The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School April 25, 2021
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,
Students in 3rd - 8th Grade will take the Summative ACT Aspire Assessments this week, April 26 - 28. The assessments will be administered at the students' current grade level and include five subject areas of assessment: reading, math, science, English, and writing. We will not have results for the summative assessments back until July. We will consider those results as we plan instruction for the fall, and parents will receive copies of the results after the start of the new school year.
On Wednesday, we will officially kick-off our Trojan Trot Fun Run & Color Run that will take place on Friday, May 7th. The event will raise funds for tuition assistance, which helps us to continue to make possible a Catholic education for all who desire one for their children. We actually contracted two years ago with Booster to organize this fun event for our students last spring, but like almost everything else, the event was not able to take place.
Pledging for the Trojan Trot is open NOW and the goal is to get at least 50% of the school logged on by this Friday, April 30th. There are some fun incentives for students if we reach certain goals - anything from extra Spiritwear days to your favorite principal and assistant principal taking one for the team by being "slimed." Please see the flyer below for more information and the link to log on. Watch for additional details on social media and email communications this week!
Open Enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year continues! We ask you to please share the good news of St. Maria Goretti Catholic School with any family and friends with school-aged children. Invite them to call to schedule a personal tour to learn more about SMGCS. YOU are our best advertisement and we need your help! Thank you!
Finally, last Friday I announced (via email) that I have accepted the Principal position at St. Andrew Catholic School in Fort Worth effective July 1, 2021. Please understand that this decision was not an easy one and did not come without a lot of discernment and prayer. I have truly loved my time here as Principal, and SMGCS and all of you will always hold a very special place in my heart. Be assured that Fr. Jim and I, along with the interim Superintendent, Ms. Kasmeier, will begin the search immediately for a new principal. The future leadership of the school will continue to stay true to our mission of educating and forming students in Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
I pray you all enjoy this beautiful day and have a wonderful week ahead!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
2021-2022 Registration & Enrollment Continues!
Registration and Enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year is OPEN! Information, including tuition rates was emailed to all current school families and can be found at the following links:
https://smgschool.org/documents/2021/1/Tuition%20Letter%202021-2022%2001%20ML.pdf
https://smgschool.org/documents/2021/1/2021-2022%20Reg%20%20Tuition.pdf.
Tuition assistance is available ( https://smgschool.org/financial-aid ) 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), our Registrar, Mrs. de la Pena (jdelapena@smgschool.org), or our Business Manager, Mr. Rogalsky (mrogalsky@smgschool.org), with any questions or concerns.
Masks Required for Remainder of 2020-2021 Academic Year
Book Drive - Eagle Scout Project, SMGCS Alumni David Boyea
SMGCS alumni, David Boyea, would like your help with his Eagle Scout project. Please consider donating new or used books which will stock a small community library near the St. Maria Center.
- Donations may be sent to school April 26th through April 30th
- Books will also be collected following Mass on May 8th
- Please keep book topics school-age appropriate
Love & Logic Parent Night
Thanks to all who attended the Love & Logic presentation last Tuesday. Brenda Bird shared strategies for positive parenting and disciplining with love, logic, and laughter! Visit the Love and Logic web site for additional informaiton: https://www.loveandlogic.com/
PSIA State Meet
Eight SMG students qualified to compete in Austin on Saturday, 4/24, at the PSIA (Private Schools Interscholastic Association) State Meet. Congratulations to these finalists!
- Damian-2nd Grade Math
- Colbie- 3rd Grade Spelling
- Max-5th Grade Spelling
- Efe-5th Grade Math & Maps, Graphs, and Charts
- Cecilia- 5th Grade Ready Writing
- Chris- 6th Grade Maps, Graphs, and Charts
- Sean - 7th Grade On-Site Drawing
- Ethan - 7th Grade Math
SMGCS Fun Run & Color Run!
On Wednesday, April 28th, we will officially kick-off our Trojan Trot Fun Run & Color Run that will take place on Friday, May 7th. The event will raise funds for tuition assistance, allowing us to continue to make possible a Catholic education for all who desire one for their children.
There are some fun incentives for students if we reach certain challenges - anything from extra Spiritwear days to your favorite principal and assistant principal taking one for the team by being "slimed." Our first challenge is to get at least 50% of the school logged on to by April 30th! Help us start strong and complete this first challenge! Please log on to http://funrun.com today!
