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Deirdre V. Cryor
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Challenge Foundation
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Wildcat Weekly
A Weekly Newsletter from St. Mary's Academy
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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 kchallis@smanet.org. And, be sure to click here to read my weekly blog.
Deirdre V. Cryor
Academy President
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HURRY! Nuggets Night is Fast Approaching
January 17 at 7:00 PM
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 Be part of this fun SMA Community event and purchase your discounted tickets NOW!- $22 Upper Level / Family Night (Normally $40) Family Night tickets include a drink and food voucher
- $60 Club Level Corner (Normally $85)
- $88 Corner Loge (Normally $98)
- SMA's choir will sing the National Anthem!
- Student Opportunities (must purchase ticket):
- Red, White & Blue Crew - 12 SMA students will be randomly selected to stand on the floor with the Nuggets players as the National Anthem is sung.
- High Five Fan Tunnel - 25 students will be randomly selected to HIGH FIVE the Nuggets players as they enter the court for pre-game warm ups!
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Academy Parents Speaker Series: John-Michael Keyes, Founder of the "I Love U Guys" Foundation
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 We thank John-Michael Keyes, founder of the I Love U Guys Foundation and a leading expert on school security, who spoke on January 14 in the High School Forum. His talk was a part of the Academy Parents year-long speaker series. John-Michael Keyes is a security consultant for a number of school systems, and is one of the authors of the Standard Response Protocol, the security procedures that we follow. Sadly, John-Michael became an expert on school security after his daughter was killed at the Platte Canyon School shooting in 2006. He has met with our security committee here on campus as well as reviewed our procedures. His presentation was personal, informative and thoughtful.
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Senior Kelly Miller Wins Half Marathon in New Orleans
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 On December 14, while her friends at SMA were preparing for their final exams (and trying not to be distracted by college acceptance check-ins), senior Kelly Miller had arrived at the starting line for the Ole Man River Half Marathon in New Orleans, a goal she and her mom had set back in June. Kelly's discipline and training paid off with her winning the 15 -18 year-old age group competition with a time of 1:48:50, a personal best. This was the second recent achievement in The Big Easy - she had just been notified two weeks earlier of her acceptance to Tulane University as a merit scholar. Please click here to read more.
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Prayer Corner: Please Join Us!
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 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. A casual get together for all parents in our community, the prayer group is open for everyone. Please join us! |
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Faculty Feature: Jessica Fredrickson, Kindergarten
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What is your education? 
I received my BA in English and Elementary Education from Metropolitan State College of Denver.
How many years have you been at SMA?
This is my first wonderful year!
What is your working/teaching experience beyond SMA?
I spent most of my field work and student teaching time in sixth grade, but fell in love with the littles upon substituting after graduation. Since then I have taught Junior Kindergarten and now Kindergarten! Literacy and technology are my two great passions and I have presented at a reading conference on technology integration in the classroom. I still get to hang out with the big kids when I meet with my "Faithgirlz" church group of 4th-6th grade girlies.
What would you name as an impressive classroom/curriculum experience that you have experienced?
I love teaching kindergarten because every day I am impressed by how much growth my kiddos make! My favorite moments are watching them grow as readers and writers.
What is something about yourself to share with the SMA community that we might not already know?
I grew up in the Midwest and have never lost my love of cheese curds or the Packers! My husband and I also share a love of history, and hope to travel to Europe soon.
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Community News
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 High School Art teacher Andrew Beckham has a portion of the work from his recent museum show in Colorado Springs on exhibition at Goodwin Fine Art (located a few blocks from the Denver Art Museum), through February 22. Congratulations Mr. Beckham!
 SMA's All-Academy Musical Peter Pan, March 6 - 9. Don't miss the opportunity to be a sponsor, which includes premier seating and advertising in the program, deadline is January 31! Tickets go on sale to the general public on February 4! Click here for more information.
- The first meeting of the Learning Disabilities Support Group, facilitated by Dr. Kim Dwyer and Dr. Colleen O'Donnell, will be on January 23, 7:00 -8:30 PM at Grace Presbyterian Church. The Learning Disabilities Support Group is a free support and advocacy group for parents of children and teens with learning disabilities and unique learning needs. For questions or to RSVP please email learningdisabilityadvocate@gmail.com.
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 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.
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 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.
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Lower School News Events
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News:
 Fourth graders gathered for the first round of St. Mary's Academy Spelling Bee today. The three top spellers will represent the Lower School, along with three Fifth Grade representatives at the Spelling Bee on January 22 in the Middle School. Round one of the Fifth Grade Spelling Bee is tomorrow. The three top spellers in the Fourth Grade are, (pictured from left to right) Nikou Baniasadi, Emma Seneshen and Cedric Choi. The winner of the Spelling Bee on January 22 will represent SMA at the regional competition! Can you spell: SUPER JOB!
Events:
- January 17, 8:10 AM, Assembly, Third Grade, MLK, Jr. Day
- January 20, Academy Closed MLK, Jr. Day
- January 22, Late Start, Classes Begin at 9:05 AM for All Academy
- January 25, 8:10 AM, Assembly, Fifth Grade
- January 31, 8:10 AM, Assembly, Kindergarten Cowpoke
- February 5, Third Grade PJ's on the Prairie
- February 5, Fifth Grade Mass at the Basilica
- February 7, 8:10 AM, Assembly, Third Grade Music
- February 7, Cub Scouts Blue & Gold Dinner & Cross-Over
- February 13, 9:30 AM, First & Second Grades to Elle Caulkins Opera House, Cinderella
- February 13, 5:30 PM, LS Father Daughter Dance
- February 14, No Classes, Faculty Retreat Day
- February 17 -18, Academy Closed, President's Day
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Middle School News & Events
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News:
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 Spirit Week is underway in the Middle School with a ton of energy, spirited dress and fierce competition! Yesterday, Fifth Grade students joined their Middle School friends in that day's competition of cup stacking. Just a two dollar donation gained them entrance into the competition and many came dressed in that day's theme of nerd, jock or cheerleader. Fun was had by all!
