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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 
HS French/Social Studies Teacher,
Kelly Rogers '08 Publishes Book
Kelly Rogers, SMA alumna and High School teacher, adds author to her list of accomplishments. Her first book, Extraordinary, Ordinary Women provides an intimate portrait of 20  American expatriate women currently residing in Paris. "Pulling back the veil of idealism and romanticism shrouding the women's migrant lives, the book examines the very real pitfalls and triumphs of life after the happily ever after," writes the publisher.  Extraordinary, Ordinary Women examines the consequences of immigration, biculturalism and assimilation on the individual identities of modern expatriate women.

Ms. Rogers has written for
The Huffington Post, LaJeunePolitique.com, and the French Embassy's press office in Washington, D.C. She has also coordinated projects for France's public television channel France 3. The book is set to be published on December 17 and is available on amazon.com. Congratulations, Ms. Rogers!
Fifth Grader Wins String Ensemble Concerto Competition
Fifth Grader cellist Phoebe Wang is the winner of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra (DYAO) 2013 String Ensemble Concerto Competition. Dr. Enrique Lasansky, Director of Orchestras at the Denver School of Arts, and Sarah Bierhaus, Principal Oboe of the Boulder Philharmonic and Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra, adjudicated this year's competitions. 

Phoebe has been playing cello since the second grade. She also studies piano and skypes her piano lessons with her Aunt Cindi in New York! Phoebe will perform Goltermann's Fourth Cello Concerto with the String Ensemble-North on April 27 and the String Ensemble-South on April 28 at Bethany Lutheran Church.  Please click here for ticket information.  

Congratulations, Phoebe!
Madi Norton, SMA Junior and Published Author
Junior Madi Norton is a published author! Her fiction story "Misery Loves Her Sister" 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.
 
Madi's story was written in her Creative Writing class year with Ms. Evans and was published in the 2013 SMA Literary Magazine.  In addition to being one of eight selected for publication, Madi received a $100 cash prize. Congratulations Madi!
The Secret is Out! Christmas is Coming!
  • 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.
Bus Service Survey Closing Friday, December 13
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.  The survey will close December 13.  
 
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, will meet after Lower School assembly around 8:45.  The group gathers 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.  
Faculty Feature: Mary Pat Mueller, HS Theology
What is your education?
In college, I majored in Education and Social Science. Then I earned an M.A. degree in Theology with an emphasis in both Catholic doctrine and Scripture studies at Loyola University in Chicago.  Then, my interest in the dynamics of communication in human relationships led me to complete another master's degree at the University of Denver studying communication with an emphasis on methods of dispute resolution.

How many years have you been at SMA?  

I came to SMA in the autumn of 1998 after working for many years in the classroom teaching Religious Studies for high school students and in adult education.  Along with teaching, in the first six years at SMA I served as liturgist for the high school. In addition to teaching Philosophy and Religious Studies classes that include Social Justice, Ethics Seminar, Ancient Scriptures, Christian Scriptures, and the History of Roman Catholicism, I have served for thirteen years as a college counselor.    

What is your working/teaching experience beyond SMA?   

I had a short hiatus in banking and financial planning, but realized that for me, what was of greatest value was the teaching of ideas to those eager to learn.  

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

Something I believe in wholeheartedly and that, "ties so many of my beliefs together" along with my teaching the Social Justice class is leading a group of high school juniors for the last five years to the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Here, the students have been able to see first hand how a large institution such as the UN grapples with global problems and relies heavily on the work of individuals and subgroups to achieve the goals that have been set out. 

 

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

In addition to deepening my knowledge of the many dimensions of Christianity, I have cultivated an interest in eastern religions by taking classes and attending retreats to expand my understanding. I have also strived to live out the gospel imperative to serve those in need by working to build homes in Juarez and New Orleans and by volunteer service for many years through organizations in the Denver metro area.

Community News
  • Giving Tree Gratitude. Thank you SMA Community, for contributing to another successful gift card collection. Because of your generosity, the holidays will be merrier for members of our community.
  • 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.   
  • Academy Parents Speaker Series: John-Michael Keyes, Founder of the I Love U Guys Foundation.  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. Please click here to RSVP. 

