The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School October 9, 2022
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,
A BIG thank you to Mrs. Perez, Mrs. Sferra, Mr. Brady, and all the parents and students who donated their time, talent, and treasure to making KK a success. We are hoping to make next year even bigger and better! We are confident we met our $20,000 goal. We will have the final number at our Home and School meeting on November 15th.
**If you still have any receipts from Kountry Karvial they are due by FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14th**
There will NOT be school on Monday, October 10, 2022. Teachers will be attending a Diocese In-service at Nolan Catholic.
This Friday, October 14, 2022, will be a 12:10 PM dismissal with parent conferences to follow. Report cards will be distributed at that time. Please see the links below to sign up for this important meeting.
Please remember that SMGCS will NOT be participating in North Texas Giving Day. This year we will only be participating in IGiveCatholic on November 29th. Please consider donating to your school at that time. We will be hosting a Talent Show that evening, more information to come after the Book Fair.
Please pray for the people affected by Hurricane Ian.
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Amy Utendorf, M.Ed.
Principal
October Virtue: Studiousness
Studiousness is the virtue of the month for October. All of us are born with the desire to know things. The virtue of studiousness helps us to curb our desire to know things that would lead us away from God and to choose to know the things that bring us closer to God. When we fill our minds with unimportant information or with popular news and gossips, we do not leave room or energy to seek to know the truth. Studiousness makes us eager to gain the kind of knowledge that leads us to God.
For more information on the Virtues in Practice Program, visit:
https://www.nashvilledominican.org/apostolate/evangelization-and-catechesis/virtues-in-practice/
Saint Albert the Great: Feast Day November 11
Saint Albert joined the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans) and became a great teacher. But even before he was a teacher, he was always a great student! Saint Albert loved to learn about the world God created. Knowing more about creation helped him grow in loving what was real – the Truth. And loving the Truth means loving God. Because of his study of nature, St. Albert was also one of the first people to be called a scientist!
Saint Thomas Aquinas: Feast Day January 28
When he was five years old, Saint Thomas’ parents sent him to be a student in a rich monastery. Even at that age, Saint Thomas was very smart, and asked his teachers, “What is God?”
Saint Thomas’ parents wanted him to become a monk at an important monastery, and to be the abbot, or superior. But one day Thomas met the Order of Preachers, the Dominicans, and knew that God was calling him to join this new religious community. His family was unhappy with this, because Dominicans were poor, and Thomas would be a beggar instead of a powerful man. They tried everything they could to stop him, but Saint Thomas won and became a Dominican.
The other student brothers made fun of Saint Thomas. He was big and never spoke in class, so they called him “the dumb Ox”. But Saint Albert the Great, one of the teachers, told the brothers to stop saying that because one day Thomas’ voice would be heard around the world. He knew that Saint Thomas was quiet, but a genius.
Saint Albert was right, and over time Thomas became famous for writing brilliant books about God which people still use and study today. One day, Jesus spoke to him and offered him a reward saying, “You have written well of Me, Thomas. What would you have?” But Thomas replied, “I want nothing but You, O Lord.”
Saint Edith Stein: Feast Day August 9
While at a friend’s house one evening, the young Jewish philosopher Edith Stein found the biography of Saint Teresa of Avila, a sixteenth century Carmelite nun, mystic, and Doctor of the Church. Edith stayed up all night to finish the book, and when she closed the cover, she declared, “This is Truth.”
Born into a Jewish family in Germany, Edith demonstrated extraordinary intellectual gifts from a young age. However, by the age of 13 she had come to doubt the existence of God and eventually abandoned all practice of Judaism. Edith's strong desire to know the truths of human existence lead her to study philosophy, and she completed a doctorate in this subject by age 25. Throughout her academic career, Edith was intrigued by the strong Catholic faith of some of her equally learned friends. Undertaking to know the truths of Catholicism, Edith affirmed the necessary relationship between faith and reason and was baptized into the Catholic Church in 1922. Responding to the call of consecrated life, Edith entered the Carmelite Order in 1934 and took the name Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.
