May 19, 2023 Volume IX, No. 35 |
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From The Desk Of The Principal |
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Greetings!
When you think of 180 school days versus 365 days in the year, you might think, “how hard can that be?” But when you’re packing lunches, preparing uniforms, staying on top of homework, dropping off (ON TIME) and picking up, giving pep talks and in general trying to meet the rigor of school expectations, there are definitely days when you might be tempted to give up.
However, there is a reward for working hard all year long, and it comes with the beautiful end of year celebratory events. We had two this week. The Music Extravaganza on Tuesday night and the Ascension Mass on Thursday with the Bishop brought joy to everyone in attendance. There was a well-earned sense of pride for everyone present: students, faculty and staff, parents, grandparents, and friends of SMA. Everyone worked hard, and it certainly showed!
Let’s keep that joy in our hearts as we continue on.
Peace and God's blessings.
Ms. Ann E. Dougal
Principal
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Please Make Note Of These
Upcoming Events
May Calendar Raffle
Winners Chosen Every Friday!
Monday, May 22, 2023
Grade 8 Finals Begin
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Grade 7 and 8 Retreat Day
Holy Family Retreat Center - Connecticut
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Kindergarten Field Trip - Lupa Zoo
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Gr. 8 Class Trip
High Meadows
Monday, May 29, 2023
Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
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Continued Reminder!
Tuition Assistance Application Deadline
There are now 42 days remaining to apply for tuition assistance for next year! Just a continued reminder that all tuition assistance applications for the 2023-24 academic year MUST be filed by June 30th for BOTH SMA Assistance and Diocesan Assistance. Applications are currently open! The same application is used for both avenues of assistance and should be submitted ASAP. Assistance for returning students will NOT be awarded after the June deadline. Please apply as soon as possible through the FACTS Tuition Management website by clicking on the red box above.
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From The Classroom of Mrs. Bedore - Gr. 6 |
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Sixth Graders Living the Commandments
The Ten Commandments are God’s law; they are what we need to follow in order to have a happy life. They are divided into two sections, Love of God and Love of Neighbor. This week the sixth grade focused on Love of Neighbor. After all, we all need reminders about being kind to others.
The Ten Commandments are an important part of our faith. Sixth graders have been learning the Ten Commandments but not just memorizing them. They have also been putting them into action in our modern world, from friendship situations to the Golden Rule.
At the beginning of the chapter, we studied how the Ten Commandments are applied to everyday life. When it comes right down to it, when we act with kindness towards one another, we live out the Commandments.
Students took a Friendship Survey and were asked questions about how they want their friends to act in certain situations and how they would act if the roles were reversed. Some were surprised with the outcomes. Next, they role-played situations that put the Golden Rule into action. Students worked together in groups to work out problems so that respect was given and received. Boy, did they have fun with this activity!! They took real life events that could happen and put them into a positive light. They even found a way to relate their grandparent event to this awesome life lesson.
Remember to do unto others as you would have them do unto you!
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The Ascension Of Our Lord
Yesterday, we celebrated the Ascension of Our Lord. This holy day of obligation marked the day where Jesus was taken up into heaven. We held a full school Mass with both Bishop William Byrne and Fr David Raymond concelebrating with us. Bishop Byrne likened the day to Jesus leaving earth in order to be a "coach" to all people and be able to be with them always and all the time. We also thank our 8th grade students who hosted the Mass.
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Rockin' At SMA!
The SMA Music Extravaganza was a phenomenal success! The students showcased their talents with music from the '60s and '70s. The evening included songs from Neil Diamond, The Beatles, ABBA, The Byrds, John Williams, Ben E. King, Simon and Garfunkel, Bill Withers, Paul McCartney, The Mamas and the Papas, Queen, Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong and The Monkees.
The students came dressed in '60s and '70s style which led to the fun. Several songs were performed on the recorder representing 4th and 5th grade honor recorders and middle school recorders. There were four choirs that performed, separately and together, and well as students who did solos that were perfect pitch. The performers who sang harmonies were amazing! We even had Enya perform the Paul McCartney song, "Yesterday" on the violin and she nailed it! Rose and Mawuena took turns accompanying singers on the piano with style! And a few of the adventurous SMA faculty even joined in the act!
