Hello Nancy,:

This month our students are studying the virtue of Fortitude. Fortitude means being brave and strong in the face of trials. Students face a lot of trials during the school day. For example, students who do not cheat when the opportunity presents itself, who are capable of saying no to their friends who pressure them, and students who stand up for others and do not participate in teasing or bullying, are students displaying the virtue of fortitude.

For students to learn this virtue, they need good role models.  As adults, we can model this virtue by doing what is right, even when it’s seems too difficult to do or others criticize us. We need to practice patience and remain calm when meeting obstacles or frustrations. (A perfect example of this is taking the time to drop off your child on the school side of the street, even though it would be easier to ignore the safety rule!)

Practicing fortitude is challenging, but it brings deep peace that comes from knowing we have done the right thing.

This Monday, we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As most of us know, he was an American Baptist minister, activist, and political philosopher who was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. Dr. King participated in and led marches for the right to vote, desegregation, labor rights, and other civil rights issues.

Dr. King modeled fortitude at its best.

I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend. See you on Tuesday.

Peace and Gods blessings,

Ms. Ann E. Dougal

Principal

Teacher Appreciation Day!

As part of our Catholic Schools Week festivities, we will celebrate a Teacher Appreciation Day on Thursday, February 1st with a special luncheon.

Parents are asked to help by making a small donation to the cost of the luncheon. It's a great way to show your appreciation for your child's teacher and the fortitude each teacher shows every day. Donations will be used to purchase lunch and teachers will enjoy a few extra minutes to eat.

Catholic Schools Week details were sent home last week. In that paperwork you will find a donation form.

Thank you for supporting our teachers!

Remote Learning Days

Well it's bound to happen...we are talking about snow days. We have been lucky so far but it sounds like our luck is about to change.

In preparation for a snow day, we ask that all parents review the remote learning policy that can be found by clicking here. All students are expected to follow the snow day policy.

The World of Algebra

Algebra is a word that sends shivers of fear down the spine of many students as well as many adults. The definition of algebra is the branch of mathematics that looks at abstract concepts with the use of variables. In other words we add letters to math to find unknown quantities.  

At this time, grade seven is working with the equation part of algebra and are learning to analyze more complex equations and break them down into manageable parts called simplifying. Solving equations, especially challenging ones, can bring a sense of satisfaction and excitement to students. Unfortunately at times it can also bring tears and an overwhelming sense of frustration.

One of the constant questions that students ask is “when are we going to use this again”.

I tell them, "All the time!" Algebra is not just for practical applications (which it has many) but for improved critical thinking and analytical skills for students. By delving into complex algebraic concepts, students are learning resilience and perseverance. They are also learning to comprehend patterns, make predictions, and interpret data, skills that are becoming more and more important as the world changes.

And lastly, algebra can be really, really fun!

Strategic Planning Continues

St. Michael's Academic continues with the formation of its new five year strategic plan.

To refresh your memory, there are nine domains that will be focused upon: Academics, Advancement, Catholic Identity, Enrollment, Facilities, Finance, Government and Student Life. Each of the domain chairs have been submitting their domain narratives. These documents are a culmination of data research, interviews, surveys and roundtable discussions and also include a SWOT analysis. These documents will be used to help identify the most important areas of concentration.

Stay tuned for further details as the plan comes together. It will be a document that will steer the course for SMA for the next five years!

Teachers Need To Learn Too!

Today, the teachers got to do the learning. It was a professional development day for teachers. Topics included a guest speaker on the virture of this month's "Fortitude" and practical ways of using it in the classroom. There were also updates on STARS student testing and the newly implemented Freckle program.

Want to learn about those topics as a parent? Join us next Wednesday, January 17th at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium for a parent information session!

Open House And Curriculum Fair

Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 28th from noon to 2 p.m. when we will be holding our annual Open House and Curriculum Fair.

Help us spread the word! There will be a special presentation for new or prospective students and their families beginning at noon. This will include an informational presentation, followed by a panel of students, parents and teachers for questions, and end with a full school tour.

For current students, all the classrooms will be open with teachers present. Stop in and see what your child has been up to!

Ending the fair will be the announcements of the SchoolsNEXT winners at 1:45 p.m. in the gym.

See you there!

We Need Your Help!

If you will be going to the Thunderbirds game on Catholic Schools Night (see below), please let us know if you would be willing to spend 15-20 minutes during intermissions to be at the St. Michael's Academy table in the hallway.

Each Catholic school will have a table and we are looking for parent volunteers who are going to the game anyway and are willing to help out. Student Ambassadors will also be helping but need adult supervision. Mrs. Coley will be attending but is looking for a little help. Please respond to n.coley@smaspringfield.org if you can help!

Thank you!!