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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 that school is in session.  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 
SMA Represents and Excels at Destination Imagination







This weekend's Destination Imagination Regional Tournament at Englewood High School proved another outstanding one for St. Mary's Academy qualifying five of the six competitive teams for the state tournament next month. With three first place finishes, a second place and third place, additional awards included two coveted Renaissance Awards for outstanding skill in the areas of design, engineering, execution or performance.

 

St. Mary's Academy has a long tradition of competing in Destination Imagination including its first Global Championship team last year having outperformed 107 international teams to win the title. 

This year, SMA's 63 participants comprised eleven teams from Kindergarten to fifth grade, five of which were noncompetitive. The culture of DI organically aligns with the values and pedagogy of a St. Mary's Academy student.


National Accolades for SMA High School Students
St. Mary's Academy and Art Teacher, Andrew Beckham, are thrilled to announce that for the second year in a row, we have a National Gold Medalist in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards!  Senior Hannah Forward's stunning illustrated book, Intermission has won both a Colorado (regional), and National Gold Key. Hannah created her book in Mr. Beckham's Illustrated Book class in the fall semester of 2014. 

In addition to being nationally recognized through the Scholastic Art Awards, her book has also served as the centerpiece of her portfolio, which played a key role in Hannah's acceptance into the Maryland Institute College of Art.

Click here for more information about the history and mission of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.  Congratulations to Hannah!

In addition, junior Ivy Wingfield's short video on the topic "The Impact of Giving Back" received "Honorable Mention" in the 2015 White House Student Film Festival.  In the award notification, Adam Garber, the Director of Video at White House Digital & Film Festival Executive Director expressed, "We were in awe watching your videos, and we hope that you had as much fun working on your projects as we did watching them! We received more than 1,500 entries this year that demonstrated so much talent, hard work and enthusiasm for service, volunteering and giving back.

 

Ivy and her classmates submitted projects that they completed in Tanya Komandt's Digital Design class. Ivy's video will soon be featured on www.WhiteHouse.gov/FilmFestival, in a playlist, and may be highlighted through White House social media channels.  The Film Festival will also stream live on Friday March 20, at 11:00 AM MDT at www.WhiteHouse.gov/live.  You can also click here to view Ivy's video, "Man's Best Friends," now!

Summer Camp is Around the Corner!
Summer Camp will be here before we know it!  Academy Adventures is the summer camp offered by St. Mary's Academy during the months of June and July.  Focused on programming for youth ages five and above, children can experience adventures in arts and crafts, technology, academics, recreation, sports, cooking, and the outdoors.  

Click here to see the schedule for 2015 Academy Adventures summer camp and additional camp programs facilitated by St. Mary's Academy including Count Me In math camps for Lower School age girls and Get it in Writing essay booster course for Middle and High School age students. 

 

Wildcat Sports Camps registration is also open!  Gain skill development and game experience in lacrosse, cross-country, tennis, field hockey and volleyball!  Click here to check out all the athletic camps offered this summer and to register today!

 

St. Mary's Academy also partners with Challenger Sports to offer the most popular soccer camp in the country.  British Soccer Camps are for players of all ages and abilities, and will be offered at SMA June 8 - 12.  For more information and online registration, click here.
Construction Updates

 

The Pam Bent Synthetic Turf Field is close to complete.  Currently, the crew is installing the infill.  As of Tuesday night, the crew had installed 43 of 45 bags of sand and 82 of 160 bags of Nike Grind.  The entire field will take 11 semi-loads of infill.  The crew will work all this week to install all of the infill.  In fact, there is a very systematic approach to installing infill in certain areas (side lines first, east to west) so the lines don't get moved and wrinkles aren't created.

 

Todd Smith, project manager, said "It is a science of watching how the turf acts with certain movements and weight.  Then the center is done north/south until stabilized."  He added, "And if you spread too much on at once, the infill can actually trap fibers under it."

 

We are looking forward to hosting our first home game on the Pam Bent Synthetic Turf Field--the first 100 percent Nike Grind field in Colorado--on April 7.  Come out and cheer on the Wildcats!


Work also continues on the finishes of the Community Center building including tiling, countertops, and completion of the kitchen. The last item to go in will be carpeting.

