St M Summer Spectacular Camps Preview
While it may be cold outside, we’ve got SUMMER on our minds! Exciting plans are well underway for our 2022 St M Summer Spectacular Camps. SEVEN weekly camp sessions will be offered from June 20-August 5.
Mark your calendars: 2022 Camp Registration launches on FEBRUARY 15!
We had record-breaking, sold-out attendance at our camp programs last summer and we have lots of fun and engaging full and half-day camp opportunities in store for this summer. Click the button below for a sneak peek at our camp catalog. Please INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS to participate!
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Mid-Year Update Summary
Thank you to all who tuned in to our Mid-Year Update Zoom meeting on January 18. We hope you found the presentation informative and helpful.
As promised, the video link to the presentation may be found HERE. (Access passcode: C4VkQ3?k)
A written summary of the meeting may be found HERE. Please note the included updates on our COVID mitigation policies.
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Mask Protocols & Governor Youngkin's Executive Order
St. Michael’s is aware of Executive Order 2 (EO2), which was signed by Governor Youngkin (on January 15, 2022) and relates to student masking in Virginia schools. At the same time, the Omicron variant continues to be highly contagious, as evidenced in the numbers on our COVID dashboard and from VDH.
As the pandemic continues, our primary objective is to preserve in-person learning at St. Michael’s while prioritizing the health and well-being of students, faculty, and the full community. For that reason, the School’s universal mask policy, which requires indoor masking for all children and adults on campus, will remain in place at this time.
In consultation with educational leaders in Virginia, St. Michael’s has given considerable thought and analysis to EO2. At this time, it is the prevailing understanding that the permissive language of EO2 permits St. Michael’s to continue with our current universal masking policy, a policy that is consistent with the recommendations of both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
If anyone -- child or adult -- forgets to bring a mask to school, we will happily provide them with one. Those that refuse to wear a mask will be asked to leave campus.
From here, St. Michael’s will stay the course on our required COVID mitigation policies until we see a significant improvement in case trends. We anticipate communicating an update to families about our mask and mitigation policies on or about February 15, unless circumstances warrant any changes to St. Michael’s policies sooner.
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Parent Volunteers Needed!
The best way for our families to immerse themselves in the St M community is to volunteer and participate. We have several keystone events coming up that we need your help with, including our 31st Annual Auction on April 1 and everyone’s favorite, Magic Dragon Day (our annual spring festival) on May 7.
It takes MANY HANDS to offer these events and we NEED you!
- It’s easy to volunteer. Just email Bernly Bressler, our SMPA president at blbressler@gmail.com, and let him know you’re interested in getting involved.
Want to learn more about VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES at St M?
- St. Michael’s Parents’ Association invites you to the FIRST ANNUAL VOLUNTEER FAIR, Wednesday, February 16, 7 p.m., in Hubbard Hall. Light hors d’oeuvres and beer/wine will be provided. Stay tuned for more information!
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Faculty Update
St. Michael’s is pleased to announce that Michael Jones has been appointed Director of Technology, effective January 20, 2022. Through 2017, Mr. Jones was a member of the St. Michael’s faculty for 6 years, serving the School as a science teacher, dean of students, design technology teacher, LEGO Robotics coach, and sponsor of Middle School rock band. Michael also assisted with the oversight and maintenance of our server, hardware, and software. Stepping away from St. Michael’s in 2017, Mr. Jones managed the day-to-day operations of his family’s on-site dental imaging business before returning to schools, serving as Registrar for Hungary Creek Middle School (Henrico County) and math/science/design teacher at Seven Hills School.
Mr. Jones brings significant educational and technological experience to the St M Administrative staff and team. His deep connections with the School run beyond his former employment; he’s an alum, a current parent, and his wife Kensey is a second grade teacher. He has a profound love for the School, and we are delighted to welcome him back.
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Looking Ahead: Major Dates for the 2022-23 School Year
For planning purposes, below please find major dates for the upcoming 2022-23 school year. A more detailed calendar will be shared in early spring.
- August 25: Lower School “Meet your Teacher” Day/ Extended Day Open House
- August 29: Middle School Orientation (No Lower School)
- August 30: First Full Day, All Students
- November 23-25: Thanksgiving Break
- December 16: Noon Dismissal Day/Christmas Break Begins
- December 19-January 2, 2023: Christmas Break (Classes resume on January 3)
- March 6-10, 2023: Spring Break
- June 8, 2023: Eighth Grade Commencement, 9 a.m.
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No Foolin' - The Auction Is Back!
Join us on Friday, April 1, at 7 p.m. at the Bon Secours Training Center for our Annual Auction! The tradition continues with creative class projects, an array of unique items, and lots of competitive bidding to benefit the School's programs and initiatives. It's going to be a fun and festive night!
Parent donations are CRITICAL to the success of the auction. Can we count on your help?
- Do you have a vacation home or own a timeshare? Trips are a HUGE hit!
- Get together with some friends and host a spectacular dinner party.
- Put together a fabulous "theme" basket of goodies.
- Do you have season tickets (college or professional sports, concert, theater, etc.)?
- Do you have a special talent you would like to share?
- Support our RVA restaurants by donating gift cards to local favorites.
Please click on the button below to donate items to this year's event. Visit our Auction page to learn more! Contact Anne McCoy with any questions.
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Got Lunch?
Ordering for Hot Lunch closes the Saturday before the following week. You may place orders ahead for upcoming weeks.
Check out the NEW 2022 menu additions! Click HERE for info and to register.
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Show Your DRAGON PRIDE with St M Spiritwear
Check out the new cold-weather gear on our spiritwear website!
FRIDAY is DRAGON DRESS DAY! Wear St M spiritwear or blue/white with pride!
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| COVID Reporting Protocol/Form
If someone in your family has symptoms, has been exposed, or is being tested for COVID-19, please inform the School IMMEDIATELY IN WRITING via the COVID-19 Reporting Form linked below. The link is also on the School website.
Upon receipt of this information, Nurse Maben, St M's school nurse, will contact the family. The confidentiality of the diagnosed student or teacher will be maintained. Please keep your child(ren) AT HOME until contacted by Nurse Maben.
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Let's Be Friends!
Get connected to keep abreast of St M news, events, calendar changes, and information.
Current and past issues of "This Week at St. Michael's" are now archived on our website under "News and Events," as well as under "Community."
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Dates to RememberFor planning purposes, click HERE for KEY DATES for the 2021-22 school year.
Never miss an update! Subscribe to our School calendars and receive automatic updates! Please subscribe to the ALL SCHOOL calendar, PLUS the Lower School or Middle School calendar as needed.
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This Week
Monday, Jan. 24
Tuesday, Jan. 25
Wednesday, Jan. 26
Thursday, Jan. 27
Friday, Jan. 28
NOTE: See the Master Calendar for all sports games and practices this week!
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COVID-19/St M Operations Info
Click HERE to access our Covid-19/School Operations website page, along with a listing of all parent communications.
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