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Wildcat Weekly
A Weekly Newsletter from St. Mary's Academy 
The Joy of the Classroom in the Academy President's Blog: 

Working in a school is possibly the best work setting in the world. Spending time with our students gives us the chance to witness their energy; the happiness that goes with being surrounded by friends and the joy of learning something new.   
  
Deirdre V. Cryor
Academy President

Eight Weeks of Giving Funds Arts and Athletics
Teamwork, school spirit and creativity are cherished at St. Mary's Academy. Whether on the field, performing in the All Academy musical or creating beautiful pieces of art, our students benefit from a variety of projects and programs in arts and athletics offered at our school.    
 
We all have unique gifts to present to the world. Help each student find and nurture theirs by donating to the Annual Fund. Click here to learn more about what your Annual Fund gift will specifically support during this second week of Eight Weeks of Giving. To date, Annual Fund contributions total $74,898.

Impressive Robotics, Cross Country, Volleyball teams
  • At Saturday's BEST Competition, SMAbotics made quite the appearance! Receiving the Craftsmanship Award, Software and Design Simulation Award, the Founders Award for Creative Design, the Sportsmanship Award, and the First Place BEST Award, our team is headed to the Regional Championship in December. Click here to read more and stop by the High School Office to see all of their trophies! Way to go, ladies! Take a look at the victorious team pictured below, left.
  • The SMA Cross-Country team, pictured below at right, placed 5th at 3A Region 3 meet and are headed to State!  Click here or scroll down to the Athletics section to read more. Congratulations and keep running like Wildcats!  
  • JV Volleyball finished the season 12-2, and culminated with a 4-win streak with contests against Jefferson Academy, Peak to Peak, Front Range Christian, and Machebeuf. Captain Hannah Pogue led the team with assists this year as an outstanding setter, and she only missed a few plays the whole season for a bloody nose (she came back to finish the game!). Hitters Caitlin Feldewerth, Gabriela Lopez, Ambar Solis (captain), and Emily Shepardson made outstanding kills. Hannah Finke and Avery Golden led the team in blocks, while Claire Cella and Macey Hayden had the most digs.  Congratulations, Wildcats!
  • Varsity Volleyball (11-7) is on its way to the Metro League Tournament this week to determine regional rankings for the playoffs. The team, currently 5th place in the Metro League (5-5), is posting an impressive 8.3 kills per set. Junior Caroline Jeffords leads the team in attacking percentage, with 24.2% (6th in the Metro League), while senior captains Ray Vega-Perkins and Maddie Bredehoeft lead the team in kills per set (2.1 and 2.2). Setters Katherine Crise and Chloe Hill lead the team in assists, with 250 and 144 respectively (8th and 10th in the Metro League). Katherine Crise serves a bullet and has nerves of steel: she is second in the Metro League with 54 aces, and she served SIX straight match points to come back and win the match against Peak to Peak. Junior Annie Tobler is 3rd in the Metro League with 3.7 digs per set, and Caroline Jeffords is 12th in the Metro League with 36 total blocks. The Wildcats hope to make a very successful run in the Metro League tournament and beyond. Go Wildcats!!

As the Weather Changes...A Refresher on the Inclement Weather Policy
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 AM.
 
For students who might arrive earlier than the 9:05 AM start time, school personnel will be present in the school buildings beginning at 8:00 AM.  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 notify all members of the community via Infinite Campus Notification System. We will also put a message on our main phone line: (303)762-8300, and our website, stmarys.academy. Usually this decision is made and posted by 6:00 AM.
 
Further, we will announce any school closing or schedule change due to weather or other emergency by 6:45 AM as best we can on 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. 
 
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.
Community News
  • Colorado Department of Education is promoting the importance of safe storage and encouraging parents to check children's Halloween bag to ensure all items are safe for consumption. Smart Colorado website has information from last year that might be helpful to parents: http://smartcolorado.org/staysmart/. SMA wishes all families a fun-filled and safe Halloween weekend!  
  • And, don't forget to 'fall back' when you go to sleep on Halloween night! Daylight Savings Time ends at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 1. 
  • Loretto: From Kentucky to Pakistan. Join Sister Regina for coffee, conversation and slides about Loretto. Experience the Motherhouse virtually, hear about the mission to China in the 1930s, find out about Loretto's work in Denver and lots more. We will gather in the third floor of Sanders House on Friday, November 6 from 8:15-9:15 AM. 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. This event will take place on Sunday, December 12. 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:
  • The JK got a sneak peek and serenade at the HS Orchestra's lunchtime rehearsal before last week's concert. They enjoyed hearing some spooky songs, and the orchestra enjoyed having the young audience before their performance!
  • Donut Sale will be Thursday, October 29. Middle School students will be selling donuts to third through fifth grade students in the Community Center during lunch to raise money for their service trip to Peru in November. Donuts will sell for $1 each.
  • November Late Start Collection: Friends of St. Andrew provides families in need with food for Thanksgiving dinner. This collection only runs through November 11. Please click here for details. 

