The Messenger

January 22, 2016
Vol. III, No.21

St. Michael's Academy

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St. Michael's Academy

It's been a quiet week as we continue to ease into the New Year. Our second quarter officially ends today.

SMA has been diligently preparing for Catholic Schools Week which starts next weekend. You can begin celebrating by joining us at the Falcon's game on Saturday the 30th. Our students have been asked to sing "God Bless America" and "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the game begins that evening. Then on Sunday, January 31st, drop in from noon until 2:00 p.m. at Open House. On Monday morning, February 1st, at 9:30 a.m., you are welcome to attend Mass with us.

Finally, we encourage everyone to join us at the annual "Mangia and Mingle" Pasta Supper and Basket Raffle held on Saturday, February 6th at 5:00 p.m. in our gym.

With such a variety of activities planned, we look forward to seeing you at one or more of the events scheduled during that week.

Enjoy your weekend!

Peace.

Ms. Ann E. Dougal

Principal

Important Dates To Remember!
Please make note of these important upcoming dates: Violin - every Tuesday Banking - every Wednesday PLEASE NOTE: Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016 School of the Future Judging Good luck students! Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016 SMA School Board Meeting Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 Report cards issued

Spread the Word for Open House!!!

From The Classroom of Mrs. Logan - Grade 1

Forest Park Zoo Comes to St. Michael's Academy

The First Grade had a special visit from the Forest Park "Zoo On The Go!" The students have been studying animal coverings and animal habitats in science class. The zoo gave them a hands-on experience, which is much more than a textbook could provide.

The zoo brought animals from all different species including mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. The zoo educator gave them detailed explanations about each of the animals and the habitat they live in. The students were able to pet each of the animals.

Ella, the umbrella cockatoo, was up first. She communicated using her body language and the umbrella crest on the top of her head. The zoo also brought two mammals. Ash, the chinchilla, is related to squirrels and is an endangered animal. Cutie, the giant rabbit, weighs 15 pounds and her fat around her neck keeps her warm during the winter months. Next, we met an armadillo named Roll. He "rolls" into a ball when he is nervous and when he is sleeping. And last but not least, we learned about Peaches the snake. She is a boa constrictor and will grow to between 4 to 5 feel long.

After the presentation was finished, the students went back to class to do a writing activity about the zoo animal they thought was the most interesting. The kids loved all of the animals, but Ella the cockatoo seemed to be the favorite because of the way she used her body language to communicate to the zoo educator.

SchoolsNEXT Projects Finished This Week!

Way to go 8th grade! You could feel the excitement in the air as the paint brushes were flying, the hot glue was sticking to everything and the last minute touches were falling into place. What a job the 8th graders did this year! The formal project presentations will occur on Wednesday of next week before our panel of outside judges.

Once again this year, everyone will have the opportunity to go online and vote for "The People's Choice" beginning next week. Don't miss an opportunity to view the projects at our Open House next Sunday, Jan. 31st in the gymnasium. The winners will be announced at 1:45 p.m.!!!

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 select one from PreK - 2nd grade, one from 3rd - 5th grade and one from 6th - 8th grade. Congrats to this week's winners! Jake Gr. 1 Xavier - Gr. 3 Christian - Gr. 6

Don't Throw That Away!

St. Michael's Academy collects "Boxtops for Education" so please check your box or package before you put it in the recylcing! The school receives $.10 for every boxtop and that really adds up!

And speaking of helping the school, have you registered your Stop and Shop card in the A+ School Rewards program? You can earn money for St. Michael's Academy every time you shop! It's quick and easy - just click here and help us earn rewards!

Attention Parents - Don't Forget!

Don't forget to sell five (5) calendars for $10 each to friends, relatives, and neighbors. Those who purchase the calendar will have 29 chances to win prizes up to $500! The families who sell all five calendars will receive a Uniform Free Day!

