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The Defender
February 2, 2024
A Message From Mrs. Tate
We have had a wonderful week celebrating Catholic Schools Week! Thank you for attending our activities and showing your support for our Catholic school and students.
As we open enrollment for all students this Monday, February 5, please encourage family and friends, especially in our parish, to consider St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School for 2024-2025.
We strive to be a school accessible to all students:
9 have Catholic School Support Plans
13 have Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s)
33 general education teachers
2 special education teachers
6 instructional support staff
1 library teacher
1 speech pathologist
1 counselor
1 nurse
2 office staff
1 resource manager
2 administrators
With the support of our Wonderfully Made campaign at the 2022 Defender’s Ball, we have implemented special education services including a full-time speech pathologist, an additional special education teacher, and a special education resource manager. We purchased gold-standard curricular resources and sent our special education staff to specialized training for these resources. Students are more quickly identified for support through our MTSS and intervention program, and we have specialized instructional and intervention training planned for our general education teachers this year and next.
We implemented a virtuous behavior program called Education in Virtue this year that was developed by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. The program is based on St. Thomas Aquinas’ teaching on the virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit. So far this year, we have studied the following virtues: justice, respect, temperance, self-control, obedience, responsibility, modesty, humility, gratitude, prayerfulness, fortitude, industriousness, and affability. We define each virtue by what it “looks like” and “sounds like.” We recognize students each month who exhibit virtuous behavior through our Christ’s Light award. So far this year, we have recognized over 150 different students for living the virtues.
With the funds raised at this year’s Defender’s Ball for the Blessed Carlo Acutis Fund, we plan to improve the quality of technology in our school as well as access for students and teachers. From teaching stations to chromebooks, we want our staff and students to have the access they need to utilize technology in meaningful, intentional, safe ways.
Thank you for your support of SMA, Catholic schools, and our important programming. May the Lord bless you and your family always!
Sincerely,
Diana Tate, Principal
Parent Teacher Conferences February 8, 2024 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Please click here to sign up for a Parent Teacher Conference on February 8th.
Parent Formation – February 27
In our next parent formation session, we will dive into the beauty and true meaning of the human body and sexuality. They are both a beautiful gift from God! When we use our sexuality correctly - we show God’s love by loving as He loves. Let us learn together how to better protect, guard, and cherish the gift of human love! Please join us!
If you are interested in preparing before the session, we’ve included some Theology of the Body resources below:
YOU - Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body
Theology of the Body for Teens (Middle School) - Parent Edition
Theology of the Body for Teens - Parent Edition 2
The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality. Pontifical Council for the Family, 1995.
Living Out Theology of the Body | Dr. Edward Sri (video)
All for the Heart of Jesus, through the Heart of Mary!
Sr. Lucia Maria Sol, SCTJM
Campus Minister
Near and Dear Day!
8th Grade vs Teacher Volleyball Game
VSL Updates
♥️ Thank you everyone for a wonderful Catholic Schools Week!
♥️ Don't forget about St. Valentine's Day parties next week - Tues, Feb 13th. Class specific sign ups should be coming from your room parents.
☘️ The March Fun First Friday is available here.
Dennis Uniform
SMA School Activities
Parish News
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry - Desserts Needed
Fish Fry season kicks off February 16! This year we want to feature homemade desserts to help us stand out among the fish fry options in the area. Making a homemade treat is a great way to get your kids involved and help support the parish. All parishioners are invited to help. Cakes and cupcakes are always popular treats! Even something as simple as crispy rice treats are loved and scooped up quickly. Check out all the suggested items here.
Defender's Ball
New Raffle! Win Hot Lunch for a Year! One lucky winner will take home 1 hot lunch/day for the 2024-2025 school year. Click here to get raffle tickets!