The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School February 14, 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 Happy St. Valentine's Day!
Last week began an unprecedented stretch of winter weather across north Texas, which is forecasted to continue through most of this week. In the past, weather such as this not only meant the school campus closed, but that there would also be no instruction and we would take a "snow or weather day." Navigating through the pandemic has presented us with options for continued learning on days when the weather won't cooperate and the campus closes. While we moved to virtual instruction rather than taking a weather day last Thursday, we will continue to monitor the weather as the day goes on, and will communicate what the plan is for tomorrow early this evening, if not sooner.
Today is the FINAL day of Early Bird Registration & Enrollment for the 2021-2022 School Year. Please see the information further down in this newsletter with links for details including tuition information and instructions on how to apply. Tuition assistance is available and we encourage families to apply by March 1st to be considered in the first round of tuition assistance awarded, which will be announced to those who apply (for tuition assistance) by March 12th.
We again 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!
The SMGCS Spirit Store is still open through tonight! There are several new designs and items to check out! Be sure to see the ad below with the link to place your order.
On Tuesday, we will celebrate Mardi Gras at SMGCS! King Cake will be served during lunch and in the afternoon, we will once again celebrate with a little friendly competition with the 2nd Annual Pancake Races! Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day, is the day before Lent and the start of the traditional Lenten fast. Pancake races date back to 1445 in Buckinghamshire, England at the Olney parish church. It is beleived to have started when a local woman heard the church bells signifying the start of the Shriving service at the church. She was in the midst of making pancakes and quickly ran to the church, frying pan in hand, in order to make the service. Read more about the history of Pancake Day and Pancake Races by clicking on the links provided under pictures from last year's pancake races.
Following the Pancake Races, students, faculty, and staff will process to the church for a Lenten Prayer Service. Students created Alleluia banners in their Household Homerooms last Friday, which they will symbolically bury during the prayer service before Ash Wednesday the following day.
Remember, this Friday, February 19th, is an Early Dismissal day at 12:15PM. There will be no lunch service, but SMEED will still be available.
Finally, please continue to keep in your prayers all who were involved in the unspeakable tragic accidents last Thursday.
I pray you all stay safe and warm in the days ahead!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
LAST DAY FOR 2021-2022 Early Bird Registration & Enrollment
TODAY, Sunday, February 14th is the last day to take advantage of Early Bird Registration & Enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year! 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 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.
SMGCS - True, Good, Beautiful
SMGCS Spirit Store Closes Tonight!
Today is the last day to order Spirit Wear from the SMGCS Spirit Store! Check out some new designs and items for all of your favorite Trojans. Orders will be delivered to the school on Friday, February 19th and can either be sent home with your student or available for pick up at the front office.
Please click on the link below to place your order!
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.
SMGCS is NOW Featured in the 360 West Magazine Spring 2021 Private School Directory!
The History of Pancake Day and Pancake Races
We will once again be celebrating on Mardi Gras with Pancake Races! To learn more about the history of Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, and the origin of Pancake Races, please visit the links below. As well, please enjoy some photos from last year's Pancake Races!
http://www.olneyonline.com/A-Pancake-Race-History
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.
How Are We Doing?
https://forms.gle/SJtUW2iBSzT5xeKW9
SMG School Club Opportunities
SMG Clubs - Mark Your Calendars!
Monday
- 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-5th PSIA Ready Writing (Cruz) - Jan. 25, Feb. 8, 22, March 8, 22, alternating Mondays
- 3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Drama Club (Richards)
- 3:30-4:15PM 4th-8th PSIA Maps, Graphs and Charts (Daly) - Jan. 25, Feb 1, 8
- 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA On-Site Drawing (Jamison)
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
- 3:35-5:00PM SMG Soccer Club - Tues. & Thurs., Practice begins January 19th, Games begin Feb. 2nd
Wednesday
- 12:08-12:48PM Out of the Box Art and Literary Magazine working lunch Begins Jan. 27
- 3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Garden Club (Pick)
- 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Ready Writing (Juergens)
- 3:30-4:15PM 4th-5th PSIA Math (Schump)
- 3:30-4:15PM Running Club (weather permitting) (Gutierrez/Salomao)-Feb. 3, 17, Mar. 10, 24, April 14, 28, May 12
- 3:30-5:00PM Cheer Club (Paladini)
- 6:00-7:00PM Ballet Folklorico (Zavala) SMG Cafetorium (No class Feb. 4)
- NOTE NEW DAY - Changed from Tuesday to Wednesday
Thursday
- 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-8th Cecilian Singers Club (Richards)
- 3:30-4:15PM 2nd-8th PSIA Spelling (Vasquez) - bi weekly Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 25
- 3:30-4:15PM 2nd PSIA Math (Gutierrez) - Jan. 28, Feb. 11, 18, 25
- 3:30-4:15PM 3rd PSIA Math (Gutierrez) - Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
- 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Math (Utendorf) - Jan. 28, Feb. 11
- 3:35-5:00PM SMG Soccer Club - Tues. & Thurs., Practice begins January 19th, Games begin Feb. 2nd
- 3:30-4:15PM 4th-8th Coding Club (Nguyen) - Begins Feb. 18
SMGCS Coding Club!
