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Deirdre V. Cryor



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Wildcat Weekly
A Weekly Newsletter from St. Mary's Academy 
The Wildcat Weekly includes news from the Academy and updates on events and activities. Watch for the Weekly in your email inbox every Wednesday afternoon.  If you have news to share, please email Kat Challis in the President's Office at [email protected]. And, be sure to click here to read my weekly blog. 
Deirdre V. Cryor
Academy President 
The Secret is Out! Christmas is Coming!
  • November 18 - December 6 - SMA Giving Trees are in the Lower School and Middle School entrances. Please support our families!  We are collecting gift cards to benefit families in our own community and we need your help.  Gift cards are available for purchase in the Business Office, Middle School Office and Lower School Office.
  • December 10, 7:00 PM - LS/HS Christmas Concert, Forum (Please bring canned goods or non-perishables to donate to a local food bank) 
  • December 12, 2:30 PM - LS Beginning Band & Orchestra Christmas Concert, Forum
  • December 13, 8:10 AM - LS Drama Club Christmas Play, LS Gym 
  • December 13, 10:00 AM - All Academy Sing Along, BESC
  • December 14, 1:00 PM - LS Presto Orchestra performs at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, prior to a Colorado Ballet production of The Nutcracker
  • December 17, 6:30 PM - MS Christmas Concert, Forum (Please bring canned goods or non-perishables to donate to a local food bank) 
  • December 18, 8:10 AM - 1st Grade, Silent Mice, Holy Mice, LS Gym  
  • December 20 - Half Day of Classes, dismissal will be by division, no ASA, JKAC or EDC will be available.
Ziding Zhou, SMA Senior and Published Author 
Senior Ziding "Tina" Zhou, is a published author! Her non-fiction story "My Story with Horses" is a chapter in Wild at Heart: Adolescents, Horses & Other Kindred Spirits, by Heather H. Kirby.  
 
Ms. Kirby held a short story contest last May for teens and young adults ages 13 to 25.  She asked for entries about what it is like to be a teenager, about challenges faced, an adult who made a difference in their lives, an interaction with a horse or animal that has influenced them or advice on what adults can do to be more supportive to teenagers. 
 
In addition to being one of eight selected for publication, Ziding received a $100 cash prize.  This is especially exciting for Ziding because although she has had multiple pieces published in China, it is her first time being published in the US and in English.  Ziding came to the US from China to attend SMA last year.  She hopes to attend University of California Davis next year and major in English literature or creative writing.
 
Congratulations Ziding!
Bus Service Survey
St. Mary's Academy is exploring the possibility of offering a bus service, for a fee, to our families.   We are conducting a survey to gather information from our families to determine the level of interest and need. Please click here and take a moment to answer the questions on the survey, if you are interested or not interested in using a bus service to get to and from school.  If you have further questions or need additional information, please call Deirdre Cryor, Academy President.  
Prayer Corner: Please Join Us!
Please join the Prayer Group on Fridays starting in January. The Prayer Group, led by Adriana Williams, meets at 8:15 in the Chapel in the High School.  The Prayer Group is a casual, get together for all parents in our community.  Please join us!  If you have a prayer intention to share with the group, please drop your intention in a prayer box in the Lower, Middle or High Schools or email to [email protected].  Or click here to submit your intention electronically.  So many ways to share your prayers!  We hope you will join in the New Year. 
 
For the season, we share the following prayer from Ann Weems. Please click here to enjoy.  
Academy Parents Speaker Series:                                          Thank You Carl Pickhardt, Welcome John-Michael Keyes
Thank you to the Academy Parents Board, led by Marlo Wagner, for hosting noted psychologist Carl Pickhardt, PhD.  More than 80 people enjoyed an informative and thoughtful evening with Dr. Pickhardt.  

Dr. Pickhardt writes a blog for Psychology Today that highlights his wisdom and insight to adolescence.  Click here to keep up with his blog. 

On January 14 at 8:15 in the Forum, Academy Parents will host John-Michael Keyes, founder of the I Love U Guys Foundation and a leading expert on school security.
Grandparents Day Filled with Food, Fun and Stories
More than 350 Grandparents visited St. Mary's Academy on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. It was a grand affair!  Grandparents enjoyed a musical performance before sitting down to a hearty breakfast of pancakes and sausage!  From breakfast, the grandparents were off to school.  We were all so happy to have them visit. 

