Dear Parents,

This has been a week of “lasts” for me as principal of St. Martin of Tours Academy. It has been eleven years of many moments of joy, accomplishments, pride, and yes, even challenges. I would not trade them for anything in the world. This school (my staff, the students and parents) are very important to me, and I am very grateful for the love and support I have received over the years. That is why I feel so blessed that I am able to continue to be a part of this school community. I am excited about my future and the future of SMA. As the Workshop Way® consultant, I will be able to return to the classroom and be “hands on” with the students, as well as a support to the teachers. So I am happy that this is not “goodbye”, but that I will be seeing you again in the fall.

One of the things I am excited about is the creation of the Committee for Advancement and Development under the leadership of Diane Hartley. This committee will be working on a continuous appeal that will augment the school’s operating costs as well as enhance our marketing strategies. Meg Schneider, a former SMA parent, who has experience in advancement and development will assist Diane as the chair of this committee. This summer we will be installing the rubberized mat under the upper grade playground equipment and refurbishing the floor in the seventh grade classroom to make it more conducive for science experiments. The front of the school will be taking on a whole new look. The awnings over the seventh and eighth grade windows will be removed. New double paned windows and blinds (phase 1) will be installed in these two classrooms providing extra security and efficiency. Phase 2 (replacing windows in office and sixth grade classroom) will hopefully take place next summer.

In closing, I want to wish all of you a restful and safe summer. May God bless you and your families!

Toni Dimuzio

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Graduation Mass
All are welcome to celebrate our Class of 2018 at their Graduation Mass tomorrow, 6/8 at 3pm in the church. It is a beautiful cumulation of their last year at SMA. We thank the seventh grade parents who hosted the brunch following the school Mass last Friday. The Class of 2018 enjoyed the video of their years here at SMA. We thank Luciana Hopkins for creating the video, Virginia Delamater and Tammi Marshall, room parents and the seventh grade parents who contributed to this beautiful and memorable brunch.

New Education Savings Opportunity for Current and Prospective Catholic School Families

Named after section 529 of the tax code, the 529 plan is a tax-advantaged plan operated by a state or an education institution designed to encourage saving for college. The federal tax advantage is that earnings on funds contributed to 529 accounts are not federally taxed when withdrawals are used for educational purposes. As of January 1, 2018, 529 plans may be used for K-12 education tuition. Click here for the letter from John Galvan, Director, Office for Schools.   Factsheet and flyer: Education Savings Opportunities for Catholic School Families

Thank You for Completed Service Hours

With our service hour requirements, (for tuition discount), we have a great deal of parent involvement and are therefore able to provide services not covered by the staff. (fundraisers, lunch supervison, library, morning traffic, coaching, etc.) In other words, enhance our school. We are grateful for all of those hours!

It was especially gratifying to notice, in reviewing the records of service hours, that there were so many families this year who far exceeded requirements and/or expectations. There really is no way we can thank them enough. In addition, we have many families who are on “Tuition Rate 1” who freely contribute time and are very involved in the school. End of year statements for Rate 2 families are enclosed.

School Board – Thank you!
We also thank our 2017-2018 school board members who continually working to improve the quality of our programs and facilities while, at the same time, planning for the future. Our school board plays a vital role in the process.
Eric Crockett, Shantala Cryns, Virginia Delamater, Mitzi Elsten, Tracy Giordano, Lee Ann Iagmin, Anna Kennedy, Brian Kingston, Tracy McCormick, Cory McMahon, Katrina Phruksukarn, Renee Ruiz and Genevieve Suzuki

Morning Fun Run!
We thank Anna Kennedy for another successful year of Morning Fun Run. This school year she had about 60 students that participated and as a group they walked or ran 2400 miles. This is a great way for children to physically and mentally prepare for a great day at school. Anna is looking forward to seeing everyone again and some new faces in August every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30am!

Box Tops
Since 2010 St. Martin’s has been collecting General Mills Box Tops. In all, we have received $9,459.51! That is a lot of money and a lot of GM Box Tops. We thank Darlene Hastings, coordinator, who has been preparing and shipping Box Tops this school year.

First Eucharist
Congratulations to all of  students that received First Eucharist this past weekend!
SMA students: Viviana C., Jillian C., Ethan C. Henry E., Gianni G., Rocco G., Andrew G., Michelle G., Nathan J., Catherine K.,Cameryn K., Shana L., Isabel P., Adam R., Ryder S.,
Henry S., Isabella W., Sophia W.

Hot Lunch ending June 7th

If you have a credit for hot lunches, money will be refunded or credited to your FACTS account.

Office Summer Hours

The office will be open Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm until Friday, 6/22.

REMINDERS:
• Return by June 22 -Contact & Release form • Internet Contract (grades 1-8) • Birthday Book Club -K-6 with $10 (optional)

• June day care will be deducted on June 25th

• Pick up report cards tomorrow by noon. Office opens at 7:30am. (medicines, check lost & found)

• ClassBundl (school supplies)
Parents have the convenience of ordering school supplies on-line and having them delivered directly to your home or work. https://classbundl.com/1142. The link is also on the home page of the school website.

WHISPERING WINDS – Middle School Camp for 7th-9th graders (July 5-8)
This is a wonderful opportunity for entering 7th through 9th graders to make new friends with other like-minded Catholic youth this summer! Did you know kids spend an average of 4.5 hours watching TV and only 4 minutes outside each day? See more stats in this great video on the “Power of Camp” that shows some Whispering Winds campers in action! Register now to reserve space and check out scholarships. Whispering Winds – Middle School Camp

La Mesa Flag Day Parade

Our school was well represented at the La Mesa Flag Day Parade this past Saturday when they performed their traditional Mexican dances. Thank you to Dori Miller, instructor, and students for a job well done!

Please keep in your prayers over the summer …

Dylan King attended SMA and he and his family are a part of our parish. Dylan is need of a heart transplant. His story was on KUSI this morning. There is a go-fund-me account if you are interested in helping with medical bills. https://www.gofundme.com/a-heart-for-ocho

Debbie Effinger, Robert Kissel, Francisco Castillo, Mr. & Mrs. Caster, Monica Dietsch and Chris Davis

ENCLOSURES:

~ Letters of Completion (K-2)
~ Service hour statements for families on Rate 2
~ classroom newsletter (grs. K, 1, 4)
~ parish bulletin 6/3/18