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Deirdre V. Cryor


Challenge Foundation
Wildcat Weekly
A Weekly Newsletter from St. Mary's Academy 
The Wildcat Weekly is a weekly newsletter for our St. Mary's Academy families published every Wednesday. Look for it to include information, updates and good news from the Premier Academy of the West!
Deirdre V. Cryor
Academy President
SMA Field Hockey in State Playoffs!

On Monday, while dressed in pink to support breast cancer awareness, Varsity Field Hockey beat Fort Collins 3-0 earning a spot in the state tournament.  Come cheer the Wildcats today in the first round of the tournament.  SMA at Kent Denver, 4:15.  

 

Annual Fund: A Facelift for the Forum

It's time for the Forum to be updated.  Thanks to this year's Annual Fund and funds raised in 2011-2012, renovation of the High School Forum will begin in June. 

 

Plans and discussion for this exciting update are underway. Renovation will include updating the lighting, the acoustics, the entrances and much more. The Forum is the location for so many community activities at SMA: HS Mass and Town meetings, Grandparents Day, Fifth Grade Continuation, Back to School Nights, BINGO night, and much more!  Stay tuned for more details for this update of the center of our community. You can help Fund the Forum through your Annual Fund contribution.  

 

The 2012-13 Annual Fund also will support Division investments, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Athletics, Teacher Appreciation and greatest need.  To make a gift online click here

Talking about Stranger Danger
  • At SMA, we are grateful for our strong and supportive relationship with Cherry Hills Village Police.  Police officers are regularly on our campus teaching the DARE program in the Lower School.  Click here for a helpful fact sheet from the Police Department about speaking with children about stranger danger.    
  • Our Lower and Middle School counselor Donna Sullivan also speaks with our children about this issue, in an age-appropriate manner. 
  • Please help us with attendance and be sure to call or email your division office when your child is going to be tardy or absent.  
Community News
  • Award-winning novelist Margaret Coel will speak about "Denver in 1864" at the Denver Central Library in the B2 Conference Center, Sunday, October 21, 2:00-3:30 PM. Admission is free.  Learn what Denver City was like in the year that SMA was founded.  This event is part of Loretto's 200th anniversary celebration in 2012.  For more information about Margaret Coel  click here.  
  • Attendance reminder: Please call or email your division office if your child will be ill, tardy or absent.  
  • Reminder from the Tech Office:  All Staff and Faculty emails are first initial and last name @smanet.org.  Please be sure to update your address book. (For example, Susan Smith is [email protected])
  • Click here to see Fabulous Fall Festival photos! 
  • This week, Our Kids Our Schools launched a new website and introduced its new name: Wholesome Food Services. Everything you currently enjoy about the website is the same, just better. All student and school information was transferred to the new site. Your log in email stayed the same, but for security reasons you need a new password. As a result, every member of OKOS received an email on Monday, October 15th with a new temporary password to log into the site. Once logged in, you will be able to change the temporary password to something more personal. Thank you for your support during our website upgrade. http://wholesomefoodservices.com/.     
Special Events
  • Graland will be hosting Dr. Gene Batiste, an expert on inclusivity, Tuesday, October 23, at 6:30 p.m. in Graland's Fieldhouse. Dr. Gene Batiste is the vice president for equity and justice initiatives at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).  Please join us to learn how our schools can be stronger and more inclusive communities. Trustees, faculty/staff and parents are welcome.  Click here for more information or to register online.
  • Denver Jewish Day School presents Dr. Harley Rotbart, pediatric specialist and nationally recognized parenting expert, on the topic of No Regrets Parenting.  This is a free program on November 5, 7:00 PM in the Upper Division Strear Family Gymnasium.  Please RSVP to [email protected] or call 720.449.9522 for more information.   
  • Cherry Hills Village Mayor Doug Tisdale has announced a competition for the creation of student-produced videos celebrating the beauty, history, legacy and value of the High Line Canal Trail that traverses through Cherry Hills. Entries will be due by January 7, 2013. The winning entries will be broadcast over the Cherry Hills Village Cable TV Channel.  For more information click here.  

Lower School News & Events

News:         

  • The next SMA Cub Scout Pack 861 meeting is November 8 at 3:00 PM at SMA.  The Scouts have been busy this year with rocket launches, go carts, homemade boat races and more!  For more information about the SMA Cub Scouts please contact Amy Quinette at [email protected].  
  • We love Lower School Field Days!  Students were running, jumping, throwing balls and hula hoops, kicking, passing and having a fun and active day!  Click here to see more photos. 

Events:     

  • October 19, 8:10 - 9:10 AM, Assembly, 3rd Grade Presentation  
  • October 26, 8:10 - 9:10 AM, Assembly, Red Ribbon Week
  • October 31, 11:00 - 11:30 AM, LS Parade    
  • November 1- 2, Academy Closed, Fall Break   
  • November 8, 3:00 - 4:00 PM, Cub Scout Pack Meeting
  • November 9, 8:10 - 9:10 AM, Assembly, Kindergarten Presentation
  • November 15, Picture Re-take Day
  • November 16, 8:10 - 9:10 AM, Assembly, Drama Club Thanksgiving Play  
Middle School News & Events

News:

  • Tuesday was Community Service Day for several CATs; Mrs. Rosborough's CAT traveled to Morning Star Preschool, Ms. Bronston's CAT to Martin School of Early Education and Mrs. Buxman's CAT went to Meridian Retirement Community.  The MS has a long standing relationship with these  agencies and CATs travel there throughout the school year volunteering their time. 

Events:     

  • October 25, 11:40 AM, MS Prayer Service 
  • October 26, 3:00 - 5:00 PM, MS Mixer
  • October 31, 11:30 AM, MS Dismissal
  • November 1- 2, Academy Closed, Fall Break    
  • November 8, 7:00 - 8:00 PM, Choral & Instrumental Concert, HS Forum
  • November 9, 2:30 - 3:30 PM, Trimester 1 Closing Ceremony
  • November 12, Trimester 2 Begins
  • November 15, Picture Re-take Day 
  • November 15, 11:40 AM, MS Liturgy 
High School News & Events

News:    

  • Last week the entire HS traveled out into the Metro Denver area to partake in Community Service Day.  The senior class went to the Food Bank of the Rockies where they boxed up  over 17,000 pounds of food to be distributed to agencies all over the Metro Denver area. Ms. Smith's Advisory cleaned up yards for senior citizens through Volunteers of America.  Ms. Sharp and Ms. Berlin's advisories traveled to an elementary school in North Denver to lead science projects with students through a 4-H Program. Mr. Nelson's advisory created arts and crafts projects at Children's Hospital.  Several advisories were at Jeffco Action Center where they organized and shelved supplies. Other agencies students visited that day are Clothes to Kids, Irving Street Women's Shelter, Art for the Nations, Urban Peak, SaddleUp!, Bright Stars Head Start, Anchor Center for the Blind, Dominican Sisters Home Health Agency and Mental Health Center of Denver. 
  • Ms. Ehrlich's US History class became a museum last week! Students created an exhibit with artifacts that students created, representing important historic events from the 1780s to the 1830s. The students gave a formal presentation about her specific artifact and its historical context.    
  • Jamilla Dennis was named an Outstanding Participant in the National Achievement Scholarship Program. Jamilla is among outstanding students who scored in the top three percent of more than 160,000 Black Americans who requested consideration in the 2013 National Achievement Program when they took the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test. Jamilla is in the twelfth grade.  Congratulations Jamilla!     
  • The HS Fall Play, The Effects ofGamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds, runs October 25 - 27 in the High School Forum. To reserve tickets please email Roberta Hamilton Griggs at [email protected]. Tickets are also available each night at the door.  This play is not recommended for young audiences, PG13.

Events:     

  • October 19, 8:00 PM, HS Dance sponsored by the Diversity Club 
  • October 25 - 27, 7:00 - 8:30 PM, HS Fall Play, The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds
  • October 29, 7:00 PM, HS Concert
  • November 1 - 2, Academy Closed, Fall Break
  • November 9, HS Winter Sports Practice Begins
  • November 13, 9:55 AM, HS Mass
  • November 14, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, HS Fall Sports Awards Ceremony, HS Forum
  • November 17, HS Fall Ball  
Admissions News
  • The All Academy Open House is Saturday, November 10.  If you would like to volunteer at Open House, we need you!! Please contact Seely Greenberg in the Admissions Office at [email protected].  If you're family is nearing fifth grade and you want to visit the Middle School, please attend Open House.  If you are nearing 8th grade, we hope you will come and tour the High School. Be sure to share with your neighbors the date of the Open House.  Click here for more information. 
Advancement News
  • BINGO Night at SMA, Tuesday, October 30, 5:30 - 8:00 PM in the HS Forum. Click here for more information!  Please remember to RSVP by October 23 to Molly del Monte  [email protected].   
  • 2013 Gala Meeting, Tuesday, November 6, 8:15 - 9:45 AM,  Sanders Board Room.  Come and learn about this year's Gala and volunteer opportunities.     
  • November 20 is Grandparents' Day!  Grandparents are invited to a pancake breakfast and a performance by SMA's musical groups. Grandparents then join grandchildren in their classrooms. RSVP to Molly del Monte [email protected]
  • THANKS for re-loading!  Here's an update on the results for the month of September from our King Soopers Reloadable Grocery program.  
    • Number of cards reloaded: 58
    • Total dollar amount reloaded: $45,090
    • SMA Net: $2,255

This is such an easy way to support SMA!  58 cards reloaded is less than 10% of what we distributed.  We have great room for growth in this program.  Keep re-loading!  

 

Alumnae News
  • In honor of International Day of the Girl, Allison Grenney '06, visited the High School to share the news about her new non profit EduKate. EduKate sells unique USA-made tote bags (in Rifle, Colorado!). Profits from the tote bag sales go to support education for girls of need throughout the world. It's all empowerment through passion, Allison said. 
  • Earlier this month, the MacArthur Fellows Program announced this  year's honorees.  We thought this was a good time to give a Wildcat Shout Out to our SMA Alumnae who have received the "genius grants."  

     

    Jane Lubchenco '65, received the MacArthur Fellowship in 1993. Today, she serves as Under Secretary of Commerc

    e for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator.  Pam Solo '64, was honored by the foundation in 1989.  She is Founder and President of the Civil Society Institute.  

     

    The MacArthur Fellows Program awards unrestricted fellowships to

    talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction. There are three criteria for selection of Fellows: exceptional creativity, promise for important future advances based on a track record of significant accomplishment, and potential for the fellowship to facilitate subsequent creative work.

Athletic News
News:
  • Get fired up for a great cause on Thursday!  Wear your pink and cheer on your Wildcats! - Volleyball vs. Kent Denver @ SMA, C- 4:30 PM, JV- 5:30PM, and V-6:30 PM.   

Upcoming Games:    

  • October 18:
    • 3:00 PM, Cross Country @ Regional Meet, Clement Park
    • 4:00 PM, 6th Grade Volleyball vs. Stanley British @ SBPS
    • 4:30 PM, C Level, JV & Varsity Volleyball vs. Kent @ SMA 
  • October 20:
    • TBA Varsity Field Hockey @ State Quarterfinals
    • 8:00 AM, JV Volleyball @ CA Volleyball Tournament 
  • October 22:
    • 4:00 PM, Boys 6th Grade Soccer vs. Rick's Center @ SMA 
  • October 23:
    • 3:45 PM, Boys 7th/8th & 6th Soccer vs. Stanley British @ SMA
    • 4:00 PM, MS Tennis vs. Kent @ SMA
    • 4:00 PM, 7th & 8th Navy Volleyball vs. Graland @ SMA
    • 4:30 PM, C Level, JV & Varsity Volleyball vs. Faith Christian @ FCHS  
  • October 24:
    • 4:00 PM, Boys 7th/8th Soccer vs. Graland @ GCDS
    • 4:00 PM, MS Field Hockey vs. Graland @ SMA 
Inclement Weather Policy
St. Mary's Academy encourages parents to use their own judgment about the safety of roads on snowy days. Teachers waive late arrivals and tests on severe weather days.

