SMCMS News 11.9.22

The expectations of an SMCMS student is excellence in behavior, dress, and academics. As we move into the 2nd quarter, there are a couple of reminders that our students have needed. Skirts and dresses are to be to the knee and shirts need to be tucked in on Mass days. These are the most common infractions at this point. We really don’t want to be dress code police so any cooperation you can give us on these fronts would be greatly appreciated.

Our tardies are way down so I am happy about that. Students are encouraged to bring multiple subjects with them to classes that are difficult to make the passing time work.

Discipleship groups are moving along and we are almost through the first round so please talk with your kids about how those went and encourage them to continue to grow their relationship with God.

As we look forward to the Advent season, making a plan to pray as a family to prepare for the birth of our Lord is an awesome time to begin new habits. If your family is looking for suggestions, please reach out. Thank you for all you do and for trusting us with your children. It is a privilege to get to work and pray with them every day.

Thank you for your support and generosity! The students surpassed our goal by packing 112 Boxes of Joy to be sent to children in the Caribbean or Central America. May the spirit of giving to others remain in our hearts always! 😊

It is certainly appropriate to focus on Gratitude during the month of November. Scientists are finding that an attitude of gratitude is a powerful contributor to a happy life. Some even believe that it may be the single most effective way to increase happiness. According to 700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts, gratitude has the following mental health benefits:

1. Expressing gratitude can improve your mood. People who regularly express gratitude for the positive things in their life are shown to be happier overall, leading to lower rates of stress and depression.
2. Showing gratitude can make you more optimistic. Studies show that those who express gratitude regularly appear to have a more positive outlook on life.
3. Sharing gratitude can improve social bonds. People have reported feeling more loved and more connected to others in their lives when they routinely practice gratitude or those around them practice gratitude.
4. Practicing gratitude can improve your physical health. People who actively express gratitude tend to be more engaged in activities to take care of their physical health, like eating well and exercising. This leads to higher energy levels, better sleep and a stronger immune system, or the ability to fight off illness or infection.

Character Strong

Rather than a family DARE this week, I wanted to challenge you all with a gratitude table conversation. Thanksgiving is coming up so fast and there is a ton of research showing the value of gratitude in all areas including mental and physical well-being. I have attached a link for gratitude conversation starters to be used around the dinner table. Please click here (or see the attachment from Character Strong) for that family activity and let us know how it goes! Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you all!

In October we recoginized the following students for setting the example leading with faith, hope, and love.

In 6th grade: Claire, Wesley, Caleb, Josiah, Martha, Faith and Colin.

In 7th grade: Grace, Owen, Anderson, Emmi, Hailey, and Charlie.

In 8th grade: Blayke, Abby, John Paul, Emily, Max, and Lucy.

In Physical Education class, we are currently completing fitness testing. Students are participating in the PACER, curl-up, push-up, and sit and reach tests to assess their cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, and flexibility. Completing these tests allows students to better understand their strengths and areas for growth in their physical fitness. Students are not graded on these tests. We will use student results to help set personal goals to become healthier and stronger. Student results will be posted to PowerSchool, but will not be counted towards their overall grade. We will discuss in class what their scores mean, but students can also find this information posted in their PE Google Classroom.

Tuesday November 29th bring in $2.00 and wear your pajamas for a good cause. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is building beds for children who do not have them. Flyer below will give you further details.

The Chosen is coming to the theaters! In case you have not seen it, The Chosen is an inspiring show that tells the story of Jesus through the eyes of his disciples. The first two episodes of Season 3 of The Chosen will be released in theaters November 18 – 23. Check out the trailer at https://youtu.be/nheJmQ6uYQY. Haven’t seen it yet? The Chosen streams for free at https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen.

6th – 8th graders are invited to the Middle School Lock-In at St. Mary, Menasha. It begins on Saturday, November 19 at 6:00 pm then ends at 9:00 am on Sunday, November 20. The theme is a Quest for Grace. The night will include Mass, games, food, a movie, and prayer! Students can sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4ba8ae2ba2fdc43-night. If you have any questions, email Nathan at nheenan@smcatholicschools.org.

As many free/reduced families may know, last year the Department of Public Instruction issued payments to free/reduced families that missed school due to covid. That program is continuing this year. The only way we can get the benefits to free/reduced families is if we know if they are sick due to covid. When you call in your child’s absence, please let us know if Covid is the cause.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4fadaf2ba6fdc34-smcms17

7th grade assignment sheet

6th grade assignment sheet

Middle School after school care now available. Please use this link to sign your child up for after school care. A great place to be with the changes in the fitness center hours.

Friday November 11th: High School fall play, Clue

Saturday November 12th: High school fall play, Clue

Sunday November 13th: High School fall play, Clue

11/21-11/25: Thanksgiving vacation

Tuesday 29th: Wear Your PJs and Make a Difference

Sunday November 27th: Advent begins

View our monthly calendar here.

A printable system calendar is available here.