The Trojan Times
Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School April 19, 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.
Principal's Message
Dear St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Families,
I know many of us had hoped this week would be the beginning of the final two weeks that school campuses all over Texas would be closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as Governor Abbott announced last Friday, returning to campus is not to be at this time. Governor Abbott issued an executive order for all school campuses to remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
If you have been following the news as most of us have been, you know that the state of Texas is not the first to announce that school campuses will be closed for the school year, and it most likely will not be the last. Though we understand that the executive order is for the health, well-being, and safety of all, it doesn't mean the news is less heartbreaking for any of us--parents, students, faculty, or staff.
We miss our students! We miss greeting them as they arrive each morning; seeing their excitement, their love of learning, and love of their faith; their infectious laughs and silly shenanigans; how they care for each other and how they fill the classrooms, hallways, playground, and church with undeniable joy! Our students, parents, faculty and staff are all part of the SMG family, and missing the end of the school year together means we won't be able to share in these moments, at least not in the same way.
And so, as we begin our 6th Week of Distance Learning, please know that the faculty, staff, and I will continue to work tirelessly to deliver effective instruction and learning opportunities through the virtual learning platforms that we have implemented for our students to continue learning from home. As well, in an effort to continue to share in special end-of-the-year moments and traditions, we are making plans and arrangements to present some of the events that are on the calendar for May in a virtual setting, such as the Pep Rally this Friday (see below), 8th Grade Graduation, Kindergarten Promotion, the End-of-Year Awards Ceremony, and possibly the Candle Lighting & Robing ceremony, just to name a few. Of course, I will keep you updated on the progress of these events as they draw nearer.
I would like to share with you a few other updates:
- Survey: Last week, I sent out a survey to get your thoughts and input related to Distance Learning and the virtual platforms we have implemented. Thank you for the tremendous response, positive feedback, constructive criticism, and overwhelming support! We want to be sure that we continue to do everything we can to support our students and parents as we work together through this difficult situation.
- Daily Schedules: Please see the Virtual Instruction Class Schedules area below for more information, including a letter from me regarding Virtual Instruction Class Schedules, the schedules themselves, expectations for attendence, and Netiquette, or behavior expectations.
- Virtual Spirit Week: Please see below for this week's Virtual Spirit Week schedule, and don't forget to keep those pictures coming! Please send photos to photos@smgschool.org.
- Progress Reports: Fourth Quarter Progress Reports will be emailed to parents this Friday afternoon.
- Parent Support: We realize this is a stressfull situation for all, epecially parents who are trying to work from home while their children also distance learn from home. Many of our faculty & staff are doing the same thing--working very long hours and monitoring or helping their children as they distance learn. This isn't homeschooling, but more like crisis schooling. I believe there is a difference, one being that most parents who homeschool choose to do so after much research, planning, networking, and preparation. This current situation is much more stressful and for many, can be ovewhelming. In another effort to support parents through Distance Learning, we have created a new Facebook page, @SMG Distance Learning Support. Thank you to Michelle Parker for her vision in creating the page and for sharing her experience as an educator and a homeschool mom. Please be sure visit @SMG Distance Learning Support on Facebook and connect with and support your fellow SMG parents.
Please keep praying for all who are suffering with COVID-19, especially friends and relatives of members of the SMG community. I know I speak on behalf of all faculty and staff when I say that we miss all of you and pray that you and your families stay safe and healthy!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School, along with many other organizations and individuals, has felt the impact of Covid-19. Our SMG Catholic School community relied on spring campaigns and in-person experiences to help meet our yearly budget. Our Boosterthon Fun Run campaign had the potential to impact our budget by $15,000. Funds collected through that campaign would have supported our Tuition Assistance Fund, which enables us to continue to make a Catholic education possible for all who desire one for their children. Your gift on North Texas Giving Tuesday Now will have a powerful impact on our current and future Trojans NOW! Thank you!
- GIVE! On Tuesday, May 5, visit https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/saint-maria-goretti-catholic-school and make a gift. Afraid you might forget to make a donation on that date? Early giving begins Tuesday, April 14th!
- SPREAD THE WORD! Share our NTxGTuesdayNow page via email, social media and text. Visit us on Facebook @StMariaGorettiArlington.
Virtual Spirit Week: April 20 - 24, 2020!
SMG Virtual Pep Rally!!
Virtual Instruction Class Schedules
Last Friday, parents of 2nd-8th Grade students received information about the Virtual Instruction Class Schedules as well as expectations and guidelines.
