CELEBRATION OF MASS: In celebration of All Saints Day, an all-school Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 1 at 8:50 AM in the St. Sebastian Multipurpose Building. Parents are invited and may check in at the school office prior to the Mass start time. Students must wear their dress uniforms on Mass days.
BORN 2 RUN: St. Michael will once again have a team of runners supporting the Woman’s New Life Center’s Born to Run fundraiser on Saturday, November 4 from 7:30-10:30 AM downtown in North Blvd Square. The Warriors for Life Club organizes students to come out and support the important ministry of this crisis pregnancy center. Please register online by November 1 . Students may also register on site but must arrive early. Students who register and attend will earn one direct hour of service. When signing up, make sure you put “SMHS Warriors for Life” under the “Team Name” Section. Email hwetzel@smhsbr.org with questions
NOVEMBER MP3 – will be postponed to December 16. Stay tuned for more information
FRESHMAN RETREAT – NEW DATE: The Freshman Retreat has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 29 to avoid the state competition conflict with the previous date. The theme, Becoming a Warrior for Christ, will allow students to dive deeply into their faith and become a greater part of our Warrior family. The retreat is scheduled to take place from 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Prairieville. Parents will be responsible to drop off and pick up students at St. John. There will be one shuttle bus to and from St. Michael that students may request. More information on transportation and permission slips will be sent home through freshman theology classes and via email to parents. Please pray as we prepare a fun and meaningful day for our students.
FATHER SON EVENING: St. Michael families are invited to attend the Father Son Dinner on Friday, December 1 in the St. Sebastian Multipurpose Gym from 6:30-8:30 PM. The evening will include a delicious meal, inspirational keynote speaker and time for Adoration/Confession. This is an awesome night for fathers and sons. Grandfathers and younger/older siblings are also welcome. Cost is $20 per person to help with cost of meal and supplies. Please register by November 27 at https://forms.diamondmindinc.com/smhsbr/fathersonnight2
SERVICE HOURS DEADLINE: Monday, December 4 is the first deadline for Service Hours. Half of the total required hours are due for each student. If a student misses the December 4 deadline, his/her second quarter Religion grade drops one point per day late, up to one letter grade. If students still have not completed this service hour requirement, they will not be allowed to take their midterm exams in any of their classes. See the SMHS Student/Parent Handbook for details.
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THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS: Thanksgiving Holidays will begin Monday, November 20 through Friday, November 24. The SMHS office will be open Monday through Wednesday from 7:30 AM—12:00 noon. Classes will resume Monday, November 27.
THANKSGIVING HELP DESK: The St. Michael Technology Help Desk will be on call during the Thanksgiving Holidays. Email helpdesk@smhsbr.org to ask for assistance.
LATE START FOR STUDENTS: On Monday, November 27 school will begin two hours later than usual for Faculty Professional Development. Dismissal will be at the regular time. The first bell will ring at 9:10 AM. The Library will be open at 6:45 AM for students who need to be dropped off early. Any student on campus before 8:45 AM must report to the Library. EBR Buses will run at their regular time. The SMHS Shuttle Bus will run two hours later than usual in the morning.
COFFEE WITH THE FRESHMAN COUNSELOR: Freshman parents/guardians are invited to attend Coffee with the Counselor on Tuesday, November 7 at 7:30 AM at school OR at 12 Noon on Zoom. Freshman Counselor Mrs. Taylor Flowers will have a brief presentation about SMHS grade policies, preparing for college and career readiness, graduation requirements, Pre-ACT standardized testing that will be held in the spring semester, and more.
COFFEE WITH THE SOPHOMORE COUNSELOR: Sophomore parents/guardians are invited to attend Coffee with the Counselor on Tuesday, November 14 at 7:30 AM at school OR at 12 Noon on Zoom. Sophomore Counselor Ms. Chelsea Brown will have a brief presentation about SMHS grade policies, preparing for college and career readiness, graduation requirements, Pre-ACT standardized testing that will be held in the spring semester, and more.
STUDENT CONCERNS: Please contact the grade level counselor to let her know of any special factors affecting your child so that the counselor may confidentially communicate specific needs to each of your child’s teachers. Student concerns may include, but are not limited to the following: death, divorce, illness, medication, disabilities, etc. Please contact Individual Student Needs Coordinator Mrs. Taylor Flowers if you would like to seek classroom accommodations for a student who has a documented disability (i.e. ADHD, dyslexia, auditory problem, physical disability, etc.). As situations arise, please keep us aware so that we may better meet your child’s needs.
Freshman Counselor-Mrs. Taylor Flowers tflowers@smhsbr.org
Sophomore Counselor-Ms. Chelsea Brown cbrown@smhsbr.org
Junior Counselor-Ms. Alexandra Giardina agiardina@smhsbr.org
Senior Counselor-Mrs. Rachel Cart rcart@smhsbr.org
MID-TERM EXAMS: All students will be taking semester exams December 12, 13, 14 and 15. Students will be finished with exams at 11:25 AM on Friday, December 15. Teachers will be available for tutoring for an hour after dismissal Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Since we have early dismissal each day, no lunch vendors will be on campus on exam days. There will also be no after school care on exam days. Readiness for exams begins with daily preparation for class. A reminder that midterm exams count as 20% of the semester grade. All tuition accounts must be current in order for students to take their exams.
MID-TERM EXAM SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, December 12 1st period exam 7:14-9:10 AM
2nd period exam 9:25-11:25 AM
Wednesday, December 13 8th period exam 7:14-9:10 AM
4th period exam 9:25-11:25 AM
Thursday, December 14 7thperiod exam 7:14-9:10 AM
5th period exam 9:25-11:25 AM
Friday, December 15 3rd period exam 7:14-9:10 AM
6th period exam 9:25-11:25 AM
The EBR Buses and the SMHS Shuttle Bus will run all mornings and all dismissals during exams.
Students return to school Wednesday, January 3. The SMHS Shuttle Bus will run on January 3. The EBR Buses WILL NOT RUN on January 3 or 4, but will resume on January 5.
TUITION AND FEE PAYMENTS: All accounts must be current by Friday, December 1 in order for students to take Mid-Term Exams. Please check your FACTS accounts for any outstanding balances.
Attention 8th graders -
IMPORTANT DATES FOR “NEW” ST. MICHAEL STUDENTS:
November 17 - Online Application Deadline for Incoming Freshmen
December 2 - Placement Exam for Incoming Freshmen/Tuition Assistance Meeting
November 8 & December 7 - Interviews for Incoming Freshmen/Parents
February 1 - Acceptance Letters Mailed to Incoming Freshmen
PLACEMENT EXAM: The school will administer the Placement Exam for admission to St. Michael High School for current 8th grade applicants from 8:00-11:00 AM on Saturday, December 2. If you know any 8th graders who would like to apply, please have them call the front office.
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS: Applications are now being accepted for the next fall semester at many colleges and universities. Some schools have priority deadlines for scholarship consideration as early as November 1. It is important that your son or daughter complete admissions applications during this time. Please encourage your senior to complete admissions applications and to see his/her senior counselor for assistance.
FILING THE FAFSA: The FAFSA portal opens December 1. This is the free application for federal student aid that can qualify your student for loans, grants and work study, and it is the application for the TOPS scholarship, if your student qualifies. Your previous year’s income tax return is needed to fill out the form, which must be filed by July 1, 2024:
If you wish to only fill out the application for the TOPS scholarship in the spring, you may do so on the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance website:
LSU APPLICATION REMINDER: Applications are now being accepted for the next Fall semester at LSU. Although the priority date for full consideration for all LSU scholarship programs open to entering freshmen is December 15, seniors who are on target for meeting LSU admissions requirements should APPLY NOW. The LSU Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarships also serves as the automatic application for all entering freshman scholarships. To apply, go to the LSU Undergraduate Admissions website at www.lsu.edu/admissions. Students’ official high school transcripts, official ACT or SAT scores, and all other required information must be received by LSU prior to the December 15 deadline.
LSU HONORS COLLEGE APPLICATION INFORMATION: Freshmen entering LSU are eligible to apply to the Ogden Honors College. Students interested in seeking admission to LSU’s Ogden Honors College should begin by completing the LSU Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarships. Students may indicate their interest in the Ogden Honors College by simply checking the Honors College box on their LSU application. Incoming freshman applicants must first be admitted to LSU prior to their admission to the Honors College. The deadline to apply and be considered for LSU’s Ogden Honors College is December 15.
SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY APPLICATION REMINDER: Although the priority date for full consideration for all SELU scholarship programs open to entering freshmen is January 15, seniors who are on target for meeting SELU admissions requirements should APPLY EARLY. The SELU Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarships also serves as the automatic application for all entering freshman scholarships. To apply, go to the SELU Undergraduate Admissions website at https://www.southeastern.edu/apply/freshmen/index.html.
PERMISSION FOR COLLEGE VISITS: Seniors will be granted one college visit with administrative approval. When a student is planning a college visit or tour day and must miss a school day, his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) must forward a written request to Dean of Students Mr. Kegan Keller at kkeller@smhsbr.org at least 5 days prior to the actual date of the visit. The Excused Absence Form may be found under Quick Links on the school website. The student should return to school the day following his/her absence with a letter of verification of attendance which will be provided by the college or university upon request. Mr. Keller will consider the requested information prior to and following the event in order to decide if an educational excused absence will be granted. Please refer to the SMHS Student/Parent Handbook for more details regarding educational absences.
REQUEST FOR COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE LETTERS: In order to assist in college preparation and planning, it is critical that seniors and their parents provide Mrs. Rachel Cart with copies of all letters of acceptance from colleges and universities whether or not the senior will eventually attend that particular school. It is extremely important that seniors provide Mrs. Cart with copies of their scholarship letters, as well, even if they choose not to accept the scholarship or attend the school offering the award. Students have traditionally been honored for scholarships received at the Senior Honors Convocation held in May. The only way we can publish this information is if parents or students inform us. Please provide copies of acceptance and scholarship letters (or forward acceptance emails) to Mrs. Cart as they are received. rcart@smhsbr.org
SENDING ACT SCORES: Colleges and universities must receive an official ACT score from ACT when processing applications. When registering for the ACT, a student may request that his/her score report be sent to a college or university. If requesting during the registration process, the first four (4) score reports are FREE and automatically sent once scores are processed. Additional score reports may be requested online for a fee at www.act.org through the student’s account. Please make sure you are sending ACT scores to LOSFA using code 1595 to qualify for any TOPS Awards.
SENDING TRANSCRIPTS: Since St. Michael participates in the Louisiana Student Transcript System (STS), all transcripts will be sent electronically to the Louisiana Department of Education. All Louisiana public colleges and universities will obtain applicants’ transcripts electronically through STS. Private colleges or out-of-state schools will need a transcript sent from St. Michael. A Transcript Request Form will need to be signed by the student and his/her parent. If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact Mrs. Rachel Cart at rcart@smhsbr.org For Dual Enrollment and AP credit students, the college transcript and/or AP credit will need to be requested from the accrediting institution.
UPCOMING COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE & FALL PREVIEW DATES: Many colleges and universities offer Open Houses or Campus Events geared towards incoming freshmen. These events are encouraged as they can help solidify a student’s college choice. Please view the college or university website for more information and to register for an event.
REMAINING ACT TEST DATES FOR SENIORS TO QUALIFY FOR TOPS SCHOLARSHIP: www.act.org
- December 9, 2023
- February 10, 2024
- April 13, 2024 – This is the last date to qualify for all 8 semesters of the TOPS scholarship.
LIBRARY NEWS: Our Library’s Moodle page has a long list of Contests and Scholarships, listed by application due date. Want to spend a day in the medical field? Apply for the OLOL Healthcare Day to explore nursing, Dash into Dentistry, A Day with the Doctors, etc. Some opportunities only require a 2.5 GPA. Also available are Shell Oil, Amazon Future Engineers, Trade Skills, FranU, Athletic, Art, Writing, Photography, and even the Department of Defense. Parents, look through this long list and encourage your student to apply.
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NO EBR BUS SERVICE: On Friday, November 17 there will be no EBR Buses. The SMHS Shuttle Bus will run its regular route.
BETA CLUB FOOD DRIVE: From November 6 - 10 the Beta Club will be sponsoring a school wide Food Drive for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Each homeroom class will be given a box for students to bring non-perishable food items to benefit those in need during the holiday season. The homeroom with the most food will receive a donut party sponsored by the Beta Club.
CHRISTMAS BAND CONCERT: The annual St. Michael Band Christmas Concert will be held in the SMHS Multipurpose Building on Sunday, December 3 at 2:00 PM.
COOKIES WITH SANTA: The Alumni Office invites you and your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to join us for Christmas fun on Sunday, December 3 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM in the Cafeteria. Cookies and juice will be served, and Santa will be available for pictures. Please RSVP to kpage@smhsbr.org
GRANDPARENT’S DAY: Save the Date...Grandparent's Day will be Sunday, January 7 from 3:00-5:00 PM. If you have not updated your grandparent information, they will not receive an invitation. To update grandparent information, please email Registrar Mrs. Lori Steib at lsteib@smhsbr.org. In your email please include your student's name and grade level.
HOLLY VOLLEYBALL: Parents, make plans to join us on campus Friday, December 8 for this year’s Holly Volleyball. This is one of our all-time favorite events. Games begin after school and go until the last team competes.
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JUNIORS: Jostens will meet with juniors during their lunch hour on Monday, November 6 to hand out class ring packets. Parents, please review the packet with your student as there are specifications for purchasing a St. Michael class ring. Jostens will return on Wednesday, November 15 for a family ring order evening from 2:30 to 6:00 PM in the Commons. Jostens will have sample rings to view. If you have any questions, please contact Jostens at 225-928-5502 or Mrs. Jackie Moseley at 225-753-9782, ext. 29.
SENIORS: Balfour will meet with seniors during their lunch hour on Thursday, November 9 to hand out senior graduation packets. Balfour will bring pizza for lunch, giving all students time for the presentation. Parents, please review the packet with your senior as Balfour will return to school on Thursday, November 16 during all lunch hours to take orders in the Cafeteria. Bring your order form with a $100 deposit. Please note every student must order a cap and gown; it is the only mandatory item. If you have questions please call Mrs. Jackie Moseley at 225-753-9782, Ext. 29 or Balfour at 225-756-1881.
TALENT SHOW: Student Council is bringing back the Warrior Talent Show on Thursday, November 16 from 6:00-8:00 PM in the Multipurpose Building. Come see Warrior talent on display and the top prize winners.
YEARBOOK SENIOR AD SALES: Yearbook Senior Ad sales are now open. Purchasing a yearbook ad for your 2024 graduate is a wonderful way to congratulate them for thirteen years of accomplishments. Senior ads include special photos alongside a personal message to your daughter/son. All ads must be created online by February 15. Herff Jones will guide you through the easy online creation process. Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com (enter Code 891 for St. Michael High School) to see the available options. If you need assistance while creating your ad, please contact Herff Jones at 866-287-3096.
PURCHASING YEARBOOKS: There is still time to purchase a 2024 yearbook as a lasting memory of your child’s high school journey. If you’re not sure you ordered this year's book, go to www.yearbookordercenter.com, enter the school number 891, and then scroll down and click “Find Your Order.” Our Publications team will now also have a permanent page on the SMHS Website that can be found by going to www.smhsbr.org, clicking “About Us” and then clicking the “Publications” link. There you will find information related to the yearbook including how to order, check previous orders, order senior ads, and more. Please contact yearbook adviser Ms. Alexandra Licht at alicht@smhsbr.org if you have questions.
NO SHAVE/SWEATPANTS WEEK: Students may purchase the No Shave/Sweatpants Pass in their first hour homeroom class starting Monday, November 13 for $10.00. The pass will be good for the week of November 27 through December 1 for not shaving and for wearing sweatpants to class.
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A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:
The Warrior traditions of St. Michael High School are rarely more evident than during our Homecoming Week this past October. The dress-up days, the Block Party, the Homecoming Game, the Homecoming Dance, and the crowning of the King and Queen all helped to make this week a true celebration for our students. Alumni were welcomed back to the Block Party and to the Alumni Tailgate at the football game. They shared treasured memories of their time in high school. We want them to know that they will always be a member of our Warrior family.
During our recent St. Michael Open House, we welcomed a record number of visitors from a wide variety of feeder schools. Parents and middle school students alike were complimentary of our school’s dedication to our Catholic Identity which was evident throughout our campus and our tours. We showcased our variety of academic opportunities as we pledged to continue to meet students where they are and challenge them to achieve at their highest level. We pointed out the advantages of a school with a co-ed environment where our young men and young women work together in an atmosphere of respect and friendship. Students and parents told us they were impressed with our variety of extracurricular and sports opportunities, as well as with the school’s culture of family and inclusion. We thank our faculty, staff, students, parents and alumni who helped us have a very successful Open House.
As we look to the future and begin work on our Warrior Stadium Project, we expect some inconveniences along the way, but the resulting improvements to our campus will be worth the challenges. Our groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Friday, November 10. We should be able to see the construction work beginning around Thanksgiving. So many supporters of St. Michael High School are working to make this stadium a reality. This project will enhance the St. Michael experience for our students for many years to come.
