The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School November 22, 2020
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! As we close for the Thanksgiving break, I know many families are looking forward to celebrating! We appreciate your continued support and the precautions you are taking to keep safe and healthy.
While most of you have indicated that your students will return to campus on Monday, November 30th, some will be traveling or having visitors who are outside of their normal “social bubble” and have elected to distance learn for one week following the break. In an effort to prepare all students for distance learning following the Christmas break, directions for how to access the distance learning platforms (i.e. Seesaw or Google Classroom) that includes a timeline of dates to remember, netiquette reminders, and your students’ personal username and passwords was sent home in Friday Folders last Friday. Students in grades 2 – 8 who will be distance learning after Thanksgiving should follow their current class schedule. PK -1stGrade students who will be distance learning after Thanksgiving should follow the schedule provided by the teacher.
If your plans for your students returning to on-campus learning following Thanksgiving change due to possible exposure or illness, please notify us by emailing me (lbehee@smgschool.org) and Nurse Arseneau (barseneau@smgschool.org) as soon as possible, so that we can notify teachers to expect to see those students in the virtual classroom.
Though the ways in which we celebrate Thanksgiving this year may be different, there are still ways to celebrate safely. Please check out information here from the Tarrant County Department of Health for some fun, creative ideas on celebrating the holiday.
Remember these key actions that we know helps to prevent the transmission of COVID-19:
- Stay home if you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19.
- Keep physical distance from others.
- Wash your hands often.
Wear a face covering.
Please keep in mind, the goal is to keep our students safe, healthy, and in school. We appreciate your support and vigilance in following all safety protocols and guidelines as you celebrate Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas season. We have so many exciting things happening at SMGCS in December (the annual Christmas Store, Christmas and Caroling Around the World, etc.). Please be sure to check out all of the details, including volunteer opportunities for these events, below in this newsletter.
Have a great week ahead and a very Happy Thanksgiving!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
**There will be no Trojan Times newsletter next Sunday, November 29, 2020.
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.
- Christmas & Caroling Around the World: Volunteers are needed to help set up for Christmas Around the World. Set up will be Saturday, December 5th and possibly Sunday, December 6th as well. Please see the SignUpGenius at the following link to sign-up! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0448ADA622A5FE3-setup
I Give Catholic - December 1st
Junior League of Arlington Festival of Trees: Vote for SMGCS!
SMG Open House Tour - December 3rd
We would like to invite you to visit us on Thursday, December 3rd. Schedule a tour to explore our campus from 8:30 am - 2:30 pm. Visit our link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0448ADA622A5FE3-smgholiday
SMGCS Christmas Store
Art and Literary Magazine: Out of the Box
SMG provides students with multiple avenues for artistic expression. One of the newest outlets is our Art and Literary Magazine: Out of the Box! This will be an annual publication showcasing superior works of art, photography, and writing submitted by students of all ages as well as our faculty and staff.
Our first submission deadline is January 25, 2020. Please check Friday Folders or click here for more information. Additionally, Out of the Box is looking for six to eight, 7th and 8th grade student editors. We will meet Wednesdays over a working lunch from 12:08 -12:48 p.m. Please check Friday Folders or click here for more information.
Please contact Mrs. Jamison (ajamison@smgschool.org) or Mrs. Richards (rrichards@smgschool.org) for more information.
SMG School Club Opportunities
SMG Clubs - Mark Your Calendars!