Please be advised:  The walkway between the Lower School and the Community Center will be blocked starting today, Wednesday, March 18 until Monday, March 23.  Haselden Construction will be pouring concrete and installing a new sidewalk.  Please walk around the east side of the Lower School to gain access to the playground or the picnic tables. 

 

The final date for a Community Center Construction tour and preview will be Tuesday, March 24 at 3:15 PM.  Contact Kathleen Hogan to reserve your spot!  Pictured above are Bridget Sachs with her grandfather, Jim Perry, along with Lexi Amman and her mother Trisha enjoying a recent tour.


It is also possible to take a look at the webcam for real-time Community Center construction updates.
All Academy & Community Happenings
  • Celebrate and give thanks for SMA's 150 years on Sunday, April 19.  The Anniversary Mass is at 2:00 PM in Bishop Evans Sports Center followed by a reception on campus. The invitations arrived in homes last week.  Seating is limited, so please RSVP by April 10 at 303.762.8300 or online.

  • MARK YOUR CALENDAR!  Friday, May 1 is officially Mary Jane Frederick Day!!  Please join us as we celebrate Mary Jane's 13 years of service to SMA with a party at 3:00 PM in the Lower School gym. All current and former students, parents, faculty, and friends are invited (and there will be cake!).  If you have time, please also join us for the Lower School assembly that morning.  Following the crowning of Mary, each grade will make a special presentation to Mary Jane.  In addition, we are compiling a book of well wishes for Mary Jane. Please pick up a note card at any division office or at the Sanders House and write a short note of congratulations, thanks, or a special memory. When completed, please return to any Division Office.  Please contact Kathleen Hogan or (303) 762-8300 x284 with questions.  Thank you.
  • The Parent Information Network Annual Brunch will be taking place on Tuesday, May 5 at Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church beginning 8:45 AM. Barbara Coloroso is this year's Keynote Speaker and will be discussing the topic, Kids are Worth It!  Parenting with Wit and Wisdom.  Click here to download the flyer and get more information.

 

Lower School News & Events
News:
  • Leprechauns detected!  For St. Patrick's Day, Junior Kindergarten dropped a few leprechaun traps around campus--including in President Cryor's Office--to see if any leprechauns were dancing around SMA.  Thankfully, the leprechauns safely avoided capture, but left the students a few gold coins, treats and pictures to confirm their presence.

  • Students in grades three, four and five will take the TerraNova standardized test on the mornings of Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15.  These tests measure achievement in reading, language and mathematics.  Please encourage your son or daughter to eat a hearty breakfast.  Academy Parents will provide a healthy mid-morning snack.  If your child has had educational testing that indicates the need for a testing accommodation, please contact Donna Sullivan at 303-762-8300 x215 before Friday, April 10.

  • Gala Spin the Wheel Game - $25 Gift Card Update: Friday, March 20 is the last day to donate a gift card. Each class that turns in seven gift cards or more will receive a special treat. Thank you for your support!
    • Siffring - 4 gift cards
    • Giardino - 8 gift cards (treat earned!)
    • Johnson - 15 gift cards (treat earned!)
    • Lorenzo - 1 gift card
    • Gilmore - 7 gift cards (treat earned!)
    • Hoogerwerf - 7 gift cards (treat earned!)
    • Peister - 5 gift cards
    • Smith - 6 gift cards
    • Stroz - 2 gift cards
    • Deits - 2 gift cards
    • Hamilton - 3 gift cards
    • Rand - 9 gift cards (treat earned!)
  • Last week, everyone enjoyed and learned quite a bit at the Lower School Health Fair! Students learned about water, mountain, and train safety, helmet usage, dental health, first aid, injury prevention, special needs and service animals, yoga, fitness, and massage as well as fencing.  Pictured above, right, second grader George Reichardt shows off his tooth brushing skills! 
Events:
  • Tonight, March 18; Current Parents Phone-a-thon.  Answer the call, make your gift to the Annual Fund today, and learn about the upcoming Gala!  Thank you to all parents who have already contributed this school year.

  • Friday, March 20; 8:15 AM Assembly featuring third grade music.

  • Wednesday, March 25; Late Start, classes begin at 9:05 AM.
  • Thursday, March 26; Last day of classes before Spring Break.  No ASA / EDC / JKAC.
  • Friday, March 27 - Monday, April 6; Spring Break, classes resume Tuesday, April 7.
Middle School News & Events 
News:
  • Middle School Trimester II formal progress reports are now available through Infinite Campus. Parents may log in and should save a PDF copy to your computer.

  • Best wishes and safe travels to the 17 seventh and eighth grade students who will be traveling to Peru on Thursday, March 19.  The trip, organized by the World Leadership School, is focused on exposing the students to the Peruvian culture, engaging them in service work and teaching them leadership skills.  They will be away through Tuesday, April 2.  Pictured at right is an image from last year's trip.

  • Don't forget - Friday is the last day to turn in items for your Gala Class Gift! If you have signed up to donate an item to the sixth grade basket (Summer Fun), seventh grade basket (Music) or eighth grade basket (Colorado Experience), please bring the item(s) to the Advancement Office on the 2nd floor of the Sanders House by the end of the day on Friday, March 20. Thank you for your support!

  • Gala Spin the Wheel Game - $25 Gift Card Update: Friday, March 20 is the last day to donate a gift card. Each CAT that turns in seven gift cards or more will receive a special treat. Thank you for your support!
    • Buxman - 2 gift cards
    • Cencula - 10 gift cards (treat earned!)
    • Easton - 2 gift cards
    • Fonseca - 2 gift cards
    • Mr. Garcia - 2 gift card
    • Mrs. Garcia - 7 gift cards (treat earned!)
    • Kilbon - 1 gift card
    • Mayfield - 11 gift cards (treat earned!)
    • McVie - 10 gift cards (treat earned!)
    • Pattison - 3 gift cards
    • Pritchard - 4 gift cards
    • Rodgers - 6 gift cards
    • Rosborough - 6 gift cards
    • Rutan - 7 gift cards (treat earned!)
    • Sanders - 4 gift cards
    • Schmitt - 1 gift card
  • Calling all current seventh graders!  We invite you to take the PRACTICE High School Placement Test on Saturday, April 18 in the High School from 8:15 AM to noon.  This test is normed for seventh graders but it will prepare students for the HSPT in December.  Please register onlineQuestions? Call Admissions Director, Gracie Carr at (303) 762-8300.

  • Middle School students will take the TerraNova standardized test on the mornings of Wednesday, April 22 and Thursday, April 23.  These tests measure achievement in reading, language and mathematics.  Please encourage your son or daughter to eat a hearty breakfast.  Academy Parents will provide a healthy mid-morning snack.  If your child has had educational testing that indicates the need for a testing accommodation, please contact Laura Waldron at 303-762-8300 x381 before Friday, April 17.

Events: 

  • Tonight, March 18; Current Parents Phone-a-thon.  Answer the call, make your gift to the Annual Fund today, and learn about the upcoming Gala!  Thank you to all parents who have already contributed this school year.
  • Thursday, March 26; Last day of classes before Spring Break.  No ASA / EDC.
  • Friday, March 27 - Monday, April 6; Spring Break, classes resume Tuesday, April 7.
High School News & Events
News:
  • Congratulations and thank you to all who performed in the High School Concert on Tuesday, March 17.  Pictured at right are members of the orchestra.
  • Senior Parents: Friday is the last day to turn in items for the Gala Senior Class Gift! If you have signed up to donate an item to the 12th grade Off to College Trunk, please bring it to the Advancement Office on the 2nd floor of the Sanders House by the end of the day on Friday, March 20. Thank you for your support!
  • Gala Spin the Wheel Game-$25 Gift Card Update: Friday, March 20 is the last day to donate a gift card. Each advisory that turns in five gift cards or more will receive a special treat. Thank you for your support!
    • Ferguson - 1 gift card
    • Wade - 3 gift cards
    • Sniegowski - 4 gift cards
    • Watel - 4 gift cards
    • Sharp - 4 gift cards
    • Rogers - 6 gift cards (treat earned!)
    • Ms. Mac - 10 gift cards (treat earned!)
    • Mueller - 1 gift card
  • High School Students: Grab the Torch Summer Institute -- Leadership, Ethics & Philanthropy Camp is here!  Consider this weeklong camp for freshmen in high school to freshmen in college that provides in-depth insight into the nonprofit and foundation worlds.  Students can explore the commitments necessary for successful philanthropic ventures. 
    • When: June 13 - 20, 2015

    • Where: University of Denver (4 nights) & Fountain Valley School's mountain campus (3 nights)

    • Cost: $2,000; full and partial scholarships are available.

