“Look upon yourself as a tree planted beside the water, which bears its fruit in due season; the more it is shaken by the wind, the deeper it strikes its roots into the ground.” -- Margaret Mary Alacoque

Please pray for the families and friends of our SMM community who have asked for our prayers. If you would like us to pray for a loved one, please send Coach Gay an email: gknock@saintmm.org.

For all service men and women; first responders; police; firefighters; health care workers; and everyone who is keeping us safe, protected, and fed during the COVID 19 crisis.

Simone Boell, Dale McCloskey, Ryan Ware, Lorraine Olmo, Jessica Bodron, Krista Soileau, Nicholas Eirich, Pat Karrigan, Carla Hurlburt, Eileen Bruno, Cheryl Walters Swanson, Juan Peralta, Nicole Forrest, Courtney Palulio, Lisa Ferrer, Richard Roach, Mrs. Peterson's Mom, Richard Michell, Warren Berault, and Patsy Meyers.

For all those sick and suffering from the Coronavirus, may they recover quickly and completely.

In addition to our requests for prayers for our SMM families and community, we request that you pray for individual priests in our Archdiocese. Our priests need our prayers as much as we need theirs. These priests are celebrating their birthdays this upcoming week. What a great birthday present to have so many people praying for them.

Rev. Michael Mitchell; Rev. John Talamo; Rev. Alex Guzman; Rev. Joseph Man Tran; Rev. Sampson Abdulai; Most Rev. Fernand J. Cheri, O.F.M.; Rev. Gerard Laporte, C.Ss.R.

Here is a brief prayer that you may want to use:

Eternal Father, we lift up to you these and all the priests of the world. Sanctify them. Heal and guide them. Mold them into the likeness and holiness of your Son, Jesus, the Eternal High Priest. May their lives be pleasing tp you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen

Dear parents,

In the past few weeks a lot has happened at St. Margaret Mary.

First, congratulations to all 7th grade students who took the High School Placement Test on January 9. After speaking with administrators from the high schools, I am proud of what our students have done. Many of our students scored high enough to be considered for honors placement-- even for Math. This is very exciting news given the difficulties that we have faced in our middle school Math program. If you were unable to test on January 9, please reach out to the high school of your choice to see when they are offering a make-up test. Congratulations to all of our students who took the test!

Second, thank you to the Knights of Columbus and Father Ed -- Thanks to a donation to the church from the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Ed has authorized the school to purchase 20 Chromebooks! As I have stated before, it is my intention to have grades 4-7 as 1:1 technology classes (meaning that each student will be assigned a Chromebook for use during the entire year). Once this is accomplished, students will be assigned the Chromebook at the beginning of the year and return it at the end of the year.

Third, our new PreK playground set is being installed in the next few days. Thank you to Mrs. Fassnacht, Mrs. Ganucheau, and Mrs. Thompson for their patience as this install takes place.

Fourth, 2nd quarter report cards were emailed to parents. Remember you only have 14 days to download the link before it disappears. With regard to honor roll, I am happy to report that our overall honor roll standing has remained the same-- 85% of our students have made the A or B honor roll. Congratulations to each young person who has earned this recognition.

Finally, thank you to Mrs. Gallo and the teachers who completed the STAR testing for our students over the past few weeks. We now have a comparison of where the students were academically at the beginning of the school year and where they are now. I will share these results soon.

Christopher Collins, M.Ed.

Principal

Since we still have to socially distance in 2021 and maintain our static groups, we will recognize birthdays by homerooms in grades K through 2. Grades 3 through 7 are done by grade level. We will continue to socially distance static groups when they come to the WSMM studio. Students will be expected to wear their masks the entire time. Every month, we will work through the cycle. Here is the schedule for January:

4th Grade Birthdays in January on WSMM on Monday, January 25

5th Grade Birthdays in January on WSMM on Tuesday, January 26

6th Grade Birthdays in January on WSMM on Wednesday, January 27

7th Grade Birthdays in January on WSMM on Thursday, January 28

SINCE PARENTS ARE STILL NOT ALLOWED ON CAMPUS, YOU MAY VIEW THE WSMM MORNING SHOW LIVE ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE MONDAYS THROUGH THURSDAYS AT 8:10 AM. WSMM WILL BE POSTED ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AFTERWARDS AT SAINT MARGARET MARY SCHOOL @ SLIDELL

Congratulations to our 6th grade students who entered the recent Daughters of the American Revolution American History Essay Contest. They did extremely well in the St. Tammany Parish Division.

