October 2024
Principal's Newsletter
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A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:
On Sunday, September 15, we hosted an event titled "The Path Forward" for our seniors and their parents. The evening included a dinner and an inspiring talk by Jason Angelette from the Willwoods Community – Faith and Marriage. His presentation emphasized the vital role of nurturing faith within the family. While a summary cannot fully capture the depth of his message, the key takeaway was the importance of structuring family life around prayer, the Eucharist, and confession in order to build a faith-centered home.
The same can be said of St. Michael High School. Our school is also centered on these core pillars of faith. This was beautifully evident this past Friday as we celebrated the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel. Nearly 100 parents joined our student body for Mass, during which we recognized 115 of our legacy students. Following Mass, we had Eucharistic Adoration, culminating in a Eucharistic procession around the entire campus. Students participated in Adoration on the field while the sisters led praise and worship music, and Fr. Joseph offered confessions. It was a truly beautiful day, and Christ's presence was felt throughout our campus.
This week, we continue to honor our past and celebrate our future as we kick off Homecoming Week. The halls are decked out in this year’s theme, “Pixar Playlist,” and we're excited to welcome back returning Warriors for our annual Homecoming Block Party on Wednesday. The festivities will continue with our football game against Broadmoor High School at Olympia stadium on Thursday, where one lucky Warrior will be crowned the 2024 Homecoming Queen. The week will conclude with the Homecoming Dance on Saturday, where we will crown the Homecoming King. We invite everyone to join us for this week’s celebration.
Looking ahead, next week is Warriors for Life Week, with a series of activities organized by our Campus Ministry to educate students on the true meaning of being Pro-Life and to collect items to help the vulnerable in our community. If you have not already signed up, please consider joining us for Pro Vita on October 17. This fundraiser helps offset the costs for the March for Life in January, where St. Michael will once again lead the diocese in organizing the trip for numerous teens in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. If you are unable to attend, we ask for your prayers for the success of this important pilgrimage.
Finally, we have officially kicked off our 2024-2025 recruitment season with shadow days and middle school visits. As we meet next year’s potential Warriors, we’re energized by the excitement surrounding all the great things happening at SMHS. On October 23, we will host our Open House, where we have the opportunity to share our story in a one-night snapshot of everything we do. Sharing our story is crucial, and our families are our greatest ambassadors. Please follow us on social media and help spread the word about the incredible things that St. Michael has to offer.
As always, we ask for your continued prayers for our students and faculty, and for your support as we advance the mission of this incredible institution. Go Warriors!
Yours In Christ,
Jared Cavalier, Principal
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A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT:
Hello, Warrior families!
It is hard to believe that we are already in the month of October. The first two months of this school year were incredible to witness. The students have assisted each other with their studies, cheered on our spirit squads and athletic teams, and spent quiet time in adoration with our Lord. The faith has flowed through our campus and permeated all aspects of our academics and student life as evident during our Legacy and Feast Day mass. When people ask me what is so special about St. Michael, I try to explain it to them and end up telling them, "You have to come to campus to experience it for yourself."
As we host our Open House on October 23, I encourage each of you to spread the good news of what St. Michael High School is doing on our campus and within the greater BR community with friends and neighbors who are looking for a faith-based high school option. We know that when people come on our campus, they feel the faith, they see the kindness of our student body, and they witness the excellence of Warriors inside and outside of the classroom. We know what makes SMHS great; now we want others to see and experience it as well.
Go Warriors!
Ryan Empson, President
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NIGHT OF ADORATION: Join the Mercedarian Sisters for a Night of Adoration at the Cypress Springs Mercedarian Chapel on October 24 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. All are welcomed.
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HALLOW APP: All students have gained access to a free subscription to the Hallow App (#1 Christian prayer app). Students were instructed to log in on their computers and phones in religion classes. Each student has three additional device logins available for family members. This app is a great opportunity to grow in relationship with God and each other through prayer and learning more about the faith. Parents should also log in and use these resources. You will share a daily routine with your child/family, and this is a great way to grow together! As we move forward with the app, teachers will be assigning formation/prayer challenges for students to do and challenges for students with their family. Feel free to share what you love about the app with us ekukura@smhsbr.org or efroeba@smhsbr.org! We would love to hear from you and share with others!
Here are some great ideas for families:
- Reflections on Daily Gospel or Sunday Readings to prepare for mass.
- How to Pray Challenge
- Family Rosary with Sr. Josephine
- Saint of the Day
- 7 days with the Saints Challenge
- 33 Days to Morning Glory (Marian Consecration)
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WARRIORS FOR LIFE WEEK – LIFE: THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE! Embrace the Journey-Uplift the World. We will be celebrating LIFE October 7-11 with a week of fun, prayer, and service. Students are invited to prayer, lunchtime activities, and fun dress up days. A couple of highlights and opportunities:
- SUPPORT MOMS IN NEED - We will be collecting essential baby items -diapers (size 4,5,6), wipes, white onesies, baby shampoo and body wash, new or gently used umbrella strollers, bottles, and money for brand new car seats (please do not send used car seats)- all week for the Pregnancy Problem Center. This will be a Class Cup Competition and items are GREATLY needed. Thank you for your generosity. Items will be collected in Religion Classes.
- SUPPORT THE FORMERLY INCARCERATED– We are collecting new and used (good condition) backpacks for the recently incarcerated men living at the Joseph Home, which is a place for rehabilitation and reentry into society. This is a ministry of Catholic Charities that provides a home in a safe environment, counseling, medical care, and job referrals. They are always in need of backpacks!
- SERVE LIKE CHRIST- Purchase a SERVICE T-SHIRT that can be worn when students go out to serve in the community. All proceeds from t-shirt sales also help raise money for basic vaccines for children in impoverished countries. Help the poor AND represent St. Michael when you serve! T-shirts can be purchased here: https://forms.diamondmindinc.com/smhsbr/servelike2024
- WARRIORS FOR LIFE WEEK AT A GLANCE -
- Monday – Roadmap to Mental Wellness-Spread positivity and motivational messages with clothespins, make friendship bracelets at lunch in Campus Ministry, and enjoy some sweet candy to promote mental health and self love!
- Tuesday – Adventure Begins- Get ready for a road trip with your pink or blue shirts, socks, accessories and jeans or sweatpants! Also celebrate with a Birthday Party for the Unborn and spiritually adopt a baby at risk in a crisis pregnancy in Campus Ministry at lunch!
- Wednesday – Tell Human Trafficking to Take a Hike- wear your flannel shirts and boots and pray for victims of human trafficking. Join us for the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 6:45 am and/or a holy high five during Worship Wednesday at lunch to pray for the Hospitalier Sisters who run Metanoia Manor for children who have been rescued from Human Trafficking.
- Thursday – Pack your Bags for a New Adventure-Wear your best Tacky Tourists attire and stop by to see an informative display about the realities of the death penalty and hear our special guest speaker, Ms. Linda Feldjso from Joseph Homes, at all lunches. She will share more about her ministry helping those released from prison to begin again.
- Friday – Do you "SEA" the Poor Around You? Arrrr You Helping? -Dress as a pirate and hear all about the Warriors for Life new Service Team starting this year to help students get more involved in service and make opportunities more known and accessible. Together, we can "SEA" the poor around us, help those in need, and ride the wave of service to change the world!
LIVING PRO LIFE ROSARY: Parents are welcome to attend our all school rosary dedicated to celebrating life from womb to tomb. Guests should check in at the school office prior to the start at 8:50 AM on Wednesday, October 9 in the St. Sebastian Multipurpose Building. The Rosary will be followed by Pro Life Speaker Dustin Bertrand.
CELEBRATION OF MASS: An all-school Mass will be held on Monday, October 14 at 8:50 AM in the St. Sebastian Multipurpose Building. Parents are invited and should check in at the school office prior to the Mass start time. Students must wear their dress uniforms all day on Mass days.
YOUTH MARCH FOR LIFE PILGRIMAGE TO WASHINGTON, DC: Registration for the Baton Rouge March for Life Pilgrimage (taking place January 20-25, 2025) will be open October 7-21. Seniors and juniors may sign up with a $300 deposit and a completed form. The total cost for the trip is $650, with the balance of $350 due on November 21. Turn in and deposit to Campus Ministry. After October 21, registration will open to surrounding parishes and schools. For more information about the pilgrimage, visit www.youthmarchforlife.org or contact efroeba@smhsbr.org.