The schedules allow teachers to meet virtually with students via Zoom or Google Meets to deliver instruction in each of their core classes and Spanish class at regularly scheduled times, once a week on either Monday or Tuesday. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, teachers will continue to offer tutorials, conference with students, hold discussions, and will be available to students (and parents) through Google Classroom or email. Fridays will continue to be a "catch-up"/independent learning day. Specials classes for PreK -8 have also been scheduled.
Please see Mrs. Behee's letter explaining the schudules in more detail, expectations for participating in the virtual classes, the actual Virtual Instruction Class Schedules, as well as a Zoom Guide for Students document, outlining student behavior expectations while in a virtual classroom or Zoom meeting.
Mrs. Behee's Letter: https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/4/Letter%20to%20Parents%20RE-Virtual%20Schedules.pdf
Virtual Instruction Class Schedules:
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/4/Virtual%20Instruction%20Class%20Schedule%20Final.pdf
Zoom Guide for Students:
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/4/Zoom%20Guidelines%20for%20Students.pdf
Please be sure to thoroughly read the documents, being sure that you and your students understand the guidelines.
5th - 8th Grade Students Invited to Lead Morning & Afternoon Prayers!
We are looking for a few SMG students to lead us in Morning and Afternoon Prayers. Students will need to video record themselves leading the prayers and then submit the video to Mrs. Utendorf (autendorf@smgschool.org) at least one day prior to their scheduled day/time to lead prayer. Mrs. Utendorf will email those who sign-up a copy of the prayer script.
Sign-up by visiting: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D45A8AC2FABFD0-morning
Students, Show & Tell Us if You Miss Us!
We hope all of our students know how much all of the teachers, staff, and administration misses each and every one of them!! The faculty and staff have sent messages to students via videos, emails, and through the online learning platforms expressing how much we all miss our students and can't wait to get back in the actual (not virtual) classrooms.
We are hearing that the feeling is mutual and our students miss us too! Students, if that is true, why not show and tell us by sending us photos of you maybe holding up a written message or a video clip of you telling us? We would love to see and hear from you!!
Please send all photos and/or videos to photos@smgschool.org. Be sure to write Thank You in the subject line!
Send Us Your Photos!
We are documenting SMG Distance Learning on our official SMG Facebook page (@StMariaGorettiArlington) and in the Trojan Times each week. Please send your pictures to photos@smgschool.org!
Morning & Afternoon Announcements
Remember to check Google Classroom Homeroom (2nd-8th graders), Seesaw (PK4-1st graders), or our official Facebook page (@StMariaGorettiArlington) daily for Morning and Afternoon Prayers and Announcements!
Please Vote for SMG Alum, Kevin Classo!
Hey Trojans! Please take a second to vote for SMG Alum and current Nolan Catholic High School senior, Kevin Classo!! Kevin Classo has been honored as one of the top private/ parochial school basketball players in the STATE!
You can help him claim that title by voting!
https://www.vype.com/vype-dfw-boys-private-school-basketball-player-of-the-year
North Texas Catholic Article on Distance Learning Efforts in Diocese
Follow the link for the full article.
https://www.northtexascatholic.org/local-news-article?r=ER1878H983
Calling All of Those on the Frontlines!!
We are so grateful to all worldwide who are on the frontlines fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic, especially those in our SMG school and parish community. We would like to acknowledge those heroes, the frontline and essential workers from our SMG family in the Trojan Times as we continue through the weeks ahead, sheltering from home, social distancing, distance learning, and hopefully staying safe and healthy.
If you or a family member are a frontline worker out there fighting this fight, please send us photos along with the following information: name; place of employment; position or job title; explanation, if needed. Send photos to photos@smgschool.org.
This week, we send virtual high-fives and many thanks to:
- Daniel Massengale (first row, left), father of Joseph (1st grade), and Jillian (PreK 4). Mr. Massengale is an engineer & paramedic for the Southlake Fire Department.
- Arthur Ramirez (first row, middle), brother of Mrs. Ramirez and uncle to Zen (4th grade) and Zaili (PreK 3). Mr. Ramirez is a paramedic for the Los Angeles Fire Department.
- Ruben Curiel, Jr. (first row, right), brother of Sylvia Curiel, SMG Parish Staff and SMEED. Mr. Curiel is a CT Technologist at Texas Health Arlington Memorial.
- Michelle Hewitt (second row, left), mother of William (1st grade). Mrs. Hewitt is an essential employee with the State of Texas.
- Juan Leyva (second row, middle), uncle of William (1st grade). Mr. Leyva is an essential employee as the Assistant Manager at Discount Tire.
- Gaudensia Awuor (second row, right), mother of John Paul (PreK 4). Ms. Awuor is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Virtis Clinic in Fort Worth.
