SMA NEWSLETTER
February 24, 2021
Virtue of the Month for Students: Cooperation
Social Skills: Following Directions and Accepting Compliments
Virtue of the Month for Adults: Fortitude
A Message from Mrs. Moss:
Dear Parents,
We have officially begun the registration process for the 2021-2022 school year. It is hard to believe that we are already 2/3 through the current year. I cannot stress enough, how important it is that all of our current families send in their registration by the end of this week. We will begin assessing prospective students next week which will then lead to the creation of class lists. Please know that we are ready to work with you to make this process as easy and smooth as possible. Feel free to contact the office for any assistance necessary.
I have received a couple of questions regarding “class size” for next year. Rest assured that we will not risk the safety or quality of education that Stella Maris Academy is so well-known for. With that said, with the current county health guidelines, we are predicting that we will be able to accommodate 20 students per class, with an additional 5 students per class, if the guidelines change, as we anticipate, throughout the spring and summer months. We will not exceed 25 students in any one class. This is a very healthy and manageable number of students for a classroom and will not negatively impact our quality of education. I understand that families who have attended our school for the past several years have appreciated the extremely small class sizes. Unfortunately, a class with as few as 8 to 12 students does not support a sustainable or financially feasible budget. The increased interest in our school, as well as other Catholic schools, will allow us the opportunity to experience a healthy budget and to offer challenging educational opportunities to families who are seeking a quality, Catholic education for their children.
This is an exciting time for our Catholic schools. We’ve struggled for several years with declining enrollment. But, with God at the helm…we persevered and now we will continue to evangelize to our community through the teachings of our Catholic Church, a rigorous academic program, promoting a sense of social awareness and responsibility through our monthly virtues and social skills programs, and by providing assistance to others through our service opportunities.
We are truly blessed to be part of this school and parish community. I look forward to a successful conclusion to this school year and to the many new and exciting opportunities that await us in the future.
Blessings,
Mrs. Moss
FALL REGISTRATION IS DUE THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH
Re-Registration Procedure:
Click here SchoolSpeak to login to School Speak and complete the Registration forms.
1. Click 2021-2022 Registration (left side menu)2. Click Register for the 2021-2022 School Year
3. Click on bottom of page "Click here to begin"
4. Click Start profile update
5. Click Done when you have completed the profile update
6. Click [New Registration Form] (small blue print at top left, right above Stella Maris Academy Uniform Policies) Scroll to the bottom and sign and date each form.
The last day to apply for tuition assistance is February 28th. For information about tuition assistance, please read below.
2021-2022 Tuition Assistance
Stella Maris Masks on Sale!!!
New Deadline for Yearbook Love Lines and Sponsorship Pages
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.
Save the Date – Kids Heart Challenge kicks off next week! for TK - 5th grades
Dear Parents,
I hope everyone is excited for our upcoming Kids Heart Challenge kick off! This kick-off will launch our KHC program that brings our school community together in a fun way to rally around physical and mental wellness.
Kids Heart Challenge Kick Off March 1st – 5th during PE! for TK-5th grades
In the meantime, please help your child sign up by downloading the FREE “Kids Heart Challenge” App or visit www.heart.org/khc.
We want 100% participation of our students to register online and take the challenge to move more, choose water, or be kind!
Thank You!
Mr. Guay
Blue Ribbon Awards
- Santiago A. (4th Grade): "Great job Santi!)" -Mr. Fugitt on 2/22
- Francesca B. (3rd Grade): "Congratulations on finishing your 3rd Grade ALEKS Pie! Your hard work paid off! Your math skills are very impressive!" -Mrs. K on 2/18
- Ines C. (3rd Grade): "Thank you very much for taking on 'multiple' roles in our Wizard of Oz play. I saw ALL that you did to help in addition to playing Auntie Em and the Guard!" -Mrs. K on 2/18
- Gemma F. (1st Grade): "Gemma was so helpful in preparing for Valentine's. Ms. Doesburg also pointed out her very mature and polite manners." -Mrs. Whitten on 2/11
- Lukas H. (TK): "Thank you for trying your best and working nicely." -Ms. Doesburg on 2/19
- Jerry G. (4th Grade): "Thanks Jerry!" -Mr. Fugitt on 2/22
- Isabella M. (3rd Grade): " Isabella continues to solve problems that arise in and outside the classroom. Her common sense enables her to assess the situation and take action that leads to a solution. Way to go Isabella!" -Mrs. K on 2/18
- Tiago R. (Kinder): "Tiago is working so hard in class and at home. He is showing so much improvement and taking responsibility for his learning." -Mrs. Whitten on 2/18
- Paola S. (TK): "Thank you for always being a wonderful listener, hard worker, helpful friend, and kind to all!" -Ms. Doesburg on 2/10
- Joaquin S. (1st Grade): "Joaquin is working so hard on his writing and pushing himself to be a strong student." -Mrs. Whitten on 2/18
Another Fun Day at SMA!
Mrs. K's 3rd Grade Class and The Wizard of Oz
Upcoming Birthdays:
William (2nd Grade) February 24th
Emilio (4th Grade) February 28th
Mr. Fugitt (4th Grade Teacher) March 6th
Ms. Doesburg (TK Teacher) March 9th
Giordano (7th Grade) March 9th
Jacob (7th Grade) March 11th
Emmery (Kindergarten) March 12th
Mark (Kindergarten) March17th
Sofia (3rd Grade) March 22nd
Deryk (8th Grade) March 23rd
Mrs. George (Kindergarten Teacher) March 24th
Dr. Amador (Spanish Teacher) March 26th
Claire (5th Grade) March 26th
Audrey (Kindergarten) March 29th
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.