By 1938, the Nazi persecution of all Jews forced Sister Teresa Benedicta to take refuge in a Dutch convent, where she was eventually captured and taken to the Auschwitz concentration camp. Embracing true wisdom, the “science” of the Cross, sister Teresa Benedicta was executed in the gas chambers on August 9, 1942, and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1998.
Parent Conference Sign-up Links
Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place Friday, October 14, 2022, from 1:00 PM-8:00 PM.
Please sign up to conference with your child’s homeroom teacher only.
PreK, Mrs. Hill: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D45A8AC2FABFD0-hill
Kindergarten, Mrs. Bara: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d45a8ac2fabfd0-parent
1st Grade, Mrs. Girton: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d45a8ac2fabfd0-girton
2nd Grade, Mrs. Cruz: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d45a8ac2fabfd0-cruz
3rd Grade, Mrs. Gutierrez: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d45a8ac2fabfd0-gutierrez
4th Grade, Ms. Schump: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d45a8ac2fabfd0-schump
5th Grade, Ms. Risinger: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d45a8ac2fabfd0-risinger
6th Grade Homeroom 6J, Mr. Jones: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d45a8ac2fabfd0-jones
6th Grade Homeroom 6T, Mr. Tran: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d45a8ac2fabfd0-tran
7th Grade Homeroom 7C, Mr. Chaney: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d45a8ac2fabfd0-chaney
7th Grade Homeroom 7P, Sister Thuan: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d45a8ac2fabfd0-sister
8th-grade conferences: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d45a8ac2fabfd0-8thgrade1
**If you would like to conference with another teacher and/or a specials teacher, please email that teacher directly to schedule a mutually convenient time.**
Cub Scout Meeting: Monday October 10th
Fall Book Fair: Oct. 11-14
Our fair is being hosted by Hailee's Bookshelf. Hailee is an Educational Service Representative of Usborne Books and More. Hailee will have several hundred books available at our fair. Please visit https://u7054.myubam.com/2448096 to preview possible book fair selections or to shop from the full UBAM catalog. Families can pay with cash, card, or check (made payable to Hailee Wilson). Thank you for supporting our library!
DRESS UP DAY
On Tuesday, October 11th, students can wear a cowboy hat and/or a bandana to celebrate the first day of the fair. Since we prefer our “West” to not be too “Wild,” all accessories, boots, and belts must remain at your ranch.
PARENT SHOPPING
Parents will have an opportunity to shop without their child present on Friday, October 14th during Parent Teacher Conferences. We will be open from 1-6 p.m. This is a great time to pick up birthday and Christmas gifts!
Book Fair Schedule:
Smelly Supplies: https://smgschool.org/documents/2022/10/Library%20Supply%20Sales%202.pdf
Butter Braids - Online FundRaiser Through October 17th
What is Butter Braid?
Butter Braid is a delicious frozen pastry dough that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Thaw, bake, slice and serve! Enjoy with guests, or take with you to your holiday parties!
How do I get started?
You may set up your online store using the link below. Then you can share it with friends and family, and on social media! Create a store for each of your students, or for your family. Last day to order is October 17th.
https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/RegisterSeller/06992e4b-2965-43cc-9f09-b357ec569493
Also attached is a Butter Braid Sale flier including a QR code. Once you have created your online store using the link above, the QR code can be scanned and friends and family can scroll through and find your personal online store to purchase from. Print out the flier for your office, or share via email or social media!
https://smgschool.org/documents/2022/10/butter%20braid%202022.pdf
Orders may also be placed at the Front Office using cash or check. Mrs. Malloy will have an order form and checks may be made out to SMGCS.
Delivery
Butter Braids cannot be shipped. You will be responsible to deliver orders to your customers, so be sure to sell to local people who you know! Butter Braid pick up will be on Thursday, November 17th at SMG. More details will be sent out as the date approaches.
Thank you for supporting our school through this simple and delicious fundraiser! This fundraiser allows us to purchase needed items for our school. This year, our goal is to purchase a new podium and podium banner. We'll also have a special thank you for our top sellers! Please let me know if you have any questions!
