The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School October 18, 2020
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,
I hope you all are enjoying your Sunday.
This week, we begin the second week of the second quarter! This is also the week that several of our clubs, such as PSIA, Garden Club, and Ballet Folklorico will begin meeting for the first time this year. We are excited to gradually be returning to some of the activities, sports, and clubs that are a normal part of our SMGCS routine and community. We began sports, Rubik's Cube Club, Cecelian Singers, and the Trojan Troupe Drama Club a couple weeks ago, and look forward to Run Club and Chess Club beginning soon!
First Quarter Report Cards were emailed to parents last Thursday, about 30 minutes prior to the beginning of Parent/Teacher Conferences. Please contact your child's teacher(s) with any questions or concerns.
The Follett Book Fair came to a close last Thursday, and though the offerings were limited and the format different this year, it was still a success! Thank you to Mrs. Utendorf and all who volunteered to organize or donate to the Book Fair this year!
Butter Braid Pastries are on sale now through Monday, October 28th. Volunteers will be taking orders for these delicious treats after all Masses next weekend (volunteer opportunities available for SPIRIT Hours), and they can also be ordered online by clicking on the link further down in this newsletter. All orders will be available for pick-up at the St. Maria Center just in time for the holiday season on Thursday, November 19th.
Finally, since All Saints Day falls on a Sunday this year, we will celebrate as a school community on Wednesday, October 28th. Information from your child's teacher(s) regarding saints projects and dressing up as saints and/or angels should have already been communicated. More information about the day will be emailed this week. Please contact your child's teacher(s) with questions.
Have a great week ahead and may God continue to bless you and your families.
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
Thanks for Attending Spring Creek Spirit/Dine-Out Night
Many thanks to everyone who dined out or ordered curb side at Spring Creek BBQ.
SMG Book Fair Students are Happy Campers!
Happy Readers are Happy Campers! Thanks for supporting the SMGCS Library during our recent book fair. We couldn't have done it without parent volunteers like Olivia Bradley and Alex Massengale. Our personal in-house decorator, Mrs. Perez, created an adorable camping environment to go along with this year's Happy Campers theme. Check out the pictures below.
Congratulations to the winners of the "Guess the Number of Marshmallows in the Jar" contest: Maya Jamison and Haskell Ramirez.
SMGCS Home & School Association Members Are Our Heroes!
Professional Development Friday
Pumpkin Decorating Contest Sponsored by NJHS
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). Otherwise, $400 per family will be billed ($200 in January and $200 in May). You are only charged for the hours you did not complete. For example, if you complete 19 hours by December 18, 2020, you will only be charged for the one hour you did not complete.
Volunteer Opportunities-
- Room Coordinators- many homerooms still need volunteers. Room Coordinators work with the SPIRIT Coordinator and homeroom teacher to help make class and school events successful, and communicate with their homeroom families. Guidance will be provided. Parents whose students are distance learning are encouraged to sign up as well! Please let us know if you have any questions.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0448ada622a5fe3-room1
- Water Donations- The school will have an ongoing need for water bottles this year. Having plenty on hand allows us to provide water to students when they run out or forget their own. Please consider donating a case or two whenever you can throughout the year. Drop off can be done at the front desk anytime between 7:30AM and 3:30 PM. One SPIRIT Hour will be provided per 48 water bottles donated. Please fill out the sheet at the front desk to receive credit for your donation.
- Butter-Braid Sales after Mass-Volunteers are needed to take Butter Braid orders after all Masses the weekend of October 24 - 25. Sign-up to volunteer at the SignUpGenius link below, which can also be found on the school website. https://www.signupgenius.com/index.cfm?go=c.SignUpSearch&eid=0BCACCDEF5C4F866&cs=09B1BAAE8FBE8B107B0A64035BCE9BC8
Butter Braids on Sale Through Monday, October 26th
It's that time of year again! Butter Braid bread sales began Tuesday, October 13th! Be sure to get your supply of these delicious breads before the holidays! Butter Braid breads can be ordered by clicking on the link below, and orders will also be taken following Masses next weekend and the weekend of October 24th & 25th. Easy Pick-Up at the St. Maria Center on Thursday, November 19th, just in time for the holidays! Please contact Laura Perez, Development Coordinator (development@smgschool.org), or SPIRIT Coordinator, Alex Massengale (817-791-3388) with any questions.
https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/2c4e7563-01d5-457b-8226-cdba6adaf40e
SMG School Club Opportunities
Private School Interscholastic Association (PSIA)
We are happy to be once again be able to welcome 2nd -8th Grade students to participate on the SMGCS Private Schools Interscholastic Association (PSIA) Academic Team this year. Due to COVID precautions, this year may look different than years past. However, our hope is that, with your help, the students who wish to participate in the program and in the spring competition will have the opportunity to represent our school.
