The Messenger

April 15, 2016
Vol. III, No.32

St. Michael's Academy

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St. Michael's Academy

Today we sent home third quarter report cards. Third quarter is notorious for being long in duration and filled with all new material to be mastered. When I reviewed the report cards, I could see that some of our students improved their grades, many of them maintained them and others struggled to master the material. No news there. I think we could all see similar patterns in our own lives, and it's reality checks, such as report cards, that help us to get moving or keep moving-whatever the case might be. Luckily we have our spring vacation to help revitalize us for the last big push! Parents, please take some time to review your child's report card with them and give them the appropriate pep talk they need for that final quarter. Thank you!

And congratulations to our 12 newest members (and our current members) of the National Junior Honor Society who were inducted last night! We're very proud of these students who have demonstrated through their academic work and daily demeanor, the scholarship, leadership, character and service necessary for membership in this prestigious organization.

Enjoy the weekend and this beautiful spring weather!

Peace,

Ann Dougal

Principal

Important Dates To Remember!
Please make note of these important upcoming dates! Violin - Tuesday Banking - Wednesday PLEASE NOTE: Monday, April 18th - Friday, April 22nd SCHOOL VACATION WEEK!!! Monday, April 25, 2016 at 6 p.m. Admissions Information Session NO PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED!

Correction -
Last week's Messenger incorrectly identified Ms. Dill as being employed by Murphy-Avis Homecare and AMR Ambulance. Ms. Dill is solely employed by Murphy-Avis Homecare.

Admissions

Classroom Space For Next Year

Please be alerted that space in the PreK classrooms is becoming VERY limited.

Many families indicated on their "Intent to Re-enroll" letter that they were considering enrolling the new siblings next year. There are still several that we did not receive forms from during priority registration. If you are still considering enrolling another child, please take advantage of the current limited openings before they run out!!!

From The Classroom of Mrs.Bedore - Grade 6

Living the Commandments Today

Remember memorizing the Ten Commandments? Well our sixth graders have had to do just that and more. They've learned how to live them in today's society. We have focused on love of others, commandments four through ten. We also spent time on Jesus' commandments for us.

In today's world we use the Golden Rule, "Treat others the way you want to be treated." Class discussions, activities and surveys helped students understand themselves and others better. We hear these words a lot but do we always follow them?

Museum of Science Comes to SMA
Wow! Did you ever see sound instantly shatter a glass? Or a whip make a noise that creates a sonic boom? Or how to rig a catapult to take aim and knock down a large stack of buckets? These tricks and more were featured in the science assemblies this week as the Boston Museum of Science presented assemblies for Grade K - 8.

Grade 1 Community Service
1st Graders Walk In Pope's Footsteps Did you happen to see some 1st Graders helping to clean up Nathan Bill Park this week? Well those were our very own St. Michael's Academy 1st graders doing their fair share in honor of Earth Day. These acts of kindness also help to reinforce Pope Francis's Year of Mercy declaration. What a way to represent St. Michael's - you make us proud!

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! Abby - Gr. 1B Jayden - Gr. 5A Joel - Gr. 6B

From the School Counselor

Social Media and

What Parents Need to Know

Can you identify these social media app logos? It's important that parents are aware of the different apps and social media their children use on their devices. To answer, from left to right, Instagram, Facetime, Ask.fm, Facebook, YouTube, Tumblr, Twitter, Skype, OoVoO, Snapchat, Vine and Kik are the app logos. These are only some of the popular social media apps used by kids. All are free to download.

Social media apps can be a great tool if taught how to be used correctly. They are great for interacting and communicating with others online, but, when they are not used properly, the consequences can be heavy. Kids can put themselves or their friends in danger, they could ruin friendships, or say hurtful and threatening things and take part in cyberbullying. It is extremely important that parents know and understand the social media apps their children are using, monitor their use and form an agreement with their children regarding the devices they use.

Common Sense Media is a great website that offers A LOT of information with the latest social media apps, what they are, what to look for when your children are using apps, rules to set and discussions to have with your children. It is important to set rules and guidelines from the very beginning when your child starts using any device, whether it be an ipod, tablet or a phone. They need to know how to use social media and games in a way that is safe and responsible. This video offers some great tips on children and cell phones.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/cell-phone-survival-guide

Social media apps are not the only apps that can put kids in danger if not used appropriately. Gaming systems like Xbox and video games such as Minecraft, are examples of how the video gaming world has changed drastically in the last decade. If children do not have the privacy settings set correctly, they can chat with people who are also using the game and they have no idea who the person is.

Common Sense Media gives great tips on managing and talking about social media apps with your kids.

Age appropriate content (examples are Tumblr, Ask.fm, Vine)

Their friends could share inappropriate content via messaging. Children don't need to be friends with someone on these apps to come across inappropriate content. You should ask your kid who they follow and ask to see what is posted so you can get a feel for what the typical feed is like. Make sure to check the terms of the app and be sure that there is a way to "flag" inappropriate content.

