August 2024
Principal's Newsletter
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WELCOME BACK TO OUR CHAPLAINS AND RELIGIOUS SISTERS: We welcome back Fr. Albert Blount and Fr. Joseph Bresowar, who are both associate pastors for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Deacon Michael Parker, St. Michael Class of 2005, has been officially assigned as a chaplain for St. Michael. We also welcome back our Mercedarian Sisters. Sr. Heart of Jesus will be returning, and we welcome Sr. Sara who will take on a new name when she professes her first vows on August 15. Please pray for them and know that they are praying for you.
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OUR LADY OF WISDOM CHAPEL: The school chapel is open in the morning and at lunch for students to stop in and pray. We will be scheduling Friday morning mass or adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by the end of August. More information will be given to students in theology classes and to parents via email.
CELEBRATION OF MASS: Our first all school Mass is Thursday, August 15 at 8:50 AM. We will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary in the St. Sebastian Multipurpose Building. Students must wear their dress uniforms all day on Mass Days.
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MP3–MUSIC PRAYER PRAISE PLAY To Be Truly Wise: High school students from across the Diocese are invited to this awesome St. Michael back to school kick off event. It will take place on Friday, August 16 from 6:00 - 10:00 PM in the St. Sebastian Multipurpose Building. This is a fun night of fellowship and faith – including games, music, food, obstacle course, powerful keynote speaker, and opportunity for Eucharistic Adoration and confession. Cost is $10.00 per person. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/MP3WISE and pay at the door. St. Michael students should register as individuals.
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CHRISTIAN SERVICE HOURS FOR 2024-2025
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NEW LUNCH VENDOR/PROCEDURES
FOR 2024-2025
We are excited to be partnering with Turning Point Food Services this school year for our school-day lunches. Having one supplier for our student body and staff will help maintain high food quality and reliability all year long. Student options for daily lunch will include a hot meal (protein and 2 sides), a hot or cold sandwich, and a fresh salad option. Total daily cost will depend on what a student purchases and how much of it they purchase, but a hot meal will be between $5 and $6.50 with salad and sandwich options being less. Students will be able to pay for their meals using their student ID cards, much like a debit card. Parents and guardians will load money onto the cards using a single sign on secure website with the company i2 (Infinite Infrastructure). This is the same company that provides us with our electronic tickets for all sporting events. There will not be an option to pay with cash, credit or debit cards during the school day. Drink and snack vending machines will still be available for students with cash, credit or debit cards.
An email will be sent out early this week with instructions on how to load your student's ID with funds for lunch. Please note that no student will be allowed to purchase food items and incur a negative balance. Families can check student balances in real-time and add money accordingly. We are working with Turning Point to have a balance check point for students before they enter the lunch line, but it would be a good practice to review balances every few days. There will be no service fees for using bank ACH debit to load money, but there will be service fees for using credit cards. We ask for your patience with us as we implement this new lunch option for our students these first few weeks. Please be on the lookout for the i2 informational email early next week and the menu for the month of August.
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Intellectual
ACT/SAT: It is recommended that students register for the ACT or SAT after completing the first semester of Algebra II, typically in the spring of their junior year. Seniors who have not already taken either the ACT or SAT should register soon. These test scores are essential when seeking admission to colleges and universities and qualifying for TOPS. Please be aware that some colleges and universities, including LSU’s Honors College, require that applicants take the written assessment component of either the ACT or SAT at least once. To sign up for the ACT or SAT, please visit the following websites:
ACT: www.act.org SAT: www.collegeboard.org/sat
The following codes may be useful when taking the ACT:
- St. Michael High School Code/CEEB: 190186
- LSU: 1590
- TOPS: 1595
- NCAA Eligibility Center: 9999
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT: Mark your calendar for Back to School Night at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, August 28 beginning in the St. Sebastian Multipurpose Building. This event is sponsored by the Home & School Association to give parents the opportunity to meet the faculty, staff, Home & School Association representatives, Warrior Club representatives, and members of the St. Michael Advisory Board. Parents will also have the opportunity to walk through their child’s school schedule and purchase Warrior Club merchandise.
BELLS:
- First bell at 7:10 AM
- Senior dismissal bell at 2:26 PM
- SMHS shuttle bus riders and EBR Parish bus riders dismissal bell at 2:26
- Carpoolers dismissal bell at 2:30 PM
CALENDAR FOR 2024-2025: This is the calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. It is important that students be present each day of school in order to get the most out of the education being offered. Please plan your vacations, family trips, and college visits accordingly.
CALENDAR 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
August 7, 8 First Days of School—Orientation
August 9 Full Day for All
September 2 Labor Day Holiday
October 16 End of the 1st Nine Weeks
October 25 Fall Holiday
October 25 Contingency Day
November 25-29 Thanksgiving Holiday
November 25, 26, 27 Contingency Days
December 17-20 Midterm Exams
December 23 – January 3 Christmas Holiday
January 3 Contingency Day
January 6 Students Return for 2nd Semester
January 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
March 3-7 Mardi Gras Holiday
March 4, 5, 6 Contingency Days
March 14 End of the 3rd Nine Weeks
April 18-25 Easter Holiday
April 22, 23, 24, 25 Contingency Days
May 16 Graduation
May 19-22 Final Exams for Underclassmen
Attendance each school day is an essential part of learning. Please plan absences and vacations accordingly. Contingency days will be used as school days to make up any days that may be missed due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. The administration will inform parents and students if and when contingency days are needed FALL AWARDS: Fall Awards will be held Thursday, September 5 at 8:50 AM in the St. Sebastian Multipurpose Building. This is a special event to recognize students with honors for the 2023-2024 school year and to induct the new National Honor Society (NHS) members. Parents are welcome to attend.
ISN PROGRAM: Any student with a diagnosed learning or mental health exceptionality may be eligible to receive classroom accommodations. Disabilities under the Individual Student Needs (ISN) program are defined as mental, physical, or psychological disorders interfering with learning that have been diagnosed by undergoing the process of a full psychoeducational evaluation by a licensed psychologist. IEPs and 504 Plans from the public school system are also accepted. Documentation of a disability is NOT forwarded by a student’s previous school. In order to remain current in the St. Michael ISN program, the student’s disability must have been diagnosed or reconfirmed within three academic years prior to the date of the request to receive accommodations. Requests for information or placement must be made to ISN coordinator Mrs. Taylor Flowers at tflowers@smhsbr.org.
SMHS SHUTTLE BUS: The SMHS Shuttle Bus will begin Friday, August 9. The monthly fee for this service is $100. Prompt arrival at the shuttle stops is necessary so that the bus will arrive to school before the tardy bell. The shuttle bus will depart promptly from SMHS each day at 2:30 PM; times listed below can be affected by local traffic conditions. Bus routes will be adjusted as needed.
2024-2025 Routes and times -
- St. John (Prairieville): pick up at 6:20 AM and drop off at 3:30 PM
- St. George School (Siegen Ln): pick up at 6:40 AM and drop off at 2:55 PM
Parents who are interested in this service may access our website at www.smhsbr.org and will find the Shuttle Bus form under Quick Links. You may submit the form to the Registrar. Once you submit the form, the fee will be added to your FACTS account. Contact our Registrar Mrs. Lori Steib at lsteib@smhsbr.org with questions.
SMHS AFTER SCHOOL CARE: St. Michael will offer an After School Care program beginning Friday, August 9. The cost of this program is $150 per semester. This program provides a safe place for students to wait for their parents. The program is available from 2:30 PM - 5:30PM, excluding emergency closures, holidays and early school dismissal days.
Parents who are interested in this service may access our website at www.smhsbr.org and will find the After School Care form under Quick Links. You may submit the form to our Registrar. Once you submit the form, the fee will be added to your FACTS account. Contact our Registrar Mrs. Lori Steib at lsteib@smhsbr.org with questions.
