The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School May 16, 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!
Tomorrow begins the final week at SMGCS for our 8th Graders! 8th Grade students will take final exams Monday through Wednesday. On Thursday, we will celebrate our 8th Grader students with the 8th Grade Breakfast, followed by the Candle Lighting & Robing ceremony, the Last Walk through the school, and Graduation Mass & Ceremony that evening. We are so excited to be able to resume some of our annual traditions this year and are grateful that we are able to include more of our families to attend these special festivities in person!
Please see the 2021 Summer Reading information below. The 2021 Summer Reading List will be posted on the school website and copies will be sent home with the youngest or only student in each family next Friday.
Our search for a new principal is progressing well. We have received many applications from qualified applicants and have already started interviewing the top candidates. Please continue to pray for wisdom for us as we discern the best candidate and be assured that the future leadership of the school will continue to stay true to our mission of educating and forming students in Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
Open Enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year continues! We 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!
Reminder: The 8th Grade Class is hosting Jersey Day tomorrow! For a $2 donation, students are invited to wear their favorite team jersey or shirt with their uniform bottoms. See details below in this newsletter.
I pray you all enjoy the rest of your day and have a wonderful week ahead!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
Marian Hymns
Religion teacher, Mrs. Pennell, recommended some beautiful options for Marian hymns to share with your family during this upcoming month of Mary. Our Lady, Queen of Hope, Pray for us!
2021-2022 Registration & Enrollment Continues!
Registration and Enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year is OPEN! 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 ( https://smgschool.org/financial-aid ) 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.
Last Day to Order Scrip at School Before Summer!
Tomorrow, Monday, May 17th, is the last day to submit your Scrip order to the school this school year. Don’t worry! Even though we won’t place orders at the school over the summer, you can still participate in Scrip in these ways:
1. E-cards through your online Scrip account.
2. Physical gift cards through your online Scrip account.
3. Physical gift cards through our school inventory (limited availability and only available during school office hours).
Jersey Day - Monday, May 17th
Our SMGCS 8th Grade Class is conducting a fundraiser on Monday, May 17th. For a $2 donation per student, students may wear their favorite team jersey or shirt with uniform bottoms.
8th Grade students will be collecting donations during drop-off Monday morning as the students enter the building. Please send your students with cash or checks (made out to SMGCS) only; no FACTS forms accepted.
Thank you for joining in the fun and supporting our 8th graders as they raise money for their Legacy Gift for their Alma Mater!
Yearbooks and Ads Available Through July 2nd
2021 Summer Reading List
The love of reading brings many joys to our lives. Students who delight in books have the opportunity to experience different worlds and have enriching conversations with men and women throughout all of time. They are invited to join in what we call “the Great Conversation” of humanity, discussing together and reflecting upon the pressing questions we all face, such as: “Who am I? What is my place in the world? How can I make life better, both for me and for others?” Reading transforms us. It allows us to see the world through the eyes of others.
In addition to building wonder through reading, there are also some more practical benefits. Students who enjoy reading for pleasure typically do better in school, developing stronger skills in writing, spelling, and comprehension without even realizing it. Studies show students who enjoy reading also do better in math and science, because reading develops logic and thinking skills.
With the love of reading as our goal, here are the required and recommended summer readings. Please refer to the grade-level your child will be entering in the fall. There are no summer assignments (6th-8th graders should annotate) to complete and turn in on the first day of school. We do ask that parents complete and sign the attached form, acknowledging that your child(ren) have read the required reading. The goal is for students to enjoy and experience the selection(s). Teachers will spend time at the beginning of the school year reviewing the required reading with students.
Many of these books are available at your local library, as a free e-book and audiobook download from the Gutenberg Project at http://www.gutenbuerg.org, as a free audiobook from LibriVox, and as an audiobook on YouTube.
2021 SMGCS Summer Reading List: https://smgschool.org/documents/2021/5/SMG%20Summer%20Reading%20List%202021-%20Final.pdf
SMGCS Table Tennis Tournament!
Mr. Nguyen will host a Table Tennis Tournament on Monday May 17th from 3:30-4:30 PM in room 109. This fun event is open to all 4th-8th grade students, but space is limited to 12 participants. Students in good standing in academic and citizenship are considered before email confirmation sent. Equipment will be provided but students are welcome to bring their own paddles. Click on the following link to sign up. https://bit.ly/33eerr9
*12 spots for tournament while others can be on wait list.
Order 2021-2022 School Supplies - June 15th Deadline
Prepackaged School Supplies for the 2020-2021school year can be ordered at the following link. Supplies will be delivered to the school.
https://schoolsuppliesco.com/collections/st-maria-goretti
A list of supplies by grade level is also available on the SMG web site:
SMG Cheerleading Informational Meeting - May 17th
Sign up for an SMG Cheerleading informational meeting using this Signup Genius link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C45A9AA2DA5F4C34-smgcheerleading
You will be emailed the Zoom link the day of the meeting.