PRO VITA DINNER: The need for financial aid for the March for Life and availability of a low cost for all is met primarily through our Pro Vita Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction, which will be held in the St. Sebastian Multipurpose Building on Thursday, October 17 at 6:30 PM. It is a beautiful night to celebrate life, the impact of the pilgrimage, and the work of the local Pro Life community. The cost is $80 per person or $600 for a table of 8. It is a wonderful night to support and celebrate the March for Life Pilgrimage. For more information about the event, to purchase tickets, and to donate to the auction please visit www.youthmarchforlife.org or contact Mrs. Emily Froeba at efroeba@smhsbr.org.
SENIOR RETREAT | REMAIN IN MY LOVE: The Senior Retreat will take place on Wednesday, October 30 from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM at Our Lady of Hope in Mississippi. Students will meet at school and be transported to and from the retreat by school bus. Our seniors will focus on looking at how their faith has carried them this far and what the future holds. Students may wear jeans, sweatpants, or khakis, with the retreat t-shirt. Forms have been distributed to students in class and more information, as well as forms, have been emailed to parents. These forms must be returned by October 11. Parents, please be on the lookout for this information and (2) items needed from parents by October 16 in your inbox. Forms for retreat can be found at this link.
ALL SOULS ALTAR: The Spanish Club will be preparing to celebrate the Mexican holiday of El Día de los Muertos or “ Day of the Dead.” This Catholic holiday is a tradition closely associated with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day and is held on November 1 and 2. The celebration is filled with beautiful imagery and symbols based around family and friends gathering to pay respects and to remember those who have passed away. Spanish Club members will be learning about the history of the day and the symbols that are associated with it. In honor of El Día de los Muertos, the club will be gathering materials to construct an ofrenda (altar) to represent their family members who have died. We would like to extend the celebration to the rest of the school community by having students submit a picture of a family member who has passed on, if they choose to participate. More details will be released as the time comes closer, and we hope all students, faculty, and staff will consider participating to make this a fruitful experience for our school. Any questions may be emailed to Spanish Club Moderator Ms. McGovern at smcgovern@smhsbr.org.
SERVICE – SERVE LIKE CHRIST
A reminder that all information on the St. Michael Service Program may be found on the St. Michael website at www.smhsbr.org under Campus Ministry. So many people in our community are reaching out for help. You may find volunteer opportunities at https://docs.google.com/document/d/10LoRzL1GWJFL1vu7j1FIw87PXG9ZUXFu0ihAr15RjBo/edit
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NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS: The school will be closed on Friday, October 25 for our Fall Holiday.
REPORT CARDS/PLUS PORTALS: The first nine weeks ends on Wednesday, October 16. Report cards will be posted on PlusPortals by Friday, October 18. If you have any questions or concerns about your student's performance, please contact your student's teacher.
COFFEE WITH THE FRESHMAN COUNSELOR: Freshman parents/guardians are invited to attend Coffee with the Counselor on Wednesday, November 20th at 11:00 AM on campus. 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. Please keep an eye out for an email to RSVP in mid-October.
COFFEE WITH THE SOPHOMORE COUNSELOR: Sophomore parents/guardians are invited to attend Coffee with the Counselor on Wednesday, November 13 at 11:00 AM on campus. 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. Please keep an eye out for an email to RSVP in mid-October.
PSAT/NMSQT—STANDARDIZED TESTING DAY: On Thursday, October 17 all juniors, along with those sophomores and freshmen who registered, will sit for the PSAT/NMSQT, the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and the preparatory version of the SAT.
- Students who are taking the test must bring their laptop/laptop chargers as the test is being delivered electronically.
- Seniors will have a college visitation day.
- All sophomores and freshmen who are not taking the test will stay home and use this day to catch up on any classwork assignments or work towards getting their service hours.
- Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors taking the test will be dismissed at 10:30 AM. Students who receive extended time will be dismissed at approximately 11:30 AM.
- Buses will be on campus at 10:30 AM. Extended time students who normally ride a bus will need to arrange alternate transportation on this day.
- There will be no lunch vendors on campus on October 17.
- There will be no after-school program on October 17.
