The Trojan Times
Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School October 20, 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 St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Families,
We look forward to seeing parents on Thursday afternoon/evening for Parent/Teacher Conferences. If you have not yet signed up for a time to meet with your students' homeroom teacher, please follow the link to the class sign up that teachers emailed to parents last week. If you have questions about scheduling your conference or are unable to schedule a conference for Thursday, please email your student's homeroom teacher directly to schedule an alternate time. During conferences, parents will receive their student's First Quarter report card and ITBS/CogAt test results.
We have so many great things happening at SMG! Please be sure to read through the Trojan Times each week for details and information you need to know!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
SMG Folklorico Information Meeting
SMG Spanish teacher, Mrs. Zavala, is working with SMG parent volunteers and SMG alumni to form a Folklorico Dance group at SMG! An informational meeting will take place tomorrow (Monday, 10/21) evening at 5:30PM in the Spanish room (Rm. 115). No dance experience is necessary and all interested 5th-8th grade students are encouraged to join! For more information, please email Mrs. Zavala at mzavala@smgschool.org.
Private School Interscholastic Association (PSIA) Tryouts and Sign-ups
Information was emailed to all parents last week about the Private School Interscholastic Association (PSIA) tryouts and sign-ups. PSIA is an extracurricular academic program for elementary and middle schools. Participating in PSIA provides an exciting opportunity for private school students to engage in academic competition with their peers throughout the state of Texas.
PSIA remains the most comprehensive academic extracurricular programs in the nation for students in grades 1-8. Through PSIA participation, your child will:
· Refine mental aptitudes
· Affirm self-worth
· Find new excitement in learning (especially in the spring time)
· Develop teamwork and a sense of fair play
· Experience a sense of pride and dignity
· Appreciate that rules, consistently applied, create order & discipline
· Experience the joy of achieving in a wholesome environment
· Foster self-discipline and perseverance
· Achieve recognition for academic excellence
· Make better choices of after-school activities
· Enjoy camaraderie with students from other schools
· Receive tangible awards for his/her academic ability
· HAVE FUN!
Please follow the link below for more information. A sign-up form is included in the link to complete and return to your child's homeroom teacher or the front desk by Wednesday, October 23, 2019.
PSIA Information Letter:
https://smgschool.org/documents/2019/10/PSIA%202019-2020%20letter.pdf
PSIA Sign-up Form:
https://smgschool.org/documents/2019/10/PSIA%20Sign-Up%20Form%202019%202020.pdf
Butter Braid Pastries On Sale Now!
Butter Braid Pastries are Back!
Butter Braid pastries are made from sweet, yeasted pastry dough, layered with 100% real butter and contain zero grams trans-fat. This gives Butter Braid® pastries a flaky outside and a tender, light, airy inside as each layer raises up while baking. The pastries have seven different fillings to choose from and will come frozen allowing the customer to decide when to serve them. These are ideal to serve at upcoming holiday celebrations.
Cost: Fruit-filled and 4-Cheese & Herb pastries are $14.00 each.
Fundraiser Schedule: Friday, October 11 through Monday, October 28
Online ordering is also available. Students will have a personal Butter Braid link which was sent to your email from myfundraisingplace.com last Friday. Youngest/only child were entered into the system so you would not get sent multiply emails and links. Each family has one link. Use of the online store is optional. Families and individuals who are not current SMG school families can order online using the following link:
https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/SelectProducts/01a21f18-ca1d-4a9c-8627-28cb7a51ace4/171709
Online ordering will close on Monday, October 28.
All order forms and checks, made payable to St. Maria Goretti Catholic School must be turned in Monday, October 28. You may drop off your order form and checks/cash at the front office or send with your student.
Butter Braids will be delivered on Thursday, November 14. More details on Butter Braid pick up will be sent a few days prior to delivery.
The class with the most sales will earn a Chick-fil-a luncheon!
The SMG Super Hero Book Fair Has Arrived! October 18-24
Several special events have been planned during the week of SMG Super Hero Book Fair including, Crazy Socks Day, Donuts with Dad, and a Pet Supply and Food Drive for a local animal shelter. Follow this link for a schedule of events:
https://smgschool.org/documents/2019/10/Book%20Fair%20Happenings.jpg
Follow this link for a schedule of when each grade-level/class will preview and shop the book fair. https://smgschool.org/documents/2019/10/Parent%20Schedule.pdf
This year, Follett Gift Cards may be purchased online. Purchasing gift cards online saves the worry of sending cash or checks to school with your student(s), makes buying books on the teachers' wishlists easier, and make great gifts for students from parents, grandparents, etc. Information for ordering gift cards can be found using the following link: www.follettgift.com
Crazy Sock Day: Tuesday, October 22nd!
Donuts with Dad: October 22nd - Doors Open at 7:15AM
Spring Creek BBQ Spirit Night: Oct. 22, 5:00-9:00PM
Be a Super Hero - Donate Food or Supplies to the Animal Shelter: Due by October 24th
Running Club to Begin Soon!
