|
Dear Parents:
Within the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, May has always been a month dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. During those years of my youth when I was fortunate to be in a Catholic elementary school, I remember the great solemnity which surrounded the crowning ceremony of the statue of Mary and what a great honor that was for the girl who was selected to place the crown on the head of Mary. Times have changed but we still reserve May to recognize the singular importance that she played in the life of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and by extension in our lives.
Here at SMCHS we will recognize Mary for her role in God's plan of salvation at our annual Marian Mass on May 9th at 9:00 a.m. in the Moiso Pavilion. This mass not only honors the Blessed Mother but we install the 2013-14 ASB Executive officers and recognize the Class of 2013 as they begin the process of moving from Santa Margarita to college and life beyond. You are most welcome to join us for this liturgical celebration.
I would like to bring one item about our Masses to your attention. This year we have seen a much higher absentee rate on Mass days. It appears that many use the fact of a Mass to schedule medical appointments or just not to be in school. Of great concern to me is that fact that the list of absentees includes many Catholic students.
At our last all school Mass on April 17th, the Mass of Resurrection, 135 Catholic students were absent and in addition 19 came into the attendance office to ask for an off campus pass before Mass began. To put this in perspective, there were 223 absences that day (school average is 100 per day) so the Catholic students absent represents 69% of all absences which is a pretty astounding figure.
I bring this to your attention in the hope that you will have a conversation with your son/daughter about the importance of all our students being present at Mass but particularly our Catholic young men and women who have an opportunity to receive the Eucharist. Surveys tell us that one of the primary reasons parents send their sons and daughters to SMCHS is for the Christian faith environment and for Catholic families, not only the faith environment but the opportunity to grow in their Catholic faith. We foster that environment in many ways during the year from retreats to Religion classes and most certainly through the all school Mass experience.
We have 6-8 all school Masses a year; what a shame it is that many students chose to absent themselves from this wonderful community building liturgical celebration of faith. If we truly are true to our charism of Caritas Christi, we know that as our Lord said, "When two or more are gathered, there I am." Let us re-commit ourselves to the idea that when 1650 are gathered and go forth from the celebration of the Mass to bring Christ's love to the world great things will indeed happen. I ask you as parents to reaffirm this commitment with your sons and daughters.
As you read this the IB exams will be underway with the AP exams set to begin next week. As principal I wish all of the students taking these exams the very best. Many hours go into each student's preparation for these exams by both students and teachers and I know our students have been prepared. May the Lord be with each of them bringing them comfort, confidence and strength as they take these exams.
The month of May also sees the close to spring sports and many of our teams will be competing for league titles and CIF championships. Approximately 600+ students participate in spring sports and have worked hard to reach their goals. The very best to all of our student athletes as they seek to further the great athletic reputation of SMCHS.
Our Performing Arts Department had a wonderful start to their spring season with the highly successful run of Beauty and the Beast....a great show enjoyed by all who attended. The magic continues in May with a unique experience; the musical portion of the department (band, orchestra, choirs, hand bells and guitars) all will be performing at the Segerstrom Center on May 8th! What an unbelievable venue for our fantastic students to be showcased; I hope you will plan on attending. The week following this performance our award winning Dance program presents its annual Spring Concert in the Dome; another wonderful opportunity to see tremendous talent displayed.
All of these things continue to prove that "Every day is a Great Day to be an EAGLE!"
The Blessed Virgin Mary was presented with an opportunity when the angel appeared to her; she could have said 'no' to his invitation to be the mother of our Lord but she said 'yes' and with that yes her life changed as did all of ours for through that yes, God's promise to send the Messiah into the world came to fulfillment. Jesus Christ is our Lord and through His death and resurrection, he became our Savior bringing us eternal life. We owe Mary a huge debt of gratitude for being open to the Lord's will; as the Angel Gabriel said: "Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with you!"
Caritas Christi,
|
|
Dear Parents,
What would you do in this scenario? You have the option of continuing to spend $50,000 to $100,000 a year to operate and maintain an HVAC plant running on 25 year old equipment or saving $155,000 a year in reduced energy costs by building a new HVAC plant using 21st century technology. The answer appears obvious and work has begun on our new campus central plant. The plant's cost is significant at $3.2 million but the project benefits are vital to sustaining our school mission. We have refinanced our existing school bond obligations along with this new capital expense. We have positioned our school to take advantage of the tremendous energy savings and reduced our carbon footprint for generations to come. The project also provides heating and air conditioning to the Moiso Pavilion for the first time since it was built in 1987.
