Friday Flash
Friday, October 16, 2026
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Friday, October 16, 2026
NJHS Boo Bag Sales End
Monday, October 19, 2026
St. Ignatius Book Fair Begins
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Choir Bake Sale
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Living Rosary 2:15pm
PTG Candy Drive for Trunk or Treat Begins
Choir Bake Sale
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Choir Bake Sale
Friday, October 23, 2026
Protecting God's Children Lessons
Monday, October 26, 2026
NO School
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Chick-fil-A Day!
First Responders Day
PTG Candy Drive for Trunk or Treat Ends
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The students aren’t the only ones learning at SMS!
While our students enjoyed a long weekend and a shortened school week, our teachers were still hard at work!
Their Teacher Work Day this week was all about discovering new ideas, building connections, collaborating with colleagues, and sharing knowledge. All to continue growing as educators and bringing fresh ideas back to our classrooms.
We’re so grateful for our dedicated teachers who never stop learning, growing, and finding new ways to help our Eagles soar!
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! Friendly Reminder !
To ensure you do not miss any important updates in this week’s Friday Flash, be sure to click the
"View Entire Message" link at the bottom left of your screen.
You’ll know you’ve reached the end when you see "Connect with Us!" along with links to our Facebook, Instagram, and Email.
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! After School Care Reminder !
We'd like to kindly remind all families that after-school care ends promptly at 5:30PM, and children should be picked up no later than this time.
Many of our after-school care staff are also full-time teachers who begin their day early and have full schedules. They dedicate their time and energy throughout the day to support our students, and your punctuality helps them get home in a timely manner to rest and recharge.
We understand that delays can occasionally happen, but consistent late pick-ups are becoming a challenge. To ensure a respectful and sustainable working environment for our staff, we ask for your cooperation in adhering to the 5:30PM pick up time.
Thank you for your understanding and support!
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Flu Shot = Dress Down
The clinic will be providing dress-down passes to students who have received a flu shot.
Please email documentation of administration to the clinic or bring a physical copy of the documentation to the clinic.
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ODU Science Day
Old Dominion University would like to invite you and your 1st-12th-grade young science investigators to participate in our 6th annual 'ODU Science Day' (aka Reign in Science) to be held Saturday, October 24th from 10am - 1pm.
Registration is now open and required to attend the event. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend; all participants must have an adult present with them.
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Ignatius Book Fair
Our school will be hosting an Ignatius Book Fair!
Date(s): October 19-23
Time: Open before school from 7:30-8:00 am, during library classes, & after school from 3:30-5:00 pm
Location: St. Matthew's Library
The book fair is a special opportunity to expand your family library while also helping us earn new books for our classrooms and library. Every purchase benefits our school!
We’d love to see you at the fair, but if you can’t attend, you can still participate and shop online.
How to Shop Online for Our Book Fair
- Sign in to the Ignatius Book Fairs Online Store at
https://store.ignatiusbookfairs.com?signup=true&schoolId=id
- Enter your child’s name.
- Select your child’s classroom.
- Confirm and add additional children/classrooms as needed.
- When finished, click “Get Started” to explore the wonderful book selections!
Thank you for your support—we look forward to seeing you at the fair!
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Volunteer Opportunities
Looking to check off some of your 2026-2027 SMS Volunteer Hours?
We have some wonderful opportunities for you!
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We are currently seeking volunteers to help support an upcoming event hosted by an organization that generously provides St. Matthew’s Catholic School with a $20,000 grant. This is a meaningful opportunity for our school community to show our gratitude by giving back, supporting their event, and helping make it a success.
**Please note that this volunteer opportunity requires standing for the duration of the event, as well as some lifting, so please keep these physical requirements in mind when signing up.
All time worked at this event may be counted toward your St. Matthew’s volunteer hours.
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We are also looking for volunteers to help make this year’s 'Scottish Christmas' Holiday Auction & Gala a success! From event setup and assisting with various tasks throughout the evening to helping clean up at the end of the night and assisting with package pickup the following day, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.
We truly can’t do it without you! Your time, energy, and support make these events possible and help strengthen the St. Matthew’s community. Thank you for volunteering and for helping us support the organizations that so generously support our school.
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The Catholic Diocese of Richmond is currently seeking qualified candidates for several employment opportunities across the Diocese:
Pastoral Center is seeking a Building Maintenance Technician to work Monday - Friday, from 1pm - 9pm.
View the Job Posting and Apply
Pastoral Center is seeking an Administrative Assistant to support the Office of Evangelization.
View the Job Posting and Apply
For questions about any of these positions, please contact Kelly Shumate, HR Generalist/Recruiter.
Please share these opportunities with anyone who may be interested in serving the Catholic Diocese of Richmond through one of these positions.
