The Trojan Times
Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School May 17, 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.
Principal's Message
Dear St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Families,
It's the final count down! It is hard to believe that this week we begin the final two weeks of the school year!
This week, we look forward to celebrating our 8th Grade Graduates! We will host a Zoom 8th Grade Final Walk Out on Thursday at 12:30PM. Thank you to Mrs. Paladini for coming up with this idea and organizing the event. The Graduation Mass and Ceremony will take place that evening beginning at 5:30PM. Unfortunately, due to capacity limitations at this time, only the student graduate and two parents/guests will be permitted to attend. Please see below for more information. Invitations and tickets were mailed to families of 8th Grade students last week. The Graduation Mass & Ceremony will be live streamed on Face Book so all can "attend".
https://www.facebook.com/stmaria.goretti.796
The final Materials Pick-Up & Return of the school year will take place this Wednesday, May 20th. Please see the SignUpGenius below. In an effort to continue to limit the number of faculty & staff on campus and in the building, this will be the only and final materials pick-up & return we will hold. Nurse Rycroft will also be returning medications and parents should be sure to return all library books and textbooks at this time. Textbooks and devices utilized by 8th Grade students MUST be returned prior to graduation unless alternate arrangements have been made. We will make arrangements for some time after Memorial Day for the return of any laptop or device that any PreK - 7th Grade student may have borrowed, allowing those students the ability participate in the virtual activities and events we have planned for the last week of school.
Finally, please continue to keep praying for all who are suffering with COVID-19, especially friends and relatives of members of the SMG community.
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
Materials Pick-Up/Drop-Off - Wednesday, May 20th
10AM-2PM
- NO CHILDREN on campus
- Parents schedule a pickup time via Signup Genius
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D45A8AC2FABFD0-materials
- Drive-Up/Pick-up
- Pick up locker/classroom contents
- Pick up medication
- Drop off library books, textbooks, sports uniforms, etc.
- Parents pop trunk or open car door. Teachers place materials/bag in vehicle.
- Mrs. Behee will be emailing details/procedures for the Materials Pick-Up/Drop-Off to all parents tomorrow (Monday).
8th Grade Graduation and Ceremony - Thursday, May 21st
The 8th Grade Graduation Mass and Ceremony will be live streamed on Facebook on Thursday, May 21st, beginning at 5:30PM.
https://www.facebook.com/stmaria.goretti.796
Graduation invitations and tickets were mailed to all parents of 8th Grade students last week. Each family was given one ticket for the graduate and two parent/guest tickets. There were a small number of additional tickets available on a first come, first serve basis, all of which have been assigned. Those who have requested extra tickets since last Thursday will be notified if extra tickets become available. We are hopeful that we will be able to increase the current capacity limit pending Governor Abbott's announcement on Monday and Bishop Olson's approval. If that happens, we may be able to allow more family members to attend. Please DO NOT bring additional guests/family members to the Graduation Mass & Ceremony unless you have been notified that an extra ticket(s) has been reserved for you. We will only allow those on the list into the church who have obtained an extra ticket to attend. Please understand that our preference would of course be that anyone who wants to attend be allowed to do so. However, the situation is beyond our control so please be respectful of the guidelines and protocols to which we must adhere. Thank you for your understanding.
We have hired a professional photographer to photograph the Graduation Mass & Ceremony. As well, the photographer will be taking individual graduation portraits in the cafetorium after the graduation ceremony. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. Please remember that all in attendance MUST bring (and wear) their own mask.
Kindergarten Promotion - May 26th
This year's SMG Kindergarten Promotion will be celebrated via a Zoom Watch Party on Tuesday, May 26th, at 11:00 AM. An email invitation with instructions for joining the party has been sent to all Kindergarten parents and fifth grade big buddies. Contact Mrs. Bara with any questions at cbara@smgschool.org.
1st - 7th Grade Awards - May 27th
Noon Dismissal
Last Day of 2019-2020 SMG School Year - Thursday, May 28th
Yearbook Sales Deadline EXTENDED to May 29th!!
Celebrating Our 8th Grade Graduates!