While the project was designed over the last two years and every alternate pursued including power generation and solar alternatives, we explored funding options other than debt financing. After considerable review, debt financing along with funds remaining from our original $19 million bond program, was the preferred funding option. Santa Margarita Catholic High School is committed to our students and their families and this investment in our physical plant represents stewardship of the resources we have been given. When you combine this investment with an additional $600,000 in information technology infrastructure, we are maintaining a campus that supports Catholic, college-preparatory learning.
Information technology, deferred maintenance, and energy projects are only three of the less visible elements of our efforts to "pursue excellence." We don't expect our families to become passionate about campus maintenance and make six-figure gifts to help us retire debt or construct a wireless node. We are passionate about what happens inside and outside the classroom where true learning takes place. It is here that philanthropy and the support of scholarships, teaching innovation, and experiential learning makes a difference. It is in the exchange of ideas between a teacher and their students that dreams come true. It is the selfless effort of a volunteer, the transformational power of a gift, and the shared vision of the love of Christ that will and must keep Santa Margarita Catholic High School true to its mission.
Pray for our school as we celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2013 and welcome the hearts, minds, and souls of the Class of 2017. Rejoice in the Love of Christ! Seek fellowship in our community! Engage yourself as a life-long learner! May your roots and wings nourish your hopes and expectations.
Sincerely,
Paul Carey
President
|
The entire Santa Margarita community is looking forward to welcoming each of our new students! As you begin your journey as Eagles, please visit us at www.smhs.org/classof2017
We enjoyed meeting you at our Incoming Freshman Scheduling Night and are looking forward to your arrival next fall. For your convenience, the packet handed out that evening is available on the Class of 2017 website or by clicking here.
World Language Placement exams for honors language courses are today and next Tuesday, May 7 at 3:00 pm on the 2nd floor of the Academic Services Center (S Building).
Click here for a campus map. Students can attend either of the two testing dates. Click here for details. No prior registration is necessary. Please check-in on the second floor of the Academic Services Center (S Building) and bring a pencil. Most exams will be completed in an hour and will not exceed 1 hour, 30 minutes.
|
|
|
May 3: Track & Swim League Finals
May 8-10: Spring Music Concert
May 11: Mother/Son Social
May 15-18: Spring Dance Concert
May 20: Senior Exams 0 & 2
May 21: Senior Exams 3 & 4
May 22: Senior Exams 6 & 1
May 24: Full School Holiday
May 27: Memorial Day- Full School Holiday
May 28: Senior Yearbook Luncheon
May 29: Senior Grad Practice
May 30: Baccalaureate Mass
May 31: Graduation & Grad Night
|
|
Talon Theatre Represents California at Thespian Festival
Santa Margarita Catholic High School Thespian Troupe #5524 was selected at the California Thespian Festival to represent the state at the International Thespian Festival in the Chapter Select Showcase at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, during the week of June 24 - 29th with a scene from The Miracle Worker by William Gibson.
The Miracle Worker is the story of Helen Keller, blind, deaf, and mute,
whose world was opened by her teacher, Annie Sullivan, who persevered in teaching Helen how to communicate with language.
The scene that will be performed at the International Festival takes place at the breakfast table during which Annie and Helen battle for control in their first "lesson" as Annie teaches Helen to eat with a spoon from her own plate.
The Thespian cast members who will travel to the International festival to perform include: Ruthie Flynn as Annie Sullivan, Joanna Pisano as Helen Keller, Veronica Thompson as Kate Keller, Nicholas Rule as Captain Keller, Trevor Lown as James Keller, and Andrea Martinez as Viney.
In addition, the following students received superior ratings at the state festival and are eligible to compete at the International Festival: Ruthie Flynn, JeanneAnn Faris, Rachel Gallardo, and Nicholas Rule in Monologue Performance, Melissa Montes, Andrea Martinez, and Veronica Thompson in Group Musical Theatre, and Veronica Thompson in solo musical. Veronica won third place overall in solo musical in the state.
The International Thespian Society is the only organization recognized by colleges and universities that recognizes excellent work done by students in theatre on the secondary level. Troupe #5524 was re-activated in 2010 by Sponsor Amy Luskey-Barth. Since that time, SMCHS has initiated fifty-four students. Current officers are: President Veronica Thompson, Vice President Joanna Pisano, Treasurer Nicholas Rule, Secretary Madison Schlegel, Historian Rachel Gallardo, Members at Large JP Jennings and Ryan Fonseca.
|
SMCHS Ranked No. 27 in the Nation by the Washington Post
Santa Margarita Catholic High School once again made the Washington Post's annual Challenge Index earning a ranking of No. 27 in the nation for private schools, the only private high school in Orange County included on the list.
The rankings are based on the number of college-level tests given at a school divided by the number of graduates that year. Schools are ranked in order according to this ratio. The Challenge Index measures how effectively a school prepares its students for college, according to the Post.
SMCHS is ranked alongside the nation's top 1 percent of public schools in the Post's annual Challenge Index. Santa Margarita moved up 234 spots from last year to earn a national ranking of 361 out of 1,964 schools to make the prestigious list. Only the top 9 percent of public high schools of the approximately 22,000 in the nation achieved a high enough standard to earn placement on the list. This is the second year Washington Post education columnist Jay Mathews has included a sampling of the nation's private schools in the rankings as well as a separate list ranking the nation's private schools.
|
| Campus Store Year End Specials!!
Shop the Campus Store May 1st through May 22nd, and enter the name of a student, teacher or parent in the opportunity drawing for a prize of a $50.00 gift card of their choice!! Click Here for more info!!
|
| Equestrian Claims Overall Champion School, First Time Since 2007
A total of 40 schools, 127 riders participated in the Hunter/Jumper Division this season and SMCHS came away with eleven individual trophies and four overall school trophies, including the Overall Champion School for the first time since 2007!
It's important to note that the Hunter Division has five different classes, and in both the Freshman and Varsity divisions, we received either Individual Reserve Champion or Champion in three of those five classes AND the High Point Individual Reserve Champion AND School Champion award. In JV Hunter, we took Reserve in two of the five classes and High Point Individual Champion. Our Novice Division riders did extremely well, earning Reserve Champion School, their first year competing in IEL. Overall, one third of our team, five riders (Poth, Grabowski, Hopper, Rice & Walsh), were recognized as Individual Reserve Champion or Champion.
Novice Hunters:
- Novice High Point Reserve Champion School
Freshman Hunters:
- Hunt Seat Equitation Reserve Champion - Megan Poth
- Equitation Medal Reserve Champion - Erica Grabowski
- English Pleasure Reserve Champion - Megan Poth
- Freshman High Point Individual Reserve Champion - Megan Poth
- Freshman High Point Champion School
Jr Varsity Hunters:
- Hunt Seat Equitation Reserve Champion - Chandler Hopper
- Working Hunters Reserve Champion - Chandler Hopper
- Jr Varsity High Point Individual Champion - Chandler Hopper
Varsity Hunters:
- Hunt Seat Equitation Reserve Champion - Shannon Rice
- English Pleasure Champion - Shannon Rice
- English Pleasure Reserve Champion - Madison Walsh
- Varsity High Point Individual Reserve Champion - Shannon Rice
- Varsity High Point Champion School
Over-all High Point Champion School
|
| 2013 Father-Daughter Dance Makes for Great Evening
We would like to thank everyone who attended and was involved with the Father-Daughter Dance and a very special thank you to our 2013 donor families.
It was a great success with over 400 fathers and daughters in attendance! We appreciate all of the support and we look forward to seeing you again next year for yet another memorable evening.
The annual Father-Daughter dance is supported and promoted by the SMCHS MUN Program. The MUN Program would not be able to plan such events to support our students without your contributions and efforts. SMCHS Model United Nations students participate in domestic and international conferences debating global issues.
Please take a minute to take our survey, your opinion is very important to us. We look forward to seeing you next year! Click Here to take our survey.
|
Stuff a Truck Event a Success
The Senior Class of 2013, in collaboration with the Alumni Office, held their "Stuff-A-Truck" Fundraiser event Sunday, April 14, at SMCHS in partnership with the OC Goodwill. The senior class collected "tons" of donations in support of the OC Goodwill that translated into dollars for their goal to purchase a senior class gift.
Senior Class President, Chelsea Carey took the lead on getting the message out to the student body, organizing volunteers, delivering flyers, and taking in pre-event collections. The support from our families and surrounding community was incredible. Event volunteers got a nice surprise when the Happy Honda Team, who regularly perform random acts of kindness, came to help out alongside students. The team helped unload cars filled with donations and packed up the trailer - then off they went on to the next place to lend a hand.
The students were able to successfully fill a 48-foot trailer halfway full of goodies for a great cause and took the first steps toward earning the needed dollars for their class gift, a beautiful bronze lighted campus map that will be marked with their graduation year and a bible verse. This gift to the school will be on display in the front of our campus allowing the class to leave their mark on Eagle history.
Thank you to all who took the time to bring their donations to campus. Your support is greatly appreciated!
|
SMCHS Mother Son Social Around the Corner!
The Mother Son Social, 'A Little Bit Country & Rock N' Roll,' will be held Saturday, May 11th in the SMCHS Moiso Pavilion from 7:00-10:00pm!! Enjoy a night of dancing and dessert with mothers, aunts, grandmothers and god mother!! What a wonderful way to spend Mother's Day weekend on a special casual date with your son and friends. Tickets are only $25.
