SMA Newsletter

SMA Newsletter • December 14, 2023

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,

We are so excited for tonight's annual Advent program tradition! Mr. G., Mrs. Covey, Ms. Hilgeman have worked diligently with our staff and students to bring you a heartfelt program. Classrooms open at 5:30 pm to receive all students. Students in 8th grade will report to the church. Please join us for cookies and a goodie bag in the gathering plaza following the program.

When we return from our Christmas break on January 4, we will welcome two new people to our staff. Mrs. Makenzy Yeats, P.E. teacher, and Dr. James Pulido, 6-8 science teacher and 7 homeroom. Both are highly devoted to Catholic education and are excited to share their knowledge, gifts, and talents with our students. We are truly blessed to welcome them to our team. Please read their condensed bios below. We are sad to say good-bye to Mrs. Raven Broughton. She and her family are moving to Kansas over the holidays. It was an unexpected move. Please keep their family in your prayers.

Reminder: Spartan Care will be closed in the afternoon of 12/15, tomorrow, our last day of school before break. Tomorrow is Christmas sweater day. Students may wear their favorite Christmas sweater or ugly Christmas sweater (jeans ok!).

May the blessings of Christmas be found in each of our lives throughout the year:

Joy, in the simple things in life,

Peace, no matter the situation in which we find ourselves,

Mercy, for those in need,

and Love, of God, family, and friends.

Christmas Blessings,

Jennifer Miller

Principal

Tickets are required to enter the church due to limited seating and fire code. Please be sure to bring them with you.

Side doors open at 5:15pm

North Side - last names (A-L)

South Side - last names

(M-Z)

The back doors of the church will be closed.

Drop off children at the classrooms beginning at 5:30pm.

Welcome Makenzy Yeats - P.E. Teacher

My name is Mrs. Makenzy Yeats and I am excited to be teaching Physical Education K-8. I am looking forward to getting to know your children and encouraging them to have an appreciation and love of athletics. I intend to provide a consistent and engaging program for our children. I have coached cheer leading and soccer for many years and served on the Lakeside Youth Football and Cheer Board. I absolutely love youth athletics, working with children, and building team spirit. I am also a parent at the academy. I have five children - three of which attend SMA. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, attending all their sporting events, I love the beach and my dogs. I am thrilled to join the SMA teaching staff and getting to know our SMA families. I hope to see you at the coffee truck tomorrow morning.

Welcome Dr. James Pulido -Jr. High Science & Jr. High Homeroom Teacher

My name is Dr. Jim Pulido. I'm excited to guide SMA's junior high students through the exciting subject of science in the way that each student learns best. I retired from the Chula Vista Elementary School District after 30 years of service in general, bilingual, and special education. My wife is a kindergarten teacher and I have two sons. I have found that retirement is not for me because of my vast enjoyment of teaching and working with others.

I attended Our Lady of Angels for grammar school, Saint Augustine for high school, and I graduated from San Diego State University. I enjoy learning to play the piano and violin as well as learning Italian. I was born and raised in San Diego. My mother immigrated from Mexico and my father from Cuba. My first language is Spanish. I love all pets. I look forward to meeting you all tomorrow.

All families are invited to join Mrs. Miller and meet Mrs. Yeats and Dr. Pulido tomorrow in the parking lot from 7:30-8:30am for Hot Bev's coffee, latte or pastry. 15% of proceeds will be donated back to SMA!

Thank you!

Thank you, SMA room parents and parents who donated cookies for the Advent program reception!

Children helping Children

Thank you for the donations to the Missionary Childhood Association during Advent. It is not too late to turn in the boxes. A summary of donations will be in our next newsletter.