Volunteer Appreciation Week
In the United States, April is National Volunteer Month—a month dedicated to recognizing the importance of volunteering and honoring the significant contributions volunteers make by generously donating their time and talents to worthy causes.
SMGCS is blessed to have parents and family who volunteer their time, talent, and treasure supporting our school, students, and faculty. We love and appreciate our volunteers!
The Book Fair is Coming!
The SMGCS Book Fair begins online April 30, 2021 through May 7, 2021. Use the following link to order online.
https://efairs.follettbookfairs.com/guest/home?classCode=MWPG1
Students will be able to preview and shop the Book Fair in the SMG Library May 3-6.
Teachers will be sharing class preview and shopping schedules in their weekly newsletters. Information on how to purchase Follett Gift Cards went home in the Friday Folders. Mrs. Utendorf is looking for volunteers to work at the book fair. If you are current on your Virtus Training, please consider signing up to help using the link below. Please support our book fair and your child’s love of reading.
Congratulations to Mrs. Jamison!
We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of baby Waylon Jamison in the next few weeks. Faculty and staff enjoyed celebrating his upcoming arrival at a baby shower for Mrs. Jamison last week.
Yearbook Pictures Needed!
Hey SMGCS Parents and friends, we need your help to make this year's yearbook the best one yet!
Parents can upload photos to the yearbook project via the new Entourage Link app. According to the Entourage team, “Many of our memories nowadays are captured on smartphones. The Entourage Link app for iphone and android has allowed for the uploading of photos directly from one’s device. Never before has it been easier to contribute to the yearbook project." The yearbook staff is excited and grateful for this as it will give us access to more photos to design our yearbook pages.
Download Now!
Entourage Yearbooks is excited to announce our NEW smartphone app! App users can instantly submit photos from their phones to the yearbook staff for consideration in the yearbook.
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.
Summer Solutions Books
How Are We Doing?
https://forms.gle/SJtUW2iBSzT5xeKW9
SMG School Club Opportunities
SMG Clubs - Mark Your Calendars!
Monday
- 3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Drama Club (Richards)
Tuesday
- 12:09-12:39 Rubik’s Cube Club in Library: 6th-8th (Utendorf)
- 12:29-12:49 Rubik's Cube Club in Library: 4th – 5th
- Rubrik's Cube Google Meets Available for Distance Learners
Wednesday
- 12:08-12:48PM Out of the Box Art and Literary Magazine working lunch
- 3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Garden Club (Pick)
- 3:30-4:15PM Running Club (weather permitting) (Gutierrez/Salomao)-April 28, May 12
- 3:30-5:00PM Cheer Club (Paladini)
- 6:00-7:00PM Ballet Folklorico (Zavala) SMG Cafetorium
Thursday
- 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-8th Cecilian Singers Club (Richards)
- 3:30-4:15PM 4th-8th Coding Club (Nguyen)
SMGCS Art and Literary Magazine: Out of the Box, Seeking Submissions!!
Our submission period is now OPEN! We can’t wait to see and share your creativity! To share your art or written works, please complete this google form. https://forms.gle/W7oA7WiVVKiuFovD6
If you have already made submissions, thanks! Our student editors have begun processing the entries and will contact you if they need further information or have questions.
Email Mrs. Jamison (ajamison@smgschool.org) or Mrs. Richards (rrichards@smgschool.org) for more information.
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 doesn’t 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 “add family member” 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:
Gardening Club
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
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
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
NCHS Upcoming Workshops, Concerts, Auditions and Camps
Nolan Catholic Cheer Clinic and Tryout Information
NCHS April Strength and Conditioning Fundamentals Camp
Last Week at SMGCS.....
SMGCS Chess Tournament
The SMGCS chess tournament, hosted by Mr. Nguyen, took place Friday afternoon. Eighth grader student, Raiford and seventh grade student, Sean made it to the semifinals. Congratulations to sixth grade students, Danh and Anthony P., who progressed to the finals scheduled for Monday.
New Hospitality Ministers
Mrs. Untendorf held an after school training session for current 6th and 7th grade students who will be serving as Hospitality Ministers next year.
Evening of Light Teacher Outing - PreK
PreK 3-4 students, whose parents purchased an Evening of Light teacher outing, enjoyed painting their very own masterpiece on canvas and sharing a pizza dinner with Mrs. Hill.