To RSVP for the 2013 Mother Son Social, Click Here!!
|
Hope and Resurrection
Dear Friends,
It brings me great pleasure to invite you to the Santa Margarita Catholic High School 2013 Spring Music Concert entitled "Hope and Resurrection." The concert is Wednesday, May 8th at 7:00 pm in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The concert will feature uplifting music performed by the SMCHS Instrumental and Vocal Music Departments.
The theme "Hope and Resurrection" came to us after the tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut. We were reminded of the quote from New York Philharmonic Orchestra conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein:
"This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before." That is our goal with this concert.
On April 15th, our nation was once again struck with violence, this time in Boston. Our humanity seemed to be at threat again. However, looking closely at the footage of the bombing, one can see people running toward the smoke and destruction. These brave people restore our faith in goodness and light. They give us hope. Together, we can inspire a national resurrection of goodness and love. That is why our concert is even more significant today.
The purpose of this letter is to encourage you to purchase your tickets early to "Hope and Resurrection." Your attendance is an excellent way to show your support and is greatly appreciated.
If you would like to provide additional support for the concert we have many separate sponsorship opportunities available. Below is a list of ways you can help.
Please make all checks payable to SMCHS and please indicate in the memo field your chosen sponsorship level.
>>Click Here to purchase tickets for more Information<<
Checks can be mailed to:
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Attn: Jenny Wines
22062 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
|
|
Junior High Through High School
>>Click Here to access these Summer Camps<<
Youth and Combined Camps
>>Click Here to access Youth Summer Camps<<
To find out more about the history of SMCHS athletics and more about the individual programs, Click Here. If there is a summer camp that is listed above that does not provide an online store to sign up, please access the team website to find out how to sign up for that camp.
|
2nd Semester Exams
Students are not permitted to take end of the year semester exams either early or late. They must take the exams on the designated date and time assigned. Failure to be present for semester exams can result in an "F" grade. Please see Student/Parent Handbook, page 11.
No exams given after Friday, June 7th.
June 4 - Period 0 & 1 Exams
June 5 - Period 2 & 3 Exams
June 6 - Period 4 & 5 Exams
June 7 - Period 6 Exam
Senior Exams
May 20 - Period 0 & 2
May 21 - Period 3 & 4
May 22 - Period 6 & 1
May 23 - Period 5
|
2nd Semester Exam Prep Week
Faculty Office Hours: May 28th through May 30th all Santa Margarita teachers will be in their classrooms or designated rooms each day to review with students for final exams. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this prep period. See hours below:
Tuesday, May 28 - 8:30 - 8:50 a.m.
Wednesday, May 29 - 8:30 - 8:50 a.m.
Thursday, May 30 - 7:30 - 7:55 a.m.
Monday June 3rd is Exam Review Day
Second Semester Exams & Guidelines for Students
Tuesday, June 4: Semester Exams - periods 0 & 1
Period 0 Exams
8:00-9:30 (1 ½ hour exams)
ASP Testing - 7:15-9:30
Period 1 Exams (5 minutes added for prayer and announcements)
9:50-11:25 (1 ½ hour exams)
ASP Testing - 9:50-12:10
Wednesday, June 5: Semester Exams - periods 2 & 3
Period 2 Exams
8:00-9:30 (1 ½ hour exams)
ASP Testing - 7:15-9:30
Period 3 Exams (5 minutes for prayer and announcements)
9:50-11:25 (1 ½ hour exams)
ASP Testing - 9:50-12:10
Thursday, June 6: Semester Exams - periods 4 & 5
Period 4 Exams
8:00-9:30 (1 ½ hour exams)
ASP Testing - 7:15-9:30
Period 5 Exams (5 minutes for prayer and announcements)
9:50-11:25 (1 ½ hour exams)
ASP Testing - 9:50-12:10
Friday, June 7: Semester Exams - period 6
Period 6 Exams
8:00-9:30 (1 ½ hour exams)
ASP Testing - 8:00-10:15
|
Exam Guidelines
- All students must be in school uniform for all exams.
- Exams must be given on the designated dates and at the designated times for which they are scheduled.
- All exams are minimally 1 ½ hours long. If any of your exams are longer than 1 ½ hours, teachers will let students know.
- An additional 5 minutes has been added to the second exam on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for prayer and announcements.
- Please follow the teachers' instructions as to where to put backpacks and what is allowed at your desk during the exam.
- So that there is minimal noise in the halls and no interruptions to other classes, students must remain quietly in class the entire 1 ½ hours. Students should use the restroom before reporting to testing. A bell will ring for dismissal from your exam.
