The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School December 20, 2020
Mission Statement
St. Maria Goretti is a living testament to our Lord's work in His youngest disciples, exemplified by academic excellence, spiritual formation, and compassionate service to others.
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School aims to form what is True, Good, and Beautiful in the souls of our young disciples of Christ.
Principal's Message
Dear St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Families,
We did it! The first semester has come to an end! The challenges this year has brought have been many, but we are so blessed with our wonderful school community who are always so encouraging and supportive. God is good!
Today, professional carolers from Collins Classic Carolers visited SMGCS and shared traditional Christmas carols with our students, faculty, and staff. What a special treat and a perfect way to conclude our celebration of Christmas and Caroling Around the World!
After dismissal today, faculty and staff were treated to a phenomenal Christmas luncheon beautifully provided by our wonderful Home and School Association. No detail was missed-the presentation was beautiful, the food was absolutely delicious, with all COVID safety protocols in place. Thank you to all of the volunteers who put in many hours to make the afternoon so special for our faculty and staff. We appreciate you all so much!
In the Friday Folders today, we again sent instructions, login information, and schedules for distance learning that will take place for all students Tuesday, January 5th - Friday, January 15, 2021. We will return to on-campus learning on Tuesday, January 19th, as Monday, January 18th is MLK, Jr. Day and there is no school. Please remember, if you plan to travel out of the country to countries on the CDC's list of COVID "hotspots," your students MUST quarantine and will not be allowed back on campus for 14 days after returning home. Please do not use the two weeks of Distance Learning to travel, especially if you plan to travel out of the country. Again, the goal is to continue to keep out entire school community safe and healthy.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html
Finally, while we were not able to come together to present the annual Christmas Program this year, our fabulous music & performing arts teacher, Mrs. Richards, and our wonderful band director, Mr. Cullen, organized their students to put together a beautiful Christmas program to share with our entire school community. A special thank you to Mrs. Richards for the additional work of video recording, editing, and putting the program together. We hope you enjoy this special presentation! https://youtu.be/87JnK-l_FHs
I pray you all enjoy a very Merry Christmas and wishes for many blessings in the New Year!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
Junior League of Arlington Festival of Trees
Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School is participating in the Junior League of Arlington's Festival of Trees by sponsoring and decorating a tree with a Classic Christmas theme. Trees are adorned with decorations and fill the Junior League of Arlington Center at 4002 West Pioneer Pkwy., Arlington, Texas.
The Festival of Trees opened to the public on Saturday, December 5th. Anyone can visit the JLA center during designated times to view the trees at no cost. The hours for the Festival of Trees is Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm, 6-8 pm; Saturday 10 am-6 pm and Sunday 12 pm-6 pm. Each tree will have a sign acknowledging the donor with a QR code to the voting link. For a $1 donation, visitors can cast their vote for their favorite decorated tree. The tree receiving the most votes will be eligible to receive a donation to that non-profit or a non-profit of the tree sponsor's choosing.
In addition to being able to view the trees in person, there will be a dedicated Instagram account and a special website through GiveSmart, so people will be able to view the trees (and vote for them) from all around the world (or even in Arlington from the comfort of their own home if adhering to shelter in place/quarantine protocols).
https://e.givesmart.com/events/jBY/i/_All/ctyD/?search=
SMGCS will be donating the decorated tree back to JLA for their auction that will take place later this month. This was a fun and festive way to support our school and local community. A very special thank you to the McGuinness family who paid our registration to participate. Please help SMGCS win by visiting (live or virtually) and voting!! Feel free to share the link with extended friends and family to vote as well!
How Are We Doing? Survey
Your opinion matters! Please take a minute to complete the brief survey by clicking on the link below. Thank you for your input!
SPIRIT Hours
Volunteer Hour Policy-
We will be continuing with our SPIRIT Hour policy from last year. In the absence of Kountry Karnival, we will be working to find other ways that families can earn hours. Opportunities will be communicated via emailed SPIRIT Updates, the Trojan Times, and on our website.
All SMG families must complete 40 hours (20 hours by December 18, 2020, and 20 hours by May 14, 2021). Please note that due to having fewer events and volunteer opportunities at which to earn SPIRIT hours right now, we will defer charges for incomplete SPIRIT hours for 1st Semester until the end of the 2nd semester, and will reevaluate at that time.
Current Volunteer/Donation Opportunities:
- Disposable Face Masks & Gloves-Donate boxes of disposable face masks and gloves of all sizes and earn one SPIRIT hour for each box donated. Donations can be brought to the school front office, Monday - Friday between 7:30AM - 3:30PM.