The SMG Running Club will begin soon! The Running Club meets generally every other week after school for 45 minutes (weather permitting) and is open to all students in grades PreK4 through 8th grade.
The mission of the SMG Running Club is to have the children experience running and walking as forms of exercise that can last a lifetime through positive reinforcement and good habits. In keeping with Catholic Social Teachings, we commit our service to our community by participating in running events that benefit those in need, as well as preserving God’s creations.
Run Club Schedule: Running Club will meet from 3:30-4:15 pm (weather permitting). Nov. 7, 21, Dec. 5, 12, Jan. 14, 21, Feb. 4, 11, 18, Mar. 3, 24, 31, April 7, 21, 28, May 5, 12. A COMPLETED SIGNED FORM BY THE STUDENT AND PARENT MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL BEFORE THE STUDENT IS ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE. Please visit the links below for more information and a sign-up form.
Running Club Information Flyer:
https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/12396/documents/2019/10/Running%20Club%20Flyer%202019.pdf
Running Club Sign-Up Form:
SMG Gym Director Needed!
SMG is currently in need of a Gym Director for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
Gym Director Job Description
Duties:
- Assist sports coordinator with game day operations, including setting up the gym prior to all game days (basketball games are on Friday evenings and Saturdays) and tearing down gym after games.
- Assist sports coordinator with operation of concession stand by helping coordinate volunteer workers, setting up and cleaning up.
- Assist sports coordinator with the planning and execution of pre-season and post-season tournaments (Pre-season 7th grade basketball tournament will be the week of December 2, and the post-season 8th grade basketball tournament will be the week of February 17).
Hours per week will vary depending on game schedule, but will be between 4 and 8 hours during regular season. Tournament weeks will require more hours. This is an hourly, paid position. Please email or contact Ms. Seyer at eseyer@smgschool.org or Mrs. Behee at lbehee@smgschool.org if interested.
Other Sports News...
Our 5/6th grade volleyball team participated in our the post season tournament, which was hosted at SMG this past week. We are very proud of not only their play on the court, but also the way they represented SMG with their sportsmanship, positivity, and enthusiasm. Thank you to all the volunteers who assisted us with the tournament.
Both of our 8th grade volleyball teams are still playing in their post-season tournament. They will play each other on Monday, at 5:15pm at St. Joseph in Arlington. Come out and support your Trojans!
It’s not too late to sign up for SMG basketball. All 5-8th graders are eligible to participate. Please email Ms. Seyer (eseyer@smgschool.org), or stop by the front office to pick up the necessary forms. The last day to sign-up is Oct. 31, 2019.
Outdoor Learning Center
Excavation for the Outdoor Learning Center & Garden is scheduled to begin in October, and we need your help! If you are interested in helping to build raised beds, install edging, planning, and helping to maintain the garden, please email Mrs. Behee (lbehee@smgschool.org).
Nolan Catholic High School Happenings
A lot is happening at Nolan Catholic High School this month!
Online Application Opens
Tuesday, October 1st
Please contact admissions@nchstx.org to schedule a family tour, 8th-grade Shadow Day, or for more information.
Parent Information Night
Wednesday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Nolan Catholic Library
This is an opportunity for prospective families to hear from the administration about the school’s mission, educational goals, and campus improvements. You will also have the opportunity to speak with members of the Admissions Department about the application process and how your student can become a Viking.
REMINDERS
Uniform Requirement: Cardigan Sweaters
Students must have the required cardigan sweater as part of the Full Dress/Mass Uniform. Those out of uniform will be issued a uniform demerit and parents will be notified. Students in PK-5 wear the red sweaters and 6-8 grade students wear the navy blue sweaters. Please visit Mills Uniforms to purchase at https://www.millswear.com/UPL/3424.upl.html.
Wear your Spirit Wear every Friday!
SMG Spirit Wear (SMG School, Student Council, Honor Society, etc.) may be worn with uniform bottoms on Fridays throughout the school year unless otherwise specified.
Virtus Training
All school volunteers over the age of 18 must complete the required Diocesan Safe Environment training, also referred to as VIRTUS training, prior to volunteering.
This training consists of an in person class and a criminal background check. After completing the training, your certification is good for 2 years. After 2 years, you will need to complete a renewal course. You may not volunteer at school until we receive notification of your completion of the training course, and until your background check clears. This includes all school related activities such as lunch monitor, playground monitor, field trip chaperone, class party helper, library volunteer, Kountry Karnival worker, and many other opportunities.
**You may not volunteer in any capacity without first completing this training. You will not receive SPIRIT hour credit for hours completed without training.
Here is the link to set up a VIRTUS account and to sign up to attend a session.
https://fwdioc.org/training-sessions
You may register and attend a session at any parish in the Fort Worth diocese. Please email smalloy@smgschool.org if you have any questions or need assistance. Thank you!
