The Trojan Times

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.

St. Maria Goretti Catholic School aims to form what is True, Good, and Beautiful in the souls of our young disciples of Christ.

Dear St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Families,

Thank you to everyone who attended our Veterans Day performance. Thank you also to the Hammerheads for getting the float together for the Veteran's Day Parade. Thank you to all of the families who attended as well. You all represented our school well!!!

It's hard to believe that we are one week before Thanksgiving Break! I have been talking to the students about the need to remain focused on school and the lessons the teachers have planned. As well as what it means to be a Trojan: safe, responsible, and respectful. I have decided to have our Manner of the Week the same for two weeks in a row. It has been a good reminder to all of us to think before we speak, and ensure our words are kind, helpful, and truthful.

Our November Home and School meeting is Tuesday! Please make it a priority to have one adult attend fellowship and the meeting. Join us for fellowship from 5:00 PM-6:00 PM and purchase a Beef Taco Dinner Plate for $10. The Home & School Meeting will begin at 6:00. We will have a report on Goretti Fest as well as information about Boy Scouts at SMG. The grand prize drawing at the end of the meeting is the First Shopper at the Christmas Store. This student or family of students will enjoy shopping ALONE and FIRST at the Christmas Store. See the Christmas Store shopping schedule in this edition of the Trojan Times.

If you have not sent in your Hallow permission slip to get the Hallow app for your students, please send that in ASAP! (See form later in this edition.)

If you would like to help take care of the SMG Chickens over the weekend and over the holiday breaks, please use this link to sign up. I will email you specific directions after you sign up

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D45A8AC2FABFD0-53289094-chicken

Mark your calendars for the iGiveCatholic event on Tuesday, December 3, 2024! We will begin the evening with our Advent program in the church at 6:30 PM. Following the program we vote on our favorite Faith Family Christmas Tree, a Christmas craft, Vendors, Christmas cookies, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus in the cafetorium. Please be sure to make plans to stay and enjoy fellowship during the Advent season.

Finally, we will NOT have a Trojan Times on December 1, 2024 due to the Thanksgiving Break. We will send our next editions on November 24th and December 8th.

St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!

Blessings,

Amy Utendorf, M.Ed.

Principal

The mission of #iGiveCatholic is to unite Catholic communities and donors throughout the country to express their generosity in support of the organizations that have helped to shape our lives of faith: our parishes, schools, and ministries. #iGiveCatholic inspires faithful stewards to "Give Back and Give Catholic" on Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity and kindness, which is December 3 this year.

We invite you to pray and discern what God is putting on your heart related to supporting the Catholic organizations you admire. Where can you make a heartfelt impact to benefit lives in your community? And don't forget to share with your friends and family on December 3 for #iGiveCatholic on GivingTuesday! Donations will be accepted starting on November 18, 2024. SMG has set a $20,000 goal to help the school to upgrade technology and equipment in the school.

Please share the school's link with your family and friends:

https://fortworth.igivecatholic.org/organizations/st-maria-goretti-catholic-school

We will be celebrating SMG on December 3rd at the Tapestry of Light program and followship following. We will see you there!

I am so happy to announce that, beginning with the Advent season, all students and staff will have access to the Hallow app which provides a mental and spiritual health tool for faculty, staff and students. Hallow is the #1 Catholic app and provides thousands of audio-guided sessions to listeners, covering a variety of prayer techniques, topics and styles.

I need one permission slip per family to create Hallow accounts for your student(s). We will be using the student's SMG email account for this. Please read, sign and return it by Monday, November 18, 2024.

November Lunch Menu

• Human Trafficking Initiative Town Hall Meeting
• Date: November 18, 2024
• Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM followed by an optional Q & A with the experts 8:00-8:30
• Location: Nolan High School Arena, 4501 Bridge Street, Fort Worth, TX

Join us for a vital Town Hall Meeting on human trafficking, hosted by the Diocese of Fort Worth. Learn from expert speakers, including Assistant Attorney General Brody Burks, Assistant District Attorney Lindy Borchardt, and local law enforcement leaders, about the scope of trafficking in Texas and how we can combat it together.

The evening will also feature information on upcoming awareness training for students, provided by Unbound Now and the Diocese’s Catholic Schools Office and the Office of Safe Environment.

This event is open to all adults. We encourage parents, caregivers, educators and community members to attend and gain the knowledge to protect our community.

For more details, visit https://fwdioc.org/town-hall-initiative.

5:00-6:00 Fellowship - Beef Taco Dinner Plates $10 (see following for more details)

6:00-7:00 Home & School Meeting

Please schedule an appointment for the November 24th Blood Drive. Patients need blood, platelets and plasma at all hours of the day. They include people involved in accidents and blunt trauma, premature babies, those undergoing cancer and surgical treatments, bone and organ transplant recipients, mothers experiencing complex childbirths, older adults with health issues, and many others. Our community must see at least 1,500 donors a day to help local patients in need of lifesaving blood transfusions.

Additional Information

Use gift cards or shop online through RaiseRight for your everyday purchases and earn money for your organization. It's easy to enroll today!

Our goal is to have 100% of the families enrolled. Be sure to enroll by September 30th so that your child’s class has a chance to win an ice cream party! To enroll email Olivia Bradley at scrip@smgschool.org for the enrollment code.

Please enjoy this audio/visual experience of the goings on of Saint Maria Goretti. Consider that a "Subscription" to the YouTube channel and/or a "Like" on any video will help us grow our exposure and impact. Please do share anything you enjoy with other family members and friends that would similarly delight in the successes and accomplishments of the students.

https://www.youtube.com/@smgbroadcast2001

SMG students receive a Terrific Trojan sticker when they are "caught" being safe, responsible and respectful. After wearing the sticker during the day, the Terrific Trojan places it on the hallway bulletin board. We love seeing how full the bulletin board becomes by the end of the school year.

• Leo - K, Charles - K, Holly - PreK
• Luke - 1st, Claire - PreK
• Fiona - 1st, Blessing - 1st, Jaden - K

Mrs. Richards organized another spectacular Veterans Day presentation! Our students honored veterans with songs, moving narration and a heartwarming slideshow. Thanks to all who joined us. We are grateful for your service. God bless America!

SMG Veterans Day 2024 Photo Slideshow.mp4

https://youtube.com/live/7PNp_loNsRY?feature=share

SMG students cast their ballots and named our new chickens. Meet Chick-fil-a, Chicken Little, Maria Goretti, and Buttercup!

Fort Worth firefighter and SMG alumni David Tompkins, Southlake firefighter Daniel Massengale, and Arlington firefighter and SMG alumni Dylan Moorhead discussed fire safety with SMG students.

Watch the video of the Saint Maria Singers singing Sing a New Song to the Lord at Mass.

The SMG Folklorico group visisted Brookdale Senior Living where they presented residents with cards and performed Mexican regional traditional dances.

performance

performance2

Thanks to all who participated in the Thanksgiving food drive. You brought joy to many families.

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God ifor you in Christ Jesus.

-1Thessalonians 5:16-18

Spanish class used real life objects to represent the nubmers 1-10 en Espanol.

2nd grade sings The Itsy Bitsy Spider in Espanol.

Please consider volunteering to help during lunch and recess. Service hours will be earned. Click on the signup genius link for a description of duties. All volunteers must be current with their Virtus training.

Sign-Up Genius

Use the QR codes to sign up and help us plan how many teams we will have. Once teams are set, you will be contacted via email with the coach, practice times and payment information. You may contact the SMG Athletic Director, Ms. Bara, with any questions at cbara@smgschool.org

One SMG parent must complete this training so that their child can participate in athletics. This training is for new families, parents who have NOT completed the training, or parents with students who are in 5th grade and want to participate in any sports this year.

• Link to Register: https://playlikeachampion.wufoo.com/forms/mhwglp5036xjyp/
• Cost is free, use code: FortWorthParent
• It’s only necessary for one parent to registered. Parents can enter the code above into the coupon code box and that will take their cost down to $0.

Virtual Workshop Dates

• Tuesday, November 19th at 7:30 pm EST

NCHS Director of Theater, Christine Collard, Nolan Catholic High School is hosting tryouts for the NCHS Spring Musical on December 6th for 2nd through 8th graders.

Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Sports Calendar

Monday

• 7:00-7:40 Cheer (Saladino/Risinger) Gym
• 12:16-1:01 Open Library Checkout (4th-8th)
• 12:16-1:01 STUCO (Daly) Computer Lab Begins TBD
• 3:30-4:45 Folklorico Current Members (Zavala) Hope Rm
• 3:30-4:15 PSIA Spelling (Daly) Computer Lab Nov. 18, Dec. 2, 9, Jan. 13, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 24
• 3:30-4:15 PSIA Maps/Graphs/Charts (Utendorf) Rm. 110 Dec. 9, Jan. 13, 27, Feb. 10, 24
• 3:30-4:15 Math Tutoring 6th-8th (Tran) Rm. 121
• 3:30-4:15 PSIA Ready Write 4th-8th (Vasquez) Nov. 18, Dec. 3
• 6:00-8:00 Robotics (Morales) 4/5 Sci Lab

• 7:00-7:40 Cheer (Saladino/Risinger) Gym
• 12:16-12:36 Library Leaders (Richards)
• 12:16-1:00 NJHS (Jones)
• 3:30-4:15 Cantoring (Breed) Church

Wednesday

• 7:15-7:45 Math Tutoring 2-5 (Sister Mary Monica) Rm. 116
• 7:15-7:45 AM Saint Maria Singers (Richards) Library
• 12:16-1:01 Open Library Checkout (4th-8th)
• 12:16-12:36 SMG Broadcast (Jones) Rm. 120
• 3:30-4:15 4th-8th Detention Rooms Vary
• 3:45-4:30 Run Club (Gutierrez)
• Nov. 20, Dec. 11, Feb. 12, 26, March 12, 26, April 9, 30, May 7

• 3:30-4:15 PSIA Drawing (Jamison) Art Room
• Dec. 4, Jan. 15, 29 Feb. 12, 26

• 3:30-4:30 Chess Club (Tran) Rm 121
• 3:45-4:15 Science Tutoring (Saladino) Rm. 109
• 3:30-4:00 Rosary Group (Utendorf) - Conference Room

• 7:15-7:45 AM PSIA Math 2nd/3rd (Sr. Mary Monica) Rm 116
• Dec. 5, Jan. 16, Feb. 6, 20

• 7:15-7:45 AM PSIA Math 4th/5th (Sr. Mary Monica) Rm 116 Dec. 12, Jan. 9, 23, Feb. 13, 27

• 7:00-7:45 AM PSIA Math 6th-8th (Tran) Rm 121
• Nov. 21, Dec. 5, Jan. 16, Feb. 6, 20

• 3:30-4:45 The Trojan Troupe (Richards) Library/Stage
• End time extended to 6PM beginning in March
• 3:45-4:45 Card Club (Saladino) Rm 109

Friday

• 12:16-1:01 Open Library Checkout (4th-8th)

Nov. 19, Tuesday: 5:00 PM Social Hour - Street Tacos, 6:00 Home & School Meeting, 7:00PM SMG K-5th Cub Scout Sign Up

Nov. 21, Thursday: Butter Braid Pick Up

Nov. 22, Friday: Faith Families; Noon Dismissal, Tamale Pick Up

Nov. 24, Sunday: 8:30-3:00 Blood Drive at SMG Church

Nov. 25-29: Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 3, Tuesday: 6:30 iGiveCatholic events: Tapestry of Light, Christmas cookies and tree contest

Dec. 4-6: SMG Christmas Store Shopping

Dec. 7, Saturday: 8th Grade Diocesan History Fair at Nolan

Dec. 12, Thursday: 2:00 Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day

Dec. 16, Monday: 6:30 Las Posadas

Dec. 16-20: Junior High Mid Terms

Dec. 17, Tuesday: 3rd Grade Field Trip

Dec. 19, Thursday: 9:00 Band Concert

Dec. 20, Friday: 12:00 Dismissal, 2nd Quarter Ends, No SMEED

Dec. 23-Jan.7: Christmas Holiday

Jan. 8, Wednesday: Classes Resume

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.

St. Maria Goretti Parish Website: https://www.smgparish.org/

Serving the North Texas Catholic community by providing the faithful opportunities to grow in Christian discipleship and strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

https://fwdioc.org/

Email: development@smgschool.org
Website: https://smgschool.org
Location: 1200 South Davis Drive, Arlington, TX, USA
Phone: (817)275-5081

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smgcatholicschool/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StMariaGorettiArlington/