Mustang Messenger 3/5/26

As we continue through the season of Lent, our school community is reminded that this is a sacred time for reflection, prayer, and renewal. Lent invites us to slow down and consider how we are growing spiritually and how our daily actions reflect our faith. For our students, this season becomes an opportunity to practice patience, kindness, responsibility, and service—values that shape both character and faith.

During these weeks, students are participating in the Stations of the Cross, walking prayerfully through Christ’s journey to Calvary. These moments of reflection help our students better understand the sacrifice of Jesus and encourage them to think about how they can live with greater compassion and humility in their own lives.

March is also a special time in our school as we celebrate Women’s History Month and National Reading Month. Our students are learning about the impact women have had in shaping history, leadership, and service. At the same time, we continue encouraging a love for reading, which strengthens learning across every subject.

Families are encouraged to support reading at home this month and to explore resources within our community. One wonderful way to do this is by visiting your local library. Many libraries host family-friendly events, reading programs, and student activities during National Reading Month. If your child does not yet have a library card, this is a great time to sign up and discover the many learning opportunities available.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for the many ways you support the mission of the Academy of St. Matthias. Together we are forming students who are strong in faith, committed to learning, and prepared to lead with integrity.

With gratitude,
Dr. Coretta N. Streat
Principal

March 6, 2026

• No School – Teacher Professional Development Day

March 9, 2026

• No School – Teacher Professional Development Day
• Boost Application OPENS

Reading helps students build imagination, vocabulary, and confidence in learning. Families can support reading at home by:

• Setting aside 15–20 minutes each evening for reading
• Asking students to share what they learned from their books
• Visiting your local library for reading events and programs
• Encouraging students to obtain their own library card

Libraries offer many wonderful opportunities for students to explore new topics, discover new books, and participate in community learning activities.

We are excited to continue rebuilding athletics at the Academy of St. Matthias. This year marked the return of basketball, and we are working to expand opportunities for students to participate in sports that promote teamwork, discipline, and school spirit.

We are exploring opportunities to offer:

• Flag Football
• Soccer
• Track & Field

Families interested in learning more about athletics or registering their child should contact:

Ms. Riley
📧 lriley@stmatthias.org

Athletics play an important role in strengthening community, leadership, and Mustang pride. We look forward to growing these programs with the support of our families.

Catholic education is a shared commitment between families and the school. Tuition supports the daily operation of the 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 financial 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.

We are excited to announce that the BOOST Scholarship applications open Monday March 9. We encourage all families to apply for this program. Information and the application can be found at the links below.

During the Lenten season, students are participating in the Stations of the Cross, reflecting on the final moments of Christ’s journey to Calvary. This meaningful tradition helps students deepen their understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and reminds us of the importance of faith, perseverance, and compassion.

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

Our Class of 2026 continues working toward their graduation celebrations. This month, the 8th Grade Students will be selling donuts for $2.00.

Thank you to families who continue supporting our 8th grade students as they prepare for this important milestone.

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