SMA Newsletter

SMA Newsletter • February 22, 2024

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,

Re-enrollment has begun! Each family should have received an email from FACTS this week. We are very happy to see many families taking advantage of the $100 discount by registering before 2/29. This helps our school effectively and efficiently order supplies for the new school year and plan staffing wisely. (Little known fact - free shipping and discounts are offered to schools this time of year.)

Our construction is well underway following January's flood. The lounge walls are complete and cabinetry is being installed. Flooring is next. The 8th grade room walls are complete and awaiting flooring, which should begin Tuesday. The exterior sidewalk is being jack-hammered today to install a much larger drain, so that sidewalk is closed the rest of this week. Please use the front gate for SpartanCare. From 3:30pm to 6pm use the Peace Garden entrance.

Two special opportunities are coming up for our students. We are seeking 5 volunteers to read during the student-led Stations of the Cross following our Lenten Supper & PTG Presentation on Friday, March 1st. We are also seeking students and parents who would like to represent SMA at the Missions Mass at Good Shepherd Catholic school on March 12th at 10:30 am. Students are encouraged to wear their cultural dress. RSVPs need to be submitted soon. Please email me if you're interested in either of these Lenten opportunities.

We hope to have lunch with you soon! The weather has not been cooperating with us. We will announce a new date for Lunch with a Loved One soon, once the forecast looks clear and our field dries out. For now, please join us for dinner Friday, March 1st at 5 pm in the hall. The PTG will be sharing some information and we can enjoy a soup dinner together. Student-led stations will follow at 6:45 pm. See flyer at the very bottom of this newsletter.

Lenten Blessings,

Jennifer Miller, Principal

Annual Gala 4/20/24

Second Chance Prom

Save the date for a fun-filled night of live music, food, and fun all in the spirit of raising funds for SMA. Parent packets including donations, sponsorship, and Great Cash Giveaway tickets will be coming home next week!

RE-REGISTRATION 2024-2025 has begun.

SAVE $100 and help us plan ahead - REGISTER BY 2/29. Everyone should have received an email from FACTS announcing registration is open.

A separate account is needed for FACTS registration. A password and username will need to be created. PSM-CA is the district code needed to create your new account.

Registration fees:

Registration is discounted ($300 total per child) through 2/29.

Registering from 3/1 through 3/15 = $400 3/16 on = $450

If you have an incoming kindergartener or older sibling, they get first priority. Kindergarteners must be 5 years old by Sept. 1st. For first priority, students must be registered by February 29th.

New this year: Active Duty Military Discount! Inquire in school office.

A referring family receives free registration the following year as our "thank you" when referred families complete their first trimester at SMA.

FACTS GRANT AND AID: Applications are processed according to need from January 5, 2024 through March 31, 2024. Letters of acceptance are sent out in April. Click HERE to learn and apply for aid.

Mrs. Sarah Soares - Choir Director/Co-Cheer Coach

Sarah is a lifelong musician and performer with a passion for teaching. She previously performed for Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. Sarah has choreographed and been on the creative team for dozens of musical theater productions. She is mom to Wesley (Gr. 4) and Betty (Gr. 2). Welcome!

Alumni Feature:

Arielle Hernandez Padilla • Class of 2009

After SMA I went on to attend Helix High and then onto San Diego University to complete my paralegal studies courses, I graduated from the program in 2018. I currently work at a law firm in downtown that handles employment litigation as well as personal injury. Working in this field is so exciting for me and am blessed to work from home too! I am also married and we have two great kids, Maya (8) a 3rd

grader at SMA and EJ (2) an incoming preschooler! Our days are spent making amazing memories in sunny San Diego’s beautiful beaches or DIY projects around our home!

My time at SMA has stayed so close to my heart and is a huge reason that my daughter is here now! I am so thankful for the caring teachers and students I met along the way! Read about all our Alums HERE!

Save the Date!

ACADEMIC JUNIOR HIGH DECATHLON (AJHD) - MARCH 2

Cheer on SMA's Decathlon team in the St. Martin's bleacher section at St. Augustine High School! The Super Quiz is the only event open to spectators beginning at 12 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2024.