  • 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!  
  • 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. Click here to watch a preview of the show.          
  • 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 LS Bands and Orchestras performed at Assembly last Friday for the entire Lower School.  They played classic and jazzy holiday tunes for their classmates, parents, faculty and staff.  

Events:

  • 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 18, 9:30 - 10:20 AM, Fifth Graders Visit MS for donuts, slide show and student panel 
  • December 20, Half Day of Classes, No ASA/JKAC/EDC
  • December 21 - January 5, Academy Closed, Christmas Break    
  • January 6, Classes Resume   
  • January 8, Late Start, Classes Begin at 9:05 AM for All Academy
  • January 10, 8:10 AM, Assembly, Common Sense Media
  • January 10, 3:00 PM, Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby, LS Gym
  • January 17, 8:10 AM, Assembly, Third Grade, MLK, Jr. Day 
Middle School News & Events

News:

  • Mrs. Cencula's CAT made blankets for their service project this month.  Of the 14 blankets made, 11 will be dropped off at St. Thomas More for the Gabriel House Project.  The Gabriel House is an outreach program of the Archdiocese of Denver committed to helping pregnant women and women with young children in need with resources, clothes, supplies and spiritual and emotional support. The other three blankets will be donated to an adopted family with three small children through the St. Pius X Parish.  Seventh grade CAT member Abril Gallegos hand stitched each child's name into their blankets. 
  • The Middle School celebrated Advent on Wednesday with an Advent Prayer Service. After lighting the Advent wreath candles, students read the O Antiphons and the Middle School choir led the school in singing O Come Emmanuel. The Advent Service gave the Middle School students a moment in their busy school day to notice the importance of quiet, of peace and prayer during Advent. Thank you to our Campus Minister Paula Lee for putting together such a beautiful service.

Events:

  • 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 
  • January 8, Late Start, Classes Begin at 9:05 AM for All Academy
  • January 13 - 17, MS Spirit Week 
High School News & Events
News:
  • Five SMA High School students traveled to Maryland last week to attend the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) while Ms. Ehrlich and Ms. Horning attended the People Of Color Conference (POCC). The conferences are sponsored by the the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). The keynote speaker was Daniel Hernandez, former intern for US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. The students also listened to Staceyannn Chen, a spoken word poet, performing artist and civil rights activist.  An outstanding annual conference, the objective is to teach the students ways of understanding different kinds of diversity and how to be allies.    
  • The High School Robotics team had an exciting and successful trip to the Regional competition for the BEST competition in Fort Smith, Arkansas.  After struggling with flight cancellations and tricky airplane reservations (thanks to the winter storm in Dallas), the team made it to the wildcard competition in the robotics category.  If they placed there, they would move on to the round of 16.  The team scored in the Top Eight out of 40 teams in the engineering notebook category.  And in the wildcard (which has 8 teams) they scored four times as many points in a single round as they did in the Denver competition.  
    Coach Dave Gesler said, "one of the judges told me it has been six years since a rookie team made it to regionals and was so impressed with how far our team had come in such a short time.  The girls are already strategizing for next year's competition.  They believe that they can not only get back to regionals, but that with what they've seen and learned this year, they will be contenders next year.  All in all, a lot of really exciting experiences for all." 
  • 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. 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.  Congratulations Ziding! Please click here to read more. 

Events:   

  • December 12, 10:00 AM, HS Mass
  • December 18 - 20 HS Exams 
  • December 20, Half Day of Classes, No ASA/JKAC/EDC
  • December 21 - January 5, Academy Closed, Christmas Break
  • January 6, Classes Resume    
  • January 8, Late Start, Classes begin at 9:05 AM for All Academy 
  • January 10, 10:00 AM, HS Town Meeting
  • January 16, 9:55 AM, HS Mass
  • January 16, 6:30 PM, Financial Aid Workshop for Seniors 
Admissions News