    • Additional details: Click here to learn more!
Events:
  • Tonight, March 18
    • College Night for Juniors in the Forum; 7:00 PM
    • Current Parents Phone-a-thon.  Answer the call, make your gift to the Annual Fund today, and learn about the upcoming Gala!  Thank you to all parents who have already contributed this school year.
  • Friday; March 20; Presentations of Learning and Juniors Retreat
  • Saturday, March 21; Prom and After Prom
  • Thursday, March 26; Last day of classes before Spring Break.
  • Friday, March 27-Monday, April 6; Spring Break, classes resume Tuesday, April 7.

Admissions News
  • Calling all current seventh graders!  We invite you to take the PRACTICE High School Placement Test on Saturday, April 18 in the High School from 8:15 AM to noon.  This test is normed for seventh graders but it will prepare students for the HSPT in December.  Please register online.  Questions? Call Admissions Director, Gracie Carr at (303) 762-8300.

  • Welcome SMA Families!  We are so pleased to have so many new students enrolled for the 2015-16 School Year!  

Advancement News

  • The Gala Catalog Auction Item Deadline is this Friday, March 20. Please drop off your auction items, bottles of wine for the Instant Wine Cellar and $25 gift cards for the Spin the Wheel Game to the Advancement Office on the 2nd floor of the Sanders House to ensure that the items are listed and that you are recognized as a donor in the catalog. Thank you for your support!
  • Our Spring Phone-a-thon will take place tonight! If you have yet to make your gift to the Annual Fund, expect a call from our gracious volunteers, who are your fellow SMA parents and who are looking forward to friendly conversation. If you would rather make your Annual Fund gift online, click here. Thank you.

  • There are many other ways you can support SMA!  Here are a few to consider:

    • Matching Gifts- Your employer may double or even triple your gift to SMA.  Obtain information from your company's Human Resources office to initiate a match.
    • Loretto Legacy SocietyAll generous donors who inform SMA of their plans to include St. Mary's Academy in their will or estate plan, will become members of St. Mary's Loretto Legacy Society.  Contact Director of Advancement, Charlie Arbogast to learn more.
    • Donate Your Car- The donation of your car can also benefit SMA!  Click on the image below to learn more.  

    

Alumnae News

Last week, SMA held its annual Senior Seminar during which alumnae return to campus to speak to the current seniors about the transition from SMA to the "real world."  Itsy Jones '06, Alix Pavek '08 and Molly Guerin '12 spoke to the girls about their experiences in college and gave the girls a candid look at what it's like to make the move from SMA to college.  Taylor Craver '06 spoke about following your passion and her work with the international community in Denver as the founder of Calico International Center.  Lucy Roucis '77 (pictured at right) returned for her 16th consecutive Senior Seminar and inspired the students with her story of being diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's and continuing to live an active life with the disease.

Athletics News
SMA 7/8 Grade Boys Lacrosse Dominate Season Opener
Congratulations to our mighty seventh and eighth grade boys lacrosse team on their strong wins this season. The first two games were played against league rivals Kent Denver and Colorado Academy. Despite facing two talented teams, our Wildcats pulled away with 11-8 and 6-5 wins, respectively! The boys are coached by SMA faculty members, Head Coach J.C. Pritchard and Assistant Coach Mark Garcia. Pritchard and Garcia state that highlights include:
  • Multiple goals scored by Andrew Hummel, Nick Bales and Will McCormick (hat trick).
     
  • Max Henninger was consistently successful on face-offs.
     
  • Daniel Parker contributed with a team inspiring goal.
     
  • Gavin Gregoire scored with a laser for the highlight reel.
     
  • Matt McCormick proved that he is one of the top goalies in the league.
Way to go Wildcats!

  

Sports Camps

Wildcat Sports Camps Registration is open!  Gain skill development and game experience in lacrosse, cross-country, tennis, field hockey and volleyball!  Click here to check out all the camps offered this summer and to register today!

 

St. Mary's Academy also partners with Challenger Sports to offer the most popular soccer camp in the country.  British Soccer Camps are for players of all ages and abilities, and will be offered at SMA June 8 - 12.  For more information and online registration, click here.

 

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

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