LAST WEEK AT SMG.....
A Parent's Introduction to Classical Education
Dr. DeAnn Stuart, Associate Director at the Austin Institute for the Study of Family and Culture, presented A Parent's Introduction to Classical Education last Monday evening. Dr. Stuart discussed five questions parents and others new to Classical education often have:
- How do I explain Catholic classical education to my friends and family members?
- Is classical eduction another fad?
- Isn't classical education elitist?
- Are you going to be teaching the Trivium?
- What sorts of changes should we expect to see?
Parents and guests had an opportunity to ask and have answered many great questions following the presentation. For those who were unable to attend the presentation, we are working to have the audio and Dr. Stuart's slide presentation available on the school website soon.
New Cafeteria Tables Funded by NTxGD (2018) Donations!
Holy Rosary
SMG students and faculty gathered in the church Tuesday to pray the Rosary.
The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary. According to an account by fifteenth-century Dominican, Alan de la Roch, Mary appeared to St. Dominic in 1206 after he had been praying and doing severe penances because of his lack of success in combating the Albigensian heresy. Mary praised him for his valiant fight against the heretics and then gave him the Rosary as a mighty weapon, explained its uses and efficacy, and told him to preach it to others.
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/overviews/months/10_1.cfm
8th Grade Shadow Day at Nolan
SMG eighth grade students spent the day Tuesday at Nolan High Catholic School shadowing current Nolan students. They attended a full day of classes and had an opportunity to meet faculty, coaches, NCHS students, and get an up-close look at the campus.
7th Grade Vikathon at Nolan
Vikathon is an opportunity for our 7th Grade Students to spend the day at Nolan Catholic High School and experience high school life for themselves. They spend the day with other Catholic schools in the Diocese and observed various Nolan traditions through interactive play and performances by the Band, Cheerleaders, Colorguard, Drumline, Norsemen, and Royelles.
Recitation of 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 in the Prayer Garden
4th Grade Field Trip to Dallas Arboretum
Passion Flower
Plants and Their Functions Edible Plants
Edible Plants
Nolan Parent Night at SMG
Nolan Catholic President, Mrs. Leah Rios, and Principal, Mr. William Perales, were on campus Thursday night to present to parents of 6th-8th grade students.
Five Nolan High students, who are also SMG alumni, gave presentations to encourage parents to consider enrolling their child at Nolan Catholic High School.
SMG Robotics Students take 2nd Place at Bell Competition!
Third year in a row that SMG takes home 2nd place at the Bell Mission Possible STEM Competition. 50 middle school students spent a day learning about science and careers in engineering and aviation. Great job SMG!!
SMG Book Fair Kick Off: Super Hero Costume or T-Shirt Day
To kick off the SMG Super Hero Book Fair, students were invited to wear a super hero costume or t-shirt to school on Friday. Visit the Book Fair through October 24th and enjoy a good book.
SMG Spanish Students perform at NCHS Hispanic Heritage Celebration
SMG’s inaugural Folkorico Dance group, Spanish students, and SMG alum who are current members of NCHS’s Ballet Folklorico group had a wonderful time performing at the Hispanic Heritage Celebration at NCHS on Friday night!
SMG 7th Grade Volleyball Team Champions!
Congratulations to SMG Trojans 7th Grade Volleyball team who took the Championship at the St. George 7th Grade Post Season Volleyball Tournament! Woo-hoo!! Way to go, Trojans!!
Hallway Happenings
Faith Families Learning about Saints
Science
1st Grade Pumpkin Book Reports
Door Decorating Contest: Super Hero Book Fair
School Website Under Construction
Pardon our reconstruction.....we are in the process of cleaning up and updating the school website. This is a work in progress, and we ask for your patience as we work to improve the site. In the meantime, if you are unable to find information you are looking for on the website, please feel free to call the office.
Calendar Notes
- Friday, 10/18-Thursday, 10/24: SMG Fall Book Fair in SMG Library
- Monday, 10/21: SMG Folklorico Club Information Meeting, 5:30PM in Spanish room, Rm. 115.
- Tuesday, 10/22: Super Crazy Socks with Uniform Day; Donuts with Dad 7:15AM in Library; Rosary in the Church 9:30AM; Spring Creek BBQ Dine Out Night, 3608 South Cooper St., Arlington 76015, 5:00-9:00PM
- Wednesday, 10/23: Nolan Parent Information Night at Nolan High School Library 6:30PM
- Thursday, 10/24: Be a Super Hero Day - Bring dog/cat food donations; Noon Dismissal-No Lunch Service or SMEED; Parent Teacher Conferences 1:00-7:30PM; Book Fair Open 12:00-7:00PM
- Friday, 10/25: No School - Diocesan Faculty/Staff In-service
- Week of 10/28: PSIA Tryout test to qualify to compete
- Wednesday, 10/30: All Saints Living Museum for parishioners and families 3:20-4:00PM
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.
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/