- All school policies regarding Academic Dishonesty will be strictly enforced.
|
Freshman Take Note!
Any freshman that is interested in the Model United Nations Program (MUN) is required to take a health class during summer school. Health will be offered as a blended online course over the summer. Health classes will be offered in one of two sessions. You only need to attend one session. This is a blended online course so attendance at the first class meeting is mandatory.
Session 1 - June 12, 2013 to July 1, 2013
Session 2 - July 2, 2013 to July 19, 2013
If you are interested in taking a Summer School course please visit
www.smhs.org/summerprograms
for more information. To register for classes, please log in to the parent portal and click on the summer school tab.
|
Summer School
Anyone that has received an "F" grade in a class must remediate the course over the summer. Anyone with a "D" grade in a course should remediate the course over the summer. All summer remediation courses are blended online learning courses.
Our online courses are blended courses requiring the student to adhere to strict calendar requirement deadlines and some "face-to-face" meeting time with the instructor for orientation, additional instruction (e.g. labs), and assessments. Final exams must be taken in person under the supervision of a SMCHS proctor. By no means are our blended online courses designed for "independent study" or "self-paced" as they require regular interaction with the teacher and other students in the course. When SMCHS offers a summer school course, students are not permitted to take another course for credit, or credit recovery (remediation) elsewhere at the same time.
Semester 1 (1st semester remediation) - June 12, 2013 to July 1, 2013
Semester 2 (2nd semester remediation) - July 2, 2013 to July 19, 2013
>>Click Here for more information<<
|
|
8 Student-Athletes Commit on NCAA Signing Day
Photo Courtesy of Orange County Register
Eight athletes from Santa Margarita Catholic High School made their futures evident on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 as they officially signed or verbally committed with colleges across the country for their sport.
The following student-athletes were a part of the NCAA National Letter of Intent Signing Day:
* Jennifer Donegan of Coto de Caza has committed to Texas Christian University for soccer. Jennifer is a 3-year varsity athlete that has been named to the All-League and All-County team twice, and has been a part of three consecutive Trinity League Championship teams. Jennifer has been a participant in the California Scholarship Federation every semester throughout high school, she is a member of the National Honor Society, is a 7-year member of the National Charity League, and maintains a 3.73 GPA. Jennifer Donegan.
* Jason Engel of Coto De Caza has signed with the Air Force Academy for Track and Cross Country. Jason is a 4-year varsity athlete for the Eagle track and cross country teams. Jason is a part of 6 school records, including the 1600 meter school record of 4:15.36 achieved last season. On the track, Jason made the All-Trinity League team in the 1600 in 2012 and is a two-time All-Trinity League member in cross country. Jason is active in his church community, he is the vice President of the Ronald McDonald club, a member of the National Honor Society, Student Ambassador, the Link Crew, and was named the OC Varsity scholar athlete of the week yesterday with his 4.53 GPA. Jason Engel.
* Caitlin Heinly of Foothill Ranch as committed to Seattle Pacific University. Caitlin is a 3-year varsity athlete for the girls' basketball team. In her senior year, Caitlin averaged 10 points per game and helped the lady Eagles into the CIF quarterfinals. Caitlin was awarded 2nd team All-Trinity League her senior year and maintains a 3.73 GPA. Caitlin Heinly.
* Kyley Klem of Coto de Caza has committed to Concordia University of Portland for volleyball. Kyley is a 2-year varsity volleyball player for the Eagles. She has made the Principal's list 3 years and is an active member of Relay for Life and Autism Awareness. Kyley has volunteered with the Special Olympics, Loaves and Fishes; she has worked with Boys Hope, Girls hope and carries a 3.85 GPA.
* Dane Petersen of Coto de Caza has committed to the University of California, San Diego for Water Polo. Dane is a 2-year varsity starter for the water polo team while at Santa Margarita High School. Dane's versatility and physical play allowed him to step up and fill any position the team needed. While playing polo and maintaining a 3.81 GPA, Dane has also excelled as a nationally ranked long boarder. Dane Petersen.
* Stephen Riggins IV of Mission Viejo has committed to UCLA for Water Polo. Stephen is a 2-year varsity starter and led the Eagles this season by netting 96 goals. Stephen was named to the 2011 & 2012 1st Team All-Trinity League, 2012 1st Team All CIF team, 2012 3rd Team All Orange County, and was named a 2012 California-Hawaii All American. Stephen Riggins.