Virtual Instruction Class Schedules
Virtual Instruction Schedules for 2nd-8th Grade students can be found following the links below, as well as on the school website (smgschoool.org).
The schedules allow teachers to meet virtually with students via Zoom or Google Meets to deliver instruction in each of their core classes and Spanish class at regularly scheduled times, once a week on either Monday or Tuesday. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, teachers will continue to offer tutorials, conference with students, hold discussions, and will be available to students (and parents) through Google Classroom or email. Fridays will continue to be a "catch-up"/independent learning day. Specials classes for PreK -8 have also been scheduled.
Please see Mrs. Behee's letter explaining the schudules in more detail, expectations for participating in the virtual classes, the actual Virtual Instruction Class Schedules, as well as a Zoom Guide for Students document, outlining student behavior expectations while in a virtual classroom or Zoom meeting.
Mrs. Behee's Letter: https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/4/Letter%20to%20Parents%20RE-Virtual%20Schedules.pdf
Virtual Instruction Class Schedules:
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/4/Virtual%20Instruction%20Class%20Schedule%20Final.pdf
Zoom Guide for Students:
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/4/Zoom%20Guidelines%20for%20Students.pdf
Please be sure to thoroughly read the documents, being sure that you and your students understand the guidelines.
First Holy Communion Rescheduled!
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 11:00AM for SMG 2nd Grade students. Second Grade teacher, Ms. Meurer, will communicate more information and details to parents in the coming weeks.
First Communion Portraits
Abby Pfaff Photography is offering special pricing exclusively for 2nd Grade SMG students! See below for details or contact Abby at abbypfaffphotography@gmail.com.
Order School Supplies for the 2020-2021 School Year!
Save time and benefit from a streamlined and cost-efficient way of purchasing school supplies by ordering from School Supplies Company. Click on Find Your School on the following web site to place an order. All orders will be delivered to your child's SMG classroom on August 3rd.
The last day to order is June 19th at midnight.
Kountry Karnival Date: Saturday and Sunday, October 3-4 2020
In order for KK 2020 to be successful, we will need all hands on deck and several people to fill key positions. At this time, we are still looking for volunteers to help chair the event.
- Kountry Karnival Chairs/Co-Chairs– Can be 2 to 4 people or families. The chairs will work together to manage the Kountry Karnival alongside Laura Perez, Development Coordinator. Each Chair/Co-Chair will be responsible for a section of the Karnival and work closely with other SMG families. If you or your family is interested in becoming KK Chair/Co-Chairs, please contact Laura Perez at development@smgschool.org
Send Us Your Photos!
We are documenting SMG Distance Learning on our official SMG Facebook page (@StMariaGorettiArlington) and in the Trojan Times each week. Please send your pictures to photos@smgschool.org!
Morning & Afternoon Announcements
Remember to check Google Classroom Homeroom (2nd-8th graders), Seesaw (PK4-1st graders), or our official Facebook page (@StMariaGorettiArlington) daily for Morning and Afternoon Prayers and Announcements!
Calling All of Those on the Frontlines!!
We are so grateful to all worldwide who are on the frontlines fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic, especially those in our SMG school and parish community. We would like to acknowledge those heroes, the frontline and essential workers from our SMG family in the Trojan Times as we continue through the weeks ahead, sheltering from home, social distancing, distance learning, and hopefully staying safe and healthy.
If you or a family member are a frontline worker out there fighting this fight, please send us photos along with the following information: name; place of employment; position or job title; explanation, if needed. Send photos to photos@smgschool.org.
This week, we send virtual high-fives and many thanks to:
- Mark Madrid (pictured below), uncle to 5th grade student, Mya Miller, works for Johnson County Fire Department and works at Cook Children's in the ER
May God continue to bless and keep safe all Frontline and Essential Worker Heroes!
2020-2021 Enrollment & Registration
Registration & Enrollment: Registration & Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year is well underway! All registration and enrollment information can also be found on our website. As well, if you would like to defer your registration fee and pay it next month or over the next few months, please contact our registrar, Mrs. de la Pena (jdelapena@smgschool.org). As a reminder, tuition assistance is available and Father Jim and I are committed to making a Catholic education available to any family who wishes one for their child(ren). I also encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Like Us on Facebook!