Monday
· 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-5th PSIA Ready Writing (Cruz) Begins Nov. 2
- Nov. 2, 16, 30, Dec. 14, Jan 11, 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) Begins 10/26
- Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7, Jan 11, 25, Feb 1, 8
· 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA On-Site Drawing (Jamison) Begins Nov. 9 (Please note change from Wednesday to Monday)
Tuesday
-Rubik’s Cube Club (Utendorf)
- 12:09-12:39PM in Library: 6th-8th
- 12:29-12:49PM in Library: 4th–5th
- Google Meets Available for Distance Learners
- 6:00-7:00PM SMG Cafetorium, Begins 10/20
Wednesday
· 3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Garden Club (Pick) Begins Oct. 21
· 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Ready Writing (Juergens) Begins Oct. 28
- Nov. 11 and Nov. 18 CANCELLED
· 3:30-4:15PM 4th-5th PSIA Math (Schump) Begins 10-28
· 3:30-4:15PM Running Club (weather permitting) (Gutierrez/Salomao)
- Nov. 4, 18, Dec. 2, 16, Feb. 3, 17, Mar. 10, 24, April 14, 28, May 12
· 3:30-5:00PM Cheer Club (Paladini)
Thursday
· 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-8th Cecilian Singers Club (Richards)
· 3:30-4:15PM 2nd-8th PSIA Spelling (Vasquez)
- bi weekly: Oct 22, Nov. 5, 19, Dec. 3, 17
· 3:30-4:15PM 2nd PSIA Math (Gutierrez)
- Oct. 29, Nov. 12, Dec. 3, Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11 alternating Thursdays Begins Oct. 29
· 3:30-4:15PM 3rd PSIA Math (Gutierrez)
- Nov. 5, 19, Dec. 10, Jan 21, Feb. 4, 11 alternating Thursdays Begins Nov. 5
· 3:30-4:15PM 4th-8th Chess Club (Nguyen) Begins Nov. 5
· 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Math (Utendorf) Begins Oct. 29
- Oct. 29, Nov. 12, 19, Dec. 3, 10, Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11
Ballet Folklorico Meets Tuesday Evenings
Mrs. Zavala sponsors the Ballet Folklorico Club which meets each Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the SMG cafetorium. It is open to students in second through eighth grade. Folklórico refers to many traditional dances from Mexico's different regions and states, rather than one single style. Folklórico is most famous for its promotion of regional dance and incorporation of traditional Mexican dress and Mexican folk music into its routines. The women wear a ranchero designed dress with unmistakable Indian influenced bright colored ribbons. Contact Mrs. Zavala (mzavala@smgschool.org) to join Ballet Folklorico and learn the many regional folk dances of Mexico.
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:
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
Upcoming NCHS events:
- Monday Morning Coffee with President Rios. Please see flyer below with upcoming dates for this virtual event! https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/11/Monday%20Morning%20Coffee.pdf
Last Week at SMG.....
Thanksgiving Food Drive
The SMGCS Thanksgiving Food Drive touched the hearts of many needy families. Thanks to Student Council and National Junior Honor Society for sponsoring the drive and thanks to our generous SMGCS community for your generosity.
The Stephen Breen Foundation's Giving Wings Virtual Gala!
The Stephen Breen Memorial Foundation’s Giving Wings virtual dinner took place Tuesday, November 17th. The Breen Foundation has helped many families in our school community over the years with financial assistance, making a Catholic education possible. Thanks to all who attended!
Vision Check
There's a lot going on behind the scenes at SMGCS. Nurse Beth Arseneau was busy last week conducting vision tests. Vision impairments in children are common. Identifying children with possible visual defects at the earliest possible stage is critical in allowing time to refer for diagnosis and treatment. Thanks, Nurse Beth, for taking such good care of our students!
PSIA Ready Writing
Mrs. Cruz is working with 3rd through 5th grade students as they prepare to compete in the PSIA Ready Writing competition.
Garden Club
Garden Club members are learning the Latin and common names for plants while planting them in a variety of ways. Some are planted in soil, while others, like the avocado seed are being rooted by suspending them over a glass of water with toothpicks. The process of growing plants in a liquid is called hydroponics.
All Saints Day: Saints Museum
Our 7th and 8th grade students spent much of October learning about their chosen saint. Through researching the saint's life, creating a tri-fold tribute and a gilded icon, writing a hymn or litany in honor of that saint, and performing a costumed narrative as the saint, students have grown closer to their saint and the Church Triumphant. Following are this week's recordings created by our SMG students.
