SMA NEWSLETTER
February 17, 2021
Virtue of the Month for Students: Cooperation
Social Skills: Following Directions and Saying You are Sorry/Making an Apology
Virtue of the Month for Adults: Fortitude
A Message from Mrs. Moss:
Dear Parents,
I hope you all had a restful few days. We are ready to get back to our routines and begin the contemplative season of Lent. Many thanks to our pastor, Fr. Pat for welcoming all of our students to the beautiful patio outside of the parish offices for ashes and some inspirational words to help us begin this 40 day Lenten journey.
Please watch your email for your tuition agreement for the 2021-2022 school year. Our goal is to register all returning students by the end of February. Please do not hesitate to contact myself or Mrs. Hollis with any questions or concerns. We remain dedicated to helping our families during these unprecedented times.
Blessings,
Francie Moss
Thursday, February 18th-Dollar Denim Day
Friday, February 19th- Student of the Month Assembly
Thursday, February 25th-Spirit Wear Day
2021-2022 Tuition Assistance
Stella Maris Masks on Sale!!!
Yearbook Love Lines and Sponsorship Pages are due February 19th. Click on picture to print the form. Forms are also available in the school office.
PERSONAL SPORTS PICTURES NEEDED FOR YEARBOOK!!!
Personal Sports pictures needed - some students are continuing to play sports via clubs and things. Please send Mrs. Zack, kzack@stellamarisacademy.org, pictures of your child participating in their sport.
Also, upload pictures not only to their class Shutterfly but ALSO upload directly to our yearbook. This will make it easier for the yearbook staff to work with your pictures.
Please consider downloading the Yearbook SNAP App and begin uploading pictures. Our SCHOOL CODE IS: smayearbook
Here is a little video about it!
Thanks so much,
The Yearbook Staff
Advertising Opportunity! Click on the picture below for the link.
Kids Heart Challenge
Dear TK- 5th Grade Parents,
I am thrilled to share that we will be kicking off the Kids Heart Challenge the week of March 1st – 5th during PE. The KHC program will bring our school community together in a fun way, to rally around physical and mental wellness. Students will learn how they can have a happy and healthy heart and families will be challenged to get active. We will also learn how we can help others with special hearts.
Kids Heart Challenge Kick Off March 1st – 5th during PE!
Get a head start and register your child by downloading the “Kids Heart Challenge” FREE App or go HERE: www.heart.org/khc and search for our school's name and click SIGN UP.
We want 100% participation of our students to take the Kids Heart Health Challenge to move more, choose water, and be kind. Please, be sure to register online!
Thank You!
Mr. Guay PE/AD teacher
Stella Maris Academy
Another Fun Day at SMA!
Upcoming Birthdays:
Sebastian (6th Grade) February 21st
Ms. Sarah Clariza (Admin) February 23rd
William (2nd Grade) February 24th
Emilio (4th Grade) February 28th
Prayer Requests
Repose soul of Stephen Popivchak, great uncle of Jack & Charlie Bucciero
Repose soul of Mario Fierro, teacher at Cathedral Catholic High school
Stacie Buechel, family friend of the Anderson Family
Jack Wilenchik, brother in law of Mrs. Pina
Mark Hollis, husband of Mrs. Hollis
Please send prayer requests to sclariza@stellamarisacademy.org
Looking Ahead...
Free Virtual Programs at the La Jolla Library
2021 Winter Reading Challenge
- The Winter Reading Challenge has been extended through February 28! Readers of all ages are encouraged to participate by reading 5 books or for 5 hours. Prizes include passes to the Museum of Us, free food from Subway, and a coloring puzzle for children or a doodle journal for teens and adults. Pick up a reading log at the La Jolla Library or register online here!
Virtual Programs for Younger Children
- Kokowanda Bay with Ruth and Emilia – Thursday, February 11th at 3:30pm – Live on Zoom (sign up here)
- Roots: Thailand - Partnership with the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum – Thursday, February 11th at 4:00pm – Live on the SDCDM Facebook page
- Sing and Sign with Georgia – Thursday, February 18th at 3:30pm – Live on Zoom (sign up here)
- Jungle Drum Circle with Chazz – Thursday, February 25th at 3:30pm – Live on Zoom (sign up here)
Virtual Programs for Older Children
- Middle School Book Club – Friday, February 6th at 11:00am – Are you an avid reader looking to discuss books with your peers? This is the club for you! There is no set reading list, we just talk about anything and everything books! For children ages 9-12. Interested? Email Youth Services Librarian Dana Sanchez at SanchezDM@sandiego.gov for meeting room link.
