The Defender
September 16, 2022
Important Upcoming Dates
- Sept. 19 - Alex's Lemonade Stand fundraiser
- Sept. 22 - Faith Families
- Sept. 23 - All School Mass 8:15 AM
- Sept. 24 - Parish Picnic
A Note from Fr. Brian
Dear school families,
I am writing to address feedback we have received from some parents about social-emotional learning (SEL) and the Second Step program. For the past 9 years, St. Michael School has used Second Step’s anti-bullying program. Prior to this current school year, due to requirements for accreditation, the school purchased a more expansive 1-year subscription to include other components of SEL, such as anger management, sharing, kindness, and the like. St. Michael School, like all Archdiocese schools, is accredited by the state of Kansas.
Some “off the shelf” material in Second Step is not in line with our Catholic values; however, our subscription allows administration and teachers to vet everything presented to students, and we are doing just that. None of the short videos or other teacher aids will be presented to students without thorough vetting and subsequent removal of anything not in keeping with our Catholic faith.
We remain committed to collaborating with the Archdiocese School Office as they provide guidance on SEL this year and in the future. Meanwhile, at my direction, the school will proceed with SEL as outlined above.
Fr. Brian Schieber, Pastor
Empowering God’s Children Program
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
VSL Information
Cheer/Dance coming to SMA
Calling all SMA girls grades K-3! The Rockhurst University Spirit Squads are bringing a fall cheer and dance clinic to SMA. Registration includes seven after school clinics and two performance opportunities, including a special Christmas performance at the MOYC Santa Claus Pancake Breakfast. More information with registration. Hope to see you there!
SMA Spirit Wear Contest 2022-2023
Submit your original design for the first annual SMA Spirit Wear contest! Have you always wanted to see your creation on a shirt? Now is your chance! Follow the rules below to create and hand in your design.
A committee of parents and staff will determine the top three designs but the students get to vote for their favorite. The winning design will be turned into a shirt.
Contest Rules:
- All designs must include the school year (2022-2023) and have either the school’s name or “SMA” in the design
- All designs should incorporate this year’s theme of Psalms 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” into the design whether through words or the image itself.
- All designs must be original to the creator -- either digital or hand drawn.
- All designs must be submitted on an 8 x 11 sheet of paper to the front desk by October 1st. Good luck!
Monday Morning Rosary
Please join us in praying the Rosary every Monday morning at 8 a.m. outside the Mary Chapel in the Church. We will pray for the intentions of the St. Michael school community.
Library Volunteer Training sessions happening now
Learn how you can help in the library by attending one of the training sessions for new volunteers. Five session times are available. If you are a returning volunteer and would love a refresher, please stop by.
TUES, SEPT. 20 at 2:30 p.m.
WED, SEPT. 21 at 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
THURS, SEPT. 22 at 11:30 a.m.
FRI, SEPT. 23 at 9 a.m. (After Mass)
Living the Liturgical Calendar in Your Home
September 23 is the Feast of Padre Pio. Saint Pio is better known as “Padre Pio.” [%20https/www.padrepio.org/about/padre-pios-story/]Read more about the great saint.
“Pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. Our Merciful Lord will listen to your prayer.”
Quick: Pray, hope and “donut” worry! Enjoy donuts as a feast day treat and remember Padre Pio’s wise advice.
Easy: Padre Pio loved to hear confessions and his feast day is a great reminder for us. Put it on your calendar and make a commitment to go to confession this week.
Weekly SMA Confession Times:
- SUNDAY: 3:30 to 4:50 p.m.
- WEDNESDAY: 7:15 to 8:05 a.m.
- SATURDAY: 3:30 to 4:50 p.m.
- 1ST SATURDAY: 7:00 to 8:05 a.m.
Super Fun: Enjoy a Cappuccino. Whether you make your own or pick some up from your favorite coffee joint, the name is tied up with the Order of Franciscan Capuchins (Padre Pio’s order) since the drink shares the color of the brown robes they wear. This is a fun way to celebrate. Enjoy your drink while you watch a free video on FORMED about Saint Padre Pio.
Dennis Uniform
SMA School Activities
Parish Picnic
Click on the link below to volunteer at the Parish Picnic
https://stmichaelcp.org/parish-picnic