The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School April 14, 2019
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 SMG Families and Friends,
Today is Palm Sunday, the final Sunday of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. On Palm Sunday, we receive palm fronds as a symbol of Christ's arrival in Jerusalem days before he was crucified. As we heard in today's Gospel, upon his arrival in Jerusalem people paid homage to him by throwing palms and small branches in front of Jesus as he rode in on a donkey. Throwing of palms or small branches was a customary symbol of respect, and to this day palm branches are a symbol of peace and victory.
As we begin the week, we continue our observance of this liturgical season by fasting, praying, almsgiving, and preparing for Easter. SMG students have practiced and prepared a special Passion Play, which they will be performing on Tuesday morning. It is so awesome to see the faith alive in our students! All students have participated in some capacity as we observed the season of Lent. We have come together each week for Mass and student-led Stations of the Cross, participated in almsgiving opportunities, such as the Pounder Project and the Rice Bowl collection, participated in the sacrament of reconciliation, and sacrificed by fasting and abstaining.
As we contemplate Holy Week, let us remember the enormous pain and sacrifice our Lord endured for our salvation--to wash away our sins. I pray that by reflecting on His passion, we will be victorius over temptation and continue to be guided on the path of salvation.
Have a most blessed Holy Week!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Peace,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
Holy Week School Schedule Reminders
- Thursday, April 18th: Early Dismissal at 12PM; No Lunch Service so please be sure your child has a sack lunch if they are staying at SMEED. SMEED will only be available until 3:00PM.
- Friday, April 19th: Good Friday-NO SCHOOL
- Monday, April 22nd: NO SCHOOL (unused Snow Day)
- Tuesday, April 23rd: NO SCHOOL (unused Snow Day)
- Wednesday, April 24th: School Resumes
Regular 2019-2020 Registration is Open
https://smgschool.org/documents/2019/2/SMG%202019-2020%20Registration%20%20Tuition.pdf
Rice Bowl Money Due Monday, April 15th
Through CRS Rice Bowl, we share the journey with members of our human family around the world, and commit our Lenten prayers, fasting and alms giving to deepening our faith and serving those in need.
Rice bowl money is due Monday, April 15th. Please write a check for the amount in the bowl rather then sending in coins. Thanks for your participation and help.
You may visit www.crsricebowl.org/schools for additional information and stories of hope.
SMG Spirit Store is Open!
7th Grade Austin Trip
A favorite trip each year and a lasting memory for every 7th grader is the excursion to Austin. Among the many sites students enjoyed were:
- The Texas Capitol is widely recognized as one of the nation's most distinguished state capitols. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
- The Bullock Texas State History Museum includes three floors of exhibits that illuminate and celebrate Texas history and culture.
- Texas Capital Visitors Center The three-story castle-like structure is the oldest state office building in Texas. This fortress protected the most valuable resource Texas had in the 1800's, land.
- The Texas State Cemetery is the final resting place of Governors, Senators, Legislators, Congressmen, Judges, and other legendary Texans who have made the state what it is today.
Capital Extension (Spy Kids 2 Filmed Here)
Texas State Cemetary
State Capital Senate Chamber
Speaker Series
The 4th-8th Grade students welcomed several guest speakers from the Diocese of Dallas Pro-Life Committee who spoke to students on various age-appropriate topics:
4th, 5th, & 6th: Character
A discussion on making good choices, friendship, and what it means to be a person of good character and virtue. Students participated in a couple scenario-type exercises and were encouraged to reflect on the qualities that make a good friend.
8th
Monday: Abortion
Students learned about the history of the Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion in the US, fetal developments, abortion procedures, and consequences.
Tuesday: Life Issues
Students held a discussion about the Church's teachings on life issues facing the world today, including abortion, infanticide, suicide, bioethics, and capital punishment.
Thursday: Chastity
Students were divided into classrooms by gender. A discussion was held stressing the beauty of God's gift of sexuality and how our sexuality affects our body, mind and soul.
8th Grade Vocations Day and Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral
On Wednesday, 8th Grade students and teachers attended Vocations Day and the 8th Grade Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth. The day began at 10AM with students spending time listening to the vocation stories of priests and religious from the diocese, and concluded with a special Mass at 2:30PM celebrating the 8th Grade class as they transition beyond elementary school. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Olson and other priests from the diocese.
NCHS Jazz Band, Orchestra & Folkloric Presentation
Sixth, seventh and eighth grade classes were treated to the Nolan Jazz Band, Orchestra and Ballet Folklorico dancers. Ballet folklorico is traditional Mexican dance that emphasize local folk culture with ballet characteristics - pointed toes, exaggerated movements, highly choreographed.
