The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School January 10, 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 and Feast of the Baptism of the Lord! I pray that all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy start to the New Year!
With the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases across north Texas, and several schools that returned to on-campus learning last week only to have to close mid week due to so many teachers and students testing positive or exposed to COVID, I am more convinced than ever that the decision to distance learn for two weeks following Christmas break was the right one and one that will hopefully continue to keep our school community safe going forward.
Last week we returned to school beginning week one of distance learning. With the exception of a few scheduling glitches and issues with technology, the week was for the most part, uneventful and we are ready to begin our second and (hopefully) final week of distance learning before returning to on-campus learning on Tuesday, January 19th. Please continue to contact Mrs. Daly (jdaly@smgschool.org) with any technical difficulties/questions, or email me with any questions regarding schedules or attendance as we distance learn.
First semester Report Cards for 1st - 8th Grade students were emailed to parents last Friday (1/8). PreK and Kindergarten report cards were printed and mailed last Wednesday (1/6). Please contact your child's teacher directly with any questions or concerns. Teachers are best able to discuss specific's of your child's grades with you.
We invite students to participate in a Virtual Spirit Week this week as they distance learn from home! Please see the flyer below for each day's theme and be sure to send photos each day to photos@smgschool.org. We will be sharing photos of students showing their Trojan pride on Facebook, Instagram, and in next week's Trojan Times.
Just a reminder, this Friday, 1/15, is a scheduled Early Dismissal at 12:15PM, and Monday, 1/18 the school is closed in observance of MLK, Jr. Day.
I pray you all enjoy the rest of your Sunday and maybe even a little fun in the snow today!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
JANUARY VIRTUE: Fortitude
Fortitude is being strong enough to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.
Saint Bernadette: Feast Day - April 16
Saint Bernadette was from a poor family with five children. She was often absent from school because her asthma made her very sick. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette, but no one would believe her. They said she was lying and threatened to punish her. One time, Mary asked her to drink water from a stream in the ground. All Bernadette could find was mud. When she tried to drink it, people made fun of her. But later, the water came flowing out and many sick people who drank it or washed in it received miracles of healing.
Saint Joan of Arc: Feast Day - May 30
Born a simple peasant, Joan of Arc began hearing the voices of Saint Margaret, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and Saint Michael the Archangel speak to her as a young girl. The voices began telling her to go to the man born to be King of France and lead the army to re-conquer his kingdom. Many people thought she was crazy, and that it was inappropriate for a young girl to dress in armor like a man. But her faith soon changed their hearts. She demanded that everyone in the army lead lives of purity so that God could work through them, and though she was very afraid, she led them into battle with a flag that said “Jesus, Maria.” After many battles Joan was wounded, but victorious. France was re-united and Charles VII was crowned king. Unfortunately, Joan was captured and accused of heresy, but the king did not defend her. She was put on trial for heresy (telling lies about the faith) because she would not deny that the voices that spoke to her were sent by God. It was an unfair trial with many trick questions, but she answered them all with simplicity and truth. Still, she was condemned and was burned at the stake. Later, her trial was reinvestigated and she was declared innocent. In 1920 she was canonized a saint.
Saint Paul Miki and Companions: Feast Day - February 6
Saint Paul Miki was a missionary to his own people in Japan. He became a Jesuit brother at a young age, and was known for his preaching. The Jesuits converted many souls to Christ, and at first the government and tradesmen supported them. This changed when a Spanish ship wrecked on the coast of Japan, and as the Japanese took the goods the ship had carried, the angry captain showed the Japanese how powerful Spain was by pointing to a map and showing all the lands they had conquered. He warned them that the first step to conquering a land was sending in priests to convert the people. This made the Japanese see the Jesuits as a threat, and Christianity was outlawed.
As demonstration to frighten other Christians into abandoning their faith, Saint Paul Miki and 25 of his companions were forced to march 600 miles from Kyoto to Nagasaki, and were tortured along the way. With God as their strength, they overcame their exhaustion and fear, and as they marched they sang the Te Deum, an ancient hymn of praise to God. When they reached Nagasaki, they were crucified.