- Items for Christmas Store 2021-Purchase new items for next year's (2021) Christmas store and receive one SPIRIT Hour for every $10 spent. Needed items include small toys, small household items, trinkets, gift bags, and tissue paper. Receipts must be included when donation is dropped off in order to receive SPIRIT hour credit. Donations can be brought to the school front office, Monday - Friday between 7:30AM - 3:30PM.
SMG School Club Opportunities
SMG Clubs - Mark Your Calendars!
Monday
Ā· 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-5th PSIA Ready Writing (Cruz) Begins Nov. 2
- Nov. 2, 16, 30, Dec. 14, Jan 11, 25, Feb. 8, 22, March 8, 22, alternating Mondays
Ā· 3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Drama Club (Richards)
Ā· 3:30-4:15PM 4th-8th PSIA Maps, Graphs and Charts (Daly) Begins 10/26
- Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7, Jan 11, 25, Feb 1, 8
Ā· 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA On-Site Drawing (Jamison) Begins Nov. 9
Tuesday
-Rubikās Cube Club (Utendorf)
- 12:09-12:39PM in Library: 6th-8th
- 12:29-12:49PM in Library: 4thā5th
- Google Meets Available for Distance Learners
- 6:00-7:00PM SMG Cafetorium, Begins 10/20
Wednesday
Ā·12:08-12:48 Out of the Box Art and Literary Magazine - working lunch - Begins Jan. 27
Ā·3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Garden Club (Pick) Begins Oct. 21
Ā· 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Ready Writing (Juergens) Begins Oct. 28
- Nov. 11 and Nov. 18 CANCELLED
Ā· 3:30-4:15PM 4th-5th PSIA Math (Schump) Begins 10-28
Ā· 3:30-4:15PM Running Club (weather permitting) (Gutierrez/Salomao)
- Nov. 4, 18, Dec. 2, 16, Feb. 3, 17, Mar. 10, 24, April 14, 28, May 12
Ā· 3:30-5:00PM Cheer Club (Paladini)
Thursday
Ā· 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-8th Cecilian Singers Club (Richards)
Ā· 3:30-4:15PM 2nd-8th PSIA Spelling (Vasquez)
- bi weekly: Oct 22, Nov. 5, 19, Dec. 3, 17
Ā· 3:30-4:15PM 2nd PSIA Math (Gutierrez)
- Oct. 29, Nov. 12, Dec. 3, Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11 alternating Thursdays Begins Oct. 29
Ā· 3:30-4:15PM 3rd PSIA Math (Gutierrez)
- Nov. 5, 19, Dec. 10, Jan 21, Feb. 4, 11 alternating Thursdays Begins Nov. 5
Ā· 3:30-4:15PM 4th-8th Chess Club (Nguyen) Begins Nov. 5
Ā· 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Math (Utendorf) Begins Oct. 29
- Oct. 29, Nov. 12, 19, Dec. 3, 10, Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11
Art and Literary Magazine: Out of the Box
SMG provides students with multiple avenues for artistic expression. One of the newest outlets is our Art and Literary Magazine: Out of the Box! This will be an annual publication showcasing superior works of art, photography, and writing submitted by students of all ages as well as our faculty and staff.
Our first submission deadline is January 25, 2020. Please check Friday Folders or click here for more information. Additionally, Out of the Box is looking for six to eight, 7th and 8th grade student editors. We will meet Wednesdays over a working lunch from 12:08 -12:48 p.m. Please check Friday Folders or click here for more information.
Please contact Mrs. Jamison (ajamison@smgschool.org) or Mrs. Richards (rrichards@smgschool.org) for more information.
Ballet Folklorico Meets Tuesday Evenings
Mrs. Zavala sponsors the Ballet Folklorico Club which meets each Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the SMG cafetorium. It is open to students in second through eighth grade. FolklĆ³rico refers to many traditional dances from Mexico's different regions and states, rather than one single style. FolklĆ³rico is most famous for its promotion of regional dance and incorporation of traditional Mexican dress and Mexican folk music into its routines. The women wear a ranchero designed dress with unmistakable Indian influenced bright colored ribbons. Contact Mrs. Zavala (mzavala@smgschool.org) to join Ballet Folklorico and learn the many regional folk dances of Mexico.
4-H Club Now at SMGCS!
We are excited to be announce that SMGCS has joined the Diocese of Fort Worth-Tarrant County 4-H Club! Membership is open to all 3rd - 8th Grade students. For more information or questions, contact Mrs. Pick at apick@smgschool.org. As well, see the information below and at the following link with details on how to register! Parents are welcome (and encouraged) to volunteer!
