The Mercy of Jesus
Following the Resurrection of Jesus and His visits to His Apostles, the followers of Jesus leave the upper room and mix with the people. The words and actions of the Apostles continued to gather the attention of those who were in need, the wounded, and the sick. They hoped that even if the shadow of Peter would fall on them they would be healed. Soon people were coming in from the outskirts of the city. The Apostles were fulfilling the vocation given to them by Jesus. Jesus asked Thomas to look past his doubts, inviting Thomas to touch his wounds.
Pope Francis notes that:
The wounds of Jesus are a scandal, a stumbling block for faith, yet they are also the test of faith. That is why on the body of the risen Christ the wounds never pass away: they remain, for those wounds are the enduring sign of God’s love for us. They are essential for believing in God. Not for believing that God exists, but for believing that God is love, mercy, and faithfulness. Saint Peter, quoting Isaiah, writes to Christians: “by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). (Homily, Divine Mercy Sunday, 27 April 2014)
The Apostles discover the presence of Christ in the wounds of the world. The idea that people would look for healing in the shadow of Peter may seem rather fantastical. But the image is important for us to consider: What is the nature of the shadow that we as Christians project on the world today? Is it the shadow of an insensitive institution that is more concerned with its own “important” place in the world than with the needs of the world? Or is it the shadow of compassion, mercy, and forgiveness that brings hope to a world so desperately in need of healing?
Pope Francis
“The Spirit of the Risen Christ drove out fear from the Apostles’ hearts and impelled them to leave the Upper [Room] in order to spread the Gospel. Let us too have greater courage in witnessing to our faith in the Risen Christ!”
(Regina Caeli, Divine Mercy Sunday, 7 April 2013) Prayer
Lord, help us find the courage to leave our “upper rooms” so we may cast the shadow of your love and mercy.
© Copyright 2016 Loyola Press. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.
Mary our Patron and Mother of us all. Pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
April 14 SMCMS Prayer Service 9:37 a.m. 14 Power Hour 21 SMCMS Liturgy in FAEC 9:37 a.m. 21 Power Hour 22 No School- Staff Development 28 SMCMS Prayer Service 9:37 a.m. 28 Power Hour 29 6th Grade Retreat May 5 SMCMS Liturgy in FAEC 9:37 a.m. 5 Power Hour 10 Band/Choir Concert 12 SMCMS Prayer Service 9:37 a.m. 12 Power Hour 13 No School – Staff Development 19 SMCMS Liturgy in FAEC 9:37 a.m. 19 Power Hour 25 Battle of the Books 26 8th Grade Retreat 26 Power Hour
27 SMCMS Prayer Service 9:37 a.m.
School News
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MAP Testing
Spring MAP® testing is scheduled to take place April 11-April 29. We’ve made a slight change in the schedule with 7th grade math. Please see the schedule
below.
April 12th – 6th Language Usage
April 13th – 7th Language Usage
April 15th– 8th Language Usage
April 18th – 7th Reading April 19th– 6th Math April 20th – 8th Reading April 25th– 6th Reading April 26th – 7th Math April 27th– 8th Math
In order for your children to perform their best on the days of their tests, it’s important that they have a good breakfast before they come to school. If you have any questions about MAP®, please email Mr. Zuleger. *********************************************
2016-2017 Course Selection sheets
An email was sent out over Easter break informing you about the 2016-17 SMCMS course selections. If you
have not handed them in yet, please do so as soon as possible. Final decisions for placements will be based on spring MAP scores, grades, and teacher
recommendations. Parents will be notified if there is a difference from your selection. Attached are copies of these selection sheets.
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Scrip News
It's the spring plant sale! Everyone loves new plants in the springtime! Purchase your plants with Scrip and get an amazing percentage of your purchase price credited to your family's tuition--25% from Koehne's and The Plant Station, and 30% from Memorial Florist!
Order before April 25 to receive your deeply discounted Scrip on May 5. Visit the Scrip website to make your purchase!