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!
The 2019-2020 Annual Fund
The St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Annual Fund is essential to help fill the gap between tuition and operating expenses. The school’s 2019-2020 Annual Fund helps provide funding for many of the school’s most pressing needs such as academic enhancements, security improvements and updates, professional development for our teachers, and general operating expenses.
Please, prayerfully consider supporting our school through the 2019-2020 Annual Fund. Donations can be made by check (payable to SMG Catholic School), or online by visiting https://smgschool.org/give-now. Every gift counts!
Nolan Catholic High School Happenings
Online Application is Open
New Student Tuition Assistance Application is NOW OPEN
The application for returning students opened December , 2019. Learn More.
Please contact admissions@nchstx.org to schedule a family tour, or for more information.
LAST WEEK AT SMG.....
SMG American Way Award Winners
The Knights of Columbus, General Worth Assembly 108, along with the Catholic Daughters of America presented Ava Glover and Jack Saladino with the American Way Award. This award honors students' love of God and Country and encourages them to carry it with them into high school and their adult lives. The principal, faculty, and staff of SMG selected our winners based on their spirituality and patriotism. Congratulations to Ava and Jack!
SMG Teachers Surprised With Yard Signs!
VIRTUAL SPIRIT DAYS - May 11-May 15
Share Your Culture Monday
Topsy Turvey Tuesday
Students were invited to have a Topsy Turvey Tuesday by wearing their clothes backwards or inside out.
Where did the phrase topsy turvy come from? It may be an adaptation of the medieval verb 'tirve', meaning 'to turn or to topple over'. It has also been suggested that 'turvy' is an allusion to 'turf' and that 'topsy-turvy' means 'with one's head on the turf'.
Celebrate Our Lady of Fatima
One hundred years ago, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in a field in Fatima, Portugal. She brought with her requests for the recitation of the rosary, for sacrifices on behalf of sinners, and a secret regarding the fate of the world. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fatima-part-1-15388
SMG students shared images of the Blessed Mother, Mary on May 13th, The Assumption of Mary (The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
Talent Thursday- Share Your Known or Hidden Talents
We have many talented students and faculty at Saint Maria Goretti. While we are in quarantine, take the opportunity to learn a new skill. Learn to play a musical instrument, learn a new language, teach yourself calligraphy, take singing lessons, become a yoga expert. The sky's the limit! Search the Internet to find free courses.
Visit the following cite to view 30 Celebrities With Amazing Hidden Talents. https://bestlifeonline.com/celebrities-with-amazing-hidden-talents/
Second grade student, Colbie, is a talented softball player. This picture below is after one of her home runs.
SMG Spirit Friday
First grader, Damian, shows his Trojan pride by sporting his SMG spirit wear while demonstrating his talent for building things!
1st Grade - Gravity Experimenter
Watch first grade student, Damian, conduct a gravity versus tension experiment. Mrs. Girton assigns the coolest projects!
1st Grade - Creative Writing
PreK 4 Ocean Week
PreK 4 Students Visiting and Learning Via Zoom Meeting
PreK 3 Busy at Work
Calendar Notes
- Monday, 5/20: 10AM -2PM Materials/Medication Pick Up and Return
- Tuesday, 5/21: 8th Grade Mass & Graduation Ceremony; 5:30PM
- Monday, 5/25: Memorial Day, No School/Virtual Classes
- Tuesday, 5/26: 11AM Kindergarten Promotion Watch Party
- Wednesday, 5/27: 8:00AM Mass & 1st-7th Grade Awards Ceremony Live Streamed on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/stmaria.goretti.796 Noon Dismissal
- Thursday, 5/28: Last Day of 2019-2020 School Year; Noon Dismissal
- Friday, 5/29: Last Day to order SMG 2019-2020 Yearbook
- Monday, June 1: Report Cards mailed
- Saturday, 6/6: First Holy Communion; SMG 2nd Grade Students-11:00AM Mass
- Friday, 6/19: Deadline to order supplies for 2020-2021 school year
- Wednesday, 8/12: First Day of School
- Saturday/Sunday, October 3-4: Kountry Karnival
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.
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/