Saint Paul Miki is known for giving his last sermon from the cross on which he died. The onlookers were told that the people being killed were foreigners who wanted to conquer Japan, but Paul Miki proclaimed from the cross that he was Japanese by birth, and a follower of Christ. He forgave his persecutors and prayed for their conversion.
VIrtual Spirit Week! January 11 - 15, 2021
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:
â—Ź 8 & Under (8U)
â—Ź 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:
â—Ź 8U
â—‹ 2 Head Coaches
â—‹ 2-4 Assistant Coaches
â—Ź 10U
â—‹ 2 Head Coaches
â—‹ 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!!
2021-2022 Early Bird Registration & Enrollment Begins January 21st!
The Annual SMG Spaghetti Dinner, Take-Out Style!
School Open House!
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 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)
- Jan 11, 25, Feb 1, 8
· 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA On-Site Drawing (Jamison)
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
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)
Thursday
- 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-8th Cecilian Singers Club (Richards)
- 3:30-4:15PM 2nd-8th PSIA Spelling (Vasquez)-bi weekly
- 3:30-4:15PM 2nd PSIA Math (Gutierrez) - Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11 alternating Thursdays
- 3:30-4:15PM 3rd PSIA Math (Gutierrez) - Jan 21, Feb. 4, 11 alternating Thursdays
- 3:30-4:15PM 4th-8th Chess Club (Nguyen)
- 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Math (Utendorf) - Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11
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.
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. FolklĂłrico refers to many traditional dances from Mexico's different regions and states, rather than one single style. FolklĂłrico 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
Last Week at SMG.....
God is Good!
PreK 3 & 4 Having Fun During Zoom and Seesaw Activities
Fiona the Hippo
Kindergarten
Mrs. Vasques' At-Home Workspace and Assistant (son), Maximo!
Spanish Class: Three Wise Men— Los Reyes Magos
Mrs. Zavala is teaching Kindergarten through fifth grade students about the Three King's Day tradition of writing a letter to Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar. See the example below created by 5th grade student, Maya J.
Once the end-of-the-year parties are over and the New Year begins, in Spain, the children are still waiting for the most important day of the holiday season. Every year, Three Kings' Day is celebrated on January 6th.
The tradition says that the three kings (also known as the three wise men) had a mission to go to Bethlehem. They followed a star that showed them the way to see baby Jesus, who had just been born. Upon arriving, these three kings offered three gifts: gold, incense, and myrrh. For this reason, every year, when Christmas approaches, all the children begin to write letters to one of the kings (or to all three): Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar.
In these letters, the children tell the kings how well they behaved during the year and ask for the gifts they would like to receive on January 6th. In theory, the better the children behaved, the better their gifts will be. But all children know that if they misbehaved, they run the risk of receiving a piece of coal instead.
Art Class
Mrs. Jamison provided a very detailed video tutorial which resulted in this pen and ink bear completed by first grade student, Abigail C.
1st Grade Writing Assignment
Mrs. Pennell
In honor of the Three Wisemen, Mrs. Pennell's class earned a pass good for turning in a late paper without deduction of points, or the addition of 5 points on a test score. Use the pass "wisely"!
Calendar Notes
- Tuesday, 1/11-15: Online Classes -All Students Distance Learning through Friday, January 15, 2021
- Friday, 11/15: 12:15PM Early Dismissal
- Monday, 1/18: MLK, Jr. Day Holiday-No School
- Tuesday, 1/19: Students, Faculty, and Staff return to campus; On-campus learning resumes; SMGCS Soccer Club practice begins, 3:45-5:00PM
- Thursday, 1/21: Early Bird Registration & Enrollment Begins for the 2021-2022 School Year
- Saturday-Sunday, 1/30 - 1/31: "Take-Out" Spaghetti Dinner
- Sunday, 1/31: 10:00AM-2:30PM School Open House
- Sunday, 1/31 - Saturday, 2/6: Catholic Schools Week
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/