SMCS Elementary Family Newsletter
10.18.2023
SMCS ELEMENTARY FAMILY NEWSLETTER
October 18, 2023
In This Email
Click here for St. Gabriel Elementary News
Click here for St. Margaret Mary Elementary News
Click here for St. Mary Elementary News
You can always visit the news page on our website for past newsletters.
SMCS Mission
Preparing and inspiring students to lead meaningful lives, rooted in the teachings of Christ and our Catholic tradition.
Greetings from the Principal
I hope this finds you well and enjoying the beauty of the autumn colors all around us! What an exciting time of year with the many fall festivities happening at our schools and in our communities! Additionally, as a Catholic community, we recognize October as “Respect Life Month” and are reminded that we are called to respect the dignity of all human life from conception until natural death. Our elementary students are learning about this important concept, at their level, all throughout the month and are participating in a variety of activities. While each school’s activities may vary, they may include praying for peace or various human populations, making cards for new mothers or those in assisted living homes, diaper collections for Catholic Charities, etc. I’d like to share with you a prayer from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that has been particularly powerful for me, as I have been reflecting on this topic, especially in light of the situation in Israel, the Ukraine, and other war-torn parts of our world: God of all life, Help us to appreciate the great gift that is human life formed in your image, a reflection of your holiness. Help us to recognize you in all whom you have created: children not yet born, families affected by poverty and war, people of different abilities, people from other lands, and all who are victims of hatred and racism. Help us to bear witness to the dignity of all whom you have created, regardless of stage of life, or wealth, or ability, or color, or creed, for every person is fully equal in your loving eyes. Share with us your holy knowledge that we are all your children, each bestowed with inherent dignity. May your justice reign forever! Amen. Many blessings, Mrs. Anna Cihlar Principal ~ St. Gabriel, St. Margaret Mary, St. Mary
Celebrate our Families!
- 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.
Immunization Records
The state of Wisconsin requires all schools to submit immunization record reports annually. We kindly ask that all preschool, 4K, kindergarten, and new students submit immunization records to the school office prior to the first day of school. Parents who do not wish to have their child(ren) receive immunizations must complete the waiver section form and return it to the school office.
Please click the link below for the immunization reporting/waiver form. Paper copies are also available in the school office.
Thank you!
All Aboard for Christmas
Please join us for All Abroad on November 11. All Aboard is an event to bring all schools and families together for a night of community and fun. Sign up for the event here.
Parent Teacher Conferences
We look forward to meeting with you for parent-teacher conferences! Elementary parent teacher conferences will be Thursday, October 19 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. and Friday, October 20 from 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Upcoming No-School Days
- Oct. 20 - parent-teacher conferences in the morning and professional development for teachers in the afternoon
- Nov. 3 - professional development day for teachers
Quarter 1 Progress Reports
Renaissance Star Assessment
Here are a few tips on how you can help at home:
Make sure your child gets a good night sleep the night before
Have your child eat a nutritious breakfast
Avoid scheduling appointments on test days
Encourage your child to do their best
Dress code reminders - colder weather is here
- Please send your child to school with a jacket, hat, gloves, scarves etc. once the temperatures start to drop. If we get snow, please send boots and snow pants, as well. PLEASE LABEL ALL ITEMS WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME. Thank you!
- Navy blue or khaki shorts and capris in solid color may be worn in August & September and May & June.
- Indoor boots without a heel are allowed during the school day.
- Sandals may be worn in May & June and August & September. Sandals must have a strap across the ankle. Flip-flops of any kind are not allowed. “Crocs” or similar style shoes are not allowed.
Link to full SMCS Elementary Dress Code
ABCya App for Literacy and Math
Trunk or Treat
Teacher Wish List
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.
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.
Counselor Corner
News, tips, and updates from our elementary counselors, Mrs. McKenna, Mrs. Werch, and Ms. Rutz.
Elementary Breakfast & Lunch Menus
Elementary Band Update
We are in the process of interviewing candidates for the elementary band teacher position. Elementary band will begin as soon as we are able to fill this position. Updates will be shared with families as soon as possible.
