High School Newsletter

OCTOBER EDITION

Dear St. Mary’s Academy High School Parents/Guardians,

It’s hard to believe that the first month of school is behind us. We look with optimism to establish a nice rhythm to the 2020-2021 school year. October brings the beautiful autumn colors, such a beautiful time of year, isn’t it?. It is that time of year to enjoy the cool weather and gather as a community to celebrate the good things that we enjoy. In terms of academics, it signifies the end of the first quarter on the 16th.

As we finish up September, we have had many successes and also many learning moments. Students and staff alike have done a great job wearing their masks, social distancing and washing their hands. Overall it has been a great start to the school year.

As October arrives we know the cold and flu season is nearly upon us, so please remember to complete the online Wellness Form for your daughter each day. Even though things look different, we are still here. Watch for emails with important updates and let us know if we can do anything to support you and your family.

I wish you and your family good health and a wonderfully smooth start to the school-year. I feel confident that when the pandemic ends, we will all return together, and it will be with a greater sense of belonging and a renewed perspective on all of the values that make St. Mary’s Academy such a special place. In the meantime, please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. Thank you!

Adriana Williams

ACT for Seniors
Tuesday, October 6
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Late Start
Wednesday, October 7

Pep Rally

Wednesday, October 7

11:25 AM

Lisa Damour Presentation
Wednesday, October 7
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Grade 10 College Info
Thursday, October 8
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Zoom

Teacher In-Service Day - No Classes for Students
Friday, October 9

Prayer Service
Tuesday, October 13
11:40 AM
Zoom

PSAT/Human/Essays
Wednesday, October 14

Late Start Schedule
Wednesday, October 14

End of Quarter 1
Friday, October 16

No School
Friday, October 16

QPR

Monday, October 19,

6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Late Start Schedule
Wednesday, October 21

Parents in Prayer Group

Wednesday, October 21

9:30 a.m.

Zoom

9th Grade College Info
Wednesday, October 21
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Zoom

Concert
Thursday, October 22
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Zoom

Midsummer Night's Dream
October 27-29
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
On the field just south of the Community Center

All Academy Bingo Night
Thursday, October 29
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Zoom

No Classes
Friday, October 30

ACT for Seniors

Tuesday, October 6 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Seniors who previously registered for the test, will take the ACT.

What is the ACT?

The ACT test (American College Test), like the SAT test, is a national college admissions test for students interested in pursuing education beyond high school. Most colleges accept both ACT and SAT scores, so it is up to you whether you want to take one or both tests.

The ACT test covers the following subject areas:

English
Math
Reading
Science
Writing (optional)

Most test questions are multiple choice, although the optional writing test is an essay. Expect to spend more than 4 hours at the testing center.

Want to Know More?

Visit the ACT website for full details.
Can't decide whether to take the ACT test or the SAT test? Understand the differences between the two tests.
Don't get stressed on test day. Follow these test-taking tips.
The ACT tests high school students on achievement related to high school curricula.

The Princeton Review Assessment (PRA) identifies the following:

ACT questions tend to be easier to understand.
The ACT includes a science section that tests reading and reasoning skills upon given a set of facts.
The ACT writing test is optional and not included in the composite score.
The ACT math section tests more advanced math concepts and includes trigonometry.
College admissions typically look at the overall ACT composite score.

Late Start Schedule
Wednesday, October 7

Lisa Damour Presentation

Wednesday, October 7

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Dr. Lisa Damour will be speaking to our SMirls. Dr. Damour is a clinical psychologist, a best-selling author, a New York Times columnist, a regular contributor to CBSNews, and an expert on girls and adolescents. Dr. Damour will discuss the psychological science that is key to understanding stress and anxiety, both under everyday conditions and at times of heightened concern and disruption.

She will also provide a question and answer period for students and discuss managing their stress and anxiety levels. Fun Fact: Dr. Lisa Damour is an SMA Middle School Alum, and she is an incredible speaker who relates beautifully to teenagers.

This is a student only event, parents will have the opportunity to virtually attend a similar session in November.

Pep Rally

Wednesday, October 7, 11:25 AM

Student council will be hosting the first pep rally of the year online this Thursday. In-person students will watch the virtual pep rally during Advisory, while Virtual students will be emailed a link.

According to the student council, the pep rally will include a general introduction of athletes to recognize their hard work.

Virtual Grade 10 College Info
Thursday, October 8

7:00-8:00 p.m.

Learn about the way that St. Mary's Academy continues to develop the college and career counseling process for our sophomore students. Parents and students are highly encouraged to virtually attend this event to receive an overview of the process for 10th grade year.

Teacher-In-Service-Pic-e1515786814378_ed

Teacher In-Service Day

No Classes for Students

Prayer Service

Tuesday, October 13, 11:40 AM

Zoom

A virtual prayer service meeting will be held via Zoom.

This is a student only event

Late Start Schedule

Wednesday, October 14

HS PSAT/Human/Essays

October 14 11:40 AM

9th Grade students should arrive at 9:00 a.m. and will use the morning to begin their 9th grade project on “What it means to be human”.

10th and 11th Grade students should arrive by 8:00 a.m. at the latest to take a practice SAT test.

12th Grade students should arrive at 9:00 a.m. some seniors will be taking the SAT and others will be participating in a service project.