In preparation for their visit, the Junior Kindergarten class enjoyed a special correspondence with their grandparents. The JK students asked their grandparents to share with them their favorite thing to do when they were four years old.  They also asked Grandma and Grandpa to send a photo of themselves at age four or to draw a picture of their favorite thing to do. 

The response from the Grandparents was tremendous!  The students loved to learn all that they had in common with their grandparents.  And on Tuesday, many visitors stopped by the bulletin board that morning to enjoy the photos, drawings and letters.  We look forward to next year! 
Inclement Weather Policy and Notification
In the 2013-14 school year, SMA implemented a Notification System through the Infinite Campus program.  We will use this notification system in the event of a school closure or delay due to weather.  Notification will go via text, voice or email according to the information the school has on your Infinite Campus profile.  Please take a moment to review our 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 send a message via Infinite Campus Notification System, record a message on our main phone line: 303.762.8300, and post an announcement on our website, www.smanet.org.

 

Additionally, we will share any school closing or schedule change with the 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.

Faculty Feature: Ines McCall, LS Spanish
What is your education?
I have a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Tarapac, Chile, and two years of Pedagogy in English at the University of Chile in La Serena, Chile.

 

How many years have you been at SMA?  

This is my 17th year at SMA. 

 

What is your working/teaching experience beyond SMA?   

I worked in various elementary schools in Chile; an ESL tutor at Garfield Elementary School in Garden City, Kansas and Alsup Elementary School in Commerce City.  I taught Spanish at Berlitz Language Center in Santiago, as well as Denver and at Arapahoe Community College.  I have been an interpreter for the Police Department in Garden City, Kansas. I am also an interpreter for the CDOT I-70 East Project.

 

What awards or honors have you received?

I had the privilege to obtain my USA citizenship in June of 2005. For the second consecutive year I am singing in my church choir accompanied by the Lakewood Symphony Orchestra and the Rocky Mountain Ringers. 

 

What would you name as a memorable or exciting classroom/curriculum moment you have experienced?

To see that my students are excited about what they are learning and put it into practice outside the classroom.  Also, when I see my students act as interpreters to their peers - it shows me they are understanding.    

 

What is something about yourself to share with the SMA community that we might not already know?  

I love to dance, listen to music, sing in a choir and travel. 
Upcoming Admissions Events 
Spread the News! Our Admission Events are filling up quickly!
  • Lower School Preview Day - Tuesday, December 10, 8:30-10:00 AM
  • Middle School Preview Day - Thursday, December 12, 8:30-10:00 AM
During Preview Days, visitors enjoy a detailed and comprehensive visit to the division on the scheduled days. Please call or email to learn more about our Admissions Program.
Community News
  • SMA Giving Trees are up in the Lower School and Middle School entrances November 18 through December 6. We are collecting gift cards to benefit families in need in our own community and we need your help. It is easy to share....
    1. Take a tag from the "Giving Trees" located in either the foyer of the Lower School or Middle School.
    2. Purchase the gift card designated on the tag.
    3. Return the gift card to any SMA division office by December 6.

    Grocery, Target, T.J. Maxx and Old Navy cards are especially convenient since they are available to purchase in the LS, MS and Business Office. THANK YOU for your generosity in this season of sharing!

