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The Messenger

October 2, 2015
Vol. III, No.6

 
 
St. Michael's Academy
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St. Michael's Academy 
 Greetings! :
 
Today our Grades 1-8 first quarter progress reports went home.  Oh boy.  The summer is truly over!  Just remember this is the mid-quarter check in, and for some, a wake up call.  This is not the final report card.  Please review your child's progress with them, giving appropriate focus to both the positive areas and to those areas that need work.  Our students have five more weeks before the first report card is issued and conferences are held.  Until then, please encourage them, no matter what age, to take control of their own work. They should be proud of their accomplishments and they should be encouraged to have the confidence to meet the challenges head on.  The sooner this happens, the sooner they succeed.  Thank you for working together with us, so that every child can continue to grow in knowledge and understanding at whatever level they may be.
 
Enjoy your weekend.
 
Peace,
Ms. Ann Dougal
  
Important Dates To Remember!

Please make note of these important upcoming dates:

Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Violin

Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Class Pictures -
* Please wear uniforms*

Friday, October 9, 2015
Individual Pictures
Free Dress


News from the Admissions and 
Advancement Departments

Admissions
                           
       Invest in a child's education AND their FUTURE!

books_opened_on_table.jpg Many of us have family or extended family who are celebrating the birth of a child. Isn't it truly a miracle to receive such a gift from God? And as these babies grow into preschoolers, parents start to consider what is the best school or learning environment for them.

They want a safe and nurturing environment where their child will be encouraged to explore the world of learning. They want their child to develop a quest for knowledge while learning how to respect themselves, their peers and adults. They want their child to receive the gift of faith and learn that Jesus is their ever-present companion. And lastly, they want to know that their child is acquiring a solid foundation in order to achieve success as they move through elementary school, high school and beyond. 

They want St. Michael's Academy preschool and kindergarten classes.

Spread the word...It Starts Here.



Advancement

              
SMA Joins the Global #Giving Tuesday Movement

What exactly is #Giving Tuesday?  #Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Now in its fourth year, SMA has decided to participate in #Giving Tuesday, a celebration of the spirit of giving.

This year, on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, St. Michael's Academy is  encouraging all members of our SMA community to make a gift to The 2015-2016 Fund for St. Michael's Academy. Then we are asking you to share the news with others through social media, thereby encouraging them to also make a gift.  #Giving Tuesday is an initiative to begin the giving season and we encourage everyone to participate. Share your gift on Facebook, tweet about it, or post your #UNselfie or a photo of yourself  giving back on Instagram showing how you are giving and why.
 
Since its founding in 2012, #Giving Tuesday has inspired giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteer hours, and activities that bring about real changes in communities. We invite you to join the movement and to help get the message out this December 1st !

Please direct any questions regarding The Fund for St. Michael's Academy to the Advancement Office, at (413)-782-5246 ext. 1202.  Blessings to everyone for your continued support.

 The Fund for St. Michael's Academy


News from Mrs. Herron - Gr. 4B

Grade 4 Follows The Pope's Teachings
 
During the Pope's recent visit to the United States, our class viewed a presentation about the Pontiff in order to learn more about his life and his teachings. Pope Francis has been a champion for immigrant rights around the globe and we learned about the recent canonization of Fr. Junipero Serra who was one of California's first immigrants in 1769.  We also enjoyed learning about the Pope's coat of arms. 
 
For the conclusion of his trip to the U.S., the students wrote a prayer for the Holy Father. 

books-apple-icon2.jpg  
The 4B class has decided to embrace Pope Francis's message of helping those that are less fortunate than themselves. As a class, they decided to carry out the Pope's message by collecting new and used books for children in need.  4B will be collecting books through October 9th.
 
 
Classroom Happenings

Grade 5 Science

Mrs. McQuade's 5th graders have been busy in science class! They have been learning about cells and cell structure.

They had their microscopes out and were evaluating different cell formations and drawing the structures that they saw.

Then they conducted an experiment to determine in which of three mediums yeast grew better in.


Perfect Attendance!