End of HS Quarter 1

Friday, October 16

No School
Friday, October 16

QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer)

Suicide Prevention

Monday, October 19,

6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention is an evidence-based training that teaches the warning signs of a suicide crisis and three simple steps to help save a life from suicide.

Please join us at this virtual training provided by the Johnson Depression Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus on Details and the Zoom link are on the event flier HERE.

Late Start
Wednesday, October 21

Prayer and Conversation for Parents

October 21 9:30 AM

Zoom

– Prayer and Conversation for Parents –

This is a hard time for many, especially parents. So, St. Mary’s Academy is offering an opportunity on Zoom for parents to get together to pray for each other, their children, and parents and children in our community and around the world.

The format will be an open time of sharing what is on our hearts and minds, praying for the students requests, then a brief time of silent prayer together and Adriana Williams will close with a prayer.

Since time is limited, and different times work for different people, there will be another opportunity on Wednesday, November 11th (9:30 a.m.). Adriana Williams will host the meeting for whoever comes.

If neither of these work for you, please let Adriana know and she’ll find a time. Blessings on you all. To register for this event, please click here

More information? Prayer Request? Questions?

9th Grade College Info (Virtual)

Wednesday, October 21,

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Open to all ninth grade students and their parents to learn about the college and career counseling process that SMA will provide with an emphasis on what the focus will be in the 9th grade year.

Virtual Concert

Thursday, October 22

7:00 PM

Enjoy a beautiful virtual Concert with the talented SAIMARAC (Choir),Jazz Band and Orchestra Students; you wouldn't like to miss this event. A link could be found on the school website, and it will also be uploaded here soon.

Midsummer Night's Dream

October 27-29

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

A group of extremely talented students will perform this wonderful and entertaining Shakespeare play, on the south lawn behind the Community Center Building.

This is a student event only, first come, first serve, Limited Student audience.

For tickets or more information, please contact Mrs. Roberta Hamilton-Griggs

All Academy Virtual Bingo Night

Thursday, October 29
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Join us for the SMA Virtual Halloween Bingo Night on Thursday, October 29 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. This event will take place via Zoom where you will be able to see other players so feel free to dress up and show off your Halloween costume. We will play three Bingo games - traditional, four corners, and X, and there will be a fun "activity" in between each game. Prizes will be mailed to the game-winners.

How to play: WATCH the numbers being called on Zoom (via your laptop or desktop), PLAY your bingo cards from your phone or tablet (or you can have two windows open on your computer if that's easiest). A link will be sent to retrieve your virtual bingo cards the week of October 26. You will also have the option to print your bingo cards for a more traditional bingo experience.

We hope you can join us for this fun event!

No Classes
Friday, October 30

Would you like to save this calendar for your personal use? You may click on the "calendar" tab on top of this page, where you can save the events on google calendar.

Parents please make sure to check out the rest of my website, specially the "news and events" page. As well as the "articles" page, where you will also find interesting information.

While navigating through the website should you require a password, make sure to enter sma please do not share this password, the website contains information intended only for the St.Mary's Academy community. Thanks!

As always, I encourage you to please continue to refer to our school website, and our social media pages for additional information. For your convenience, helpful links and resources are posted on this page as well.

SMA 2020-21 Reopening Plan

Readiness to Reopen FAQ This FAQ follows up on questions raised from our Reopening Plans, and shares our latest improvements on campus.

SMA Family Handbook: It is important for students and parents/guardians to refer to the handbook with any questions. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to reach out.

SMA Calendar : This is a good resource for upcoming events; it doesn't necessarily have all the details but it has all the big stuff.

Community Portal Everything you need as an SMA family - in one place.

PCR PCR is used for all student billing. Please note that later this fall, we will be be providing upgraded services, including 2021-22 admissions contracts, renewals/re-enrollments, and student billing, through SchoolAdmin. This will take the place of PCR and will be accessible here. Watch for more information..

Powerschool PowerSchool offers access to student schedules, report cards, and transcripts. New students and parents will receive PowerSchool account/login instructions later in the summer.

Canvas Canvas is a learning management system (LMS) that allows teachers to provide instructional support, class calendars, assignments, and resources for students in a safe online environment.

SchoolDoc SchoolDoc is our new, powerful and secure website to manage essential health-related data, along with other SMA parent authorizations that you can now complete online! It replaces PCR Forms.

High School FAQ

High School Daily Schedule

Digital Tutoring Services (we have 30 SMA High School students ready to help!)

High School Lunch Information

Naviance Naviance helps students reach their goals by developing skills critical for college, career and life.

St. Mary's Academy Prayer Requests Have any prayer requests? You can send them here confidentially and the SMA Prayer Group will pray for your intentions.

Athletics Teams & Schedules.

Athletics Calendar Includes all the games.

SMA latest news Find out the latest news.

All Girls High School Full information about High School.

High School Academics Information about the curriculum.

High School Resources All the High School resources.

Volunteer opportunities All School volunteer opportunities.

SMA Apparel SMA Online Apparel Store is Always Open!

Performing Arts

St. Mary’s Academy Important Dates 2020-21 Calendar of all school important dates

Inclement Weather Policy

Health Authority Updates: