Horsemen Highlights for week of October 2 - 6, 2023
Dear Parents,
It was such a joy to celebrate our seniors with our ring mass and ceremony this past Tuesday as they begin their journey through their last year of high school. They are the student leaders of our school, our five Lasallian Core Principles are evident in their actions, and they set a good example for our underclassmen of what it means to be a St. Michael’s student. They are a truly wonderful senior class.
Today, September 29, we celebrate the feast day of our patron, St. Michael the Archangel. We pray to St. Michael to continue to protect and guide our students on their life’s journey and in their faith.
As you may be aware, there was a request by parents, students, and faculty to reconsider the dress code in regard to the tucking in of the shirts and wearing of belts for standard dress. A survey was put out to all three of these stakeholder groups. The survey results are below in these Horsemen Highlights. It was important to get this feedback before any decision was made. All three groups by a significant majority were in favor of this change. The students now may choose whether to tuck in their shirts or wear a belt for standard dress. This change will begin on Monday. The students must look presentable with an untucked shirt and pants must remain around the waist even without a belt.
Honoring the dress code is an important part of our private Lasallian Catholic school identity. We have listened and have been open to making some concessions. As a result though, it is vital that all other aspects of the dress code be respected, honored and followed even with these changes. There will be no further considerations of changes to the dress code at this time, and the dress code will be monitored and enforced. These changes may be reversed, including the jeans provision, if the dress code is consistently not followed by our students. Thank you for your support and cooperation.
We appreciate your faith in us to educate your children and thank you for all the support you provide to this great school. Go Horsemen!
Yours in Christ,
Martin C. Sandoval, Principal
Academics:
Message from the Deans:
Dress Code Reminders: Cargo Pants / Shorts are not allowed as part of the St. Michael's Dress Code. All outerwear must be St. Michael's outerwear with the exception of Seniors who may wear college outerwear.
Parents: Please make sure that your students are coming prepared to class everyday with the proper materials. This includes having your chromebook charged and ready to use. If they need a chromebook repair, please have them see Mrs. Gurule - Leyba to put in a ticket.
Students who are tardy will begin receiving detentions after school. Please make sure your students are on time and ready for the day.
Students who need to be out of school for an extended period of time must see Ms. Margie and Ms. Baca for approval and an extended absence form. Please communicate early with the front office if you know your student will be out.
As you may have heard, Covid cases are on the rise throughout the country. Please adhere to the best practices administered by the CDC and the NMDOH. You can find more information by clicking HERE.
For access to the Covid 19 Tool Kit click HERE. Refer to pages 11-12 for quick information on what to do with an exposure and a test result.
Results from Dress Code Survey: We have gathered our results from the Dress Code Survey from Faculty/Staff, the Students, and the Parent’s Association. This survey was to help determine if students should not be required to wear a belt and leave their shirts untucked for standard dress, as well as being allowed to wear AirPods during passing periods. Based on the results, starting next Monday, October 2nd, students will not be required to wear a belt or tuck in their shirts for standard dress days. All other aspects of the dress code will be monitored and enforced. Students will also be allowed to use Airpods, and other headphones, during the passing periods. Students will be required to take out AirPods, and other headphones, upon entering their classroom. Failure to do so will result in discipline actions that may include confiscation.
Faculty/Staff Results
Student Results
Parent’s Association Results
Counselors' Corner:
Mr. Gallegos will be hosting two weekly resume workshops starting Mondays after school at 3:45 and Thursdays during senior high lunch for the remainder of the semester.
All seniors should have received an email from Mr. Gallegos regarding their Naviance accounts. Please email Mr. Gallegos [email protected] if there are any questions.
Meeting Schedule Tuesday, Oct 3
Meeting Schedule 45-minute classes)
Zero Hour Warning 7:25
Zero Hour 7:30-8:20
1st Period 8:25-9:10
2nd Period 9:15-10:00
3rd Period 10:05-10:50
JH LUNCH 10:50-11:40
SH 4th Period 10:55-11:40
SH LUNCH 11:40-12:25
JH 4th Period 11:40-12:25
5th Period 12:30-1:15
6th Period 1:20-2:05
7th Period 2:10-2:55
Activities:
WAVE (Wellness Ambassadors to Voice and Empower) Club- Starting Monday, October 2, our SOCKTOBER Drive will begin! We will be collecting new socks, winter beanie hats and gloves. There will be collection bins in the lobby to drop off any donations. This is a community service drive to assist La Familia and Pete’s Place. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Garcia [email protected] or Ms. Margie [email protected].