 Expressionist artist Tony Ortega spent the day at SMA last week visiting with individual art classes from Grades 5 through 8. He shared some of his pastel drawings and discussed some of the fundamentals of art such as complementary versus analogous colors, optical blending and the subjects of his work. Latino in heritage, Ortega's canvases feature scenes from Columbia, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Students were invited to ask him questions which were wise reflections on the emotional impact of his drawings. Last year Mr. Ortega worked with our students on a week-long mural project that is now on display in the MS Commons. Mr. Ortega is part of the visiting artist series planned by Cheri Buxman, Middle School Art Teacher.
Events:
- January 13 - 17, MS Spirit Week
- January 20, Academy Closed MLK, Jr. Day
- January 22, Late Start, Classes Begin at 9:05 AM for All Academy
- January 24, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, MS Social, Forum
- January 30 - 31, MS Conferences, No Classes
- February 11, 3:30PM, Courage for the Journey
- February 14, No Classes, Faculty Retreat Day
- February 17 -18, Academy Closed, President's Day
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High School News & Events
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News:
 Seniors Kelsey Waldron, Madison Taylor, and Sara VanVelkinburgh joined the SMA Model United Nations (MUN) team when they were freshmen. In just three years, their team has doubled in size and has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Delegates in the Western U.S. Sara and Madison reminisced about their MUN international travels, the upcoming NAIMUN conference and how their mentor Frank Pobutkiewicz leveraged their performance. Please click here to read more.
Events:
- January 16, 9:55 AM, HS Mass
- January 16, 6:30 PM, Financial Aid Workshop for Seniors
- January 20, Academy Closed MLK, Jr. Day
- January 22, Late Start, Classes Begin at 9:05 AM for All Academy
- January 23, 6:30 PM, HS Talent Show, Forum
- January 29, 4:00 PM, HS Conferences Begin
- January 30 - 31, HS Conferences, No Classes
- February 5, 7:00 PM, Ninth Grade College Information Night
- February 7, 7:30 PM, HS Dance, Sponsored by the Ninth Grade
- February 11, HS Diversity Day
- February 12, 11:30 AM, Clubs Meet
- February 12, 6:30 PM, 9th Grade Parent Book Club
- February 14, No Classes, Faculty Retreat Day
- February 17 -18, Academy Closed, President's Day
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Admissions News
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We invite you to register your child for a kindergarten group visit. The Group visit is scheduled for Thursday, January 23 from 8:30-10:00 a.m. Please click here to register.
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Registration (also known as re-enrollment) for our 150th year was sent out on January 8. If you have not received your packet, please give the admissions office a call or email gcarr@smanet.org. Thanks!
- 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 feel free to make an appointment with Gracie Carr at gcarr@smanet.org.
- Applications deadlines for 2014-15:
- January 24: Middle School
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Advancement News
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- 2014 Gala - The Facts
Theme: Casino Royale 007
Date: Friday, April 25
Time: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Location: Mile High Station
Attire: Casino Casual
Regular Price: $150 per person
Early Bird: $125 per person before April 4
New This Year: 95% of the Gala proceeds will go towards SMA's Tuition Assistance Fund. 5% of the proceeds will be allocated towards the Robotics Programs in each division.
To learn more about the Gala, click here.
- $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 for the month of December from our King Soopers Reloadable Grocery Program:
Number of cards reloaded: 62
Total $ amount reloaded: $25,500
SMA Net: $1,276
62 cards reloaded is 11% 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!
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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 January 14, 2014.
- 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!
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Alumnae News
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- Alumnae Book Club
Tuesday, February 11
12:00 p.m.
Sanders House
Please join us for the Alumnae Book Club as we discuss "The Road of Lost Innocence" by Somaly Mam. A light lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 4 by clicking here
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Athletic News
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News:
Games:
- January 15:
- 4:00 PM, Varsity Swim & Dive @ Manitou Springs HS
- 4:00 PM, Girls 6th Basketball vs. Alexander Dawson @ SMA
- 5:00 PM, Boys 6th Basketball vs. Alexander Dawson @ SMA
- 5:30 PM, JV & Varsity Basketball vs. Peak to Peak @ PtoP
- January 16:
- 3:30 PM, Girls 7th Silver & Girls 8th Silver Basketball vs. Kent @ SMA
- 3:30 PM, Boys 7th & Boys 8th Basketball vs. Kent @ Kent
- January 17:
- 5:30 PM, JV & Varsity Basketball vs.Bishop Machebeuf @ SMA with Varsity Dance Team performance at half time
- January 18:
- 10:00 AM, Varsity Swim & Dive @ Tiger Invitational, Summit HS
- January 21:
- 4:00 PM, Girls 7th Navy & Girls 8th Navy Basketball vs. Graland @ SMA
- 4:00 PM, Boys 7th & Boys 8th Basketball vs. Graland @ GCDS
- January 22:
- 4:00 PM, Boys 7th & Boys 8th Basketball vs. Peak to Peak @ PtoP
- 5:30 PM, JV & Varsity Basketball vs. Holy Family @ SMA with Varsity Dance Team performance at half time
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Inclement Weather Policy and Notification
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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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SMA Athletics Office is accepting applications for the head Junior Varsity and Assistant Varsity girls tennis coaching positions. 
