SMCS Elementary Family Newsletter
10.04.2023
SMCS ELEMENTARY FAMILY NEWSLETTER
October 4, 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
Dear SMCS families,
Happy October! It was exciting to participate in Homecoming week festivities last week - the dress-up days were a fun way to celebrate SMCS! I look forward to the many events and activities ahead this month - from Zephyrs Connect to the SMM Halloween Carnival to parent-teacher conferences and more!
Today the Catholic Church honors the Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for his ministry to the poor and underprivileged. As we recognize October as “Respect Life” month, we can look to St. Francis of Assisi as a great example of what it means to promote the dignity of all human life.
I wish you all a blessed new month and hope to see you at Zephyrs Connect on Oct. 6!
Many blessings,
Mrs. Anna Cihlar
Principal ~ St. Gabriel, St. Margaret Mary, St. Mary
Last Chance to Sign up for Zephyrs Connect!
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. This spirit of community can continue all year with your involvement in “Dinner Board” events.
“Dinner boards” are events hosted by SMCS families and friends. A group of families host an event. You can sign up to help host an event that is already planned or plan a unique event of your own. The dinner boards can be adult only events (wine tastings, March Madness party, Wild Game dinner, etc.) or boards can be family friendly (kickball tournament, gingerbread house decorating, ice skating, etc.).
When you attend All Aboard on November 11, you sign up and pay to join one of the planned events, which is a direct contribution to our schools. Dinner Boards are a great way to meet new families, have fun and support our schools.
We are looking for families to host events. Hosting an event includes a financial contribution and planning the event. We have several events where planning is minimal and we are looking for more families to host or you are welcome to start your own event.
Please contact Meghan Healy Teeling (mhealy@direnzolaw.com) or Kathleen Healy Osland (khealy@direnzolaw.com) if you would like more details or would like to host a "Dinner Board"!
Upcoming Out-of-dress-code days
Monday, Oct. 9: Packers colors/apparel
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. SignUp Geniuses can be found in the individual campus links above.
Respect Life Month
October is Respect Life Month. Our elementary schools will be recognizing this important month with a variety of activities throughout October. Stay tuned for specific details from your elementary campus.
Hispanic Heritage Month
We have been recognizing Hispanic Heritage month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15) in the following ways:
- Cultural food items from the hispanic and other cultures have been added to our lunch menu
- Some art classes are focusing on Hispanic art
- Our students are learning about famous Hispanics during morning announcements throughout the month
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
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.
Raising Digital Citizens
You're invited to a meeting of the "Raising Digital Citizens" group on Monday, October 9th from 6-7pm in the SMCS High School Resource Center at 1050 Zephyr Drive.
This group is for parents who want to learn more about how to help their kids navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. We'll review and discuss research on topics surrounding:
- Social media and cyberbullying
- Online gaming and internet safety
- Digital citizenship and media literacy
The group is free and open to all parents of students at our school. We hope you'll come and learn more about how to help your kids thrive in the digital age.
To RSVP, email jplemon@smcatholicschools.org.
Elementary Breakfast & Lunch Menus
Elementary Dress Code
Due to unseasonably warm temperatures, students will be allowed to wear shorts and sandals according to dress code policy through Friday, October 6, 2023.
A few reminders from the SMCS Elementary Dress Code:
- Navy blue or khaki shorts and capris in solid color may be worn in August & September and May & June.
- Dress shorts must be 3” above the knee or longer (no athletic shorts).
- Navy blue or khaki skorts, skirts, or jumpers must be 3” above the knee or longer.
- Navy blue and light blue solid-colored polo dresses must be 3” above the knee or longer.
- Jumpers must be worn with a dress-code approved collared shirt underneath.
- 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.
- An additional pair of tied or Velcro tennis shoes that are non-marking or light-bottomed need to be left at school at all times for physical education.
- On Zephyr Spirit day, students may wear Zephyr t-shirts, apparel, and/or school colors. Students may wear casual pants or leggings.
- On out-of-dress code days, students may wear leggings.
- On a student’s birthday or half-birthday he/she may be out of dress code. If the birthday falls on a weekend, the student may choose the Friday before or Monday after.
- When a student is out of uniform for an approved reason, he/she must dress modestly for a Catholic School setting. School administrator has the right to determine what is appropriate.
Link to full SMCS Elementary Dress Code
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
When Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His day, He says “tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God” before them. These public sinners were regarded as completely irredeemable, which is why Jesus calls out the authorities for their self-righteous hypocrisy. The chief priests and the elders thought they could safely ignore John the Baptist’s call to repent; that was clearly for those other people wallowing in sin. So in a pointed parable, Jesus compares them to a son who pays lip service to his father’s wishes, but never gets around to doing what the father asks.
We Christians must guard against the same behavior. Do we put certain types of people outside the bounds of His compassion? Or are we eager to welcome the outcast and the sinner? Am I willing to pray and walk with someone who seems so different from me? Can I acknowledge that I don’t deserve God’s mercy, but that He loves me so much He gives it anyway?
We may think it’s unfair that God’s mercy is truly available to everyone. But mercy doesn’t come simply by saying the right words or showing up at church. It is the result of a surrendered heart. This is why St. Paul urges us to “humbly regard others as more important than yourselves…. Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus, Who…emptied Himself…” When we recognize our own shortcomings first, we’re better able to encourage others to seek God with humility.
©Steve Pable, Director of Adult Discipleship Formation
Welcome – Worship – Witness
Parish Event
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
Sports, Fine Arts, & Football Games
We invite all families to attend our co-curricular athletic and fine arts events!
Click here for the SMCS Big East Sports Calendar
Click here for the SMCS Fine Arts Calendar
Football season is underway! To ensure the safety and well-being of all our students, it is our expectation that middle school and elementary-age students attend these high school sporting events with a responsible adult for proper supervision. Your presence ensures that our younger students can fully enjoy and engage in the event while being under the guidance of a caring adult.
At our home football games, we have yellow ropes marking off areas of safety for middle school and elementary students. We kindly ask that you stay within these ropes. This keeps all students in the light and on the grass or blacktop for safety.
Middle School Football Night
New changes at SMCHS/SMCMS facilities
With over a month of school under our belt, students and staff have settled back into the usual school routine. Activities are in full swing, and you may have noticed changes to some of the facilities on the high school/middle school campus.
Thanks to a generous donation, the STEM Center, currently located alongside Zephyrs Fields, will be reconstructed into locker and leadership training rooms for our students. The new STEM Center will be moved into what had been utilized as the Black Box/Forensics theater. Housing the STEM program in our high school building will enable VEX/Robotics students to now work on projects during the school day beginning this year.
To ensure that we continue to serve and grow our Fine Arts program, enhanced rehearsal space will be constructed in our current Choir Room and Green Room. Alternately, our focus will be on creating programming in various spaces within our current facilities that allow our students the opportunity to engage in less structured performance opportunities. Our hope is that as our Fine Arts program continues to evolve, we create the right venue for future needs.
We celebrate that we have the ability to support our students in their various cocurricular activities. During this transition phase, many groups are adapting to their new spaces and making them their own. We appreciate your patience as we work towards the future together.
Thank you for your support of our cocurricular activities! We celebrate your creativity for how to continually improve how we serve our students. Your ideas, feedback and insights are always welcome.
A Look Ahead...
Oct. 6 - Zephyrs Connect
Oct. 9 - out-of-dress-code day: Packers colors/apparel
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 classes. 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
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