COLLEGE VISITATION DAY: On Thursday, October 17 seniors will not have school so that they may visit a college or university of their choice. Although each college and university establishes its own rules in regards to arranging an official campus visit, students may begin by contacting the Office of Admissions or Office of Enrollment Services for assistance in planning their campus tour. Check college or university websites for registration and news on upcoming events. We encourage each senior to take a campus tour to gain valuable information to support their college decisions.
PERMISSION FOR COLLEGE VISITS: In addition to our College Visitation Day (October 17), seniors will be granted one additional 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.
COLLEGE APPLICATION MONTH: October is College Application Month. Admissions representatives from area colleges will be on the SMHS campus in the cafeteria visiting with juniors and seniors during their lunch hour. Please encourage your senior to fill out at least one college application during the month of October. Emails and/or announcements will be made alerting students of these opportunities. Seniors should monitor their email, Moodle, and the SMHS Online Calendar for dates/times of upcoming events held at St. Michael.
- University of Southern Mississippi October 2
- Delta College October 9
- Tulane October 14
- Mississippi State University October 29
- Northwestern State University October 29
The NACAC Fair is being held at the Cane's River Center on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. If you and your students would like to attend, there is a night session from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Most of the in-state colleges will be there as well as some out-of-state colleges. They can register for the event by using this link: https://www.nacacattend.org/24BatonRouge. The barcode label they receive after registering will allow them to give their personal information to the recruiters at the schools they are interested.
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, 2025:
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: https://mylosfa.la.gov/
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 EARLY. 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 https://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 is test optional; however, if you want to apply for a scholarship, you must submit your ACT scores.
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
REMAINING ACT TEST DATES FOR SENIORS TO QUALIFY FOR TOPS SCHOLARSHIP: https://act.org/
- October 26, 2024
- December 14, 2024
- February 8, 2025
- April 5, 2025 – This is the last date to qualify for all 8 semesters of the TOPS scholarship.
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION: Each month, Mrs. Rachel Cart sends an email to parents and students with scholarship information. The biggest scholarships students receive are from the universities and are given out using their GPA and ACT scores.
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DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE NOMINATIONS: The Distinguished Graduate Award Program in the Diocese of Baton Rouge recognizes an alum who has made a significant contribution to the community by serving as a living example of Gospel values learned while a student in a Catholic school. Nominees must have graduated from the school at least five years before nomination.
To nominate a Warrior alum for this special honor, click HERE.
EARLY DISMISSAL FOR STUDENTS: St. Michael students will be dismissed at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, October 23 for preparation of our Open House beginning at 4:00 that evening. A lighter meal including Grab-and-Go will be served on this day. There will be NO EBR buses and the SMHS shuttle bus will run on this day.
LATE START DAYS FOR STUDENTS:
- Friday, October 4 school will begin two hours later than usual due to our Homecoming Game the night before. 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 any 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.
- Thursday, October 24 school will begin two hours later than usual due to our Open House the night before. 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 any 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.
SENIOR NIGHT FOR FOOTBALL: The SMHS Warrior Football Team will host Senior Night, Friday, November 1st vs Brusly at Olympia Stadium. Senior football, sports medicine, cheer, dance and band members will be recognized, along with their parents. Football players will be announced before the game starting at 6:40 PM. All others will be announced during half time. Parents of seniors, please know that family pictures will begin before the game at 5:30 PM. Pictures will also be taken when students are honored. All parents are encouraged to attend and be a part of Senior Night.
TRANSPORTATION: The EBR buses WILL NOT RUN on Thursday, October 10; Friday, October 11; or Monday, October 14. The SMHS shuttle bus will run its regular routes on those days.
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HOMECOMING NEWS
Important Dates
HOMECOMING BLOCK PARTY: On Wednesday, October 2 the St. Michael High School Student Council and Home & School Association will host our annual Homecoming Block Party. All students and families are invited. The event kicks off at 5:30 PM. We will have sausage poboys, chips, drinks, and snowballs as a free food option. There will also be a a burger food truck, with prices ranging from $7-$10. The Warrior Club will be selling items that evening and an alum, Mr. Scott Jarreau, will be our DJ for the night.
There will be music and fun provided by the St. Michael clubs. Each club will have games and prizes for all to enjoy. The clubs will offer fair/festival like games for kids of all ages, so please bring the younger siblings and/or grandkids. The evening will end with a Pep Rally, the crowning of our Duke & Duchess, and an introduction of the Homecoming Court at 7:00 PM.