Don't forget to purchase tickets for our Mangia and Mingle Pasta Dinner (tickets must be purchased in advance) on Saturday, February 6th. At the dinner, the names of 29 lucky winners will be drawn and all will be given a chance to enjoy food and fellowship with the St. Michael's Academy community!

Don't forget to send in your themed raffle basket item if you haven't already. The baskets need to be assembled!

The assigned themes are:

PK- Coffee and Tea K- Chocolate Lovers

Grade 1- Mexican Grade 2- Italian

Grade 3- Arts and Crafts Grade 4- Family Game Night

Grade 5- Dog Lovers Grade 6- Movie Night

Grade 7- Local/New England Sports Grade 8- Bath and Spa

Each student is asked to donate an item for their class' gift basket or make a small dollar donation.

And lastly don't forget this fundraiser, and the Walk-a-thon, are the only two fundraisers St. Michael's holds each year and the school relies heavily on the proceeds from these events to fund its operational expenses.

So...let's sell some calendars, have fun while eating a great pasta dinner and maybe even win some $$ or a gift basket! We can rock this thing!!

Teaming Up With The Big Y For Our Troops!
Cards for Our Troops! St. Michael's Academy is teaming up with the Big Y and the USO to deliver Valentines to our servicemen and women. Students are creating cards in school with a supportive message or picture on the template provided by the Big Y. Thank you Ms. Wuller for coordinating this great project!

Springfield Falcons Hockey

Did you send in your ticket money yet? Let's show our school spirit on Saturday, January 30th at 7 p.m. at the Mass Mutual Center with the Springfield Falcons! Celebrate the kick off to Catholic Schools Week and join your friends for a fun night of hockey action as the Springfield Falcons take on the Portland Pirates.

Tickets are only $12 for students and faculty but must be purchased ahead of time and can be picked up at the Will Call window the night of the game. St. Michael's students have been asked to sing God Bless America so don't miss an opportunity to see and hear your child sing!

For additional information and to purchase tickets, contact Matt McRobbie at (413) 276-4340, mmcorbbie@falconsahl.com or mail in the order form that was sent home with your child. Extra forms are available in the office. Order deadline is Thursday, Jan. 28th.

See you there!

Placement Test

Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 at 8 a.m.

Holyoke Catholic High School

134 Springfield Street, Chicopee

For prospective ninth grade students who are interested in attending Pope Francis High School in September, 2016. Placement test registration forms may be downloaded from the website www.popefrancishigh.org or by calling Ann Rivers, Director of Admissions at (413) 331-2480, ext. 1132.

Snow date for test: February 13, 2016

Parish Corner

Mt. Carmel Family Valentine Supper

Saturday, Feb. 6, downstairs Marian Hall

123 William Street, Springfield

Hearty Pasta & Dessert Served 5-6 PM

DJ Face Painting Craft Project

$10 in advance 734-5433

or from Frank Grimaldi 219-9279

$12 at the door $5 ages 5-12

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Holy Cross Knights of Columbus

The Holy Cross Knights of Columbus are hosting a Sweetheart Dance on Saturday, Feb. 13th in the St. Michael's Academy gym. Tickets are $25 a person. Doors open at 6 p.m. with a social hour including coffee, tea, soft beverages and a cheese bar. BYOB if you'd like wine with your dinner. Catered buffet-style dinner is at 7 p.m. with a DJ and dancing until 10:30 p.m..

Tickets can be purchased after Mass (at Holy Cross) or online using debit/credit/PayPal by visiting holycrosskofc15864.groupspaces.com. Please call Darin Cook at 386-8413 or Bob Bys at 796-5522 for more info. Tickets are limited, and will only be on sale until February 7th.

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.

Patricia Vallecillo

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Humphries

Calleigh Wile

Lorraine Norton

And we pray in a special way for our recently departed:

John J. Parrow, Jr.

Susan C. Rachele

William F. Miller

Leland Marshall

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. You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails St. Michael's Academy 153 Eddywood Street - Springfield, MA 01118 www.smaspringfield.org 413.782.5246 office 413.782.8137 fax