SMA Newsletter • August 15, 2022 |
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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.
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Dear SMA Community,
Welcome back SMA returning and new families! It was wonderful welcoming our new families (gr. 1-7) and kindergarten families on campus last Thursday. Everyone is renewed and excited to build community and support their child's new school and teachers.
On the note of building community, SMA faculty and staff attended a Restorative Justice training (pictured at the bottom of the newsletter) today. Thank you to Mrs. Anna Schen (Ryder - gr.7), Program Specialist at the SDCOE, for engaging us in this "hands-on" training. We look forward to bringing these practices to the classroom and playground that center around working WITH students to diffuse challenges with others and help everyone feel at ease throughout the school day.
Additionally,it is very important to me that our students understand what they are learning, why they are learning it, and how they are progressing towards mastering their learning. Standards-Referenced Grading supports this communication between teachers, students, and parents. Students in grades K-8 will be receiving report cards each trimester indicating their strengths and areas of growth for each subject and life skills. Over the coming weeks, you will be learning about SRG through your children. Here is the SMA SRG Handbook, for your reference.
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Finally, meet Genevieve Suzuki (President of our PTG) at the coffee truck on Wednesday, along with new and familiar SMA families! Her welcome letter is below. I look forward to joining you after the 7:55 am Student Council-led assembly is over. We are looking forward to a phenomenal year ahead.
See you there!
Jennifer Miller, Principal
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Welcome to our new families and welcome back to our returning ohana,
As this year's Parent-Teacher Group president, I would like to thank you for selecting St. Martin of Tours Academy for your child or children's school. One of the things I love most about our school is its warm community comprising caring teachers and staff, involved parents and enthusiastic students. During the summer, my daughter, Quinn, and I were able to attend the Green Ribbon award ceremony in Washington D.C. and I can tell you that SMA has impressed other teachers and administrations around the nation.
One of the new things this year is the introduction of SMA tote bags, which have been approved for use by our younger grades by Principal Miller. I am especially excited about this new development because my children have been falling out of my car with all of their little items since they began attending SMA. While it could certainly be due to a genetic clumsiness, I think our kids' little hands could use some help in organizing their items - water bottle, folder, snack, extra clothes - and ensuring they do not have to struggle from our cars to class. The bags are for sale at the office for $20.(Kindergarten and new families received special pricing.) The good news is they are made of fair trade material and proceeds will benefit our school! For our upper grade families, please consider purchasing a bag. The bags bear our SMA logo and can be used at grocery stores, sporting events, and more.
This year I would love for you to feel invested in our school. If you have not yet signed up to volunteer at events or to get more involved, please reach out to me or our office. We have many fun events coming up that would greatly benefit from parent participation!
With much aloha,
Gen Suzuki, Parent-Teacher Group President
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SpartanCare begins Wed. 8/17 • 12-6pm
New Handbook & Signature Page Requirement
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SpartanCare provides children with the opportunity to play, share and learn with other children in a safe, loving Catholic Christian environment with an atmosphere of acceptance and warmth from 7-7:45am and 2:30 - 6pm on full days. Twice during the year, SpartanCare is open 12-6 pm on conference days plus the first week of school (Aug. 17-19). SpartanCare is the only option for afterschool care the first week week of school.
Sign the last page and email or print the form and return to the office before your child uses SpartanCare. Email the form to info51@stmartin academy.org. An annual registration fee of $25 per family will be charged to FACTS. The fee is used to provide updated and engaging activities/supplies for participants. Be sure your child is registered and brings a lunch!
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After School Programs - Register Early! |
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It is exciting to offer several afterschool options this year. Click on the flyer for information and registration. |
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Mad Science
Fridays • 8/26 - 12/9
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Sing & Speak Spanish
Mondays • 8/29 - 5/15
K-2 Level 1A & 3-5 Level 1B
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Kids Yoga
Tuesdays • 2:45-3:45
Peace Garden 8/30- 12/14
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Mexican Folklorico Dancing - Fridays • 12:30-1:30
Grs. 3-8 - Parish Hall
(NOTE: begins 9/28 - 5/23)
Sign up by emailing
info51@stmartinacademy.org
or print the form and send in with your child. Payment made through FACTS.
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Kona Ice - Friday 8/19 at noon!
school parking lot
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Back to School Nights - Save the Date! |
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MANDATORY PARENT MEETINGS FOR:
Grades 1-4
Wednesday, 8/24 from 6pm-7pm
Grades 5-8
Thursday, 8/25 from 6pm-7pm
Meetings held in classrooms.
At least one parent must attend; no children, please.
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SchoolSpeak - Communication for
Teachers & Parents
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Attention: Parents please sign in! SchoolSpeak is SMA's schoolwide platform for communication, attendance, report cards, emergency information.
Login into the school site, create a password and update your family's profile if you haven't already. Click HERE.
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More information will be in Thursdays newsletter about ordering for Pizza Friday which begins on 8/26. |
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Please keep in your prayers, Conan Connolly (gr. 6) who is recovering from pneumonia. |
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† Max Beltran
Max Beltran passed away last week. He was a father to Sylvia Shen, Extended Care supervisor and a grandfather to Vanessa (2003), Sammy (2005), Carolyna (2011) and Rickie (2015). Please keep the Shen and Beltran families in your prayers.
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St. Martin of Tours Academy
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