The Trojan Times

St. Maria Goretti is a living testament to our Lord's work in His youngest disciples, exemplified by academic excellence, spiritual formation, and compassionate service to others.

St. Maria Goretti Catholic School aims to form what is True, Good, and Beautiful in the souls of our young disciples of Christ.

Dear SMG Families,

Thank you for your generous donations to our iGiveCatholic campaign. Thank you Mrs. Richards for planning such a beautiful advent program. It was fun seeing Santa and making crafts with the kids. Giving ends on Monday. We were able to reach our $25,000 goal! Students may wear jeans, SMG spirit gear, and tennis shoes on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday! On December 19th the students will get the chance to tape me to the cafetorium wall!!

We are continuing to collect items for the reverse advent calendar. Please send any donations in with your students.

Students will be attending Mass on Monday, December 8, 2025 for the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Mass uniform is required. This Mass is at 10:00 AM. Parents are welcome to attend. We will also be attending Mass on Wednesday at our normal time.

The weather is getting cooler. We will go outside even when it is cold; the temperature and/or wind chill needs to be 32 or below before we cancel outdoor play. THANK YOU for sending your children into school with coats. Be sure that you have your child's name in their jacket in case it gets lost. Please keep in mind girls can wear WHITE tights only with their uniforms. We did not send home uniform violations or demerits this week, but we will going forward. Thank you for your partnership.

With the school year winding down, we know it is tempting to let the Christmas excitement take over. We are reminding students that all school rules and expectations are in place and will be enforced. Please help us with this at home.

Finally, please make plans to have your children picked up a noon on Friday, December 19, 2025. SMEED will not be available.

St. Maria Goretti, Pray for Us!

Blessings,

Amy Utendorf, M.Ed.

Verse provided by Mrs. Massengale

We are excited once again to honor a member of the SMG family as the SMG Volunteer of the Year!

Please use the link below to nominate someone today!

2025-2026 SMG Volunteer of the Year – Fill out form

It's that time of year again! We are gearing up for our school's wonderful tradition: The Christmas Store. This is a fun opportunity for our students to shop for their loved ones. Please signup using the links below. Wishing your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Elves & Supplies Needed!

We need Elves to assist students in shopping and wrapping gifts! Times listed are suggested...please stay as long as your schedule allows. If your schedule doesn't allow time for you to volunteer, consider donating gift wrapping supplies!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0448ADA622A5FE3-60699303-christmas

Store Items

Please consider donating any of these items to add to our store. Turn in items by Monday, December 8th. Thank you!

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1THF8R5A62DG0?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ggr-subnav-share_GHVFBTN588QQE4ES1Z7S&language=en-US

Reminders:

• All volunteers must be current in their Virtus training.
• Please submit receipts for Spirit hours. $10/ 1 spirit hour.
• Remember to sign in at the event or send your hours to Spirit@smgschool.org.

Typically, Advent calendars are filled with candy, and you open one window each day from December 1 through Christmas Day. A reverse Advent calendar works in the opposite way—each day, you donate or give an item, choosing giving over getting.

This is a wonderful way to give back during the season and will not only bless those in need in our community, but also help keep your family focused on the true meaning of Advent.

Please use the calendar below to select items to add to the Giving Tree, located in the elementary hallway.

Parents,

I am so looking forward to the Christmas break. But, before we can commence our celebrations, there are Mid-terms! You have no doubt heard your student(s) bemoaning the week of mid-terms. It can be stressful, for sure. That is why I have decided (with permission from Mrs. Utendorf) to open up the Learning Lab after school next week so your kids can have a place to study or put finishing touches on projects. Monday through Thursday I will be available from 3:45 - 4:30 in the Learning Lab. Let your child know that they just need to bring their review and any other materials for projects. This will be a time for quiet preparation.

Please reach out with any questions.

Peace, Love and Goodness,

Mrs. Parker

Learning Support Teacher

mparker@smgschool.org

SignUp Genius

The 5th–6th Grade Performing Arts Class proudly presents “The Loaned Manger,” a Wild West musical full of grit, giggles, and the true meaning of Christmas. Join us Thursday, December 19th at 8:15 a.m. with check-in beginning at 8:00 a.m. in the Front Office.

