SMM PARENT NEWSLETTER
September 28, 2018
Please Join Us in Prayer
Please keep the following people in your prayers:
The Pope and Church leaders; our government leaders
All service men & women; all police, fire fighters, and first responders
Vada Powell, Elizabeth Dillon, John Doyle, Robert Miller, Asher Gaige, Gert Schafer, Peter Ganucheau, Bob Johnson, Ferdy & Simone Boell.
For the repose of the soul of Blake Cordes; for his family and friends; and for all those who mourn his loss.
For all those impacted by Hurricane Florence, through the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, may they be protected from loss of life and property
MISSION CLUB PRO-LIFE BRACELETS SALE
Students will be allowed to wear only one bracelet at school.
Also, our Mission Club will participate in the St. Tammany Right to Life Chain on Sunday, October 7 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm.
It's That Time Of The Year Again ... Fair Time!
WE REALLY NEED ALL HANDS ON DECK. THE VOLUNTEER WORK THAT YOU PUT IN HAS A POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION. OUR SCHOOL BENEFITS TREMENDOUSLY
FROM THE FAIR. AND IT IS SUCH A FUN WAY TO SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN AND FRIENDS. AND THE ENTERTAINMENT IS PHENOMENAL.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MAY VOLUNTEER TO EARN SERVICE HOURS, BUT THEY MAY NOT TAKE THEIR PARENTS' SHIFTS BECAUSE WE NEED ADULTS AT ALL LOCATIONS AT ALL TIMES. THEY MAY NOT WORK IN THE RAFFLE TICKET BOOT NOR THE GATE/SECURITY AREAS. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MUST SIGN-UP ONLINE AS WELL - THEY CANNOT JUST SHOW UP. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BRINGING WHATEVER DOCUMENTATION THAT THEY NEED TO VERIFY THEIR HOURS WITH THEM.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM ADMINISTRATION
CONTACTING TEACHERS: If you need to contact one of our teachers, please do so by calling the school office (985-643-4612) and leave a message with Miss Susan; contact the teacher through BLOOMZ; OR email the teacher. All teacher emails are: firstinitial, lastname @ saintmm.org in lower case letters. (ex. gknock@saintmm.org).
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE ACCOUNTS: All before/after school care accounts must be current at the end of the first quarter for students to continue in the program. Students with a balance at the beginning of the second quarter will be sent to the office.
A HEADS UP: There will be no aftercare on October 12 and October 18.
LUNCH ACCOUNTS: Students must have enough funds in their accounts to purchase meals. The cafeteria is not allowed to charge lunches. The SMM administrative staff is no longer sending home reminders. Please monitor your children's accounts on a regular basis. The cafeteria will provide a cheese sandwich, piece of fruit, and drink for those students with insufficient funds.
TRANSFER OF SIBLING LUNCH FUNDS: When a student does not enough funds in his/her account, but has a sibling who does,we will transfer funds from one sibling to another on an occasional basis. It is the parent's responsibility to monitor his/her children's accounts and make sure that there are sufficient funds in them.
STUDENTS WHO BRING LUNCH FROM HOME: It is recommended that students who bring lunch from home have a minimum balance in their accounts. The cafeteria does not allow charging. If your child forgets his/her lunch, he/she will not be able to purchase one if there are no funds in the account. In addition, there must be funds in a lunch account for a student to purchase juice, ice cream, water and other extra items.
INFORMATION REGARDING THE SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM: If you need additional information regarding your child's lunch account, please contact our Cafeteria Manager, Candi Longmyle, at 985-643-8481.
We will continue to keep certain documents available for you on this site after they are deleted from the Parent Newsletter. Please check this site periodically so that you do not miss important information.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION IN THESE MATTERS.
We Give Our Hearts to the World
Students who participated in the September service project should bring their hearts to Mass next Friday, October 5th. They will be collected before Mass and presented on the altar. Thank you for giving!
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT ON MRS. LEAH BAKKER
She Believes in Us
“Mrs. Bakker believes in us.” This simple sentence uttered by one of her students, just about sums up Leah’s relationship with her students. The students say that Mrs. Bakker’s favorite word is responsibility because this is the year that they must begin taking responsibility for themselves. The students, though, had many words to describe Mrs. Bakker who is SMM’s Teacher of the Month for September. They shouted out words like ‘awesome … amazing … smart … really nice … compassionate … kind … fair … loving.” While interviewing her for this story, she was hesitant to talk about herself so we can add humble to the list.
Leah Bakker has been teaching at St. Margaret Mary School for 27 years. She began her SMM career in 1st grade, but switched to 4th grade 11 years ago, stating she wanted a new adventure. When asked why she has never left SMM, she stated “ that even though it sounds cliche’, it is because we are a family here.” Leah’s 4th grade counterpart, Mrs. Lindsay Peterson, says that she is an amazing resource. Lindsay can go to her with any question – no matter how small or big – and she has an answer. Lindsay says that Leah has “infinite patience and can give her an answer for anything because of her experience.”