We are excited to announce the formation of the SMGCS Coding Club open to 4th - 8th Grade students and moderated by Mr. Nguyen! Please see the flyer below for details and click on the interest form link to register. Space is limited.
Interest Form:
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.
“Music in Our Schools” Recital
March is “Music in Our Schools Month,” and we want to celebrate our many talented musicians here at SMG by creating and sharing our first ever video recital.
Students are encouraged to record themselves playing a song on an instrument. Video entries can be uploaded to the following One Drive Folder: https://smgarl-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/rrichards_smgschool_org/Ev4yJeSaLPBInhlgKKaid-QBfU14Zrr58WqrxMS5-ASaTA?e=J6aK2E
The deadline for submissions is February 25, 2021. Please state your name and the name of your song selection at the beginning of your video. This recital is for instrumental performances only. No vocal selections will be accepted, unless you are singing while playing. Students who would like to record using the music classroom piano are welcome to schedule a time. Please contact Mrs. Richards (rrichards@smgschool.org) for more information.
SMGCS Soccer Club: Kindergarten - 4th Grade Students
SMGCS is excited to announce the formation of the SMGCS Soccer Club for interested students in Kindergarten - 4th Grade. The SMGCS Soccer Club will be a 7 week season to include 5 weeks of games with practice every week. Players will be divided into divisions based on skill level and age:
● 8 & Under (8U)
● 10 & Under (10U)
Each division will practice together. Teams within a division will vary each week; players will play on different teams in their division. This will allow players the chance to work with different teammates, allowing players to grow and shine in different areas on the field. The two teams from each division will play each other in weekly games. Teams will practice one day a week and play one game a week beginning the week of January 19th. Games will be played during the club times.
Parent Help Needed!
We need help coaching teams during the club season. Please don’t view this club as a babysitting club; we truly need your help to make this successful! The club leaders, The Bradley’s, will organize practices and club activities, we will need help when it comes to managing and coaching teams for games and assisting with stations/drills during practice. You do not need to be well-versed in soccer or have played before. We just need responsible, encouraging adults to help out! Adult volunteers will have the opportunity to earn spirit hours for their time. All volunteers must wear mask and be Virtus current.
We are looking for help for the following positions:
● 8U
○ 2 Head Coaches
○ 2-4 Assistant Coaches
● 10U
○ 2 Head Coaches
○ 2-4 Assistant Coaches
For more information and to register, click on the following link: https://smgschool.org/documents/2021/1/SMG%20Soccer%20Winter%2020-21.pdf. Please contact Olivia Bradley at 254-289-9696 or Olivia.a.bradley@gmail.com if you are interested in helping. Thank you!!
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:
Garden Club: 3rd - 8th Grade
The SMGCS Gardening Club meets on Wednesdays after school. All 3rd - 8th Grade students are welcome to participate, but space is limited. Please complete and return the permission slip (link below) to register, and contact Mrs. Pick (apick@smgschool.org) for with questions or for more information.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/10/SMG%20Gardening%20Club%20Acknowledgement.pdf
Running Club - Still Time to Join Us!
The SMGCS Run Club meets approximately twice a month on Wednesdays after school. Please visit the links below for more information and to register!
Info: https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/10/2020%20Running%20Club%20Flyer.pdf
Registration: https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/10/2020%20Running%20Club%20sign-up%20form.pdf
Miscellaneous Information
NEW: Lunch Orders Must be Placed Sunday for the Entire Week
Lunch orders must be placed for the entire week (Monday through Friday) by Sunday at 3:00pm. We cannot accept orders placed after the Sunday deadline.
We will continue to text families on Friday morning each week, which will allow parents/students to place lunch orders for the upcoming week. The link is also available on the school website and will continue in the weekly Trojan Times. The form has a link with the menu attached as well.
