Dear SMA Community,

The joy of learning is evident in our students' faces, whether they're returning from school, playing on the field, or collaborating in classrooms. We're grateful to our teachers for sharing photos that capture these moments. But beyond these visible signs, how are our students progressing academically?

We're thrilled to report that since adopting our new standards-referenced approach over three years ago, we've seen tremendous growth in student learning. The carefully chosen English Language Arts (ELA) program, selected after extensive research by our faculty, has proven highly effective over the past two years. This fall's STAR ELA & Math assessment results are particularly impressive, showcasing our students' achievements.

Key points about STAR assessments:

- Computer-adaptive tests that increase in rigor as students answer correctly and decrease when answered incorrectly

- Teachers meet to analyze results in relation to classroom performance, discuss patterns, and formulate strategies

- Small groups are formed according to support or enrichment needs

- STAR scores and explanatory parent letters will be sent home tomorrow in the parent envelope

- Teachers are available by appointment to discuss any questions that may arise

Regarding our transition from School Speak to FACTS:

- We sincerely appreciate your patience during this arduous process

- It has been a full-time job for all involved, with some inevitable bumps in the road

- We embrace the learning opportunity in these challenges, just as we teach our students

- Many improvements to FACTS and the SMA app have been made based on your valuable feedback

- Please continue to share your perspective, as it's often difficult for us to see the forest through the trees

- Our goal is to email progress reports tomorrow (10/4), pending some minor tweaks we're still working out with FACTS

- We'll keep you updated on any changes

SMA's extracurricular activities are flourishing, thanks to our dedicated volunteers and faculty. We're grateful for everyone involved in:

- After-school tutoring

- Sports and cheer programs

- SeaPerch

- Academic Decathlon

- Student Council

- Yearbook committee

- Fall Festival

- Traffic duty

- Gardening

- And many more!

Lastly, thank you for your prompt response regarding Turkey Trot shirt sizes. We understand the quick turnaround was challenging, especially for those who needed weekend days to add sizes or required office assistance. The tight timeline was due to low supply of Fair Trade t-shirts in bulk. While we missed the cut-off for maroon shirts, we secured our order just in time for marine blue shirts. We're excited to see how the 8th grade Turkey Trot t-shirt contest designs turned out – stay tuned!

As always, we value your continued support and feedback in making SMA a thriving learning community. Your dedication to your children's education and our school is truly appreciated.

Fall Blessings,

Jennifer Miller

Principal, SMA

Log in to the SMA app follow the directions below. There are 2 opportunities to bid on reserved parking. Additionally, there are 4 rows on the "Mary side" and the "Jesus side" of the church to bid on.

Best of luck!

DIRECT LINK

Hi there! I’m Kylie Gehrz, and I am the new Learning Support Coordinator and math teacher. I am originally from New York, but my family has called California home since 2019. Life is busy with three little ones ages 4 and under, and while my hands are full, I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education and Mathematics, as well as a Master’s in Educational Technology and Communications. With eight years of experience teaching middle school math and science, I’m passionate about fostering curiosity and a love for learning in my students. After stepping away from the classroom to focus on my family, I’m excited about the journey ahead here at St. Martin of Tours Academy!

🏃🏻‍♀️Let's build up our endurance, Spartans! Cathedral Catholic High School is hosting a K-8 track meet this spring. But, there is a junior high event coming up 10/24/24: the St. Augustine Coach Gross Middle School Cross Country Track Meet. Coaches Rosie & Jeff Galford are forming a track team to practice after school on Mondays from 2:45-3:45 pm.

Please sign up on FACTS.

• 10/4/24 Feast of St. Francis Blessing of the Animals in front of school 11:40 am 🦮 - bring a picture of your pet or have your pet & family join us at 11:40 am
• ⚾10/4/24 Celebrate the Padres - Wear a Padres shirt, jersey, or colors with jeans for $1 donation (proceeds go towards Student Council school-wide activities)

• 10/7/24 Hot Bevs Coffee Cart 7:45-8:45 am ☕
• 🦃 10/7/24 Turkey Trot Kick-Off @ Morning Assembly
• ☕10/7/24 BYOC (Bring Your Own Coffee) with the Principal postponed due to staffing shortage

• 10/11/24 NO SCHOOL - Professional Learning Day Diocesan-Wide
• 10/14/24 NO SCHOOL
• 10/16/24 8:30 am School Mass (Wear Mass Uniform) led by 3rd Grade
• 10/20/24 9 am Academy-Sponsored Mass & 7th Grade Bake Sale 🍩
• 10/22/24 11 am Lunch with a Loved One 10% of sales from BMH will go directly to SMA
• 10/25/24 🍁5:30-8 pm Fall Festival🍁
• 10/25/24 8 am Picture Day Makeups- Please let the office know if your student needs their photo retaken or if they were absent on Picture Day!

It's all due to our amazing volunteers and hard-working faculty & staff! If you're wondering what needs to be done to volunteer around students, you can read the following document from the SMA Website found under the "PARENTS" tab.

Requirements to Volunteer

St. Martin of Tours Academy

Main Office: (619) 466-3241

Email: info51@stmartinoftoursacademy.org
Website: www.stmartinoftoursacademy.org
Location: 7708 El Cajon Blvd La Mesa, CA 91942

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmartinoftoursacademylamesa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmartinacademy/