The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School February 7, 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,
Happy Sunday!
We had a fantastic, albeit busy, week as we celebrated Catholic Schools Week at SMGCS last week! From the Open House & Spaghetti Dinner last Sunday to celebrating our wonderful students on Friday during Student Appreciation Day, it was an action-packed week that truly celebrated all that Catholic schools, and in particular SMGCS, have to offer students and families. Be sure to check out all the hi-lights of the week's events in this newsletter. Thank you, parents, for choosing Catholic education and SMGCS for your students' education!
Today begins the final week of Early Bird Registration & Enrollment for the 2021-2022 School Year. Please see the information further down in this newsletter with links for details including tuition information and instructions on how to apply. Tuition assistance is available and we encourage families to apply by March 1st to be considered in the first round of tuition assistance awarded, which will be announced to those who apply (for tuition assistance) by March 12th.
As well, 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!
Last week, 3rd - 8th grade students began taking the middle-of-the-year ACT Aspire Interim Assessments. Once the assessments are complete mid to late February, we will be sharing the results with parents. Again, we are using the ACT Aspire Interim Assessments as a progress monitoring tool and plan to administer the ACT Aspire Summative Assessments in late April-May.
Tomorrow is the last day to purchase Valentine Candy Grams, which will be delivered to your favorite Valentines this Friday, February 12th! We appreciate your support of this annual Student Council fundraiser! Please see the information below in this newsletter.
Also, please check out the SMGCS Spirit Store, which is open through this Friday, February 12th! There are several new items giving you many ways to show your Trojan pride!
I pray you all enjoy your evening and the week ahead!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
SMGCS - True, Good, Beautiful
2021-2022 Early Bird Registration & Enrollment NOW OPEN!
Early Bird Registration & Enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year opened last Thursday, January 21st! Information, including tuition rates was emailed to all current school families last Friday 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
Do not let rising tuition costs discourage you from the promise of a Catholic education at SMGCS for your student(s). 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. 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.
Feb. 8th: Last Day to Order Valentine Candy Grams
Order Your Valentine's Day Candy Grams!
The Student Council will run a fundraiser for Valentine’s Day. The Student Council will be selling “Valentine” grams for $1 each. The grams are brightly colored greetings that will be delivered to students on Friday, February 12. The gram will include a heart lollipop. If you would like to purchase a gram for your student, please return the form found in the link below with the necessary information and payment. The deadline for sending in orders is Monday, February 8th.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/1/Valentine%20Gram%20Tags.pdf
Thanks so much for your purchases and for supporting Student Council!
SMGCS Spirit Store is Now OPEN!!
The SMGCS Spirit Store is open now through February 12th! Please click on the link below to check out the new additions to our Spirit Wear line up!
SMGCS Soccer Club: Kindergarten - 4th Grade Students
SMGCS is excited to announce the formation of the SMGCS Soccer Club for interested students in Kindergarten - 4th Grade. The SMGCS Soccer Club will be a 7 week season to include 5 weeks of games with practice every week. Players will be divided into divisions based on skill level and age:
● 8 & Under (8U)
● 10 & Under (10U)
Each division will practice together. Teams within a division will vary each week; players will play on different teams in their division. This will allow players the chance to work with different teammates, allowing players to grow and shine in different areas on the field. The two teams from each division will play each other in weekly games. Teams will practice one day a week and play one game a week beginning the week of January 19th. Games will be played during the club times.
Parent Help Needed!
We need help coaching teams during the club season. Please don’t view this club as a babysitting club; we truly need your help to make this successful! The club leaders, The Bradley’s, will organize practices and club activities, we will need help when it comes to managing and coaching teams for games and assisting with stations/drills during practice. You do not need to be well-versed in soccer or have played before. We just need responsible, encouraging adults to help out! Adult volunteers will have the opportunity to earn spirit hours for their time. All volunteers must wear mask and be Virtus current.
We are looking for help for the following positions:
● 8U
○ 2 Head Coaches
○ 2-4 Assistant Coaches
● 10U
○ 2 Head Coaches
○ 2-4 Assistant Coaches
For more information and to register, click on the following link: https://smgschool.org/documents/2021/1/SMG%20Soccer%20Winter%2020-21.pdf. Please contact Olivia Bradley at 254-289-9696 or Olivia.a.bradley@gmail.com if you are interested in helping. Thank you!!
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.
How Are We Doing? Survey
Your opinion matters! Please take a minute to complete the brief survey by clicking on the link below. Thank you for your input!
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.
SMG School Club Opportunities
SMG Clubs - Mark Your Calendars!