COLLEGES VISITING SMHS: Throughout the fall, admissions representatives from a number of colleges and universities will be visiting our school in order to share information with prospective students. Emails or announcements will be sent to seniors by our Senior Counselor & College Advisor Mrs. Rachel Cart, alerting students of these opportunities. Please continue to monitor emails, Moodle, and the SMHS Online Calendar for dates/times of upcoming events held at St. Michael.
LSU APPLICATION REMINDER: APPLY EARLY! LSU Admissions applications will open August 1 for the next fall semester at LSU. Seniors who are on target for meeting LSU admissions requirements should apply between August 1 and December 15, 2024. The priority date for full consideration for all LSU scholarship opportunities and Honors College admission for entering freshmen is December 15. The LSU Application for Undergraduate Admission also serves as the automatic application for all entering freshmen scholarships. To apply, go to the LSU Undergraduate Admissions website: www.lsu.edu/admissions. Students’ official high school transcripts, official ACT or SAT scores, and any other required information must be received by LSU prior to the December 15 priority deadline.
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.
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MORNING & AFTERNOON CARPOOL INFORMATION
To help with traffic flow, a sign preventing a left turn into the baseball parking lot entrance between 6:45 AM to 7:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM every school day has been added. Sheriffs will be positioned at Monitor Ave to assist in these changes during the first few days of school.
Morning Carpool
Carpoolers will continue to enter campus through the baseball entrance turning right from Monitor Ave. and flow to the front of the main school office. Dropping students off by the Field House, in staff parking lot or in the front senior parking lot is prohibited unless given prior permission. Anyone exiting the Field House parking lot during morning carpool will be forced to exit through the carpool lane. Students parked in the front senior lot are required to use the middle entrance from Monitor Ave.
Afternoon Carpool
Carpoolers will continue to enter campus through the baseball entrance turning right from Monitor Ave. and flow to the front of the main school office. Picking up students by the Field House, staff parking lot, or senior parking lot is prohibited unless given prior permission. Students parked in the senior lot are required to use the middle exit leading to Monitor Ave.
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Personal Development
ADDRESS/TELEPHONE CHANGE: If you have residence address, email address and/or telephone number changes during the school year, please reach out to our Registrar Mrs. Lori Steib at lsteib@smhsbr.org with the updated information.
ASBESTOS FREE & IPM PLANS: St. Michael High School is an asbestos free school. In compliance with the asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986, Operational Technologies of Baton Rouge re-inspected the schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan for schools (indoors and outdoors) is done on a yearly basis. Copies of both plans are in the school office and available to the public for inspection.
CHECK OUT POLICY: Parents are reminded to send a note with their student who needs to check out during the school day. The student should bring the note to the office before school. We will not call into classrooms to ask a student to come to the office for dismissal. This interrupts the learning process for everyone in the class. If a parent shows up to check out a student without sending a note, there will be a delay in getting the student from the classroom.
CLUB DAY: On Friday , August 23 during all lunch periods, students will have the opportunity to visit and learn about and/or sign up to participate in clubs. All clubs will be represented on this day, and students are encouraged to get involved. Please advise your student to get involved and join a club or sport. All clubs are listed on our website under About Us, Campus Life, Clubs and Activities. If you have questions, you may email our Activities Director Mrs. Jackie Moseley at jmoseley@smhsbr.org.
DISCRIMINATION POLICY: St. Michael High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, or ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, admission processes, extra-curricular activities, or other school related programs.
PERMISSION FOR COLLEGE VISITS: When a student is planning a college visit or tour day, his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) must forward a written request to our Dean of Students Mr. Kegan Keller at least five business 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 review the requested information prior to and following the event when considering the validity of granting an educational excused absence for the time missed away from school. Please refer to the SMHS Student/Parent Handbook for further details regarding educational absences.