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6
th&
7
thGrade Retreat
On Friday, April 29th, our sixth graders will go on their
spring retreat, and the following Friday, May 6th our
seventh graders will do so. Teachers and students will travel to St. Paul’s in Combined Locks for a day of reflection and spiritual growth. The sixth grade focus will be on being peacemakers. As students grow in maturity and learn to advocate for themselves,
empowering them to handle their own conflicts can be a very important life skill. To do so as a peacemaker and with the influence of God’s great commandment (to love one another) is an important piece for growing in faith. The theme for 7th grade is Self-Esteem. Middle school
years (and 7th grade in particular) can be a time of
change and full of questions, which can have an impact on a student’s self-image. By bringing self-esteem into focus, we can help students recognize and appreciate their own giftedness and to celebrate one another’s differences. Please keep staff and students in prayer those days for a good and holy retreat.
Permission slips and payment for the retreats were taken care of in the beginning of the school year.
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MMITM Red Solo Cup Event Board Party
Red Solo Cup Party still has room if you would like to attend. Join us for a fun filled night of Red Solo Cup games along with heavy Appetizers and adult beverages! $25 person Date: April 15, 7 p.m. - ?
Location: John and Trudy Long’s House Hosts: Hayes, Longs, and Vosters
Please sign up in the school office if you would like to attend.
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Boxes of Kleenex and Clorox Wipes Needed
If you are willing and able, please consider donating a few boxes of Kleenex or/and container of Clorox wipes to the SMCMS office. The winter season has depleted our supply. Thank you very much!
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Zephyrfest 2016
A Black & White Ball. This year's fundraiser for St. Mary Catholic High School, which actually benefits all of our schools, is going to be a night to remember. You'll enjoy a delicious dinner and an exciting live auction, have the chance to win one of many enticing raffles and bid on numerous fabulous silent auction items, and enjoy live entertainment. All this while enjoying the company of others who believe in the value of Catholic
education.
Make your dinner reservations today by calling 920-722-7796 ext 803 or reserve your spots online!
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8th Grade to Career Fair
On Monday, April 18th the eighth grade will have the
opportunity to participate in the 10th annual Career Expo
sponsored by the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce. Over 2600 eighth graders will benefit from this year’s Expo which will include several hands-on activities and lots of career information being provided by a number of business people from our local community. In past years, this event has been a highlight of our 8th grade Career unit and gives students a chance to experience some wonderful interaction with community leaders. Please refer to the attached permission slip for further details. Please return the signed permission slip as soon as possible.
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Zephyr Fields of Dreams
SMCS is pleased to announce the Zephyr Fields of Dreams project, slated to begin soon! Among the exciting developments on the SMCS campus will be a new softball field, the creation of a football & soccer practice field and future construction of an equipment storage building with room for team gatherings. Please consider supporting the project with your online donation!
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Yearbook Order forms
Yearbook order forms were sent home last week. Order forms will be due on April 19. Each yearbook costs $22.
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SMCS Updates
Summer Sports Camps:
Online registration for the SMCS summer athletic camps is now available.
Read about the camps your child can attend this summer to maintain and improve his or her skills in a positive, challenging environment, all while having fun with friends.
Then, simply click on the registration link to complete the sign up process.
Fine Arts Clean-Up Days
Since our fine arts facilities and equipment are used by
all SMCS students, we are hoping for a good turnout for the FAEC spring cleaning and maintenance days. Please sign up to participate on one of the following dates to help keep our beautiful FAEC in great shape. *Saturday, April 30 at 9:00 a.m. - FAEC maintenance and storage installation
*Monday, May 9 at 3:30 p.m. - FAEC detail cleaning and organization
Contact Hayden Kraus for more information.
Read the SMCS Email News Update for more information on the following:
Changes/Additions to the SMCS calendar FAEC Elementary School Events in April
More Summer Activities! (HS band, MS rocketry) Janssen Forum
Zephyrfest 2016: A Black & White Ball (ticket information)
The Zephyrfest Auction Book is In! (link) Scrip News (plant sale)
SMCS Art Show Summer Sports Camps
Enrichment Update (schedule update, Claymation show, Enrichment Showcase)
Fine Arts Clean-Up Days UWO STEM Outreach
On Track's Social Media PowerPoint Host Families Needed
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Invention Project
New this year – SMCMS is offering a week-long,
half-day (morning) STEM camp, Invention Project! You will find out how inventions get real - from generating a concept to building prototypes to marketing a brand. Our business deals are simulated, but the skills, friendships and fun are all real. This Invention Project will be
offered June 20-June 24. Register today!
