The Messenger from St. Michael's Academy

"TheMessenger"

October 30, 2020

Vol. VIII, No. 9

St. Michael's Academy

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St. Michael's Academy

No rest for the weary. We would all like things to go back to normal. But the reality is, it's not going to get back to normal any time soon. We're clearly not in control of life. God is.

We've hit a bump in the road. We need to continue to remain calm, and take it one step at a time, and keep our eye on the ball.

Our goal is to provide a Catholic, well rounded, in school education for our children.

Science tells us this can happen, IF we follow the rules.

Even when we have a positive case of COVID-19 in the building, it can be contained, IF we follow the rules.

Unfortunately, containing it takes a lot of energy. Tracing needs to occur, close contacts have to be tested, teachers need to be tested, facilities need to be disinfected...we become frazzled changing tracks...we wait for results...before we can move forward.

My guess is, this won't be the last bump in the road and we're also moving into a long, dark, cold winter season. We need to pace ourselves and try to take things in stride. And we absolutely, positively need to stay within our own immediate family bubble outside of the school/work day.

Ask your children. I'm starting to sound like a broken record. Every day I am telling them over the intercom "We go to school, we go home and do our homework, we have supper, we do something quiet with our immediate family, we go to bed. It's all about being a student right now and it's all about staying healthy."

We need to commit to this, if we want the students to be in school. Everyone needs to commit to this, if we want the students to stay in school. We know there is the school/work risk and we'll deal with it when it occurs, but we do not need the extra socializing or sports risk.

We're in this together and I believe we're in it for the right reason. We're making it work for the children. It's not easy, but let's make the most of it. Let's use this opportunity to model for our children such things as patience, self-discipline, flexibility, responsibility, perseverance, respect for privacy, creativity, support for one another...to name a few. These are all a part of the faith and character formation that is what St. Michael's Academy is all about. Faith and reason at its best!

Say your prayers and keep an eye on your e-mail. We'll keep you posted!

Enjoy a restful weekend!

Ms. Ann E. Dougal

Principal

Break and Lunch News
Breakfast and Lunch Program The breakfast and lunch program will continue as usual. As mentioned in Ms. Dougal's newsletter article last week, we encourage families to use the program as often as possible. The more meals that are taken, the more financially viable the program remains.

Your Attention Please!
Next Return Date For Remote Learners Just a reminder that the next opportunity for remote learners to transition back into the classroom for in-person learning is this Tuesday, November 3rd. Please notify your child's teacher if you plan to return so the appropriate arrangements can be made. Thank you!

From The Classroom Of Ms. Santos - Kindergarten

Kindergarten Math

Welcome to kindergarten! Every year our math curriculum begins with learning to read and write our numbers as well as working in groups to recognize the numerals and their value. Since working in groups is not an option this year, I needed to think outside the box. So I decided to include addition into our fall math. The best part is they do not know they are adding!

We started with a "subitizing" video by Jack Hartman. This is a fun and engaging video on Youtube that the children love. Subitizing provides the ability to see a group of dots and know how many there are without counting them.

Playing a game of "Know your Dice" is another fun activity that encourages them to memorize the dots on the dice.

We then moved to using dice to count the dots to find the "sum".

It's always great to have fun while learning!

PreK4 News
The Anatomy Of A Pumpkin! The anatomy of a pumpkin as experienced by a 4 year old! While learning all about pumpkins this week, the Pre-K 4 students dissected their own pumpkin. They learned that pumpkins have seeds, and that the inside is cold and slimy. Pumpkins come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are big and some are small. Some are smooth and some are bumpy.

Walkathon

Food For Thought
"Put up willingly with the faults of others if you wish others to put up with yours." - St. John Bosco

Prayer Corner

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:

We pray for our recently departed:

John Wall

Doris Terfera

We pray for all those lives that have been taken by the Covid-19 virus across the world.

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

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