- Teen Game Night: Among Us – Friday, February 6th at 4:00pm – Join your crewmates and embrace your inner sleuth in a game of teamwork and betrayal! For teens ages 13-17. Before game night begins, make sure to download Among Us onto your mobile device, available for free in the app store. Register for this program here
- Virtual Medicine and the Heart – Wednesday, February 10th at 4:30pm – Students will virtually explore the body’s circulatory system with a focus on the heart. They will get an introduction to human anatomy and physiology and learn about different diseases linked to the heart. This workshop is aimed at students with an interest in anatomy, especially those considering careers in medicine. Online registration required in advance here. Check out the rest of our Library NExT programs here
- Black History Month Youth Author Event – Friday, February 26th at 4:00pm - Celebrate Black History Month with the Library! In collaboration with San Diego Unified School District’s Youth Advocacy Department, Anne C. Bailey will present The NY Times 1619 Project and Why Slavery Matters to community youth. Live on Zoom (register online here)
The La Jolla Library is OPEN!
- Limited In-Person Services are available Monday through Saturday, 9:30am – 5:30pm (closed for cleaning from 1:00-2:00pm). Services include: computer usage (up to one hour), printing, holds pickup, light reference and reader’s advisory, as well as getting/renewing a library card.
- Contactless Pickup Service is available Monday through Saturday, 9:30am – 5:30pm (closed for cleaning from 1:00-2:00pm).
- Book Return Service: Book drops are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Mission Statement
The mission of Stella Maris Academy is to empower a community of diverse learners to achieve their God-given potential by providing a Christ-centered, academically excellent, and safe environment.
Statement of Philosophy
The parents, administration, faculty, and staff of Stella Maris Academy believe that Christ is the center of our lives and that we are called to proclaim the Good News, to create community, and to be of service to all of God’s people.
We acknowledge that parents are the primary educators of their children.
We foster a supportive environment that balances high expectations with the respect for individual differences.
We commit ourselves to challenge students to become life-long learners while developing a healthy attitude of personal value and self-worth.
We prepare students for higher education, responsible citizenship, and moral integrity in an ever changing world.
SCHOOL-WIDE LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
- Pray Everyday
- Live like Jesus and the Holy Family
- Understand, share, and participate in the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church
Life Long Learners Who:
- Communicate effectively
- Works independently and collaboratively
- Demonstrate critical, creative, and original thinking skills
- Integrate fine arts
- Persevere through challenging experiences
Community and Global Ambassadors Who:
- Utilize social skills
- Resolve conflicts peacefully
- Care for all of God’s creations
- Treat everyone with respect
- Demonstrate a spirit of service
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY
Diocesan and parochial schools of the Diocese of San Diego, mindful of their mission to be witnesses to the love of Christ for all, admit students of any race, color and national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. Diocesan and parochial schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color and national and/or ethnic origin, age, sex or disability in the administration of educational policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Likewise, Diocesan and parochial schools do not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of sex, age, disability, race, color and national and/or ethnic origin.
Virtues of the Month for Adults
September-Faith
October-Justice
November/December- Prudence
January-Hope
February-Fortitude
March-Charity
April/May-Temperance
Virtues of the Month for Students
September: Respect
October: Building Peace
November: Empathy
December: Sharing
January: Celebration
February: Cooperation
March: Service
April: Stewardship
May: Gratitude
2020-2021 Family Handbook
Safe Environment for Families and Students
All children who attend K-12 Catholic schools in the diocese or who participate in faith formation at parishes or other Catholic facilities participate annually in a program called “No-Go-Tell.” This program instructs children in grade-appropriate language what to do if “anyone touches my body in a way that makes me feel weird, or uncomfortable or worried or scared.” Its central rule tells them how to say “No,” where to “Go” to be safe and to “Tell” what happened to them to a trusted adult as soon as possible. This information is posted prominently at all schools and parishes.
Please click here for more information and parent packet.