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Wisconsin Singers
The Wisconsin Singers are coming Sunday, April 24. The Wisconsin Singers will make their annual trek to their home base in the Fox Valley, our FAEC! Students will work with UW performers in a workshop and will open the show. We had amazing feedback from SMCHS & Middle School students in 2015. Please encourage your child to sell a minimum of 4 tickets. Attire is their class t-shirt, jeans and tennis shoes. Tickets are available in advance from www.showtix4u.com or from the middle school office. (920) 727-0279. There is a $5 charge per student for the workshop which includes their ticket to the show. Workshop-2 p.m./Performance-4 p.m. *********************************************
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Reading Club
Once again this year, SMCMS is participating in the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Reading Club. Each student has the opportunity to earn a free Timber Rattlers game ticket and a voucher for a free hot dog and soda. The game will be on Sunday, June 5 at 1:05 p.m. A flyer with more information is attached. Please encourage your child to attain their reading goals.
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Tennis Season
The tennis program will be starting Monday April 28 after school with a short
meeting for players and then heading over to the tennis court to cheer on the SMCHS Zephyrs as they play against Ripon. Wednesday April 30
will be the first day of practice and will continue on Monday/Wednesday from 3:30-5:00. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Mr. D.
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Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week
April 11-15 is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week. On Thursday, April 14, 2016, two state-wide tornado drills are
scheduled. A mock tornado watch will be issued at 1:00pm. A mock tornado warning will be issued at 1:45 pm. SMCMS will participate in this Tornado drill. A second mock tornado drill is planned for 6:55pm so families can practice severe weather plans at home. For more information, click here.
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Zephyrfest 2016 Key Club Raffle
Zephyrfest will be celebrating its 31st anniversary this
year! One of the most talked about features of Zephyrfest is the opportunity to walk away from the event with a new car. This year’s Key Club is raffling off three fabulous vehicles: 2016 Lexus RX350, a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The goal is to have all 600 key club memberships purchased before the event on May 7, 2016.
Keep in mind, there will only be 600 total Key Club memberships sold, so your chances are great, but the memberships will sell quickly. Once you have your Key Club membership purchased, all you will have to think about is which fabulous vehicle you will choose! Without question, having the chance to be a winner in the Zephyrfest car raffle is exciting! However, the true excitement is in knowing that your contribution helps support the outstanding Catholic education and quest for academic excellence for so many students within the St. Mary Catholic Schools.
Key Club raffle flyers are available in your school office, or simply go to stmarycatholicschools.org, click Zephyrfest, and print an opportunity from your
home. For more information, please contact Robin Gallucci at SMC at 920-722-7796 ext. 803.
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St. Mary Catholic Middle School
8th Grade Field Trip Permission
RE: Field Trip Permission form for _________________________________
I/We, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of above named student, request that SMCMS allow my/our student
to travel to Lake Parkzone in Menasha on Monday, April 18, 2016. Students will be gone from 9:10 to
12:00.
To Enhance 8
thgrade Career Unit, we will attend the 10
thannual Career Expo sponsored by Fox Cities Chamber of
Commerce.
I give permission for my child to receive emergency medical treatment, if needed.
I hereby release, save harmless and indemnify SMCS and SMCMS, its agents, employees and volunteers
from any and all liability for ordinary negligence causing any and all injury that my child may sustain during
participation in, or as a result of this trip.
_________________________________ ___________________
Parent or guardian signature
Date
*We will accept only this form as permission to participate.
**This permission slip & $7.50 are due in the office by Thursday, April 14, 2016.
Please return the top portion of this page.
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8th grade to Career day Date: Monday, April 18, 2016
Cost: $7.50
Transportation: Bus
Dress: SMCMS Dress Code
Optional Materials needed: None
Language Arts and Science Placement
Two science and language arts classes are offered at each level -- language arts and science 6, 7, 8 or intensive language arts and intensive science 6, 7, 8. Students may take one or both, depending on interests and motivation.
