A Reflection on Holy Week from Mrs. Janna Andrus, Religious Education Teacher
It is my prayer each and everyday to love and serve You in the most incredible way.
Lord You have brought me here to guide and teach and learn.
What a week it has been, so different this year, Your point is so very clear.
Lead them to You on this most Holy week, each and every soul.
This most Holy of weeks, Your entry, Your teachings, Your prayer, Your arrest, Your scourging, Your passion, Your misunderstandings, Your death and Your resurrection we extol.
The students have met you this week in that most special way, when they exclaim “I hope we have religion today”.
It is in their hearts, eyes and their words that I know they have learned,
because it is their desire to know You, that they yearn.
I will do my best to lead them to You as we walk this week together,
for as they know it is not just about now but it is about forever.
We all educate these incredible souls, as we surrender, You guide, as we are called to humbly abide…. In You..
IMPORTANT DATES AND REMINDERS
Tomorrow, Friday, April 2: NO SCHOOL in observance of Good Friday
Sunday, April 4: Easter Sunday
Monday, April 5: GOTR season begins Monday and Wednesdays from 3:15-4:45pm
Wednesday, April 14: Half Day, early release, Teacher In-Service day. Lunch will be served before dismissal. Aftercare will be available until 3pm
April 19-23: NO SCHOOL- Enjoy your Spring Break!
URGENT: Our SMS ANNUAL FAMILY SURVEY is now open.
We ask that you please take some time this weekend to submit your answers. The board would like to have the survey wrapped up before April break so we can review your feedback as we plan for the year ahead.
May 3-14: Terra Nova Testing for grades 1-8, more information to follow
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Our art class paused their curriculum to take the week to focus on our faith and the true meaning of Easter.
In art class, students each painted their own 'resurrection rock' and placed it outside around the base of a tomb where they will remain until we return on Monday, in celebration of Easter Sunday and Christ's resurrection.
The resurrection rocks have been on display all week and have created a great sense of community among our students. Neighbors and parishioners have been observed stopping to enjoy the display as they walked by the school front, no doubt admiring the artwork by the children, and more importantly, being drawn into a personal reflection on what Holy Week means to them. If you have not stopped to find your child's rock, we encourage you to do so with the photo above. They all are so proud!
We wish you all a meaningful, prayerful Triduum and a Happy Easter Sunday!
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Calling all High School Families: Excellent Summer Camp Opportunities
This wonderful website was shared with us by a community member and we encourage anyone with high school aged students to read on:
"What better way for a high school student to spend a week or two this summer, than to enjoy a fun and spiritual program at a Catholic college!
A faithful Catholic education can prepare students not only for a career, but for life. Whether or not you plan to attend a Catholic college, a summer program at one of the faithful colleges recommended in The Newman Guide can be enriching and will give you a taste of the benefits of a Catholic education.
Summer programs are a great opportunity for high school students to strengthen their academic and extracurricular skills, grow in their spiritual lives, get a head-start on college visits, learn from distinguished professors, make lifelong friends and experience what faithful Catholic education is all about. Here are some options:
https://newmansociety.org/college-bound-try-these-catholic-summer-programs/ 
Totus Tuus camp is now open for registration for grades 1-12
Totus Tuus is a summer Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic Faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness, and Eucharistic worship. Our week-long Parish Summer Catechetical Program assists parents and parishes in the evangelizing and catechizing of their youth by supplementing the work they are currently doing.
Our trained, enthusiastic, and committed Totus Tuus missionaries travel to a different parish each week, hosting a five-day program for grades 1-12, similar to “vacation Bible school." The week is filled with faith, fun, and friendship. There are games, crazy songs, and (weather permitting) a big water fight at the end of the week! Our college-age teachers provide an authentic witness to the students.
Flyers and registration forms were sent home today.
Children entering 1st through 8th grade are eligible for the grade school day program.
The 9-12 high school group is for incoming freshman through current, graduating seniors.
Keep in mind that the Diocese may decide, for safety, to limit the number of attendees so first come first serve will be the procedure for now. Get your paperwork submitted ASAP to ensure your student has a spot.
The coordinator for our region is looking for help in two ways:
- Parent volunteers to help out the Totus Team as needed during the day,
- as well as housing for the Totus Team members. We are hopeful to find families who may have an empty rental or second house nearby to donate it for the week for the women’s and men’s team.
Please contact Tina Crocker if you are able to help at 413.896.8576 or jtcrocker@crocker.com
SAINT MICHAEL SCHOOL IS HIRING. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!
If you know someone with experience that seems like a great match for our school community, please encourage them to contact principal Elaine Beam at elainebeam@smsvt.info with a current resume and 3 references.
Girls on the Run starts next Monday
For all parents with girls participating in the Girls on the Run program, please check your email for a welcome letter from our coach, Tammy Richards.
GOTR will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15 to 4:45. The team will gather in Rand Hall at 3:15 before venturing outside.
Please make sure your girls have appropriate attire – running shoes, long pants and multiple layers when the weather is chillier, light rain jacket, hat, gloves – whatever you feel is necessary to keep you girls comfortable.
The SMS FUN RUN is just around the corner and we could use your help in two meaningful ways:
Please check out the image above for details. If you own a business, or work for a company that likes to get involved in the community, we encourage you to contact Liz Martin to discuss ways your business can help. Liz Martin can be reached at smsfunrun2021@gmail.com
Second: We are looking for parent volunteers
The Fun Run requires lots of parent involvement, YAY! This is SUCH a fun memory for our students and we would encourage you all to think about ways you can get involved. Here are some immediate needs:
1) We are looking for 1 or 2 parents who are able to step up and learn how to help run the event. We have two coordinators currently (Mrs. Martin and an all-star parent volunteer, Mrs. Richards), and we would love to identify another family that plans to be here year after year to train with organizing all the details.
2) We would like 2 parents to help with calling local business. You need to have an outgoing, enthusiastic go-getter attitude on the phone these days. If you love community engagement, talking on the phone and networking, this is the task for you!
3) We need tons of Race Day helpers! Tasks include but are not limited to:
- tallying laps
- cheering students on
- helping with water, snacks and lunch distribution
- organizing games and activities for the students who are not currently running
Please contact Liz Martin to sign up at smsfunrun2021@gmail.com
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What to do if my child is sick?
Dear Families,
Please follow these guidelines when your child presents with any of the following symptoms. With the onset of cold and flu season, we must remain vigilant in keeping our students safe. Thank you for your cooperation and positive responses as we navigate these uncertain times.
Source: Schools of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington United in Faith, Returning with C.A.R.E. Guidelines
We are here for you!
Questions? Thoughts? Suggestions?
Please reach out. We LOVE to hear from our families!
If you are not already a friend of SMS on Facebook, please come join us! We will post school cancellations, fun photos and events that happen during the week that don't make it into the Hark!
Please click this link, like and follow our page so you can continue to stay involved.
Our school board is anxious to hear from you!
Thank you to everyone who already completed the survey! We appreciate your valuable input!
If you have not done so, please take 10-15 minutes this weekend to complete our annual survey. Our board is anxious to review the collected responses by April break so we can use your input to inform our decision making for next year.
*** It must be done in one sitting so make sure you've set aside the time.
ATTENTION PRESCHOOL PARENTS: If you only have a child in our preschool program, you are asked not to complete the survey. We will share a separate survey, unique to our preschool curriculum.