Special Announcements

SMA school will be open  Monday  - Tuesday  - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday 8:00 - 11:45  and Tuesdays - Wednesdays – Thursdays until 2:00 PM throughout the rest of the summer.  Reminder: any family that refers a new student that registers at St Mike’s school will receive a $25 gift card. TY! God’s blessings, Mr. “D”.
August Parent Info Letter! 2018
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 2018/2019 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 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 2018/2019 School Calendar is now posted on the Calendar Page of our school website at www.sma-pa.org. 
• SMA School will reopen for the 2018/2019 School Year on the following schedule: Wednesday, September 5th – Grades 1 – 8 (3:00 Dismissal) Open House PreK & K - Thursday, September 6th – Grades PreK – 8 (3:00 Dismissal) - Friday, September 7th – 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 2018/2019 school year.  (Additional Lunch Aides) If you want to help or know someone who can, please contact the school as soon as possible. • NEW 2018/2019! PreK & Kindergarten will start two days earlier for the new school year. Wednesday, September 5 will be PreK & K OPEN HOUSE DAY and school begins for PreK & K on September 6. Grades 1-8 begin Wednesday, September 5th.
• 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 classrooms now have a Smartboard.
• New Apple IPads (128 GB) are ordered and on their way for our 4th Graders!  This year all students in Grades 4 through 8 will have the use of an Apple IPAD to enhance their learning experience.  SMA School is committed to offering our students the best and latest technology.
• 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 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 2018/2019 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 2018/2019 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 very popular the last five years. The first SMA Special Lunch is 9/28/18.  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 6^th annual SMA “Grandparents’ Day” has been scheduled for October 14^th.  Sign up info coming soon.
• Our SMA Band Program and SMA Musical Theater 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 22.  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 6^th 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!

• 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

Opening Schedule

9/5/18    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 & Pretzels begin

9/6/18   Grades PreK to 8 Report Arrival 8:15-8:30 Dismissal 3:00    (PreK 8:45 - 2:45)

9/7/18 Grades PreK to 8 Report, All Forms Due, Opening 9:30 School Mass 3:00 Dismissal   (PreK 8:45 - 2:45)

9/13/18 SMA Back-to-School Night 7:00 PM Grades PreK – 8

• Gym doors (West side) at 2:45 (See below for more details)

• 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.
• CARES ~ After school child care program. (PreK to 8^th Grade) 3:00 PM – 6:00 Morning CARES Program ~ Available to children PreK to 8^th 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.  Students will soon receive instruction in Google School.
• 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 ~ Called SMA Alumni & Friends, this organization holds several events during the school year.
• 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 Grade 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 just 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.
• DLFF Pathways and SMA Alumni & Friends Tuition Scholarships offered.
• Philadelphia Jr. Flower ~ SMA School is a proud participant in the annual Philadelphia Jr. Flower Show. Last four 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.

• 4th  graders will experience a pre-show class, attend a MLK celebration concert, and       enjoy a post-show class exploring the civil rights movement through Jazz
• Free Concert in the Perelman Theater February 5^th ,  2019
• Drama teacher coming to SMA school to present pre and post lessons.
• All bus transportation will be free.

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New SMA School 2018/2019 Calendar is now posted! Check it out!

Go to "Calendar" at the top of the webpage. TY! Mr. "D"
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I am pleased to announce SMA School is the recipient of the:
Jazz 4 Freedom 4^th Grade Grant
for the 2018/2019 School Year
Details include:

• 4th  graders will experience a pre-show class, attend a MLK celebration concert, and enjoy a post-show class exploring the civil rights movement through Jazz
• Free Concert in the Perelman Theater February 5^th ,  2019
• Drama teacher coming to SMA school to present pre and post lessons.
• All bus transportation will be free.

 
God’s light, Mr. “D”.
SMA Summer & September Info!!!

• SMA School will reopen for the 2018/2019 School Year on the following schedule:

• 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.

• August new school year information letter will be emailed this August. Please make sure we have your correct email address.  Form is on our website at www.sma-pa.org.

• We are searching for new volunteers for the 2018/2019 school year.  (Honors Math Teacher ~ Additional Lunch Aides)  If you want to help or know someone who can, please contact the school as soon as possible.

• NEW 2018/2019! PreK & Kindergarten will start two days earlier for the new school year. Wednesday, September 5 will be PreK & K OPEN HOUSE DAY and school begins for PreK & K on September 6.   Grades 1-8 begin Wednesday, September 5th. 
  
  TY! 
  God’s light, Mr. “D”

 
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.
In addition to the Core Curriculum, Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic School offers many special services:

• 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.
• CARES ~ After school child care program. (PreK to 8^th Grade) 3:00 PM – 6:00 Morning CARES Program ~ Available to children PreK to 8^th 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.  Students will soon receive instruction in Google School.
• 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 ~ Called SMA Alumni & Friends, this organization holds several events during the school year.
• 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 Grade 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 just 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.
• DLFF Pathways and SMA Alumni & Friends Tuition Scholarships offered.
• Philadelphia Jr. Flower ~ SMA School is a proud participant in the annual Philadelphia Jr. Flower Show. Last four 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.

 
God’s light!  Mr. Stephen D. DiCicco ~ Principal
 
 
NEW 2018/2019!!!
PreK & Kindergarten will start two days earlier for the new school year. Wednesday, September 5 will be PreK & K OPEN HOUSE DAY and school begins for PreK & K on September 6.   Grades 1-8 begin Wednesday, September 5th. 

TY! 
God’s light, Mr. D”


NEW Student Transfer Grant Available for 2018/2019 School Year! New Transfer Grant Program! SMA School applied for and was just informed we were selected to participate in the new 2018/2019 Bishops’ Tuition Transfer Grant Program. (Only 20 Catholic schools from the entire Archdiocese were picked to be a part of this new transfer grant program!) How does the transfer program work? 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. More information coming soon on how to apply. SPREAD THE WORD! God’s light,.

TY! God’s joy, Mr. “D”.

St. Joseph Novena
New here? Join us in prayer! Click here to get novena reminders by email!
[St. Joseph is a powerful patron. He is, as John Paul II called him, the Guardian of the Redeemer. He humbly accepted his role as guardian, husband and father in the Holy Family. Therefore, St. Joseph’s intercession has been sought for centuries.
St. Joseph was clearly very close to our Lord and so we come to him with this novena with a sense of humility because of his great humility.
There are actually a few different feast days for Saint Joseph, but March 19th has been most celebrated as his feast day in Western Christianity. But of course, you can pray a novena to him anytime.
St. Joseph Answers Prayers
I started this novena a month and a half after my husband was released from his job. He had one interview but no job offers. Thankfully on the 7th day, he received a job offer and starts his new job and career a week from tomorrow. Thank you St. Joseph and the Lord for hearing my prayers!
– Sam
Thanks be to God through the intercession of St. Joseph!!! The contract for our new house was signed today on St. Joseph’s feast day…the day after I finished the novena!
– Christy
St. Joseph Novena Prayers
Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I come to you as an example for holiness, for you are especially close with God. Therefore, I humbly commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death.
Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, pray for me to have a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore:
(Mention your request)
Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers on my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.
Day 1 – St. Joseph Most Just, Pray for us!
Day 2 – St. Joseph Most Prudent, Pray for us!
Day 3 – St. Joseph Most Loving Husband, Pray for us!
Day 4 – St. Joseph Most Strong, Pray for us!
Day 5 – St. Joseph Most Obedient, Pray for us!
Day 6 – St. Joseph Most Faithful, Pray for us!
Day 7 – St. Joseph Pillar of Families, Pray for us!
Day 8 – St. Joseph Patron of the Dying, Pray for us!
Day 9 – St. Joseph Terror of Demons, Pray for us!
Amen.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.
 