Date: 05/17/2021 (Mon.)
Time: 6:30pm - 7:00pm EDT
Location: Zoom
2nd Grade First Communion Pictures Available
Dear Second-Grade Parents,
Please see the information below from our photographer from First Communion.
The Google Drive link (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1C_GHXiisEowKuoAHFPNQYLQeEgBbCGz0?usp=sharing) is where you will download all of the social media sized digital images straight to your computer. All you have to do is open the folder and it will take you to all of the images. There, you can select all of the images, right-click and save all of the images to your computer or flash drive.
If you would like to purchase the copy/printing rights to the full resolution images, let me know and we can definitely arrange that! Or you can purchase high res downloads and prints via the Shootproof link (https://abbypfaffphotography1.shootproof.com/gallery/14917642)!
Thank you so much, I had a great time working with everyone! Don't forget to tag @abbypfaffphotography on Instagram and Facebook if you post the images!
Abby Pfaff
Masks Required for Remainder of 2020-2021 Academic Year
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.
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
- 3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Drama Club - LAST DAY May 24
Tuesday
- 12:09-12:39 Rubik’s Cube Club in Library: 6th-8th LAST DAY May 18
- 12:29-12:49 Rubik's Cube Club in Library: 4th – 5th
- Rubrik's Cube Google Meets Available for Distance Learners
Wednesday
- 12:08-12:48PM Out of the Box Art and Literary Magazine working lunch
- 3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Garden Club (Pick) LAST DAY May 19
- 3:30-4:15PM Running Club (weather permitting) (Gutierrez/Salomao) LAST DAY May 12
- 3:30-5:00PM Cheer Club (Paladini) LAST DAY May 12
- 6:00-7:00PM Ballet Folklorico (Zavala) SMG Cafetorium NO MORE MEETINGS
Thursday
- 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-8th Cecilian Singers Club (Richards) LAST DAY May 13
- 3:30-4:15PM 4th-8th Coding Club (Nguyen) LAST DAY May 13
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.
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:
Gardening Club - Last Meeting May 19th
Look how far the garden has come in such a short time. With Mrs. Pick's guidance, Garden Club members have beautified our back fields. Selected club members will be earning service hours this summer while tending the garden. Plan now to join this popular club next year.
Miscellaneous Information
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
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
NCHS Upcoming Workshops, Concerts, Auditions and Camps
Last Week at SMGCS.....
Cecilian Singers present, "Night on Broadway" Program!
The SMGCS Cecilian Singers are proud present their digital spring program "Night on Broadway." Please see the link below.
Nurses Week
School Nurses Day-May 12th
On Wednesday, we recognized Nurse Beth and thanked her for all she has done for our school in such a challenging year. She has been a bright light, a voice of calm and reason, and invaluable to our entire school community! Thank you, Nurse Beth!
NJHS Officers
May Crowning
During the May Crowning, each student laid a flower at the alter and a wreath of flowers was placed on the statue of Mary. Thanks to Mrs. Pennell and the eighth grade class for a beautiful and moving celebration.
NJHS Egg Rolls
On Tuesday, the 8th Grade Class or 2021 offered delicious hot egg rolls in the cafetorium during lunch. Profits will support their Legacy Gift to SMG. Thank you for supporting our 8th Grade Class!
Evening of Light Teacher Outing - Escape Room
Mrs. Utendorf hosted an Escape Room party Wednesday afternoon. An escape room is an exciting and adventurous game in which participants are “locked” into a themed room with their team, and they must solve riddles, puzzles, and clues in order to find their way out of the room before the time runs out.
SMG Walk for Life
Kindergarten through 4th grade met with Mrs. Gutierrez and began the Walk for Life with prayer. Fourth grade led the group to walk and pray the rosary in the backfield. NJHS members mixed in with the classes to help lead the rosary as they walked..
Fifth through eight graders met with Mrs. Utendorf. Following prayer, NJHS members led the group on the walk down Davis, up Mitchell, up Fielder, down Park Row, then Davis to the school. Sarah B. led the walk with a statue of Mary. Amanda S. led students in the rosary during the walk.
Students wore Walk for Life bracelets to show their support Poster and essay contest winners were be recognized at the end of year awards ceremony.
NJHS Gabriel Project
As part of the Walk for Life event, students donated baby items for the Gabriel Project. Additionally, proceeds from the sale of Walk for Life bracelets will also be donated to the Gabriel Project.
Pep Rally
Out last pep rally of the year did not disappoint! Cheerleaders showed their spirit with tumbling, pyramids and dance routines. The band entertained with some fantastic numbers! Sports teams were recognized and eighth graders participated in a toilet paper contest to "wrap up the year". The spirit stick was won by third grade. Check out the picture below of Mrs. Cruz celebrating their victory at car line. Congratulations to 4th grade runner ups.
