Dear parents and families,

 

We are in the final stretch of the 2016 school year (we still have many school days in 2017) and the students, teachers, and staff are all extremely excited for break to begin and the Christmas celebration. To begin the celebration a bit early, we have out Band and Choir concert tomorrow night, and our Christmas Pageant on Friday at 1:30. More information is below for both events and I look forward to seeing many of you there. 

For the avid readers of the Saint Michael's Minutes, you will remember that I lost an incredibly close race to our speediest 8th grader, Allan Balderrama. There was a malfunction with the stopwatch, so sadly the race will not be allowed to be entered in the record book for Saint Michaels athletics, but I am still happy to honor the free dress down day for the school. On Tuesday, December 20th please send your children to school wearing their most festive Christmas garb (no pajamas or tight fitting clothing). 

On Thursday, December 15, there will be a Band and Choir concert at 7:00 PM in the school cafeteria. Come hear your favorite Christmas tunes and support Dr. Little and our choir!

God bless,

Daniel Cinalli

Principal

Thank you to all who gave money for students to purchase the donut holes from Krispy Kreme last week. Our SGA raised $214 for Catholic Charities USA!

Saint Michaels normally follows Fairfax County for all weather related closings and delays. However, next week Fairfax County schools will already be closed for Christmas break, therefore we will use our Instant Messenger alert system, as well as putting a notice on the school website, if the school will be closed or delayed next week. The full explanation from the Handbook is below:

If during the course of the year, the school uses inclement weather/emergency days, it may be necessary to modify the published school calendar.

Stations WGAY- FM(99.5) WMAL-AM(630) and WTOP-FM(103.5) carry the information. Major TV stations (ABC, CBS, NBC) also report Fairfax County closings/delays. Fairfax County Public Schools also uses channel 21 to give all closing/delayed opening information. We follow their 1 hour/2 hour delay options. If we are already scheduled for an early dismissal (because of a Faculty meeting, etc.) and a 2-hour delay is called, then St. Michael School will be closed for students, but teachers will report at noon for the faculty meeting.

In the event that St. Michael School closes due to an emergency at the school an e-mail/phone call will be sent to you via the School Messenger System.

With the approaching Christmas break, many of us will be eating out.  While it's important to watch what foods we eat, it's also a good idea to look at serving and portion sizes.  A serving is a set amount of food that contains a specific quantity of calories and nutrients.  Servings normally are given in common units such as cups, ounces or pieces.  A portion is the amount of food you choose to eat or the amount of food a restaurant gives you.  It is usually not the same as a serving.  Often at restaurants, portions are larger than one serving.  A key part of reaching or maintaining a healthy weight is portion control.  Here are some portion control tips:

* Avoid buffets

* Ask for a take-out container when you order your food.  Place some of the food in the container as soon as it arrives.

* Share your meal with someone in your party.

* Eat slowly so your body has a chance to tell you when it's full.

* When eating fast food, never supersize anything.

* If possible, eat a piece of fruit before heading out to eat.

* If buying soda, choose a small one instead of large, and don't refill the cup.

Mrs. Jarvis, RN

(703) 941-9482