* Riley Smith of San Clemente has committed to Loyola Marymount University for Water Polo. Riley is a 2-year varsity starter while at Santa Margarita and was named captain in 2012. Riley earned a spot on the 2011 2nd Team All-Trinity League and 2012 1st Team All-Trinity League. Riley demonstrates his leadership skills by setting a good example, encouraging teammates, and rising to all occasions. In the classroom, Riley boasts a 3.77 GPA. Riley Smith.
* Taylor Whittingham of Rancho Santa Margarita has committed to USC for Volleyball. As a junior, Taylor was named to the Trinity League 1st team and the 2nd team her senior year. Taylor is the President of the Autism Awareness Club in honor of her 10-year-old brother, Trevor, who is autistic. Taylor is the organizer of the Santa Margarita Girls Volleyball club, "Spike Out Autism," which participated in three consecutive Orange County Autism Speaks fundraising walks. Taylor volunteers on behalf of Operation Christmas Child, Best Day Foundation, and the Sheckler Foundation. Taylor has maintained a 3.70 GPA during her time at SMCHS and has been honored with the Scholar Athlete Award each year. Taylor Whittingham.
|
|
Spring Physicals
Saturday May 18, 2013
Time: 8:00 - 11:00 am
Location: SMCHS Gym
Cost: $25.00
INCOMING FRESHMAN NEED A PHYSICAL ON FILE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN A FALL SPORT
No one admitted in after 11:00am!
Physicals are good for only ONE year
DEADLINE
Physical, Emergency Cards, and Head Injury Information sheets due before participation in any sport.
|
|
Robert Russell Photography
 Robert Russell Sports Photography specializes in professional, action sports photography. Russell photographs SMCHS varsity sports. His work is available for purchase.
Click Here to view galleries from the 2012-2013 school year thus far. |
|
Talon Yearbook
The Talon Yearbooks will be distributed May 28th starting at 7:30am outside B112 in the front parking lot.
We will distribute the books until we run out or until finals start. Please remind your student if you have purchased a book. Most unclaimed books happen because students are not aware a Talon has been bought for them.
After the 28th students may come to B112 before school, in between classes, both lunches or after school at 2:10. If books are not picked up before finals we will assume you do not wish to have one. We will sell it and refund your money.
Ask your student to check the list outside B112, the Activities Office or the front desk to make sure their name is listed to receive a Talon.
Lastly, enjoy the book! It is a wonderful memory of 2012-2013!
|
|
Prom
Prom will be held from 7:00pm - 12:00 midnight on Thursday, May 23rd at the Grand Ballroom at the Disneyland Hotel. This formal dance is open to SMCHS students in grades 11 and 12 and invited non-SMCHS student guests to attend. All SMCHS students and guests planning on attending prom must purchase a ticket and turn in a dance contract.
Tickets are on sale until May 21st at 3:00pm. Tickets will not be sold after 3:00pm on May 21.
Please Click Here for updated information regarding this highly-anticipated event.
|
|
Graduation
A reminder to Class of 2013 families, if you have not paid your graduation fee, please do so immediately. The Graduation fee increased to $300 as of February 23rd. Thank you to those families who have already paid this mandatory fee. The Grad Night fee is $225 until May 4th. After that date, the Grad Night fee will increase to $300.
If you are planning on attending Grad Night, be sure to print and turn in your permission form in addition to purchasing a ticket. All fees are to be paid online. For more information or to make a payment, Click Here.
|
|
From the Business Office
A Message to Senior Parents: Graduation is coming up quickly and we wanted to remind you that all tuition and fees will need to be paid in full no later than Friday, May 10, 2013 so that your student will be able to participate in graduation and the activities associated with graduation.
We want to thank you for your commitment to SMCHS and wish our very best to your students as they go on to their selected college/university.
|
|
Grad Night 2013
Grad Night is a major end of the ear event for the Class of 2013. Grad Night is an all-night event planned by the Activities office with significant assistance from the junior and senior parents. The purpose of Grad Night is to provide an amazing send-off event for our seniors to enjoy together in a safe environment with plenty of chaperones. We will need volunteers to help make this a memorable event. If you have missed the Grad Night Parent meeting but would like to volunteer, please call the Activities Office at 949 766 6050 or email Activities@smhs.org
Attending Grad Night is not mandatory; however, over the past five years we have had 98% participation in this event!
|
OC Varsity Arts
Attention senior parents! The OC Register's recently launched Varsity Arts section is looking to feature students who will be studying art at the college level. We have reached out to all Performing/ Visual Art teachers for a list of students, but we want to make sure all SM seniors who are pursuing the arts in college are submitted regardless of whether or not they are currently enrolled in an SM art class. We are looking for students who will be majoring or minoring in some form of Performing or Visual Arts. If your student has already been in touch with the advancement office, thank you for getting back to us. If your student has not been in touch with our office, please email pr@smhs.org with your student's name, major/minor and college name. If your student received an arts scholarship please include that information as well. Thank you for your help in promoting SMCHS and our wonderful students!
|
Eagle Fund
Thank you to all the families, friends and alumni who have given to the Eagle Fund. As of today we have received $116,207 in gifts.