Blessings!
Alex Massengale
SMG SPIRIT Coordinator
Join the Spanish Club - Oct. 17th First Meeting
Spring Creek BBQ Dine Out Night: Oct. 26
Join us at Spring Creek BBQ Wednesday, October 26th, 5PM-9PM. This is always a fun night out to enjoy the company of SMGCS friends and family. Teachers will be on hand to serve you hot fresh bread.
- Spring Creek will donate 20% of the evening's proceeds to SMGCS
- Students should sign in at the front door
- The class with the best attendance will be given a prize by Spring Creek
- 3608 S. Cooper Street, Arlington, TX
- BBQ Sauce Gift Pack Program https://smgschool.org/documents/2022/10/IMG_7754.jpg
Knights of Columbus Trunk or Treat: Saturday, October 29th
I Give Catholic - November 29th
All Hands on Deck Talent Show - November 29th
Volunteer Opportunities - Earn Spirit Hours
Below are some of the volunteer opportunities available right now! Earn your SPIRIT HOURS & hang out with fellow Trojan families, all while helping SMG. Middle School & Nolan students can earn Service Hours at many of these too!
Any special "Time, Talent, Treasure" you want to offer? Let me know and we will connect as needs arise! As always, please contact me if I can help in any way. Thank you for all you do!
Alex Massengale
SMG SPIRIT Coordinator
Sports Website
Visit the Catholic Dioses of Ft. Worth website for sports schedules. Please check the site before a game for any last-minute changes. Games start this Saturday!
SMGCS Hosts Weekend Masses
Please mark your calendars to attend and participate in the Masses this year! All students and their families should plan to attend in their Mass uniforms.
2022-2023 SMGCS Weekend Masses
- 7:30 AM Sunday, November 13, 2022
- 9:00 AM Sunday, December 11, 2022
- ALL weekend Masses January 28-29, 2023
- 11:00 AM Sunday, March 5, 2023
- 1:00 PM Sunday, April 23, 2023
UTA Social Workers
Last Week at SMGCS
SMG Broadcast
Watch and enjoy the harvest of our students writing and performing the news of our school. Send pictures and information to broadcast@smgschool.org and we will do our best to feature the amazing things happening in our school.
Your subscription matters! Please use your personal Gmail account to subscribe - it helps us to remove ads and eventually advertise to the people around us.
View this week's SMG Broadcast at https://youtu.be/gMg49e2ZSL8
Mass: September 28, 2022
Following Wednesday's Mass, Mrs. Utendorf presented Father Mike with gifts made by SMGCS students in recognition of Priesthood Sunday.
Under the direction of Music Teacher, Mrs. Richards, 3rd grade performed a recitation and sang a song for the congregation.
- Link to Photo with Father Mike after Mass: 3rd Mass 9-28 Photo with Father Mike.jpg
- Link to Video: 3rd Mass 9-28.mov
- Link to Video, zoomed in: 3rd Mass 9-28 Zoomed In.mov
Pet Blessing
Our annual SMGCS Pet Blessing celebrated the bond of love and respect that animals have with their humans, and that humans have with all of creation.
Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
SMGCS students and guests celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on Friday, October 7th.
In Catholic tradition, the entire month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary. This month-long observance is largely due to the liturgical feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated on October 7th. Saint Pius V established this feast in 1573. The purpose was to thank God for the victory of Christians over the Turks at Lepanto—a victory attributed to the praying of the rosary. Clement XI extended the feast to the universal Church in 1716.
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/our-lady-of-the-rosary
Kountry Karnival
We hope you enjoyed Kountry Karnival weekend. It was filled with good food, family fun and fellowship. Many thanks to our staff and parent volunteers who make this possible every year. Please reach out to thank Mrs. Laura Perez, Mrs. Renee Sferra, and Mr. Phil Brady who worked tirelessly to make the Karnival a success.