More info here: https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/11/4H%20Flier%20for%20families.pdf
Joining information:
go to https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
(if that link doesnāt work, go to https://agrilife.org/urbantarrant4h/join/, scroll down, and click on 4-H online)
Create new account as a new member
Choose "Diocese of Fort Worth-Tarrant County" for your club
Pay the $30 registration fee
Parents, if you are interested in helping as project leaders, you can register the same way. You should have one account per family, and then click āadd family memberā to the first account. Parent volunteers must be current on their VIRTUS training, and the membership fee is $10.
You can learn more about the Texas 4-H projects here:
Garden Club: 3rd - 8th Grade
The SMGCS Gardening Club meets on Wednesdays after school. All 3rd - 8th Grade students are welcome to participate, but space is limited. Please complete and return the permission slip (link below) to register, and contact Mrs. Pick (apick@smgschool.org) for with questions or for more information.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/10/SMG%20Gardening%20Club%20Acknowledgement.pdf
Running Club - Still Time to Join Us!
The SMGCS Run Club meets approximately twice a month on Wednesdays after school. Please visit the links below for more information and to register!
Info: https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/10/2020%20Running%20Club%20Flyer.pdf
Registration: https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/10/2020%20Running%20Club%20sign-up%20form.pdf
Miscellaneous Information
NEW: Lunch Orders Must be Placed Sunday for the Entire Week
Lunch orders must be placed for the entire week (Monday through Friday) by Sunday at 3:00pm. We cannot accept orders placed after the Sunday deadline.
We will continue to text families on Friday morning each week, which will allow parents/students to place lunch orders for the upcoming week. The link is also available on the school website and will continue in the weekly Trojan Times. The form has a link with the menu attached as well.
Click below for the order form:
Healthy Together App
By now, most have downloaded the free Healthy Together app (found in the App Store). Please continue to complete the app before arriving in carline and be ready to show the completed screening to a faculty/staff member on duty in carline each morning. Multiple students can conveniently be added to one app. Please call the front office if you have any questions about how to install the app.
Student Email Accounts and Google Classroom
All students, whether learning On-Campus or via Distance Learning, have school email accounts that they generally access during computer class, and will also need to access Google Classroom. Parents of students in Grades 4th - 8th who are attending classes On-Campus were sent information and instructions for their student(s) to access their email accounts, log-in to Google Classroom, and create a bookmark on their home devices. Students have also be given this information during computer class, as many 4th-8th Grade teachers provide feedback on assignments, etc. to students via Google Classroom. As well, being familiar with logging in to Google Classroom will be helpful should we ever need to move to distance learning during the school year. If you did not receive your student's log-in information or have questions, please contact Mrs. Daly (jdaly@smgschool.org).
As well, please check out the following tutorial for detailed instructions on signing into Google Classroom.
2020-2021 Academic Calendar
Please click on the following link to view the 2020-2021 Academic Calendar. It can also be found on the school website at smgschool.org.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/5/SMG%202020-2021%20Academic%20Calendar%202.pdf
COVID-19: Safety Procedures and Protocols
Please see the SMG Safe Return to School plan that was sent to all school families last week, by clicking the following link.
Box Tops - Earn Money for SMG!
Box Tops makes it easy for families to earn cash for schools and help teachers get the supplies they need. Traditional Box Tops clips are being phased out of production, but may continue to be found on many products throughout the store. Although you may still clip coupons, there is a NEW and EASY method:
- Create a Box Tops for Education account via the Box Tops app or website - View the video: How it Works, Join For Free
- Buy Box Top Products
- Use your app to scan the store receipt within 14 days of purchase -View the video: How to Scan
2020-2021 Enrollment & Registration
Registration & Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year can be found on our school website. There are still spots available at most grade-levels. As a reminder, tuition assistance is available and we are committed to making a Catholic education a reality for any family who wishes one for their child(ren). Please contact Mrs. Behee (lbehee@smgschool) or our Registrar, Mrs. de la Pena (jdelapena@smgschool.org) with any questions or concerns.
Nolan Catholic High School: 6th-8th Grade Family Information
Nolan Catholic is excited to announce that the application process for the 2021-2022 school year has already begun. Our goal is to continue to allow for as many admissions opportunities as possible for our prospective families to learn more about Nolan Catholic High School.
As a quick highlight, the admissions department is offering informational sessions, one-on-one meetings, virtual or on-campus tours, and an open house this fall.
For more information, visit http://www.nolancatholic.org/events-and-tours
Last Week at SMG.....