This is a link to the Band performance video collection on youtube: https://youtu.be/nZJk9MIBcEQ
Confessions
Third through eighth grade students attended confession this week.
Sports Awards & Lunch
The annual Sports Awards and Luncheon was held Friday for 5th through 8th grade athletes. Congratulations to the following students who received awards!
Each year, Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School recognizes an overall outstanding 8th grade boy and girl athlete with the Timberlake Award. Eligibility for the Timberlake Award is open to all 8th grade boys and girls who have participated in at least two SMG extracurricular sports programs during their 8th grade year. The award is voted on by their peers, teachers, other staff members, and coaches.
Timberlake Award:
Colleen M and Steven M
All Sport Athletes:
Holly B, Callan C, Ayden G, Alejandro R, Sean V, Xaviar B, Jamison U, Sammy W, and Jocelyn G
Sportsmanship Award Winners:
Volleyball: Khloe N, Leah C, Do N, Steven M, and Isa M
Soccer: Jocelyn G, Jamison U, and Xaviar B
Basketball: Kaitlyn M, Cassius S, Callan C, Jocelyn G, and Do N
Baseball: Aric A
Softball: Holly G
Cheerleading: Emma B
Volleyball Game
The teachers and graduating eighth graders competed in the annual Volleyball game Friday afternoon. Congratulations to the eighth grade victors. A special thanks to Mrs. Paladini for always making this a fun event.
Junior High County Fair Dance
Junior high students enjoyed an after hours dance on Friday evening. Sixth, seventh and eighth graders were treated to corn dogs, pretzels, pop corn, cotton candy, carnival games and live music. It was a night to remember and a fun way to end our school year.
Thank You, Dulio Entertainment!
A special Thank You to Mr. Obdulio Gonzalez of Dulio Entertainment, who graciously donated time and talent as he played the tunes and kept everyone dancing at the Junior High County Fair Dance on Friday night. THANK YOU!!
PreK Celebrates May Crowning
Kindergarten Summer Bucket List
Kindergarten Flashlight Friday
Mrs. Bara's class enjoyed Flashlight Friday , another prize earned during Boosterthon.
First Grade
First grade earned a Reading Campout through last week's Boosterthon. The only thing missing is smores!
First Grade Game Day and Crazy Hair Day
Second Grade Crazy Hat Day
Third Grade
Third grade students are anxiously awaiting graduation and becoming fourth graders. They helped decorate the hallway bulletin board by creating the sea creatures.
Third Grade Solves Rubik Cube
Mrs. Utendorf presented a PowerPoint and taught third-grade how to solve Rubik Cubes by making a daisy and a white cross design. Through this activity, students used critical mindset and perseverance and were introduced to the term "algorithms."
Physical Education
Kindergarten through eighth grade played FutPong this week. Mrs. Paladini finds the best games for her students! Futpong is a combination of soccer & tennis! The net is low, the ball and court are small, this game is lightning fast and demands precision. Futpong draws upon all of the essential movements of soccer.
Muscle Men
Mrs. Pennell snapped a photo of junior high boys flexing their muscles. She thinks Mrs. Paladini's PE lessons are really paying off! Hate to burst your bubble, but there may have been a few water balloons in play.
Running Club
The SMG Run Club celebrated their last day with a pizza party and awards. We recognized the miles every student made this year and the students who ran the most miles per grade level. The whole group ran over 1,500 miles.
The top runners were:
- K- Allison Bartholomew 16.25 m, John Luke Bradley 15.5 m, Holly Smeragliuolo 13.25 m
- 1st - Michelle Freeman 13 m, Summer Garret 13 m, Mia Benitez 12.25 m, Grace Val 12.25 m,
- 2nd - Damian Smeragliuolo 20.75 m, Noah Bradley 19 m, Kyleigh Zuniga 18.25m
Spanish
Click on the link to watch Mrs. Zavala's fifth grade Spanish class sing Junto a ti Maria with sign language.
Music
A lot of time and effort goes into a successful music production. Mrs.. Richards was busy with dress rehearsal Friday for our upcoming First grade musical.
SMEED ART
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.
Calendar Notes
- May 17-19: 8th Grade Finals
- May 19, 21, 24: 6th & 7th Grade Finals
- Thursday, 5/20: Candle Lighting & Robing Ceremony, 10:00AM; 8th Grade Graduation, 6:00PM
- Tuesday, 5/25: Kindergarten Promotion, 2:00PM
- Wednesday, 5/26: Last Mass of school year followed by Awards Ceremony
- Thursday, 5/27: 4th Quarter Ends; Last Day of School; Field Day, 8:30AM-10:30AM; 1Early Dismissal, 12:10PM; No Lunch Service, No SMEED;
- Monday, 6/7: Final report cards mailed
- June 21-24: Summer Camp with Nurse Beth, 8:00AM - 3:00PM
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/