Horsemen Highlights for week of November 6 - November 10, 2023
Dear Parents,
You should have received an email regarding a parent survey from the Springtide Research Institute. The purpose of this survey is to develop a comprehensive understanding of student belonging/thriving in our school. Through this survey, your feedback will help us improve in ensuring that all our students feel a sense of belonging and are thriving at St. Michael’s High School. The students had the opportunity to complete the student survey on November 2.
Please complete the survey prior to November 30. Your voice is very important and we appreciate your participation.
Over the coming weeks, our registrar, Mr. Armijo, will be conducting an audit of state required student immunizations. You may be receiving an email from him indicating your student needs one or more vaccinations. Please be sure to take care of these with your provider within 30 days of that communication and provide updated documentation to Mr. Armjio. According to state guidelines, students whose vaccinations are not current may be disenrolled. Any parent/guardian requesting an exemption from any/all vaccinations must officially request that exemption from the New Mexico Department of Health. Once approved, the official, notarized certificate of exemption must be on file with the school.
This weekend is daylight saving. As the days grow shorter and the weather becomes colder, we have a greater concern about students not involved in after school activities remaining on campus well after the school day. There is no supervision in the school lobby after 5:00 p.m. We ask that students who do not have after school activities be picked up as soon after school as possible, and for sure by 5:00 p.m. We appreciate your cooperation.
In addition, we have concerns with students who are left at the school after athletic
events. To ensure student safety and maintain the security of the premises, please be aware that gates and buildings will be closed within thirty minutes after the conclusion of the final game of the day. Please ensure that students are picked up within that half hour.
On Thursday, November 9 at 1:00 p.m. we will be continuing to practice our safety protocols with our first shelter in place drill. Even though it is a drill, we ask that all our students take the drill seriously and act as if it is a real occurrence. It is important that our students practice what to do in the event of a real situation to ensure student safety.
Thank you for the continuous support of our school, our students, and the entire St. Michael’s community. Go Horsemen!
Yours in Christ,
Martin C. Sandoval, Principal
Academics:
Congratulations to the Horsemen Band. Trombonist Adam Quintana made the Regional Honor Band and Euphonist Steven Archuleta was also chosen as an alternate. The group will rehearse on Nov 17 and present a concert on Nov 18 at Santa Fe High, time TBA.
Mr. Sandoval joined Mr. Drake’s French 2 class for some good food and French conversation on October 26 at local French restaurant Clafoutis, where all present ordered brunch in French.
For their study of Mexican culture, Ms. McGonagle's 7th grade Romance Language class focused on the celebration of Dia de los Muertos by creating their own interpretation of a traditional Mexican Ofrenda. Mrs. Ortiz's 7th and 8th grade English classes joined in the celebration by creating their own farolito. This collaboration brought about a bright and colorful way to celebrate the memories of our deceased loved ones. The entire St.Mike's community was encouraged to place photos of their beloved deceased loved ones on the Ofrenda. May we always cherish the memories of our loved ones.
A Message From the Deans:
Parents, we are four weeks away from semester exams. Please continue to check grades regularly in Onboard and communicate with your students’ teachers. We are on a continuous grading schedule. This means that grades have continued since midterm progress reports.
Study Tips for Parents and Students:
Teach your child to ask for help and communicate with teachers.
Create a designated study space.
Keep a planner/agenda.
Our meeting schedule continues on Tuesday, November 7. Release time is 2:55 p.m. Please make sure your students are picked up in a timely manner as teachers will be in meetings in the afternoon. The library and classrooms will be closed after school.
Please help us remind your students that they are expected to be prepared for class on a daily basis. This means attending class with appropriate materials, charged chromebooks, and cell phones in their backpacks.
Covid and flu season continues. Please adhere to the best practices administered by the CDC and the NMDOH. You can find more information regarding Covid 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.
Activities:
Next Wednesday the 7th grade will join together for a day-long retreat The theme of this year’s retreat will be Friendship and Unity. The retreat will take place on campus with a variety of activities in and out of the building. Students will be responsible for their own lunch and they will have the same JH lunch time with access to the cafeteria. Students will be in Spirit Dress; please remember to bring a coat.
Athletics:
Senior Athletes: The scholarship portal is open to the NMAA Scholarships for this year. Scholarship applications will be accepted through January 31, 2024. To access the applications via the NMAA Website (www.nmact.org) and Click the "Foundation Link". This past year they awarded 48 scholarships, one being from St. Michael's High School, and they hope to award close to 60 this school year. If you have any questions, please contact Athletic Director, Joshua Grine ([email protected])
Swim/Dive: If you're considering becoming a part of our Swim/Dive team, we invite you to attend a parent meeting scheduled for Monday, November 6 at GCCC at 6:30 p.m.. To express your interest for the upcoming season, kindly reach out to Coach Castillo via email at [email protected]. We look forward to your participation!
Basketball (High School): If you're eager to be a part of the high school boys or girls basketball teams, we encourage you to get in touch with our head coaches: Gerard Garcia, for the boys ([email protected]), and Sonya Ruiz, for the girls ([email protected]). Tryouts are set to commence on Monday, November 20. To ensure your eligibility for tryouts, please submit all required sports documents and forms by Friday, November 17 at 12 p.m. It's crucial to have all necessary paperwork completed to participate in tryouts. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity!
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
Alumni Association:
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. To order a brick please click on this website:
https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/horsemenpatio
For information regarding the Alumni Association please contact: Annette
Rivera-Legits, Alumni Relations Coordinator, at [email protected] 505-466-
5088.
