The Academy of Saint Matthias
Bridges
Issue #20 2016
Upcoming Events
Thursday, February 4 -- Tag Day for Students
Thursday, February 4 -- Academic Expo (6-8 pm)
Friday, February 5 -- Half Day, No ESP
Friday, February 5 -- Report Cards Released
Wednesday, February 10 -- Ash Wednesday
Raffle Winners
January 25
Joan Marshall (Winner)
Veronica Onyewu (Seller)
February 1
Bryd Family (Winner & Seller)
Mrs. Shannon (McQuillan) Norris named Director of Educational Technology for Archdiocese of Washington
We are very excited for our own Shannon McQuillan Norris who has been selected as the Director of Instructional Technology by the Catholic Schools office of the Archdiocese of Washington. Shannon will move to this role later this month. After 11 years at Saint Matthias, we are so thankful for Mrs. Norris' dedication to our students and school, and we know she will continue to support us in her new role.
As we seek out a replacement for Mrs. Norris, the technological support of the school will be overseen by Mr. Byron Smith, who has he has done this work for the past decade. The medical technicians are Mrs. O'Hare and Mrs. Kellermann who will continue to function under the direction and license of our delegating nurse, Mrs. Ann Scott.
Congrats, Mrs. Norris!
National Leader in Catholic Education Visits Saint Matthias
Reedy Obituary
With so much sadness, we share the death of Marty Reedy, husband of Georgeann Reedy, Director of Aftercare, and father of former kindergarten teacher Jackie Reedy Cowgar.
http://www.kalasfuneralhomes.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1740368&lu=1454167922
Report Card Release Date
Report cards will be released on Friday, February 5. Your access to Cornerstone will be restored by COB on Friday. Only those families who are current in their financial obligation will be able to view report cards. Please check your TADS account if you are uncertain.
Catholic Schools Week
We are half-way through Catholic Schools Week 2016! Yesterday, we had a joyful celebration of the Mass. Thank you to all the families that attended. Pictures from the Mass are online at http://school.stmatthias.org/catholic-schools-week-mass-celebrates-family-faith/
Special thanks to Mrs. Heather Gossart, of NCEA, for coming to the Mass and meeting with our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. Photos from her visit are available at: http://school.stmatthias.org/national-leader-in-catholic-education-visits-saint-matthias/
Wednesday -- Open House for prospective students/families - 9-11 am
Thursday -- Student Appreciation Day, HSA sponsored lunch, Academic expo 6-8 pm
Friday -- Teacher Appreciation Day- half day, no ESP, Penny Wars ends.
Last Call for Teacher Appreciation Day Donations
Valentine's Weekend Parents Night Out
Penny Wars
Penny Wars is a fundraiser for our school. The winning pair of classes will receive a free TAG day later on this quarter. The winners will be announced Friday!
As of Tuesday afternoon
1st place- $141.00 - PreK/4th
2nd place- $26.67 - 2nd/7th
3rd place- $21.42- 3rd/8th
Sweet Treats Dinner Dance
Family Dinner Night
Join us this month for family dinner night at Potbelly's on Wednesday, February 24 from 4:30 - 7:30 pm. No coupon needed or mention of St. Matthias. Just show up and order. The school will receive 25% of all sales in those 3 hours.
Potbelly's at Bowie Town Center-
3900 Town Center Blvd.
Bowie, MD 20716
Great Kindness Challenge
Due to the snow week, we missed participating in the Great Kindness Challenge during last week. We started Monday tracking good deeds, reflecting on quotes about kindness, and sharing in song. Here's the theme song to the Great Kindness Challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8RpTN_DfhU We are ending our days with this song, led by members of our school choir!
For more information on the Great Kindness Challenge, go to
Golden Apple Nomination
Please nominate a teacher for the Archdiocese of Washington Golden Apple. Applications are due by Feb 10, 2016. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TJNNQL5
The Value of a Catholic Education
"You see, Catholic education gets it. All that money you spend? Vacations you don’t take and cars you don’t buy? It’s worth it. Because at the end of the day, I’m seeing generous hearts being formed by teachers and staff who can openly worship God and teach about Him in the classroom. He is the reason they teach. There is no line between my house and the school’s front door."
