Welcome Back, Students and Families! It has been a great week! Please expect to receive this weekly update every Thursday.

In this issue: 
From the Principal's Desk Mrs. Maxwell reflects on the week and goal-setting tips for the school year.

Mrs. Maxwell announced on BNN that, although it is not the first Friday of the month, it is the first Friday of the school year so students can wear Spirit Wear from the waist up tomorrow! Don't have Spirit Wear yet? Check out the online store.

Save the Date: Top 20 Training for parents and students!

Extracurricular activities are starting soon! Information on Chess and Spanish is included below.

New volunteer opportunities are available. Plus, if you are a new volunteer, don't forget to register for an upcoming VIRTUS session. There are still openings for the session this Sunday in Archangels Hall!


Finally, we wanted to  make you aware of a few events in the area.
laurieFrom The Principal's Desk

Dear School Families,

Welcome back to school!  The start of a new school year is an exciting time.  It opens up many opportunities for you and for your children.  Maybe this year your child will discover a new talent or interest.  Your child's social skills will expand and, with that, friendships will grow and change. Each child will grow spiritually and explore new ways to pray and relate to our Lord. Maybe your child will find a new favorite subject or create a piece of artwork that they will cherish.  This is the time for a fresh start, and you can help your child achieve great things by setting the stage and encouraging a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

This week teachers are learning your child's strengths, personalities, likes and dislikes.  I encourage you to share with your teachers what you would like them to know about your child.  Continue to explore your child's strengths and set high expectations for the school year. Discuss your child's strengths with him or her and set academic, social, and spiritual goals for the year.  Let your teacher know the family goals you have for your child so together you can work on achieving them.

Make sure that you have a plan for your child to achieve their goals.  Ask yourself and your child these questions:  What is needed to support your child(ren) as they work towards their goals? Brainstorm baby steps he or she can take towards their goals.  Make sure that you use your teacher as a primary resource for achieving your family goals for this school year.

It is important to establish routines at home.  Help your child succeed this school year by establishing a daily homework schedule and a consistent bedtime.  Be sure to stay involved by communicating with teachers, checking grades, and asking your child about their school day experiences.

Let's all remember to encourage and support all of our children at St. Michael while holding them accountable.  Together we can enjoy a successful school year.

Wishing you and your child a blessed school year,

Mrs. Maxwell, Principal

spiritwearSpirit Wear!

The Spirit Wear store is online and open until September 13. Click here to view items and place your order.
top20SAVE THE DATE: TOP 20 TRAINING
Tuesday, October 4
6:30 - 8:30
St. Michael Catholic School

Parents of all students and children in grades 5th - 8th are invited to join teachers and staff for TOP 20 Training.

Guiding Our Children through Life's Challenges:
Becoming the Best Version of Ourselves
 
The purpose of St. Michael's School is the human development of our students, families, faculty and staff. Paul Bernabei's presentation on October 4  will provide practical ways of fulfilling this purpose by answering seven questions:
 
1. How can we bring positive energy to every situation life sends our way?
2. How can we think in ways that benefit others and ourselves?
3. How can we eliminate negativity?
4. How can we help our students learn from mistakes?
5. How can we celebrate confusion?
6. How can we help our children know how they have intelligence?
7. How can we make things better after we have said or done something we wish we hadn't said or done?
extracurricularExtracurricular News

Chess Update: Chess is moving to Thursdays! Registration forms are being sent home with your children and can also be found here.

Spanish Registration Continues! Online registration can be found at www.futuraadventures.com.
volunteerVolunteer at St. Mike's

The current active sign-ups are:
ATTENTION NEW VOLUNTEERS: VIRTUS class is  REQUIRED for all volunteers working with children, youth, and vulnerable adults.

In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth, the Archdiocese of Minneapolis and St. Paul  requires  training sessions for all adult volunteers having regular and/or unsupervised contact with children and youth.  The program specifically addresses how the entire parish and school communities can protect all of God's children from sexual abuse.

A FREE VIRTUS training is being offered at St. Michael Catholic Church on Sunday September 11 from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. in ARCHANGELS HALL.   Please register ahead at www.virtus.org Call Tammie at 952-447-2491 if you need assistance.
calendarUpcoming Events at St. Mike's

Friday, September 9
Marathon Kick-off
Wednesday, September 14 8:00 a.m. First School Mass
Tuesday, September 20 6:00 p.m. Curriculum Night (Grades 1-4)
Thursday, September 22
4th - 8th grade attends Mass of the Holy Spirit at CHS Field in St. Paul.
Thursday, September 22 6:00 p.m. Curriculum Night (Grades 5-6)
Thursday, September 22 6:30 p.m. Curriculum Night (Grades 7-8)
Thursday, September 29 8:00 a.m. School Mass (St. Michael Feast Day)
Friday, September 30
School Pictures

You can view the entire school year calendar here.
othereventsOther Happenings in the Area

Fall Community Fest: Visit our booth and explore other nonprofit and business in Prior Lake and Savage Monday, September 19 from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Prior Lake High School. Fun for the whole family!

Academy of Holy Angels Dance Team Mini-Clinic (for grades K - 8): Come spend time with the acclaimed Academy of Holy Angels Starliners! Click here for the Registration Form.

Aim Higher Foundation: Tickets are available for the 4th Annual Night of Light Celebration on September 24 at The Depot Minneapolis. 

The Aim Higher Foundation  is an independently operated, non-profit organization committed exclusively to the betterment of children through Catholic schools in the greater twin cities metro area through focused giving in tuition assistance, grants supporting excellence in teaching and administration, and grants to schools for innovative programming. Click here for more information.

STAY CONNECTED: