SMA Newsletter • February 8, 2024
Mission Statement
St. Martin of Tours Academy fosters confidence, curiosity, and independence through a climate of cooperation and trust by preserving dignity throughout the learning process, accentuating all children’s God-given gifts in a Catholic environment.
Dear SMA Community,

Everyone is invited this Sunday to a special Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Michael Pham and Father Chris Bongato at 9 am. Parish and academy families will be participating and our 4th grade will be hosting a bake sale. Students in dress uniform will receive a free dress coupon for attending (valid 2/12/24). We understand our families belong to various parishes, but hope you can join us at SMA this Sunday for Mass. Do not worry, we will be home in plenty of time for the 3:30 pm Super Bowl! Perhaps you could pray for your favorite team?

On that note: tomorrow is your last chance to predict the winning team of the Super Bowl by bringing in a non-perishable food item...like soup! Bins are for the San Francisco 49ers & Kansas City Chiefs are in the breezeway. Our "Souper" bowl food drive benefits the parish food pantry. They are also in need of peanut butter and spam.

Next week, I hope you can join us for 8:30 am Ash Wednesday Mass on 2/14 hosted by our 6th grade. As we approach the season of Lent, we reflect on its significance within our Catholic faith. Lent provides us with a precious opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. It is a time for self-reflection, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, guiding us towards a deeper connection with God and a greater appreciation for His blessings in our lives. I encourage each of you, along with your children, to embrace this sacred season with open hearts and minds. Let us use this time to strengthen our relationship with God, support one another in acts of kindness and generosity, and journey together towards the joyous celebration of Easter. May our observance of Lent be a source of grace and transformation for our entire school community.

Save the date: During Lent, it is customary to pray the Stations of the Cross. Save the date for SMA's Lenten Supper on March 1st at 5 pm followed by Stations of the Cross led by students in the church.

Special thanks: Thank you to Sheldon's Service Station cafe & restaurant who donated 20% of sales on the day Lunch on the Lawn was rained out. SMA received a check for $400! We love our community partners!


Blessings,
Jennifer Miller, Principal
Thank you for helping our neighbors!
Personal-sized hygiene products were collected for Fresh Start, an outreach program sponsored by the La Mesa United Methodist Church. Thank you for your donations!
Valentine's Day at SMA - Observed on Tuesday 2/13

Jeans for Jesus Day. Students are allowed to wear jeans with
a red top or uniform top. Bring a $1. Money will go to
Missionary Childhood Association.
Since Valentine's Day falls on Ash Wednesday, the school will be observing Valentine's Day on Tuesday 2/13. Students will be attending Mass at 8:30 am (dress uniform) on Wednesday.

If valentines /gifts are exchanged on Tuesday, one must be brought in for each
person in the class. Please note: baked goods, cookies, cupcakes are
not allowed due to allergies. Candy is permitted.
RE-REGISTRATION 2024-2025 • February 19 - 29th
PLEASE COMPLETE THE SURVEY BELOW!


Click on the picture or HERE to complete the Intent to Return form and share your input on lunches & minimum days..
Re-registration opens February 19-29 through FACTS.

Save $100 by registering during this 10 day re-registration window. Fees will be charged via FACTS. New this year: Active Duty Military Discount! Inquire in school office.

If you have an incoming kindergartener or older sibling, they get first priority. Kindergarteners must be 5 years old by Sept. 1st. For first priority, students must be registered by February 29th.

A referring family receives free registration the following year as our "thank you" when referred families complete their first trimester at SMA.

Registration fees:
Registration is discounted ($300 total per child) through 2/29 Families registering after the re-registration window will pay $400 through 3/1 and $450 after 3/1.

FACTS GRANT AND AID: Applications are processed according to need from January 5, 2024 through March 31, 2024. Letters of acceptance are sent out in April. Click HERE to learn and apply for aid.
SPRING SPORTS Sign Ups - Begins Mid-March
sign-up in SchoolSpeak- Deadline is February 16, 2024.
Boy’s Soccer: Varsity & JV Divisions ($60) • Girls’ Basketball: Varsity & JV Divisions ($60)
Basketball: ($60) -Boys - (Grades 3 & 4) • Girls - (Grades 3 & 4)
Track continues (combination of Grades K-8 boys and girls) - $25 covers all meets and events
Coaches are still needed for all sports except 3-4 girls and varsity girls varsity.
A waiver must be completed and submitted to the school office to be considered fully registered.
If you are interested in coaching email: Atheletics@stmartinacademy.org
Action Needed!
Please read the letter from the PTG in strong opposition to construction and operation of Woodman Auto Body.
Notice of Intent- to issue Permit

If you would like to send in a written letter or email any comments, please do so before 2/29/24.

Next week in the parent envelope will be a letter for parents to sign and return to the office. The March lunch menu will also be enclosed.
Campus Highlights
Jr. High Art Instructor, Mrs. Rosalie Covey submitted art work to SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union in Mission Valley. Student self-portraits from 6th grade are currently featured in the lobby!
Art with Ms. Isabella!
Kindergarten - Snowy Owls paintings and Rainbow paper collages
• 2nd grade - Paper Weaving • 3rd grade - Arctic Fox drawings
Special thanks to the following families who have provided the
required 30 volunteer hours to our SMA community:
Aguilar
Astley/Rowe
Awwad
Bartel
Burgess
Cabison
Castillo
Chavez
Connolly
Crockett
Driscoll
Eisenman
Elsten
Gadler
Gonzalez/Hunt
Greene
Kehoe
Kingston
Kovar
Nochta
O'Brien/S & J
Osthimer
Pontes
Santoyo
Scheie
Shafer
Stockfleth
Triggs
Wheatley
Wischmeyer/Gonzalez
Please keep in your prayers for healing, Ray Wilson, father to Nikki Paredes who is suffering from leukemia.
Keep up with parish activities, programs and Mass schedules. Read the weekly bulletin HERE.

St. Martin of Tours Academy