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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 
Birthday Gala 2015...Two Days Away!

  • Last chance to purchase your Gala tickets! More than 400 SMA parents, alumnae, faculty/staff and friends will attend the Gala this Friday, April 24. Online reservations will close this evening. To make your reservation, click here. This is an event you don't want to miss!
  • There are hundreds of wonderful and unique items in our Silent Auction. For a preview of the items, check out the  Gala Catalog.
  • Live Auction Preview. For complete details of our Live Auction Items, look to pages 32-34 of the Gala Catalog.
    • Framed and Matted Autographed Peyton Manning Jersey
    • Foursome at Sanctuary Golf Course
    • Fly Fishing Experience and Custom SMA Fly Fishing Rod
    • Ride the Hitch at the Stock Show
    • Two Tickets to the Ellen DeGeneres Show
    • Broncos Home Opener Package
    • Two Rounds of Golf and Overnight Lodging for Four at Ballyneal Golf Club
    • Seven Night Inspirato Vacation to Punta de Mita, Mexico
    • Four Course Catered Dinner for Twenty from Occasions Catering
    • Seven Nights at St. James Place in Beaver Creek
    • St. Mary's Academy 150th Anniversary Commemorative Gold Coin
A Beautiful Commemoration of 150 Years
In honor of the 150th Anniversary of St. Mary's Academy, the community gathered on Sunday, April 19 to celebrate Mass in the amazingly transformed Bishop Evans Sports Center.  Surrounded by festive shades of white, cream and gold draping, more than 300 alumnae, alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, friends and members of the Loretto Community filled the space with smiling faces, joyous music and prayers of thanksgiving.  

The celebration continued in the new Community Center, opening its doors to the SMA community for the first time. The day was full of wonderful opportunities to commemorate our history and revel in what our future holds.  


Click here to read a copy of School at the Edge, a poem written by Cecily Jones SL in honor of SMA's sesquicentennial that was also shared at Mass.


More Exciting News on the Class of 2015
College acceptances abound!  Since last week's story about the Class of 2015, students and faculty alike have continued to report outstanding college acceptances and merit-based financial awards for the class.  Students have received entrance to the College of William and MaryGeorgetown University, Grinnell College, Mount Holyoke College, Reed College, Smith College, Wake Forest University, and University of St. Andrews in Scotland

High School senior, Mary Tezak has been selected to receive a 2015-16 National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship.  Her scholarship is for the Academic Year Turkish language program, which will take place in Izmir, Turkey next school year.  There, she will live with a host family, study at a local school, and take language courses.  Last summer, Mary participated in the program learning Tajik Persian in Tajikistan and looks forward to spending more time abroad and learning the Turkish language.  Following her experience, Mary will attend Vanderbilt University.

 

The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, provides highly competitive merit-based scholarships for eligible high school students and recent high school graduates to learn less commonly taught languages in summer and academic-year overseas immersion programs.

 

In addition, just this morning, Summer Heppan outstanding student-athlete who has worked very hard to earn the opportunity to compete at the next level, has committed to run for Florida Southern and signed her letter of intent in front of her peers at today's assembly.  


Summer has been a varsity runner all four years and a two-time captain of the cross country team.  As a senior three-sport athlete in cross country, swimming, and soccer Summer is dedicated to being a high school student-athlete, and has played a sport 11 of 12 seasons here at SMA. SMA head cross country coach TS Berger describes Summer as having "courage, and grit, and a heart of a champion." Summer will continue competing in the sport she loves as a Division II student-athlete, trading in her Wildcat navy blue and white for Moccassin red and blue. We wish Summer the best for the rest of her senior year, and upcoming cross country season!

All Academy Student Art Exhibition is Open

"Time, Identity and Story: Celebrating 150 Years at SMA" features work from our entire K-12 Academy, with installation sites throughout the campus including each division building.  

You will find art in the Lower School in the main hallway; in the Middle School in the Art Room Hallway and Commons; and in the High School in the Coyle Gallery.

Come take a look at the beautiful and creative work our students have made during the 2014-2015 school year!

Community Center Construction Update
Major construction is complete, but our attention is now to the details.  Landscaping, millwork, checking and cross checking systems remain on our list. 

And we have a move-in date!  Look for Middle School Spanish classes, Performing Arts classes and EDC to open in May.  We are so excited to use this beautiful space.
Is Your Family Registered for Summer Camp?
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 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 on the new Pam Bent Turf Field on Biddle Fields June 8 - 12.  For more information and online registration, click here.
Faculty Feature: Vicki Peirce, HS Library Assistant

Mrs. Peirce is often the first smiling face to greet anyone who enters the High School Library.  She recently took some time to tell us more about herself:


What is your education?