Homecoming Events- Homecoming is around the corner, Saturday, October 14th. This year the theme is based off of the summer sensation and box office phenomenon: Barbie! Below is a list of events that are set to take place from now until Homecoming:
- Monday, September 25-Tuesday, October 3: Applications to run for Homecoming Court available on grade level Google Classroom pages for 9th-12th graders
- Tuesday, September 26-Friday, October 6: Advertising with posters for candidates running
- Friday, October 6: Candidate voting for Homecoming Court
- Tuesday, October 10: Homecoming Court Announced
- Tuesday, October 10-Friday, October 13: Homecoming Week/ Dress Up Days
- Wednesday, October 11: Homecoming Mass
- Wednesday, October 11: Homecoming Tickets will go on sale before school, during Senior High Lunch, and after school. Tickets will be $35.
- Friday, October 13: Homecoming Pep Rally
- Saturday, October 14: Homecoming Football Game against Raton High School (Court Presented @ Halftime)
- Saturday, October 14: Homecoming Dance from 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe Farmers Market
Student Council- Senior Student Council officers Julia Diaz (Vice President), Maddy Imus (Co-President), Mariella Rigales (PR Representative), and Sebastian Salas (Treasurer) took a bouquet of flowers on behalf of St. Michael’s High School to Santa Fe High School. This was a gesture to show our support to the Santa Fe High community, family, and friends of the young man, Daniel Bojorquez, who tragically lost his life earlier this week.
Student Council members with the bouquet of flowers for the Santa Fe Hgh community.
Recently, our principal, Mr. Martin Sandoval, visited Ms. Chitwood’s eighth grade Language Arts class to discuss “The Outsiders”. This novel was one of Mr. Sandoval’s favorites from his student years at St. Michael’s. He shared many insights with the students, including that the novel transcends time with its lessons on acceptance of others, that we must understand others’ perspectives, that everyone has struggles and grief to overcome, and that we cannot judge others. One of the lessons was from a Robert Frost poem to “Stay Gold,” meaning we must stay true to ourselves. S.E. Hinton’s novel certainly addresses our Lasallian Core Principles of Respect for All Persons and Inclusive Community. Thank you, Mr. Sandoval, for spending time with our students and sharing your wisdom and your love of reading – they learned lots from you!
Ms. Chitwood’s eighth grade English class enjoyed having Mr. Sandoval as a guest teacher.
On September 21, Mrs.Temple's Criminalistics classes celebrated National Forensic Science Week by touring the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Science Laboratory located near our school at 2068 Galisteo Street. This was a once in a lifetime experience, as the lab will not be open to the public once evidence is brought in. Not once but twice, the administrator of the lab as well as the scientists, complimented our students on their respectful and attentive behavior. Mrs. Temple would like to thank the SMHS administration for approving this field trip, the parents for allowing their child to attend, and our bus driver Mr. Pat Portillo for being available all morning to take the groups back and forth to the lab. She would also like to thank her students for their wonderful representation of the St. Michael's High School community.
Alora Bonal and Alana Overton listen to the presentation in the Chemistry Unit.
David Velasquez participates in a mock DNA swab while Ethan Lovoto and Zach Lieberman wait for their turn.
Jackson Heath checks out the ventilation in the Chemistry Unit.
Athletics:
Cross Country: Girls varsity finished ninth out of 18 schools at the Rio Rancho Jamboree. Boys varsity also finished ninth out of 34 schools at the Rio Rancho Jamboree.
Varsity Football: Defeated Taos 19-7 on Saturday, September 23 to improve their overall record to 4-1.
Junior High Girls Basketball is right around the corner. There will be an organizational meeting for all girls who are interested on Tuesday, Oct. 3 during lunch in Coach Ruiz's classroom (Room 38) from 10:50-11:00. The first practice will be on Oct. 10, time announced soon. A current physical dated after April 2023 will need to be on file with the school in order to try out. Contact Coach Ruiz, [email protected] if you have any questions.
