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August 7, 2019August 2019
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 your child for another super year at SMA school! We are very busy preparing for the opening of the new 2019/2020 school year. I am very happy to announce we are now a STREAM School, SMA School is the "Winner Number #1 Best Private School Bucks County", and 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 SMA SCHOOL WEBSITE! Check it out at this address and make it a favorite: www.sma-pa.org. We will also have many after school clubs this year for our students to supplement our excellent curriculum!
Additional SMA School information below:- Our entire SMA 2019/2020 School Calendar is now posted on the Calendar Page of our school website at www.sma-pa.org. (Even September 2020!)
- SMA School will reopen for the 2019/2020 School Year on the following schedule: Wednesday, September 54th – Grades 1 – 8 (3:00 Dismissal) Open House PreK & K - Thursday, September 5th – Grades PreK – 8 (3:00 Dismissal) - Friday, September 6th – Grades PreK – 8 (3:00 Dismissal) Please watch for details in the SMA Parish Bulletin. • The Summer Reading/Math List is online at our school website www.sma-pa.org. This effort will help maintain the literature and math skills of the children during the summer months. There will be an assessment of these readings and skills in September. • We are searching for new volunteers for the 2019/2020 school year. (Certified School Nurse to add additional days /Honors Math/ Additional Lunch Aides) If you want to help or know someone who can, please contact the school as soon as possible. • 2019/2020! PreK & Kindergarten will start two days earlier for the new school year. Wednesday, September 4 will be PreK & K OPEN HOUSE DAY and school begins for PreK & K on September 5. Grades 1-8 begin Wednesday, September 4th.
- 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 SMA classrooms now have a Smartboard.
- This year all students in Grades 4 through 8 will have the use of an Apple IPAD to enhance their learning experience. I am currently working on a grant to purchase additional IPAds for our 3rd Grade. SMA School is committed to offering our students the best and latest technology.
- “First in Math” Program for students K-8 will continue. This program is important for improving students’ math skills. Last year we ranked 65 nationally out of 2700 schools!
- 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 amazing SMA Carnival this year!
- 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 fantastic year.
- Our SMA 2019/2020 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 2019/2020 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.
- 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 7th annual SMA “Grandparents Day” has been scheduled for October 20th . Sign up info coming soon.
- Our SMA Band Program and SMA Musical Theater will continue their excellent programs this year. SMA School Play performed Conwell-Egan on April 3rd at 7:00!!!
- Homework assignment books will be given free to the students of SMA School. (Thank you sponsors!)
- 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 20. 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 7th 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!
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 6th Each family will be given our new color SMA Calendar for the 2019/2020 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 “NEWS” & “Special Announcement” pages.
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 September 2020 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 2019– 2020
Pastor ~ Father Michael Dilorio
Principal ~ Mr. Stephen D. DiCicco
Pre-Kindergarten 1 ~ Karen Arocho – Room 13
Pre-Kindergarten 2~ Amy Stroup – Room 15
Kindergarten ~ Heather Brandt - Room 14
First Grade ~ Megan Bristol – Room 1
Second Grade ~ Stephanie Kallok – Room 3
Third Grade ~– Allison Raffin - Room 2
Fourth Grade ~ Kathleen Bowski– Room 4
Fifth Grade ~ Maria Anderson– Room 33
Sixth Grade ~ Sheila Umek – Room 34
Seventh Grade ~ Dianne Stout– Room 35
Eighth Grade ~ Florence Viola – Room 38
Computer/Art (Pre-K-8) ~ Maryanne Ounjian Computer Lab
Physical Education ~ Mark Czarny
Music ~Allyson Masson– Room 31
Secretary ~ Elizabeth Wurtz - Office
CARES ~ Patty Walton
CRE ~ John Murray – Room 10
CCD Secretary ~ Bernice Fesniak – Room 10
Maintenance ~ Michael McCafferty
Volunteer Coordinator ~ Ginny Armstrong
NDS Lunch Director ~ Corie DeStefano
Opening Schedule
9/4/19 Grades 1 to 8 Report Arrival 8:15-8:30 Dismissal 3:00 FREE HOT LUNCH AND FREE BREAKFAST BEGINS Open House PreK & K 9:00 – 3:00 Morning & Afternoon Cares & Smart Snacks begin
9/5/19 Grades PreK to 8 Report Arrival 8:15-8:30 Dismissal 3:00 (PreK 8:45 - 2:45)
9/6/19 Grades PreK to 8 Report, All Forms Due, Opening 9:30 School Mass 3:00 Dismissal (PreK 8:45 - 2:45)
9/12/19 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 K-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 FREE AND WILL BEGIN THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 9/4/19 GRADES 1-8 AND 9/5/19 PREK/K. Lunch regulations and rules will be sent home in an information pack and will be online. We welcome Corie DeStefano as our new 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.
