The Trojan Times
Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School March 27, 2020
Mission Statement
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.
Principal's Message
Dear St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Families,
This week begins our third week of distance learning through the various virtual learning platforms that we have implemented for our students to continue learning from home. The process has been a learning curve for us all, students, parents, faculty and staff alike, and though may not be the most ideal situation, most have taken the challenges presented and have settled in to a fairly balanced routine.
As we continue distance learning, I would like to share with you some updates and information that I hope will help to continue to promote a more balanced week of learning in your homes.
- Distance Learning Platforms: We will continue utilizing Seesaw and Google Classroom as our distance learning platforms. Seesaw will be the learning platform utilized by our PK-4 through 1st Grade students and Google Classroom for our 2nd through 8th Grade students. If your student(s) experience any difficulties navigating the learning platforms, please email your child’s homeroom teacher as soon as possible.
- Videos, Webcasts, Chats: Teachers will be checking in with students several times each week in each subject that they teach via videos that they’ve created, webcasts, and chats, etc. They might be teaching a lesson, hosting a discussion on a book or topic, re-teaching, reading a story or book, or simply hosting a Q & A session. Teachers will notify students directly through the learning platform of when these events will take place.
- Assignments/Work Load: In classes where it is possible, assignments in grades 2-8 will be posted on Mondays and will be due the following Monday. We are hoping that allowing students to self-pace a little more through the week and to have the weekend to finish up will help make things a little less stressful at home, especially for families who have multiple children, parents trying to work either at home or away, students with limited internet access, or all of the above. As well, I have asked teachers not to post new assignments on Fridays that they expect to be completed and turned in either that day or on the upcoming Monday, and not to assign tests on Mondays. I encourage students (and families) to use Fridays as more of a “catch-up” day or an independent study day. Though students may use the weekend to catch or finish up assignments before they are due on Monday, we are really trying to preserve the weekends for family time. Finally, your student(s) should see more uniformity in how the assignments on Google Classroom are posted so that they are always in the same place on the class landing page in each subject. Please let the teacher know if your student(s) is experiencing any problems completing and submitting assignments on time or is unsure of due dates, etc. We are trying to be very flexible especially during this time and want to do everything we can to make the situation as stress-free as possible.
- Grading: At this time, teachers are not deducting points for late assignments. That may change if we remain out of school and distance learning longer than the current Shelter in Place order, but for now please keep encouraging your students to complete and submit assignments on the due date or as soon as possible after the due date. Grades will continue to be posted on RenWeb/FACTS as that is our primary learning management system. Teachers will not be utilizing the grade book that is on Google Classroom.
- Specials Classes: With the exception of Spanish class for grades 4-8, assignments from specials classes will be posted 1-2 times a week and are meant to be an extension for students seeking a challenge or other creative learning experience.
- Mass, Stations of the Cross, Prayer: Most weekdays, Bishop Olson is celebrating Mass at 12PM (noon) and it is being streamed live on the diocesan Face Book page, which I will also continue to share on the school’s official Face Book page (@StMariaGorettiArlington). As well, any invitations from Pope Francis for the faithful to join in prayer will continue to be posted and/or live streamed on our Face Book page, like the special prayer and blessing was last Friday. Finally, last Friday at 3:00PM I hosted a Watch Party on Face Book of the Stations of the Cross and will do so again this Friday. If you miss the live stream at 3:00PM, you can go back and view it later. Thank you to all who have been able to participate in these live stream opportunities to come together as a school community of faith.
- School Closure: Governor Abbott ordered that Texas schools remain closed through April 3, but the Tarrant County Shelter in Place order issued last week does not expire until April 7th. I am waiting to hear clarification from the diocese on how that impacts our original hope to return on April 6th, and will relay any updates to that timeline as more information becomes available in the coming days.
- Summer Vacation: Many parents have wondered whether the school year will be extended into the summer to make up for the closure. We will be requesting a waiver so that distance learning days will not have to be made up. We are documenting our instructional support to ensure that the waiver is granted.
I ask that you please keep praying and keep the feedback coming. We will keep learning and becoming more fluent with the online platforms we are currently using, while becoming familiar with other ways of communicating and delivering meaningful instruction to our students.