Also, any Nolan-bound 8th Grade student who is interested in becoming part of the Nolan Ballet Folklorico group for the 2019-2020 school year should plan to attend the Ballet Folklorico La Vikina Clinic and Auditions:
- Clinic: Monday, April 29th 3:45-5:30PM Nolan Catholic HS Gym
- Auditions: Tuesday, April 30th 3:45-6:00PM Nolan Catholic HS Gym
Audition Requirements:
- All students are welcome regardless of dancing experience.
- Students need to wear appropriate clothing and shoes for dancing or folklorico skirt & shoes.
- Candidates must attend both days or have prior Ballet Folklorico experience.
Questions? Email Mrs. Beltran at mbeltran@nchstx.org
Fun Night at Spring Creek BBQ
Thank you to all who came out to support SMG at the Spring Creek BBQ Dine-Out Night last Thursday evening. As teachers handedvout hot rolls and visited with SMG families, all enjoyed that delicious barbecue! Many of the faculty showed their school spirit and creativity by decorating their aprons.
22nd Annual Ft. Worth Zoo Run
SMG Runners braved the potential rain and storms Saturday morning to show their Trojan spirit and get their run on! Participants ran either a 1K or 5K around and through the Zoo. Other than being a tad bit humid, it was a great day to run. The rain even stayed away until all SMG runners crossed the finish line! Proceeds from the run benefit the Fort Worth Zoo.
Library Class Outing: Book Inspired Art With Librarian, Mrs. Jamison
Stephen Breen Memorial Foundation Family Day and BBQ Cook-Off!
Teacher Outings Still Available!!
There are several Teacher Outings still available! If you are interested in purchasing an outing for your student, please contact Mrs. Malloy in the school office smalloy@smgschool.org.
In addition to the class outings, please see information on the Trojans Cheer Camp below.
Tiny Trojans Cheer Camp--HURRY--ONLY ONE AVAILABLE SPOT LEFT!!
Ms. Meurer and Mrs. Paladini are sponsoring a cheer clinic for grades 1-4 on Saturday, April 27th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Students will be learning a dance and a cheer taught by the SMG cheerleaders. They will perform the routines during the spring pep rally! Included in the day are a t-shirt, a snack, and a great time! Only one available spot is left. The cost is $25.
Alumni News
All SMG Alumni, we want to hear from you and share any news you have with the rest of the Trojan Community! Please send us your address, phone number, and email address so that we may keep in touch. As well, if you have news and information that you would like to share with the SMG Community, we would like that as well! Please send your information to Abbey Lewis at alewis@smgschool.org.
Once a Trojan--Always a Trojan!
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.
St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church
Fr. Mike Ciski, T.O.R.
Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth
Calendar Notes
Monday, April 15th:
- PK4 and Kindergarten Pounder Project Due
- Rice Bowl Money Due - Please write check
- 3:30-4:30PM Principal & Assistant Principal Class Outing
- 3:30-4:30PM Good Works Club
Tuesday, April 16th:
- 9:30AM Passion Play presented by the 8th Grade Class
- 5:30PM Chrism Mass @ St. Patrick Cathedral
- 4:30-6:30 Kindergarten Class Outing: Drive-In Movie Party
Thursday, April 18th:
- Holy Thursday
- Early DIsmissal at 12PM--SMEED Available ONLY until 3:00PM
Friday, April 19th:
- Good Friday
- NO SCHOOL
Sunday, April 21st:
- Easter Sunday
Monday, April 22nd:
- NO SCHOOL-(Unused Snow Day)
Tuesday, April 23rd:
- NO SCHOOL-(Unused Snow Day)
Wednesday, April 24th:
- School Resumes
- 8:45AM-2:00PM 3rd Grade Field Trip
- 3:30PM-5:00PM PE Outing: Slip-n-Slide Kickball
Friday, April 26th:
- 8:15AM 5th Grade Puppet Show
- Nolan Algebra Placement Test
- Nolan Spanish Placement Test
- 10:00AM-12:00PM Tiny Trojans Cheer Camp Gr. 1-4
Sunday, April 28th:
- Stephen Breen Memorial BBQ Cook-off at Nolan (see flyer above)
Tuesday, April 30th:
- Cheer leading Information Meeting for Parents @ 6PM in Rm 106-Information regarding SMG cheer leading program for 2019-2020 school year