During this month of Thanksgiving, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the many blessings we have received. We are thankful to all who work to make our school the success that it is. Special thanks to Bishop Michael Duca and to Superintendent Dr. Pattie Davis. We pray in gratitude for our chaplains, Fr. Joseph Bresowar, Fr. Albert Blount, and Deacon Michael Parker. We are grateful for our faculty and staff, our Advisory Board members, our Home and School, and our Warrior Club. We thank our parents who sacrifice so that their children may have the blessing of a Catholic education.
On this Thanksgiving Day, we will be praying for our St. Michael families. We count on your prayers that God will continue to bless our efforts of forming young men and young women in Jesus Christ. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Yours in Christ,
Ellen B. Lee, Principal
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Advancement News &
Important Events
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GIVE BACK NIGHT-Take a break and let Rice & Roux do the cooking! Swing by the Baton Rouge O’Neal Lane location on Wednesday, November 15 between 4-8PM for dinner. Be sure to mention St. Michael High School and a percentage of the night’s proceeds will be donated back to our school.
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Join us on Friday, November 10 at 1:45 PM to celebrate the ground breaking of the NEW Warrior Stadium. All visitors must check in at the office upon arriving to campus.
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34th ANNUAL WARRIOR GOLF CLASSIC-Save the Date for our 34th Annual Warrior Golf Classic. This tournament serves as the largest fundraising event for all St. Michael Athletic Programs and Clubs. With last year’s event raising over $61,000, we hope to make this year’s event the most successful one yet. Click below for information on how to register your team and get involved with this year’s event.
Golf Classic 2023 (diamondmindinc.com)
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UPCOMING EVENTS- Click the link for more information on how you can get involved and become a sponsor of one of our upcoming events. Sponsorship Opportunities - St. Michael the Archangel High School (smhsbr.org)
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Home & School Association
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Thank you to all the parents who assisted in some way with Open House. Our parents are so appreciated. It takes a lot of time and talent to make Open House a success, and we truly appreciate everyone who signed up and pitched in.
Home & School will be hosting a Thanksgiving Feast for our faculty on November 16 during all lunch periods. Our sign up spots are full; thank you to those parents who have signed up via Sign Up Genius to help or donate items.
SAVE THE DATE: A new fun activity opportunity will be coming to parents in 2024 from the Home & School - Trivia Night February 29. More information to follow.
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Our Fall Membership Meeting was held on October 8, and we had quite the turn out. If you were not able to attend, our next meeting will be held during our winter sports season. The date/time will be announced soon. Congratulations to Christy Didier! She won $100 for the St. Michael Warrior Band! Her name was selected from the meeting attendance drawing.
Attention Warrior Club Members! If you have not yet picked up your membership packets, they are available in the front office of the school. It is not too late to join and purchase Warrior Club Athletic Event Passes.
The Warrior Club will sell merchandise during all lunch shifts on Friday, November 3. Students, parents, and faculty are welcome to shop during this time. Remember, you may always shop online at smhswarriorclub.com for your spirit gear. We are continuously restocking merchandise and receiving new merchandise including rain gear, wind jackets, footballs, stadium seats, #1 Foam Fingers, cooling towels, tumblers, and more.
While our athletes and spirit groups have been busy competing, celebrating seniors, and wrapping up the regular season, the Warrior Club has been busy promoting school spirit through sales events. We want to take this opportunity to thank our many volunteers who have helped at football games, lunch sales, and the SMHS Open House. Promoting our Warrior spirit is ongoing and we have many upcoming events for which we need your help. Volunteer opportunities are available for sales at the St. Alphonsus Holiday Market on November 11, St. Michael Freshman Testing/St. Michael Basketball Tournament on December 2, and the St. Jean Vianney Christmas Market on December 9. Please use the following link to sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A4CAFA72BA4FE3-45722900-warrior
We would like to extend a big Warrior thank you to Steven and Erica Towner for transporting the Warrior Club Trailer to home football games this season. With their support, we were able to get Warrior Fans game day ready!
Attention Warrior Fans! Let’s continue to cheer on those athletes beginning their post-season play and those who are just starting their season. GO WARRIORS!
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St. Michael the Archangel, Defend Us in Battle
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