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Welcome, Military Families!
Thank you for your service! If your family has a military connection, please take a moment to complete the Military Family Google Form. Completing the form helps us recognize your family's military connection and allows us to better support and connect with our SMS military families.
We are excited to announce the return of Military Lunches, back by popular demand! These special small-group lunches will give students from military families an opportunity to connect with other students who share similar experiences while enjoying lunch with our School Counselor, Mrs. Johnson. We ask all SMS military families to complete the form, even if your student is not interested in participating in the Military Lunches. There is an option on the form to indicate that your student does not wish to attend. The deadline to register is November 2nd.
Military Lunches are expected to begin in mid-November.
| From the Development Team... | | | | |
Almost Completely Sold Out!!
Step into the spirit of the season at St. Matthew’s Scottish Christmas Holiday Auction & Gala on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Join us for an enchanting adults-only evening inspired by the elegance and charm of a grand Scottish castle, where festive décor, delicious food, fellowship, and an exciting holiday auction come together to create a truly unforgettable celebration.
Tickets are going quickly, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this special evening!
Coming with a group? Gather your favorite people and reserve a table for 10 to experience the magic of Scottish Christmas together. Reserve your tickets or table today and join us for an unforgettable adults-only evening!
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Make your evening at the 'Scottish Christmas' Holiday Auction & Gala extra special with a VIP Table for Eight! Designed for an unforgettable adults-only evening, your VIP experience includes seated dinner service, VIP check-in and check-out, five bottles of upgraded wine served at your table, and exclusive VIP appetizers and desserts.
Only 4 VIP Tables Remaining!
Gather your favorite guests, dress for the occasion, and reserve your VIP Table for Eight before they’re gone.
Once these tables are sold, there will be no more VIP seating available.
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Pour Into Something Special
Become this year's Wine Pull Sponsor for $1,500 and raise a glass to supporting Catholic education!
Your sponsorship includes four (4) tickets to the event on November 14th, your company name and logo on the wine pull bags, a 2'x4' banner displayed in the gymnasium through March 2027, a business card sized as in the Auction Catalog, plus company recognition across auction marketing and social media.
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Auction Class Packages: The Gala That Gives Back
Every donation creates opportunities. Every bid builds our future.
If you're new to St. Matthew's, welcome!
One of the highlights of our annual Holiday Auction & Gala is our Class Packages.
Each class, from Preschool through 8th Grade, works together to create a themed auction package using donated items, gift cards, experiences, services, and monetary contributions from our school families and community partners. These one-of-a-kind packages are auctioned during the Gala, with all proceeds directly benefiting our students, teachers, and school community.
Last year, our Class Packages raised an incredible $33,100.
Imagine what we can accomplish together this year!
Whether you donate an item, gift card, experience, service, or make a monetary contribution toward your child's class package, every gift helps create an exciting package and makes a meaningful impact.
Thank you for helping us make this year's Gala another incredible success!
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We invite you to create a dish, baked good, or other favorite recipe from your family’s kitchen to contribute to our Treasures of the Kitchen auction. Along with your delicious creation, please email Ms. Lessard a short write-up sharing the family history, story, or special memories behind the recipe.
Your story will be shared with our guests on auction night, giving them a glimpse into the traditions and memories that make each family recipe unique.
Share a taste of your family tradition and help us create something truly special for Scottish Christmas!
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Support St. Matthew’s Catholic School by participating in our Auction Cash Raffle, generously sponsored by Boba Chef (The Macasaet Family)! Tickets are $5 each or $25 per book of five for a chance to win
First Prize: $1,000, Second Prize: $500!
Sell a full book for a chance to win two tickets to our Scottish Christmas Holiday Auction & Gala, and help your child’s class win a special treat!
Return ticket stubs and payment by November 2 to qualify for the drawing. All sold and unsold tickets and money are due by November 13.
**More tickets available in the Main Office or with Development**
| | From the National Junior Honor Society... | | |
Mass Days (Tuesdays) are Food Pantry Donation Days!
NJHS and SCA are teaming up to encourage our SMS families to bring in a food pantry donation on Tuesdays (Mass Days), as used to be our tradition. SCA reps will share with their classes the items that they are tagged with bringing (list is also attached). NJHS students will be stationed in the commons before Mass to collect the items as the students bring them over to the church on their way to Mass. They will also collect donations from the Preschool building. Your monthly donations will have a huge positive impact on filling the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, enabling them to feed the hungry in our community.
Thank you.
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Today is the Last Day to Order Boo Bags!!
Celebrate Halloween with spooky treats! Boo Bags are on sale for $2.00 each. Purchase from October 6th to October 16th using the order form below. Delivery on October 30th.
All proceeds go to the National Junior Honor Society.