  • LS Picture Retakes are Wednesday, November 11. Order forms will go home in Friday Folders.

Update From Florence Swanson, LS Principal:
  • BINGO Night-- I can't wait to yell "BINGO" on Thursday night starting at 5:30--bring the whole family to our fun BINGO night, complete with costume contest. 
  • On Wednesday, November 4 will will have a special guest join us at our Lower School Assembly at 8:15 AM. Dave Johnson is a long-time zookeeper here in Denver who works with the big pachyderms.  Elephants and rhinos are his passion, and he writes children's conservation books, travels to Nepal, and climbs mountains to help spread his love for these animals.  Dave is excited to visit our school and talk to us about his work.  Our December collections will support his conservation work.
Events: 
  • Thursday, October 29; 5:30 PM: Bingo Night in the Forum. Click here to r.s.v.p.
  • Friday, October 30; 11:00 AM: Halloween Parade and then dismissal at 11:40 AM.
  • Wednesday, November 4; 8:10 AM: Assembly featuring Zookeeper Dave Johnson
Middle School News & Events
News:
  • The Middle School will be in the Halloween spirit before the half-day dismissal at 11:30 AM on Friday, October 30. Students may wear costumes to school that fit these guidelines.
  •  An All-MS Mixer is coming! On Friday, November 6 at 3:30 PM, the MS community of teachers and students will celebrate together in the Commons, 8th grade pod and behind the MS. The Loretto Leaders will be planning the event. 
  • What is St. Mary's Academy High School really like?  Come find out in an informational parents only evening with both current and former high school parents. Approximately 30 minutes will be spent as a parent panel touches on important aspects of going to high school at SMA. Then it's your turn to mingle with these parents while sipping wine and eating dessert. Find out what it's REALLY like going to an all girls high school, what academic, athletic and artistic opportunities are unique to SMA students, what a daily schedule looks like and how adeptly SMA treats college searches and acceptances. Come receive first-hand information from other parents who have experienced SMA high school. Hosted by the Academy Parents, we encourage all parents of Middle School girls to come Thursday, November 12 from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Community Center at SMA.
  • Congratulations to our Middle School Cross Country runners! SMA runners earned a First Place Team trophy as well as the "Most Creative Costume" award with the sixth grade crew dressed as emojis. Even though the weather was on the cool side, all of our runners were in good spirits and showed a great deal of enthusiasm and determination. Thank you to the parents, coaches, and HS cross country team who helped to make the day such a fun experience for all.
Events:
  • Thursday, October 29; 5:30 PM: Bingo Night in the Forum. Click here to r.s.v.p.
  • Friday, October 30; 11:30 AM: MS Dismissal
High School News & Events
News: 
  • Get ready for Daria Boulos, Macey Hills, Sarah Hoogerwerf, Sophia Larabee, and Allie Putze to tickle your funny bone and warm your heart in Dixie Swim Club. Supported by an awesome crew led by Kristina Karisch and Director Deborah Curtis, you do not want to miss this show. Click here to get a sneak peek at the finishing touches of the set. Performances are November 5, 6 and 7 at 7:00 PM. For reserved seats, contact  Roberta Hamilton-Griggs Please note: this show is rated PG 13.
  • Thank you to everyone who participated in the Diaper Drive to benefit the Gabriel Project of Denver. The Outreach Club, including students In'Lana Henderson, Isabel Forward, April Morland, Chloe Armstrong, Delaney Huffman, Julista Cervantes, Lily Loftus, Carolina Skinner, McKenna Nading, Annie Hoogerwerf, and Maddie Wilten delivered a total of 9,005 diapers and wipes this afternoon! Take a look at the packed bus...
Events:
  • Thursday, October 29
    • 9th Grade Elections; 10:00 AM
    • Bingo Night; 5:30 PM in the Forum. Click here to r.s.v.p.
  • Friday, October 30
    • Halloween Parade; 11:00 AM
    • Half Day; 11:20 AM Dismissal
Admissions News & Events
Please join us or share with a friend one of the many upcoming events and tours!

Tuesday, November 10: Lower School Preview from 9:00-10:30 AM beginning in the Community Center. 

Tuesday, November 17: JK/K Coffee from 9:00-10:30 AM beginning in the Community Center.

High School Placement Test will be Saturday, December 5 at 8:00 AM. Registration is easy.  Click here to begin.
 
Financial Assistance Portal at sss.nais.org opens November 1. New and returning SMA families are encouraged to begin the process of applying for financial assistance on November 1, 2015. Please apply at sss.nais.org and begin uploading documents requested.  For additional information, and to reference the list of documents needed, click here. If you have any questions, please email Gracie Carr.
 
Shout out of thanks to:  Kim Hartman, Anne Grant, Molly McCray Finke, Cynthia Friedland, Jim and Paige Burkeholder, Caroline Wilten, Katya Boulos, Angel Lehman, Matt Upton and Amy Seneshen!

If you have any questions please contact Gracie Carr or Seely Greenberg in the Admissions Office.
Advancement News
  • Join us for Bingo Night this Thursday, October 29 at 5:30 PM.  Bring the whole family and enjoy bingo games, pizza, snacks and beverages. Door prizes, trivia question prizes, game winner prizes and fun all night long!  There is no charge for Bingo - thank you Academy Parents for sponsoring this event. Click here to r.s.v.p.
Alumnae News
Save the dates for the Young Alumnae Coffees:
  • Friday, December 18
  • Tuesday, January 5

Both events will take place from 9:00 - 11:00 AM in the HS Forum. 


All Alumnae from the classes of 2005 - 2015 are invited. 



Athletic News
SMA Cross Country on to State!
Congratulations to the Cross-country team for placing 5th at the 3A Region 3 meet in Lyons with 128 points. The team held up strong through the cool, rainy weather and earned another trip to the State Meet in Colorado Springs held Saturday October 31st. Results for their successful performance include the following times (the top seven runners have qualified for States):
  • Isabella Morrissette;15th, 21:06- State Qualifier
  • Lauren Banko; 24th, 22:22- State Qualifier
  • Laura-Kate Windler; 28th, 22:49- State Qualifier
  • Hannah Staker; 29th, 22:51- State Qualifier
  • Mariah Horvath; 32nd,  22:53- State Qualifier
  • McKenna Nading; 33rd, 23:00 - State Qualifier
  • Lauren Carroll; 37th, 23:16- State Qualifier
  • Amy Burke 49th, 23:50
  • Hanna Mankus 55th, 24:10
SMA Volleyball Program Sweeps 5th Place Ranked Peak to Peak
A special congratulations to our three volleyball teams for an incredible performance last Thursday against top ranked Peak to Peak. Each team worked together to successfully come out on top. It was a particularly meaningful win for Varsity Volleyball, as they celebrated their five seniors Chloe Hill, Ray Vega-Perkins, Iris Herrera, Abby Yonker, and Maddie Bredehoeft!  Take a look above at them jumping for joy!
  • Varsity: 3-2 Win
  • JV: 2-0 Win
  • C-Team: 2-1 Win
Help FILL THE HILL for our Middle School field and trail sports in the next couple weeks for the following events:
  • Wednesday, October 28 on the Pam Bent Turf Field at Biddle Fields
    • 6th Soccer at 4:00 PM        
    • 7/8 Soccer at 5:00 PM  
  • Thursday, October 29: Field Hockey at 4:00 PM on the Turf Field
  • Monday, November 2: 7/8 Soccer at 3:30 PM on the Turf Field
  • Tuesday, November 3: Field Hockey at 3:45 PM on the on the Turf Field
  • Thursday, November 5: 7/8 Soccer at 3:30 PM on the Turf Field
In addition, we would like to encourage everyone to COME TO THE COURTS for:
  • Wednesday, October 28 at SMA, gyms TBD
    • 8th Navy Volleyball at 3:30 PM
    • 7th Silver Volleyball at 4:30 PM
  • Thursday, October 29: 6th Volleyball at SMA, gym TBD, 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday, November 3 at Kent
    • 8th Navy Volleyball at 3:30 PM
    • 7th Silver Volleyball at 4:30 PM
  • Thursday, November 5 at Colorado Academy
    • Tennis at 3:45 PM
    • 7th Navy Volleyball at 3:45 PM
    • 8th Silver Volleyball at 4:45 PM
For details and schedules, contact the Athletics Office, check the calendar on the St. Mary's Academy mobile device App, or visit the website. Go Wildcats!

   
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