SCHOOL PICTURE DAY: School pictures will be taken August 13 through your student’s English class. All students must wear their dress uniform on this day and all grooming must be up to school standards. If any student misses or would like to re-take his/her picture, re-takes will be taken August 27 during your student’s lunch period.
SENIOR YEARBOOK PICTURE REMINDER: Senior Yearbook pictures for the Class of 2025 can be scheduled online on the Barclell website. The deadline for senior pictures is October 25. Below you will find the address and phone number for Barclell Studio for your convenience. Please note that while you must take your yearbook picture at Barclell Studio, you are free to take senior portraits anywhere you prefer. Barclell Studio is a fantastic option, but the choice is yours.
To book your appointment:
- Visit their website – http://www.BarclellStudio.com
- Click the blue Book a Session button at the bottom right of the page
- Schedule your senior yearbook portrait appointment.
Barclell Studio - 251 Tate Road, Denham Springs, LA - (225) 791-1951
SENIOR BBQ: The Senior BBQ will be August 5 at 5:30 PM in the Field House. This event is for the senior class only. Please RSVP by August 2 at https://forms.gle/j8kCrBZhQU5BRpdP6
PROCEDURES TO ADDRESS CONCERNS: As we begin this school year, it is appropriate to inform parents of the procedure for addressing concerns. If an academic or procedural concern arises, the parent should first consult the teacher. If the issue is not resolved, the parent may take the matter to either the Dean of Students or an Assistant Principal. If the matter remains unresolved, it should be referred to the Principal.
SPIRIT SHIRTS: Spirit shirts will be on sale online from August 12 through August 18. This is the only time during the year that you may purchase a spirt shirt. The link to order is: https://forms.diamondmindinc.com/smhsbr/spirit24-25
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE: All students enrolled at St. Michael High School are automatically registered for school accident insurance. The cost of insurance is included in the tuition fee.
STUDENT/PARENT DIRECTORY: The Staff/Student/Parent Directory is available online through your PlusPortal account. To be listed in the directory, you must opt-in. Simply log into your PlusPortal account, pull down the arrow next to your name in the upper right menu and choose Directory Listing. There you will see the option to list your information in the directory and also which fields you would like displayed. You can also access information in the Parent and Student PlusPortal apps on your mobile devices.
WARRIOR FOOTBALL:
The Warriors are hard at work preparing for the 2024 season. To cheer on our Warriors, please see the below August playing dates:
- August 22, 6:30 PM at Live Oak vs Live Oak and Woodlawn
- August 29, 7:30 PM at Episcopal vs Ascension Catholic
WARRIOR SWIM TEAM:
Monica Braud is the Head Coach of the Warrior Swim Team. We have been growing our team over the last several years and would love to continue to add more Warriors. Our season runs from August 19 to November 21 . If you have a student who is interested in joining our team this year, please email Coach Braud at mbraud@smhsbr.org.
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BACK TO SCHOOL DANCE FOR STUDENTS: Our Back to School Dance will be Friday, August 30 from 7-10 PM. Our theme is Rock N Roll. Tickets may be purchased starting Thursday, August 15 through Monday, August 26 for $15 online or $20 at the door the night of the event. Our Back to School Dance is designed for St. Michael students only. No outside friends or visitors may attend this dance. At all other dances held throughout the year, we allow students from other schools to attend. Tickets may be purchased at https://forms.diamondmindinc.com/smhsbr/b2s24
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SAVE THE DATE: GRANDPARENTS DAY - JANUARY 26, 2025
Parents, If you did not initially provide grandparent contact information when registering your SMHS student, we will be sending you a Grandparent Data Form via email. Please complete the form to ensure we have addresses for the mailing of Grandparents Day invitations. We understand our families experience changes over time. If you have recently had a grandparent pass away and need their name removed from our mailing list, or have any other updates/changes, please let us know by emailing Lori Steib at lsteib@smhsbr.org .
