The Trojan Times
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School December 13, 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.
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 third Sunday of Advent and happy Feast of St. Lucia!
It is hard to believe that we are coming to the end of the first semester this week! While it has been a challenging one, I am grateful that even during a pandemic, we have been able to continue many elements of a regular school year on campus.
Last week, our students shopped for special Christmas gifts at our annual SMGCS Christmas Store! A huge thank you to Mrs. Andrea Freeman, Mrs. Alex Massengale, and the many volunteers who made the event so special for our students. There were so many great items for students to choose from and once purchased, all items were gift wrapped, tagged, and delivered to the purchaser's classroom, ready for them to take home and put under the tree!
Also last week, we began Christmas & Caroling Around the World! Our 3rd Grade students started the tour with a trip to Italy, the country from which our patroness, St. Maria Goretti, hailed. On Tuesday, the 8th Grade took us to Nigeria, followed by the 6th Grade taking us to Russia on Wednesday. On Thursday, 7th Grade students shared Christmas traditions of Vietnam and on Friday, our 1st Grade students honored St. Lucia as we visted Sweden. Be sure to see all of the pictures below! This week, we will visit Great Britain, France, Mexico, and Germany, and will conclude with a special assembly for our students on Friday morning before their class Christmas parties!
This Friday (12/18) is an early dismissal day, with dismissal at 12:15PM. There is no lunch service and no SMEED. As well, in Friday Folders this week we will again be sending instructions, login information, and schedules for distance learning that will take place for all students Tuesday, January 5th - Friday, January 15, 2021. We will return to on-campus learning on Tuesday, January 19th, as Monday, January 18th is MLK, Jr. Day and there is no school. Please remember, if you plan to travel out of the country to countries on the CDC's list of COVID "hotspots," your students MUST quaranatine and will not be allowed back on campus for 14 days after returning home. Please do not use the two weeks of Distance Learning to travel, especially if you plan to travel out of the country. Again, the goal is to continue to keep out entire school community safe and healthy.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html
Finally, the University of Dallas's Classical Curriculum Team has put together a list of recommended Advent and Christmas Books to share. The list can be found at the link below.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/12/Advent%20and%20Christmas%20Books%20recommended%20by%20UD.pdf
Enjoy the rest of the weekend and have a great week ahead!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
Junior League of Arlington Festival of Trees
Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School is participating in the Junior League of Arlington's Festival of Trees by sponsoring and decorating a tree with a Classic Christmas theme. Trees are adorned with decorations and fill the Junior League of Arlington Center at 4002 West Pioneer Pkwy., Arlington, Texas.
The Festival of Trees opened to the public on Saturday, December 5th. Anyone can visit the JLA center during designated times to view the trees at no cost. The hours for the Festival of Trees is Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm, 6-8 pm; Saturday 10 am-6 pm and Sunday 12 pm-6 pm. Each tree will have a sign acknowledging the donor with a QR code to the voting link. For a $1 donation, visitors can cast their vote for their favorite decorated tree. The tree receiving the most votes will be eligible to receive a donation to that non-profit or a non-profit of the tree sponsor's choosing.
In addition to being able to view the trees in person, there will be a dedicated Instagram account and a special website through GiveSmart, so people will be able to view the trees (and vote for them) from all around the world (or even in Arlington from the comfort of their own home if adhering to shelter in place/quarantine protocols).
https://e.givesmart.com/events/jBY/i/_All/ctyD/?search=
SMGCS will be donating the decorated tree back to JLA for their auction that will take place later this month. This was a fun and festive way to support our school and local community. A very special thank you to the McGuinness family who paid our registration to participate. Please help SMGCS win by visiting (live or virtually) and voting!! Feel free to share the link with extended friends and family to vote as well!
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.
- Christmas & Caroling Around the World: Volunteers are needed to help set up for Christmas Around the World. Set up will be Saturday, December 5th and possibly Sunday, December 6th as well. Please see the SignUpGenius at the following link to sign-up! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0448ADA622A5FE3-setup
SMG School Club Opportunities
SMG Clubs - Mark Your Calendars!
