SMCS Elementary Family Newsletter

Content in this newsletter is relevant for all three of our elementary campuses. Information that is specific to one building can be found at the links below. We hope this makes important information easier to find for our families.

Click here for St. Gabriel Elementary News

Click here for St. Mary Elementary News

Click here for St. Margaret Mary News

You can always visit the news page on our website for past newsletters.

Preparing and inspiring students to lead meaningful lives, rooted in the teachings of Christ and our Catholic tradition.

Dear SMCS families,

The month of November is always a time of gratitude and thanksgiving. St. Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians tells us:

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Jesus Christ. ~1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

As I reflect on the many blessings I am grateful for, I praise God for our teachers and staff who work so passionately to care for and educate our students, our parish priests and deacons who lead us in worship and faith every week, our parents and families who so generously support all that we do at school, and most of all our students who bring so much joy to us all. May God bless you and your families during this season of gratitude.

In peace,

Mrs. Anna Cihlar

Principal ~ St. Gabriel, St. Margaret Mary, St. Mary

There will be no school Nov. 21-25. We wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Grades 4K - 5:

St. Mary: Dec. 1 @ 6:30 p.m.

St. Margaret Mary: St. Mary: Dec. 6 @ 6:30 p.m.

St. Gabriel: Dec. 12 @ 6:30 p.m.

Grades 4 and 5 band students:

Band concert: Dec. 13 @ 6:30 p.m.

Looking for a new tradition to up your Christmas spirit? You're invited to an afternoon of gingerbread house decorating at St. Margaret Mary Elementary on December 4. The cost is $35 per house and the proceeds go right back to our schools. The deadline to register is Monday November 28. Click here to sign up.

Who do you know who could find a home at St. Mary Catholic Schools? Our High School preview night is coming up next Monday November 14 at 6:30 p.m., and anyone is invited to visit and see what makes SMCHS special. If you know a family who is currently considering high school options, please share this invitation with them. Stories of success from our current SMCS families is the best form of advertising!

Seven elementary teachers from across the three campuses and two middle school teachers are participating in a two-year Early Literacy Academy through CESA 6. This year, these teachers are studying the science of reading and balanced literacy. They are learning about best practices for literacy instruction through book studies, attending workshops, and working with a CESA 6 Literacy Coach. Next year, these teachers will share their learning with the rest of the staff. We are so grateful for their initiative and leadership as part of our continual commitment to providing the best education possible for our students!

Our Zephyrs Basketball Club season is underway for 3rd & 4th grade!! All teams had a great first weekend of games!

We are looking for 1st and 2nd grade boys AND girls coaches to help with our skills ball program!! You run these skill sessions on Saturday mornings starting in January through the end of February. 1st & 2nd grade boys go for one hour and then 1st & 2nd grade girls go for another hour. If you have a player in one of these two grades, and would like to assist with coaching, please contact Nathan Vogel or Caela Brenn.

We are entering the time of year where illness may keep your student from school, or weather might keep us from being able to safely open school for the day.

Here are some helpful reminders as we enter the winter season.

Weather Closures and Delays: SMCS utilizes a text message notification system for emergency notifications, weather-related closures and delays, and other information. If you are new to the SMCS system, or have not previously received our text messages, please enroll your phone number, at no cost, to the SMCS emergency alert system. To enroll your phone number, please text SMCS to (844) 947-5948. You will receive a confirmation text and a text indicating that when you want to opt out of this service you simply need to reply STOP. You may enroll multiple cell phone numbers using that same process.

With winter nearly here, a reminder that as soon as a weather-related delay or cancellation is determined for school day or activities, information is posted on the SMCS Facebook page, SMCS email, text notification mentioned above, and local TV and radio stations.

Absences from School: If your student will not be in attendance on a day school is in session, please call your school office as soon as possible to make staff aware, and please let the campus administrative assistant know the reason for the absence. It is required that students are fever free for 24 hours and symptoms are mostly resolved before returning to school.

Please click here to review the SMCS 2022-23 Covid protocol.

Our After School Care Program is hiring! We have openings at our Elementary and Middle School Campuses. If you or someone you know is looking for a part-time job, join SMCS! The schedule will be Monday – Friday from 2:45 – 5/5:30 p.m.

This is a paid position that offers great benefits! If you have a child enrolled in our schools, you will receive 50% off their school tuition and while you work in the after school care program, you can bring your child with you for free!

If you are interested in learning more about the After School Care Provider position or would like to apply, please contact the Human Resources Department by calling 920-722-7796 and ask for HR or email pfoulks@smcatholicschools.org or ckind@smcatholicschools.org

We are so grateful to all our volunteers who contribute so much to our schools! If you are considering volunteering or chaperoning any school field trips or events, please complete Virtus training, a background check, and the code of conduct through the Diocese Green Bay. Please contact your schools' administrative assistant to get the process started. Thank you!

St. Gabriel contact Mrs. Richards, srichards@smcatholicschools.org

St. Margaret Mary contact Mrs. Schira, kschira@smcatholicschools.org

St. Mary contact Mrs. Barraza, dbarraza@smcatholicschools.org

Friday, Nov. 11 - Red, White, & Blue top with uniform bottoms for Veteran's Day

Thursday, Nov. 17 - Packers/sports apparel

• Nov.11-13 - High School Play - CLUE
  
• Nov. 21-25 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving break
• Dec. 1 - SM Christmas concert, 6:30 p.m. @ SMCS HS Fine Arts Center
• Dec. 6- Coffee with the Principals, 8:15 a.m. @SMCMS Commons
• Dec. 6 - SMM Christmas concert, 6:30 p.m. @ SMCS HS Fine Arts Center
• Dec. 12 - SG Christmas concert, 6:30 p.m. @ SMCS HS Fine Arts Center
• Dec. 13 - 4th and 5th grade band concert, 6:30 p.m. @ SMCS HS Fine Arts Center
• Dec. 22, 2022 - Jan. 3, 2023 Christmas break (Jan. 3: staff development day)
• Jan. 4, 2023 - classes resume
• Jan. 10, 2023: Coffee with the Principals, 8:15 a.m. @SMCMS Commons
• Jan.12 - end of quarter 2
• Jan. 13 - no school, staff PD
• Jan. 16 - no school
• Jan. 29 - Feb. 4 - Catholic Schools Week

• Lunch calendar
• SMCS systemwide calendar
• SMCS Elementary calendar
• SMCS Elementary Family Handbook
• SMCS Staff & Teacher Directory

St. Gabriel: 920-725-4161

St. Margaret Mary: 920-729-4565

St. Mary: 920-725-5351

Elementary Principal: Mrs. Cihlar, acihlar@smcatholicschools.org

St. Gabriel Associate Principal: Mrs. Giombetti, jgiombetti@smcatholicschools.org

St. Margaret Mary Associate Principal: Mrs. Lutz, jlutz@smcatholicschools.org

St. Mary Associate Principal: Mrs. Cendejas, acendejas-ruiz@smcatholicschools.org