EOL Teacher Outing - Sweet Slice of Watermelon Canvas Art
Evening of Light Teacher Outing - Spring Fling Dance
Kindergarten and First grade students enjoyed the biggest dance party in town. The Spring Fling 2021 Dance was a night of dancing, snacks, music and song.
World Earth Day
World Earth day is observed every year on April 22 to create awareness about pollution and to celebrate the environment of the blue planet. This year, is the 51st Anniversary of Earth Day. The theme of the day this year was “Restore Our Earth”.
Ten Simple Things You Can Do to Help Protect the Earth
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what you throw away
- Volunteer. Volunteer for cleanups in your community
- Educate
- Conserve water
- Choose sustainable
- Shop wisely
- Use long-lasting light bulbs
- Plant a tree
- Don't send chemicals into our waterways
- Bike more
Earth Day: Kindergarten Respects the Environment
Students were introduced to the book, The Lorax. It chronicles the plight of the environment and the Lorax, who "speaks for the trees" and confronts the Once-ler, who causes environmental destruction. The moral of the story is a simple one of respect for the environment and environmental sustainability.
Earth Day: Second Grade Promises to Recycle
PreK Math
Kindergarten & First Grade Virtual Field Trip
We may not be able to leave campus, but that didn't deter Kindergarten and First Grade from experiencing a terrific field trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California. Students learned about the sea otter habitat and behavior as well as otter spotting. Virtual web cameras allowed them to enjoy the antics of playful southern sea otters as they romped, tumbled and wrestled like they do in the wild. Many thanks to Mrs. Girton for organizing a fun hand-ons learning experience!
https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/visit/exhibits/sea-otters
Kindergarten Science
Kindergarten learned about pollen and how it helps plants reproduce.
First Grade Name Acrostics
Second Grade Practicing Mass Responses
Third Grade - Mad Hatter Tea Party
Third grade read Alice in Wonderland with Mrs. Jamison during library class. To celebrate finishing the book, they had a Mad Hatter's tea party during library class on Friday. They decorated their thinking hats for the occasion.
Fourth Grade Science
After exploring the insects and animals that inhabit different ecosystems, students "discovered" a new species of insect. They illustrated and described the habitat and behavior of their new insect.
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade Religion
Eighth Grade Vocations Day
Father Moon and Seminarians spoke to eighth grade students about religious vocations available in the Catholic Church.
Trojan Troupe
Trojan Troupe club members helped inventory props and create the stage set with Mrs. Richards after school Monday. We are looking forward to the production of A Tree Called Aesop.
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.
Calendar Notes
- April 26-28: 3rd-8th Grade Summative ACT Aspire Testing
- April 26-30: Book Drive for Eagle Scout Project
- Friday, 4/30: Pirate & Princess Tea Party, 3:30-4:30PM
- Saturday, 5/1: 2nd Grade First Holy Communion, 11:00AM
- May 3-6: Spring Book Fair
- Wednesday, 5/5: Ice Cream Sundae Party - Science Style 4th Grade, 3:30-4:30PM
- Thursday, 5/6: Junior High Fellowship and Dance-Cumbia Style, 3:30-6:00PM; Pysanky Party/Ukrainian Egg Decorating, 4:00-6:00PM
- Friday, 5/7: Boosterthon Trojan Trot and Color Run; 12:10PM Early Dismissal, No Lunch Service, SMEED will be available
- Tuesday, 5/11: May Crowning
- Wednesday, 5/12: Escape Room with Mrs. Utendorf, 3:30-4:30PM
- Thursday, 5/13: Walk for Life; Pep Rally, 2:30PM
- May 17-19: 8th Grade Finals
- May 19, 21, 24: 6th & 7th Grade Finals
- Thursday, 5/20: 8th Grade Graduation
- Tuesday, 5/25: Kindergarten Promotion 2:00PM
- Wednesday, 5/26: Last Mass of school year followed by Awards Ceremony
- Thursday, 5/27: 4th Quarter Ends, Last Day of School, 12:10PM Early Dismissal, No Lunch Service, No SMEED
- Monday, 6/7: Final report cards mailed
- June 21-24: Summer Camp with Nurse Beth, 8:00AM - 3:00PM
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/