More About St. Joseph
Most of everything we know about Saint Joseph comes from Scripture. There is some disagreement about his genealogy, but both Mark and Matthew say his descent is from David, the greatest king of Israel — and yet, he was a very humble, working man. He was a carpenter.
It is said that it was probably in Nazareth that St. Joseph was betrothed to and married Mary. After discovering that Mary was pregnant, also after their betrothal, he knew that the child was not his – and as such, he had planned on divorcing her quietly.
However, an angel came to him in a dream and told him that the child Mary was carrying was the son of God. Immediately upon hearing this, Joseph took Mary as his wife.
The angel came a second time to tell him his family was in danger, and he also reacted immediately by leaving everything behind him — his family, friends, and all that he owned — to go to Egypt with Mary and their newborn baby, Jesus.
There is a lot we don’t know about St. Joseph, but we do know that he loved Jesus as his own son, he respected God and he was a righteous man. (Matthew 1:18)
He is the Patron of…
St. Joseph is known to help the faithful especially by praying for the following:

• People
  • Cabinetmakers, carpenters and craftsmen
  • Confectioners
  • The dying
  • Engineers
  • Families
  • Fathers
  • Workers
  • House Hunters
  • People in doubt
  • Travelers
• Countries
  • Canada
  • China
  • Korea
  • Viet Nam
• Other
  • Happy death
  • Holy death
  • Universal Church
  • Vatican II

 
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March Newsletter
March's newsletter is  full of resources for parents! 


AoP Tech for Parents: https://www.smore.com/21403
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February 21, 2018
 
Dear Parents/Guardians,
 
Greetings! In light of recent events in Florida, we want to assure you that the safety of your children is our top priority in all of our elementary schools. It is our goal to provide a secure and welcoming environment for your children to learn. Below are some of the steps we take to accomplish this goal.

• The school building doors are all locked 24/7.  Main doors visitors buzzed in only.
• The building has a security camera before allowing visitors to enter the building.
• Additional security cameras are roof mounted to record the perimeter of the school building.
• Sign in / sign out sheet and visitors pass issued to all non-staff who enter school building.

• The staff is trained regarding trigger behaviors and is sensitive to warning sign behaviors.
• An All Hazard Plan is in place.
• Walk-throughs with law enforcements take place daily in order to hone our safety procedures and provide a police presence.
• The staff and students practice safety drills regularly. All classrooms have SMA Security Folder Plans.

 
This is an excellent time to reinforce with your child that all threats to the safety of our school communities are reported immediately to local law enforcement agencies. It is also our policy to take appropriate disciplinary action against those responsible for issuing threats.
 
All of us are partners in creating and maintaining safe school environments. Please also ask your children to be aware of suspicious behavior and report it to an adult at school.
 
Additionally, the Office for Child and Youth Protection has resources for talking to children about violence and other difficult subjects. You can access these resources by using the link below.
 
https://childyouthprotection.org/index.php/information/information-and-resources.
 
Thank you for your cooperation with this serious matter. May God bless you and your families during this season of Lent.
Many Blessings,
 
 
 
Andrew McLaughlin, Ed.D
Secretary for Elementary Education
 
 
Mr. Stephen D. DiCicco
Principal
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I

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Hello everyone! 


SMA school is featured in today's newspaper edition. (See below) Click on this link:

http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20180131/students-at-st-michael-in-tullytown-learning-languages-through-rosetta-stone   for full text and pictures.  We also had three media outlets: Action News Channel 6, Courier Times, and WBCB AM broadcast station 1490 Levittown cover our SMA Eagles pep rally this morning.  Look for it on the air today!  God's light, Mr. "D". 

Students at St. Michael in Tullytown learning languages through Rosetta Stone

The upgraded Rosetta Stone package is allowing St. Michael’s students in grades 5-8 to pick from among 30 languages.

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Tullytown has taken on a decidedly international feel, and the students there seem fully on board.

Russell Jerome is fulfilling his long-held goal of learning Russian. Emily Capella is soaking up Italian, and Shawn Hesington is taking a deep dive into Swedish.

Those three are among 100 students in grades 5-8 at the school who now have the ability to choose from among 30 languages after St. Michael acquired an upgraded software package from Rosetta Stone. Individual site licenses that are part of the $7,000 package allow each of the students to learn the language they choose on their own through their school-issued iPads.

They have one period a week during school to study their language, and as much time as they want at home. Among the other languages available are Arabic, Japanese, Swahili, Turkish, Greek, Latin and Hebrew.

