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Hello SMPS Families!
I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving! It was wonderful to take some time to decompress with my family (and catch up on a little extra sleep—ha!), but after about four days, I always find myself eager to return to school. I truly love being here each day and want to express my gratitude to you for entrusting your greatest blessings—your children—to us. It is a privilege to partner with you in their education.
That extra rest over Thanksgiving was much needed as we dive into one of the busiest and most joyful times of the year. Things are buzzing with activity here! Students are hard at work preparing for the Christmas show, our PreK classes are getting ready for their big MMO Nativity debut, teachers are diligently wrapping up report cards, and enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is officially open. If you have a child joining us in PreK or Kindergarten next year who isn’t currently enrolled, please be sure to submit their application as soon as possible.
Bishop Schuster Joins Us for Mass Tomorrow!
We are thrilled to welcome Bishop Schuster to our all-school Mass tomorrow morning! This is a special opportunity for our school community to celebrate the Eucharist together with him, and we are honored to have his presence. Please keep him in your prayers as he continues his ministry in our Archdiocese.
Advent Retreat This Weekend – Open to All Ages!
As we prepare our hearts during this holy season, I want to remind you about our Advent Retreat this weekend. This retreat is open to all ages and is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, grow in faith, and reflect on the joy of Advent. RSVP is required, so please check the details below to sign up and secure your spot. We would love to see you there!
Did You Know Tomorrow is Also the Feast of St. Nicholas?
St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop, is known for his generosity and care for others, especially children. According to tradition, he secretly shared his wealth by dropping sacks of gold coins through a family’s window so a father could provide dowries for his three daughters. Today, he is the patron saint of children.
Many families celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas by having children set out their shoes on the evening of December 5th, hoping St. Nicholas will fill them with small treats like candies, oranges, or gold (chocolate) coins. Candy canes, symbolizing St. Nicholas’ bishop’s crook, are another fun way to mark the day. We encourage you to share the story of St. Nicholas with your family and enjoy this beautiful tradition together.
As we approach Christmas, it can sometimes feel like we’re speeding downhill, with so much to do in so little time. My prayer for all of us is that we take moments to slow down, savor the season, and focus on what matters most—our faith, our families, and the joy of Christ’s coming.
As always, thank you for being such a vital part of our school community. Your faith, dedication, and partnership enrich our mission in countless ways. Let’s carry the spirit of gratitude and generosity through this Advent season as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Blessings,
Mrs. Dana Lashley
Principal
St. Michael Parish School
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