The Messenger from St. Michael's Academy

"The Messenger"

October 22, 2020

Vol. VIII, No. 8

St. Michael's Academy

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St. Michael's Academy

The first quarter progress reports went home today, and needless to say, in most cases, there's room for improvement! Not to worry (yet). Remote learners will receive their progress reports digitally.

It's hard getting back to work, and thanks to COVID, there's no distractions to excuse us from staying focused on our work. Imagine being a kid and not having the usual fun things to look forward to (i.e. Trunk or Treat). However, we can't change the circumstances, so we might as well embrace them. Our message to the students must continue to be clear: keep practicing those math facts, study your vocabulary, review your notes, study for the test....we'll all get through this together and we'll be stronger for it!

(And don't worry, we're planning a big HALLOWEEN ALL SCHOOL BINGO game for next Friday...we will have some fun!)

Enjoy a great weekend!

Ms. Ann E. Dougal

Principal

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 Monday, November 2nd. Please notify your teacher if you plan to return so the appropriate arrangements can be made. Thank you!

From The Classroom Of Mrs. Fiorentino - Tutoring

A Tribute to SMA Teachers

Throughout the school year, Principal Ann Dougal often encourages our faculty to share and reflect on their teaching experiences in order to support one another. Although it has only been several weeks since joining the family here at SMA, I would like to take this opportunity to honor and give the utmost and astounding appreciation and admiration for all the teachers and volunteers that make up our faculty.

The dedication and countless before and after school hours these teachers and faculty members put into fostering the growth and development of each of their students, is a testament to their vocation and love of teaching the whole child. To work with students both in the classroom and remotely has been logistically challenging, to say the least, yet day after day, week after week, every teacher has brought the same enthusiasm, values and principles to their students' learning environment.

Every faculty member has gone out of their way to reach out and offer support along with positive encouragement to not just myself as a new faculty member, but every student in all grade levels.

St. Michael's Academy champions the whole child. It is a privilege and blessing to work alongside such a dedicated, generous and altruistic group of professionals who imbue the mission of St. Michael's Academy. Thank you to all the parents and guardians for entrusting our faculty with further instilling in your child, the virtues of faith, hope, charity and above all love; love of others and for one's self.

Mrs. Lauren Fiorentino

NJHS

St. Michael's Academy

National Junior Honor Society

Welcomes New Members

St. Michael's Academy was proud to induct 19 new students into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) last evening through a Zoom induction ceremony.

NJHS is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle school students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS is a way to honor students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character. To be inducted, is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a middle level student at St. Michael's Academy.

Ms. Dougal was given the privilege of inducting the students and was joined by faculty advisors, Mrs. Wosniakowski, Mrs. Bedore and Ms. Laporte. Newly appointed officers, including NJHS President John, NJHS Vice President Emily and NJHS Secretary Arianna, all took part in the ceremony and discussed each of the qualifying categories.

The Messenger does not include student last names but we would like to congratulate and honor John, Emily, Arianna, Kauriel, Andrew, Malani, Saryah, Angelo, Anna, Keira, Gia, Abby, Bradley, Ellianna, Joseph, Zoe, Katharina and Sage for their hard work and dedication!

Drumming Program
Mr. Rick Is In The House! Our 3rd grade students were excited to begin their drumming program this week under the expert guidance of Mr. Rick Marshall from the Community Music School! The weekly lessons are provided for both remote and in-school learners and are in addition to their regular music class. Ask your 3rd grader about the "ready position" and the new meaning of "watermelon!"

Walk-a-thon

Walk The Walk

The Walk-a-thon entries for the family prize categories are still being reviewed. There were over 350 photos submitted, 26 videos and LOTS of entries! Even though it is time consuming, there were so many wonderful photos submitted showing fantastic family fun!

Thank you to all that participated. Your involvement is so appreciated and we are proud of the support we receive from our SMA family. We will have the winners of the family categories in the coming weeks, along with a final total of the money raised. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, here are a few more photos to enjoy!

Food For Thought
"The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness." - St. Gianna Molla

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:

Juan Hernandez

John Wall

We pray for our recently departed:

Phyllis Koons

and 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

413.782.5246 office

413.782.8137 fax