![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/computer.fe6dd2e2.jpg)
The Defender
August 4, 2023
A Message from Mrs. Tate
Dear St. Michael families,
I hope this letter finds you all well as we prepare to embark on a new school year. As the principal of St. Michael the Archangel, it is my great joy and honor to welcome you back to our loving and nurturing community.
In the spirit of a strong Catholic faith, we embrace another year of growth, learning, and discovery. Together, we will continue to foster an environment where virtue, values, academic excellence, and spiritual formation go hand in hand.
This year, we are excited to implement new initiatives and improvements to enhance our students’ educational and spiritual experience. Our Education in Virtue program will enhance the formation of our school community through Christian anthropology and an understanding of what it means to be virtuous disciples of Christ.
He who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 1John 2:6
The Education in Virtue program is centered on the dignity of the human person which is central to a Catholic education. Its lessons and teachings strengthen our ability to walk with Christ and our social and emotional learning skills. Look for more detailed information on the program from Sr. Lucia in our next newsletter.
Human dignity is also a central teaching in the Theology of the Body curriculum taught at St. Michael the Archangel. This past spring, we enhanced our Ruah Woods program by becoming a “Theology of the Body Campus.” Sr. Lucia will provide additional details regarding our curricular program as we get the year started.
We engaged in two separate safety and security audits this summer that resulted in affirmations of our current protocols and options for improving our campus security that will be implemented this fall. Fr. Brian and I will communicate those enhancements in a separate email for all families before school starts.
Our dedicated faculty and staff have prepared engaging lessons, exciting activities, and vibrant spiritual opportunities. We remain committed to offering a well-rounded education that prioritizes individual growth and spiritual formation.
To our returning families: welcome back! I trust that you will bring your enthusiasm and dedication to this academic year ready to embrace new challenges and forge new friendships.
To our new families: a warm welcome! We are thrilled to have you join our St. Michael the Archangel family. I am confident that you will quickly find yourself at home here, surrounded by caring families, classmates, and educators.
As we begin this new chapter together, let us remember that we are a community bound by faith, kindness, and love. Let us lift one another up, support each other in times of need, and celebrate each other along the way.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34
I am excited for the incredible journey that lies ahead of us this year. May God bless each and every one of you abundantly with wisdom, strength, and love.
Yours in Christ,
Diana Tate, Principal
Uniform Update
School Picture Day is Friday, August 11 from 8:30-11:30!
After School Care Update
We are excited to inform you that we have secured an After School Care Program with Camp Fire Heartland for this school year. We have supplied all the necessary documentation to Camp Fire Heartland and are awaiting the state’s approval to proceed.
Camp Fire Heartland hopes to be able to begin providing care no later than August 28, but they are at the mercy of the application/approval process. We hope that providing this information to you now will allow you to make arrangements for the first couple of weeks of the school year.
2023-2024 Sign Up Link
New! 8th Grade Special Event!
Check out a NEW fundraising opportunity that will kick off this year with our 8th graders. We are so excited about bringing the kids together to bond and raise money for their class gift to the school & the charity of THEIR choice. Stay tuned for more info on the class gift!
The first annual 8th Grade SMA Car Wash fundraiser will be held on Saturday, August 26th from 10am-12pm at SMA (see graphic below).
All 8th graders are strongly encouraged to attend! We are hoping for 100% involvement on this event. Please see sign up genius link below to sign up; we need lots of parents to help! Arrival time will be 9am to go over training, etc...and the car wash will run from 10am - 12pm.
Virtus Training Opportunity
2023-2024 Tentative Calendar
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
Dennis Uniform
Discount Code-23FACAGISM