Free/Reduced Lunch Program
Attention to all families that are currently on Free/Reduced Lunch program:
For the first 30 school days of each year, free/reduced lunch benefits carry over from the previous year. This means that if your child received free/reduced lunch last school year, he or she has been receiving this benefit since the beginning of this school year. The carry-over benefit will expire October 11. If you have not heard that you qualify for this school year's free/reduced lunch program, you must submit an application and be approved for the benefit to continue. If an application is not received and approved, your child will be charged for breakfast and lunch beginning October 12. You can find the application here. Completed applications can be returned to your child's school office. Please contact Anne Greif (agreif@smcatholicschools) if you have questions.
Interested in Volunteering at SMCS?
We are so grateful for our volunteers and are always looking for new and returning faces to help out in our schools!
Please visit the Volunteer Hub on our website to learn more about how you can complete the required steps to volunteer with SMCS.
If you are already a volunteer with SMCS, please ensure you have completed all Safe Environment requirements through Virtus Online- background check, online Virtus annual retraining, and annual acknowledgment form.
If you have any questions on the Safe Environment process, please reach out to the Human Resources department: pfoulks@smcatholicschools.org and ckind@smcatholicschools.org.
Discipleship Digest
RSVP - Répondez s’il vous plaȋt
When we receive an invitation, we are asked to “RSVP” – French for: “Respond, please.” Replying is a courtesy to the one extending the invitation. Ignoring it is rude, particularly if the request is coming from a person of prominence, like a king.
The King extends an invitation to each of us – every day! Unfortunately, the “letter” gets shuffled in with all the other “junk mail” that clutters up our lives. Our worries and distractions clamor for our attention, keeping us from saying “Yes” in each moment.
Maybe we don’t believe the invitation when it arrives. Or perhaps we think we aren’t worthy of being invited, so we don’t even bother to open it. Most often, we dismiss the invitation because it doesn’t look the way we think it should. Surely a majestic King should have the most elegant and intriguing invitation ever, right?
Wrong. The invitation to participate in the Kingdom, to come to the feast, looks as humble as a carpenter from Nazareth. As baffling as a wandering preacher who speaks words of everlasting life. As troubling as an innocent man nailed naked to a cross.
Today, the invitation may be the face of your child wanting to play a game or read a book. It may look like your elderly neighbor, seeking conversation. It may be a single parent who needs an extra hand, or a person who is homeless or hungry or unemployed. The table is set. The invitation is waiting. Will you RSVP?
©Steve Pable, Director of Adult Discipleship Formation
Welcome – Worship – Witness
Parish Event
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.
Tuition Discount Opportunity
Our After School Care Program is hiring! If you or someone you know is looking for a part-time job, join SMCS! The schedule will be Monday – Friday from 2:45 – 5/5:30 p.m.
This is a paid position that offers great benefits! If you have a child enrolled in our schools, you will receive 50% off their school tuition and while you work in the after school care program, you can bring your child with you for free!
If you are interested in learning more about the After School Care Provider position or would like to apply, please contact the Human Resources Department by calling 920-722-7796 and ask for HR or email pfoulks@smcatholicschools.org or ckind@smcatholicschools.org
A Look Ahead...
Oct. 19 - Evening parent-teacher conferences (elementary)
Oct. 20 - No school. Parent-teacher conferences (a.m.), staff development (p.m.)
Nov. 2 - End of Q2
Nov. 3 - No school for students, professional development day for teachers
Nov. 7 - Zephyr Spirit Day
Nov. 10 - Q1 progress reports go home with students
Nov. 11 - All Aboard for Christmas
Nov. 20-24 - No school, Thanksgiving break
- Dec. 4 - SM Christmas concert @ church
- Dec. 5 - SMM Christmas concert @ church
- Dec. 7 - SG Christmas concert @ church
- Dec. 11 - packers colors/apparel
- Dec. 22 - No school for students, professional development day for teachers
- Dec. 25-Jan. 1 No school, Christmas break
- Jan. 2 - No school for students, professional development day for teachers
Helpful Links
Contact Information
St. Gabriel: 920-725-4161
St. Gabriel Associate Principal: Mrs. Giombetti, jgiombetti@smcatholicschools.org
St. Margaret Mary: 920-729-4565
St. Margaret Mary Associate Principal: Mrs. Lutz, jlutz@smcatholicschools.org
St. Mary: 920-725-5351
St. Mary Associate Principal: Mrs. Blahnik, cblahnik@smcatholicschools.org
Elementary Principal: Mrs. Cihlar, acihlar@smcatholicschools.org