Please stay safe out there. I know I speak on behalf of all faculty and staff when I say that we miss all of you and are looking forward to having our students back in the classrooms hopefully in the near future!
St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!
Blessings,
Laura Behee, M.Ed.
Principal
Virtual Challenge Week!!
Last week, many students had fun while showing their Trojan Spirit by participating in our Virtual Spirit Week (see all the photos below). This week, we are hosting a Virtual Challenge Week with one extra challenge not listed on the flyer below: We challenge the 5th - 8th Grade students to participate as much or more than the PreK - 4th Grade students who participated last week! What do you say 5th -8th Grade students?? Are you up for the challenge?!?
Remember to show your Trojan pride and send pictures and/or video clips of you taking part in the daily challenges, and email to photos@smgschool.org.
Students, Show & Tell Us if You Miss Us!
We hope all of our students know how much all of the teachers, staff, and administration misses each and every one of them!! The faculty and staff have sent messages to students via videos, emails, and through the online learning platforms expressing how much we all miss our students and can't wait to get back in the actual (not virtual) classrooms.
We are hearing that the feeling is mutual and our students miss us too! Students, if that is true, why not show and tell us by sending us photos of you maybe holding up a written message or a video clip of you telling us? We would love to see and hear from you!!
Please send all photos and/or videos to photos@smgschool.org. Be sure to write Thank You in the subject line!
Send Us Your Photos!
We are documenting SMG Distance Learning on our official SMG Face Book page (@StMariaGorettiArlington) and in the Trojan Times each week. Please send your pictures to photos@smgschool.org!
Morning & Afternoon Announcements
Remember to check Google Classroom Homeroom (2nd-8th graders), Seesaw (PK4-1st graders), or our official Face Book page (@StMariaGorettiArlington) daily for Morning and Afternoon Prayers and Announcements!
Online Educational Resources for Parents
Click the link below for a list of online educational resources that parents may find worthwhile and helpful while children are not at school over the next two weeks. This list is not exhaustive as there are MANY other educational sites, many that are offering free resources and access during the COVID-19 crisis. Please note, St. Maria Goretti Catholic School does not specifically endorse any site on the list.
https://smgschool.org/documents/2020/3/Online%20Resources%20for%20Parents.pdf
Reminders:
- We are hoping to update our official Facebook page with some more recent, positive reviews, likes, and shares. Please visit our official FaceBook page (Facebook@StMariaGorettiArlington) and help us spread the word about our great Catholic school!
- Registration & Enrollment: Registration & Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year is well underway! All registration and enrollment information can also be found on our website. As well, if you would like to defer your registration fee and pay it next month or over the next few months, please contact our registrar, Mrs. de la Pena (jdelapena@smgschool.org). As a reminder, tuition assistance is available and Father Jim and I are committed to making a Catholic education available to any family who wishes one for their child(ren). I also encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns.
SMG 2019-2020 Yearbooks On Sale Now!
Greek Story Theatre Performance April 17-18
Before spring break and the Coronavirus pandemic, the SMG Stars from our 6th-8th Grade Performing Arts Classes began rehearsing for our Greek Story Theatre performances that at this time, are still scheduled to take place on April 17-18, 2020. Please mark your calendars to join us!
First Holy Communion Postponed
Per Bishop Olson's directive, for the health and safety of everyone, all Sacrament of First Holy Communion celebrations that were scheduled to take place at parishes in the diocese have been postponed. We will be sure to keep you updated when a new date and time has been determined.
Fort Worth Zoo Run on April 4th-CANCELED
The Fort Worth Zoo's 23rd Annual Zoo Run that was scheduled for April 4th has been canceled. Registered participants should have received the following email excerpt:
The health and safety of our Zoo Runparticipants, vendors, sponsors and staff have always been our top priority. In light of the many unknowns regarding COVID-19 and our desire to adhere to health officials’ recommendations, we’ve decided to cancel this year’s Zoo Run. Participants can choose to receive a full refund or designate their registration fee as a charitable donation to the Fort Worth Zoo, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
We know this is a trying time for many. Our decisions to temporarily close the Zoo and cancel Zoo Run were difficult ones, especially since we rely on daily admission and events like Zoo Run to cover our operating expenses, which support activities like education programs and conservation projects around the world. We want to thank you for your understanding and flexibility regarding this cancellation and humbly ask for your continued commitment to the Fort Worth Zoo during this time.
