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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 Lindsey Lopez in the President's Office at [email protected]. And, be sure to click here to read my weekly blog. 
Deirdre V. Cryor
Academy President 
Wildcat Cross Country is Headed for State!

The SMA Wildcat Cross-Country Team scored 141 points to take 5th place in the Regional Meet held at Lyons High School! 

 

The runners included Isabella Morrissette, Lauren Carroll, Amy Burke, Mariah Horvath, Hadley Bowles, Kate Windler, and Summer Hepp, with help from Sophia Richardson and Isabel Forward. The team secured the last state berth by edging out Platte Canyon, who had 148 points and finished 6th. 

 

The last time the Wildcats participated in the State Meet was in 2009. The State Cross-country Championships will be Saturday, October 25 at the Norris-Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs.  Go Wildcats!

SMAbotics Team Takes 2nd at BEST, Headed for Regionals
Following up an impressive rookie year performance, the High School Robotics Team bested their results at the BEST Competition last weekend! 

The team members improved in their proficiency in programming, AutoCAD, the engineering process and many other areas creating great advances. 

Click here to read a terrific article about the team in Colorado Space News.  The team advances to Regionals in Fort Smith, Arkansas on December.  Read more here.
The Fence on University Blvd--Recess Safety

Due to the construction on campus, we are finding new areas to play during recess.  You can find students enjoying time in the Quad, or on the grassy areas near the High School.  

 

Thanks to Haselden Construction, who installed the new fence along University Boulevard, we are now also able to host Lower School recess on the grassy area to the North of the Lower School.

 

On most days, you can catch our boys engaged in an intramural game while enjoying the sunshine and being outside!

Celebrating Our 150th
 
 
SAVE THE DATE:   November 6 at TATTERED COVER at 7 PM at the Colfax Avenue store Regina Drey and Deirdre Cryor will discuss St. Mary's Academy - 150 Years. Discussion will include how the materials were found and shared, stories that weren't included because there were simply too many, and some reflections on what it means to be part of an institution that is 150 years old, yet has always spearheaded innovative teaching and leadership from the first day of classes in 1864. And, now you can buy a copy of the book at Tattered Cover--Colfax, Wynkoop and Highlands Ranch!

SMA continues to receive special anniversary letters of commendation!  Just this week, we received letters from U.S. Representative Mike Coffman and University of Colorado Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano.  Click on their names to read the letters or stop by the Sanders House to take a look at our entire scrapbook.
Community Center Construction Update
This morning, the Haselden Construction crew led the Topping Out Ceremony for the Community Center construction site.  This is a ceremony very dear to the construction industry, particularly ironworkers.  It does not mean the project is completed, but it means that it has reached its maximum height. 

 

Much like reaching the top of a mountain, the crew marked the milestone with a ceremony and a flag. 

 

The crew hoisted three beams as students cheered on the ceremony.  It is tradition that the beams are painted white and signed by "dignitaries."  In our case, our students, alumnae, board members, faculty and friends have all signed the beams.  

 

Along with the beams was a US flag, an SMA, banner and an evergreen tree. 

 

The custom of decorating the uppermost point of the structure with an evergreen tree is a tradition that has Northern European roots.  The tree symbolizes "that the job went up without a loss of life, while for others it's a good luck charm for future occupants."

 

The Lower School students filed down to the site for a front row view, Middle School students peered through classroom windows, and some High School students were also able to swing by to participate in this age old custom and cheer as we move forward in our life of SMA.

 

As the beam with the tree was raised up, students added to the party atmosphere, shook their pom pons and shouted: "Go Tree Go!"  The end of the ceremony was marked with a rousing "SMA, SMA!"  It was agreed by the crew members present that SMA students should attend all Topping Out Ceremonies!

Faculty Feature: Mr. Zachary Hood, Cross-Division PE & Coach

In his first year as a full-time faculty member, Mr. Hood is teaching PE for third grade, fifth grade, and Middle School, as well as coaching Varsity Tennis! Between classes and practice, he took a moment to share a bit more about himself:

 

What is your education?

I have a BA in History from Vanderbilt University and an MA in Theological Studies from Regent College - Vancouver, BC

 

How many years have you been at SMA?

This is my first year full-time here, though I coached JV tennis last year.

 

What is your working/teaching experience beyond SMA?

I worked for five years at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, TN as a teacher, alumni development associate and tennis coach. Also, nine years ago, I founded and am Director of Sports Servants, a non-profit with the mission of empowering children through sports in Belize, Central America. 

 

What awards or honors have you received?

  • 2010 Tennis Team State Champions at Montgomery Bell Academy
  • 2010 Coach of the Year - The Tennessean 
  • 2011 British Airways Face-to-Face Contest Award Winner
  • Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Vanderbilt
  • Big XII Conference Doubles Silver Medalist (as a freshman at CU)
  • Big XII All-Academic Team (as a freshman at CU)
  • National Tennis Indoors Junior Doubles Champion 

What would you name as an impressive classroom/curriculum experience that you have experienced?