St. Luigi (Nicholas Orozco)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ifb7P9sfqsFHAd5JW6sB4KyoKC8l5Q30/view?usp=sharing
St. James the Greater (Aric Adcock)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EmP31cheOEB4LvOlrEAWzFfOJjphDv4q/view?usp=sharing
St. Clare of Assisi (Isa Medrano)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PyZcDBjitWgQvn6qCyhFpzdCk6aTCB2_/view?usp=sharing
St. Sebastian (Donald Ferguson)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u2if3Rq3U9vLpPxdYwKKc19hTHj_cnTt/view?usp=sharing
St. Brigid of Ireland (Colleen Malloy)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o1EAP4I-VHxLvsihe-P3Fd-fq9rWel1c/view?usp=sharing
St. Elizabeth of Hungary (Amanda Salcedo)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IiCs-F4N_w1TI9q6JZAdREiWPfMLW9qd/view?usp=sharing
St. Paul (Adam Ali)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16nzKT6IgUZGu6Ro3aaL8X4CxcA56yMbo/view?usp=sharing
St. Agnes (Leah Crain)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bKvvoj1haJzt1vjQnnAzFj7z5yxcNwlb/view?usp=sharing
St. Michael the Archangel (Jaden Barraza)
St. Nicholas (Jamison Utendorf)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CWAKfNBC4Q4YT9VOeJLgj-5pOyKW_Htb/view?usp=sharing
St. Kateri Tekakwitha (Ilia Lara)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZJmOvvEPvCVNlh3pNT-DJigMEUcbDjyI/view?usp=sharing
St. Joseph (Raiford Proctor)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S_C7tICKSbgzznEHqscpeaghmlyKo4sn/view?usp=sharing
St. Cecelia (Sarah Breclaw)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19pJ9wRnsSiCLUl3zNZkyBN-EbWOaSQFN/view?usp=sharing
Run Club Enjoys a Beautiful Day
Pre K: Fine Motor Skills
Mrs. Hill introduced two fun new activities for practicing fine motor skills. Students built a robot from cans and magnets, then they used a mallet to hammer pegs into a plastic noodle.
Kindergarten: Happy Turkey Day From KB
First Grade: Mrs. Girton's and Mrs. Sy's Little Turkeys
First Grade Patterns
First Grade Distance Learners: Turkey Disguises
Mrs. Girton had her students disguise their turkeys to avoid being chosen for Thanksgiving dinner. Andres disguised his turkey as a fish and Nico's is a pirate.
Second Grade Turkeys
Each class read “Turkey Trouble” and the students disguised their turkey as Pigeon, a character by author Mo Willems. We did a persuasive writing piece to convince people to eat more hotdogs for Thanksgiving which is one of Pigeon’s favorite foods.
Second Grade Reading & Writing
After reading Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls, second grade students wrote about their favorite section in the book and illustrated their composition.
Third Grade: Global Trade
Students were given a continent and a good/service. The red yarn displays the transitions between goods and services.
Third Grade: Budgeting Our Money
Mrs. Cruz's class learned about budgets in social studies class. Students were given play money and had to create a budget, then buy items at their pretend store.
Fifth Grade: Good Weather and Good Books, the Perfect Combination
Mrs. Richards took her library class outside last week. We are thankful for good weather and good books!
Seventh Grade Turkey Hands
Music: I Am Thankful For...
Calendar Notes
- Monday, 11/23-Friday, 11/27: Thanksgiving Holiday - No School
- Monday, 11/30: 3:30-4:30PM, Drama Club; 3:30-4:15PM, PSIA Maps, Graphs and Charts, PSIA On-Site Drawing, 3rd-5th PSIA Ready Writing
- Tuesday, 12/1: I Give Catholic; Rubik's Club during lunch; 6:00-7:00PM Ballet Folklorico
- Wednesday, 12/2: 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Ready Writing, 4th-5th PSIA Math; 3:30-4:30PM Garden Club
- Thursday, 12/3: 8:30AM-2:30PM SMG Open House Tour; Vote for the SMGCS Tree and help win $5,000 Grant; 3:30-4:15PM, Cecilian Singers Club, 2nd PSIA Math, 6th-8th PSIA Math, 2nd-8th PSIA Spelling, Chess Club
- Tuesday, 12/8: 9:30AM Mass (The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Holy Day of Obligation)
- Wednesday, 12/9: 9:30AM Mass; SMGCS Christmas Store (see schedule)
- Thursday, 12/10: SMGCS Christmas Store (see schedule); 2:20PM Pep Rally
- Thursday, 12/17: 1:30PM SMGCS Spelling Bee (Live streamed to classrooms via SMGCS School Google Classroom)
- Friday, 12/18: 2nd Quarter Ends; 12:10PM Dismissal, No Lunch Service, No SMEED
- Dec. 21-Jan. 4: Christmas Break - No School
- Tuesday, 1/5: Classes resume Online-All Students Distance Learning through Friday, January 15, 2021
- Monday, 1/18: MLK, Jr. Day Holiday-No School
- Tuesday, 1/19: Students, Faculty, and Staff return to campus; On-campus learning resumes
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/