The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School August 8, 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,
What a wonderful week on campus. Our teachers returned to campus on Tuesday, though many have been working all summer. The hallways are decorated and classrooms are ready to welcome students.
Tuesday we participated in a retreat hosted by Mrs. Pennell. The teachers became the students for a few days attending several training sessions. Thursday the University of Dallas was on campus for a full day of classical education classes. Friday the school and parish staff enjoyed lunch together. The school is coming back to life!
Teachers and staff also reviewed COVID procedures that will remain in place this year. Teachers will continue to clean desks between classes. All desks will be facing the same direction and maintain the Diocese requirement of 3 feet separation where possible. Like last year, in the lunchroom, students will be spaced out at the tables. All tables will be cleaned thoroughly between lunch groups. We have hand sanitizer stations located by school entrances and all classrooms have bottles of hand sanitizer. Our teachers and staff are committed to making sure the school is clean and safe for our students. As communicated earlier this month, masks are optional for the students and staff.
I know that COVID protocols are ever-changing. Please be aware that all meetings, gatherings, and dates are subject to change. I will communicate with you when and if that becomes necessary.
The SMGCS Family handbook will be posted on the school website by 5:00 PM Monday, August 9, 2021. Please be sure to review this handbook. Family acknowledgment forms are due back to the school by Friday, August 27, 2021.
Please remember that Morning Drop-Off begins on the first day of school. We encourage you to bring any school supplies with you Monday to the Meet the Teacher event. We will have INDOOR afternoon pick-up Thursday and Friday. Please be sure that you have your Blue Carline tags to show the teachers and staff at the gym doors. The Carline information is listed in today's Trojan Times.
Thank you for entrusting your students to our care. We are looking forward to seeing all of the families on Monday during the Meet the Teacher Event.
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Amy Utendorf, M.Ed.
Principal
2021-2022 SMGCS Faculty and Staff
Catholic Diocese Official Statement about the 2021-2022 School Year


During the Meet the Teacher Event please come to cafetorium to visit the following tables:
- PreK-1st grade families please come by and meet Mrs. Rusnak our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd teacher. She will be able to share with you more about the Atrium and what to expect this year.
- Mr. Cullen will be there to talk to families about joining the band.
- Ms. Lynne will have sign-up sheets for SMEED.
- Mrs. Paladini will have sports sign-up sheets.
- Mrs. Arseneau will be available to answer any questions you may have regarding physicals, medical forms, or COVID.
- A representative from Food For Life will be available to create a lunch account for your students.
- The used uniform sale will be going on. FACTS payments will only be accepted.
- SMG pencil bags will be available for purchase. We will also have iPads available to order SMG Swag from the online spirit store
Don't forget to stop by the Kona Ice Truck to get a cool treat. Remember SMGCS will get 20% of sales.
Right Start Math Kits
All families in Kinder-5th grade need to have a Right Start Math Kit at home. These kits cost $50. Your child will use them for math work at home during their time in the SMGCS elementary math program. These kits will be sent home with students new to SMGCS on Friday in the Friday Folder with the FACTS form.
It is NOT necessary for families to have more than one kit at home. Any returning family wanting to purchase an additional kit please email Mrs. Martinez and let her know.
Staff Updates
She will also be teaching 4th-grade History, Literature, and English and 5th grade English and Literature.
We are continuing to look for a teacher to take on these teaching assignments. When we do Mrs. Vasquez will be the Assistant Principal full-time.
Please keep Mrs. Vasquez in your prayers.
2021-2022 Carline Maps
Wednesday Mass at 8:00 AM
Parents will be welcome to join us. As stated in the SMGCS Family Handbook, parents may not sit with their students.
The first Mass this year will be on August 18th. Please make sure that students arrive on time on Mass days. Teachers will be heading to Mass shortly after the bell rings at 7:50 AM.
While sweaters are a required part of the Mass uniform, students do not have to wear them to every Mass until October 6, 2021.
2021-2022 Academic Calendar
Please click on the following link to view the 2021-2022 Academic Calendar. It can also be found on the school website at smgschool.org.
Sports Physicals
To participate in athletics next school year (Junior High or High School), students will need a physical dated on or after June 1, 2021. If your child plans to participate in sports during the 2021-2022 school year, they must have a current physical examination, and the form below must be completed and on file before the student may participate in school or diocesan sports.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/5/Physical%20Exam%20Form%202020.pdf
SMGCS Gym Director
Gym Director Job Description
Duties:
- Assist sports coordinator with game-day operations, including setting up the gym prior to all game days and tearing down gym after games, collecting gate fees, and ensuring all games are running on time.
- Gameday will vary based on season and gym availability
- Assist sports coordinator with the operation of the concession stand by helping coordinate volunteer workers, setting up and cleaning up.
- Assist sports coordinator with the planning and execution of pre-season and post-season tournaments
Hours per week will vary depending on the game schedule but will be between 4 and 8 hours during the regular season. Tournament weeks will require more hours.

2021-2022 Enrollment & Registration
Registration & Enrollment for the 2021-2022 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. Utendorf (autendorf@smgschool) or our Registrar, Mrs. de la Pena (jdelapena@smgschool.org) with any questions or concerns.
Virtus Training
Parent volunteers will need to renew their VIRTUS training in order to continue volunteering. The VIRTUS renewal program is called "Keeping the Promise Alive" and must be attended in order to keep Safe Environment status current. Our school Safe Environment Coordinator will email parents with information on how to register for a renewal session.
Calendar Notes
August 9, Monday: Meet the Teacher 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
August 12, Thursday: First Day of School, NO lunch service, Afternoon SMEED begins
August 13, Friday: Morning SMEED begins
August 12-13: Students must bring lunch and drink (no lunch service until August 16)
August 16, Monday: - Food service begins
August 18, Wednesday: First school Mass 8:00 AM and picture day-Mass dress required
August 23, Monday: Band Parent Meeting @ 6:00 PM in Cafetorium
August 25, Wednesday: PreK-8th Back to School Night 6:00 PM -8:00 PM -1 parent should plan to attend
August 27, Friday: 2021-2022 Family Handbook signed acknowledgment form due
September 6, Monday: Labor Day No School
September 14, Tuesday: Home and School Meeting 7:00 PM -1 parent should plan to attend
October 2-3: Kountry Karnival Weekend
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/
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.