NEW! Healthy SMART SNACKS!
Beginning on 9/4/19 SMART SNACKS may be purchased each day.
Smart Popcorn 50 Cents / Chex Mix 50 Cents / Fruit Snacks (2 Types) 50 Cents / Apple Sauce $1.00
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. 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
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 Chapel 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 4, 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.
NEW! Our first day will be Thursday, September 5 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)
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
Jazz 4 Freedom 4th Grade Kimmel Center Grant
I am pleased to announce SMA School is again the recipient of the:
Jazz 4 Freedom 4th Grade Kimmel Center Grant
for the 2019/2020 School Year
Special Features of Saint Michael
the Archangel Catholic School!!
SMA School Mission: To provide a Catholic faith-filled education based on the teachings of Jesus Christ in a nurturing family environment that strives for academic excellence.
Faith * Family * Excellence
In addition to the Core Curriculum, Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic School offers many special services:- Winner Number #1 Best Private School Bucks County!
- SMA School is now an official AOP STREAM School.
- Pre-K Program (3/ 4 years old) ~ This program offers full / half day Pre-K classes.
- New and Improved Extensive Website ~ www.sma-pa.org Our new redesigned school website hosted by eCatholic posts our School Calendar, Handbook, Faculty E-Mail, Special Announcements, Parent/Student Pages, Alumni Page, Picture Page, Teacher Homeroom Sites, learning links, FACTS application, and many more special features.
- Bishops’ Tuition Transfer Grant Program. ~ Any student from a public / charter school or non-Catholic school who transfers to Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic School (Grades 2-7) will receive a tuition grant discount of $1000.00 the first year, $500.00 the second year and $250.00 the third year.
- Certificate of Achievement Award ~ Issued by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for SMA School’s outstanding academic growth.
- CARES ~ After school child care program. (PreK to 8th Grade) 3:00 PM – 6:00 Morning CARES Program ~ Available to children PreK to 8th Grade. 6:30 AM – 8:30.
- Computer Lab ~ Students attend technology class every week. The lab is currently being updated with refurbished Windows 10 Dell computers.
- Google School. SMA School is now a full member Google School. All students 4th Grade through 8th receive a Google email address and full Google School services.
- MSP – My Student Progress grades available online 24/7.
- School Messenger – Phone messages and emails sent to all parent and guardians. A voice update message sent weekly by principal.
- Active Alumni ~ SMA Alumni & Friends, this organization holds several events during the school year and gives several tuition scholarships.
- Music Program ~ Includes classroom instruction, reading music, playing instruments, singing and movement, liturgical song, and special student performances. All grades attend music class every week.
- Art Program ~ Includes art instruction and a SMA Art Room. Special events including “Night at the Museum”. All grades attend art class every week.
- Physical Education Teacher ~ Our extensive Gym Program offers exercises and many interesting group activities. All grades attend gym classes every week.
- Library ~ Two classrooms: upper / lower grades. This program provides the opportunity for students to choose books weekly and to learn additional library skills.