One of the most humbling and amazing "classroom experiences" has been founding Sports Servants and working with Belizean teachers and youth to start organized sports programs for children. We have worked with principals, teachers, and administrators to establish curriculum and workshops that have earned support and accreditation by the Belize ministry of education. What started as a one-week summer camp in one village is now a movement of indigenous leaders who are expanding programs to more than 40 schools and churches that serve over 8,000 children. 

 

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

I love fly fishing and basketball. I played tennis for CU during my freshman year of college, but I also tried out for the CU basketball team.

All Academy and Community Happenings
  • Thank you for all who were able to attend one of the screenings of I'm Not a Racist...Am I? 
    last weekend.  SMA received excellent feedback including the following from a Middle and High School parent:

"Thank you for including SMA on the screening of I'm Not a Racist...Am I? What a fantastic documentary! It certainly ignited lots of deep discussions with my 12th grader, as it did at the film screening." 

 

In the event that you missed the opportunity to view this film, click here to learn about additional viewings and meetings in the area. 

  • From exactly 3:18 to 5:45 PM on Thursday, October 23 we will experience a partial (45% covered) solar eclipse.  The Astronomy Club, led by Mr. Sniegowski and Ms. Natarajan, will have information and the solar telescope set up in the quad for the event.  Please come take a look!

  • The CIRCLE/STAMP Conference occurs on Friday, October 24 at the History Center Colorado in Denver) and Saturday, October 25 at Stanley British Primary School. Click here and see below for conference details.

 

  • Parents at ACIS schools now have two opportunities to join a presentation and discussion with Dr. Kristen Race, former Colorado Academy psychologist and author of Mindful Parenting. Admission is free to both presentations.
    • Monday, October 27 from 6:00-7:30 PM at Platt Middle School, 6096 W. Baseline Rd., Boulder, CO 80303 (presented by Friends' School - Click here to RSVP.)
    • Tuesday, October 28 from 9:30-11:00 AM at Graland Country Day School, 55 Clermont St., Denver, CO 80220 (presented by The Circle of Influence - Click here to RSVP.)
  • Dawson School has invited parents to attend Parenting Without Power Struggles on Wednesday, October 29 at 7:00 PM. Author Susan Stiffleman, MFT, will talk about the mindset shift toward parenting children with a stronger sense of emotional connection and empowerment. Her talk at Dawson is appropriate for parents with children of any age.  Click here for more details or to register.
  • SMA Nuggets Night will be Tuesday, November 25 at 7:00 PM vs. the Chicago Bulls.  A representative from the Denver Nuggets will be selling tickets at the Varsity Volleyball game this Friday, October 17 and Tuesday, October 21.  If you can't get there, click here to purchase your tickets. Or, click here for more information. 

  • The SMA Presto Orchestra will once again have the honor of performing at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, prior to a Colorado Ballet production of The Nutcracker. The Presto Orchestra consists of LS, MS and HS students.  This event will take place on Sunday, December 7. The matinee begins at 1:00 PM, and our orchestra will perform for a full 45-50 minutes in the lobby of the Ellie Caulkins, once the doors open at 12:00 PM. to the general public.To place a ticket order, please click here or contact Cherie Swisher.
Lower School News & Events

 

News:

  • Yesterday, current parent and published author, Audrey Kinsman, visited classrooms to read her new book, Switchcrafted, the story of the Switch Witches of Halloween.  Each class loved the book, which helped everyone to get into the spooky spirit.  The book is available on Amazon.
  • Boo! Save the date for the annual Ha
    lloween Parade
    !  It will be taking place on Thursday, October 30 at 11:00 AM, followed by early dismissal for Fall Break at 11:40 AM.
  • Lower School Parents: Please complete the Lower School Program survey by Wednesday, November 5.  To receive the link again, please contact Assistant to the Academy President, Lindsey Lopez.  We appreciate your participation and look forward to gathering your feedback.  
  • Picture Re-take Day in the Lower School will be Tuesday, November 12.  Click here to order online (Picture Day ID: CG024100Y1) or click here to download the printable form. Please submit forms and payment no later than Monday, November 11.

  • Congratulations to the fifth grade for leading the entire school in Annual Fund participation with 22%.  Please click here to donate online to the Annual Fund. 

Events This Week:

  • Wednesday-Friday, October 22-24; Red Ribbon Week continues!
    • Thursday- I'm Uniquely Me!  No dress code, students may wear something that demonstrates who they are.
    • Friday- Celebrate Red Ribbon Week! No dress code, everyone is encouraged to wear lots of red!
Middle School News & Events 

News:

  • The Middle School Robotics class is lined up at the starting line for the Grand Prix race. The course begins at the northwest wing of the Middle School traveling across the seventh grade pod, front entrance way, sixth grade pod, and finishing at the southwest wing. Driven with Bluetooth remote control, the robot designed by Alex Chen and Luke Clements won the Middle School Grand Prix. Congratulations to everyone in the class for their unique designs and enginuity.  Way to go, Robotics!
  • The sixth grade leads the way!  Sixth grade families are leading the Middle School in Annual Fund participation with 18%.  Please click here to donate online to the Annual Fund. 
  • The eighth grade trip to Cochiti was a tremendous success.  Visit SMA in Pictures to see a quick recap of the students' experience.