First Grade - Wednesday Mass
First grade performed at the conclusion of Mass by singing and signing Silent Night with American Sign Language. Many thanks to Mrs. Richards for working with our students every day to instill the love of music.
Christmas Program: And the Stars Sang
Covid may have altered the way we congregate, but it didn't stop Mrs. Richards and Mr. Cullen from putting together another terrific presentation with the students. Grab a hot chocolate, sit by the Christmas tree and enjoy the 2020 SMG Christmas Program!
Spelling Bee
On Thursday, December 17th students from 4th through 8th Grades competed in the SMG Spelling Bee. To adhere to Covid safety standards, the Spelling Bee was shared via Google Classroom. Congratulations to our Champion, Bao Tran, will represent Saint Maria Goretti at the area contest and to runner up Jocelyn Geller.
Christmas Assembly - Collins Classic Carolers
Mrs. Behee treated SMG students to a surprise presentation by the Collins Classic Carolers. Dressed in elegant Victorian costumes, these carolers with beautiful classically-trained voices sang nostalgic holiday songs.
Class Christmas Parties
There is no better way to say goodbye to the 2020 school year than class parties! Students enjoyed games, activities and snacks before departing for the winter break.
Faculty/Staff Christmas Luncheon
Home and Family outdid themselves again. Faculty and staff were treated to a delicious 5 course meal after students were dismissed on Friday. What a glorious way to finish the day!
Christmas Around the World
SMGCS families, National Junior Honor Society members, and NCHS students all congregated at school last weekend to adorn the halls for the Christmas & Caroling Around the World celebration. Each day this week, students watched a short slideshow presentation on the country of the day highlighting that country's Christmas traditions. Following the slideshow, students congregated in the halls to watch the assigned grade level perform through the halls. This week, we will complete our world tour learning about Christmas traditions in other countries!
Christmas in France - 2nd Grade
At the beginning of December French children write letters to Pere Noel. They tell him all of the kind deeds they have done during the year in hopes he will bring them gifts. If they are naughty, he may bring a bundle of twigs instead.
On December 6th the French celebrate St. Nicholas Day. On St. Nicholas Eve, they clean and shine their shoes then put them outside with carrots, apples or oats for St. Nicholas' donkey. If they have been good, he fills their shoes with fruit, candy, and chocolate.
Christmas in Mexico - 4th Grade
In Mexico, they stay up late on Buenanoche (Christmas Eve). Just after midnight they break open a piƱata filed with small toys and treats. After bed, Santa arrives to bring gifts. Families leave nut filled Mexican wedding cookies and a cup of sweet spicy Mexican hot chocolate for Santa.
Christmas in Great Britian - PK/Kindergarden
It wasn't until Prince Albert put up a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle in 1841 that the first tree appeared in England. Prince Albert wanted his children to have a Christmas tree just as he had growing up in Germany.
Christmas in Germany - 5th Grade
Wooden carved ornaments are very popular in Germany, but none are more beloved than nutcracker soldiers. The Christmas markets are filled with them in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Wooden soldier nutcrackers are believed to bring good luck and protection for families and homes.
Third Grade: Virtue of the Month - Purity
Mrs. Cruz introduced a fun activity to reinforce this month's virtue of purity.
SMG Christmas Cheer
Mrs. Pick's Christmas Artists
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Calendar Notes
- Dec. 21-Jan. 4: Christmas Break - No School
- Tuesday, 1/5: Classes resume Online-All Students Distance Learning through Friday, January 15, 2021
- Friday, 1/8: 1st Semester Report Cards emailed
- Monday, 1/18: MLK, Jr. Day Holiday-No School
- Tuesday, 1/19: Students, Faculty, and Staff return to campus; On-campus learning resumes
Need Prayers?
We all do!! The St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Community would love to pray for you and your intentions. Please send all prayer requests to: smgprays4u@smgschool.org.
Meet Our Priests!
St. Maria Goretti Parish Website: https://www.smgparish.org/
Fr. Jim Angert, T.O.R.
Fr. Mike Ciski, T.O.R.
Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth
Serving the North Texas Catholic community by providing the faithful opportunities to grow in Christian discipleship and strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Like Us on Face Book!
We are hoping to update our official Facebook page with some more recent, positive reviews, likes, and shares. Please visit our official Facebook page (Facebook@StMariaGorettiArlington) and help us spread the word about our great Catholic school!
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School
Email: development@smgschool.org
Website: https://smgschool.org
Location: 1200 South Davis Drive, Arlington, TX, USA
Phone: (817)275-5081
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StMariaGorettiArlington/