Saddle up and ride into Incarnation, the “most Christmassy town in the West,” as visitors, electric lights, and a borrowed manger set the stage for a joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus. Don’t miss this fun, faith-filled performance!

SMG students proudly earn a “Terrific Trojan” sticker when they’re spotted living out our core values of being safe, responsible, and respectful. We’re proud of their efforts and look forward to an exciting year filled with outstanding achievements.

Our Monday morning assembly began with the lighting of the first Advent candle, reminding us to remember the long, yearning hope of God’s people.

The Star of Wonder Celebration was a joyful way to share in the spirit of the Advent season. Mrs. Richards once again coordinated a beautiful presentation that allowed our students to showcase their many talents. Following the program, families enjoyed time together in fellowship while watching the lighting of the Christmas trees, visiting with Santa, creating crafts, and enjoying cookies and milk.

May you receive the gift of faith, the blessing of hope, and the peace of His love at Christmas and always.

Star of Wonder Celebration

Kindergarten and 5th grade were the winners of the Christmas tree decorating contest and earned the privilege of wearing their holiday apparel on Friday. They creatively incorporated socks and mittens into their display, which will be donated to the Padre Pio House. We love how they wove compassionate service to others into this festive activity.

A huge thank you to Avery for feeding and caring for our chickens over the Thanksgiving holiday! We’re also so grateful to the Casco Family, Gianna and Moses for helping out on weekends in October and November. Thanks for your hard work and care for our feathered friends.

Kindergarten students showed great teamwork today by helping clear hundreds of acorns from the turf during recess.

Our eighth grade students proudly showcased their History Fair projects, highlighting their hard work and historical understanding.

It was snowing in 3rd grade! Students reviewed shapes and lines of symmetry in math while creating paper snowflakes. Along the way, they also practiced the virtue of patience. Let it SNOW!

During Atrium, kindergarten and first grade students prepared for Advent with Mary.

• Mary admires our classroom Advent Wreath
• Mary reads the Bible & directs us to the story of the Annunciation
• Mary takes a nap, resting & preparing for a new baby!

PreK 4 students chose a special gift to give to Jesus for His birthday and shared it during show-and-tell.

• Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Sports Calendar

Monday

• 6:50-7:40 Cheer (Saladino/Risinger) Gym
• • Dec. 8, Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 23, March 2, 9, 23, April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11

• 7:30-7:45 Open Library Checkout (4th-8th)

• 12:14-12:56 Open Library Checkout (4th-8th)
• 12:14-12:56 STUCO (Daly) Computer Lab

• Dec. 8, Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 9, 23, March 9, 23, April 13, 27, May 11

• 3:30-4:45 Folklorico Current Members (Zavala) Cafeteria
• 3:30-4:15 PSIA 2nd-5th Math (Utendorf) Rm 110 1st/3rd Monday Begins 10/6
• 3:30-4:30: Chess Club (Tran) Rm 121 Begins 9/8

• 3:30-4:15 PSIA Ready Writing/Oral interprettion 4th-8th (Vaquez) Rm 122 Begins 9/29
• 1st & 3rd Monday - Ready Writing
• 2nd & 4th Monday - Oral Interpretation
• 3:30-4:15 PSIA Maps, Graphs and Chargs (Vasquez) Rm 122
• 2nd & 4th Monday
• 3:30-5:00 Culinary Art Club (Saladino/Sferra) Library/Cafeteria 2nd & 4th Monday
• 6:00-7:30 Robotics (Morales) 4/5 Sci. Rm. Dec. 1, 6, 8

• 7:15-7:45 PSIA Math 6th-8th (Tran) Rm. 121 1st & 3rd Tuesday Begins 10/7
• 7:15-745: SMS - St. Maria Singers (Richards) Library Begins 9/23

• 7:20-7:45 Jr. High Science Tutoring (Saladino) Rm. 109

• 12:14-12:34 Library Leaders (Richards) Library Begins 9/2
• 12:14-12:56 NJHS (Jones) Rm. 120 Begins 9/9