  • For the second year, the SMA Presto Orchestra will perform at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, prior to a Colorado Ballet production of The Nutcracker. The Presto Orchestra includes both LS and MS students.  The performance is scheduled for Saturday, December 14.  The matinee begins at 2:00 PM. The Presto Orchestra will perform for a full 45-50 minutes in the lobby of the Ellie Caulkins, once the doors open at 1:00 PM to the general public.   
  • Thank you to the Academy Parents from all of the SMA faculty and staff for the delicious Thanksgiving pies!
  • SMA Nuggets Night - Purchase your Discounted Tickets NOW!   Great Stocking Stuffers!                      Friday, January 17, 2014 at the Pepsi Center
    Denver Nuggets vs Cleveland Cavaliers
    SMA's Honor Choir will sing the National Anthem
    12 students will be selected to be a part of the Red, White & Blue Crew! (stand on the court next to the Nuggets players during the National Anthem). Twenty-five students will be selected to "High Five" the Nuggets players as they enter the court for pr
    e-game warm-ups!  
  • The High School Astronomy Club is hosting a screening of Star Trek (rated PG-13) on December 6 at 7:00 in the Forum to benefit the purchase of a hydrogen alpha solar telescope for SMA.  Suggested donation is $5. For questions please contact Pete Sniegowski, [email protected] or Iswari Natarjan, [email protected]
  • Academy Parents in partnership with SMA Alumnae invite you and your friends to join them for:
    Girls Only, The Secret Comedy of Women
    Saturday, January 25, 7:30 PM
    Garner Galleria at the Denver Performing Arts Complex
    Tickets are $30.50 each
    A great stocking stuffer for you, your daughters and your group of besties! Lots of laughter as you enjoy this timeless look at all things "girl."  A delightful way to meet others from SMA: alumnae, past and present, parents & students and their friends!  Tickets are limited so grab yours today by clicking here.  Follow the prompts and use Customer # 575852 and Access Code RU73X.         
  • The Blog chronicling our work with gender-based brain research continues this week. Check out the link on the left side of the Weekly to read how our teachers are implementing these strategies thanks to our work with consultant Kelley King.  Kelley King is the author of the book Writing the Playbook A Practitioners Guide to Creating a Boy-Friendly School.  She has been on campus this Fall and we look forward to seeing her again this Spring.
Lower School News Events

News:

  • The Lower School Drama Club put on a wonderful performance of "The Case of the Gone Gobbler" for fellow students, teachers and parents the Friday before the Thanksgiving Break. Please click here to see more photos. 
  • Please note that the LS/HS Christmas Concert on December 10 starts at 7:00 PM in the Forum. 

Events:

  • December 4,  3:00 PM, Cub Scout Pack Meeting, Lower School
  • December 6, 8:10 AM, Assembly, LS Band/Orchestra
  • December 10, 7:00 PM, HS/LS Christmas Concert, Forum (Please bring canned goods or non-perishables to donate to a local food bank)  
  • December 12, 2:30 PM, Beginning Band & Orchestra Concert, Forum 
  • December 13, 8:10 AM, Assembly, Drama Club 
  • December 18, 8:10 AM, Assembly, First Grade, "Silent Mice, Holy Mice"
  • December 20, Half Day of Classes, No ASA/JKAC/EDC
  • December 21 - January 5, Academy Closed, Christmas Break    
  • January 6, Classes Resume 
Middle School News & Events

News:

  • Mrs. Schmitt's CAT coordinated a community service project for the Middle School this week.  Students decorated brown grocery bags to be used as meal bags for Project Angel Heart.  Project Angel Heart prepares and delivers meals to home-bound people with life-threatening illnesses.  Mrs. Schmitt's CAT members hope that a cheerful, colorful meal bag will bring a smile to the clients.
  • The MS Robotics Team competed in its first competition this season at the Tivoli Student Union on the Auraria Campus in Denver. The team is a club made up of eight eighth-graders and two seventh-graders, coached by Mr. Pritchard and Mr. McVie.  The First Lego League Challenge for 2013 is "Nature's Fury," where teams explored the awe-inspiring storms, quakes, waves and more that we call natural disasters. Teams discovered what can be done when intense natural events meet the places people live, work, and play. The Wildcats chose volcanoes and their project focused on early warning systems.  Coach Pritchard said, "The kids learned a lot and fun was had by all!" 

Events:

  • December 9, 9:30 AM, MS Orchestra to Meridian
  • December 11, 12:00 PM, MS Mass/Prayer Service
  • December 17, 6:30 PM, MS Concert, Forum (Please bring canned goods or non-perishables to donate to a local food bank)  
  • December 20, Half Day of Classes, No ASA/JKAC/EDC
  • December 21 - January 5, Academy Closed, Christmas Break 
  • January 6, Classes Resume 
High School News & Events

News:

  • The High School celebrated Spirit Week before the Thanksgiving Holiday, with each grade competing to see who had the most school spirit.  Each day had a theme - Footy Pajamas, Disney, All Boys School, Joutfits (jeans outfits!) and the Grand Finale on Friday:  Class Colors. The school was full of energy and enthusiasm and School Spirit all week! Please click here to see more photos. 
  • Annually, the World Vision class, visits the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Temple Emanuel and the Denver Tristate Buddhist Temple.  The class made the trip in late November.  Again, it received great reviews from the students.  The purpose of the field trip is to deepen the students' learning about and further their understanding of how these religions are practiced.
  • The High School Robotics Team is traveling to the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith this week to compete in the Frontier Trails BEST Regional Robotics Championship. In October, the eight-member all-girls robotics team qualified for Regionals in their first year of competition! Click here to watch a video about the team, filmed and edited by Senior Kat Harhai. Good luck in Arkansas ladies!      

