August 2017
Dear Parents /Guardians,
Greetings and welcome to a new school year at Saint Michael the Archangel School! I want to thank Rev. Michael C. Dilorio, for his great support of our school. I also want to thank you for registering yourchild for another super year at SMA school! We are very busy preparing for the opening of the new 2017/2018 school year. I am very happy to announce ALL STUDENTS AT SMA SCHOOL WILL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE A FREE BREAKFAST AND FREE NDS HOT LUNCH EVERY FULL SCHOOL DAY. THIS BEGINS THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! WE ARE ALSO VERY EXCITED ABOUT OUR NEW SMA SCHOOL WEBSITE! Check it out at the same address: www.sma-pa.org. We are also offering several new clubs this year: Math/ Show Choir Art/ Chess to supplement our excellent curriculum!
Additional SMA School information below:
- Our entire SMA 2017/2018 School Calendar is now posted on the Calendar Page of our school website at www.sma-pa.org.
- IN AN EFFORT TO GO GREEN AND REDUCE COSTS OF PAPER AND TONER, PRINTED COMMUNICATION WILL BE SENT IN EMAILS EACH WEEK. (This information will also be posted on our website at www.sma-pa.org.) BE SURE SMA SCHOOL HAS YOUR CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS AND TO CHECK YOUR EMAILS OFTEN FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION. ANY FORM REQUIRING A SIGNATURE WILL CONTINUE TO BE PRINTED ON PAPER.
- Classroom Supply Lists are posted on the home page of our website. They are also on the teacher classroom websites on the faculty pages.
- TECH NEWS! All teachers at SMA School now have an IPAD, apple internet device, document reader, and projector for their classrooms. We will continue this year with our MSP Online Grading. It is called My Students Progress. All 5-8 Graders will be receiving IPADS to use this year!
- All classrooms will have a Smartboard. Many thanks to Mr. Arocho and Mr. Drake for installing all of them!
- Homework assignment books and book covers will be given free to the students of SMA School. (Thank you sponsors!)
- “First in Math” Program for students K-8 will continue. This program is important for improving students’ math skills.
- Our free NDS hot lunch is standardized to one time for all grades: 12:00 – 12:45.
- KidStuff Coupon Savings Book campaign will begin in September.
- Thank you everyone for another outstanding SMA Carnival this year! The new security measures were awesome!
- Our SMA Alumni & Friends Association will hold several events this year!
- Our new and expanded SMA web site www.sma-pa.org will continue to provide you with up to the minute info!
- Our SMA Home and School Association is back for another marvelous year.
- Our SMA 2017/2018 Handbook was updated and is posted online at www.sma-pa.org. Please read it carefully so you will know the regulations of Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic School.
- Our new 2017/2018 full year color school calendar is ready and will be given to each family in September. Please refer to it for important dates and information.
- All staff at SMA School have an email address and individualized grade websites. (Email addresses are first initial and last name followed by sma-pa.org. example sdicicco@sma-pa.org)
- Email lists and grade website are displayed on our school website at www.sm-pa.org.
- We will continue the use of School Messenger phone calls and emails directly to school families.
- Our SMA Special Lunch was a big hit the last four years. The first SMA Special Lunch is 9/29/17. An order form will be sent home the first week of September and is online now.
- New Communication Envelopes with our school name and logo will be distributed each Wednesday during the school year.
- A “Student of the Month” Program will continue with new virtues for each month.
- Students’ birthdays will be announced and a birthday card given.
- Our fifth annual SMA “Grandparents’ Day” has been scheduled for October 15th. Sign up info coming soon.
- Our SMA Band Program and SMA Show Choir will continue their excellent programs this year.
- A parent “Feedback Form” will be sent out each trimester and is online at our website.
- Our school digital video/still camera will be used for school pictures and a SMA school video. The school highlights video will be shown at our SMA Curriculum Festival on May 23rd. This year the SMA School video will include highlight of our SMA Choir / Band Show and SMA Green and Gold Day
- There will be a fifth annual SMA Fun Day with super activities in June.
- Daily morning readings by students in Grades 3 – 8 will commence in September.
- PRE K information: see below. TY!
There will be full day Faculty Meetings every other month. The Faculty Meeting dates are January 12- March 9 – May 4. We are also hosting the Bucks County Catholic School Teacher In-Service on October 2 and 3. Students do not report on these dates.
Your child will be receiving several important papers the first day of school. Please be sure to read and complete all forms and papers. We ask that all forms be returned by Friday, September 8th. Each family will be given our new color SMA Calendar for the 2017/2018 School Year. Communication Envelops and emails will be used to keep you informed. Be sure to check out our web site
www.sma-pa.org
for the latest information and new updates in the “Special Announcement” page.
Listed below are the names of our faculty and staff members. The schedule for the opening of school and a few reminders are also included. Please feel free to call 215-943-0222 or email me (sdicicco@sma-pa.org.) if you have any questions. TY!
The September to June calendar and the following forms are on our SMA website:
(Paper copies will be sent home the first day of school. If you prefer you may print and fill out ahead of time.)