Speaking of family, both Mrs. Bakker’s children graduated from SMM. She is extremely proud of her children. Phillip is now an engineer and Hannah is in ULL Nursing School. For relaxation, this Mamou native likes to camp, fish, and spend time with her family and close friends.
Yes, she is our very own resident Cajun and c’est si bon! Nous l’aimons beaucoup.
SAFETY FIRST !
We have observed many, many instances of parents, grandparents and students not following the safety rules in regards to morning drop off and dismissal. So just a reminder:
1. Anyone picking up any child must have either a car line ID tag or a SMM key fob. If either one is not visible, you (or your trusted individual) will be asked to show it to the teacher on duty. If you do not have it, you will be asked to go to the school office for verification that you or your trusted individual has permission to pick up your child. Remember not all teachers know all the parents, grandparents, or trusted individuals.
2. If you park and walk to either drop off or pick up your child, please do not across the lanes of traffic, especially if you have your child in tow. Please use the sidewalks and walk around. If you are parked in the middle and must cross the lane, please wait until all cars and busses have come to a complete stop before proceeding.
3. Please do not talk or text while driving or walking with your children on campus. This is extremely dangerous and, by law, this is a hands free zone. Also, there are many times when parents are talking or texting while walking and they walk right in front of moving cars and busses. We have instructed our teachers to remind parents of this when they see it happening.
4. Please remember that the carline and busses have the right of way. So if you are parked in the middle, please do not force your way out. We have had cars hit each other in the past because someone backing out was in a hurry. Sometimes, we just need to be patient.
5. Finally, please refrain from passing school busses when they are stopped. Parents and students crossing cannot see you as you drive around them.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping your children safe.
GRANDPARENTS & GRAND FRIENDS ADORATION HOUR
We invite our grandparents and grand friends to visit the St. Margaret Mary Chapel on Fridays and spend an hour from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm in adoration praying for our school and students. The time slot has been reserved for us. Please sign the Adoration book on the credenza in the back of the chapel when you arrive.
Parents, don't forget to update your family demographics by adding grandparent or grand friend information. Thank you and God Bless.
SMM MOTHERS DAY OUT PROGRAM
FOR MORE INFORMATION, TO SCHEDULE A TOUR, OR TO REGISTER, PLEASE CONTACT SUSAN MILLER IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE: (985)643-4612.
FRIENDS OF THE POOR WALK/RUN
For more information and registration, please click on the link below.
IMPORTANT INFO FROM MR. OSBORN REGARDING HIGH SCHOOL SHADOW DAYS
Please note that, in the coming days/weeks, SMM will be receiving info from area Catholic High Schools about "Shadow Days", "Spend-A-Days", or "School Tours". For Shadow Days and Spend-A-Days, that usually entails your child spending half a day or a full day at their campus, shadowing other students and/or participating in special events at the school. (A school tour is more likely shorter and not as involved.)
As you prepare your child for this next phase in his/her life, we encourage such exploration (since it is a major decision). We only ask that you notify your child's teachers ahead of time and make every arrangement for any make-up work/tests/etc. Also, please let the school office know ahead of time, so we can anticipate the absence.
We will be forwarding these announcements from local high schools in the Parent Bulletin.
IF YOUR CHILD IS IN 6th or 7th GRADE, YOU WILL BE RECEIVING A COMPREHENSIVE PACKET VIA E-MAIL WHICH DETAILS THE APPLICATION PROCESS, NOT ONLY FOR CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLS, BUT PUBLIC AND CHARTER SCHOOLS, IF YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE ATTENDING A CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at: (985) 643-4612.
Sincerely,
In Christ,
Scott Osborn
School Counselor
As we receive dates and information for local area high school shadow days and open houses, we will post them here.
Pope John Paul II High School Shadow Day - On Wednesday, October 3rd, Pope John Paul II High School is hosting a special “Shadow Day” for 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students of St. Margaret Mary. On that day, starting around 8:15 a.m., PJP will begin bussing interested students to their campus, where they will “shadow” ambassador students (actually attend real classes). Also included in the full-day program is a Campus Ministry service and free pizza lunch. (Students have the option to bring their own lunch, if they so choose.) There will be SMM Chaperones on the bus and at PJP. More information and permission slips for this special day will be sent home soon. PJP's Open House is October 25.
St. Augustine High School - St. Augustine High School's Shadow Days are Tuesday mornings 7:20 - 10:20 am. Click here to register: https://www.staugnola.org/domain/90 Open House is October 24.
St. Paul's High School - St. Paul's High School has four more Shadow Days remaining - September 27, October 9, October 23, or November 13. Please Call Karen Hebert at 985-892-3200, ext. 1003 to register. Open House is October 27.
St. Scholastica Academy - SSA has several Shadow Days in September, October and November with Open House on Thursday, October 8. Please click on the pdf link below for more information.
KIDS GOT RHYTHM??
THEN ST. PAUL'S MARCHING WOLVES AND DANCE CLINIC IS FOR THEM!
