SMA NEWSLETTER
February 3, 2021
Virtue of the Month for Students: Cooperation
Social Skills: Following Directions and Getting the Teacher's Attention
Virtue of the Month for Adults: Fortitude
A Message from Mrs. Moss:
Dear Parents,
Happy Catholic Schools Week one and all! We have celebrated, and will continue to celebrate, for the remainder of the week. Many thanks to those of you who have been so very gracious with your expressions of gratitude to all of us. We are definitely being spoiled this week. Please check our website and Facebook page for some snapshots of each day’s celebrations. The students are definitely looking forward to bringing a special “gift” home to appreciate you tomorrow and for Grandparents on Friday. Have I told you lately how blessed we are to be part of this SMA family?
Please watch your emails and listen for a phone call from me this Friday with some exciting news on a school lunch program that we will begin starting on February 17. Finally, some relief from packing those daily lunches!!!!
We look forward to a great rest of the week!
Blessings,
Francie Moss
Spirit Wear Sale Still Going On (Office)
Show us your spirit! Spirit wear sale this Thursday in the morning during drop off time by the administrative building. If you need additional spirit wear (shirts, sweatshirts or hats) please stop by and take a look at what we have.
Click here for pictures and pricing.
NO MASS THIS FRIDAY
Catholic Schools Week Continued!
Valentine's Candy Grams Sale This Week!
Yearbook Love Lines and Sponsorship Pages are due February 19th. Click on picture to print the form. Forms are also available in the school office.
PERSONAL SPORTS PICTURES NEEDED FOR YEARBOOK!!!
Personal Sports pictures needed - some students are continuing to play sports via clubs and things. Please send Mrs. Zack, kzack@stellamarisacademy.org, pictures of your child participating in their sport.
Also, upload pictures not only to their class Shutterfly but ALSO upload directly to our yearbook. This will make it easier for the yearbook staff to work with your pictures.
Please consider downloading the Yearbook SNAP App and begin uploading pictures. Our SCHOOL CODE IS: smayearbook
Here is a little video about it!
Thanks so much,
The Yearbook Staff
THANK YOU PTO AND ROOM PARENTS FOR ALL THAT YOU DO FOR SMA!
Disney Day
Thankful For Our Students Day! -Pizza Truck
Thankful For Our Teachers And Character Day
Thankful For Our Grandparents!
Another day of learning and fun at SMA...
2021-2022 Tuition Assistance
Upcoming Birthdays:
Sadie (2nd Grade) February 8th
Alexandre (Kindergarten) February 11th
Alex (4th Grade) February 11th
Lucas (Kindergarten) February 15th
Sebastian (6th Grade) February 21st
Ms. Sarah Clariza (Admin) February 23rd
William (2nd Grade) February 24th
Emilio (4th Grade) February 28th
Prayer Requests
Repose soul of Mario Fierro, teacher at Cathedral Catholic High school
Stacie Buechel, family friend of the Anderson Family
Jack Wilenchik, brother in law of Mrs. Pina
Mark Hollis, husband of Mrs. Hollis
Please send prayer requests to sclariza@stellamarisacademy.org
Looking Ahead...
February 3rd-5th
Catholic Schools Week Continues
(scroll up to see daily themes)
Thursday, February 11th
Red, White, Pink Add On Day
Friday, February 12th
No School-Presidents Day Long Weekend
Monday, February 15th
No School-Presidents Day Long Weekend
Tuesday, February 16th
No School-Presidents Day Long Weekend
Wednesday, February 17th
Ash Wednesday
Thursday, February 18th
Dollar Denim Day
Friday, February 19th
Student of the Month Assembly
Thursday, February 25th
Spirit Wear Day
Friday, February 26th
End of Second Trimester
Click HERE for 2020-2021 Academic Calendar
Click HERE for 2020-2022 Academic Calendar
Free Virtual Programs at the La Jolla Library
2021 Winter Reading Challenge
- The Winter Reading Challenge has been extended through February 28! Readers of all ages are encouraged to participate by reading 5 books or for 5 hours. Prizes include passes to the Museum of Us, free food from Subway, and a coloring puzzle for children or a doodle journal for teens and adults. Pick up a reading log at the La Jolla Library or register online here!