Jorren Dimler, a sixth-grade student at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Tullytown, learns Spanish with the help of the Rosetta Stone program Thursday, Jan. 25, 2108. The program allows students to pick which language they want to learn and enables them to practice from anywhere at anytime. [KIM WEIMER / STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

Cole Chesney, an 8th grade student at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School, responds in Italian while using the Rosetta Stone program on his iPad to learn the language Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at the school in Tullytown. [KIM WEIMER / STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

Florence Viola, an eighth-grade teacher at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Tullytown, interacts with students, from left, Shawn Hesington, A.J. Snowden, and Dylan Beck, as they learn different foreign languages using the Rosetta Stone program on their iPads Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018. The program allows students to pick which language they want to learn and enables them to practice from anywhere at anytime. [KIM WEIMER / STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

Russell Jerome, an eighth-grade student at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Tullytown, learns Russian with the help of the Rosetta Stone language program Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018. The program allows individual students in one classroom to study the language of their choice. [KIM WEIMER / STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

A student at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Tullytown uses the Rosetta Stone program on his iPad to learn Italian Thursday, Jan 25, 2018. [KIM WEIMER / STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

Jorren Dimler, a sixth-grade student at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Tullytown, learns Spanish with the help of the Rosetta Stone program Thursday, Jan. 25, 2108. The program allows students to pick which language they want to learn and enables them to practice from anywhere at anytime. [KIM WEIMER / STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

Cole Chesney, an 8th grade student at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School, responds in Italian while using the Rosetta Stone program on his iPad to learn the language Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at the school in Tullytown. [KIM WEIMER / STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

Florence Viola, an eighth-grade teacher at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Tullytown, interacts with students, from left, Shawn Hesington, A.J. Snowden, and Dylan Beck, as they learn different foreign languages using the Rosetta Stone program on their iPads Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018. The program allows students to pick which language they want to learn and enables them to practice from anywhere at anytime. [KIM WEIMER / STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

Russell Jerome, an eighth-grade student at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Tullytown, learns Russian with the help of the Rosetta Stone language program Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018. The program allows individual students in one classroom to study the language of their choice. [KIM WEIMER / STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

4

A student at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Tullytown uses the Rosetta Stone program on his iPad to learn Italian Thursday, Jan 25, 2018. [KIM WEIMER / STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

Jorren Dimler, a sixth-grade student at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Tullytown, learns Spanish with the help of the Rosetta Stone program Thursday, Jan. 25, 2108. The program allows students to pick which language they want to learn and enables them to practice from anywhere at anytime. [KIM WEIMER / STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST]

Next

For eighth-grader Russell, Russian strikes the right chord.

“I’ve always wanted to visit Russia,” he said. “It’s a beautiful place. I think I’m getting pretty good at it, and I want to get to the point where I can have full-on conversations with people in Russian.” Fellow eighth-grade student Shawn dreams of visiting Sweden one day, and being fluent in the language when he does would be great, he said.

“I think being able to speak more than one language makes you a more well-rounded person,” he said. “I’ve never tried to learn another language, but it’s easy on Rosetta Stone. I also think it will help my chances of eventually getting a good job because a lot of jobs now require a second or third language.”

Emily, a sixth-grader, said she chose Italian because most of her family is from that country. “It’s one of those fancy languages I thought would be fun to learn,” she said.

Eighth-grade student Anthony Burns said he prefers learning Spanish on his own via Rosetta Stone, rather than the traditional classroom-textbook method at his former school, Neshaminy’s Maple Point Middle School in Middletown.

“There is a lot of online interaction, and we have the advantage of studying at any time on our own with the iPad,” he said.

As parochial schools across the country celebrate National Catholic Schools Week, offering multiple foreign languages is another way for St. Michael to attract students, school Principal Stephen DiCicco said.

In addition to the language, the Rosetta Stone program also allows the students to learn about the culture of their chosen country, he added. St. Michael students in grades K-4 only have the option to learn Spanish under the new package, DiCicco said, but the individual site licenses also allow them to learn at home if they have their own iPad or other electronic device.

