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The Messenger

January 9, 2015
Vol. II, No.20
 
 
St. Michael's Academy
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St. Michael's Academy 
Dear 


Next week we are celebrating Catholic Schools Week. Our week is filled with a variety of activities that highlight the many people who support Catholic education, culminating with our annual Mangia Mingle Pasta Supper, where we hope to see many of you. Please refer to our calendar of events for more information about our other activities.


 

This weekend, the process determining the resolution for Cathedral High School and Catholic education in the Diocese of Springfield takes its next step.  Representatives from each stakeholder group will be meeting with Bishop Rozanski all day Saturday and Sunday to review the input gathered up to this point and to begin work toward a resolution.  Laura Feeley will represent the SMA parents, Patrick Markey will be representing the Board of Trustees and I will be representing the Faculty and Staff.  Please keep all of us in your prayers, as we work together to find the best possible solution to this challenge.


As you know the fate of Cathedral High School will be at the center of the above meeting.  Tomorrow morning, at 10:00AM is a special Prayer Vigil to be held on Surrey Road.  Please join together with other supporters to pray for Cathedral High School and the future of Catholic education.


 Peace,   


 

Ann E. Dougal, Principal 


 


 

 

PRAYER VIGIL FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION rosary-beads.jpg

 

Saturday, January 24th at 10 a.m.
A Prayer Vigil for Diocesan Parochial Education is being held at 260 Surrey Road in front of Cathedral High School. Please  park on the side streets.

 

Participants will pray for Diocesan Parochial Education, our Diocese, our new Bishop Rozanski, and the Group meeting with the Bishop this Saturday and Sunday.


The decades of the Rosary will be said and led by the following groups:

people of the Neighborhood, Holy Cross Church members, the Cathedral High Alumni, Parochial School Teachers and Parents and ending with Parochial School Students reflecting the long commitment to parochial school education throughout the Diocese. Participants will seek the intercession of Mary and Saints known for their dedication to education.
  

 

 Reminders
  • Bring in items for Socks of Love                                  
  • Get your Mangia Mingle pasta dinner tickets !                                
  • Report Cards Issued -                                               Friday, January 23                                                      
  • Spelling Bee -  Practices on Thursday mornings from 7:15 - 7:55 a.m.
                                                                                    
  • SMA Spiritwear is available through Donnelly's. Click here to check out the variety of affordable items. Spiritwear may be worn to complement the uniform on Fridays.
   

 


 

 

 

Advancement Report 

Catholic Schools Week

Celebrate the Good!

 

Catholic Schools Week celebrates the tradition of educating children within a faith-filled environment while incorporating the value of service. This week we recognize the many groups of people who support and facilitate Catholic education through their time, talent, and treasure.  

 

We would like to thank our pastors and priests for their continued support.  Many have allowed speakers at some of our local parishes to discuss the benefits of a Catholic education. Several of our students delivered SMA calendars to our immediate neighbors as a way of expressing our gratitude for their support. Tuesday, January 27th, our 2nd grade students will welcome some of our special volunteers, along with 2nd grade grandparents for a morning of fun, fellowship, and food. Faculty and Staff look forward to a special luncheon provided by SMA families on Thursday, and Friday is Student Appreciation Day. On Saturday, we will conclude our week long celebration with our annual Mangia & Mingle Pasta Supper and Basket Raffle which will be held in our gym. 

 

This year, our focus of service has turned toward the homeless community. Our students have been collecting warm winter socks and individually wrapped snacks for our "Socks of Love" project. Student council members will prepare packages which will be delivered to The Church Without Walls on February 1st in Court Square.   

 

We are proud of our Faith-filled, Family-oriented, and Service-minded community. Thank you for your partnership and your continued commitment to Catholic education.    


   

Donate Now 


 

Admissions Report 


This Sunday, St. Michael's Academy will hold its annual Open House and Curriculum Fair at noon. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to visit classrooms, talk with teachers and see the many avenues of learning their child has been experiencing in school.


It also presents a fantastic opportunity for families who might be considering a Catholic education to see first-hand what St. Michael's has to offer their child. I am continually surprised at how many people are not aware of this wonderful school and the many opportunities for students to go beyond the core curriculum to grow and learn. Every day I see students challenged to create projects that reinforce learning, children working cooperatively in a team environment and most importantly, students who are embracing their faith. The result of these ingredients produces a well-rounded, morally grounded child who is ready and able to achieve future success.


 Please help us spread the word with friends and neighbors about what St.Michael's Academy could offer their child! Information and a tour are always a phone call away at 782-5246, ext. 1208.


 

Got a minute? Check us out on:
Twitter: @smaspringfield
Instagram: @smaspringfield
YouTube: smaspringfieldMA

 

If there is a photo of your child in The Messenger you would like to have e-mailed to you, please e-mail [email protected]



From the Teacher's Desk... Mr. Dubuc - P.E. Teacher

FUN WAYS TO BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE THIS WINTER!

 

Winter is here!  With that comes the snow and cold weather. This leaves some of us wanting to curl up on the couch all day. Although it is cold out and there is snow all over the ground, it is important that we remember to be physically active. The winter season can make this challenging. Below is a list of potential activities that you and your family can do to be physically active, burn calories and have a good time while not having to adventure far from home.

 

Shoveling snow = 400 calories per hour.

Snow ball fight with light jogging = 420 calories per hour.

Ice skating = 490 calories per hour.

Skiing and snowboarding = 500 calories per hour.

Sledding and tubing = 400 calories per hour.

Snowshoeing = 545 calories per hour

Snowman building = 285 calories per hour.

Chopping wood for fire place = 450 calories per hour.

 

*The intensity of each activity will determine how many calories are burned.

