"The Messenger"


          October 4, 2019
      Vol. VII, No. 8
St. Michael's Academy
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St. Michael's Academy 
 :
 
First of all, thank you for your attendance at our 10th Anniversary Mass last weekend. What a joyful experience! We met our goal of filling up the church and the SMA spirit was certainly alive and well. What a fitting way to give praise and thanksgiving to God for the many blessings He has bestowed on St. Michael's Academy.

We have one final 10th year celebration planned for St. Michael's Academy. We're sending home today a flyer for our Gala planned for Saturday, October 26th. The dual purpose of the Gala is to give tribute to three very special couples who were instrumental in the early formation of St. Michael's Academy, while at the same time, raising funds for the mission of SMA. The event will be catered by Elegant Affairs and there will be both a live and silent auction, along with a couple of raffles. Please consider joining us for a fun evening or please share the information with anyone you feel might be able to attend and support our school. Please don't underestimate the power of "Word of Mouth"!  Again, we're hoping to fill up the gymnasium!


Like St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day we celebrate today, may we all take time to appreciate the simple gifts of God's creation with our children this weekend.

Sincerely,

Ms. Ann E. Dougal
Principal


  Important Dates
 
Please Make A Note Of These Important Dates 

Banking every Wednesday
Drumming every Wednesday

Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Class Picture Day
(Dress Uniforms)

Friday, October 11, 2019
Individual Picture Day
(Free Dress Day)


Saturday, October 26, 2019
10th ANNIVERSARY GALA!
Tickets available - Call Advancement Office
 

Please remember to attend Church as a family!

Picture Day

Picture Day Next Week!

Check the backpacks and make sure you have your child's picture order form!  These need to be completed and sent back with money BEFORE your child's picture can be taken next week.  

Group class photos will be taken on Wednesday of next week and your child should be in their SMA dress uniform for that photo.  Individual student photos will be taken next Friday and students are allowed to have a free dress day - please dress appropriately (Sunday best!).

Plan ahead and avoid problems!



 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:

                   Sarrhodd - Gr. 6A                           Kaydence - PreK4C


                        Emilia - 3A                                           Alani - 6B


  From the classroom of Mrs. Mrs. Santos - Kindergarten

Welcome to Kindergarten!

Kindergarten is a big year for the students as well as their families. This is the year where the students are learning to be a part of a very large extended family and the parents are becoming partners with the teachers in the educational process. My goal as your child's kindergarten teacher, is to create an independent, lifelong learner. They are doing fantastic already!

We have been busy learning the routines of our school day, as well as the importance of following rules. As hard as it is sometimes, patience and cooperation are some of the key elements that both students and teachers need as the school year begins. For many students, it is their first introduction to the educational experience and they are learning how to listen and follow directions. 

We appreciate all of your support and we are well on our way to becoming independent and cooperative learners. This became evident to me last week when we made homemade applesauce. This was a multi-step process which required patience and listening skills by the children. 

They did a fantastic job and I am very proud of them!



The students brought in their stuffed animals and learned about 
St. Francis of Assisi.

 Anniversary Mass

10th Anniversary Mass and Reception
A Truly Beautiful Day!

It was the perfect day...inside and outside. We are talking about the 10th Anniversary Mass and Reception that was held last Sunday to honor St. Michael's Academy.  Holy Cross Church was filled to capacity as SMA students wearing their red uniforms gathered with their families to help fill the church with a sea of red. Bishop Mitch celebrated Mass with con-celebrants Fr. Mark Mengel, Fr. Robert White, Fr. David Darcy, Msgr. Juan Garcia.

Before the Mass began, all of the students came up to the altar and sang a beautiful version of "Everyday God" alternating with the SMA Choir.  Their melodic voices filled the air and was the perfect way to begin.

As part of the introduction to Mass, three items were presented at the altar to reflect the journey of St. Michael's Academy over the past decade.  First was a sign with an image representing the 14 original Catholic Schools in Springfield. Secondly, a copy of our five year strategic plan was presented and thirdly, a copy of our annual report. These items represent the hard work and support of many. 