Click below for the order form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJXmPHBLQcBRWpNJn3rBQMreDYRLihNgdhoFr0iYx6jcId3w/viewform
Healthy Together App
By now, most have downloaded the free Healthy Together app (found in the App Store). Please continue to complete the app before arriving in carline and be ready to show the completed screening to a faculty/staff member on duty in carline each morning. Multiple students can conveniently be added to one app. Please call the front office if you have any questions about how to install the app.
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
2020-2021 Enrollment & Registration
Registration & Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year can be found on our school website. There are still spots available at most grade-levels. As a reminder, tuition assistance is available 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) or our Registrar, Mrs. de la Pena (jdelapena@smgschool.org) with any questions or concerns.
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
Last Week at SMGCS.....
Valentine's Day
Students enjoyed decorating boxes in preparation of valentine deliveries. Cards and candy were exchanged during Households on Friday afternoon.
Thanks so much for your purchases of Candy Grams and for supporting Student Council!
Jeans Day
Students who attended live Mass over the January 30/31 weekend, wore their school uniform, and submitted a photo earned the privilege of wearing Jeans with Spirit wear tops, and tennis shoes. Thanks for representing SMGCS during Catholic Schools Week!
Icon and Student Blessing
Fr. Mike visited Mrs. Pennell's Religion classes today, offering a special blessing of the beautiful Icons of Saints made by the 7th & 8th Grade students in art class, which are on display in the Jr. High hallway. Not simply beautiful works of art, icons are sacred images used in religious devotions.
Heartsaver CPR/AED Student Certification
Nurse Beth Arseneau conducted CPR and AED training on Friday for SMG students Catherine K., Claire B., Rosie B., and Molly M. Heartsaver CPR AED trains anyone with little or no medical training to provide CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. Congratulations to these girls for showing an interest and completing the certification process. We are proud of you!
Kindergarten - Winter Break Activities
1st Grade
5th Grade Scientist Biographies
6th - 8th Grade Figurative Language
To prepare students for a descriptive writing assignment, Ms. Juergens reviewed the use of figurative language to spice up their compositions. Sixth grade computer students created a Wanted Poster using 7 types of figurative language.
7th Grade History Illuminated Letters
An illuminated letter was usually the first letter of a page or paragraph. It was always enlarged and in color with gold applied in areas, while the rest of the text remained black. The images used to enhance the letters include animals, plants, and mythological creatures.
Because the recording of historical events was such an important task, illuminations were ordered by Kings and religious leaders to be added to various pages in order to add interest and importance to their appearance.
https://www.wccusd.net/cms/lib/CA01001466/Centricity/Domain/412/Illuminations1.pdf
Trojan Troupe Drama Club
The Trojan Troupe Drama Club played a Tableau Game where they acted out a silent scene and froze when instructed.
Music
Fifth grade music students practiced playing "My Country Tis of Thee" on a keyboarding application, and then they showcased their progress on the classroom piano.
PE: Second Grade 8 Minute Run
PE: Kindergarten - Second Grade Overhand Throwing Activity
Cheerleading Warmups
Art: Kindergarten and First Grade
Inspired by the book “The Crayon Box That Talked“, this lesson shows children that when we all work together, the results are much more interesting and colorful.
Art: Stonehenge by 3rd Grade
Art: Kindergarten & 1st Cityscapes, 7th Grade Mini Landscapes
Spanish: El Gatito
Students in 3rd-8th watched the film "El Gatito" during the month of January. As they discussed nouns, verbs and adjectives found in the story, they began to construct complete sentences by answering questions about the film.
De que color es el gatito? (What color is the kitten? El gatito es negro. (The kitten is black.)
Donde esta el gatito? (Where is the kitty?) El gatioto esta en el desierto. (The kitty is in the desert.)
Spanish
Cuantos corazones verdes tienes? (How many green hearts do you have?)
Kindergarten through 2nd grade students graphed conversation hearts.
Te gusta comer tacos? (Do you like to eat tacos?)
Sixth through 8th grade students engaged in target language asking classmates what they liked.
Garden Club
Pennell's Words of Wisdom
Calendar Notes
- Sunday, 2/14: Last Day of Early Bird Registration & Enrollment for the 2021-2022 School Year
- Tuesday, 2/16: Mardi Gras; Pancake Races; Lenten Prayer Service
- Wednesday, 2/17: Ash Wednesday; Lent begins
- Friday, 2/19: Teacher for the Day(from 2020 DD); 12:15PM Early Dismissal; No Lunch Service; SMEED will be available; Spirit Wear sent home or available for pick up
- 3/14 - 3/20: Spring Break; No School
- Saturday, 4/10: Annual Dinner Dance & Auction Virtual Event-more information coming soon!
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.
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/