The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School March 31, 2019
Mission Statement
Principal's Message
Dear SMG Families and Friends,
It is hard to believe that tomorrow is April 1st already and we are half-way through the Lenten season! Last week was another action packed week at SMG. There were baseball and softball games after school, a Talent Show hosted by Mrs. Richards and our 3rd-8th Grade students, weekly Mass, Tableau Stations of the Cross, and a presentation on cybercrimes.
We welcomed FBI Special Agent Chris Thompson to campus last Thursday to talk with 7th & 8th Grade students and parents about cybercrimes and staying safe in cyberspace. Speical Agent Thompson met with 7th & 8th Grade students earlier in the afternoon and presented a "lighter" version of the presentation he gave to parents later that evening.
A couple of "take-aways" after being present at both presentations: 1.) Students don't believe that they could be the victim of any type of cybercrime. They think the exploitation of children via cyberspace is something that happens to others; they could never be a "victim"; 2.) Students don't understand that things they post on social media never goes away--it is always out there. During the discussion, most students argued that pictures and things they post on sites like SnapChat disappear instantly, never to be seen again. SA Thompson informed them that nothing they post in cyberspace is gone forever. He discussed apps and ways the FBI and other law enforcement agencies are able to retrieve information, which was very eye-opening to many of our students. He also discussed how high-schools, colleges, and employers look at the social media history/activity of individuals when they are considering them for admission or employment, and how the information students have posted can effect whether or not they get into a school or get that job; and 3.) Children are oftentimes allowed free-reign of their cellular devices and computers. Students are not permitted on their phones or personal cellular devices during the school day or in SMEED. Other than computers they may use in class, their cyberspace activity happens outside of school and must be monitored by you, their parents. That includes not only monitoring the sites your children are visiting on the internet, but monitoring usage and the time they are allowed to be on these devices. Where do your children leave their phones/devices at night? Are they allowed to have them in their rooms at night "charging"? We often hear how some students will receive texts or other communications from classmates at all hours of the night, like between 1:00-5:00AM!
If you haven't done so already, please talk with your children about internet safety and the importance of telling an adult if they ever find themselves being asked by a "friend" in cyberspace to say or do anything that is uncomfortable, immoral, or just doesn't seem right. As well, please find information below with resources parents can access to gain more information on cybercrimes and keeping children safe in cyberspace. We hope to continue to provide these types of presentations in the future for the continued education and safety of all our students and families.
On a different note, registration and enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year is off to a great start! The Early Bird registration process was very successful and we have had several potential new students in the building shadowing over the last several weeks, and continue to have many inquiries. If you know any family who may be considering Catholic education for their children, please encourage them to call or visit the school. We would love to share with them all of the exciting things we have to offer their students at SMG!
Enjoy your Sunday!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
Regular 2019-2020 Registration is Open
https://smgschool.org/documents/2019/2/SMG%202019-2020%20Registration%20%20Tuition.pdf
Open House: PreK and Kindergarten April 11th 4:00-5:30PM
APRIL VIRTUE: JUSTICE
Justice is the virtue of the month for April. 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.
There are many saints who exemplified the virtue of justice. Three who we are going to be learning about this month are:
· 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.
· Saint 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.”
For more information on the Virtues in Practice Program, visit:
https://www.nashvilledominican.org/apostolate/evangelization-and-catechesis/virtues-in-practice/
National Junior Honor Society Induction - Ryan Boyea
Ryan Boyea was welcomed into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) during a ceremony following Mass on Wednesday. He was absent last week when fellow SMG students were inducted into the Mother Teresa Chapter of the NJHS. Congratulations to our newest NJHS member!
Rice Bowls
The iconic CRS Rice Bowl is a staple on the table of Catholic families across the country during Lent. This simple cardboard box is a tool for collecting Lenten alms—and comes with a Lenten calendar that guides families through the 40 days of Lent with activities, reflections and stories.