--From An Open Letter to Catholic School Parents by Katheryn Whitetaker
Skating Fundraiser Rescheduled
The skating fundraiser has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 21. The cost is $12. Event will be held at SkateZone in Crofton, Maryland. Please turn in money at the front office.
In case you missed. . .
The State of the School from Father Jordan
January 21, 2016
Dear Parents of Students at St. Matthias School,
As you know, I promised that I would send you a letter about the future of our grammar school by the end of January. We are aware that Catholic grammar schools are one of the unfortunate victims of changing social norms or value. Also, the number of children in the average family is reduced from years past. I am a product of the large “Catholic family.” Each year, throughout the United States, more Catholic schools are forced to close their doors to the dismay of many parents and even students. So, it should not have surprised any concerned parent that reduced enrollment and the unsustainable subsidy threatened the continuation of St. Matthias School.
Let me thank parents, faculty members, staff, and Principal who have worked in many different ways to assist me in making a decision about the future of the Parish grammar school. I know you love the school and the programs that prepare your children so very well for entry into high school. Many have spoken about how important St. Matthias has been for the formation of your children. I hear earnest pleas to do whatever I can to help parents prevent the death knell from ringing for our school.
Speaking with members of the parish staff, the Parish Financial Council and the Parish Pastoral Council as well as with a number of faculty members and the Principal and the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese, and spending quite a few hours with the Lord, I have made a decision concerning our school.
St. Matthias School will continue! In making the decision to move forward, it is my intention to assist the school administration create new and exciting avenues for parents and students to assist the Principal and faculty in becoming much more than we have been. I know you are relieved and happy. But you must know that my decision will need your strong and active support to succeed.
As you know I promised my Archbishop, Cardinal Wuerl, that I would continue to assist the parish and school, giving up the opportunity to return to retirement. I mention this not to seek any adulation, but more importantly, to let you know that you are a part of that promise. Your help and support is essential for us to succeed. After experiencing the efforts of many to give me reasons to continue the education of your child(ren)
at St. Matthias, I believe that your commitments serve as a promise to me that you are “ready and willing” to “walk the talk” and not to merely “talk the talk.”
While many students are being raised in the values and traditions of other faiths, my hope is that each of us, regardless of our religious persuasion, needs to be a part of St. Matthias Parish by our participation in our school. That does not mean that I want you to become Roman Catholics. Rather what it does mean is this: I would hope that in the years ahead we could initiate with your help specific religious events of prayer during the academic year. If we can reduce the division between the parish and the school and create the St. Matthias Community, I do believe graces will come to our mission in abundance. Gathered together in prayer on occasion, sharing meals together, we can become a community that is truly alive. If you and I, along with the school administrators, can create a new and powerful spirit, we will see the seats occupied by children who will always remember St. Matthias School.
My letter is lengthy. However, this is the only way that I can share with you all the components of the conviction that fills my heart as I look forward to a school that is afire with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
And now, my sisters and brothers, let us make a resolution to pray for the success of our school and new community joined together with a common mission, a “family” goal. May Jesus Christ, our Savior, teach us how we can together overcome any challenge. May we not forget we have a special intercessor for all of us in this family: St. Matthias, intercede for all of us.
Faithfully yours,
Reverend Milton E. Jordan
Pastor
ACE Marathon
Over 40 teachers and supporters from across the US will be coming to DC in March to run the Rock and Roll Marathon in support of Saint Matthias. This awesome opportunity is thanks to 4th grade teacher, Ms. Surat, who is a part of the Alliance for Catholic Education program. To learn more about ACE go to ace.nd.edu and to check out our fundraising (or to donate!) go to https://www.crowdrise.com/acerocknrolldcmarath Runners are welcome to join us in running the 5K, half and full marathon! Contact Ms. Surat if you need more information esurat@stmatthias.org
Academy of Saint Matthias the Apostle
Email: agreer@stmatthias.org
Website: school.stmatthias.org
Location: 9473 Annapolis Road, Lanham, MD, United States
Phone: 301-577-9412
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stmatthiasadw
Twitter: @stmatthiasadw