- Active SMA Home and School Association ~ Provides many educational and fun social activities for our students, families, and staff.
- CATAPULT ~ Students receive speech therapy, educational remediation, counseling for children and families, and group sessions for special needs children.
- Science Lab ~ Operating science classroom with experimental activities.
- Foreign Language Study ~ Grades K- 4 feature Spanish, Grades 5-8 students choose their language from over thirty. Students are provided site licenses to continue their studies after school and throughout the summer.
- SMA Band Program ~ Supplement program where students learn to play instruments and perform in concerts.
- Free NDS Hot Lunch and Breakfast Program ~ This is a free program available to students in all grades.
- Several Clubs are an important part of SMA School: Rosary Club / Book Club / Reading Olympics / Chess Club / Musical Theatre Club/ Two Art Clubs (Lower and Upper Grades) / Robotic Club 5-8 /Tutoring Club / Service Club
- Student Council ~ The purpose of this organization is to promote good citizenship, encourage a high standard of scholarship, arouse a spirit of pride within the school, demonstrate the practical application of democracy, and contribute to the general welfare of the school. Representation on the Student Council is made up of students in Grades 5-8 who are elected by their peers.
- IPads ~ Students Grades 4-8 are provided with an IPad for use at school and home. All teachers have one, every classroom has an apple tv, document reader, projector, and smartboard (new three year full activity Smartboard licenses established.)
- New Fusion Online Science Program ~ Offered to Grades 3-8. Students may participate in digital labs and connect to online video instruction.
- “First in Math” Program ~ Students K-8. Encourages students to practice and improve math skills through various games and activities. Site license enables students to participate in school and at home.
- Board Works Member ~ All students use new innovative smartboard learning program.
- Raz-Kids Plus: Raz-Kids Plus includes a personal library of leveled books and additional reading resources that can be printed out or accessed online using a computer or mobile device. Raz-Kids is a dynamic website where kids can listen to, read, and even record themselves reading literary and informational eBooks anytime, anywhere! With Raz-Kids, students have access to hundreds of interactive, leveled books spanning 27 levels of difficulty, covering a wide range of subjects. In addition to engaging kids at their reading level and in their area of interest, this built for students website gives kids 24/7 access to the practice they need to become better, more confident readers. At the same time, teachers can customize assignments, view reports, and track student progress every step of the way.
- DLFF Pathways and SMA Alumni & Friends Tuition Scholarships offered.
- What’s So Cool About Manufacturing Video Contest ~ Saint Michael the Archangel School has been invited to participate in the annual What’s So Cool About Manufacturing video contest created by the Manufacturers Resource Center in Allentown, PA. This contest invites students to explore cool manufacturing careers and produce profiles of companies throughout Pennsylvania. The company we have been assigned is IMET located to Southampton, PA and we have visited the facility on a few occasions. Judges in each regional contest bestow a variety of awards, and each contest features an online vote at WhatsSoCool.org for its Viewers Choice Award The teams of students and teacher coaches receive camera equipment, software, and professional guidance as they learn to script, record, and edit their video stories. The contest’s objective is to change students’ perceptions about manufacturing careers.
- Philadelphia Jr. Flower ~ SMA School is a proud participant in the annual Philadelphia Jr. Flower Show. Last five years our SMA students’ winners art work was on display in the Philadelphia Flower Show.
- SMA Curriculum Festival ~ Grades Pre K - 8 use presentation skits and songs that highlight the curriculum and present a highlight video of the school’s many activities.
- SMA Tradition Events ~ Pennywalk – Home & School Activities – Spirit Day – Winterfest – Catholic Schools Week – Green & Gold Day – Fun Day – Carol Night – Dr. Seuss Day – Pi Day – Principal for the Day
- Religious Events ~ First Friday Masses -Prayer Services -Stations of the Cross – Prayers Buddies – Reconciliation – Weekly Adoration – First Holy Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation Programs.