Monday
· 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-5th PSIA Ready Writing (Cruz) Begins Nov. 2
- Nov. 2, 16, 30, Dec. 14, 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) Begins 10/26
- Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7, Jan 11, 25, Feb 1, 8
· 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA On-Site Drawing (Jamison) Begins Nov. 9
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, Begins 10/20
Wednesday
·12:08-12:48 Out of the Box Art and Literary Magazine - working lunch - Begins Jan. 27
·3:30-4:30PM 5th-8th Garden Club (Pick) Begins Oct. 21
· 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Ready Writing (Juergens) Begins Oct. 28
- Nov. 11 and Nov. 18 CANCELLED
· 3:30-4:15PM 4th-5th PSIA Math (Schump) Begins 10-28
· 3:30-4:15PM Running Club (weather permitting) (Gutierrez/Salomao)
- Nov. 4, 18, Dec. 2, 16, 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: Oct 22, Nov. 5, 19, Dec. 3, 17
· 3:30-4:15PM 2nd PSIA Math (Gutierrez)
- Oct. 29, Nov. 12, Dec. 3, Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11 alternating Thursdays Begins Oct. 29
· 3:30-4:15PM 3rd PSIA Math (Gutierrez)
- Nov. 5, 19, Dec. 10, Jan 21, Feb. 4, 11 alternating Thursdays Begins Nov. 5
· 3:30-4:15PM 4th-8th Chess Club (Nguyen) Begins Nov. 5
· 3:30-4:15PM 6th-8th PSIA Math (Utendorf) Begins Oct. 29
- Oct. 29, Nov. 12, 19, Dec. 3, 10, 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. Folklórico refers to many traditional dances from Mexico's different regions and states, rather than one single style. Folklórico 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
Upcoming NCHS events:
- Monday Morning Coffee with President Rios. Please see flyer below with upcoming dates for this virtual event! https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/11/Monday%20Morning%20Coffee.pdf
Last Week at SMG.....
SMGCS Christmas Store 2020
A few Covid safeguards, and the annual Christmas Store was up and running! Thanks to Andrea Freeman and Alex Massengale for coordinating this fun event. We appreciate all the SMGCS volunteers who helped our students pick out the perfect gift for their loved ones.
Remember, you can earn Spirit Hours by purchasing Christmas Store gifts for NEXT year:
- 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.
NJHS Fundraiser
For a donation of $2, students and staff were allowed to wear their Christmas socks, Christmas T-shirts or ugly Christmas sweaters last Friday.
Pep Rally
The master of ceremony for our first "Parking Lot Pep Rally" was Sammy Wilson. The SMGCS Band and Cheer Squad entertained us with music and gymnastics. Ms Seyer recognized the volleyball and soccer teams for a terrific season. She then presented medals to the volleyball team who have had 3 consecutive years as champions. Mrs. Paladini hosted an ornament toss between the teachers and students, which created quite a bit of spirited competition. Congratulations to seventh and third grade who won the Spirit Sticks!
Christmas Around the World
SMGCS families, National Junior Honor Society members, and NCHS students all congregated at school last weekend to adorn the halls for the Christmas & Caroling Around the World celebration. Each day this week, students watched a short slideshow presentation on the country of the day highlighting that country's Christmas traditions. Following the slideshow, students congregated in the halls to watch the assigned grade level perform through the halls. This week, we will complete our world tour learning about Christmas traditions in other countries!
Christmas in Italy - 3rd Grade
Christmas in Italy is celebrated over several weeks. On the 6th of December, many families celebrate St. Nicholas Day. Children hang up a sock or put a plate on the table for St. Nicholas to leave them sweets.
Christmas in Nigeria - 8th Grade
Many Nigerian families will throw Christmas parties that will last all night long on Christmas Eve! Then, on Christmas Morning, they go to church to give thanks to God.
Gift giving is not widely practiced in Nigeria, but on Christmas Day families often exchange food. They make extra quantities of chicken stew, rice, and other foods, as they send portions to their neighbors.
Christmas in Russia - 6th Grade
Christmas in Russia is celebrated on January 7th. Russia most often has a white Christmas with lots of snow and temperatures well below zero. Ded Moroz, or Grandfather Frost, is the traditional gift giver in Russia. He always travels with his granddaughter, the snow maiden, and brings presents to children on New Years Eve, rather than on Christmas.