Congratulations to our perfect attendance dress-down winners! In order to qualify for the weekly drawing, a student must have no absences, tardiness or early dismissals the previous week of school. We will select one from PreK - 2nd grade, 3rd - 5th grade and 6th - 8th grade. Congrats to this week's winners!
 
              Wyatt-Gr. 4                                        Naomi - Gr. K
     
Aaliyah-Gr. 8

Get Ready For Some Pizza!

St. Michael's Academy has received a very generous gift from Mr. Garcia, an SMA parent and owner of our local Domino's Pizza! Because of his generosity, ALL students who had  PERFECT attendance during the month of September, will receive a free Domino's gift certificate! Perfect attendance means not only are you not absent, but you are not late to school or dismissed early.



Catholicity

This past Thursday, we held our first grandparent event! In honor of The Feast of St. Michael, our patron saint, our Grade 7 Grandparents were invited to share Mass with their grandchildren and enjoy a reception immediately following back at the school. 

Thank you Fr. Darcy for celebrating Mass with our school and our Grade 7 Grandparents!


And great job Grade 7 hosting the Mass!

And thank you Grandparents for sharing a special morning with us!




PICTURE DAY!


Make a note of it! Pictures will be taken next week. The group class pictures will be taken next Wednesday, October 7th and all students should come to school in their dress uniforms.

On Friday, October 9th, students will have their individual pictures taken and may come to school in their Sunday best!
 
Last Chance For Survey!
 

This is just a reminder that your opportunity to take the "Rediscover Your Spiritual Roots" survey will end on Monday, October 5. This is an opportunity for your voice to be heard, whether you are a practicing Catholic or have drifted away from the Church, 
    
The survey can be accessed  through both diospringfield.org and also through iobserve.org. Don't miss out - Thank you!

Help SMA Every Time You Shop!
 
Stop and Shop will continue its A+ school rewards program. St. Michael's will earn A+ School Rewards points every time you shop. 

Sign-up begins on September 14th - It's simple and easy - just click here and register your card. St. Michael's school ID is 06566. Previously registered cards will automatically be renewed. Now every time you shop, you will be earning reward dollars for our school!

SMA Walkathon

As promised in last week's The Messenger, here are some more pictures from the Walk-a-thon!



Parish News

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, 123 William Street in Springfield, invites you to a "Taste of Italy" on Saturday, October 3rd at 4:30 p.m. in the auditorium at 56 Margaret Street. Come and sample 40 Italian dishes along with amazing desserts, wine and beverages!
 
 
Holy Cross Parish221 Plumtree Road in Springfield, will hold a Grand Tag Sale in the St. Michael's Academy Gym on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.mStop by for bargains! 

The Holy Cross Knights of Columbus invites you to its second annual Family Fun Night on Saturday, October 10 at 5 p.m. at Westview Farms Creamery located at 111 E Hill Road, Monson, MA 01057. Tickets are $10 per person and include a Hay Ride, Pumpkin Picking, and a Bonfire with S'mores. Join us for an Outdoor Mass celebrated by Father Darcy at approx. 6:15 PM.  There is a limited amount of seating, so please bring your own lawn chairs and a picnic meal.

Tickets may be purchased after Masses, or using credit, debit, or paypal through the Holy Cross K of C website - 
 
 
   St Catherine of Siena Church
Radio City Bus Trip!
Saturday, November 21, 205
Bus departs at 7:30 a.m. 
and arrives back by 8 p.m.
Tickets are $159 pp and includes motor coach, driver gratuity and Mezzanine ticket for 2 p.m Radio City show.  
($75 deposit required ASAP)
 
Dinner at Blue Colony Diner on the way home-not included in ticket price
                                             Please call Betty at 896-8801
 
 
 
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:  rosary-beads.jpg
Peter Rakouskas
Mary Booth
Paul Andruszkiewicz
Mary Anne Herron
Sr. Christine Swords
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Parker

And we pray for recently deceased:
Jean Mathisen

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. 
 
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. 
 


Thank you for your interest in St. Michael's Academy. To ensure receipt, please add smanews@smaspringfield.org to your address book. 

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