During his homily, Bishop Mitch spoke about the positive difference made in a child's life when they receive a Catholic education. He reinforced the fact that it is not just books and papers; students receive the gift of faith and that Jesus is present in every lesson that is taught. They receive a solid foundation that sets them up for future success in life. His words rang true as the SMA students participated in the Mass.

After the Mass, everyone gathered over at the SMA gymnasium for a fantastic reception. Laughter and stories filled the room as people reminisced about the last decade. Alumni and their parents joined in the celebration as well to complete the gathering. 

The entire school was open so students could bring their family members to see their classroom.  Teachers were also present and ready to answer a question or two.

Thank you to all that worked so very hard to organize this wonderful event.  At St. Michael's Academy, we truly are 
one big family!

 






To view all the photos from this event, please click here.


 10th Anniversary Gala


The Anniversary Gala Is Approaching!

The final plans are underway for the St. Michael's Academy 10th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, October 26th beginning at 6 p.m.  Meteorologist Nick Morganelli, a much respected figure in the field of broadcasting for over 30 years, will serve as the emcee for the evening.  The event will honor three couples who have played an integral part in the formation and continued strengthening of St. Michael's Academy. Help us spread the word!

We hope you can join us for an evening of delicious food, socializing with friends, browsing auction items and most importantly, FUN!  Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased through the Advancement Office at (413) 782-5146, ext. 1202 or by email at [email protected]

Why not put your own table together?!

Don't miss the fun - get your tickets today!


 Grade 5 News
      
Wait...Students Going To School On A Sunday?

That's what you may have thought at first glance as you walked by Mrs. McQuade's 5th grade class during the 10th Anniversary Open House this past Sunday, September 29th!

Many thanks to Mrs. Alves who helped the students in Mrs. McQuade's homeroom create a very original version of themselves! These "students" were seen occupying the chairs and "holding" their acrostic poem about themselves.  Such creativity!






  PreK4 News
 
Yum...Eating Your Work!

And that's exactly what the PreK-4C students were able to do!  The fruits of their labor?  Yummy applesauce!  The students worked very hard to create their very own applesauce from scratch and the best part was eating it after it was cooked.

Great job!


 

 Fond Farewell

  We Will Miss You!

We bid a fond farewell to Nurse Karen Pomeroy as she leaves St. Michael's Academy and moves out of state. You will always be remembered as "Nurse Awesome!" The students created cards for her to take on her journey!




 Umbrellas
 
Don't Get Caught In The Rain!



There are a few SMA golf umbrellas left from last year if anyone would like to purchase one.  They have red and white panels with the SMA logo on one panel. The cost is $20. And these are golf umbrellas so they are a good size!

If you would like to purchase one, please let the main office know, email [email protected] or stop in to the Admissions Office on the 2nd floor.  We would be glad to help you!
 

Food For Thought
 
"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men."

                                             - St. Francis of Assisi

 Homework Help
 


Parish News


Holy Cross Church

HOLIDAY CRAFT AND VENDOR FAIR
 
Stop by the St. Michael's Academy Gymnasium for some great pre-holiday shopping at the annual Holy Cross Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair, Sunday, October 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.


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Our Lady of Mt. Carmel


On October 5th join with friends for the annual "Taste of Italy" from 5-8 p.m.  The evening will feature 40+ Italian specialties, wine and beverages and a variety of desserts.  There will be a cash raffle along with merchandise prizes.  Food tickets are $1 at the door.



On December 8th from 2-4 p.m. you are invited to " A Christmas Carol Festival" featuring reverent caroling and narration, stories of faith, living Nativity prayers along with homemade cookies and a gift to bring home.  
This event is free!




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 especially for:

Chris Thibault
John
Chester & Phyllis Grondalski

And we pray for all of our recently departed:

John C. Nadolski  
 
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