Christmas in Vietnam - 7th Grade
In Vietnam, Christmas Eve is often more important than Christmas Day. Christmas isn't an official public holiday and many people think it's only a holiday for Christians. Vietnam used to be part of the French Empire and there are still French influences in the Christmas traditions. All churches, and some Christian homes, will have a nativity crib scene or "creche'.
Christmas in Sweden - 1st Grade
Christmas in Sweden begins on December 13 with St. Lucia Day. Lucia is said to be the bearer of light during the long Swedish winters. Jultomten, or the Tomten, is the holiday gift-giver. Tomten is a mischievous gnome that lives in the forest and protects farmers and their animals. His sleigh is pulled by the Christmas goat as he delvers gifts to good children on Christmas Eve.
Eighth Grade: Guest Speaker, Sheriff Bill Waybourn
Mrs. Pick asked students to write to a local leader as part of a class assignment. Jamison U. chose Bill Waybourn who is the Sheriff of Tarrant County. He quickly responded to Jamison's letter and agreed to speak to the SMG 8th grade history class.
Bill began his career in service when he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1978, serving in both the active duty and reserves. On April 30, 1981, after serving active duty, Bill began working for Dalworthington Gardens Police Department. Bill was promoted to Chief of Police on June 1, 1984 making him the youngest police chief in the state of Texas. Later, he transitioned the city through combining the police and fire services making him the Chief of Public Safety.
In his 31 years as Chief of Dalworthington Gardens, he has testified on numerous cases as an expert witness, pioneered the Texas model for DWI “No Refusal” program – which is now being used as the model for several surrounding states, and testified before the state legislature on a diverse array of issues relating to the Second Amendment and civilians carrying firearms. He worked with state legislatures on Texas’ original concealed handgun license laws in the 1990s, as well as the most recent open carry law that passed in 2015.
Ballet Folklorico
Ballet Folklorico club members are enjoying the festive dances and Mexican dresses.
Mrs. Pennell's Creche
Mrs. Pennell brought her cherished creche from home to share with the students. Baby Jesus will be added on December 25th. The Three Kings arrive January 6th.
Crèche, in Christianity, a three-dimensional representation of the Nativity scene. Those represented usually include the infant Jesus in a manger, Mary and Joseph, animals, shepherds, angels, and the Magi. Although St. Francis of Assisi (1181/82–1226) is credited with popularizing it, devotion to the crèche probably existed earlier. Use of the crèche reached its zenith during the 17th and 18th centuries in southern Europe. It is still displayed in many churches, homes, and shops during the Christmas season, generally until Epiphany (January 6). https://www.britannica.com/topic/creche-Christianity
Pre K
Kindergarten
First Grade
Mrs. Watson keeps us entertained us with her holiday outfits.
Second Grade Science
Student observed rocks in water and learned about weathering.
Second Grade Visits the Church
Father Mike gave second grade a tour of the church.
Third Grade: Math Bowling Fun!
Students were rewarded with a game of bowling after answering multiplication problems correctly.
Third Grade
Third graders worked collaboratively to illustrate and provide information about a specific climate zone. Mrs. Cruz displayed the work in the classroom and allowed students to do a museum walk of the 6 climate zones.
Calendar Notes
- Mon.-Thurs, 12/14-17: Midterms 6th-8th grade
- Monday, 12/14: 3:30-4:15PM 3rd-5th PSIA Ready Writing
- Tuesday, 12/15: Rubik's Club during lunch; 6:00-7:00PM Ballet Folklorico
- Wednesday, 12/16: 9:30AM Mass; 3:30-4:15PM Running Club, 3:30-4:30PM Garden Club
- Thursday, 12/17: 1:30PM SMGCS Spelling Bee (Live streamed to classrooms via SMGCS School Google Classroom); 3:30-4:15PM, 2nd-8th PSIA Spelling, Chess Club
- Friday, 12/18: 2nd Quarter Ends; 12:15PM Dismissal, No Lunch Service, No SMEED
- Dec. 21-Jan. 4: Christmas Break - No School
- Tuesday, 1/5: Classes resume Online-All Students Distance Learning through Friday, January 15, 2021
- Friday, 1/8: 1st Semester Report Cards emailed
- Monday, 1/18: MLK, Jr. Day Holiday-No School
- Tuesday, 1/19: Students, Faculty, and Staff return to campus; On-campus learning resumes
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/