Journey through Lent as a family using the daily Lenten Calendar and the CRS Rice Bowl App. Put your Lenten sacrifices into your CRS Rice Bowl.
All rice bowl money needs to be turned in on Monday, April 15th. We are asking parents to write a check for the amount in the bowl rather then sending in coins. Thanks for your participation and help.
You may visit www.crsricebowl.org/schools for additional information and stories of hope.
Kindergarten Field Trip: Dr. Moody Alexander
SMG Kindergarten students took a field trip to Dr. Moody Alexander's (Dr. Moody) orthodontist office. Dr. Moody and his staff stayed after hours to give SMG a personal tour of their office. Students visited four stations:
- A personalized talk with Dr. Moody about the importance of dental hygiene
- A demonstration of a special wand which scans teeth into a 3D computer
- A walk through the Rainbow/Exam room and the Xray room
- Students each made a thumb impression using the special material used for making teeth impressions
Each student left with a goodie bag which included dental products such as a toothbrush and floss, in addition to a t-shirt. A special thank you to Dr. Moody and his staff for an educational and extra fun day!
Cyber Crimes Talk
Last Thursday, FBI Special Agent, Chris Thompson, presented Keeping Children Safe in Cyberspace to our 7th and 8th grade students during the school day, as well as an evening presentation for adults. Special Agent Thompson is an expert in the area of cyber crimes and the information he shared is vital to keeping our children safe in cyberspace.
Talent Show
Our 8th grade students chose a radio show theme for this year's talent show based on their high school graduation year: KSMG 202.3. They worked behind the scenes to help produce, coordinate and run the show. Participation in the talent show allows students to build their confidence while discovering and showcasing their gifts. We wish to thank our fabulous music teacher, Mrs. Rachel Richards, for many hours spent auditioning students, running rehearsals and encouraging SMG students to share their talents.
3rd Grade Class Outing: Movie Night
Third grade students settled in with their warm blankets to enjoy The Jungle Book: Mowgli's Story for their class outing. Pizza, popcorn, and juice was served.
Teacher Outings Still Available!!
There are several Teacher Outings still available! If you are interested in purchasing an outing for your student, please contact Mrs. Malloy in the school office smalloy@smgschool.org.
In addition to the class outings, please see information on the Trojans Cheer Camp below.
Tiny Trojans Cheer Camp
Ms. Meurer and Mrs. Paladini are sponsoring a cheer clinic for grades 1-4 on Saturday, April 27th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Students will be learning a dance and a cheer taught by the SMG cheerleaders. They will perform the routines during the spring pep rally! Included in the day are a t-shirt, a snack, and a great time!
The cost is $25 and there are 5 spots still available for purchase.
Alumni News
All SMG Alumni, we want to hear from you and share any news you have with the rest of the Trojan Community! Please send us your address, phone number, and email address so that we may keep in touch. As well, if you have news and information that you would like to share with the SMG Community, we would like that as well! Please send your information to Abbey Lewis at alewis@smgschool.org.
Once a Trojan--Always a Trojan!
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.
St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church
Fr. Mike Ciski, T.O.R.
Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth
Calendar Notes
Monday, April1st: 3:30-4:30 Good Works Club
Thursday, April 4th: 12:00-12:45 NCHS Basketball Teams visit 7th and 8th grade during lunch
Friday, April 5th: 8:15-9:00 NCHS German Program for 7th & 8th grades
- 9:30 Pounder Project Presentations PK4 and K
- 2:30 Stations of the Cross - 3rd grade hosts
Saturday, April 6th: Forth Worth Zoo Run
Monday, April 8th: 7th Grade Austin Trip
Tuesday, April 9th: Kindergarten and 8th grade graduation pictures
Wednesday, April 10th: 8th Grade Vocation Day & Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral
- Class Picture Day
- 3:30-4:00 Running Club (weather permitting)
- 3:30-5:00 Library Class Outing
- 4:00-5:30 Pre-K & Kindergarten Open House
- 5:00-9:00 Spring Creek BBQ Dine Out Night