- Kieu Nguyen (third row, left), mother of Lily (Kindergarten). Mrs. Nguyen is a Family Nurse Practtioner at Texas Health Family Care.
- Elizabeth Ellis (third row, middle), aunt of Charles (1st grade) and Ellen (4th grade). Ms. Ellis is an LVN.
- Truyen Nguyen (third row, right), father of Lily (Kindergarten). Mr. Nguyen is an essential employee at Berkey's Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electrical.
May God continue to bless and keep safe these and all Frontline and Essential Worker Heroes!
2020-2021 Enrollment & Registration
Registration & Enrollment: Registration & Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year is well underway! All registration and enrollment information can also be found on our website. As well, if you would like to defer your registration fee and pay it next month or over the next few months, please contact our registrar, Mrs. de la Pena (jdelapena@smgschool.org). As a reminder, tuition assistance is available and Father Jim and I are committed to making a Catholic education available to any family who wishes one for their child(ren). I also encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Like Us on Facebook!
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!
SMG 2019-2020 Yearbooks On Sale Now!
Online Educational Resources for Parents
Click the link below for a list of online educational resources that parents may find worthwhile and helpful while children are not at school over the next two weeks. This list is not exhaustive as there are MANY other educational sites, many that are offering free resources and access during the COVID-19 crisis. Please note, St. Maria Goretti Catholic School does not specifically endorse any site on the list.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/3/Online%20Resources%20for%20Parents.pdf
First Holy Communion POSTPONED
Per Bishop Olson's directive, for the health and safety of everyone, all Sacrament of First Holy Communion celebrations that were scheduled to take place at parishes in the diocese have been postponed. We will be sure to keep you updated when a new date and time has been determined.
The 2019-2020 Annual Fund
The St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Annual Fund is essential to help fill the gap between tuition and operating expenses. The school’s 2019-2020 Annual Fund helps provide funding for many of the school’s most pressing needs such as academic enhancements, security improvements and updates, professional development for our teachers, and general operating expenses.
Please, prayerfully consider supporting our school through the 2019-2020 Annual Fund. Donations can be made by check (payable to SMG Catholic School), or online by visiting https://smgschool.org/give-now. Every gift counts!
Remember to Keep Collecting Those BoxTops!
Nolan Catholic High School Happenings
Online Application is Open
New Student Tuition Assistance Application is NOW OPEN
The application for returning students opened December , 2019. Learn More.
Please contact admissions@nchstx.org to schedule a family tour, or for more information.
LAST WEEK AT SMG.....
SMG Families Enjoying Easter
PreK 4 Easter Blessings
Hosanna in the Highest
Mrs. Girton got palmed. She had a visit by the Bradley Family who left a palm leaf on her front door and decorated her driveway with beautiful chalk art.
Trojans Spirit!
Virtual Rubik Cube Meeting
Mrs. Utendorf hosted the first and second virtual Rubik Cube meetings. Interested in learning how to solve the puzzle? Check out this web site: https://www.rubiks.com/en-us/
Mrs. Jamison Takes Art Class to the Kitchen: Pancake Art
Spanish Class - Mateo 28:6 No Esta Aqui! Pues a resucitado
Fourth and Fifth grade represented the Bible verse, Mateo 28:6 No Esta Aqui! Pues a resucitado.
Matthew 28:6 "He is not here, for He is risen."
PreK 3 Practice Writing the Letter K
Kindergarten Sends Thanks
Kindergarten Zoom Meeting
1st Grade: Mystery Science with Mystery Doug
Mrs. Girton writes, "One of my kids' favorite activity during snack-time this year has been to watch the short videos produced by Mystery Science with "Mystery Doug". They've had to temporarily stop producing segments, but "Mystery Doug" streamed a live show Tuesday at noon. Several 1st grade students and siblings (see the Lesters, Massengales, Smeragliuolos and Trans) watched with me. Some of us even had lunch together while we watched."
Computer Class - Vision Boards
A vision board is an inspirational collage. Also called a dream board, it is an image of the
future – a tangible example, idea or representation of where you are going. A vision/dream
board should represent your dreams, your goals, and your ideal life. Sixth through eighth
grade students were challenged to create their own vision boards using their computer skills.
PreK 3 Using Technology to Visit with Classmates
Calendar Notes
- Friday, 4/24: Progress Reports Email to Parents; Virtual Pep Rally, 1:00PM
- Saturday, 5/2: First Holy Communion Canceled/Postponed
- Tuesday, 5/5: North Texas Giving Day Tuesday NOW
- Friday, 5/8: Early Dismissal, 12PM
- Friday, 5/25: Memorial Day, No School/Virtual Classes
- Thursday, 5/28: Last Day of 2019-2020 School Year
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.
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/