The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School April 3, 2022
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,
Our Accreditation visit is this week. We have an amazing school and I can't wait for the visiting team to see it for themselves.
We have an open house scheduled for Monday, April 18, 2022. Any SMGCS family who refers a new family to tour our school will be put into a drawing for a $250 gift card! Please feel free to share the image in this edition of the Trojan Times. We have printed materials available in the front office. If you need one, please let Mrs. Martinez know.
Students in Grades 3-7 will be taking the IOWA and CoGAT tests. Please be sure that students get a good night's rest and eat breakfast on these days. There will be no homework for students in grades 3-7 during testing.
Friday, April 8th: 3rd-7th CoGAT tests
Monday, April 11th -Wednesday, April 13th: 3rd-7th IOWA assessment
Wednesday, April 13th: 8th-grade PSAT test
As I mentioned last week, we are in the process of writing our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. We focus on four key areas: Mission and Catholic Identify, Academic Excellence, Leadership and Governance, and Operational Vitality. I am continuing to look for parents who would like to help write this important document. Please email me if you are interested.
Please pray for our accreditation visiting team members.
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Amy Utendorf, M.Ed.
Principal
Virtue of the Month: Justice
Justice is being fair and giving each his due. To be just means to make sure every person receives what he or she needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. This even includes obeying those in authority, playing games fairly, and respecting what belongs to someone else. Because we are all made in God’s image and likeness, justice also means showing each person dignity and respect.
For more information on the Virtues in Practice Program, visit:
https://www.nashvilledominican.org/apostolate/evangelization-and-catechesis/virtues-in-practice/
St. Anthony of Padua - Feast Day June 13
Saint Anthony joined the brothers who followed the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Franciscans. He became very famous for his preaching. After his death, Saint Anthony became well-known for his justice, because when a book of his was lost, he prayed that he would find it. The truth was, it had been stolen-and when Saint Anthony prayed, the thief brought it back.
St. Katharine Drexel - Feast Day March 3
Saint Katharine was born into a very wealthy family and she was always taught to love and help the poor. When she grew up, she inherited a large portion of her family’s fortune.
Moved by her deep faith in God and the injustice suffered by many people in this country, she started the Sisters of Blessed Sacrament to help teach the Native Americans and African Americans, who were denied good education because of their race. She helped start many schools for Native Americans and African Americans in 13 different states, including Xavier University in New Orleans.
St. Thomas More - Feast Day June 22
Scholar. Lawyer. Writer. Lord Chancellor of England. Husband. Father. Martyr. As one who laid down his life rather than support an unjust law that would have him deny his faith, Saint Thomas More exemplified the words of Psalm 19, “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart…the statutes of the Lord are true, all of them just.”
The son of a well-known lawyer, Thomas More was given an excellent education as a young man and served as an assistant to the Archbishop of Canterbury while he was still a teen. Married, widowed, and remarried, he was the father of three daughters and a son. At a time when education was generally denied to women, Thomas broke with custom and ensured that all of his children were well versed in the classics and fluent in Greek and Latin.
As a public servant with a great reputation for honesty and fairness and considered one of the most brilliant men of his day, St. Thomas rose through the ranks to eventually become one of King Henry VIII’s most trusted advisors. However, when Henry VIII declared himself the head of the Catholic Church in England (instead of the Pope) he demanded that all the subjects of the realm swear an oath of submission to this law or face execution. Saint Thomas More, an ardent defender of the Catholic Church, refused to take the Oath of Supremacy and so forfeited his life. Having served his king and his country in positions of great responsibility and authority-including as Lord Chancellor (the equivalent of Prime Minister)-Saint Thomas nevertheless did not hesitate to choose the higher law of God over the laws of men. According to eyewitness accounts at the time, Saint Thomas’ final words as he was about to be beheaded paid tribute to his defense of this higher law: “I die the King’s good servant-but God’s first.”
Open House - April 18th
SMGCS families who refer a new family to tour SMGCS or attend our Open House in April or May will be put in a drawing to win a $250 Visa gift card! SPREAD THE WORD about our great campus and be entered for a chance to win money to enjoy this summer. The drawing will be held on the last day of school, May 27, 2022
Out of the Box Submissions Due April 11th
Out of the Box: SMG Art and Literary Magazine is now accepting submissions! This annual publication showcases superior works of art, photography, and writing submitted by students of all ages as well as our faculty and staff. Our 2022 submission deadline is April 11th. Information sheets and printed submission forms were sent home in folders this week.
Out of the Box Submission Form
Please contact Mrs. Richards for more information.
Respect Life Contest - April 12th Deadline
Sonnets & Songs Performance
The Sonnets and Songs presentation will be a combined Earth Day performance with the Cecilian Singers singing hymns and songs about creation. Seventh Grade Performing Arts Class will be reciting Shakespearean sonnets with nature themes.