Annual Raffle:
Each year, St. Michael’s High School raises thousands of dollars to support a variety of school initiatives to improve your student’s experience on campus. A significant source of this fundraising is the annual raffle, and we need your support to make this a success! The general raffle is administered by the school through an electronic service to make the raffle process easier for the seller and donor.
Spirit Shop:
The Spirit Shop Hours for the week of 10/2- 10/6 will be as follows:
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m
SAVE THE DATE!
The 2nd Annual Archangel's Gala will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Bishop's Lodge.
For Sponsorship Opportunities or to purchase tickets please contact Ann Erickson [email protected] or visit https://www.stmichaelssf.org/apps/pages/archangelsgala
San Miguel Chapel
Please join the school in celebrating the Feast Day of San Miguel with the Barrio de Analco Festival and National Historic Plaque Installation at San Miguel Chapel on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1. Please visit our website for a list of scheduled activities. Barrio De Analco Festival at San Miguel Chapel | St. Michael's High School (stmichaelssf.org)
Parents Association:
Parents Association: Next General Meeting- The next General meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 4 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
The Parents Association will be discussing planning their year's events. Please consider participating in a committee. We are looking forward to an exciting new year.
Parent Association: Twice is Nice & new “Proud Parent” Clothing Sales- The Parent’s Association is now selling their new “Proud Parent Tee Shirts and Twice is Nice School Uniform clothing in the Spirit Shop. If you would like to donate any of your St. Michael’s clothing, please bring items to the front office. The Parent’s Association will only accept school appropriate shirts, tees, sweaters, sweatshirts that are cleaned and gently used. No pants or shorts are accepted.
Parent Association: Concessions- The Parent’s Association needs your help with Concessions.
Proceeds from fundraising activities such Twice is Nice and Concessions are redirected back to supporting students with Tuition Assistance. In addition, funds are raised to provide refillable drinking fountains, benches in the hallways, the foosball table, ping pong table and microwave ovens in the cafeteria. The Parent’s Association has also been instrumental in helping the SMHS administration complete remodeling projects around campus.
If you would like to become involved in the SMHS Parents Association please contact: [email protected] or contact Annette Legits, Parent Relations Coordinator at [email protected] or 505-466-5088.
Alumni Association:
Pancake Breakfast – Sunday, October 1 at 10:30 a.m.
The SMHS Alumni invite our St. Michael’s Community to celebrate the “Feast of San Miguel” by attending the 9:00 a.m. Mass on October 1 at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi followed by a Pancake Breakfast in the SMHS cafeteria at 10:30 a.m.
We hope to see you there!
Alumni General Meeting- The next General meeting will be Wednesday, October 11, 6:30 p.m.
All Alumni and Parents/Guardians of Alumni are welcome. General Meetings will be held every other month on the second Wednesday in the SMHS Library. Please see the school website under the Alumni Tab for further meeting dates.
Alumni Brick Patio Capital Campaign- The Alumni Association has begun PHASE IV of the Brick Project. Please purchase a brick for the Alumni Patio overlooking the SMHS Football Field. See the school website under the Alumni Tab for further details.
Alumni Reunions- Please welcome back home the classmates and their families as they celebrate their reunions.
The Class of 2013 10 Year October 7
The Class of 1983 40 Year October 14 Homecoming
The Class of 1973 50-year October 20
“Once a Horsemen, Always a Horsemen!”
For information regarding the Alumni Association please contact: Annette Legits, Alumni Relations Coordinator, at [email protected] 505-466-5088.
Communications:
Please save this newsletter as a resource for yourself and your students. Print it out and post it on your fridge as a quick reference for upcoming school events. Look for these newsletters on a weekly basis. This newsletter will not be your only source of school-related information. The Student and Parent Resources page on our website has been updated to be more responsive to parent and community needs. We will also be using Remind Communication to quickly, efficiently, and effectively send out school wide announcements. If you're not already familiar with Remind, it's a school communication tool that makes it easy to stay involved with your child's education and school activities. Join us on Remind now using code: @stmikeshs.
For assistance connecting please contact our Admissions, Communications, and Marketing Manager Alexa Chavez via email at [email protected].