This year, students will have the opportunity to participate in the following academic competitions:
- Maps, Graphs, & Charts (Students in Grades 4 – 8): tests the contestant’s ability to locate and interpret information in an atlas or data provided in the test itself in the form of maps, graphs, charts, tables, etc. Students are expected to be able to use the map’s legend to garner information of importance, including finding distances on the map, locating specific places, structures, and boundaries, and identifying locations of significance.
- Mathematics (Students in Grades 2 – 8): tests the contestant’s ability to solve a variety of mathematical problems studied at and above grade level.
- On-Site Drawing (Students in Grades 6 – 8 ONLY): Observing a still-life display consisting of from 4 to 7 objects, contestants produce a rendering on regular drawing paper using any drawing media.
- Ready Writing (Students in Grades 3 – 8): Ready Writing is usually writing that explains, or expository writing. It can include narration and persuasion. Contestants come to the contest “ready” to write on their choice of one of two prompts given.
- Spelling (Students in Grades 2 – 8): Contestants learn by memory to write or print the spelling words found on the current year’s PSIA Spelling List.
Preparation
Students who are interested and qualify to participate in the program this year will work with an academic coach on the chosen topic/event for approximately 45 minutes after school every other week leading up to the District and State competition. While any 2 – 8 Grade student is welcome to participate in the program, participation does not automatically qualify students to compete in the spring. Only a limited number of students from each grade can be entered to compete at the district level in each event in the spring. Coaching sessions are not tutoring sessions and only students who are serious about preparing or competing will be permitted to participate in the coaching sessions and competition meets. Students who are accepted to participate in the program but who do not demonstrate their dedication to the program during coaching sessions, may be asked to withdraw from the program.
For our Distance Learning students who wish to participate, study materials will be sent electronically allowing for self-study from home.
We have several teachers who have committed to serving as academic coaches, working with students who are selected to participate in the program. We would welcome other parent volunteers who wish to become involved in the PSIA program.
If you are interested in having your student become involved in the PSIA program, please complete the Google Form by clicking the link below. The deadline to register is Wednesday, October 14, 2020. PSIA Registration Form 2020.
For more information about the Private School Interscholastic Association, please visit https://www.psiaacademics.org/info/.
Garden Club - 5th - 8th Grade
The SMG Gardening Club will meet on Wednesdays after school, beginning on October 21st!. All 5th - 8th Grade students welcome to participate, but space will initially be limited to 20 students. 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
SMG Run Club!
The SMG Run Club will meet approximately twice a month on Wednesdays after school beginning Wednesday, November 4th! 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
Youth Choir - 3rd-8th Grade Students
Drama Club - 5th-8th Grade Students
Rubik's Cube Club - Come Join the Fun During Recess
- 4th-5th grade: 12:29-12:49
- 6th-8th grade: 12:09-12:29
Solve the Rubik Cube and work to make a Rubik mosaic.
Email Mrs. Utendorf at autendorf@smgschool.org
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:
The 2019-2020 Yearbooks have Arrived!
If you did not purchase a 2019-2020 Yearbook, there are still some available! Yearbooks are $30.00 each. Please see Mrs. Malloy in the front office for more information.
Back To School Night Video!
In an effort to keep everyone safe and to adhere to the protocols we have put in place related to COVID-19, we were unable to welcome parents to campus this year for the annual Back to School Night. Instead, we have put together a Back to School Night video on YouTube, which includes links from each teacher with information about their classes. Please follow the link below to view the video. Be sure to "Like" and comment on the video if you enjoy it, as well as subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications to see upcoming videos. Welcome Back!
Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
School Day Schedule and Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
Morning Arrival and Afternoon Dismissal moved along fairly well last week, considering all of the protocols and procedures we have put in place related to COVID-19. Please remember: 1.) ALL students (PK - 8th) must be dropped off in the morning using the morning carline in the back (west) parking lot; 2.) Parents/guardians may not enter the building to walk their students to the classroom. We will again have our Junior High Safety Patrol students and plenty of faculty/staff in the back lot during carline to walk little ones to their classrooms. Please understand, this is in an effort to limit the number of people entering and moving through the building for the safety of all our students, faculty, and staff; and 3.) Parents/guardians must download the Healthy Together app on their cell phone. Parents/guardians must show the completed screening to car line personnel each morning before their children will be allowed out of the car to enter the school.
The entire arrival and dismissal procedures can be found on the link below and is also outlined in the SMG Family Handbook, which is now available on the school website. Please Note: There may be changes to the Arrival/Dismissal procedures as we begin the school year and adjust to the safety protocols we must adhere to due to COVID-19. Any necessary changes to the Arrival/Dismissal procedures will of course be communicated to parents.