Events This Week:

  • Friday, October 24, 3:15-5:30 PM; Middle School Mixer
High School News & Events
News:
  • The High School celebrated its first Mass of the school year last week.  SMA Trustee, Fr. Marty Lally presided and some representatives from the Outreach Club took a few moments to speak about the Gabriel Project of Denver, who was the recipient of last week's diaper collection.
  • It's a neck and neck race between 10th Grade (16%) and 12th Grade (16%) in Annual Fund participation!  Please click here to donate online to the Annual Fund. 

Events This Week:

  • Thursday-Saturday, October 23-25, 7:00 PM; High School play, OUR TIME, written and performed for the 150th Birthday Celebration of St. Mary's Academy. Click here to read more about it!

 

Admissions News & Events

News:

  • High School Open House is Saturday, November 8 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Come out to meet the faculty, attend a college counseling break-out sessions, a student panel and take a tour.

Events This Week:

  • Thursday, October 23, Middle School Preview Day8:30-10:00 AM. Presentation and faculty-led tours. This preview has been filled.  Please call the Admissions Office if you would like to be placed on the wait list.  We encourage SMA families to RSVP for the December 11 Middle School Preview now!
  • Tuesday, October 28, Eighth Grade Girls/Parents SMA High School Information Night; 6:30 PM at 470 Race St., Denver, CO 80206. RSVP to Admissions Director, Gracie Carr

Advancement News

  • It takes a village to make Grandparents' Day great! Volunteers are needed for invitation preparation (date TBD), to help set-up on the afternoon of Monday, November 24 and to help serve breakfast to our Grandparents on Tuesday, November 25. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Molly del Monte.

  • You're invited to join the SMA Community on Thursday, October 23 in the Sanders House Board Room as we kick-off our 2015 Gala, Happy Birthday SMA. Come learn about this year's Gala and hear from our favorite auctioneer, Gary Corbett, about how to procure the best auction items. We'll have celebratory champagne and bundt cakes while handing out door prize tickets from 8:15-8:45 AM and we'll get down to business from 8:45-9:45 AM. Please RSVP to Molly del Monte.

  • THANK YOU!!  We are underway with Be 1 for 100% and are looking forward to a successful year.  Thanks to the many parents who have made a commitment and thanks to our Annual Fund Chair, Rick Wagner, for his leadership of this year's Annual Fund effort.  Click here for a list of current parent Giving Club Members and current parent donors by grade level.

 

Academy Parents
  • BINGO Night is Coming Up!!  Join the SMA Community for Bingo Night, sponsored by Academy Parents, on Wednesday, October 29 in the High School Forum. Doors open at 5:30 PM and the first game will begin at 5:45 PM.   There is no charge to attend Bingo and all ages are welcome. Pizza, snacks and beverages will available. We'll have door prizes, game winner prizes and a prize for the best Halloween costume! Please RSVP by Friday, October 24 by clicking here.
Alumnae News
  • This summer, alums Kelsey Roybal '11 and Dante Testolini MS '07 served as architectural interns with The Roybal Corporation Architects and provided integral support to the Community Center construction project. Before heading back to their respective architecture programs at the University of Colorado and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Kelsey and Dante took a final walk through the construction site and expressed their delight at getting to return to campus in this capacity and work on a project that was so close to home!
  • The University of Denver has been celebrating it's 150th anniversary this year as well.  In honor of the
    two institutions enjoying such special anniversaries, SMA and the University of Denver are planning a holiday gathering on Thursday, December 18 for SMA/DU alumnae. If you are an SMA alumna and also a University of Denver graduate, please contact Molly del Monte
    so that we can make sure you receive an invitation to the event.
Athletics News

Varsity Volleyball to Compete at Metro League Tournament!

Varsity Volleyball completed the regular season with a commanding 10-5 record. Last night, the team celebrated senior, Monique Hansen's last home game in the CatDome with three games against Bishop Machebeuf. The team looks forward to competing at the Metro League Tournament this weekend as the wildcats keep their eyes on making Regionals next week.

 

Middle School Cross Country Ran into Second Place! 

Middle School Cross Country had a great meet on Saturday at Colorado Academy. The team placed 2nd and Victoria Hall, pictured at right, won overall for the girls! It was a beautiful morning for the race. 

 

For more details and schedules, contact the Athletics Office, check the calendar on your mobile device App, or visit the SMA athletics website.  Go Wildcats!

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