You can choose to designate your registration fee as a charitable donation to the Zoo or request a full refund by following the directions below.
- Sign into your Race Roster account here– if you do not see the 23rd Annual Zoo Runregistration please call Race Roster at 855-969-5515.
- Click "Edit registration" in the right corner of the screen
- Choose from the options under the question "How would you like to convert your registration?"
- Hit "submit" to save
Due to the high volume of cancelled races, our service provider, Race Roster, will be sending receipts at a later date. Please continue to watch your inbox.
There is Still Time to Join the SMG Running Club
It is not too late to join the SMG Running Club.
These are the official Thursday dates that Running Club will meet:
- April 23, 30
- May 7, 14
Running Club Information Flyer: https://ec-prod-sites.s3.amazonaws.com/12396/documents/2020/1/Running%20Club%20Flyer%202019%202-1.pdf
Running Club Sign-Up Form: https://ec-prod-sites.s3.amazonaws.com/12396/documents/2020/1/Running%20Club%20sign-up%20form%202019%202-1.pdf
The 2019-2020 Annual Fund
The St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Annual Fund is essential to help fill the gap between tuition and operating expenses. The school’s 2019-2020 Annual Fund helps provide funding for many of the school’s most pressing needs such as academic enhancements, security improvements and updates, professional development for our teachers, and general operating expenses.
Please, prayerfully consider supporting our school through the 2019-2020 Annual Fund. Donations can be made by check (payable to SMG Catholic School), or online by visiting https://smgschool.org/give-now. Every gift counts!
Remember to Keep Collecting Those BoxTops!
Nolan Catholic High School Happenings
Online Application is Open
New Student Tuition Assistance Application is NOW OPEN
The application for returning students opened December , 2019. Learn More.
Please contact admissions@nchstx.org to schedule a family tour, or for more information.
LAST WEEK AT SMG.....
Teacher's New Distance Learning Classrooms
Teachers grabbed their grade books, instructional manuals and computers from SMG, then headed home to create distance learning classrooms. They all look a little different:
- Mrs. Daly is conducting class from her living room couch.
- Mrs. Pfaff is in the dining room, while her husband uses the enclosed back porch.
- Mrs. Pick's new desk is the kitchen table. Her family must now eat meals in front of the TV.
- Mrs. Girton had declared herself an "office nomad". She switches between the kitchen, sun room, front bedroom and outside deck.
Things may look a little different, but it's business as usual. Regardless of where their new offices are, teachers are busy creating lessons and keeping the lines of communication open with students. Stay safe. We miss you!
Virtual Spirit Week: Math Monday
Virtual Spirit Week: Literature Tuesday
Virtual Spirit Week: Saints Wednesday
Click on link to hear Grace talk about Saint Maria.
https://safeYouTube.net/w/o7e3
Who is your favorite saint?
Ten of the most popular saints according to masslive.com.
1. St. Patrick
2. St. Joseph
3. St. Francis of Assisi
4. Mary, the Blessed Virgin
5. St. Bernadette
6. St. Nicholas
7. St. Peter
8. St. Therese of Liseux
9. St. Anne
10. St. Christopher
Virtual Spirit Week: Noggin Thursday
Virtual Spirit Week: Pet Friday
A survey by the Society For Human Resource Management reveals that:
- 8% of American workplaces allow employees to bring their pets to work.
- 80% of employees in pet-friendly workplaces say having their pet at work makes them feel happy, relaxed and sociable.
- 30% of people display pictures of their pets at work.
- 67% of office workers say dogs in the workplace lower their stress level.
Ellie lives with Mrs. Cottingham
Mrs. Daly shares a house with Teddy
Auggie lives the good life with Mrs. Girton
Do You Like Green Eggs and Ham?
5 Reasons to Read to a Dog:
1.Children feel comfort in reading to a dog. The child can simply read, without fear of correction.
