Week of October 20, 2014

Com·mu·ni·ty (noun): a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.

How do we define "community" at St. Michael's? What role does community play in our mission? And what can we all do to strengthen and enrich our School community?

Some very meaningful discussions took place this past week on this topic. We are most appreciative of all those who came to our first "Meetings with Michael" to share their thoughts and ideas on the wonderful community that is St. Michael's.

We plan to compile the key learnings into a document that we will share with you shortly. A few key takeaways: participants happily and enthusiastically conveyed that our School is a very special, unique, warm and supportive community. And that growing nice, grounded kids with strong values is equally as important as raising smart, well-educated kids. Consistent school communications with families is a priority so families understand the "why" behind policies and how they serve our mission. And lastly, folks truly welcomed the ability to gather in this type of forum to share ideas and insights.

As "we" (St M and our families) are partners in your child's education, we look forward to continuing the conversations at future sessions of "Meetings with Michael."

 Important Announcements:

Many Hands Make Light Work: A BIG thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who came out this weekend to help with the Lower School grounds clean up! 

Fostering a Safe School Community: In an effort to maintain a safe and secure campus for our students, as well as our employees, the school asks members of the community to help observe a campus visitor policy. Beginning in November, the School asks all visitors, including parents, to please sign-in at the office and wear a visitor sticker while on campus. If you are interested in more details, here is more information. Thank you for your understanding.

Pretty as a Picture: School Pictures will be sent home with students on Monday, 10/20. (Check those backpacks!)  If you are interested in a re-take, please contact Tracy Ward.

Parking and Construction Heads Up: We just learned at the end of the week that the Bon Air Community Center parking lot will be CLOSED on Monday, 10/20, for some repairs on its facility. Please use these carline instructions on Monday. As were are guests of the BACC location, thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.

Magic Dragon Day Musings:  What a pleasant surprise! Some parents familiar with Magic Dragon Day activities are already bringing in used books and stuffed animals looking for a new home. While we will encourage your urge to purge in a few months, due to limited space in our multi-use SMPA room, we ask you to please hold your donations for now as we explore our storage options. That being said, we do not want to dampen anyone's enthusiastic giving spirit! If you need to clear out space in your home, please email Madeline Gorman.  We're all looking forward to our day of family fun - Magic Dragon Day - May 2, 2015!

Spread the Word @ Our Kindergarten Open Houses

Our St M families are our best ambassadors!

Please help us spread the word to your friends and neighbors that the St M Kindergarten Open Houses for Prospective Parents are this week on Wednesday, October 22, and Thursday, October 23, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Bon Air Campus in our Atrium. (This is a new location this year.)  Due to space limitations, we encourage interested parents to RSVP here.

St. Michael’s Field Hockey Fan Fest

Calling all Intramural Field Hockey Players, Parents and Fans: On Tuesday, October 21st (weather permitting), all intramural field hockey players, parents, and fans are invited to cheer on the St. Michael’s Middle School girls’ field hockey teams as they host the Panthers United Field Hockey Club.  Games will be played at 4:15 and 5:15 p.m. at the Singleton Campus.  Drinks, snacks, and other food items will be available for purchase.  Wear your intramural team shirt and come out to support the St. Michael’s Field Hockey program!  For additional information, please contact Coach Martin. Go Dragons!

Swish It, Sink It, Send It On In! 

Last chance to tryout for Boys Basketball!  7th and 8th grade boys (Varsity A and B)  basketball tryouts are Monday, 10/20 from 3-4:00 p.m. 

JV Basketball Tryouts for 5th and 6th grade boys are Tuesday, 10/21 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Girls Basketball Tryouts for 6-8th grades are the following week, Wednesday, 10/29 from 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Now is the Time to Sign Up for SMBA!  SMBA, St. Michael’s popular Co-Ed Intramural Winter Basketball League for grades 4-6, is now accepting sign-ups from interested players. (There will be no try-outs this year as every interested player will be placed on a team.) SMBA interest forms are available here and are due to Mr. Kern by Tuesday, 11/4.

Back by Popular Demand: Dad's Night Out

We cordially invite our St. Michael's dads to join us for an evening of fun and great BBQ on October 28th, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Singleton Campus. Please mark your calendars for this festive event. If you haven't already done so, please RSVP ASAP to Mrs. Bridgforth.

Help Us Make the Annual Auction A Success!

Would you be willing to donate a trip, golf outing or use of a vacation home? Or provide services like tutoring, sports or hobby lessons, home improvement and decorating services, medical and dental or spa packages?  Sports memorabilia, jewelry, restaurant gift certificates, summer camps and birthday party packages are also hot auction items. We would be MOST appreciative of your support. Thank you! Please contact Mary King Coleman or Nena Meurlin to donate.

Cleaning Closets? Do you have any St. Michael’s Spiritwear no longer needed/worn by your children? We'd love to have it! Kindergarten mom, Nancy Chafin, is creating a special auction item with Spiritwear/MDD t-shirts (okay to send stained/torn). Please leave ASAP in one of the School’s Offices or in the Development Office. Thanks!

Support St M When You Shop

St. Michael’s and the SMPA benefit from additional funds when you shop and use the following community programs:

AmazonSmile: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/20-5038516. On your first visit to AmazonSmile, you will need to select St Michaels Episcopal School Inc to receive donations from purchases marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages.

Kroger Community Rewards Program:  Effective September 1, 2014, the only way to participate in the Kroger Community Rewards Program is to enroll your Kroger Plus Card by registering online at https://www.kroger.com/communityrewards . Use St. Michael’s NPO number 82190.

Martin’s A+ School Rewards: Log on to www.giantfoodstores.com/aplus, select Customer Registration to register online using your BONUSCARD. If you registered your card last year, you Do Not need to re-register this year. 

Target Take Charge of Education: Take Charge of Education requires the use of one of the REDCards:Target Credit Card, Target Debit Card or Target Visa Credit Card. Visit http://tinyurl.com/kxerxof  enter the School’s name or ID (23698) to view and designate school.

Nothing Like Paris in the Springtime

Do you have Spring Break plans yet? St. Michael's is pleased to offer our Middle School families the opportunity to participate in an exciting eight day guided trip to Rome, Orvieto and Paris the week of March 8th. A bigger announcement and final details are forthcoming. Please contact Mr. Hubbard with interest and questions.

What a Show!

Let's give all of our Third Graders a STANDING OVATION for their amazing 2014 Variety Show! The show was a wonderful showcase of talents, courage and teamwork. (And thank you to Mrs. Eaton, Mrs. Hettrick and our parent volunteers for your help and guidance in making this all happen!)

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Current and past issues of "This Week at St. Michael's" are now archived on our website under "News and Events."