Play Props Needed
Class Party Openings
We still have several spots open for our class parties. They are so much fun. Do not miss out! Call the school office to register.
Scrip
Shop Scrip! We carry Walmart gift cards at the school. You can now use Walmart gift cards to pay for online grocery orders. Earn 2.5% on all your Walmart purchases, including groceries, whether you shop in-store or online. For pick up or delivery.
Shop now: https://bit.ly/Walmart-Online-Grocery
Yearbook Ads for sale until May 15, 2022!
SMGCS parents and friends, we need your help to make this year's yearbook the best one yet!
Online Ad sales are available now. Buy your student or business ad today! All proceeds go to funding the yearbook. This is a great way to support your school and your students. If you have any questions you can contact the administrator of this yearbook by emailing
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.
https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/specials.asp
Nine Easy Steps to Upload Photos
Changes to Mass Hosting Schedule
The Class Mass Hosting schedule has been updated for the year. If you plan to attend Mass when your child is participating, please consult the new schedule.
- April 6 - 6 Baxter (Seyer)
- April 13 - 5th Schump
- April 20 - 4th Gutierrez
- April 27 - 3rd Cruz
Red and blue cardigan sweaters, not vests, are required for Mass. Please ensure your child is following the Mass dress code.
Stations of the Cross
Friday, April 8, 2022: 7th-grade hosting
Thursday, April 14, 2022: 8th-grade hosting Living Stations
The link below is a digital version of the Stations of the Cross book the students are using. Please feel free to download this when attending to be able to join us in prayer.
SMG Today Episode 11
Students and teachers are encouraged to submit poems, artwork, class pictures and class videos to broadcast@smgschool.org along with a short description of the submission to get your class featured on the broadcast.
Please "like" the video and subscribe to the channel in order to help us promote this to families outside of our school.
- Episode 11: https://youtu.be/DyG9WxXXdEk - April 1, 2022
Nolan Catholic High School News
Spirit Games & BBQ Cookoff at NCHS - May 1st
Royelles Dance Team Clinic, Show and Auditions
Royelles Dance Team Flyer
https://smgschool.org/documents/2022/3/royelles.jpeg
Royelles Dance Team Information
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GOo80gMDO_byi0jh2oThsTcHFM3w_wuK/view?usp=sharing
NCHS Cheer Tryouts 2022-2023
NCHS Accepting Applications for 2022-2023, Schedule a Tour
https://smgschool.org/documents/2022/3/nchs%20enrollment.jpeg
NCHS Application and Tour Information
SMG Clubs - Mark Your Calendar!
Monday
- 3:30-4:00 PM Rubik Cube Club-(Utendorf) Experienced Cubers
- Shutter Club during 6th-8th Lunch/Recess (Jamison) Begins Nov. 1 - Every other
- April 4, 18, May 2, 16
- 3:30-5:00PM Cheer Club (Paladini/Cruz)
- 3:30-4:15 PM 5th-8th Trojan Troupe Drama Club (Richards)
- 3:30-4:15 PM Coding Club (Nguyen)
- April 11, 18, May 2, 9
- 3:30-4:15 PM Tai Chi (Nguyen)
- April 25
- 3:30-4:15 PM Chess Club (Nguyen)
- May 16
- 3:30-4:15 PM Table Tennis (Nguyen)
- April 4, May 23
Tuesday
- Library Leaders during Recess (Richards)
- 3:30-4:30 Spanish Club (Zavala)
- April 5, 19, May 3
- 6:00-7:00 PM Ballet Folklorico (Zavala)
Wednesday
- SMG Broadcast Club during 6th, 7th, 8th Lunch/Recess (Jones)
- 3:30-4:15 PM Running Club (weather permitting) (Gutierrez/Mitchell) Begins Oct. 6
- April 6 CANCELLED, April 20 rescheduled, 27, May 4, 11
- 3:30 StuCo (Pick/Pennell) specific dates to be announced
Thursday
- NJHS during Recess (Vasquez and Jones)
- April 7 Executive, 21*, May 5 Executive**, 19*
- *Includes newly inducted Members, **Includes newly inducted officers
- 3:15-4:30 PM 4th-8th Garden Club (Pick)
- 3:30-4:15 PM 3rd-8th Cecilian Singers Club (Richards)
- 12:09-12:29 Out of the Box Editorial Staff Meeting (Richards) Select Fridays
Lunch room and recess helpers needed!
Please consider volunteering to help during lunch and recess. Service hours will be earned. Click on the signup genius link for a description of duties. All volunteers must be current with their Virtus training.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0448ADA622A5FE3-alunchroom3
Last Week at SMGCS
PSIA Regional Meet
Congratulations to all SMG participants in the PSIA Regional Meet. We are excited to announce that 6 of our students will progress on to the State competition Saturday, May 7, 2022 at TCU!