Intensive language arts and science classes are not intended to replace or guarantee placement in certain high school classes, but to offer students who have demonstrated mastery of current grade level math, language arts, and reading an opportunity to challenge themselves with more difficult material.
These classes cover the same standards as the other classes, but are condensed to allow teachers to explore relevant enrichment activities. These classes require more work outside of class, more
writing, rigorous tests, difficult reading materials, and independent research. These classes are intended for those students who show aptitude and motivation in those areas. MAP scores should generally be in the 75th percentile or above. Final decisions for placements will be based on spring MAP scores, grades, and teacher recommendations.
Students should be able to work independently in and out of class and have strong time management and organizational skills. They should possess higher level thinking and problem solving skills. They should be able to work well with others and contribute to class discussions.
Please consider your child’s activities schedule before making the decision to take an intensive class. We expect students in the classes to maintain good work habits, including adequate preparation for tests and class, which includes turning in work on time.
Math Placement
Two math classes are offered at each level – grade 6 or intensive grade 6, grade 7 or pre-algebra, grade 8 or algebra.
The objective of intensive grade 6, pre-algebra, and algebra is to introduce new material so that at successful completion of grade 8, students will be recommended to be placed in an honors geometry course as a freshmen at SMCHS. Students will have covered algebra 1 standards in middle school and will spend little time reviewing math facts. There is an understanding that students in these classes will have mastered basic math facts prior to 6th grade. MAP scores should generally be in the 75th percentile or above. Final decisions for placements will be based on spring MAP scores, grades, and teacher recommendations.
Math 6, 7, and 8 are designed for those students who might need more review of math facts as they learn math concepts. These classes will move at a slower pace than the other classes to allow for more practice.
World Language and Literacy
Students who do not take a world language in 7th and 8th grades take a literacy class. Many students who do not take a language could use more help with reading informational text, study skills, writing skills, and research skills. The literacy class will help them better understand reading material that is assigned in their science and social studies classes. They will also complete additional work on mastery of all standards relating to literacy.
Language Arts and Science Placement
Two science and language arts classes are offered at each level -- language arts and science 6, 7, 8 or intensive language arts and intensive science 6, 7, 8. Students may take one or both, depending on interests and motivation.
Intensive language arts and science classes are not intended to replace or guarantee placement in certain high school classes, but to offer students who have demonstrated mastery of current grade level math, language arts, and reading an opportunity to challenge themselves with more difficult material.
These classes cover the same standards as the other classes, but are condensed to allow teachers to explore relevant enrichment activities. These classes require more work outside of class, more
writing, rigorous tests, difficult reading materials, and independent research. These classes are intended for those students who show aptitude and motivation in those areas. MAP scores should generally be in the 75th percentile or above. Final decisions for placements will be based on spring MAP scores, grades, and teacher recommendations.
Students should be able to work independently in and out of class and have strong time management and organizational skills. They should possess higher level thinking and problem solving skills. They should be able to work well with others and contribute to class discussions.
Please consider your child’s activities schedule before making the decision to take an intensive class. We expect students in the classes to maintain good work habits, including adequate preparation for tests and class, which includes turning in work on time.
Math Placement
Two math classes are offered at each level – grade 6 or intensive grade 6, grade 7 or pre-algebra, grade 8 or algebra.
The objective of intensive grade 6, pre-algebra, and algebra is to introduce new material so that at successful completion of grade 8, students will be recommended to be placed in an honors geometry course as a freshmen at SMCHS. Students will have covered algebra 1 standards in middle school and will spend little time reviewing math facts. There is an understanding that students in these classes will have mastered basic math facts prior to 6th grade. MAP scores should generally be in the 75th percentile or above. Final decisions for placements will be based on spring MAP scores, grades, and teacher recommendations.
Math 6, 7, and 8 are designed for those students who might need more review of math facts as they learn math concepts. These classes will move at a slower pace than the other classes to allow for more practice.
World Language and Literacy
Students who do not take a world language in 7th and 8th grades take a literacy class. Many students who do not take a language could use more help with reading informational text, study skills, writing skills, and research skills. The literacy class will help them better understand reading material that is assigned in their science and social studies classes. They will also complete additional work on mastery of all standards relating to literacy.