Virtual Programs for Younger Children
- Kokowanda Bay with Ruth and Emilia – Thursday, February 11th at 3:30pm – Live on Zoom (sign up here)
- Roots: Thailand - Partnership with the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum – Thursday, February 11th at 4:00pm – Live on the SDCDM Facebook page
- Sing and Sign with Georgia – Thursday, February 18th at 3:30pm – Live on Zoom (sign up here)
- Jungle Drum Circle with Chazz – Thursday, February 25th at 3:30pm – Live on Zoom (sign up here)
Virtual Programs for Older Children
- Middle School Book Club – Friday, February 6th at 11:00am – Are you an avid reader looking to discuss books with your peers? This is the club for you! There is no set reading list, we just talk about anything and everything books! For children ages 9-12. Interested? Email Youth Services Librarian Dana Sanchez at SanchezDM@sandiego.gov for meeting room link.
- Teen Game Night: Among Us – Friday, February 6th at 4:00pm – Join your crewmates and embrace your inner sleuth in a game of teamwork and betrayal! For teens ages 13-17. Before game night begins, make sure to download Among Us onto your mobile device, available for free in the app store. Register for this program here
- Virtual Medicine and the Heart – Wednesday, February 10th at 4:30pm – Students will virtually explore the body’s circulatory system with a focus on the heart. They will get an introduction to human anatomy and physiology and learn about different diseases linked to the heart. This workshop is aimed at students with an interest in anatomy, especially those considering careers in medicine. Online registration required in advance here. Check out the rest of our Library NExT programs here
- Black History Month Youth Author Event – Friday, February 26th at 4:00pm - Celebrate Black History Month with the Library! In collaboration with San Diego Unified School District’s Youth Advocacy Department, Anne C. Bailey will present The NY Times 1619 Project and Why Slavery Matters to community youth. Live on Zoom (register online here)
The La Jolla Library is OPEN!
- Limited In-Person Services are available Monday through Saturday, 9:30am – 5:30pm (closed for cleaning from 1:00-2:00pm). Services include: computer usage (up to one hour), printing, holds pickup, light reference and reader’s advisory, as well as getting/renewing a library card.
- Contactless Pickup Service is available Monday through Saturday, 9:30am – 5:30pm (closed for cleaning from 1:00-2:00pm).
- Book Return Service: Book drops are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Mission Statement
The mission of Stella Maris Academy is to empower a community of diverse learners to achieve their God-given potential by providing a Christ-centered, academically excellent, and safe environment.
Statement of Philosophy
The parents, administration, faculty, and staff of Stella Maris Academy believe that Christ is the center of our lives and that we are called to proclaim the Good News, to create community, and to be of service to all of God’s people.
We acknowledge that parents are the primary educators of their children.
We foster a supportive environment that balances high expectations with the respect for individual differences.
We commit ourselves to challenge students to become life-long learners while developing a healthy attitude of personal value and self-worth.
We prepare students for higher education, responsible citizenship, and moral integrity in an ever changing world.
SCHOOL-WIDE LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
- Pray Everyday
- Live like Jesus and the Holy Family
- Understand, share, and participate in the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church
Life Long Learners Who:
- Communicate effectively
- Works independently and collaboratively
- Demonstrate critical, creative, and original thinking skills
- Integrate fine arts
- Persevere through challenging experiences
Community and Global Ambassadors Who:
- Utilize social skills
- Resolve conflicts peacefully
- Care for all of God’s creations
- Treat everyone with respect
- Demonstrate a spirit of service
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY
Diocesan and parochial schools of the Diocese of San Diego, mindful of their mission to be witnesses to the love of Christ for all, admit students of any race, color and national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. Diocesan and parochial schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color and national and/or ethnic origin, age, sex or disability in the administration of educational policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Likewise, Diocesan and parochial schools do not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of sex, age, disability, race, color and national and/or ethnic origin.
Virtues of the Month for Adults
September-Faith
October-Justice
November/December- Prudence
January-Hope
February-Fortitude
March-Charity
April/May-Temperance
Virtues of the Month for Students
September: Respect
October: Building Peace
November: Empathy
December: Sharing
January: Celebration
February: Cooperation
March: Service
April: Stewardship
May: Gratitude
2020-2021 Family Handbook
Safe Environment for Families and Students
All children who attend K-12 Catholic schools in the diocese or who participate in faith formation at parishes or other Catholic facilities participate annually in a program called “No-Go-Tell.” This program instructs children in grade-appropriate language what to do if “anyone touches my body in a way that makes me feel weird, or uncomfortable or worried or scared.” Its central rule tells them how to say “No,” where to “Go” to be safe and to “Tell” what happened to them to a trusted adult as soon as possible. This information is posted prominently at all schools and parishes.
Please click here for more information and parent packet.