher Appreciation Week
PSIA State Meet Winners
Eight SMG students progressed to the PSIA State Meet and represented SMG last weekend in Austin. Congratulations to these five students who placed in the finals competition!
- Max-5th Grade Spelling - 6th place medal
- Efe-5th Grade Math & Maps, Graphs, and Charts - 2nd place medal
- Cecilia- 5th Grade Ready Writing - 6th place medal
- Sean - 7th Grade On-Site Drawing - 6th place medal
- Ethan - 7th Grade Math - 6th place medal
SMGCS Fun Run & Color Run!
On Wednesday, April 28th, we officially kicked-off our Trojan Trot Fun Run & Color Run that will take place next Friday, May 7th. The event will raise funds for tuition assistance, allowing us to continue to make possible a Catholic education for all who desire one for their children.
There are some fun incentives for students if we reach certain challenges - anything from extra Spiritwear days to your favorite principal and assistant principal taking one for the team by being "slimed." Help us reach our goal! Please log on to http://funrun.com today!
The Book Fair Has Arrived!
The SMGCS Book Fair begins online April 30, 2021 through May 7, 2021. Use the following link to order online.
https://efairs.follettbookfairs.com/guest/home?classCode=MWPG1
Students will be able to preview and shop the Book Fair in the SMG Library May 3-6.
Teachers will be sharing class preview and shopping schedules in their weekly newsletters. Information on how to purchase Follett Gift Cards went home in the Friday Folders. We are looking for volunteers to work at the book fair. If you are current on your Virtus training, please consider signing up to help using the link below. Please support our book fair and your child’s love of reading.
Book Drive - Eagle Scout Project, SMGCS Alumni David Boyea
SMGCS alumni, David Boyea, would like your help with his Eagle Scout project. Please consider donating new or used books which will stock a small community library near the St. Maria Center.
- Donations may be sent to school April 26th through Friday, May 7th
- Books will also be collected following Mass on May 8th
- Please keep book topics school-age appropriate
Thank You from Catholic Charities
Dear Students of St. Maria Goretti,
Thank you for your Lenten sacrifices that turned into a beautiful donation to Catholic Charities. Your coins will be turned into support for items and services that provide dignity and hope to people in difficult situations. St. Therese showed us that no kind act is too small to demonstrate God's love for others - may you continue to follow the "Little Way".
Sincerely,
Kasey Whitley on behalf of Catholic Charities
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 (Richards)
Tuesday
- 12:09-12:39 Rubik’s Cube Club in Library: 6th-8th (Utendorf)
- 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)
- 3:30-4:15PM Running Club (weather permitting) (Gutierrez/Salomao)-May5 & May 12
- 3:30-5:00PM Cheer Club (Paladini)
- 6:00-7:00PM Ballet Folklorico (Zavala) SMG Cafetorium
Thursday
- 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-8th Cecilian Singers Club (Richards)
- 3:30-4:15PM 4th-8th Coding Club (Nguyen)
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
Running Club - Last Two Meetings
Mark Your Calendars! The SMGCS Run Club has two more meetings to close out the year. We will run our last miles on May 5th. On May 12th, we will 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.....
SMGCS Chess Tournament - Finals
Anthony Payne and Danh Nguyen met Monday afternoon for the Chess Tournament Finals. Congratulations to first place winner, Dahn Nguyen.
“Every chess master was once a beginner.”
Irving Chernev said this about chess but it fits in just about any other area of interest. Everyone was a beginner at one time. You have to make mistakes, learn from mistakes, and practice to advance. Chernev was a national master-strength player and wrote 20 books on chess. https://www.sportsfeelgoodstories.com/best-chess-quotes-of-all-time/
Boosterthon Kick-Off
Teachers "kicked" off the Boosterthon by decorating their doors with innovative and creative Sports City Now themes. Students attended an exciting assembly Wednesday to learn about the upcoming Trojan Trot Fun Run Fundraiser. All proceeds will go to tuition assistance. To participate, please register your student on FUNRUN.COM by searching for our school name. After that, please support us by gathering donations from family and friends and entering them on FUNRUN.COM.
Feliz Dia del Niño!
Spanish teacher, Mrs. Zavala, surprised us with a sweet treat on Friday! In celebration of Children's Day, paletas were passed out to SMG students. Paletas are a Mexican frozen treat made from fresh natural fruits such as strawberry and mango or made from rich creamy ingredients such as Chocolate and Sicilian pistachio.
In Mexico, Children's Day ("DĂa Del Niño") is celebrated on April 30th. On this day teachers organize games, music, and the children bring in their favorite foods to share with others. Some families also have a day out with their children. There are special activities for children in parks and sports centers. Sometimes, the children will be given presents by their families.
Evening of Light Teacher Outing - Pirate & Princess Tea Party
Mrs. Richards hosted a tea party for a crew of pirates and princesses. After a a delicious snack, the crew sang, danced and enjoyed a beading craft.
PreK Art Education
Mrs. Mitchell's Kindergarten Wins Silly String Fun!
First Grade - Poetry Slam
Mrs. Girton's first grade class performed slam poetry Thursday in the library. Notice the "cool" way the audience showed their appreciation with finger snaps.
Slam poetry is stage-based, and it incorporates several key elements: spoken word poetry, performance, and audience participation.
First Grade Science
Mrs. Watson's class is growing ryegrass and alfalfa seeds. They will be "mowing" the ryegrass soon! It is spring and time to work in the yard.
First Grade Vocabulary
Mrs. Girton's classes played a matching game to review poetry vocabulary.
First Grade Math
First grade measured fractions with math balances and learned how to reduce fractions. Future SMGCS mathematicians in training!
First Grade Social Studies
Mrs Girton’s 1st graders created landforms with play dough.
Second Grade Confessions
In preparation for First Holy Communion this weekend, 2nd grade participated int he Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday and practiced in the Church on Tuesday.
Third Grade Religion
Third grade combines religion, writing and journaling while summarizing Father Jim's Mass message.
Third Grade Math - Multiplication Masters!
Fourth Grade Science Plant Diagrams
Sixth Grade Religion
Religion teacher, Mr. Jones, asked students to select a leader and demonstrate their characteristics through illustration.
Seventh Grade Math
A translation is a transformation that occurs when a figure is moved from one location to another location without changing its size, shape or orientation.
Spanish
Spanish Vocabulary
Peek in the refrigerator to see what's inside and learn what foods are liked and disliked. This fun activity allowed students to use artistic skills while practicing their Spanish vocabulary.
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
- May 3-6: Spring Book Fair
- Wednesday, 5/5: Ice Cream Sundae Party - Science Style 4th Grade, 3:30-4:30PM
- Thursday, 5/6: Junior High Fellowship and Dance-Cumbia Style, 3:30-6:00PM; Pysanky Party/Ukrainian Egg Decorating, 4:00-6:00PM
- Friday, 5/7: Boosterthon Trojan Trot and Color Run; 12:10PM Early Dismissal, No Lunch Service, SMEED will be available
- 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, 2:30PM
- 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: 8th Grade Graduation
- 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, 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/
Saint Peter: Feast Days - February 22 and June 29
Saint Peter had great faith, and Jesus made him the leader of the Apostles and the head of the whole Church. He was the very first pope!
When Jesus was arrested, Peter denied even knowing him. But after Jesus rose from the dad, Peter admitted it, and asked Jesus to forgive him. Jesus did forgive Peter and again said that it was his job to take care of Christians all over the world! Saint Peter knew he could not do this job alone, so he prayed that the Lord would help him and to show him how to guide the Church.