- Family Record - 1 per family (Be sure to include an email address.)
- Handbook Policy Agreement Form - 1 per family
- Photo Release Form - 1 per child
- Student Internet Access Contract - 1 per family
- Emergency Early School Closing Form – 1 per family
- SIP INFO
- New Immunization Information
- Grandparents Day Sign Up
- School Messenger Sign Up
- Opening Late Policies
Saint Michael the Archangel Faculty 2017– 2018
Pastor ~ Father Michael Dilorio
Principal ~ Mr. Stephen D. DiCicco
Pre-Kindergarten 1 ~ Karen Arocho – Room 13
Pre-Kindergarten 2~ Amy Stroup – Room 15
Kindergarten ~ Terry Chirico - Room 14
First Grade ~ Megan Bristol – Room 1
Second Grade ~ Stephanie Kallok – Room 3
Third Grade ~ Heather Brandt – Room 2
Fourth Grade ~ Kathleen Bowski– Room 4
Fifth Grade ~ Maria Anderson– Room 33
Sixth Grade ~ Sheila Umek – Room 34
Seventh Grade ~ – Room 35
Eighth Grade ~ Florence Viola – Room 38
Computer/Art (Pre-K-8) ~ Maryanne Ounjian Computer Lab
Physical Education ~ Mark Czarny
Music ~ Lindsay Zimmerman – Room 31
Secretary ~ Elizabeth Wurtz - Office
CARES ~ Andrea Kelly
CRE ~ Janet Fiatoa – Room 10
CCD Secretary ~ Cathy Unrath – Room 10
Maintenance ~ Michael McCafferty
Volunteer Coordinator ~ Ginny Armstrong
Opening Schedule
9/6/17 Grades 1 to 8 Report Arrival 8:15-8:30 Dismissal 3:00 FREE HOT LUNCH AND FREE BREAKFAST BEGINS
9/7/17 Grades 1 to 8 Report Arrival 8:15-8:30 Dismissal 3:00
9/8/16 Grades 1 to 8 Report, All Forms Due, Opening 9:30 School Mass 3:00 Dismissal
9/11/17 Grades PreK/ K - 8 Report, FREE HOT LUNCH AND FREE BREAKFAST BEGINS, CARES, Pretzels begin
9/14/17 SMA Back-to-School Night 7:00 PM Grades PreK – 8
ARRIVAL
Students in Grades 1 to 8 may begin arriving at 8:15 AM. Students who arrive after the 8:30 AM bell are late and will be marked late. (See attached Arrival Handout) We ask all car drivers to be very careful when entering the premises of SMA School. See attached letter.
Dear Mr. DiCicco,
Please inform the parents who drop their children off at St Michael's school to, please, be observant of the School speed limit. It is clearly marked by signs with flashing lights. Always better to be safe than sorry. Thanking you, in advance, for your attention to this matter.
Mary Ann S Gahagan
Tullytown Borough Council
DISMISSAL
THE SAFETY OF OUR PARKING LOT DURING CAR LINE DISMISSAL IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO US. Students Grades 1-8 exit "A" Doors for car line pickup. All cars picking up students are to line up in our school parking lot across from the A - B - C Doors. PLEASE REALIZE THAT NO ONE MAY PARK NEAR CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OR GYM SIDE PARKING LOTS. THERE IS NO MOVING WHILE ANY CHILD IS STILL WALKING BETWEEN CARS. EVERYONE MUST EXIT USING THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. Car line students are not to walk to other lots. This creates a safety hazard for the children. The car line moves out quickly enough so no one needs to be inconvenienced. If everyone follows the correct procedures things will move smoothly and efficiently.
The safety of our children is a prime concern of SMA School.
UNIFORMS
Students are expected to be in proper uniform beginning on the first day of school. Please review the SMA School uniform policy, as it will be strictly enforced. The SMA Uniform Code is posted on our school website at www.sma-pa.org.
LUNCH
ALL SMA NDS HOT LUNCHES ARE NOW FREE AND WILL BEGIN THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 9/6/17 GRADES 1-8 AND 9/11/17 PREK/K. Lunch regulations and rules will be sent home in an information pack and will be online. We welcome Mrs. Kelly as our NDS Director. Please note: no fast food lunches or soda products are permissible in the SMA Lunch Program.
BREAKFAST
ALL STUDENTS ATTENDING SMA SCHOOL MAY ALSO RECEIVE A FREE BREAKFAST EACH MORNING.
PRETZELS
Beginning on 9/11/17 pretzels may be bought each day. We are again keeping the fee per pretzel at 50 cents. Children may also bring a healthy snack for recess or use their leftover morning breakfast.
DISCIPLINE
Please note: SMA School has a very strict no-bully policy. V
IOLENT / THREATENING/ HARASSING AND INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT will not be tolerated.
EARLY PICKUP
Parents/Guardians must send a note to the teacher if a child is being picked up early. If your child is going home with someone other than parents/legal guardians or if a student is changing the way they are going home, SMA School must be notified in writing.
This is a very important security issue. Please note: all person(s) picking up a child early will need ID.
Finally, I look again forward to the new school year serving as your principal. We are partners in the education of our most precious gift, our children. I anticipate an AWESOME year! Thank you for choosing SMA School! See you soon!
God’s Peace and Love!
Mr. Stephen D. DiCicco
Principal
Loving God, Our creator, our savior, our companion, bless this journey of our new school and school year that we undertake today. Refresh our souls and renew our spirits as we embrace the beautiful ministry you have called us to. We welcome those who are new to this community and ask that you strengthen them to share the wonderful gifts you have given them. Lord, make our hearts pure as we prepare for the return of students to our school, and may you guide them to return with open hearts and minds eager to learn. We ask this in Your name,
Amen
SMA School Arrival Procedures
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Greetings! Please take a few minutes to review the arrival policy with your child/children. The safety of your children is a top priority for our school.
****** THE SAFETY OF OUR PARKING LOT DURING CAR LINE DISMISSAL IS ALSO OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO US. PLEASE REALIZE THAT NO ONE MAY PARK NEAR CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OR BEGIN MOVING WHILE ANY CHILD IS STILL WALKING BETWEEN CARS. EVERYONE MUST EXIT USING THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE TRAFFIC LIGHT.
The car line moves out quickly enough so no one needs to be inconvenienced. If everyone follows the correct procedures things will move smoothly and efficiently.
All cars are to go around the convent and stop at the
main door. The children will go directly to their classrooms. Morning prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance will be announced over the PA system. All children are to enter using the main front door. For the safety of the children, children should exit the car on the side closest to the school. Children will then enter through the front door. They will then go directly to their classroom for morning prayers. Front doors will close at 8:30 and our morning prayers will begin. Please follow all traffic laws.
Any student who is not present by 8:30 will be considered late.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in making our entrance and dismissal run smoothly!
God bless,
Mr. Stephen D. DiCicco
Principal
DISMISSAL SMA SCHOOL
CAR LINE
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Greetings! Please take a few minutes to review the DISMISSAL policy with your child/children. The safety of our children is a top priority for SMA School.
****** THE SAFETY OF OUR PARKING LOT DURING CAR LINE DISMISSAL IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO US. Students Grades 1-8 exit "A" Doors for car line pickup. All cars picking up students are to line up in our school parking lot across from the A - B - C Doors. PLEASE REALIZE THAT NO ONE MAY PARK NEAR CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OR GYM SIDE PARKING LOTS. THERE IS NO MOVING WHILE ANY CHILD IS STILL WALKING BETWEEN CARS. EVERYONE MUST EXIT USING THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. Car line students are not to walk to other lots. This creates a safety hazard for the children. The car line moves out quickly enough so no one needs to be inconvenienced. If everyone follows the correct procedures things will move smoothly and efficiently.
Thank you for your cooperation!
God’s joy,
Mr. Stephen D. DiCicco ~ Principal
PRE K INFO!!!
Dear Preschool Parents,
We are very excited to have your child join us at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School! There are many fun and exciting activities planned. We look forward to having a very special and eventful year for your child and family. Before our school year begins, here is some information regarding our program:
Start of School – Pick-up/Drop-off
On September 6 /7/8, there will be an Open House for you and your child to visit the classroom and meet their teacher. You may come anytime that day between the hours of 9-12 and 1-3.
Our first day will be Monday, September 11
th. Our hours are 8:45-2:45 (Full Day) and 8:45-11:45 (1/2 Day)
Drop Off- “C” door at 8:45
Pick up - “C” door for ½ day at 11:45
- Gym doors (West side) at 2:45 (See below for more details)
Supplies
A supply list will be given out at Back to School Night. A backpack, snack, and lunch and folder will be needed the first week. Information regarding the hot lunch program will be coming home shortly.
SMA Pre-K Uniform - · SMA Green t-shirt · SMA Ash gray sweatshirt (Optional) · SMA Ash gray sweatpants · SMA Silver Gray Micro-mesh gym shorts in spring and fall · Sneakers Totally white or totally black No Fashion Available at Flynn O'Hara, 10905 Dutton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Thank You for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with us. We can’t wait to get to know you and your child throughout the year. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 215-943-0222 or karocho@sma-pa.org / astroup@sma-pa.org

PREK DISMISSAL
Dear PreK Parents,
Greetings in the Lord! PreK dismissal (2:45) is at the west side doors of the school gym parking lot. Traffic cones will be set up directing where to line up. Please form car lines at the traffic cones/barrels and exit your vehicle to get your child. For safety of the children and staff, please be patient and remain in your car until the line is ready to move and be dismissed. We appreciate your patience and understanding. The safety of our school children is a prime concern of SMA school! Thank you.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 215-943-0222 or karocho@sma-pa.org / astroup@sma-pa.org / sdicicco@sma-pa.org. God’s love! Sincerely,
PreK3/4 Teachers
Mr. Stephen D. DiCicco ~Principal