I have a BA with majors in History and Math from the University of Denver.

 

How many years have you been at SMA?

I have been at SMA for 15 years, primarily working in the High School library.

 

What is your working/teaching experience beyond SMA?

My first job in education was grading papers for a team of fourth grade teachers from Peabody Elementary while I was in high school, and I tutored students while in high school and college.  I taught pre-school at the Englewood United Methodist Church for several years, and I have also volunteered in different capacities at various Littleton Public schools for over 30 years. 

 

What awards or honors have you received?

I was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa while in college and I have been volunteer of the month at Highland Elementary, our neighborhood school, many times.

 

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

My biggest satisfaction while working at SMA comes when I am able to find the perfect resources for a student who is working on a research project or when I make a book recommendation for "fun" reading to students.  I think sometimes I learn more from the students than they do from me, and I have read many fascinating books based on recommendations from the high school girls.  

 

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

My husband and I have been married almost 37 years and we are so proud of our five children, seven grandchildren, and one boxer dog.  Over the years we have restored and shown a number of classic cars including our current toys: a '69 Chevy el Camino and a '77 Ford 150 Stepside Pickup.  The Peirce Garage is always open!

All Academy & Community Happenings

  • May 1 is Mary Jane Frederick Day!  Please plan to stop by the Lower School gym at 3:00 PM to congratulate Mary Jane on her upcoming retirement.  We hope all parents, students, and friends can attend!!  Contact Kathleen Hogan at (303)762-8300 x284 for more information.  Thank you.

  • Grandparents Open House is coming up!  Invitations have been mailed to all grandparents. This event will be held on Thursday, May 7 from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM.  Grandparents are free to come and go as they please.  Contact Kathleen Hogan at 303-762-8300 x284 with questions or to RSVP.  Please click here for additional information.
  • The Challenge Foundation Seeks Mentors.  The Challenge Foundation is an organization that provides scholarships and holistic student supports for low-income, high-achieving students from sixth grade through college. We work with the top college preparatory schools in Colorado including St. Mary's Academy. Every student entering our program is matched with a mentor that provides guidance, support and new experiences for a fantastic young person. If you are interested in learning more about our mentoring program or becoming a mentor, please e-mail Kelsey Traynor.

Lower School News & Events
 
  News:
  • The third grade had a memorable night at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10. While there, students attended three classes during the evening in which they either dissected a sheep's heart or lung, went to the planetarium show, and went on a museum scavenger hunt with animal clues. The group ended the night with cookies and milk! Early the following morning, students and teachers saw an IMAX 3D movie and had breakfast before heading for a fun day at the zoo, which was filled with learning about animal adaptations that corresponded to recent science lessons. There might have been a few third graders falling asleep on the way home, but we are sure their dreams were all about a magical night filled with learning and friends!
  • Annual Fund: We are almost there!  To reach our goal of 1 for 100% we are still counting on a few Lower School families to donate to the Annual Fund this year.  If you have multiple children, your gift counts in every grade where your family is represented!
    • Junior Kindergarten - 5 families left to give
    • Kindergarten - 12 families left to give
    • 1st Grade - 15 families left to give
    • 2nd Grade - 18 families left to give
    • 3rd Grade - 11 families left to give
    • 4th Grade - 13 families left to give
    • 5th Grade - 19 families left to give

If you haven't already, please participate in this year's Annual Fund. Your gift truly does make a difference in the education and experience of every St. Mary's Academy student. Please help us reach 100% participation by June 30 by clicking here or contact the Advancement Office at (303)762-8300 x284.  Thank you!

  • Did you miss the Class Gifts Sales last week? Visit the Advancement Office anytime this week to purchase your child's gift. Cash, check and credit card payment accepted. 
  • Thank you to students and parents who contributed nearly 700 food items and 400 diapers to Southwest Improvement Council (SWIC) during the March Late Start/Great Start days.  Pictured at right, Kindergarten students help to pack the car for SWIC.  A thank-you letter from the Director of SWIC (a Loretto Co-Member) concluded: "Please know we are thinking of you with gratitude every time we see the people's faces light up when they find the foods they need on our shelves." Thank you, SMA!

Events this Week:

  • Thursday, April 23; 2:00 PM; Kindergarten Musical, A Barnyard Moosical, in the Forum.

  • Friday, April 24
    • Assembly; 8:10 AM; Kindergarten musical, A Barnyard Moosical.
    • SMA Gala; 6:00 PM at Mile High Station.  Click here to RSVP!
Middle School News & Events 
News:
  • The eighth grade trip to Washington, DC was a wonderful success again this year.  Take a look at their trip blog to see more images and read about the many adventures they experienced!
  • Announcing the Spring 2015 Middle School Writing Contest!  Any Middle School student may enter.  Three winners--one per grade--will be announced in May and their entries will be published in the Wildcat Weekly as well as posted on the St. Mary's Academy website.  Judges will include Miss Cryor, Mrs. Ashley, Mr. Garcia, Mrs. Sanders, Mrs. Kilbon.  Entries should follow these parameters:
    • Any genre:  Could be flash fiction, poetry, short story, memoir, realistic fiction, fantasy or mystery.
    • Should not exceed five, double-spaced pages
    • In honor of St. Mary's Academy's 150th Birthday, please have your writing reflect on this anniversary or on the SMA community in some way.
    • This writing should represent your best writing.  Be sure it is well crafted and includes great imagery, metaphors and a thoughtful theme. 
    • Entry deadline is April 30.  Please submit to the Middle School Office.

  • MS students headed to the SMA High School:  Math and Spanish placement tests are being the week of May 18. 
    • Math placement tests for all incoming freshmen are being held on Monday, May 18 at 6:30 PM until 7:30 PM in Room 3 of the High School.  If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Iswari
    • Spanish placement tests for incoming freshmen who have had previous Spanish courses are being held on Wednesday, May 20 at 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM in Room 6 of the High School.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Pfeifer.
  • Last weekend, seventh grade student, Chloi Clark took third place all around level nine at her regional gymnastics meet in Wichita, Kansas. She also took first place on bars and third on beam. Chloi now qualifies for Westerns in Spokane, Washington in May, which is an opportunity reserved for only the top six gymnasts! She also qualifies for a college showcase with college recruiters in Dallas in July.  Congratulations, Chloi!

Events this Week: 

  • Thursday, April 23; 8:00 AM; Terra Nova testing continues. 
     
  • Friday, April 24; 6:00PM; SMA Gala at Mile High Station.  Click here to RSVP!
High School News & Events
News:
  • The Costa Rica pre-departure meeting is being held on Thursday, April 30 at 7:15 PM in the World Visions classroom.  Parent and students are both required to attend. The chaperones and Walking Tree representatives will be present to answer all questions and to prepare the students for a fantastic trip!
  • Math and Spanish placement tests are being the week of May 18. 
    • Math placement tests for all incoming freshmen are being held on Monday, May 18 at 6:30 PM until 7:30 PM in Room 3 of the High School.  If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Iswari
    • Spanish placement tests for incoming freshmen who have had previous Spanish courses are being held on Wednesday, May 20 at 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM in Room 6 of the High School.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Pfeifer.graphic-globe-people-sm.gif

Events this Week:  Earth Week!

  • Thursday, April 23
    • Earth Day Assembly; 9:30 AM.  Protect Our Winters is bringing Olympic snowboarding bronze medalist, Alex Diebold, to talk about his experience with climate change. 
    • ECO Movie; 6:30 PM in the High School
  • Monday, April 27; 1:45 PM; High School Ring Ceremony in the Forum.
  • Tuesday, April 28; High School Senior Retreat.
  • Wednesday, April 29; 7:00 PM; High School Concert in the Forum.
Admissions News


We continue to welcome new families to 
SMA!  

 

If you have any questions pertaining to Admissions, please contact Gracie Carr, Admissions Director, at (303)762-8300 x205.

Advancement News

  • If you haven't already, please participate in this year's Annual Fund. Your gift truly does make a difference in the education and experience of every St. Mary's Academy student. Please help us reach 100% participation by June 30 by clicking here or contact the Advancement Office at (303)762-8300 x284.  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

We look forward to seeing many of our alumnae at the 2015 Gala, Happy Birthday, SMA, this Friday, April 24. 

 

If you have yet to make your reservation to attend, click here to do so. Online reservations will close this evening. 

Athletics News

Good Luck SMA Tennis

 

We wish our SMA Tennis teams the best of luck in competing in two tournaments this weekend. The Varsity 2 Tennis team will be hosting our annual Wildcat Invitational on Saturday, April 25 at DeKoevend Park against Holy Family, Denver East, and Ralston Valley. Our Varsity 1 team will compete in the Cheyenne Mountain High School Invitational, which will also be held on Saturday at the Country Club of Colorado.  Go Wildcats!

  

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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