Our Eagle Fund has the power to continue dreams of our founders 25 years ago to provide an excellent Catholic education in Orange County and to sustain our competitive edge as a leader in education.
We are calling on you to please join us in the 25th Anniversary Challenge to achieve 100% participation from our families, alumni, friends, faculty and staff.
Help make your class shine by reaching our 100% participation in giving a gift. YOUR gift will make a BIG difference. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference-especially yours.
Please make your gift today.
|
SMCHS Scrip Opportunities
Scrip can help reduce your student's tuition or support your student's sport or club while, at the same time, supporting the school's general operating fund.
One of the many scrip programs offered includes Target and their "Take Charge of Education" program. Target and their "Take Charge of Education" program donates up to 1% of purchases made using the Target Visa, Target Card or Target Business Card purchases to K-12 schools located in the U.S. Target tracks purchases charged to participating accounts and distributes the accumulated donations to schools annually.
Now that Target offers a 5% discount on all purchases charged on their Target Visa, Target Card, or Target Business Card, this program is a win-win for you and SM!!
Scrip is an enrichment program and the credit you will see on your student's tuition bill will be your grade! Following are the reference materials you will need to be successful in Scrip 101 and if you have any questions, please email or phone your Scrip Advisor, Catherine Hassen at hassenc@smhs.org or 949-766-6004.
Effective immediately, SMCHS is discontinuing the inkjet cartridge recycling program. You may continue to recycle your inkjet cartridges at any Staples store.
Click Here to read all about our Scrip program and its opportunities
|
|
Arts Alliance
 Arts Alliance is Recruiting Parent Volunteers.
We are looking for one parent to represent each discipline (Choral, Orchestral, Handbells, Theatre, Dance, Band) at the monthly Arts Alliance Meetings. We would also like to have one parent from each Performing Arts class period to help distribute and collect information about upcoming events and opportunities. All parents are encouraged to get involved to help increase the visibility of the Arts at SMCHS both within and outside our community.
What is the Arts Alliance?
We are a new parent led organization formed in 2011 to support the Performing Arts Department. We are fostering an alliance with our faculty, administrators, and community. We are not a booster club. The Arts Alliance is building the foundation for the future of the Arts at SMCHS.
For more information, please feel free to contact any one on the leadership team:
Diana Jennings - diana@brandyouimage.com
Deanna Rule - dce_rule@yahoo.com
Valerie Flynn - jvflynn@cox.net
|
Safe Homes 
PTG (Parent Teacher Guild) Executive Board welcomes you all to the 2012-2013 school year! The PTG is comprised of parents, administration, faculty and staff of Santa Margarita Catholic High School. Membership in the PTG is automatic. The PTG supports the SM community in its Christian philosophy, written policies, designated programs and other specific needs. One such sponsored program is Safe Homes.
With a new school year comes many new social events for your student. In order to ensure your child visits only "Safe Homes" this school year, we ask families to make the voluntary commitment by pledging your home a Safe Home. To do this, please click on the link below to learn more about this free program.
Click here for information about Safe Homes and Click Here to view a list of families who have committed to keeping their homes safe. |
|
Nurses Office
Spring is here and so are the seasonal allergies! As a reminder, our office does not dispense allergy medication. If you would like your student to have allergy medication available in the Nurse's Office, download the Diocese Medication Authorization. Complete the form and sign (only prescription meds require an additional MD signature). A parent must deliver an unopened box or bottle of medication and the signed form to the Nurse's Office.
As our school year comes to an end, please remember to pick up any prescription or over-the-counter medications your student may have in the Nurse's Office. All medications must be picked up by the parent or the student must have a signed note from the parent to release medication to the student.
The Nurse's Office is open from 7:30-3:45 daily through June 7th and summer hours through June 28th. Any medications that have not been picked up by June 28th will be disposed.
We want to congratulate the Class of 2013! It has been our privilege as School Nurses to care for all of you and you will be missed!
Have a happy and safe summer!
Lisa Volpo RN, BSN and Rebecca Wood R.N., B.S.N.
Tel: 949.766-6029
www.departmentofnursing@smhs.org
|
Calling all Eagle Scouts and Recipients of the Girl Scout Gold Award!
The Advancement Office would like to publicize Eagles Scouts who recently earned the rank of Eagle and recognize our Girls Scouts who have achieved the Girl Scout Gold Award.
