Cheetah Chatter
August 8th, 2023
“Where faith soars, minds excel, and futures ignite”
Week of February 2nd-February 8th
2023-2024 School Year - Issue #21
“A Good Catholic School Helps Students Become Saints"
~Pope Benedict XVI
Intent to Enroll for the 2024-2025 School Year
Each family was sent an Intent to Enroll email earlier this month asking each family to complete their intent for the 2024-2025 school year. It is important that each family completes this form as soon as possible, even if your circumstances have changed and you will no longer be returning. So far we only have 37% of current families who have completed the form. We use this information to begin planning classes and staffing for next school year. We have extended the deadline to complete the form and only pay $50/child for the re-registration fee. After February 20th, the fee will increase to $150.00. You don't want to miss out on this discount! If you have any questions or need the email resent to you, please contact Mrs. Kaitlin Brown at kbrown@stmstc.org. Thank you!
Hello St. Michael- St. Clement Students and Families
We were absolutely delighted to see such a large turnout of parents and families at our Catholic Schools Week event yesterday. The entire week has been incredibly fulfilling for everyone involved. Today, we had a wonderful time celebrating our students with snowballs, cotton candy, and popcorn. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Horizons Cinema in Fallston for their generous donation of the scrumptious movie theater popcorn. Tomorrow, we will be honoring our dedicated faculty and staff with a delicious lunch and the opportunity to win various prizes.
Now, let's talk about something exciting: the tuition rates for the 2024-2025 academic year. The board and I have worked tirelessly to ensure that we can continue to provide a top-tier Catholic education at an affordable rate. We understand the current state of our economy and recognize that parents are increasingly turning to Catholic schools over public schools. I am delighted to announce that our tuition rates have not significantly increased, and we have included fees within that rate. Last year, the Catholic rate for one student was $6,630, with an additional set of fees totaling $380, bringing the total tuition cost to $7,010. This school year, with the fees included, the Catholic rate for one student is $7,150.
The reason why our tuition rates have not gone up significantly is due to the introduction of the Technology Fee. This fee will be collected once before the start of the school year and will become an annual fee in the future.
Throughout the pandemic and even prior to it, we utilized grants and state funding to provide our students with Chromebooks. Unfortunately, we did not establish a reserve fund to account for the replacement of these devices as time goes on. This fee will not only ensure that we have reliable and adequate technology but will also help us maintain a robust and secure network.
My ultimate goal is to fully be 1:1 with new devices by the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. Currently, we have 75 brand new devices, still in their packaging, ready to be tagged and integrated into our system. By collecting the first-year tech fee upfront, we will be able to purchase another 75 devices while also maintaining funds for networking and replacing older units. In theory, chrome books would be given out in 6th, 3rd, and K, and new chromes books would be given every three years. 8th graders would have the option of buying their chrome book for a small fee at the time of graduation. I am currently working on insurance options as well so more info will follow.
I understand that no one likes additional fees, especially in a world where it feels like we're constantly being charged for everything. However, this fee is necessary for us to stay up to date with ever-evolving technology.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, I encourage you to fill out the 2024-2025 feedback form below. Your opinions, feedback, and suggestions are invaluable as we strive to establish St. Michael-St. Clement School as Baltimore's premier Catholic school.
Yours in Christ,
Matt Zipp
Happy Hallway Saints
WE HAVE SOLD ALL SPACES!!! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! Mrs. Thayer will be in contact with you over the next week to ensure what you want written on the sponsorship form and how to pay.
Catholic Schools Week Outreach
EXTENDED!!!!
Please join the Student Council in helping us to collect donations of travel sized items that will be used to make care kits for our community shelters. We are asking students in PreK thru 8th Grade to please send all donations to school by Friday, February 9, 2024. Thank you for your support!
2023-2024 Teacher of the Year
From the moment Ms. Cajigas stepped into the classroom, it was evident that she possessed a unique ability to inspire and motivate our children. Her innovative teaching methods, unwavering support, and genuine care for each student has made a lasting impact on their educational journey.
Not only does she excel in delivering engaging lessons, but she also goes above and beyond to create a warm and inclusive learning environment. Ms. Cajigas' commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging students to reach their full potential is truly remarkable.
Let's not forget the countless hours she has spent outside of the classroom, preparing lessons, grading papers, and providing extra assistance to those in need. Her dedication and selflessness are truly inspiring, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our school community.
So, let's come together and show our support for our 2023-2024 St. Michael-St. Clement Schools catholic teacher of the year, Ms. Viviana Cajigas.
February 2024
Chick-fil-a Box Lunch Fundraiser - February 22nd
Financial Aid Applications for the 2024-2025 School Year
The financial aid applications for the 2024-2025 school year are now OPEN! To apply for financial aid, please visit https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3FPTR. After completing the application, you will also need to upload:
- Federal Income Tax Return
- Copies of ALL current year W-2 Wage & Tax Statements
For more information about the application process, please visit www.online.FACTSmgt.com/Aid or call Mrs. Denise Polsinelli in the school office or via email a dpolsinelli@stmstc.org. The deadline to complete financial aid applications is Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
Student Council News
Candy Grams!
WHEN: February 6th - February 13th (while supplies last!)
COST: $0.50 each
Please click on the button below for the form and return it with recipient information and payment to the Student Council. All candy grams will be distributed on February 13th.
February 2024 Breakfast & Hot Lunch Calendars
Drama Club Corner
Rehearsal Updates
2/6/24 - Rehearsal will be from 3:00 - 4:00PM for Scenes 4-9 The following roles ONLY:
- Mal
- Evie
- Jay
- Carlos
- Jane
- Ben
- Fairy Godmother
- Royal Guard
- Evil Parents
- Chad
- Coach
- Auradonian 1 and 2
Class & Group Picture Day - RESCHEDULED!
HSA Mommy & Me Bouquet Event
Today is the LAST day to register for this amazing event! Please click the link below to register:
https://secure.givelively.org/event/st-michael-st-clement-school-inc/hsa-mommy-and-me-bouquet-making
Lutherville Rock School - Spring Session Registration
Hey STMSTC students!
Last Friday’s Band Showcase was awesome! Do you want to rock out with your friends at the next show?!
The Lutherville Music School's rock band program is an exciting opportunity for students to learn how to practice and play in a setting with their peers that is unlike any other traditional music program. We have been coaching bands for over a decade and have seen the tremendous impact it has on every student that has joined.
Students learn how to create the music they enjoy listening to in a social and collaborative setting. Band mates learn to work together as a team in a space where they are pushed to play as one cohesive unit and have fun, which often results in lifelong friendships .
Generally speaking, the bands consist of Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Drums, and Voice, but they do welcome most other instruments. Each student is placed in a band based on their instrument, age, and skill level. Throughout the session, they will choose a band name, learn a list of chosen songs, write some music, and learn how to perform in front of an audience.
The session culminates in a Band Showcase, like the one you saw last Friday, where students get to play the songs they've learned on a big stage at a real music venue. This Spring Session’s Showcase will be on May 31st at STMSTC and June 1st and 2nd, 2024 at BC Brewery in Hunt Valley.
The program only costs $75/month per student, however, if you are enrolled in private lessons through Lutherville Music School, the band program is only an additional $45/month. We look forward to rocking out with you!
Lutherville Music School's professional staff is dedicated to making your band experience something that will last a lifetime!
If you are interested in joining a band, simply fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/kqTw1oEBw5YdFLjj6
Please contact Drew (DrewLRS@gmail.com), if you have any questions, we'll be happy to answer them!
Late Students
We understand that there are times when a child may be late arriving to school. When this happens, a parent/guardian MUST come into the office and sign the student in upon arrival. If your child walks to school or is taking mass transit, a parent/guardian MUST call the school office and notify staff that they will be late. If you have any questions, please call the school office. Thank you for your cooperation!
FAITH FORMATION
Reconciliation & First Holy Communion
Attention parents of children eligible to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion! If you missed the November 14th parent meeting at the Church of the Annunciation, we are rescheduling another meeting! We will be meeting on Sunday, February 4th at 11:30AM in the lower church of St. Michael the Archangel. In preparation for that meeting, please complete the Reconciliation/First Communion registration form which you can find in the school office.
If you have any questions, please email Sr. Susan Engel, MHSH (Faith Formation Coordinator) at sr.engel@verizon.net. Thank you!
WINTER INFORMATION FOR 2024
Substitute Teachers Needed
Calling all education enthusiasts! St. Michael - St. Clement School is on the lookout for talented substitute teachers to join our incredible team! At St. Michael - St. Clement School, we believe that every child deserves an exceptional education, even when their regular teacher is away. That's where our amazing substitute teachers come in! As a substitute teacher, you'll have the chance to inspire and motivate our students, fostering a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, we welcome your unique skills and perspectives. Please email, pdossa@stmstc.org or call 410-668-8797, Paula Dossa if you or anyone you know is interested.
Important Links
IMPORTANT MESSAGE from Archdiocese of Baltimore
Prayer Corner
"Pray, Hope, Don't Worry"- St. Padre Pio
Saint Michael the Archangel isn't a saint, but rather he is an angel, and the leader of all angels and of the army of God. This is what the title "Archangel" means, that he is above all the others in rank.
Redemptorist preacher and reformer. Clement preached, built orphanages and schools, and established a vast Redemptorist presence in the city.