Public default settings (examples are Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, Vine, Ask.fm)

Many apps offer public or private profile settings, allowing your child's profile to only be viewed by their friends. Most apps default setting is public, which means that the child's name, picture, and profile can be viewed by everyone. It is important that as soon as you download the app, go into the settings and check the default and change it if necessary.

Location tracking and sharing (examples are Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram)

Social media apps can track your location. It may be a city or a neighborhood location, but social media apps are tracking the location and sometimes will include this with the post. Be sure to turn off location settings on the device AND on the app.

For helpful information regarding cell phones, social media apps, and other media and technology, go to www.commonsensemedia.org

What Should I Be When I Grow Up?

1st Graders Continue To Peek Into

The Grown-Up World!

Our first graders continue their look into parent occupations. This week we had our very own mock courtroom right at St. Michael's Academy. It was called "Candy Court" and the case heard was based around which classroom deserved a bag of candy. Thank you to Mr. Groce who is a judge, and Mr. Coughlin who is an attorney, for helping the first graders take a small look into the courtroom process!

National Junior Honor Society

Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Character, & Citizenship Celebrated at the National Junior Honor Society Ceremony

St. Michael's Academy proudly inducted twelve students in the National Junior Honor Society during an evening ceremony on Thursday, April, 14th, as the newest members of the school's chapter.

Those seventh and eighth graders meeting the scholarship requirement (3.5 GPA) were then eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership, character, and citizenship. In addition, current eighth grade member were also acknowledged as two-year National Junior Honor Society members.

New members inducted included seventh graders, Nayia Bell, Anthony Chafer, Ethan Chaffee, Brendan Connors, Tanya Dang, Daniel Doby, Emma Feeley, Jonise McCalla, Giani Maggi, and Regina Mastrangelo, as well as eight graders Mylai LaPalm and Lauren Welch.

Two-year eight graders include, Rachel Boudreau, Cameron Dougal, Maya Latour, Daniel Markey, Jasmine Nieves, Quan Pham, Julia Puppolo, Anthony Rodriguez, Abaigeal Russell, Conor Sears, Michelle Senecal, and Isabella Siniscalchi.

Grade 5 Grandparent Event

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

That was the question the 5th grade students were asking their grandparents this week at their annual grandparent event. What fun everyone had as the students and their grandparents rotated from station to station completing different math challenges! The grandparents were relieved when they rotated to station #8 which was the snack station! Great job students and teachers!!

To view all the photos from the event, click here. Please be sure to click on the image in order to view the entire photo!

Grade 2 Learns About The Scapular

Thank Your Mrs. Mashia!

Our second graders had a special visit this week! Mrs. Mashia, who is a Third Order Carmelite, came to educate the children about Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the devotion to the Scapular. Often referred to as "The Scapular Lady," Mrs. Mashia comes in every year to talk with the students in preparation for First Communion.

And Mrs. Warbington and Mrs. Dean received a very special gift. Mrs. Mashia has written a book and presented each teacher with a copy.

5K for SMA!!

Get Ready for the 5K for SMA!

It's that time of year again! Are you ready to dust off your sneakers and support a great school?

Now is the time to start thinking about registering for the annual "5K for SMA" run on Saturday, May 7th. Grab the family and head over to St. Michael's for a 5K run. Not a runner? We will have a walking route. Not fond of walking? The SMA Carnival will be happening the same day! Cheer on the runners at the finish line and have a little fun at the carnival. There will be something for everyone on May 7th at St. Michael's.

Run registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and there will be a FREE Kid's Run at 9:00 a.m. The race will kick-off at 10 a.m. with the runners. The walkers will follow. Entrance Fees are $25 per person before 4/1, $30 per person before 4/15 and $35 per person after 4/16. $15 per student.

Online registrations is available! Click here to register online: http://www.accu-specracing.com/accu-spec_005.htm.

And speaking of the 5K for SMA...we have a winner! Congratulations to Haley from 6A who submitted the winning design for this year's T-shirts!

Parish News

St. Catherine of Siena Church

St. C Summer Program July 11-15, 2016

Registration for St C Summer Program is now open. Children ages 5-12 are invited to register for a fun filled week of games, outside sports, Bible stories, and other activities . Registration forms are available at the Parish Office,

Mon-Fri from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Registration is limited to 120 children and will be on a first come, first served basis. The fee for St. C is $80 per child. For more information please contact Diana Gallant at 413-525-3366, Mary Reardon at 413-783-4515 or Brian Kelly at 413-782-5993.

Snow Days

Even though the weather has been FABULOUS and we CERTAINLY do not want any more snow days, Mother Nature is always unpredictable.

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.

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.

Pansie Vroska

Ryan Tivnan

Bridget Tivnan

Stanley J. Sas

Anh My Lam

Molly Moskal

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

Anthony J. Nowak

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