Please send the following information to pr@smhs.org if your son or daughter achieved the rank of Eagle or earned the Girl Scout Gold Award within the last year. Below is the information we would like in order to feature your son or daughter's accomplishment on the SMCHS Web site. Please send in your information no later than Friday, May 24.
- Name
- Age
- City
- Scout Affiliation (Troop number, Pack number, city)
- Leadership positions
- Number of Merit Badges (list a few)
- Special Awards
- Favorite Scouting Memory
- Description of Eagle Scout project or Gold Award Project (Please include why the particular project was chosen and total hours spent on project.)
- Why did you want to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout or earn the Girl Scout Gold Award?
- Other activities/service work:
- Noteworthy accomplishments
- A photo with student in Boy Scout uniform or Girl Scout uniform.
Thank you for your help getting the word out about our Eagles!
|
|
Change Your E-Mail Address?
E-mail is the main avenue of communication that we have with our parents. If at any time your email address or other contact information changes during the school year, please email the school's Registrar Margie Mosman at mosmanm@smhs.org |
|
Santa Margarita Catholic High School students are often featured in promotional materials and publications for the school including, but not limited to, the school directory and yearbook, video and multimedia presentations, press releases, the SMCHS Web site, school newsletters, magazines, social media efforts and marketing pieces. Consent to the above was implied unless you indicated so through the online registration process. Should you have any questions, please contact pr@smhs.org |
Please join us to celebrate the Marian Mass on Thursday, May 9th. Father John Weling from La Purisima parish will be our celebrant. Mass will be from 8:55am-10:35am in the Moiso Family Pavilion. Parents are always welcome to attend our masses, be sure to check in with the front office for a visitors pass.
The senior class of 2013 will be celebrating their baccalaureate mass on Thursday May 30th at 5:00pm at San Francisco Solano church. Father Craig Butters will be the celebrant. Seating is limited, tickets are enclosed in the graduation packet given out by the Activities office.
|
|
Retreats
Summer Kairos Dates: The two Summer Kairos dates for the Class of 2014 are K112 July 15-18th and K113 July 29-August 1st. If your son or daughter goes on a Summer Kairos they can then lead the next Kairos. There are three forms necessary to attend Kairos: Class of 2014 application, Behavior Contract and the Whispering Winds Waiver. Click here for the retreat web page, forms are located at the bottom of this page.
|
|
Eucharsitic Adoration
Every Tuesday, we offer Eucharistic Adoration in the Sacred Heart Chapel from 8am-2pm. If you would like to spend some quiet time with our Lord in prayer, stop by on Tuesdays. You can also contact Nancy Hormuth in Campus Ministry at hormuthn@smhs.org to be added to the Eucharistic Adoration Group where you will receive additional information. |
|
Christian Service
Seniors: Seniors are on the old system that transacted hours. Seniors SHOULD have all their hours turned in. If they need to make up hours for graduation, please see Ms. Dzida. Seniors in the class of 2013 need 80 hours to graduate. If you are a transfer student, you are only responsible for the years you attended SMCHS.
IMPORTANT! Students may NOT just show up at a site to do their service without prior approval from the agency or, if it is a SMCHS event, from Ms. Dzida.
Loaves and Fishes: We have two more scheduled SMCHS dates to serve at Loaves and Fishes, May 4th and May 18th. You must sign up and receive a permission slip from Campus Ministry. Seniors have priority.
Special Olympics: On Saturday May 11th, we will be assisting at the Spring Regional Games at Irvine High School. This is our third year participating in this Special Olympics event. Sophomores have priority. Students interested in participating, whatever their grade-level, must come to Campus Ministry to sign-up and get a permission slip.
All permission slips are due in Campus Ministry by 3 pm, Wednesday, May 9th. Remember, there are a limited number of spaces available to volunteer. We will have a bus taking the SMCHS students from SMCHS to Irvine High School for this event. All students need to report at 7:00am to the front of the school near the flag pole to board the bus.
A BIG THANK YOU to all the parents who bring us snacks each month.
|
|
If you no longer wish to receive SMCHS' monthly E-Newsletter, please scroll to the far bottom of this e-mail and click on "SafeUnsubscribe" and you will be directed to a screen to remove your e-mail address from our distribution list. Please note that removing your name from the database will remove you from all electronic notifications from SMCHS in the future, even important information regarding current students.
|
|
|
|
Robert Russell Photography
|  |
Robert Russell Sports Photography specializes in professional, action sports photography. Russell photographs SMCHS varsity sports. His work is available for purchase. Bob can be reached at: russellb160@sbcglobal.net
|
|
|
