The Trojan Times New Staff Edition
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School
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,
We are welcoming many new faces to the SMGCS Staff Family. Please be sure to say hello and welcome them when you see them on campus.
Some of the current SMGCS staff members will be assuming other roles on campus.
There are several jobs open on campus that we are looking to fill. Please share these opportunities with anyone you think would be a good addition to the SMGCS Family.
Please continue to keep all of our staff in your prayers as we begin the school year.
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Amy Utendorf, M.Ed.
Principal
Current SMGCS teachers moving to new roles on campus
Mrs. Clairessa Cruz will be the 2nd-grade teacher.
Mrs. Ellen Gutierrez will be the 3rd-grade teacher.
Ms. Deborah Schump will continue to teach 4th/5th Math and Science. She will now be teaching religion to the 4th/5th grades and have the 4th-grade homeroom.
Mr. Joshua Jones will continue to teach 6th,7th, and 8th grade English and have a 6th-grade homeroom. He will also be teaching the 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade Literature classes.
Mr.Christopher Nguyen will continue to teach science to the 6th, 7th, and 8th. This year he will have the 8th grade home room class.
Mrs. Valerie Ahmed, PreK 3/4 Aide
My name is Valerie Ahmed. I have been married to my wonderful husband Justin for a little over 11 years and we are the parents to 2 boys. Zain is going into 4th grade and Noah is going into 1st. Both are current students here at SMGCS. Before joining the SMG staff I have served on the HSA Board as 1st VP for the past 3 years. I look forward to working with your youngest disciples and helping them to grow in Christ.
Ms. Kathryn Risinger- 5th grade home room, 4th/5th English, Literature, and Social Studies
My name is Kathryn Risinger and I am an alumna of both Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School and Nolan Catholic High School. While I attended Nolan, I was the Vice President of Ecovikes (an environmental science club).
Because of my passion for reading, I decided to major in English Literature at the University of North Texas. I was an officer for Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, which provided me with leadership experience.
I graduated with honors in 2021 and I am currently getting my Master’s of Education degree and teaching certification at Tarleton State University. I am thrilled to be teaching 4th and 5th grade English, Literature, and History and moderating Garden Club at SMG.
Mr. Kien Tran-6th grade homeroom and 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Math
Sister Mary Thuan Phan - 7th grade homeroom; Kinder, 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th Religion
I am Sister (Mary) Thuan Phan, a member of the Congregation of The Lovers of the Holy Cross of Vinh, Vietnam. I have been in religious life for 18 years and will make my final vows on July 31, 2022. I came to the U.S to study in 2017. I graduated from Divine Word College, Iowa, last May, with a BA degree in Theology and Mission.
Teaching religion and serving at the church are two of the ministries of my Congregation. I have a desire to serve at a school that helps others, especially the youth, to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ and empower them to become joyful disciples of Christ. Thanks to God for giving me an opportunity to serve at St. Maria Goretti Catholic School this coming academic year. I am really excited to see my students share, learn, and grow in faith with them. May God, our Loving Father, bless us and give us the strength to follow what God wants us to do.
I would like to ask you to pray for me and the other eight sisters who will make final vows on July 31, at 3:00 pm, at the Vietnamese Martyr Church, Arlington, TX. I would especially like to invite you to attend our celebration. Thank you for your prayers and for considering my invitation. I will greatly appreciate your presence.
Mrs. Maureen Dondero - 7th grade homeroom; 6th, 7th, 8th Religion
My name is Maureen Dondero and I have been afforded the privilege of teaching history to your students this year! I am looking forward to collaborating with them to create an educational and exciting journey through history!
I am a mother of three children, Danny (30), Molly (28), and Emily (23). I moved to Arlington, Texas in 1992 and have never looked back. I was born and raised in New York City. I attended St. Sebastian’s Parochial School in Woodside, Queens, NY. I then proceeded to attend St.Vincent Ferrer Catholic High School for Girls in Manhattan. Upon graduation, I attended the State University of New York at Geneseo where I majored in Communication and minored in History.
I have worked as an educator in various capacities over the years. PTA, Volunteer, Teacher Assistant, STEM Lab Manager, and 6th-grade teacher. I have procured very valuable lessons and life experiences from all of these positions and believe that they will enhance my teaching prowess.
Mr. Michael Sferra- PreK-8th grade PE
I was raised just east of Cleveland, Ohio and this is where I spent my life up until six years ago. Born the grandson of an Italian immigrant, the value of family and the Catholic faith was instilled in me at an early age. Having graduated from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, I have enjoyed a rewarding career in the construction industry. My career has included 10 years as a part-owner of a small construction company to most recently a Project Manager for a company that provides services internationally. Despite having a satisfying career, I have always been passionate about sports, physical activity, and volunteer work with various youth programs. Six years ago, my wife was offered a position in Fort Worth that would ultimately relocate us from Northeast Ohio. Although the idea of moving away from family seemed intimidating, we were up for the challenge as this position is what my wife had worked so hard to achieve.
During this time, the thought has often been on my mind as to what my purpose was for moving to Texas. That question has been answered with this opportunity. I am blessed to pursue a career in which I am truly enthusiastic about that combines both physical activity and teaching our youth.
When not working, much of my time is spent with my wife Renee, and my sons, Cassius and Atticus. As a family, we enjoy being on a beach anywhere, hanging out by the pool, hiking, and watching sporting events. Additional hobbies include fishing, collecting vinyl records, exercising, and home remodeling. Outside of my family, the biggest form of entertainment is during the fall when if I am not near a football field you can find me watching the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Even though we are currently active members of the SMG family, I am excited for the opportunity and challenge that comes with this newly expanded role within the SMG community.
As said by William Glasser, “When you study great teachers... you will learn much more from their caring and hard work than from their style.” I look forward to meeting all of you whom I have not yet met, and most importantly teaching, mentoring, and inspiring our future leaders of tomorrow- GO BUCKS and Trojans!
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/