"The Messenger"


          December 6, 2019
      Vol. VII, No. 17
St. Michael's Academy
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St. Michael's Academy 
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When last we spoke, I told you Blizzard Bag #2 would be coming home on Friday, and so it is. Don't worry, we get it. Who has an extra minute in the month of December? Unfortunately, we didn't get it out before Thanksgiving due to copier malfunction, and now we're faced with the challenge of playing catch up. 

We know this is a very busy time for everyone, so we ask you to please have your children chip away at the work, a little bit each day, and return the completed packet to school by December 18th.  If you have them keep the packets in their backpack, they'll be handy when you need them to wait for you while you're completing your multitude of holiday errands. Remember, the purpose of Blizzard Bags is to keep the brain engaged in learning, and at this time of year, we need all the help we can get keeping the students focused on their academics while we continue to work through new curriculum materials.

We're looking forward to our annual Christmas Pageant next Tuesday and Wednesday night. We're grateful to Fr. Ballou, the Pastor of St. Catherine of Siena, for allowing us the use of the church. Although it is an exciting time, the Church is a holy place, so we ask you to help us model for our students how to show respect for our holy surroundings.

And finally, no tangible present can compare to the time you spend meaningfully present to your child(ren). They will remember that present for a lifetime. During this whirlwind time, let us pray for one another, asking God to help us keep our priorities in the proper order as we await the birth of Jesus.

Enjoy the weekend.

Peace and God's blessings,
 
Ms. Ann E. Dougal
Principal


  Important Dates
 
Please Make A Note Of These Important Dates 


Friday, December 6, 2019
2nd Quarter Progress Reports Sent Home

Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 6 p.m.
Students with the last name A-L
Christmas Pageant
St. Catherine of Siena Church

Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 6 p.m.
Students with the last name M-Z
Christmas Pageant
St. Catherine of Siena Church

Thursday, December 12, 2019
Snow Date for Pageant

Friday, December 13, 2019 at 9:30 a.m.
School Mass
Hosted by Grade 3
 

Please remember to attend Church as a family!

Candy Cane Sale 


Candy Cane Sale Extended!

 
The National Junior Honor Society will, once again, hold its annual Candy Cane sale!  The deadline has been extended to next Wednesday, December 11th.  Candy Canes are still only $1 and are hand decorated and gift tagged by NJHS students.

All proceeds from the sales will be used to buy Christmas gifts for families   in our community.

                            Tis the season to be giving!
 

 IMPORTANT! 
    
Dress For Winter

I t has come to our attention that some of our students are arriving to school and are not dressed appropriately for winter.  Please make sure your child is dressed for the cold, not only for going to and from school, but for going out on the playground during the day as well.

In need of some winter clothing?  Contact the main office.



  Honor Role
 
Congratulations Honor Role Students!

We send out a HUGE congratulations to all the students who were named to the 1st quarter honor role.  To view the listing, please click here.


 Perfect Attendance

Good Attendance Pays Off ! 

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.  Here are our recent winners:
   
           Colin -  Gr. 1B                               Mark - Gr. 5B

                                        Sophia - 6A


 From the Classroom of Ms. Urena - Gr. PreK-4B

Greetings from PreK-4B!

Hello! My name is Mrs. Urena and I am the new teacher in the  Pre-K 4B classroom. It is a pleasure to be a part of the St. Michael's Academy team.

In the PreK-4B classroom during the season of Advent, we will take time to discuss the meaning of the season. Advent is a Latin word for "coming" and a time that we prepare for the coming of Jesus. One of our projects will be tracing the student's hands on green paper and having them cut them out. The green hands will be joined together to make the shape of the Advent wreath.

The Advent wreath is shaped in a circle to symbolize God`s unending love for us. We will cut out 3 purple candles and one pink candle that will be placed around the wreath. Three of the candles are purple because the color violet is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice. The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy.   Each week when we light a candle, we will learn that each candle has a meaning. The first Sunday of Advent we light the first purple candle for Hope. On the second week, we will light the second purple candle to symbolize Faith. The following Sunday we light the pink candle to symbolize Joy. And finally, on the fourth Sunday we light the last purple candle to symbolize Peace. Each week we will also go over a reading representing each candle, helping the students to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
 


Pope Francis
 
Pope Francis Placement Test
 
We thank Pope Francis Preparatory School for coming to St. Michael's today to administer its admissions placement test. Because St. Michael's has such a large 8th grade class, Pope Francis was able to offer the students the opportunity to take the test here at SMA.



 Middle Level Dance
 
Dancing The Night Away

The middle level students had their Christmas Dance this week. Many dressed up for the occasion - it was nice to see!





 Grandparent Event

Gr. 1 Dazzles Audience

Our first grade students welcomed their grandparents today. Many of the families brought food that represented their heritage and family traditions.  Needless to say, there was some fantastic food.

In addition, our 1st grade students entertained everyone with some fantastic music!





 Field Trip

Grade 3 Visits Springfield Museums

The 3rd grade students had a great field trip today to the Springfield Museums.  Thanks to all our friends who chaperoned and helped to make it a great time!







Hockey Night 

Thunderbirds Hockey

The annual Catholic Schools Night at Thunderbirds Hockey will be held on Saturday, January 11th.  Game begins at 7:05 p.m.  There will be a special ticket offer for all students, faculty, friends and family.

A flyer was sent home with all students.  Tickets start at $13.00 and can be obtained via email or mail.  All orders must be received by Friday, January 3rd!  Tickets can be picked up at the Will Call window.



Lost and Found  
 
Please Check The Box

The Lost and Found Box located to the right when you are entering the cafeteria from the main lobby, is overflowing with items.  Please check the box on a regular basis.  There are many items in the box that parents have paid good money for!


Food For Thought
 
"A word or a smile is often enough to put fresh life in a despondent soul."
                                     - St. Therese of Lisieux

Parish News

Mt. Carmel Church

Mt. Carmel invites you to join them on Sunday, Dec. 8th from  2-4 p.m. for  A CHRISTMAS CAROL FESTIVAL: 
"What Do You Want for Christmas?"

Sanctuary bell choir, personal stories, caroling, a living Nativity, your own prayer intentions;  homemade cookies, and gifts to bring home.   Join in the familiar carol written in Massachusetts for world peace. Singers and cantors harmonize an Austrian Christmas lullaby. Free, all are welcome.




Prayer Corner
 

St. Michael the Arch angel, pray for us! 
 
We pray for all St. Michael's Academy students, families, faculty, and staff, and their special intentions.

And we pray for all of our recently departed:

Donato Rizzolo, Jr.

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. 



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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