"The Messenger"


          November 8, 2019
      Vol. VII, No. 13
St. Michael's Academy
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St. Michael's Academy 
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Despite the absence of students, Tuesday was a very busy day as parents and teachers conferred over student report cards. Thank you parents (and teachers) for your cooperation in making the day run smoothly. The re-arranging of schedules, the sacrifices made to make it all work, all for the benefit of the children, is to be commended. (Some day your children will thank you!)
 
Today we were happy to have military personnel from Westover Air Force Base visit our classrooms. Our students learned a little bit about what they do and had an opportunity to ask lots of questions. Serving our country is a noble profession and we are grateful to all those who have chosen to do so, in order to protect our freedom.

Next Wednesday we have our middle level Living History Museum from 6:00-7:00 in the evening.  We'll see you then.
 
Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

Peace and God's blessings,


Ms. Ann E. Dougal
Principal


  Important Dates
 
Please Make A Note Of These Important Dates 

Banking every Wednesday
Drumming every Wednesday
Violin every Thursday

Monday, November 11, 2019
NO SCHOOL
Veteran's Day - Thank a veteran!

Wednesday, November 13, 2019 - 6 - 7 p.m.
Middle Level Living History Museum
Classrooms

Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 8:45 a.m.
Walk-a-thon LIMO RIDE!

Friday, November 15, 2019
School Picture Re-take Day

 

Please remember to attend Church as a family!

 Pictures

Student Pictures Went Home Today!

Just an alert that the student photos have been received and were sent home with your child today.  

Not liking them?  Picture retake day will be next Friday, November 15th.  Original photos MUST BE RETURNED to the school in order to have the photos retaken.


 Mission Moment 
 
You Are Invited To Part 1 Of A Special Series

Save the date!  Dr. Daniel and Megan Baillargeon will be holding a 3 part special series designed to help people dive deeper into their faith.  The first segment will be held on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6 p.m. Explore Catholicism and engage in thought provoking conversation!

Please note the date change of the first segment!




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:

       Savannah - Gr. KB                            Aviana - Gr. 3A            

Nicholas - Gr. 6B          


  From the Classroom of Ms. Callahan - Gr. 4

Giving Thanks

This year in Ms. Callahan's fourth grade class the students learned about the meaning of virtue and some of the different examples. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we have been reflecting on one in particular: gratitude. 

The students have been busy making a list of the things in their lives that they are grateful for and creating their own Thanksgiving Cornucopias. Their lists consisted of some of the most important things to them such as family, friends, teachers, and their school. They were then asked to write about how they can demonstrate their gratitude for all of these things and why it is important to do so. They wrote about the importance of giving back and showing appreciation for all they have.





News From Grades 3 and 5

  Great Teamwork!

The students in Ms. Quesnel's 3rd grade class collaborated with Mrs. Senecal's 5th grade class to see who could make the tallest and strongest structure out of candy pumpkins and toothpicks. 

Each group received 20 pumpkins and 50 toothpicks. The students had a difficult time at first while working through the challenge of broken pumpkins and broken toothpicks. However, each group beat the odds and made remarkable structures!

Way to go students!





Catholicity

Did You Know?


Did you know that every morning during the month of November our students are learning about Saints? This occurs during morning prayer when  students each day tell us about a special Saint and a little about their lives.

What a great way to start your day!



Prayer Life  
 
Importance of Daily Prayer

Sometimes we get busy and forget about the importance of daily prayer. The more importance you place on your relationship with God, the more time you will want to spend with Him, learning about Him, sharing your praises of Him, telling Him what is on your mind, asking Him for wisdom and help, interceding for others, and learning from Him.

Simple conversations with God are a wonderful way to pray. If you prefer reciting a written prayer but are not sure where to locate them, click here.



Veteran's Day

Classroom Visits From Special People
 
We send out a HUGE thank you to our friends over at Westover Air Force Base for coming in today to speak in our classrooms. The students were able to learn first-hand what these brave men and women do in their jobs and how they serve their country.

We appreciate you!