 

In the event of inclement weather, St. Mary's Academy might call a "Delayed Arrival" for the campus. On a Delayed Arrival day, all classes will begin at 9:05 a.m.

 

For students who might arrive earlier than the 9:05 a.m. start time, school personnel will be present in the school buildings beginning at 8:00 a.m. In the Lower School, students should go to the gym.

 

The decision to announce a Delayed Arrival day will be made according to the following factors:

  • quantity of snow fallen or forecasted;
  • ability of students and staff to travel to school;
  • ability to clear and maintain parking lots and pathways;
  • ability of school function (heating, water, etc.)

As soon as the decision is made to change the schedule, we will put a message on our main phone line: 303.762.8300, and on our website, www.smanet.org.   Usually this decision is made and posted by 6:00 a.m.

 

Further, we will announce any school closing or schedule change due to weather or other emergency by 6:45 a.m., as best we can, on television stations including: KCNC (TV) Channel 4, KDVR Fox 31 (TV) Channel 31, KMGH (TV) Channel 7, KUSA (TV) Channel 9, KWGN (WB2 TV) Channel 2; and on radio station 850 KOA Storm Center.

 

When school is in session and we have inclement weather, decisions related to activities/athletics will not be made until after 1:30 pm. Weather changes quickly in Colorado, and we will do our best to make the decisions as efficiently as possible. If school is cancelled due to weather concerns, activities and athletics will be cancelled. Information about cancellation of events or school closing is available by calling the school at 303.762.8300.

 

Carpool Reminders

Arrival times for morning drop-off: 

Lower School: 7:45 South Lot

Middle School: 7:30 a.m. North Lot

High School: 8:00 a.m. North Lot

 

Arrival times for afternoon pick-up:

Lower School 3:00 pm South Lot

Middle School 3:15 p.m. North Lot

High School 3:45 p.m. North Lot

 

Lower School Carpool Guidelines:

  • Always exercise patience and drive slowly when on Campus.
  • Only K - 5 students should be dropped off in the south parking lot.
  • Form two lines; do not change lanes. Two lanes is essential to stop cars from standing on University Boulevard.
  • Students must be dropped off in the carpool lanes, not before. Carpool lanes are indicated by orange cones. Students enter school through the LS gymnasium.
  • In order to keep the line moving have students ready to get our of the car (coats on, backpacks in hand, etc.).  Please be considerate.
  • The driver should not get out of the car.  If this is necessary, please park in a parking space.

Friday Assembly: If you plan to stay for Lower School Friday Assembly please park in the North Lot once the South Lot parking spaces are full.

 

Parent volunteers and members of the SMA Advancement Team will be assisting Lower School Principal Mary Jane Frederick with carpool every morning beginning at 7:45 a.m.

 

Middle and High School Carpool Guidelines:

  • Middle and High School students should be dropped off using the north parking lot. The South Lot is ONLY for Lower School student drop off. 
  • High School parents should pull into a parking space to drop off or pick up High School students. Please do not stop directly in front of the High School west entrance.

  • Form two lines; do not change lanes. Two lanes is essential to stop cars from standing on University Boulevard.
  • There is no drop off or pick up at the High School west entrance. 
  • Please merge into one lane in front of Bishop Evans Sports Center and wait until you've reached the designated drop off/pick up area (in front of Bishop Evans) to drop off/pick up Middle School students.
  • If you choose to park your car, you must go meet your child to walk them across the parking lot.

  • Student safety is our top priority.  Please remain calm and courteous during the entire carpool experience. 

     

    Middle School Faculty and SMA staff will be helping in the afternoons from 3:05 - 3:40 p.m.

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