SMCMS News 3.29.23
"And The Greatest of these is Love" 1 Cor 13:13
"And The Greatest of these is Love" 1 Cor 13:13
SMCMS News 3.29.23
Holy Week
The middle school students and staff will begin each day next week in prayer walking with Jesus this Holy week. Each morning, at 7:40, students will reflect on a scripture reading that talks about what Jesus was doing the last week of his life. On Thursday at 2:30 we will be ending our week with stations of the cross. Please feel free to join us for any of our Holy Week activities.
Message from Mrs. Kalaus, Guidance Counselor
Advisory
Sixth graders are spending a couple of weeks in advisory discussing emotions and how to recognize and regulate them. Seventh graders are spending time handling conflicts and eighth graders are working on teamwork. In each of the grade levels the Character Strong program is meant to build skills that can be used outside of the classroom as well as to increase student confidence. The topics are grade specific and research based as to the needs of the different age groups. As always, if you have questions, please call Mrs. Kalaus.
Career Lessons
Eighth grade career lessons are now complete. After Easter, eighth grade parents should look for an invitation to meet with Mrs. Kalaus and your child to discuss the information that was shared and to address any transition to high school questions you may have. These meetings are not required but will be available to you during school hours.
FVTC Summer Camps
Summer camp registration is open! Camps fill fast, so register early. Please contact Jennifer Van Thiel with any questions at Jennifer.vanthiel0312@fvtc.edu.
Rock Paper Scissors 2023 Champion
Kyllian (grade 6) receives his championship bracket from last year’s champ, Mr. Dahlberg. Check out the video on the middle school Facebook page for the play by play announcements from this event.
FORWARD Testing
SMCS students in grades 3-8 will participate in the WI Forward Exam this spring, an assessment tool designed to gauge how well students are doing in relation to the Wisconsin Academic Standards. The WI Forward Exam is administered online at:
- grades 3-8 in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics,
- grades 4 and 8 in Science and Social Studies
Accommodations and support for students with learning needs are built into the system so that the progress of students can be accurately measured. Student results will be available this summer.
Testing dates for the middle school are April 3, 4, 13 and 14.
SMCS Teacher and Staff Award Nominations
Each year, St. Mary Catholic Schools (SMCS) recognizes the talent of outstanding SMCS teachers and staff members. It is important to show our teachers and staff how much their dedication and hard work is appreciated. Please take the time to nominate a deserving teacher/staff member/co-worker by clicking on the links below. Past recipients are listed here. The deadline for nominations for the 2023 awards is Friday, April 28.
ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD
Criteria for the Award: The Outstanding Teacher Award is presented to a current SMCS teacher who continually inspires and academically challenges his/her students. This award was established to recognize excellence in teaching, with a focus on creativity, rapport with students, positive attitude and high-quality instruction. The Outstanding Teacher Award recognizes a special teacher who has an exceptional relationship with students, parents, and peers, contributes constructively and positively to the school and SMCS, and lives his/her faith in and out of the classroom. The recipient of this award challenges his/her students to work to their highest potential and teaches them to set high self-expectations and standards. St. John Online Nomination
ST. FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI AWARD FOR POSITIVE INFLUENCE
Criteria for the Award: The Positive Influence Award is presented to a current SMCS staff member who makes an exceptional difference in the lives of our students and their families. This person continually goes above and beyond to make sure that our students feel school is a haven for learning and growing. He or she promotes personal growth, spirituality and life-long learning as the path to future success. Award winners are recognized for going well beyond expectations for the good of SMCS students, their families and the entire SMCS system. St. Frances Online Nomination
ST. ANNE AWARD FOR SMCS SPIRIT
Criteria for the Award: The SMCS Spirit Award is presented to a SMCS current staff member who consistently represents all SMCS schools in a positive and enthusiastic manner. This individual inspires others by actively engaging co-workers, students and families to support the SMCS mission and vision, and is committed to the concept of a P3-12 Catholic school system in our community. This person displays an upbeat attitude, promotes and participates in activities and events and encourages school spirit in others. He or she enthusiastically encourages students, parents, families, parishioners and the community to learn more about our schools and takes personal pride in and responsibility for the success of SMCS through their positive work. St. Anne Online Nomination
ST. ISIDORE OF SEVILLE AWARD FOR INNOVATION
Criteria for the Award: Criteria for the Award: The SMCS Award for Innovation is presented to a current SMCS staff member who shows distinction in innovation. This award seeks to recognize an engaged employee who fully uses the resources provided by SMCS, seeks mentors within our community and freely shares his/her time, talent and ideas with other system employees and students to support the SMCS values and strategic goals. This employee demonstrates ingenuity and resourcefulness while inspiring creativity and critical thinking in others. St. Isidore Online Nomination
German Speaking Contest
The AATG NE Regional German Speaking Contest was held at SMCHS on March 14, 2023, with fourteen SMC Middle and High School students participating and 20 additional student volunteers who helped keep everything running smoothly as timekeepers and judges. Congratulations to Kiersten, Claire, and Claire for earning top scores that qualify them for the state competition in April! Many thanks also to Mrs. Counter for serving as a judge at the event!