Monday
- 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-5th PSIA Ready Writing (Cruz) - Jan. 25, Feb. 8, 22, March 8, 22, alternating Mondays
- 3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Drama Club (Richards)
- 3:30-4:15PM 4th-8th PSIA Maps, Graphs and Charts (Daly) - Jan. 25, Feb 1, 8
- 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA On-Site Drawing (Jamison)
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
- 3:35-5:00PM SMG Soccer Club - Tues. & Thurs., Practice begins January 19th, Games begin Feb. 2nd
Wednesday
- 12:08-12:48PM Out of the Box Art and Literary Magazine working lunch Begins Jan. 27
- 3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Garden Club (Pick)
- 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Ready Writing (Juergens)
- 3:30-4:15PM 4th-5th PSIA Math (Schump)
- 3:30-4:15PM Running Club (weather permitting) (Gutierrez/Salomao)-Feb. 3, 17, Mar. 10, 24, April 14, 28, May 12
- 3:30-5:00PM Cheer Club (Paladini)
- 6:00-7:00PM Ballet Folklorico (Zavala) SMG Cafetorium (No class Feb. 4)
- NOTE NEW DAY - Changed from Tuesday to Wednesday
Thursday
- 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-8th Cecilian Singers Club (Richards)
- 3:30-4:15PM 2nd-8th PSIA Spelling (Vasquez) - bi weekly Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 25
- 3:30-4:15PM 2nd PSIA Math (Gutierrez) - Jan. 28, Feb. 11, 18, 25
- 3:30-4:15PM 3rd PSIA Math (Gutierrez) - Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
- 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Math (Utendorf) - Jan. 28, Feb. 11
- 3:35-5:00PM SMG Soccer Club - Tues. & Thurs., Practice begins January 19th, Games begin Feb. 2nd
SMGCS Coding Club!
We are excited to announce the formation of the SMGCS Coding Club open to 4th - 8th Grade students and moderated by Mr. Nguyen! Please see the flyer below for details and click on the interest form link to register. Space is limited.
Interest Form:
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.
“Music in Our Schools” Recital
March is “Music in Our Schools Month,” and we want to celebrate our many talented musicians here at SMG by creating and sharing our first ever video recital.
Students are encouraged to record themselves playing a song on an instrument. Video entries can be uploaded to the following One Drive Folder: https://smgarl-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/rrichards_smgschool_org/Ev4yJeSaLPBInhlgKKaid-QBfU14Zrr58WqrxMS5-ASaTA?e=J6aK2E
The deadline for submissions is February 25, 2021. Please state your name and the name of your song selection at the beginning of your video. This recital is for instrumental performances only. No vocal selections will be accepted, unless you are singing while playing. Students who would like to record using the music classroom piano are welcome to schedule a time. Please contact 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:
Garden Club: 3rd - 8th Grade
The SMGCS Gardening Club meets on Wednesdays after school. All 3rd - 8th Grade students are welcome to participate, but space is limited. Please complete and return the permission slip (link below) to register, and contact Mrs. Pick (apick@smgschool.org) for with questions or for more information.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/10/SMG%20Gardening%20Club%20Acknowledgement.pdf
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
NEW: Lunch Orders Must be Placed Sunday for the Entire Week
Lunch orders must be placed for the entire week (Monday through Friday) by Sunday at 3:00pm. We cannot accept orders placed after the Sunday deadline.
We will continue to text families on Friday morning each week, which will allow parents/students to place lunch orders for the upcoming week. The link is also available on the school website and will continue in the weekly Trojan Times. The form has a link with the menu attached as well.
Click below for the order form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJXmPHBLQcBRWpNJn3rBQMreDYRLihNgdhoFr0iYx6jcId3w/viewform
Healthy Together App
By now, most have downloaded the free Healthy Together app (found in the App Store). Please continue to complete the app before arriving in carline and be ready to show the completed screening to a faculty/staff member on duty in carline each morning. Multiple students can conveniently be added to one app. Please call the front office if you have any questions about how to install the app.
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
2020-2021 Enrollment & Registration
Registration & Enrollment for the 2020-2021 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. Behee (lbehee@smgschool) or our Registrar, Mrs. de la Pena (jdelapena@smgschool.org) with any questions or concerns.
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
Monday Morning Coffee with Mrs. Rios, President of Nolan Catholic High School
Please join Mrs. Rios, President of Nolan Catholic High School for Monday Morning Coffee on February 8th at 8:30 a.m. Mrs. Rios will be available along with some Nolan families to answer questions and talk about transitioning to high school.
Last Week at SMGCS.....
Catholic Schools Week 2021
Monday: Celebrating our Community - Focus on Goodness
Monday we met (virtually via Google Meets) for our February Faith Families assembly! Our focus this month is the virtue of Prudence.
Students continued the lesson and discussion in their homeroom Faith Family groups, where teachers reviewed the virtue of prudence and presented the Faith Families service project that included a special collection for the Sisters of St. Mary Namur, who opened St. Maria Goretti Catholic School almost 66 years ago! Students created spiritual bouquets and wrote “Happy Notes” for the sisters, which we will deliver to the convent along with the generous grocery store gift cards donated by several of our school families. Faith Families concluded by praying the Faith Families prayer together.
Also this morning as we began Catholic Schools Week, Fr. Jim visited each classroom offering a special blessing - an ancient custom using blessed chalk on the classroom doors and building entrances to write 20 + C + M + B + 21 - asking the Magi: Casper, Melchior, and Balthazar for their intercession throughout the year, 2021. C + M + B is also Latin for the phrase "Christus mansionem benedicat," or, "Christ, bless this house."