Under the previous Rosetta Stone package, Spanish was the only language available to all students, he said.

“This unique opportunity we have invested in will develop your child’s cultural and linguistic understanding,” DiCicco wrote in a letter to St. Michael parents about the new Rosetta Stone package. “Colleges, universities and employers will be looking for skills that set your child apart and the grasp of a foreign language is one of them.”

In a recent interview at the school, DiCicco added that “parents shop around. They are savvy shoppers, and anything we can offer that might make them choose our school is great. We have a number of parents of different nationalities. They want to spread that to their children, and this is a great opportunity for that.”

St. Michael paid for this year’s Rosetta Stone package with a combination of state funds and a grant from the Philadelphia archdiocese, the principal said. The school will explore options to fund the package beyond this school year, which ends June 30, he added.

St. Michael is also among many area Catholic schools that have greatly upgraded their technology in recent years. The school has projectors, smartboards, Apple TV and document readers in every classroom and the ability to access various Google platforms, DiCicco said.

Listening to my Lord ~ Turning over all worries ~ enjoying the peace!
May you and your family have a joyous and blessed Advent season of light!
                                                                                                      God’s Grace Be with You!

                                                                                                                                                                                        Mr. Stephen D. DiCicco ~ Principal

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 Opening Late Policy”

• Due to certain weather conditions Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic School may open one or two hours late.
• Please check FOX 29 NEWS / CHANNEL ABC 6 NEWS / NBC10 NEWS AND WEATHER The above websites lists weather delays and school closings for the surrounding area.
•  You may also check the “News” or  “Special Announcements” page of our school web site (www.sma-pa.org) for details.  A School Messenger phone call may be sent by SMA School. 
•  PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL OR RECTORY.
• School doors will open at 9:15 (1 Hour) and 10:15 AM (2 Hour) delay.   Morning Announcements and teaching will begin at 9:30 (1 Hour) and 10:30 AM (2 Hour).
• Please do not send your children to SMA School before 9:15 on a 1 hour delay or 10:15 on a two hour delay schedule.  Adult supervision will begin at 9:15 (1 Hour) and 10:15 (2 Hour) delay AM.  It cannot be guaranteed before that time; therefore, the school cannot be held accountable before the above posted times.
• SMA Morning Cares is cancelled on a

• Bus riders should wait at their pickup stops one or two hours from their regularly scheduled assigned time.
• Please note: if bus transportation is cancelled, students are responsible for their own transportation to and from school.

If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact me. 
Every child should be aware of what he/she should do in the event of an emergency early school closing. SMA School should have your
child's EMERGENCY EARLY SCHOOL CLOSING PLAN FORM that was due the first Friday, first week of school.
Thank You And God Bless! Mr. Stephen D. DiCicco Principa
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Super Bucks County Catholic School In-Service at St Mike's!

Dear Parents/ Guardians,

 Greetings!  This note came to me today. from Judy Sweeney, Superintendent of Elementary Schools! (See below)  I want to share it with you.. I also want to express my thanks to all our teachers, students, staff, Home & School, Knights (who directed parking traffic), and anyone who had a part in making this two day Bucks County event a great success!  God's light, Mr. "D". 

October 4
ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 1:57 PM To: Steve DiCicco (sdicicco@sma-pa.org) Cc: Judy Sweeney Subject: Thank you! Hi Mr. DiCicco Thank you so much for your hospitality the last two days. It was really nice getting to know you and your faculty/staff. Judy asks that the attached letter be sent out to your faculty and staff. October 4, 2017 Dear Faculty, Staff of St. Michael the Archangel School, It is with deep gratitude that I write this letter. I cannot thank you enough for all that you did to prepare for our Bucks County coworkers. Every little detail of our two day stay was addressed by you. I am ever grateful for that which you do each and every day!
God Bless you, Judy Sweeney Superintendent of Elementary Schools (i)
Many Blessing, VANIA CALDERON Executive Assistant to Judy Sweeney InterimSuperintendent of Elementary Schools Office of Catholic Education 222 North 17th Street | Philadelphia, PA 19103

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