 

It is recommended that children get 60 minutes of exercise a day. Please encourage your children to get up and be active. Being physically active has many benefits not only physically but mentally. Instead of playing video games or watching TV all day pick one of the activities above and enjoy some time with family while being physically active.

 

References:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/03/winter-activities-calories-burned_n_2405296.html

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/physical-activity/why.html

 

 

 

 


CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

January 25 - January 31, 2015

Catholic Schools Communities of Faith, 

Knowledge and Service



 

Sunday, January 25, 2015 - 

  • SMA students speak at Masses in local parishes
  • Open House for prospective students 12:00 in cafeteria 
  • Curriculum Fair for current students 12:00-2:00 in classrooms and throughout building

 

Monday, January 26, 2015 -

  • Students deliver SMA Calendars to neighbors
  • Pastors receive SMA Calendars
  • Measurement Monday - Linear measurement

 

Tuesday, January 27, 2015 -

  • "Warm Winter Wishes" reception for Gr. 2 Grandparents, school volunteers, donors, hosted by SMA students                           (snow date: Wed., Feb. 4)

 

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 - 

  • School Mass: Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas - 9:30 a.m.

 

Thursday, January 29, 2015 -

  • Teachers and Staff enjoy a special luncheon prepared by SMA families

 

Friday, January 30, 2015 - 

  • Student Appreciation Day
  • Dress-down day - favorite sport's team
  • Get up and Move - dance throughout the day - everyone dances, wherever they are, except the students eating lunch
  • Students create Valentines for Soldiers with buddies

 

Saturday, January 31, 2015 - 

  • Mangia & Mingle Pasta Supper / Basket Raffle - 5:00-7:00P.M. - school gymnasium

 

School Wide Service Project - Sponsored by the Student Council

  • "Socks of Love" - We need donations of socks snack sized food items for the homeless.

Attendance Award

In an effort to encourage all of our students to have good attendance, 

each Monday a student's name is drawn at random. If that student was in schoolon time, and did not get dismissed early any day during the previous week, the student will receive a dress down day.

 
Congratulations to Parker from Grade 3B for achieving perfect attendance!


SMA COUCH TO 5k

As we look forward to the St. Michael's Academy second annual 5K for SMA run/walk, we are implementing a "Couch to 5K" walk to run training program. We feel the program will be a good addition to the 5K as it promotes healthy lifestyles and goal setting in a positive atmosphere within our school community. We hope to see you at our informational meeting on February 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria.


 PARISH NEWS


SWEETHEART DANCE  
 
Saturday, February 14th - A transformation of our gym and introductory appetizers, some wine or soft beverages will welcome you to the Holy Cross Knights of Columbus Sweetheart Dance. Tickets are $45 a twosome or $22.50 a person. Doors open at 6 PM.  BYOB. A catered buffet of Chicken Francaise, Roast Pork, or Pasta Primavera is at 7 PM and following is coffee and a cannoli. A  DJ and dancing until 10:30 PM! A keepsake photo will be available for $5 . There will be a truly lovely 'Gift' Raffle Table! 

Tickets can be purchased online at: holycrosskofc15864.groupspaces.com, or by calling Bob Bys at 796-5522. Tickets are limited, and will only be on sale until February 8.


 
 

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time again for the troops at SMA!  

 

The Girl Scout cookie program is a major source of funding for Girl Scout activities throughout the year and is directly related to our purpose of helping all girls realize their full potential and become strong, confident, and resourceful citizens. The varieties to choose from this year include six of your traditional Girl Scout Cookie favorites, along with two new flavors:  oatmeal-raisin (Ra-Ra-Raisin), and a gluten-free option (Toffeetastic). 
 

If you already know a Girl Scout who is near and dear to your heart, please continue to support the girls in that troop...their funding depends on it.  However, if you are looking for a Girl Scout Cookie connection, please consider supporting our Girl Scout Troops at SMA by filling out the order form that was sent home in your child's travel folder and return it  by  Friday, January 30th.   The cookies are $4 per box, $5 for Gluten-free.  Checks may be made payable to: GS Troop 11929. 

A portion of the cookie proceeds will benefit SMA.  Also, please consider participating in Project Care and Share, a sweet treat for our Military servicemen & servicewomen, as detailed on the order form. 

Thank You!!

 

Daisy Troop 20841

Brownie Troop 11929

Junior Troop 64521

 

 

 

 

A Message from Our Friends at Cathedral High School

As you may know, the D'Amours have pledged $500,000 to Cathedral High School to be used strictly for tuition assistance. Click here to  help Cathedral High School meet their challenge grant. 

 

Cathedral Drama Club Presents "A Christmas Story"

City Stage Springfield - January 23rd and 24th at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for Adults, $8 for Students and Seniors

Catholic Schools Night Friday - All Catholics school students $5!

 

 

School Cancellation/Delays snowflakes.jpg

 

In the event of inclement weather, St. Michael's Academy follows the Springfield Public Schools cancellation notices (due to bus transportation). If Springfield Public Schools cancel school - we cancel school, if they delay school - we delay school. Please check your local television stations for announcements. We will do our best to send out a Blackboard Connect announcement to our families as well.

 

 

Upcoming Events
Catholic Schools Week (see above)

Saturday, February 14th at 8:30 a.m.
Springfield College National Girls and Women In Sports Day
Click here for more details
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: 
Leo and Marie Zeppa
Marie and Lee Enderlin
Barbara Crowley
Gertrude Ryzewicz
Sr. Andrea Ciszewski
Dominic Denault
Dan Cozensi 


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, Lawrence V. Pietrucci Sr.

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.



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St. Michael's Academy - 153 Eddywood Street - Springfield, MA 01118
413.782.5246 office - 413.782.8137 fax