We thank our amazing music teacher, Mrs. Duplessis and her husband David for accompanying the students on the piano. To see all the photos from both the dress rehearsal and the evening performance, please click here.
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Special Readers Come To SMA
Today, the 2nd grade students in Mrs. Logan's classroom had some special visitors. Students in the Pope Francis Preparatory High School AP Biology class were tasked with creating a children's book that covered a concept that they had learned in class.
There were six Pope Francis students who presented their hand-crafted stories. We are proud to say that half of them were St. Michael's graduates and are denoted by an asterisk next to their name! We send out a big thank you to Saniyah Calhoun*, Grace Sands, Kelvin Thai*, Stephanie Cesar*, Natalya Alexapulos, and Michael Eboso. We send out a special thank you to their instructor, Mrs. Perez who currently has two students, Dante and Giovanni, that attend St. Michael's as well.
Such great collaboration between schools! Thank you all!
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Calendar Raffle Winners
Today we pulled another week of winners for our calendar raffle! Congratulations - your checks will be mailed to you!
We Congratulate:
5/15 - Ginger Max O'Neill - $25
5/16 - Tina Manzi - $25
5/17 - Renee Chutkowski - $25
5/18 - Vincent Fabi - $150
5/19 - Michael J. Fenton - $25
5/20- Yvonne Jianaces - $50
5/21 - Brian Sears - $50
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Team Garcia Comes Through Again!
All the students involved in the Music Extravaganza had a blast previously rehearsing, tie-dyeing shirts for the performance, and enjoying a pizza lunch! Thanks so much to The Garcia Family and "Team Springfield Pie" for donating all the pizza for this event! As in the past, we appreciate your kindness and support!!
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The Carnival Is Coming!
It's almost time for the SMA Carnival! On June 2nd from 5-6:30, the SMA parking lot will be the site of our annual carnival. Join us for fun and games and food will be available to purchase. Game tickets are $5 for 10 tickets (games are 1 ticket each).
We are looking for volunteers. We can't run this carnival without your help. Sign up at the link below or complete and return the sign-up sheet that went home with all students today!
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Get Ready For End Of The Year Events!
Here is a listing of the remaining events for the rest of the school year. It's hard to believe that it is May already!
Please remember that in order to volunteer for any event, all volunteers must have an up-to-date CORI background check and have completed the Safe Environment Training through the Diocese. It takes some time for CORI checks to be completed, so please allow sufficient processing time before the event you would like to volunteer for. For further information, please call the main office.
- Friday, June 2nd - Carnival - we need volunteers!
- Wednesday, June 7th - 8th Grade Graduation
- Thursday, June 8th - PreK and Kindergarten Field Day
- Friday, June 9-th - Kindergarten Closing Ceremony
- Saturday, June 10th - SMA Golf Tournament
- Monday, June 12th - Grades 1-7 Field Day
- Tuesday, June 13th - PreK last day
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Wednesday, June 14th - Last day of school!
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Time To Get Out The Rackets
Make it a tennis camp summer! Moving On Up with Tennis will be offering two 2 week tennis camps starting July 10th. The camps will be Monday thru Thursday 9-11 a.m. and will be held at Forest Park. The camps are free and designed for ages 6-17.
Sign-ups are OPEN and can be accomplished on the Moving On Up with Tennis website. It is first come first serve! To register, please click here.
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Golf Registrations Are Open!
Now is the time for golfers to register for the 2nd Annual SMA Golf Tournament. The event will be held on Saturday, June 10th at Franconia Golf Course in Springfield. To register or for more information, please click here.
And speaking of the Golf Tournament, we are looking for sponsors for this great event. Won't you consider supporting your favorite school?
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"He who carries God in his heart bears heaven with him wherever he goes."
— St. Ignatius of Loyola
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St. Michael the Archangel,
Pray for us!
We pray for our brothers and sisters across our nation and across the world. May God give everyone strength during these especially stressful times.
We pray in a special way for all of our families and friends in need:
We pray for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and surrounding areas who are experiencing the pain and disruption of war. May God protect them.
We pray for our recently departed.
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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Thank you for your interest in St. Michael's Academy. To ensure receipt, please add n.coley@smaspringfield.org to your address book.
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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
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