2. Reading to a dog can increase a child’s self-esteem and confidence levels in reading, especially with struggling readers.
3. Children gain a sense of accomplishment by finishing a story book or chapter of a book. They often spend longer reading to a dog than they would by themselves.
4. Dogs can be calming to many children. While reading, simply petting the dog can reduce anxiety or stress.
5. Reading to dogs is highly motivational and fun. Children look forward to reading to dogs, whether it is the family pet or a dog that visits a school or library.
Mrs. Bara's Dog, Zuzu
Mrs Girton's dog Auggie is distance learning along with the rest of us!
Mrs. Gutierrez and Ms. Meurer Busy at Work with a Little Help From Their Pets
Future Scientists in the Making!
We know we have many future scientists at SMG, but a few of our students have been doing a little investigating on their own while Distance Learning from home!
Check out 3rd Grade student, Anthony R.'s PowerPoint on specimens that he collected outside of leaves and tree branches and then observed under a microscope! So cool, Anthony! Mrs. Daly is especially impressed by your PowerPoint skills!
Also, 6th Grade student, Ethan C. decided to try a little experiment at home for a science research paper on which he is currently working about density (see photo below). Way to keep challenging yourself with higher level learning opportunities!
Finally, 4th Grade student, Catherine K. (see 2nd photo below) demonstrated a science experiment showing the transfer of energy from waves to the ball. Awesome!
1st Grade Challenge
Watch the video of Avi sharing her good news: Know that God is with you.
https://app.seesaw.me/pages/shared_item?item_id=item.9a388be1-c635-43b4-a4ce-9ed2165e733b&share_token=AGcmK4fVSO6oe7ILPX82Qg&mode=shareBradley Family Sends Thanks
Students Used Chalk and Even Their Bodies to Spread the Good Word
Unstoppable Kindergarten Learning and Growing!
Hail Mary
https://safeYouTube.net/w/gpb3https://safeYouTube.net/w/gpb3
Kindergarten Symmetry Lesson
SMG Kindergarten student, Mia drew a butterfly with symmetrical wings, then added video to her picture. Click on link.
Keep Moving!
Students loved moving to the GoNoodle videos PE Teacher, Mrs. Paladini, sent earlier in the week, including Damien, left. Check out the moves featuring Joseph and Jillian in the video clip below!
Getting Creative in the Kitchen!
While this Friday's Virtual Challenge is to Be a Baker (or Chef) and create something yummy to enjoy, a couple of our students are already pros in the kitchen!
A Family Affair!
PreK 3: Learning From Home
Some Pictures & Videos from the Week Before Spring Break!
Spanish Class - Days of the Week
La Clase de Espanol Misses You!
View 6th grade Spanish student, Will Paladini, acting as a weather man reporting the weather from Costa Rica in espanol. (Turn your volume to maximum level)
PreK 4
School Website Under Construction
Pardon our reconstruction.....we are in the process of cleaning up and updating the school website. This is a work in progress, and we ask for your patience as we work to improve the site. In the meantime, if you are unable to find information you are looking for on the website, please feel free to call the office.
Calendar Notes
- All academic, club, and athletic events are canceled beginning Monday, March 16th until further notice.
- Saturday, 3/28: PSIA District Meet Canceled
- Tuesday, 3/31: Virtual National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony
- Thursday, 4/9: Holy Thursday
- Friday, 4/10: Good Friday
- Sunday, 4/12: Easter Sunday
- Friday, 4/17: Teacher for the Day; Greek Story Theatre Performance, 6:00PM in Cafetorium
- Saturday, 4/18: Greek Story Theatre Performance, 1:00PM in Cafetorium
- Saturday, 5/2: First Holy Communion Canceled
Need Prayers?
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.
Meet Our Priests!
St. Maria Goretti Parish Website: https://www.smgparish.org/
Fr. Jim Angert, T.O.R.
Fr. Mike Ciski, T.O.R.
Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth
Serving the North Texas Catholic community by providing the faithful opportunities to grow in Christian discipleship and strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School
Email: development@smgschool.org
Website: https://smgschool.org
Location: 1200 South Davis Drive, Arlington, TX, USA
Phone: (817)275-5081
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StMariaGorettiArlington/