Knights of Columbus Knowledge Contest Winner
Congratulations to Holly (7th grade) who is going onto the state Knights of Columbus Knowledge contest in the area of spelling. Best of luck Holly!
Zephyrfest 2022 sold out. We don't want you to miss your opportunity to attend Zephyrfest 2023, held at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center on April 29.
To register to attend, click here.
Sweepstakes information is available here.
To learn more about sponsorship, click here
Middle School Zephyrfest Basket
This year each SMCS campus is putting together a basket to raffle off at Zephyrfest. The "Outdoor Cooking" themed basket from the Middle School is being built around an Ooni 12 inch multi fuel outdoor pizza oven. Click here for details on how you can contribute to the basket.
STEAM Saturday
Three exciting events are happening on the middle school campus this weekend. Come for one, two, or all three!
Bring your appetite to support our VEX teams!
Let us help with your spring cleaning!
The Tempest
Make plans to join the cast and crew of "The Tempest" on a Shakespearian adventure April 21-23 at the Jane Bergstrom Fine Arts Education Center. Click the poster above for tickets!
Structured Nonsense
April 1 and May 13. Drop off begins at 7:00 pm; pick up by 10:00 pm.
Are you looking for fourth quarter service hours?
SMC High/Middle School Spring Sports Athletics Volunteering
Volunteering at our home high school athletic events is mandatory for families that have students participating in sports.
Students are allowed to work concession shifts for volunteer hours and family slots this year.
High School Spring Sport Volunteer Sign Up
SMC Sport Summer Camp Registration
Registration for Tennis, Girls Volleyball, Girls Basketball and Football summer camps is now open. Please register early. Camps are open to any student from any school. (Grade entering Fall of 2023 for all camps)
2023 SMCS Sports Camp Registrations
Registration for Fall ZFL Flag Football League (Grades 3-6, 2023-2024 School Year)
U9-U13 Zephyrs Football League
More information and registration will be coming in future for the SMCS Summer Strength and Conditioning Program – Middle and High School program will be out soon. This program is for SMC Students Only.
High School Strength and Conditioning (Entering Grades 9-12 Fall of 2023)
Starts June 12 – Ends August 3 (No Class July 3-6)
Monday thru Thursday – 7:30am - 9:00am
Middle School Strength and Conditioning (Entering Grades 6-8 Fall of 2023)
Starts June 12 – Ends August 3 (No Class July 3-6)
Monday thru Thursday – 9:00am – 10:00am
Camp Tekakwitha
“Registration is open for summer camp at Camp Tekakwitha! If you’re looking for a Catholic summer camp experience spent soaking up God’s great creation through outdoor adventure and community, Camp Tek is just the thing. Feel welcome to email camptekakwitha@gbdioc.org or visit camptekakwitha.org for questions and further information. Come join us!”
Youth 2000 Retreat
Encounter Christ in the Eucharist at the Youth 2000 retreat April 21-23! You and your children are invited to attend this retreat at St. Mary in Menasha, led by Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Check out the promo video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYpmHsg6Fzo. Register at https://forms.gle/tC7sr6QLpAKCtLRQ8.
Lunch Help Needed
Online assignment planner links
After School care now available
Middle School after school care is 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.
Important Dates for your Calendar!
Saturday April 1st: STEAM Saturday 9-noon
Monday April 3rd: FORWARD testing day
Tuesday April 4th: FORWARD testing day and Zephyrs Spirit Day
Wednesday April 5th: Liturgy 9:40
Friday April 14th: Good Friday, no school
Monday April 10th: Easter Monday, no school
Wednesday April 12th: Liturgy 9:40
Thursday April 13th: FORWARD testing day
Friday April 14th: FORWARD testing day
View our monthly calendar here.
A printable system calendar is available here.