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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 will allow us to invest in teacher pay, provide qualified families with tuition assistance, strengthen faith formation, and support our extracurricular activities and athletic programs. In essence, your gift to this fund improves the overall student experience. Click here to learn more about our fund and how you can make a gift donation today.
The Fund for St. Michael - St. Michael the Archangel High School (smhsbr.org)
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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 at jchauvin@smhsbr.org. |
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Alumni Softball Tournament
It’s time to dust off the old cleats and begin stretching, the annual Alumni Softball Tournament is almost here! Whether an alum or not, you are invited to the diamond for a day of good times and friendly competition. Click on the graphic above to register for the upcoming event. If you have any questions, please contact Alumni Coordinator Khloe Page ’04 at kpage@smhsbr.org. |
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Warrior Golf Classic
Promote your business at the 35 th Annual Warrior Golf Classic! The SMHS advancement office is looking for food hole sponsors to help make the event delicious and successful. The sponsorship is free and a great way to deliver your company’s message. For more information, please contact Advancement Director Jason Chauvin at jchauvin@smhsbr.org. |
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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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A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year at St. Michael High School! Our dedicated faculty is eagerly preparing to serve our families in this amazing school. This year marks an exciting time of change and progress as we embrace new leadership and positive growth. With fresh perspectives and renewed energy, we are confident that this transition will bring continued excellence to our community.
At St. Michael High School, we are committed to seeking the truth, living the faith, and serving like Christ. Please know that my door is always open, and I look forward to working with you as partners in the education of your children. Together, we will strive to uphold these values and make this a memorable and successful year.
Go Warriors!
Jared Cavalier, Principal
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On behalf of the Warrior Club, we would like to welcome you Back to School! We look forward to seeing you at the multiple sporting, academic, and faith formation events that we have planned for this upcoming 2024-2025 school year. There will be something for everyone here at St. Michael. The best way to obtain information about the Warrior Club is to follow us on social media. The Warrior Club is the St. Michael booster club that supports all athletic and spirit groups, including band, dance, and cheerleading. We are a group of volunteers that offer our time and talents to ensure an exciting & successful year filled with Warrior swag, memorabilia, and accessories.
St Michael Warrior Club Board Members:
Amanda Rabalais – President
Lalie Edgecombe – Vice-President
Lisa Johnson – Treasurer
Tiffany Brouillette – Secretary
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2024-25 WARRIOR CLUB MEMBERSHIPS
Membership Fees are $50 per Family…includes 2 Warrior Club Decals & 2 Warrior Club Exclusive T-shirts. Eligibility to purchase Warrior Club Athletic Passes (Entry to all regular season home athletic events)
**ONLY members will be eligible to purchase Warrior Club Passes. They will be electronic/digital priced at $75 each. Purchasing instructions will be provided to all WC MEMBERS via the SMHS Warrior Club Website **
Join by August 14 to receive your merchandise at Parent Night on August 28
ATHLETIC PROGRAMS
Don’t miss the opportunity to highlight your student or business and raise money for your favorite St. Michael sport or spirit team at the same time. The deadline to submit ads is August 4. Use the following link to submit your ad: www.smhswarriorclub.com/football-program-ads
WARRIOR CLUB DANCE
Let’s celebrate back to school by having a dance of our own. This event is open to all who are 21 years of age and older. Mark your calendars for August 31 at 7:00 PM at the St. Michael Multipurpose Gym. We will be hosting a DJ with a selection of various music. Details are available on our website including our EARLY BIRD SPECIAL which will include discounted tickets and table packages.
- Early Bird - $30 per ticket - on sale now till August 10
- Regular Admission - $40 per ticket
- Bottomless beverage cup - $25 per cup
- Sponsorship tables and executive VIP tables available to purchase
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WARRIOR GEAR
New spirit gear is arriving monthly. Shop online from our website www.smhswarriorclub.com anytime and your order may be picked up at the front office during school hours. Email warriorclub@smhsbr.org with any questions. |
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