Mustang Messenger 2/26/26

As we journey through the Lenten season, we are reminded that this is a time of intentional living—a season that calls us to pause, reflect, and recommit ourselves to doing all things with purpose. Lent invites us to examine not only what we do, but how and why we do it.

At Academy of St. Matthias, intentionality shows up in many ways: in how we begin our day grounded in prayer, in how we support our students’ growth, in how we care for our shared spaces, and in how we work together as a community rooted in faith and excellence. Each thoughtful action—when done with care—strengthens the whole.

Thank you for the many ways you continue to walk alongside us and for your partnership as we guide our students academically, spiritually, and morally.

With gratitude,

Dr. Coretta Streat
Principal

February 26 & 27, 2026
• Black History Month Gallery Walk (Families Welcome)

February 27, 2026
• ADW Tuition Assistance Application Deadline

March 6 & March 9, 2026
• No School – Teacher Professional Development Days

A Catholic education is a blessing—one that forms the mind, heart, and spirit of each child entrusted to our care. We recognize and deeply appreciate the sacrifice families make to choose Catholic education.

Families are strongly encouraged to apply for tuition assistance, even if you are unsure whether you will qualify. It truly never hurts to apply, and many families are surprised to learn they are eligible for support.

📌 Tuition Assistance Application Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026

Catholic education is a shared commitment between families and the school. Tuition supports the daily operation of Academy of St. Matthias, including instruction, student services, and the dedicated faculty and staff who serve your children each day.

If your account is past due or you are experiencing difficulty, we encourage you to contact the Main Office so we can discuss a plan moving forward. Open communication allows us to work together proactively and in a spirit of partnership.

As Black History Month comes to a close this week, our students brought their learning to life through a powerful gallery walk experience that transformed our hallways into living classrooms.

Throughout the building, students explored Black history through the decades, engaging with displays created by each grade level. What made this experience especially meaningful was that students did not simply view the work—they became docents, confidently sharing their knowledge, explaining historical significance, and guiding their peers through the exhibits.

During the gallery walk, students presented their assigned decade, answered questions from classmates, and took pride in teaching others what they had learned. The atmosphere was one of curiosity, respect, and celebration—students learning with and from one another.

Families are warmly invited to join us for School Mass every Friday at 10:30 AM. Your presence strengthens our faith community and supports our students as we grow together in prayer and worship.

This year, Academy of St. Matthias proudly began rebuilding its athletics program with basketball, marking an important first step in restoring student activities and school spirit. We are excited to continue that momentum by offering Flag Football and Soccer.

Rebuilding athletics is a shared effort—one that depends on student interest, family participation, and community support.

👉 Families interested in registering their child for Flag Football, Soccer or Track and Field should please contact Ms. Riley for details. Payments can now be made in person to the front office.

Let’s keep the momentum going and bring sports back to the St. Matthias together. 🐎

Our 8th graders are raising funds to support their 8th Grade Graduation through a Cupcake Fundraiser held every Friday in February.

• Cupcakes: $2 each

• Limit: 3 cupcakes per student

• When: Every Friday in February

Please consider sending your child with a few dollars on Fridays to support the Class of 2026.

At Academy of St. Matthias, our day begins with prayer and Scripture as we center ourselves in God’s Word.

School begins promptly at 8:00 AM.
Students arriving after 8:05 AM are considered late and miss our communal time of worship, which is central to who we are as a Catholic school community.

We ask families to make every effort to arrive before 8:00 AM, ensuring students begin each day grounded in faith and ready to learn.

We understand that taking time off from work during school hours is not always possible. There are flexible ways to support Academy of St. Matthias between now and June 1.

Families may assist with cafeteria care anytime between 1:00–2:30 PM, including:

• Wiping down tables

• Light cleaning and organizing

This flexible window allows families to volunteer for part or all of the time frame.

Families may earn volunteer hours by donating needed classroom or school supplies, such as:

• Kleenex, paper towels

• Hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes

• Copy paper, pencils, and classroom essentials

Volunteer hours are credited at $20 donated = 1 volunteer hour.

Submitting Donations:
Receipts should be placed in an envelope and submitted to the Main Office. Please include:

• Parent name

• Child’s name

• Child’s grade

A Donation-in-Kind Volunteer Hours label will be introduced soon to streamline this process.

Thank you to all families who support St. Matthias through volunteer service.

Please remember:

• Required volunteer hours must be completed

• Unfulfilled hours are assessed at $20 per hour

• Outstanding balances are added to FACTS

If you need assistance identifying volunteer opportunities, please contact the HSA.

School.stmatthias.org

Phone - 301-577-9412

Dr. Streat - principal@stmatthias.org

School Office - office@stmatthias.org

Mrs. Blackburn - mblackburn@stmathias.org

Mrs. Jimenez - jjimenez@stmatthias.org

Mr. Loughner - gloughner@stmatthias.org