Msgt Tom Rowland, 439 Contingency Response Lift
Msgt David Murphy, 337 Airlift Support
SSgt Tom Chalmers, 439 Contingency Response Lift
SRA Adriana Genovese, 337 Airlift Support







  Book Fair
    
Some Great Selections

The annual Scholastic Book Fair was held this week and there were many happy faces leaving the fair with a book or two in their hands!  The teachers were also provided with an opportunity to create a "wish list" of books that they would like for their classroom. Many kind people purchased these "wish" books and donated them to the teacher.

Thank you to all the parent volunteers and everyone who helped to make the Book Fair a great success!





 Parent Teacher Conferences 

Thank You Parents and Teachers!

We send our thanks out to parents and teachers for their efforts in working together for the benefit of our students during our recent parent/teacher conferences.



 Chess Club

Middle Level Chess Club 

There are still a couple of openings for the Chess Club that will begin on Tuesday, November 13th from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.  We are changing the format a little this year.  Each player will rotate opponents and their wins and losses will be tracked.  Eventually there will be a chess "champ" by the end of the series. The cost for the 10 week series is $15 and includes a drink and snack every week.

Interested?  Stop in and see Mrs. Coley in the Admissions Office and she will give you the necessary paperwork.  Chess is a fantastic way to enhance your critical thinking skills!


Substitute Position

Substitute Custodian Needed

St. Michael's Academy is looking for a substitute custodian who would be available to work 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  This position would be "as needed" and candidates must have the ability to work on short notice.

Interested parties can download the application here.  Completed applications may be mailed to 153 Eddywood Street, Springfield, MA  01118, Attention Amy O'Brien or emailed to [email protected].


 
 Food Drive
 
Thanksgiving Food Drive

St. Michael's Academy Student Council will be holding a Thanksgiving food drive for our friends at The Gray House.  They are especially looking for high protein and nutritious items.

Items to consider: canned vegetables, cans of gravy, boxed potatoes and rice, boxed pasta mixes like macaroni and cheese, boxes of baking goods like brownies and cakes, bags of flour, biscuit mixes, cans of fruit, aluminum roasting pans or money or gift cards to purchase a turkey.

Please send in your donations by Friday, November 22nd.

"It is in giving that we receive."



Food For Thought
 
"In everything, whether it is a thing sensed or a thing known, God Himself is hidden within."

                                           - St. Bonaventure

Parish News

Holy Cross Church

Quarter Auction

Please join us for a night of fun. Our Quarter Auction is here again and will be held on  Saturday, November 9th from 5 - 8 p.m.  Bring one or two rolls of quarters and win new items for 25 cents to 75 cents.  Doors open at 5 p.m.  Auction starts at 6:00 p.m. 

Food and refreshments will be for sale.  Shopping will also be available from the vendors.

 
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Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

K of C Pasta Supper

Don't miss the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel K of C Pasta Dinner on Saturday, November 9th in the parish center.  Supper will be served from 5-6 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance (call Frank at 219-9279) or $12 at the door for adults. Children 5-12 are $5.



Movie Night

What:    The Founder Of Catholic Schools
When:   Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Time:     6 - 7:30 p.m.
Where:  Mt. Carmel Parish Center
Cost:     FREE!

Elizabeth Bayley was the daughter of a distinguished physician. She married William M. Seton in 1794, and they and their five children traveled to Italy for his health, but he died there. 

Influenced by the Catholics she met, Seton joined the Catholic Church in NYC in 1805. Many friends and relatives shunned her after her conversion. She accepted an invitation from Bishop Carroll to open a school for Catholic girls in Baltimore. There she also founded a religious community. They provided free education for poor girls, and was the beginning of Catholic parochial schools in the U.S. See this story of the first U.S.-born Saint!


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Holy Name Church




The Holy Name Annual Christmas Bazaar continues! 

This year's date is Saturday, November 16, 2019, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Holy Name Social Center. Enjoy browsing and shopping at the booths of our many talented crafters; home baked goods, donuts and lunch items for sale, and much more. Join our raffle to win a flat screen Smart TV, a tablet, a $100 cash prize, or one of our many beautiful themed baskets. 

Easy access to the Social Center and plenty of free parking in the lot behind the church at 323 Dickinson Street. 

 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:

James R. Moriarty
Lillie D. Porcher

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