Events:  

  • December 6, 10:00 AM, HS Town Meeting
  • December 10, 6:30 PM, HS/LS Christmas Concert (Please bring canned goods or non-perishables to donate to a local food bank)   
  • December 11, 11:30 AM, HS Clubs Meet
  • December 12, 10:00 AM, HS Mass
  • December 20, Half Day of Classes, No ASA/JKAC/EDC
  • December 21 - January 5, Academy Closed, Christmas Break
  • January 6, Classes Resume  
Admissions News

  • Apply to SMA on the Web!
    We are happy to announce that
    applying to SMA has never been easier! Click here to apply online. Application deadlines are: High School: January 10; Middle School: January 24; Lower School: January 31. Thanks!
  • Eighth Grade Girls! We look forward to seeing you at the High School Placement Test bright and early on Saturday morning, December 7. The High School Northeast doors will open at 8:00 AM and the exam will begin promptly at 8:25 AM. Parents, please pick up your daughters between 11:35-11:45 AM. Good luck to all!
Advancement News
  • Celebrate Colorado Gives Day with a gift to the SMA Annual Fund.Please click here to make your tax-deductible gift to the Annual Fund. Remember that the entire SMA community benefits from the Annual Fund. Lower School, Middle School, High School, Athletics, Performing and Visual Arts. Thank you for supporting St. Mary's Academy and Happy Colorado Gives Day!
  • THANKS for reloading!  Here's an update on the results from September 8 through November 2 from our King Soopers Reloadable Grocery Program:
    Number of cards reloaded: 132
    Total $ amount reloaded: $42,989
    SMA Net: $2,149
    132 cards reloaded is 18% of what we distributed.  Are you remembering to reload your card?  We have room for growth in this program!  Thanks to everyone who participated in our Grocery Certificate program - every dollar helps. Keep reloading!
  • Thank you to all of our families who have made a commitment to the 2013-2014 Annual Fund. To make your Annual Fund contribution click here, or pick up a donation envelope in any school office. Thank you! You may click here to see a list of our contributors as of December 2, 2013.

  • Parent Volunteer Opportunities are a great way to meet other parents across other divisions.  Volunteering at Grandparents' Day or SMA Prayer Group are just a few of the opportunities. Please click here to read about all of the available Volunteer Opportunities and to sign up today!
Alumnae News
  • Young Alumnae Luncheon 
    Classes of 2009 - 2013 
    Thursday, December 19 at 11:30 a.m. in the           High School Forum 
    RSVP by Tuesday, December 10 to Molly del Monte at [email protected].
  • All Alumnae receive A Lifetime Pass to athletic events at SMA!! Please join us for basketball season! Alumnae enter the game free of charge. Come on out and support the Wildcats this year!! 
Athletic News
Games:
  • December 4:
    • 3:45 PM, Girls 7th Silver & Girls 8th Silver Basketball vs. Graland @ GCDS
    • 3:45 PM, Boys 7th and Boys 8th Basketball vs. Graland @ SMA  
  •  December 6:
    • 4:15 PM, Varsity Swim & Dive @ DPS Pentathlon, ThunderDome - Manual HS
  • December 7:
    • 12:30 PM, Varsity Swim & Dive @ Quad Meet, Northridge Recreation Center
  • December 9:
    • 4:00 PM, Girls 8th Navy & Girls 7th Silver Basketball vs. Stanley British @ SMA
    • 5:30 PM, JV & Varsity Basketball vs. Clear Creek HS @ CCHS
  • December 10:
    • 4:30 PM, Girls 6th & Boys 6th Basketball vs. Graland @ GCDS
  • December 11:
    • 5:00 PM, JV & Varsity Basketball vs. Manitou Springs @ SMA with Varsity Dance Team performance at half time 
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