NJHS Jersey Day
Vision & Hearing Screenings
Thank you to the following Parent Volunteers for helping Nurse Beth with Vision and Hearing Screenings. We appreciate you very much!!❤️
Dr. Vilaythong, Steve Tran, Patricia Garcia, Denni Grant, Alice Badillo-Salas, Mary Lewis, Emily Peterson, Leslie Treadway, Antoinette Moore, Nadia Val.
PreK Mummy Art
SMG Clubs - Mark Your Calendar!
Monday
- 12:09-12:49 Out of the Box (Richards)
- 3:10-4:30 PM 3rd-8th Cecilian Singers Club 3rd - 8th (Richards)
- 3:30-4:15 Spanish Club (Zavala)
Oct.17, 31 Nov. 7, 28, Dec. 5, 12
- 3:30-4:15 PM PSIA Spelling (Bara)
- 3:30-4:30 5th/6th Volleyball Practice
- 6:00-8:00 PM FIRST Lego League Robotics (Morales)
Oct.8 (1pm-4pm), 17, 22 (1pm-4pm), 24, Nov. 5 (1pm-4pm), 7, 14, 19 (1pm-4pm), 28, Dec. 5, 10 (8am-5pm)
Tuesday
- 12:10-12:50 NJHS (Jones) bi-weekly, Begins TBD
- 3:30-4:15 Spanish Club (Zavala) bi-weekly
- 3:30-4:15 PM PSIA Maps/Graphs/Charts (Daly)
- 3:30-5:00 PM Cheer Practice (Richards)
- 6:00-7:30 PM Folklorico Club (Zavala)
- 6:00-7:30 PM 7th Volleyball Practice
Wednesday
- 12:09-12:49 STUCO (Daly)
- 3:30-4:30 Garden Club (Risinger/Cruz)
- 3:30-4:15 Rubik Cube Club (Tran/Utendorf)
Oct. 12, 26, Nov. 9, 30, Dec. 14, Jan 11, 25, Feb. 8, 22, March 8 , 22 , April 12, 26, May 3, 17
- 3:30-4:15 Run Club (Gutierrez/Schump)
Thursday
- 12:09-12:49 Library Leaders (Richards)
- 3:10-4:30 PM 5th-8th Trojan Troupe Drama Club (Richards)
- 3:30-4:15 PM PSIA Math (Tran) Begins
- 3:30-4:15 PM PSIA Ready Write (Jones)
- 4:30-5:30 PM 8th Volleyball Practice
- 5:30-7:00 PM 7th Volleyball Practice
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.
Calendar Notes
October 10, Monday: Diocese In-Service - No School
October 11-14: Fall Book Fair
October 12, Wednesday: 7th Grade Vikathon at Nolan
October 14, Friday: 12:10 PM Dismissal and Parent/Teacher Conferences
October 17, Monday: Butter Braid orders DUE today
October 26, Wednesday: Picture Retakes, Spring Creek Dine Out Night
October 27, Thursday: 8th Grade Shadow Day at Nolan
October 28, Friday: SMG Trunk or Treat - Spooky Sock Day
October 29, Saturday: Knights of Columbus Trunk or Treat (after 5:30 Mass)
November 1, Tuesday: All Saints Day, 10:00 Mass (No School Mass Wednesday)
November 7-14: Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive
November 11, Friday: Veteran's Day
November 13, Sunday: 7:30AM SMGCS Hosts Weekend Mass
November 15, Tuesday: 7:00PM Home & School Mtg
November 17, Thursday: Butter Braid orders delivered to SMG campus
November 18, Friday: 12:10 Dismissal
November 21-25: Thanksgiving Break
November 29, Tuesday: Giving Tuesday: I Give Catholic, 6:30-8:00PM Talent Show
December 11, Sunday: 9:00AM SMGCS Hosts Weekend Mass
December 13, Tuesday: 6:30PM Band Christmas Concert
December 15, Thursday: 6:30PM Christmas Program in the Church
December 16, Friday: 2nd Quarter Ends, 12:10 Dismissal
December 19-Jan. 2: Christmas Break
Meet Our Priests!
St. Maria Goretti Parish Website: https://www.smgparish.org/
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/