Cheetah Chatter
August 8th, 2023
“Where faith soars, minds excel, and futures ignite”
Week of February 9th-February 15th
2023-2024 School Year - Issue #22
“As Lent is the time for greater love listen to Jesus thirst Repent and believe"
~St. Teresa of Calcutta
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
I want to express my gratitude to the 43 individuals who took the time to complete the feedback form above. I will be keeping it in the Cheetah Chatter for another week to give more people the opportunity to provide their input. Currently, we only have a 16% participation rate, considering we have a total of 260 families. Your feedback is highly valued, so please make sure to fill out the form before next week. The more input we receive, the better we can make improvements.
Regarding the survey, I want to address the concerns raised about the steps on Madeline. We are currently in the process of gathering quotes for the project and hope to have it completed as soon as possible.
Next Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. I have attached a beautiful graphic from EWTN above, which highlights the important dates of this season. In light of Ash Wednesday falling on February 14th, all Valentine's Day celebrations will take place on February 13th. Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and prayer, so I kindly remind everyone that during Lent, we abstain from eating meat on Fridays. This means that Chick-Fil-A days will be moved to Thursdays for the next two months. Even if you are not a practicing Catholic, I kindly request that you avoid including any type of meat in your child's lunches during this sacred season. Wednesday is also our student retreat day, with the theme Changning lives-serving communities.
I am thrilled to announce that Bishop Bruce will be visiting STM-STC to celebrate mass with the school on February 29th. On this day, all students must be in full uniform, and dress down passes will not be accepted. The mass will be live-streamed at 9am on our Facebook page, and the link will also be sent out by Kim.
Lastly, I hope everyone has a safe and blessed weekend!
Yours in Christ,
Matt Zipp
Fat Tuesday Activity
On Tuesday, February 13th, we will be having a "Fat Tuesday" activity for the students to celebrate the start of the Lenten Season. Classes will be called down to the gym throughout the day to enjoy a treat, snack, and water. If you would like to donate any individually wrapped snacks (chips, Rice Krispy Treats, packaged cookies, pretzels, etc.) or bottles of water that will be put out for all students to enjoy, please send in by Monday, February 12th to the school office. Thank you!
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.
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
2/20 - Only Jane, Fairy Godmother, Chad, Ben, Coach, Audrey, & only Aurdonians 1 and 2 for scenes 9-11.
2/27- ALL STAGE PERFORMERS for choreography review.
STAGE CREW: Meets from 3:00PM - 4:00PM
2/14 - Make platforms (Devyn J., Clarice B., Noah M., Ryan O., Zoey-Ella O., Harchan B.)
2/21 - Make Wanted Posters (Zandy S., Madison D., Sincere S., Corbin J., Lidia C., Charlie W., Madelyn H., Serafina S.)
Home & School Association Meeting
Our next Home & School Association (HSA) meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 20th at 6:30PM. We are still finalizing location and agenda details so be sure to check back next week for more information! We would love to see everyone there!!
Class & Group Picture Day - RESCHEDULED!
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!
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.