Tuesday: Celebrating the Nation - Focus on Piety
We came together Tuesday afternoon as a school community to Pray the Rosary for our Nation, specifically praying for each state and all of our nation's leaders. Each student "had a hand" in making the flag backdrop, and our Ceciian Singers led us in singing God Bless America.
Wednesday: Celebrating Vocations - Focus on Gifts
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, our theme for today was "Celebrating Vocations," with a Focus on Gifts. A vocation is a special calling from God. Faculty and Staff in our Catholic school have all answered the call to this special vocation, and today we especially honored them and all that they do for the SMGCS community!
During Household Mass student representatives displayed the Household Banners for each class. Father Mike and Father Jim were presented with a special box full of messages from SMG students and staff. The quilts that Kindergarten made and are donating to Baby's World were blessed. Teachers were gifted with a delicious lunch and a duty free period in which to enjoy it. SMG students compiled an adorable video with sweet messages for teachers and staff.
Thursday: Celebrating Families - Focus on the First School of Love
SMG cheerleaders and students greeted parents in car line with prayer cards and carnations to thank them for choosing SMG for their child's Catholic education.
Volunteers, We Appreciate YOU!
Though we were not able to host our annual Volunteer Appreciation Day Breakfast this year, our students and Mrs. Richards put together this sweet video that we hope all of our many volunteers will enjoy! Our many wonderful volunteers who give selflessly and generously of their time and talent make SMGCS a FAMILY!
La Isla Spirit Night
Thanks to all our current SMG families and alumni who partook in SMG Spirit Night at La Isla. We love the convenient new location on Park Row, just off Bowen.
- Top Left: Christian, Callan, Alumni, Ethan
- Top Right: Coffey Family and Clark Family
- Bottom: From left to right: Harrison - Class of 2014, Lilly - Class 2017, Abby - Class of 2011, Mrs. Pfaff - Class of1986, Daniela - Class of 2011, Marcus - Class of 2016, Andy - Class of 2019
Friday: Celebrating Our Students - Focus on Truth
In celebration of our students, they were allowed to wear jeans and tennis shoes Friday. Prize drawings were held each hour of the morning followed by an afternoon assembly with a special video prepared by teachers and staff (see link below). Students were surprised by a flash mob performance and a free snow cone to end the day with a sweet treat!
Area 15 Spelling Bee
On Thursday, February 4, 2021, eighth Grader Bao T. competed in the Area 15 SCRIPPS spelling bee. This was the first time in SCRIPPS history that the bee was virtual! Twenty-three students competed in the virtual spelling bee. We are proud of all the extra time and studying Bao put into preparing for the Spelling Bee. Great work Bao!
PreK Religion
PreK Science Lesson - Ice and Snow
Students made snow for their sensory boxes. Then they conducted an experiment to predicts if salt or sugar would melt the ice the fastest. After making ice snowmen, they measured them to determine how much they melted during the day.
Kindergarten - Addition Practice Filling Fish Bowls
2nd Grade Enjoys Hopscotch after Mass
4th Grade Invention Convention
The Invention Convention program is designed to activate a project-based learning curriculum through school, state and national showcase events. Students learn:
- To think critically by identifying problems in their world.
- The impact of inventions in their lives.
- To apply STEM, invention and entrepreneurial skills building real-world solutions.
Fourth grade students created an invention or innovation, documented their process, and shared the results on a display board. We have some budding entrepreneurs!
4th Grade - What the World Needs Now is Love
Saint Maria Goretti fourth grade students chose a country to pray for and displayed their intentions on the hallway bulletin board.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16 – Pray For Others
4th/5th Grade Persuasive Writing
Students practiced their persuasive writing skills by creating advertisements encouraging families to enroll at SMG Catholic School. Our Development Coordinator, Mrs. Perez, may want to consider hiring a few of these students to assist her with recruitment!
4th Grade Science
Mrs. Schump's class studied electrical energy (a form of energy resulting from the flow of electric charge) and built parallel circuits.
7th Grade Math
Art - Icons Created by 7th and 8th Grade Students
Art - Geodes by 2nd Grade
Art - Mary Sketches by 6th Grade
Run Club
Beautiful weather for Run Club this week! Mrs. Salomao and Mrs. Gutierrez are impressed with the goals the students set for themselves!
Soccer Club's First Game of the Season!
The SMGCS Club Soccer teams (K - 4th grade) paraticipated in their first games of the season last Thursday!
Calendar Notes
- 1/21- 2/14: Early Bird Registration & Enrollment for the 2021-2022 School Year
- Monday, 1/25-Monday, 2/8: Order Valentines Candy Grams
- Friday, 2/12: Students who attended live Mass January 30/31 weekend, wore a uniform and submitted a photo may wear Jeans with Spirit wear tops, and tennis shoes; Valentine Candy Grams Delivered
- Tuesday, 2/16: Mardi Gras; Pancake Races;
- Wednesday, 2/17: Ash Wednesday; Lent begins
- Friday, 2/19: 12:15PM Early Dismissal; No Lunch Service; SMEED will be available
- 3/14 - 3/20: Spring Break; No School
- Saturday, 4/10: Annual Dinner Dance & Auction Virtual Event-more information coming soon!
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/
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/