Advancing to State
Maddy L. - Maps, Graphs and Charts
Colbie B. - Maps, Graphs and Charts, Reading Writing, Spelling (Alternate)
Damian S. - Math
Mason L. - Ready Writing
Max L. - Ready Writing, Spelling
Huy T. - Ready Writing
Janna P. - Ready Writing (Alternate)
Mia B. - Spelling (Alternate)
Regional Meet Results
- Damian S: 1st Place Math, 4th Place Ready Writing
- David B: 6th Place Math
- John P: 6th Place Ready Writing
- Janna P: 3rd Place Ready Writing, 6th Place Math
- Huy T: 2nd Place Ready Writing, Math Participant
- Vy T: 6th Place Math, Ready Writing Participant
- Colbie B: 1st Place Ready Writing, 2nd Place Maps, Graphs, Charts, 3rd Place Spelling
- Maddy L: 1st Place Maps, Graphs, Charts
- Max L: 1st Place Spelling, 2nd Place Ready Writing
- Mason L: 1st Place Ready Writing
- Mary L: 6th Place Spelling
- Sophia C: 5th Place Spelling
- Olivia C: 4th Place Spelling
- Mia B: 3rd Place Spelling
- Jack V: Math Participant
- Cecilia H.: 6th Place Ready Write
Faith Families
Mrs. Utendorf introduced the April Virtue of Justice and the three Saints we will focus on this month: St. Anthony of Padua, St. Katharine Drexel, and St. Thomas More. Our upcoming Accreditation process was also reviewed with the student body.
Following the assembly, students gathered with their faith families to listen to the book Brother Lorenzo's Pretzels. In this story, a humble monk finds a simple way to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to children. He bakes a pretzel that interweaves three parts into one whole. Students were treated to a bag of pretzels compliments of Mrs. Utendorf.
We finished our class by writing thank you letters to Father Mike and Father Jim
NJHS Inductions
Being a member of the National Honor Society shows that you are among the best students in your class, not just in terms of academics but also in terms of leadership, service, and character. It shows a commitment to community service projects and provides you the opportunity to network with like-minded peers.
On Tuesday, March 29th, SMGCS inducted nine new members to our NJHS Chapter, the Mother Teresa Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. Congratulations to new members!
Back row: Father Jim, Harvey R., Kaitlyn M., Homero L., Mia L.
Front Row: Huy T., Janna P., Anthony P., Ly N., Danh N.
Stations of the Cross 6th-grade Tableaus
Sixth grade prepared and presented a Stations of the Cross Tableaus Friday afternoon. A Tableaus is a representation of a scene – a “freeze-frame” of each of the Stations of the Cross.
Ft. Worth Zoo Run
Approximately 50 SMG students and families participated in the 23rd annual family friendly 5K and 1K Ft. Worth Zoo Fun Run! Contestants ran, walked or jogged their way through the Zoo and surrounding neighborhoods in support of the Zoo's local and international conservation and education efforts.
1st Grade Learning about Light Energy
2nd Grade Greek Mythology
6th-8th Science
Performing Arts
Mrs. Richard's students are busy rehearsing, making props and painting scenery in preparation for the many upcoming performances.
T-Rex Party - Teacher Outing
Mrs. Richards hosted a fabulous T-Rex party complete with delicious dino nuggets, dino bones (pretzels) and dino eggs (malted milk balls). Students played pin the tail on the dino, bean bag toss, did some impromptu dancing, had their pictures taken, bravely put their hand in a dino's mouth and listened to two hilarious books. Thanks for a fun afternoon! Click on the link for a video montage of the party. https://youtu.be/-YgczwJ1lHk
Art - 6th Grade Silhouettes
Art - 3rd Grade Dragon Eyes
Spanish Transportation
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 4-6: SMGCS Accreditation Visit
April 8, Friday: Stations of the Cross - 7th-grade hosts
April 12, Tuesday: Respect Life Posters and Essays Due
April 13, Wednesday: 2:30 The Little Donkey's Easter Journey
April 14, Thursday: 8th-grade hosting Living Stations, 12:10 Early Dismissal
April 15, Friday: No School - Good Friday
April 18 and 19: SMGCS in session
April 29, Friday: Teacher for the Day
May 1, Sunday: 11:00 Mass with Bishop Olson at NCHS, Spirit Games at NCHS
May 6, Friday: Field Day, 12:10 Early Dismissal
May 7, Saturday: PSIA State Meet at TCU
May 23, Monday: 8th grade ONLY dismissed at 12:10 and, 6:30 PM 8th-grade graduation Mass in the Church
May 26, Thursday: 1:30 Kindergarten Graduation
Meet Our Priests!
St. Maria Goretti Parish Website: https://www.smgparish.org/
Fr. Mike Ciski, T.O.R.
Fr. Jim Morman, 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.
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/