Specials Begin, BeforeCare, Scantron
Saint Michael's Minutes
Teaching Children their value as Children of God
Principal's Notes
Dear Parents and Families,

Now that we have entered our second week of school, we can all ease into the normal flow of the school year. Last week we saw the start of our new Kindness Initiative, attended our first Mass for the school year with our new Mass Buddies, and held our first advisory sessions for our middle school students. What a start to the school year!

Below are some quick notes for the upcoming week:
  • Tuesday, 9/4: BeforeCare Opens (6:45 AM)
  • Thursday, 9/6: Band Demo
  • Monday, 9/10: Band Parent Meeting 7:00 PM in cafeteria
  • Monday 9/10-9/28: Scantron Testing
  • Friday, 9/21: 11:30 Dismissal (Professional Development)

This year the Diocese of Arlington will be changing to Trimesters instead of quarters with Report Cards. Interims will still be updated at the mid-point of the trimester. This is to streamline grades with the three different testing windows for Scantron, as well as ensure there is an adequate number of assessments to represent a student's progress in each subject. Our school calendar is available on our website or by click this text.

Our BeforeCare program began this morning at 6:45 AM. Parents, please remember that prior to 7:30 AM, you must park and come inside to sign your child(ren) in to BeforeCare.

Our parent handbook is available on the school website under parent resources.

Over the next three weeks, students will be taking their SCANTRON assessments in Literature, Language Arts, and Mathematics. These tests are usually done first thing in the morning, so please have your child on time so they do not miss out on the testing window. Also, a healthy breakfast can do wonders for the brain when it comes to taking an assessment.

Hot lunch begins on September 10th. Please be sure to send in your order forms to Mrs. Kennedy in the front office.

God bless,

Daniel Cinalli
Principal

PS: I apologize for the St. Michaels Minutes coming out on Tuesday instead of Monday. Going forward it will be sent on Mondays.
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run is coming to St. Michael! GOTR is a physical activity based positive youth development program for girls in 6-8th grade. The program teaches life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and running games. The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment, while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness.

Starting the week of September 24th, the team will meet every Monday and Wednesday from 3:15-5pm. The program culminates in a celebratory 5k at the end of the season on the weekend of December 1st and 2nd! The standard program fee is $175 and includes 20 lessons/practices, a t-shirt, water bottle, entry into the 5k, a 5k medal, and more. Financial assistance is available for anyone who needs it, with the lowest program registration cost being $22 for the season. Registration continues until September 19th for all 6th-8th Grade girls! Register at  www.gotrnova.org .
Mr. Cinalli and Ms. McAuliffe speak with K-2 students about Choosing Kind and the new Big Three Rules for St. Michaels. The Kindness Initiative will make Peacemakers of all our students!
Our 3-8 students watched a video and learned the new Big Three Rules for St. Michaels as well. Students answered questions about the spiritual theme for the year (Peacemakers) and thought about how to make St. Michaels a kinder place.
Specials have begun! Be sure to check your child(ren)'s class webpage for their specials schedule, especially days with the PE uniform.
Ms. Jacobeen used this "all about me" bag as a way for her students to get to know each other in a fun and creative way! Ice-breakers are a vital part of creating a positive classroom environment.
“Without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gift of grace increases as the struggle increases.”  St. Rose of Lima
Saint Michael School  | Phone 703-256-1222 | Fax 703-256-3490 | daniel.cinalli@stmikes22003.org