Arrival/Dismissal Procedures: https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/8/Arrival%20%20Dismissal%20During%20COVID%20%20Addendum.pdf
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.
SMG 2020-2021Family Handbook
The 2020-2021 Family Handbook has been updated and has been posted on the school website (http://smgschool.org). Please note, there was an addendum related to COVID-19 placed at the end of the handbook, before the acknowledgement page. Please be sure to read the handbook then print, sign, and return the acknowledgement form at the back of the handbook indicating that you have read and understand the handbook. A signed acknowledgement form from each family was due back to the school last Friday, August 28th. If you have not yet returned your signed acknowledgement form, please do so as soon as possible.
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.
Virtus Training
VIRTUS Safe Environment training for volunteers will begin to expire in September 2020. Parent volunteers will need to renew their VIRTUS training in order to continue volunteering. The VIRTUS renewal program is called "Keeping the Promise Alive" and must be attended in order to keep Safe Environment status current. Our school Safe Environment coordinator will email parents with information for how to register for a renewal session. Please email smalloy@smgschool.org with any questions.
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.
Last Week at SMG.....
PreK - Patterns
A pattern is only a pattern if it is repeated twice. The easiest patterns are those involving two colors or variables (for example, red, blue, red, blue), referred to as an AB, AB pattern.
By taking the time to notice and identify patterns with your child, he/she will begin to see and identify them as well. Be on the lookout for some of these patterns as you go through your day:
- Many patterns can be found in the fabric used to create clothing.
- Many shoes have a pattern on the bottom of the sole.
- Nature provides patterns in flower petals, colorful gardens, and even in the coats of animals such as tigers and zebras.
- When you go to the grocery store, notice patterns in the food displays, display cases, and even the floor tiles.
Kindergarten: Spookley the Square Pumpkin
After reading The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin, students practiced their writing skills with a sentence describing what made Spookley brave.
Kindergarten: Math Balances
Kindergarten: Shine With Jesus' Light
First Grade Pumpkin Book Reports
Mrs. Girton's first grade students read a book, wrote a book report and decorated a pumpkin to represent the book. The first batch of pumpkins have arrived at school for display in the hallway for all to enjoy.
Kindergarten and First Grade Distance Learners
Kindergarten student, Nate, works with hexagons in math.
William in Kindergarten and sister, Sophia, in 3rd Grade do sidewalk chalk art for art class.
Kindergarten distance learner, Olivia, creates a shape robot.
Fourth Grade: Native American Tribe Pouch
Fifth Grade Science Reflection
Mrs. McAnally's 5th grade science class had quiet reflection time in the garden where they contemplated a quote by St. John Paul II whose feast day is October 22nd.
"Every scientist, through personal study and research, completes himself and his own humanity. Scientific research gives you a personal encounter with truth and perhaps a place for an encounter with God, Creator of heaven and earth."
Seventh Grade: The Skeletal System
The skeletal system has five main functions:
1.) It supports our body.
2.) It protects organs such as the brain, lungs, liver, and stomach.
3.) It works with the muscular system to help us move.
4.) It stores minerals, such as calcium, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus.
5.) It produces red blood cells.
https://7thgradebodysystems.weebly.com/the-skeletal-system.html
Art Class: Iconography
Eighth grade students are learning about Icons and systems of Iconography in art class.
An iconography is a particular range or system of types of image used by an artist or artists to convey particular meanings. For example in Christian religious painting there is an iconography of images such as the lamb which represents Christ, or the dove which represents the Holy Spirit. https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/i/iconography
Mrs. Pennell's Words of Wisdom
Calendar Notes
- Monday, 10/19: 3:30-4:30PM Trojan Troupe Drama Club
- Tuesday, 10/20: Rubik Cube Club during Recess, 6:00-7:00PM Ballet Folklorico
- Wednesday, 10/21: 3:30-4:30PM Garden Club
- Thursday, 10/22: 3:30-4:15PM Cicilian Singers Youth Choir, PSIA Spelling (2-8)
- Wednesday, 10/28: All Saints Day Celebrated
- Wednesday, 11/4: Running Club (weather permitting)
- Wednesday, 11/11: Veteran's Day
- Friday, 11/13: Early Dismissal at 12:10PM - No Lunch Service - Progress Reports Emailed to Parents
- Wednesday, 11/18: Running Club (weather permitting)
- Thursday, 11/19: Butter Braid Pick-Up at Saint Maria Center
- Monday, 11/23-Friday, 11/27: Thanksgiving Holiday - No School
- Friday, 12/18: 2nd Quarter Ends, 12:10PM Dismissal, No Lunch Service, No SMEED
- Dec. 21-Jan. 4: Christmas Break - No School
- Tuesday, 1/5: Classes resume
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/