We are especially proud of Ryan Rist who won first place in St. Tammany and whose essay will be entered in the state competition. Good luck, Ryan.

Kudos to the students below: (L to R) Abigail Nguyen, Madison Forrest, Gabriela Silessi, and Ryan Rist.

Our next PTO general Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 9 at 7:00 pm in the Gym. Since Valentine's Day is just a few days later, we have planned a fun activity for parents and their plus one. You plus one could be your spouse, friend or colleague - someone who thinks they know you well. LOL So come have some grown up fun - wine & dessert - lots & lots of prizes!!! Please sign-up if you plan on attending. We want to be sure we have enough tables & chairs spread out! (PS the actual meeting will be VERY brief)

Please use the following link to RSVP that you and y our plus one will be attending.

https://signup.com/go/OeqXtHD

Pre-K Students will take Spring Pictures on Wednesday, February 3
Kindergarten through 7th Grade Students will take Spring Pictures on Thursday, February 4

Spring Picture Day is a "free dress" day. Please remember that no make-up, sandals, boots, spaghetti straps or tank tops are allowed. Please refer to the parent/student handbook to become familiar with acceptable dress and shoes on free dress days.

There is no pre-order for spring pictures. A proof/picture package will be sent home after pictures are taken for parents to make their selections.

There will be an information meeting for the SMM Fair Committee on Wednesday, January 27 at 6 PM in the gym. We will distance safely. Please reserve your spot by emailing slidellfoodandfunfest@gmail.com. If interested in zoom participation, please email slidellfoodandfunfest@gmail.com and we will send you the passcode

It is important that all parents are aware of and follow these guidelines.

These are the CDC guidelines for quarantine periods. The LA Department of Health, the LA Department of Education, and the Archdiocese have adopted these guidelines.

FOR STUDENTS/TEACHERS QUARANTINING AT HOME WITH A COVID POSITIVE PERSON IN THE HOUSE:

1. There is a 10 day period in which the child or teacher may still be infected by the contagious person.

2. After the 10 days has expired, beginning on the 11th day, there is an additional quarantine period of either 7 or 10 days.

3. The student or teacher may be tested for COVID on the 6th or 7th day after the initial 10 days. If the test is negative, the exposed person may return to school on the 8th day with confirmation of the negative test and no symptoms. Documentation of the negative test must be provided to the school.

4. If the student or teacher elects not to be tested, he/she may return to school on the 10th day after the initial 10 days provided he/she has no symptoms.

FOR STUDENTS/TEACHERS QUARANTINING WITHOUT A COVID POSITIVE PERSON IN THE HOUSE:

1. The student or teacher may be tested for COVID on the 6th or 7th day after the initial contact with the positive person. If the test is negative, the exposed person may return to school on the 8th day with confirmation of the negative test and no symptoms. Documentation of the negative test must be provided to the school.

4. If the student or teacher elects not to be tested, he/she may return to school on the 10th day after contact if he/she has not experienced any symptoms.

In all cases where a student/teacher has been exposed to a person with a positive COVID test, the LDOH recommends that he/she receive a COVID test on the 6th day or later because it can take up to 10 days after exposure for symptoms to arise.

If a student or teacher tests positive OR comes in direct contact with a positive COVID person, please call Coach Gay Knock immediately to discuss your options.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Every page of every issue of the Clarion Herald is available through its e-edition at http://clarionherald-la.newsmemory.com.