HANNAN HAWKETTES DANCE CAMP
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW THE FLYER AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION.
ISAIAH 43 FOR PARENTS
HELP STOCK OUR MAKER SPACES
toothpicks ----- duct tape
toilet paper/pare towel rolls ----- tape
straws ----- google eyes
glue ----- rubber bands
empty water bottles ----- balloons
pipe cleaners ----- tin foil
packing tape
anything else that you think kids could use to make awesome creations
Thank you for your help.
Would You Like to be Featured in the Directory of St. Margaret Mary Family Owned or Managed Businesses ?
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
- Cross Country Meet 7:00 am at Levee Batture near Jefferson Playground
- Isaiah 43 Mtg 5:30 - 7:30 pm E-Bldg
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1
- Cross Country Practice 3:00 - 4:00 pm
- JV Flag Football vs St. Peter 4:00 pm @ SMM
- Swim Team Practice 5:00 - 6:00 pm Pinewood CC
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2
- Academic Olympics Practice 7:30 am Library/Media Center
- Junior Robotics mtg 3:00 - 4:00 pm Room 6
- NJHS Tutoring for Grades K - 3 3:00 - 3:30 pm Room 5
- SV Volleyball @ Our Lady of the Lake 4:00 pm
- JV Flag Football @ Lake Castle 5:00 pm
- PTO Board Mtg 7:00 pm E-Bldg
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3
- 4th Grade Social 2:00 - 3:00 pm
- Concert Band Practice 3:00 - 4:00 pm Band Room
- Choir Practice 3:15 - 4:15 pm Church
- Cross Country Practice 3:00 - 4:00 pm
- SV Flag Football vs Lake Castle NO 3:30 pm @ SMM
- JV Flag Football vs Annunciation 4:30 pm @ SMM
- Swim Team Practice 5:00 - 6:00 pm Pinewood CC
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4
- FAIR T-SHIRT DAY
- Academic Olympics Practice 7:30 am Library/Media Center
- Fire Drill 9:05 am
- Senior Robotics Mtg 3:00 - 4:00 pm Room 6
- Cross Country Practice 3:00 - 4:00 pm
- JV Flag Football @ Our Lady of the Lake 4:00 pm
- JV Volleyball @ Lourdes 4:00 pm
- SV Volleyball @ Lourdes 5:00 pm
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5
- NO BUS SERVICE
- School Mass 8:20 am Parents are Invited
- Grandparents & Grand Friends Holy Hour of Adoration 1:00 - 2:00 pm Chapel
- SV Volleyball vs Lake Castle 4:00 pm @ SMM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6
- PJP Academic Olympics
- Swim Meet 9:00 am @ Cypress Lake Country Club
- Cross Country Meet 7:00 am @ City Park NOLA
- Isaiah Mtg 5:30 pm E-Bldg
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7
- Mission Club at the Right to Life Chain 2:00 - 3:00 pm
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8
- Cross Country Practice 3:00 - 4:00 pm
- JV Flag Football vs Lourdes 4:00 pm @ SMM
- SV Flag Football vs Lourdes 5:00 pm @ SMM
- Swim Team Practice 5:00 - 6:00 pm Pinewood CC
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9
- FAIR T-SHIRT DAY
- 6th & 7th Grade Exams: Eng/Rel
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10
- Student Council: Breast Cancer Awareness Wear Pink Day with Donation of Any Amount
- 6th & 7th Grade Exams: Math/SS
- Cross Country Practice Grades 3-5 Only 3:00 - 4:00 pm
- Swim Team Practice Grades 3- 5 Only 5:00 - 6:00 pm Pinewood CC
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11
- SPIRIT/LABEL COLLECTIONS DAY
- PTO Room Parent Fall Fest Mtg 8:15 am E-Bldg
- 6th & 7th Grade Exams: Sci/Rdg
- Cross Country Practice 3:00 - 4:00 pm
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12
- END OF 1ST QUARTER - NOON DISMISSAL - NO BUS SERVICE
- School Mass 8:20 am Church
- Academic Olympic Participants Recognized after Mass
- Grandparents & Grand Friends Holy Hour of Adoration 1:00 - 2:00 pm Chapel
- Used Uniform Sale 12:00 - 1:00 pm
- Teacher Professional Day 12;30 - 3:30 pm
- NO AFTERCARE
- FOR MORE EVENTS, PLEASE CLICK ON THE SMM SCHOOL CALENDAR LINK BELOW
MATH HUMOR
Math teacher: A man from Los Angeles drove toward New York at 250 miles per hour and a man from New York drove toward Los Angeles at 150 m.p.h. Where did they meet?
Johnny: In jail!
DON'T FORGET ABOUT THESE IMPORTANT LINKS
Contact SMM
Email: smmschool@saintmm.org
Website: www.saintmm.org
Location: 1050 Robert Boulevard, Slidell, LA, United States
Phone: 985-643-4612
Facebook: http://facebook.com/SMMSlidell/