SMA Newsletter

SMA Newsletter • June 6, 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,

Our 8th graders were showered with love at their Farewell Assembly yesterday afternoon. Kindergarten gave their buddies gifts and lots of hugs and 7th grade created unique gifts that showed how well they knew their 8th grade friends, such as their favorite candy, character, and hobby. Each grade put so much love into their farewell gifts. The day ended with a traditional human tunnel in front of the school celebrating our 8th graders as they left their school for the final time.

Tomorrow is our last day of school, a minimum day with a noon dismissal. No SpartanCare or hot lunch will be offered. Students will bring home their report cards and STAR testing results, so please retrieve this envelope from your child's bag.

You are all invited to attend the Graduation Mass tomorrow, June 7th

at 3 pm to celebrate the Class of 2024. The teachers, staff, and I are

extremely proud of the Class of 2024, and we wish them much success

in high school and beyond. We hope they will come back to visit and

share all they have accomplished in life!

Our Kindergarten through 7th grade students can keep their reading and math skills in tip top shape to avoid the "summer slide". Students will continue to have access to Freckle (math and English) with the same login information they've used all year. Free online tutoring is still available throughout the summer for 4th-8th graders at tutorme.com as well.

Summer office hours are 8 am - 12 pm Monday - Thursday. The campus will be closed the entire week of the 4th of July. Students who are enrolled in summer camp should enter and exit through the 1st grade classroom.

Enjoy your time together with family and friends this summer, SMA family! Thank you for a terrific school year together!

In Peace,

Jennifer Miller, Principal

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Congratulations, Fr. Elmer Mandac, for your 28 year ordination anniversary, and Fr. Chris Bongato for your 1 year ordination anniversary! We are blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you for your partnership and support this school year. All are invited to Sean Embury's ordination this Saturday at 10 am in Poway at St. Gabriel's Parish. Sean was the seminarian assigned to our school last year. He will be assigned to Good Shepherd Parish and serve alongside Fr. Elmer beginning July 1.

A Thank you from Anne Pacheco

My Dear SMA Community,

Thank you to Jennifer Miller and the PTG who had prepared a beautiful retirement reception for me. It was a joy to see so many families, past and current staff, including Father Jim, Fr. Elmer, and Fr. Chris. I am grateful for every day at SMA even after almost 30 years. I will be retiring with my husband Mark on the same day (7/31). We are looking forward to visiting our grandchildren, traveling and volunteering where ever God leads us. I will be around to continue featuring alumni and helping with the garden and of course you will see us on Sundays. I will miss this school SO much and all of you. Please keep us in your prayers. I will keep all of you in my prayers, too.

The La Mesa City Council gave Anne a Proclamation for 30 years of service and as co-founder of La Mesa Fair Trade, meeting the criteria for Fair Trade Town and School, Board Member of the Diocesan Global Solidarity Commission, Interfaith Council of La Mesa and CRS Ethical Trade Ambassador. Pictured: Retired principals, Toni Dimuzio, and Nancy Ryan (co-founder La Mesa Fair Trade), Anne & Mark Pacheco.

Enrollment Still Open for Grades 1-3 and 5-8

We are currently accepting applications for the 2024/2025 school year.

Required for Application Process:
Completed Student Application
Copy of last 2 report cards
Copy of previous standardized test scores (if applicable)
Birth Certificate
Immunization Record
Letter of readiness for kindergarten from preschool (if applicable)
Application fee of $35.00

APPLY HERE

Don't want to apply, but want more information? INQUIRE HERE

PTG 2024-2025 & Upcoming Events

Sincerest thanks to our amazing PTG volunteers! Election results are in for next year's Executive Officers:

President: Katie Scheie (returning)

Vice President: Erin McCarthy

Treasurer: Nelson Chase

Secretary: Amy Reh

Thank you for giving your time and talents! Planning has already begun for the Fall Festival on 10/25/24 and the Spring Gala Luau 3/22/25. Save the dates!

Lost & Found

Please pick up all lost and found items by June 14th.

Everything not picked up will be donated.

Alumni Update

I attended St Martin of Tours Academy from kindergarten through eighth grade and graduated with the class of 2005. I have many memories of my time here from the Walkathon to the many field trips and sixth grade at Astro Camp. I also attended St. Martin Academy with my sister Jennifer who was in the graduating class of 2000.

After graduation, I attended Helix Charter High School where I swam on the varsity swim team all four years. While in high school I got a job with the City of La Mesa as a lifeguard.

After high school I attended Grossmont College before transferring to Miramar College to work on my EMT license and fire science degree, graduating in 2016 while still working as a lifeguard for the city of La Mesa. READ MORE HERE!