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The Messenger
October 31, 2014
Vol. II, No.11
 
 
St. Michael's Academy
Reminders
News
Upcoming Events
Prayer Corner
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We began our day today with a Mass celebrating all of our saints in the Catholic church.  Fr. Ha from St. Paul's followed a lively procession of saints down the aisle as we honored these holy women and men.  During the month of November, we look forward to hearing a little bit about each saint during our daily morning prayer over the intercom.


 

All next week St. Michael's Academy will host a Book Fair and our Parent/Teacher conferences on Tuesday.   Thank you for your cooperation in working through our scheduling challenges and we look forward to meeting with you as we work together for the benefit of our children. 

 

Peace,

 

Ann E. Dougal, Principal 

 
Reminders
  • There will be NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, November 4 for Parent/Teacher Conferences.

  • There will be NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, November 11 in observance of Veteran's Day. 

  • SMA Spiritwear is available through Donnelly's. Click here to check out the variety of affordable items. Spiritwear may be worn to compliment the uniform on Fridays. 

 
Admissions Report

A Feel Good Story

As we ended the first quarter last week, I took some time to check in on students who were new to St. Michael's Academy at the beginning of this year. Each day, I am was able to connect with a few of these students, whether it was passing them in the hall, welcoming them as they enter the building in themorning, or maybe at another point throughout the day.

I have to say what I have noticed the most is that no one would ever guess that they have only been a part of the SMA community for a few months. The students and their families have jumped in and embraced their new environment and we are so happy to have them with us. From having a blast "Trunk-or-Treating," to participating in our banking program and hanging out with their new friends at the middle level dance, it has been great to see the transitions from applicants to SMA families. I have also been impressed with the way our current students have welcomed their new friends with open arms, truly showing what it means to be a student at St. Michael's Academy.  As we begin a new admissions season in the near future, I look forward to working with other families to bring them into this community. 
  
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If there is a photo of your child in The Mesenger you would like to have e-mailed to you, please e-mail [email protected]


Advancement Report
Celebrating our Faith

All Saints' Day

 

One of the greatest blessings at St. Michael's Academy is the fact that we can openly celebrate our faith through liturgy.  Today, our entire SMA student body welcomed Father Ha and Deacon Tran from St. Paul the Apostle to observe All Saints' Day. 

 

During his homily, Father Ha discussed the importance of following in the footsteps of the saints by being compassionate to all and living honest moral lives.  However, he also addressed the anticipation of Halloween, while explaining the sacred Catholic tradition of honoring our saints.  Our students brought this message to life by portraying many of our blessed saints in recognition of this special celebration.  As you glanced throughout the congregation, you could spot St. John Paul II, St. Patrick, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, just to name a few.  This Mass is yet another example of what makes St. Michael's Academy so extraordinary and unique!


 
As of today, our current total for The Fund for St. Michael's Academy is $99,762.  Of that amount, $1,629 comprises our New Donor Challenge Fund.  Your gift to The Fund for St. Michael's Academy is the primary way that you can partner with us to support the mission of SMA.  Gifts can be made online here or in one of the convenient ways described here.

 

If you have any questions, please contact the Advancement Office at (413) 782-5246 Ext. 1202.   We are grateful for your dedicated support, and we will continue to keep you in our prayers.

 
From the Teacher's Desk...Mrs. Bedore, 6B

 

Sixth graders are working diligently to get ready for the upcoming Living History Museum. On any Tuesday for the next few weeks if you walk into Mrs. Bedore's geography class you will see students working together to create the past. Students are excited to welcome you into early African civilizations and show off all they have learned about different time periods.

 

During the month of November we will be remembering and praying for all our deceased loved ones.   6th graders have been invited to bring in pictures and names of those they want us to pray for.  Our loved ones will be kept in prayer daily and will be added to the wall entitled "We Remember".

Trunk or Treat

 

Measurement Monday

 

This month's Measurement Monday topic was money. Our all school activity was collecting and counting change to donate to Catholic Communications. The students were also observing and estimating the amount of change the faculty and staff donated. The jar had $82.04 and Matthew in 3A had the closest guess of $79.66. We will let all of our families know the total to be donated in the upcoming weeks. Thank you for your generosity. 

 

 

All Saint's Day Mass

 

On Friday, Fr. Ha from St. Paul's the Apostle joined us to celebrate our saints. Thank you to our sixth grade readers, choir, saints and sign holders! 

 

 

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences

 

In order to ensure that conferences run smoothly on Tuesday, please remember the following:

 

1. Please arrive at least five minutes before your scheduled time.

2.Conferences are scheduled in ten minute increments. 

3. Conference sessions are tightly scheduled for all homeroom teachers therefore it is imperative that you are prompt for the beginning of your conference(s) and that you help the teacher stick to the end time of your conference(s). 

4. If you need more time to discuss additional issues, please make a follow up appointment with the teacher. 

5. If you are running late, please give the office a courtesy call at (413) 782-5246. 

 

We look forward to seeing all of you on Tuesday. 

 

Scholastic Book Fair!

 

During the week of November 3-7 the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to St. Michael's Academy. All students in grade PK-8 will have a chance to visit the book fair with their classrooms. In today's communication folder, you will receive a booklet with a sample of books available, and the exact date and time your child's class will be visiting the fair.

 

The fair will also be open during the scheduled parent teacher conference times of 8:00 A.M-3:00 P.M on Tuesday 11/4.  The fair will be set up in the cafeteria for your browsing pleasure.

 

We will have teacher/classroom wish lists posted at the fair, so please be sure to check this out and consider donating a book to your child's classroom library.

 

We still could use some help at the fair. If you would like to come in during your child's class time and help the kids shop, please do so.

We welcome the help of grandparents also!  This is especially helpful with our younger grades Pk-2.

 

If you have a longer period of time to volunteer on any day Monday-Thursday next week, please email Julie Dougal at [email protected] so we can schedule you in. Thursday is looking light in the volunteer department! 

 

St. Michael's Academy has set a goal of 300,000 minutes of reading with the books purchased through the fair!

 

A Visit from Cathedral High School

 

On Wednesday our eighth grade students were able to learn about Cathedral High School. Cara Martin, Director of Admissions and a few of our own alumni shared information about life at CHS. They even got to create their own uniform (pictured below). 

 

 

Middle Level Dance

 

Our Halloween themed dance was a hit with our middle level students! They had a great time showing off their costumes, singing karaoke and dancing!

 

 

Pumpkins!

 

Our PreK 4 year old students in Miss Baines classroom learned all about pumpkins this week. Here is a photo of them exploring the inside of a pumpkin!

 

 

A Trip to Regis College

 

On Tuesday, three SMA alumni and one current eighth grade student traveled to Regis College. They presented to teachers from all over the state who attended a project based learning conference. Our students spoke about their experience with the School of the Future Design Competition. 

 

 

Attendance Incentive 

 

In an effort to encourage all of our students to have good attendance, 
SMA has instituted a new incentive. Each Monday, a student name will be drawn at random and if that student was in schoolon time, and did not get dismissed early every day the previous week, the student will receive a dress down day on Tuesday. 


 

This week, a sixth grade student, Emma, received a dress down day!

Upcoming Events
Monday, November 3:
Scholastic Book Fair

Tuesday, November 4: 
No School
Parent/Teacher Conferences 
Scholastic Book Fair

Wednesday, November 5: 
Banking
Drumming
Scholastic Book Fair

Thursday, November 6:
Scholastic Book Fair

Friday, November 7:
Scholastic Book Fair
Walk-a-Thon Awards Ceremony, 2:20pm, Gymnasium 
Parish Corner

From Holy Name Parish in Springfield - Just a friendly reminder to parents of second graders who will be making their First Communion next spring to please register with the Religious Education Office as soon as possible.  Applications are available at the Church and at the Rectory.  Classes have begun, but it's not too late to enroll.  Any questions, please contact Claudine Bouchard Collins at 733-5823, ext. 123.

Prayer Corner
St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us!

We pray for all St. Michael's Academy students, families, faculty, and staff, and their special intentions.

This week we pray in a special way for Mr. & Mrs. Michael Hodges, Paul Sears, Ginger Avery, Cheryl Cunning, Edith Ferrero. 

Our prayers continue to be with Mr. Rancitelli, who is undergoing treatment for a cancer recurrence. Each week, a different homeroom sends him cards. If your family would like to send a card, please send it to school with your child, clearly marked for Mr. Rancitelli. His family has set up a blog to write about this experience. Click here to read the blog. 

We also remember in our prayers the deceased: Leon Wankowicz, Florence Kwarcinski

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.
St. Michael's Academy - 153 Eddywood Street - Springfield, MA 01118
413.782.5246 office - 413.782.8137 fax