  • Have you scheduled visits for your JK or Kindergarten student? We are taking reservations for both grades now!  Call Seely Greenberg to schedule Junior Kindergarten visits. Call 303.762.8300 ext. 255.  To register for Kindergarten Group register online by clicking here.  
  • We are looking for parents to volunteer to greet prospective parents during the Kindergarten Group Visits on January 9 and January 23. Please contact Seely Greenberg at [email protected] .
  • Applications deadlines for 2014-15:
    • January 10: High School
    • January 24: Middle School  
    • January 31: Lower School
  • The Tuition Assistance website, www.sss.nais.org, is ready to accept your applications for 2014-15 school year. The deadline for tuition assistance applications is February 10, 2014. If you are currently receiving tuition assistance, you must submit an application each year along with the supporting documents. If you have any questions, check our website: http://www.smanet.org/index.php?/admissions/tuition-and-fees/ or make an appointment with Gracie Carr at [email protected].
  • We thank all of our wonderful parent volunteers who help make our LS/MS Previews such a success. Your time, energy, love and commitment to our admissions events are so appreciated. Thank you so much!!!
Advancement News
  • $25 Gift Cards Needed - When you Spin the Wheel at the Gala, you have a 50/50 chance to win a $25 gift card and you will be entered into a drawing to win a $1000 Tuition Voucher for the 2014-2015 school year.  We rely on donations of $25 gift cards from our families for the Spin the Wheel Game. For every gift card you donate, your child has a chance to win a special treat! 
    • Lower School - Each class that donates 7 gift cards or more will receive an ice cream treat.
    • Middle School - Each CAT that turns in 7 gift cards or more will receive an ice cream treat.
    • High School - Each advisory that turns in 5 gift cards or more will receive an ice cream treat.
Keep in mind that the Business Office sells a variety of gift cards. Please turn in your gift cards to your school office with your name attached so that we can give you credit. Thank you for supporting the Gala!

  • 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 10, 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
News:
  • High School Senior, nullAlexa Beckwith broke the SMA school record for 6 dives on Saturday with a score of 296.30. She held the previous record of 272.05.  Congratulations Alexa!! 
  • Good luck to our winter sports teams this season!   
    • The JV and Varsity basketball teams started out the season with 2 big non-league wins over Clear Creek and Denver Christian.   
    • The swim and dive team had a successful meet with Valor, Kent Denver and Platte Canyon on Saturday.  The Wildcats finished 2nd to Valor and showed tremendous potential with their individual and relay event times.  Ninth grader Alex Reddington placed first and second in the 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly, and she earned state qualifying times in both of her events.  Senior diver, Alexa Beckwith placed first and broke her own school record in the first meet of the season.    
  • LS GYM REMINDER - When walking through the Lower School gym, please walk on the carpet runners. Outdoor shoes on the gym floors wreak havoc!  When the weather is wet there is a noticeable safety issue and the PE team/coaches want to be sure the floors are safe for class  Thank you!  

Games:

  • December 11:
    • 5:00 PM, JV & Varsity Basketball vs. Manitou Springs @ SMA with Varsity Dance Team performance at half time
  • December 12:
    • 3:30 PM, Girls 7th Navy & Girls 8th Silver Basketball vs. Colorado Academy @ SMA
    • 3:30 PM, Boys 7th & Boys 8th Basketball vs. Colorado Academy @ CA
    • 4:00 PM, Varsity Swim & Dive @ Tri Meet, Ft. Valley School
  • December 14:
    • 8:00 AM, Varsity Dive @ Denver East Angel Invitational, ThunderDome- Manual HS
    • 12:00 PM, Varsity Swim @ Denver East Invitational, ThunderDome- Manual HS
  • December 16:
    • 4:00 PM, Girls 6th & Girls 7th Silver Basketball vs. The Logan School @ SMA
    • 5:30 PM, JV & Varsity Basketball vs. John F Kennedy HS @ SMA with Varsity Dance Team performance at half time
  • December 18:
    • 3:30 PM, Girls 8th Silver & Girls 6th Basketball vs. Denver Christian Highlands Ranch @ DCHR
    • 3:30 PM, Boys 6th, Boys 7th & Boys 8th Basketball vs. Denver Christian Highlands Ranch @ SMA  
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 can go via text, voice and email according to the information the school has on your Infinite Campus profile. If you would like to change that information, please call the division office.  
 
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.

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