Monday, January 25

HOT: Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Grilled Chicken; Mac n' Cheese; Glazed Carrots; Chilled Applesauce; Milk

SANDWICH: Chicken Nuggets; Mac n' Cheese; Glazed Carrots; Chilled Applesauce; Milk

Tuesday, January 26

TACO TUESDAY: Soft Beef Taco; Shredded Cheese; Shredded Lettuce & Chopped Tomatoes; Golden Corn; Fresh Fruit; King Cake; Milk

Wednesday, January 27

HOT: Red Beans & Rice; Chicken Smackers; Corn Bread; Chilled Strawberries; Milk

SANDWICH: Chicken Sandwich on Bun; Baked Beans; Shredded Lettuce/Tomatoes/Pickles; Chilled Strawberries; Milk

Thursday, January 28

HOT: Meat Sauce & Spaghetti; Garlic Bread; Caesar Salad; Chilled Pears; Milk

SANDWICH: Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara; Caesar Salad; Chilled Pears; Milk

Friday, January 29

HOT: Chicken & Sausage Gumbo; Steamed Rice; Southern Butter Roll; Potato Salad; Steamed Green Beans; Chilled Peaches; Cake; Milk

SANDWICH: Pepperoni Pizza; Steamed Green Beans; Chilled Peaches; Cake; Milk

We are still having difficulty embedding the link to our Google calendar in the Charger Chronicles. Until we get it remedied, you may view the entire calendar on our website: https://www.saintmm.org/

Here are some upcoming events:

Mon, Jan 25

January Birthdays in Grade 4 Recognized on WSMM

Returning Students & Siblings Registration Begins

Tues, Jan 26

January Birthdays in Grade 5 Recognized on WSMM

PreK-4, K & 1st Grade Attend Mass 8:30 am

Wed, Jan 27

January Birthdays in Grade 6 Recognized on WSMM

Grades 2, 3, 4 Attend Mass 8:30 am

Thurs, Jan 28

January Birthdays in Grade 7 Recognized on WSMM

Fri, Jan 29

Grades 5, 6, 7 Attend Mass 8:30 am

100th Day of School Activities in PreK-4

Mon, Feb 1

February Birthdays in K-1 on WSMM 8:10 am

100th Day of School Activities in Kindergarten

School Safety Drill 9:50 am

Tues, Feb 2

PreK, K & 1st Graders Attend Mass 8:30 am

Wed, Feb 3

February Birthdays in K-2 on WSMM 8:10 am

2nd, 3rd, 4th Graders Attend Mass 8:30 am

Spring Pictures for PreK

Thurs, Feb 4

February Birthdays in 1-1 on WSMM 8:10 am

Interims Issued

Spring Pictures K - 7th Grades

Fri, Feb 5

5th, 6th & 7th Graders Attend Mass 8:30 am

Mon, Feb 8

Registration for New Students Begins

February Birthdays in 1-2 on WSMM 8:10 am

Tues, Feb 9

PreK, K & 1st Graders Attend Mass 8:30 am

February Birthdays in 2-1 on WSMM 8:10 am

General PTO Mtg with Added Fun! 7:00 pm Gym

Wed, Feb 10

2nd, 3rd, 4th Graders Attend Mass 8:30 am

All 3rd Graders with February Birthdays on WSMM 8:10 am

Thurs, Feb 11

SPIRIT DAY/ PAPA JOHN'S PIZZA NIGHT

February Birthdays in 2-2 on WSMM 8:10 am

Fire Drill 1:25 pm

Why didn't the sun go back to school?

Because it already has a million degrees.

PARENTS, DON'T FOGET TO LOGIN TO SMILE.AMAZON.COM WHEN BUYING ONLINE. A PART OF YOUR PURCHASE GOES TOWARDS SMM. WE ARE LISTED AS "ST. MARGARET MARY SCHOOL" IN SLIDWELL, LA. (OUR ORIGINAL INFO WAS INACCURATELY ENTERED, THUS THE MISSPELLING OF SLIDELL)

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Watch the WSMM Morning Show

Email: smmschool@saintmm.org
Website: www.saintmm.org
Location: 1050 Robert Boulevard, Slidell, LA, United States
Phone: 985-643-4612
Facebook: http://facebook.com/SMMSlidell/