All events will take place in the back of campus in the grassy area between the Cafeteria and the Field House. Bring chairs and blankets for you and your family. This is a family event and all are welcome.
FOOTBALL GAME: Thursday, October 3 is the Homecoming Football Game at Olympia Stadium beginning at 7:00 PM, when the Warriors will take on Broadmoor High School.
HOMECOMING DANCE: Saturday, October 5 is the Homecoming Dance from 8:00-11:00 PM. All students must be in by 9:00 PM, and the doors will not re-open until 10:30 PM. All students need to be picked up no later than 11:00 PM. If you have questions about the semi-formal dress guidelines, please see the handbook. All girls, on their grade level Moodle page, have a What to Wear and Not Wear picture guide.
HOMECOMING SPIRIT WEEK DRESS CODE - SEE FLYER BELOW: Students may wear jeans, knee length shorts, pajama bottoms, or sweatpants all week. If at any time you or your student has questions about clothing for a dress day, please stop by Mrs. Moseley’s office or send her an email at jmoseley@smhsbr.org.
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WARRIOR CLUB MEMBERSHIP - We hope you will consider joining the Warrior Club for the 2024-25 school year. Details can be found on our website ( www.smhswarriorclub.com). You must be a member to purchase the annual Warrior Club Athletic Passes, which provide entrance to all regular season home athletic events.
ST. MICHAEL HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE – We are thankful to have been invited to display a host of various items from our store available for purchase on the evening of Open House, October 23, 2024. Look for our table in the commons area and stop by to inquire about becoming a Warrior Club Member!
HOMECOMING BLOCK PARTY – October 2, 2024 - Look for our trailer at the Homecoming Block Party and be ready for some SMHS Warrior GIVE-AWAYS!
ATHLETIC PROGRAMS CAMPAIGN – We wrapped up our Athletic Program Campaign at the beginning of August. A gracious THANK YOU to all those individuals, families, and local businesses who supported our success again this year. Your contributions are appreciated! Be on the lookout for the Athletic Program debut at every Friday Night Home Football Game.
WARRIOR GEAR – It’s never too early to get your spirit gear ready for the next school year. Shop online from our website ( www.smhswarriorclub.com) anytime and your order may be picked up from the front office during school hours.
St. Michael the Archangel, Defend Us in Battle
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ADVANCEMENT NEWS & IMPORTANT EVENTS
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THE FUND FOR ST. MICHAEL: We invite you to join us in advancing our mission by considering a personal and meaningful gift to the Fund for St. Michael. Your tax-deductible donation allows us to invest in teacher pay, provide qualified families with tuition assistance, strengthen faith formation, and support our extracurricular activities and programs. In essence, your gift to this fund improves the overall student experience. Please use the link below to learn more about our fund and how you can help us attain our goal of $150,000 for the 2024-2025 school year.
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WARRIOR STADIUM: Warrior Stadium is coming to life on Monitor Avenue. The football/soccer field turf is down, the base for the eight-lane track is being laid, and construction has begun on the concession stand, locker rooms, and press box. The dream of an athletic complex for Warrior Nation is a reality thanks to our generous school community. Please visit our website to learn more about Warrior Stadium and how you can invest in our capital campaign.
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WARRIOR GOLF CLASSIC: Registration is still open for the 35th Annual Warrior Golf Classic! The SMHS Advancement Office is looking for food hole sponsors to help make this event delicious and successful. The sponsorship is free and a great way to deliver your company's message. For more information, please contact Jason Chauvin (jchauvin@smhsbr.org), Advancement Director.
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SAVE THE DATE: Clear your calendars and make plans to attend these exciting upcoming events hosted by the Advancement Office. We can't wait to see you there!
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Formed in Catholic tradition, the mission of St. Michael High School is to foster the spiritual, intellectual, and personal development of young people as committed disciples of Christ. To achieve such a worthy goal, St. Michael gratefully relies on the meaningful involvement of many generous people. If you own a business or know a business, we invite you to discover the numerous ways you can partner with St. Michael High School by visiting our website, or contacting Advancement Director, Jason Chauvin (jchauvin@smhsbr.org).
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