Thank you for your contribution, and Happy Halloween!
| | From the Athletics Department... | | |
Basketball and Cheer Registrations are now open!
Basketball is available for grades 3rd through 8th, and cheer registration is available for 1st through 8th grade.
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Looking to Earn Some Volunteer Hours this Volleyball Season?
We’d love your help! Sign up below to volunteer during our volleyball games. There are several ways to get involved, including stocking concessions, staffing concessions, working the gate, and running the scoreboard.
It’s a great way to earn volunteer hours while supporting our SMS athletes and enjoying some exciting volleyball!
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SMS Team Stores
Would you like to purchase SMS Volleyball, Soccer, or Cross Country apparel?
Now is the perfect time to gear up and show your Eagle pride!
Whether you're cheering from the sidelines or supporting your favorite SMS athlete, we've got you covered!
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The Middle School Choir Bake Sale will be held during all lunches from Tuesday, October 20th through Thursday, October 22nd to help raise money for our Choir Trip this spring.
THANK YOU to those parent/grandparent volunteers who have reached out to help with the choir bake sale during those days!
We are in need of donations:
Donations like small red Nacho Cheese Doritos bags, donuts, brownies, cookies, Rice Krispies treats, and cupcakes are fine.
We are also looking for forks, spoons, napkins, and Styrofoam bowls.
Please send your items to Mrs. Gregorio in the music room starting the week of October 13st with your student's name, homeroom, and a list of allergies/ingredients (tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, milk, etc).
Please have each serving portion individually wrapped in a sandwich/snack bag.
Please label items with the student's name and homeroom.
A Dress Down Pass/extra credit will be awarded to the music grade of any student who brings in a baked good (or packaged good) to our bake sale.
Pricing:
Donuts, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and other wonderful treats will be available for $1 each!
Lumpia will be available for $1
Pancit will be available for $3
We will be featuring the following Daily Specials:
Tuesday, October 20th
Chocolate Strawberries $3
Meat on a Stick $3
Pancakes with choice of syrup, Nutella, or sliced fruit (Strawberry, Banana) $4
Wednesday, October 21st
Meat on a Stick $3
Doritos Tacos $4 (Tomatoes, Lettuce, Sour Cream, Taco Sauce on the side)
Empanadas $3
Spam Masubi $3
Chicken Adobo with Rice $4
Thursday, October 22nd
Meat on a Stick $3
Spam Masubi $3
Chicken Adobo with Rice $4
For safety reasons, we will have all items individually wrapped in sandwich bags or in closed containers.
We ask that students bring EXACT CHANGE in a plastic bag each day, as we will not provide change in order to keep minimal hand contact.
Bring your appetite, bring your money....and see you there!
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Candy Drive Dress Down & Donut Day
October 21st - October 28th
Feed the candy monster with donations of bagged candy and help put the "treat" in "Trunk or Treat"!
The classroom that donates the most candy will receive a Dress Down & Donut Day (ice cream passes for preschool)!
Write your student's name and homeroom number on your candy donation and drop it in the candy monster collection bin in front of the main office.
Trunk or Treat
Friday, October 30, 2026 6pm - 8pm
October 21st kicks off candy donations for Trunk or Treat! The candy monster will be located outside of the main office through October 28th.
There are plenty of spots still available for hosting a trunk! Come show us your creativity and join in the running for some great prizes!
October 30th is our annual Trunk or Treat and Chili Cook-off! This year we will have a DJ, games, prizes, chili tasting, food trucks, and of course TRICK OR TREATING around the SMS parking lot!
Have you heard that the winner of the Chili Cook-off will be awarded the highly sought-after Golden Spoon? Do you have the best chili recipe? Come on out and show us what you've got!
Visit the PTG Hub to sign up to participate or volunteer for this year's event!
*Admission is free*
*Chili tasting costs $5, paid on site*
*Food trucks are available at a separate cost*
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Add the PTG Calendar to your own!
Simply click the button above, scroll to the bottom of the page, locate the calendar in the right-hand corner, and click the (+) sign to add it to your personal calendar.
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Your one-stop shop for all things PTG!
Event & Volunteer sign-ups, PTG Square site for purchases, Link to the PTG Facebook page, and the Volunteer Hour Submission form
| Reach out to the PTG at any time! | | From the Business Office... | | |
LOG YOUR 2026-2027 VOLUNTEER HOURS HERE
Not sure how to access your FACTS Family Portal? Please follow these STEPS.
For more information from FACTS regarding how to pay incidental charges, including how to enroll in AutoPay, please click HERE.
If you would prefer to view your FACTS Family Portal and Financial Information in Spanish, log in to your account and click on your initials in the upper right corner. Select "User Options" and choose "Español" from the Language Drop-Down box. Then click Close.
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