• 3:30-4:15 Cantoring (Freda) Church

Wednesday

• 7:00-7:45 Jr. High ELAR Tutoring (Jones) Rm. 120
• 7:15-7:45 Jr. High Math Tutoring (Tran) Rm. 121 Begins 9/10

• 7:30-7:45 Open Library Checkout (4th-8th)

• 12:14-12:56 Open Library Checkout (4th-8th)

• 3:30-4:15 PSIA Drawing (Jamison) Art Room 1st/3rd Wednesday
• 3:30-5:00 Cheer (Saladino/Risinger) - St. Maria Center 1st & 3rd Wednesday
  • Dec. 10, Jan. 7, 21, Feb. 4, 18, March 4, April 15, 29, May 6, 13

• 3:30-5:00 Culinary Art Club (Saladino/Sferra) Library/Cafeteria 2nd & 4th Wednesday

• 3:45-4:30 Run Club (Gutierrez/Sister Hoa) Begins 10/8
• Feb. 11, 25, Mar. 11, 25, April 8, 22, May 6

• 7:00-7:30 4th-8th History Tutoring (Risinger) Rm. 123
• 7:30-7:45 Open Library Checkout (4th-8th)

• 12:14-12:56 T3 - The Trojan Troupe 5th-8th (Richards) Cast Members On Call
• 3:30-4:45 The Trojan Troupe (Richards) Library/Stage Begins 9/4
• End time extended to 6PM beginning in March
• 3:30-4:15 PSIA Spelling (Daly) Comp. Lab
• 3:30-4:15 Rosary Club (Utendorf) Rm 122 Dec. 11; Jan 15, 29; Feb. 5, 19; March 5, 26; April 2, 16; May 7, 14
• 3:30-4:15 4th-8th Detention Rooms Vary
• 3:45-4:15 4th-5th Math Tutoring (Engelhardt) Rm. 116
• 3:45-4:15 4th English & Literature Tutoring (Sr. Nhiem) Rm. 117 Begins 9/11
• 3:45-4:15 4th-6th Religion Tutoring (Sr. Nhiem) Rm. 117 Begins 9/11

Friday

• 7:30-7:45 Open Library Checkout (4th-8th)

• 12:14-12:56 Open Library Checkout (4th-8th)

Dec. 8, Monday: 10:00 Mass - Holy Day of Obligation, Christmas Store Donations Due

Dec. 9-11: Christmas Store

Dec. 11, Thursday: 6th, 7th, 8th Confessions

Dec. 15-17: Jr. High Midterm Exams

Dec. 15-19: Christmas Dress Week, Dead Week - No practices, clubs, after school activities

Dec. 15, Monday: 3rd, 4th, 5th Confessions, 3:30 Folklorico Christmas Party, 6:00 Las Posadas

Dec. 16, Tuesday: 3rd Grade Field Trip

Dec. 17, Wednesday: SMS Field Trip

Dec. 18, Thursday: 9:00 Christmas Band Concert, Padre Pio Field Trip

Dec. 19, Friday: 8:15 The Loaned Manger, Jingle Jams & Christmas Showcase, 12:00 Early Dismissal, NO SMEED, Quarter 2 Ends

Dec. 22-Jan. 2: Winder Break - No School

Jan. 5, Monday: Teacher In-Service

Jan. 6, Tuesday: Students return to school, Quarter 3 Begins

Jan. 9, Friday: Deadline to submit Volunteer/Staff Member of the Year Nominations

April 25, Saturday: Save the Date! SMG Gala

We all do!! The St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Community would love to pray for you and your intentions. Please send all prayer requests to: smgprays4u@smgschool.org.

St. Maria Goretti Parish Website: https://www.smgparish.org/

Serving the North Texas Catholic community by providing the faithful opportunities to grow in Christian discipleship and strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

https://fwdioc.org/

Email: development@smgschool.org
Website: https://smgschool.org
Location: 1200 South Davis Drive, Arlington, TX, USA
Phone: (817)275-5081

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