The Defender
October 14, 2022
Important Upcoming Dates
- October 20th Parent Teacher Conferences 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- October 21st Parent Teacher Conferences 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- October 24th No School
- October 27th Picture Makeup Day
- October 31st Halloween - Fall Parties 2:45 PM
A Message from Mrs. Tate
Hooray! What a wonderful quarter have had at St. Michael the Archangel! It’s hard to believe that just 9 short weeks ago we were preparing for the first day of school. I am so grateful to our students, staff, and parents for the faith, hope, and love they have shown in our school this quarter. It's wonderful to be in the full swing of an awesome school year!
We have established wonderful routines and procedures that help us move through our days with high expectations and a sense of calm. We welcomed parent volunteers back into the school to do everything from work in our library to helping in the lunchroom, and we’re so happy to have them. We sent our third grade students on a field trip this week…the first one in several years…and it was a HUGE success! They loved riding the bus! On Fridays, we celebrate our successes of the week with some jamming music in the courtyard at dismissal.
We are excited to welcome our families to parent-teacher conferences next week. This time is set aside each fall to allow parents and teachers to come together to review progress and discuss future goals for students. If you haven’t set up a time to meet with your child’s homeroom teacher, please feel free to reach out to them via email or phone to set up a time.
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. (Matthew 19:13-15)
Thank you for bringing your children to Jesus and to St. Michael the Archangel. We are blessed to be able to share our love of Lord with our students and families. We are blessed to be able to lead our children to the Lord. We are blessed to be supported by loving parents who help us in our mission to get our children to Heaven.
Have a wonderful weekend! Thank you for your support of our school and your prayers for our staff, students, and families.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Diana Tate
From Rob Lisch, Parish Administrator
This week, all St. Michael the Archangel parishioners received in the mail our annual stewardship renewal for time, talent, and treasure. As school families, we demonstrate our partnership with the church and school by completing and returning the pledge card.
Stewardship renewal is required for school enrollment; it demonstrates our commitment to give our firstfruits of time, talent, and treasure to God. Please complete your renewal online or return the card you received in the mail. Doing so now will avoid the rush of returning it when school enrollment for 2023-24 begins in January!
Mini-Seminar – How do I read my child’s MAP test results?
Mrs. Tate and Mr. Huber will hold a mini-seminar for parents/guardians of students grades 3-8 who are interested in learning more about the MAP test reports available to parents.
- Wednesday, October 19
- 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- School Library
- Enter through the courtyard doors
- Topics: What does RIT mean? How is the test normed? How do I know if my child is on track academically? What can I do to help my child’s academic growth? What tools are available to families?
If you plan to attend, please click here to register so we can have enough materials prepared and enough space for participants. Registration will close at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 17.
Message from the office
Integrated Arts Conferences
If parents would like to sign up for a Parent Teacher Conference with any of our Integrated Arts Teachers (IAT), please see the links below:
- Mrs. Beth Moore, Art: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044AAAA92EA0FF2-mrs
- Mrs. Ann Adams, PE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044AA5AB2CA6FC1-parent3
- Mr. Thane Woods, Computers: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044AA5AB2CA4F49-parent3
- Mrs. Raquel Kirk, Foreign Language: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44A5A92FAAFDC07-parent
- Ms. Emily Walling, Music: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084CACA722A1FC1-parent4
CYO Basketball Registration
CYO online registration is open! St. Michael will have teams for 3rd grade through 8th grade girls and boys. To register, go to www.cyojwa.org. Please register by Saturday, October 29. For more information about tryouts, go to stmichaelcp.org/cyo.
Tryouts will be held the week of October 31. Practices will start the week of November 8 and games will start the first weekend in December.
If you are interested in coaching a team, please send an email to Scott Hardgree at shardgree@hotmail.com.
CYO Help Needed
VSL Information
Special Defender’s gear ordering opportunity
The DFNDRS hat in navy or white available for purchase. Order yours and show your school spirit. Looking for a lady’s shirt? Lady Defender Spirit Shirts are available for order through October 15.
Living the Liturgical Calendar in Your Home
John Paul 2 teachings on the theology of the body, the dignity of the human person and the feminine genius have shaped generations of Catholics.
Quick: JP2 was devoted to the Blessed Mother. Pray the Luminous Mysteries (established by JP2 in 2002) or the Mysteries of Light. John Paul said they demonstrate the Light of God through the work of Jesus.
Easy: John Paul loved children and the outdoors-- fishing, skiing, hiking, camping. Take a walk with your family and talk about how crazy it would be to run into the pope on your next family adventure. What would they say? What questions would they ask?
Super Fun: There are so many wonderful things to celebrate about the life of JP2. It is really hard to pick just one. Here is a list of awesome facts about John Paul the Great that you can read through with your family.
A few activities to consider:
John Paul was from Poland. Try some amazing Polish recipes.
John Paul traveled to 129 countries when he was pope. Print out a world map and see if your family can find them all.
John Paul canonized 482 saints while pope. Go thru the list and see if any speak to you.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
Dennis Uniform
SMA School Activities
Companions in Faith Volunteer Opportunity at OLU School
Have some free time during the school day? We are looking for volunteers to work with teachers and students at Our Lady of Unity School for the 2022-2023 school year. Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. but we can accommodate almost any schedule. The day of the week is flexible and as well as the frequency of your volunteer visits. You must be VIRTUS trained to volunteer but no teaching expertise is needed, just a willing heart to work with students.
If you would like more information or would like to volunteer, please visit http://companionsinfaith.weebly.com/volunteer-at-our-lady-of-unity-school.html or e-mail Ann Ekis at ann.ekis@yahoo.com