Dear SMA Community,

Our class of 2025 has had an eventful week! They ventured to Whispering Winds for their 8th grade retreat, enjoyed a special lunch with parent guests, and shared their literature class podcast assignments. All this while studying, applying to high schools, and participating in extracurriculars. With a 4-day weekend ahead, our hardworking 8th graders will have a well-deserved opportunity to rest.

Congratulations to 8th graders James E., James B., and Conan, who were selected by the Rotary Club to attend their LEAD Camp this weekend at Camp Cuyamaca. This all-expenses-paid camp focuses on ethical responsibilities, servant leadership, and communication skills. We're proud of their selection and encouraged by their continued growth!

Administrative Updates

We've rescheduled the BYO Coffee with the principal. If you didn't receive last week's newsletter with the new date, please contact Lauren in the office to ensure we have your preferred email address.

We bid farewell to Dr. Pulido, our junior high science and math teacher, and wish him a speedy recovery. Due to unexpected circumstances with our long-term substitute, I've had the pleasure of returning to the classroom to assist in junior high. While challenging, the students' enthusiasm for learning makes it all worthwhile. We look forward to welcoming our new junior high teacher on Tuesday.

STAR Parent Reports

Some parents have asked about the color-coded scores on the STAR Parent Reports. For a detailed explanation, please scan the QR code in your child's report envelope. In brief:

• The top portion (norm-referenced) compares your child's performance to their peers.
• The bottom portion (criterion-referenced) shows your child's progress in mastering current grade-level standards.

We'll monitor any areas marked in red or yellow, adjusting small groups or intervention strategies as needed. Students showing mastery will have additional opportunities to stretch their thinking. Click the image below for a color-coded sample student report.

Progress Reports

We're in the final stages of reviewing an updated draft from FACTS for progress reports. These reports will provide a more comprehensive view of your child's classroom performance than the STAR Report, which is a snapshot of test performance. We appreciate your continued patience and partnership in your child's academic and spiritual growth.

Fall Blessings,

Jennifer Miller

Principal

Log in to the SMA app follow the directions below.

🍁The Fall Festival is only 15 days away!!🍁

Enjoy lots of game booths, train, dunk bucket, treat trot, DJ, photo booth, inflatables, and a haunted house! 🚂Wristbands & tickets are being sold for games, activities, food, and drinks.🎫

I am very excited to start as the new science and math teacher! I hope to build students' curiosity and love of learning so that they can reach their goals and dreams. My educational background includes a Masters in Education from Pepperdine University and a Bachelors in Earth System Science from UC Irvine. Most recently, I was a science and math teacher at St. Genevieve High School in LA and next month I am getting married! I am very blessed to join this community and look forward to working with everyone at St. Martin of Tours Academy beginning Tuesday.

🏀⚽ Click here to sign up for SMA 2024 Winter Sports! ⚽🏀

The last day to sign up 10/31/24, signup ASAP to help teams form

(if there is not enough interest, the sports fee will be reimbursed)

Here are the details:

Practices will be held after school. For further questions, contact Athletic Director Coach Yeats at: athletics@stmartinoftoursacademy.org.

Viviana Castillo '24 is having a Quinceañera celebration Mass this Saturday, October 12th at 2:00 pm. She would like to extend the invitation to students and staff that were a part of her SMA journey.

• 10/11/24 NO SCHOOL - Professional Learning Day Diocesan-Wide
• 10/14/24 NO SCHOOL
• 10/16/24 8:30 am School Mass (wear Mass uniform) led by 3rd Grade - Monsignor Cusack presiding
• 10/20/24 9 am Academy-Sponsored Mass & 7th Grade Bake Sale 🍩
• 10/22/24 11 am Lunch with a Loved One 10% of sales from BMH will go directly to SMA - save yourself time and order ahead
• 10/25/24 🍁5:30-8 pm Fall Festival🍁
• 10/25/24 8 am Picture Day Makeups- Please let the office know if your student needs their photo retaken or if they were absent on Picture Day! 📸
• 10/28/24 - 11/1/24 Red Ribbon Week
• 10/31/24 Halloween (costumes welcome - guidelines to come) 🎃
• 11/1/24 8:30 am All Saints' Day School Mass (dress up as your favorite saint for Mass or wear Mass uniform)

☕Rescheduled! Please join us.

Grades 3-5 parents & guardians who missed the K-2 coffee are also welcome.☕

NOVEMBER 4th

8:15-9:15 am

The last day to be a sponsor is 10/11. Make sure you contact the office in time so we can add your logo to the Turkey Trot Shirts!

St. Martin of Tours Academy

Main Office: (619) 466-3241

Email: info51@stmartinoftoursacademy.org
Website: www.stmartinoftoursacademy.org
Location: 7708 El Cajon Blvd La Mesa, CA 91942

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmartinoftoursacademylamesa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmartinacademy/