The Defender
December 1, 2023
A Message from Mrs. Tate
Dear St. Michael Families,
Happy December! We have been studying the virtue of gratitude for the past two weeks. Gratitude is defined as a thankful disposition of mind and heart. We are so grateful for our SMA community, and I’d like to share some specifics this week.
We are grateful for the nearly 70 parents who attended our program this past Tuesday: Building the Domestic Church. We hosted an expert from Sunflower House and an FBI agent who explained the dangers of internet and app usage. They provided helpful tips and tools to help kids and parents use technology in safe ways. Thank you to those who were able to attend! This is just our first step in engaging in this conversation, so if you missed it, stay tuned for more opportunities!
As we continue to evaluate, monitor, and add layers of safety and security measures to our school and parish, we are so grateful for the families who donated to our Giving Tuesday cause, Centegix CrisisAlert system. This system will save us critical time in emergencies to alert first responders and campus support. The donation site is still live until midnight tonight, so if you meant to donate and haven’t had time, please click here to support our efforts. Our goal is $35,000 to offset the initial cost of the system and its installation.
We are grateful for our Catholic school community and the support for our Christmas program! Connie Carrell, our music teacher, prepared the students all semester for this production, and it was a wonderful way to begin the Advent season. Our students did an amazing job with their songs, lines, parts, skits, and emcee introductions. Thank you to Connie and her team for preparing the students; thank you to the students for wonderful preparation and performances and thank you to the many staff members who helped make the production a success. Special thanks to Jenny Smith for handling the new ticketing process so that we could stay within the fire codes! Happy Advent season to everyone!
Next week will be just as busy as we prepare for total consecration to Jesus through Mary on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Friday. We will celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas with parties on Wednesday, and we’ll pray the rosary as a school Friday afternoon.
May the Advent season bring peace and love to you and your family.
Heavenly Father, your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. Guide us through this Advent season as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. Bring us closer to each other and to your Son. Give us the grace we need to be holy. Help us to become saints. Amen.
Sincerely,
Diana Tate, Principal
We Want Your Feedback
SMA Parents -
I hope you all have recovered from Thanksgiving and are now in preparation for Advent as a kickoff to the Christmas season. St. Michael the Archangel (SMA) School administration is in the process of developing a five-year strategic plan to coincide with the school’s five-year accreditation. The strategic plan will help to guide the school’s work in the areas of operations, Catholicity, and academic achievement over the next five-year period. The School Advisory Council (SAC) is making recommendations to the administration and would like your input to assist in the area of academic achievement. All school families are invited to submit the short survey linked below to share your family’s sentiments and priorities for academics. Let your voice be heard as the committee develops recommendations for the strategic plan. Please complete the survey by December 9th. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
https://eprovesurveys.advanc-ed.org/surveys/#/action/241323/11941
Sincerely,
Joe Ismert
Chair, School Advisory Committee
Drop Off Reminder
It is safer for students to exit from the driver's side back seat whenever possible so that children exit curbside. Please help us keep all kids safe by having your students exit the car curbside.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
Uniform Code Reminders
- All boys’ hair must be cut above their ears and collar. Hair should not hang down in their eyes or hang over their ears.
- The length of all girls’ skirts and jumpers must be at the knee. Skirt/jumper length should not hit anywhere on the thigh.
- After Thanksgiving, all boys are to wear long pants. Shorts are not permitted again until after spring break.
Please help your children practice the virtues of respect, responsibility, obedience, and modesty by complying fully with our school’s uniform code. The uniform code is a condition of attendance.
High School Placement Test
The High School Placement Test is on Saturday, December 2nd.
Register your 8th-grade student to take the test at Saint Thomas Aquinas with this link:
VSL Updates
There is no FUN FIRST FRIDAY in December. We encourage families to support the Christmas Bonus Fund.
DECK THE DOORS THIS SUNDAY
Thank you to all the parents who have signed up to help. School doors will be open from 11am-6pm. Please remember to only use painters tape or other products that will not damage the walls. Children will vote on Dec 4th and Dec 5th and the winner will be announced at the St. Nicholas Day Parties.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
December is a busy month! Let VSL help you stay organized. Print this beautiful calendar by clicking here!
Dennis Uniform
SMA School Activities
Parish News
Penance Service
St. Michael Parish Penance Service is at 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 4.
Mass Schedule - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Thursday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 8 - 6:40 a.m., 8:15 a.m., noon, and 6:00 p.m.
DB CLASS AUCTION ITEMS
Every year each class contributes an auction item to DB. We're asking parents to consider something different and change to hosting a class activity. Tickets to the event will be sold at DB. Are you interested in helping out? Have a good idea for a class activity? Fill out this form to get started. Or reach out to Jocelyn Gaddy (Jocelyn.gaddie@gmail.com) or Erin Jurado (erin.jurado@gmail.com) with any questions.
DEFENDERS' BALL
Click here to watch the DB News Episode 4 video!
Tickets are on sale now! Click here to purchase DB tickets!
SMA CANDLES
These limited edition SMA candles would make great Christmas presents. Limited quantity available - get yours before we sell out! Click here to purchase candles!
PARENT TRIVIA NIGHT
Click here to get your Trivia Night tickets! Questions are inspired by the school subjects and we're even asking the teachers for suggestions. Costumes are encouraged but not required.