September 2023
Principal's Newsletter
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2023-2024 MASS SCHEDULE
- Friday, September 29 - Feast of St. Michael
- Tuesday, October 17 - All School Mass
- Wednesday, November 1 - All Saints Day
- Friday, December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception
- Wednesday, January 10 - All School Mass
- Friday, February 2 - Catholic Schools Week
- Monday, March 11 - Bishop Duca Celebrant
- Friday, April 19 - Service Mass
- Friday, May 3 - Senior Mother's Mass
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PARENT FAITH OPPORTUNITIES
Parent Presentation | Fight the New Drug: On Tuesday, September 5 St. Michael High School invites all parents in the Diocese to this important presentation on dangers of pornography in our culture and families. The presenting organization, Fight the New Drug, is a secular organization that is spot on with their information regarding the realities of pornography in our culture. What they present mirrors the truth that the Church teaches on the topic, and the presentation received the recommendation of national Catholic Chastity speaker Jason Evert. We will have a priest(s) present at the presentation to offer a Catholic perspective, resources, and follow up as well. This will be the eve of an all student presentation at school.
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Want to Help with Campus Ministry Activities:
- Want to help with the many retreats and events put on by Campus Ministry? Sign up at
Parent Help Sign Up
Want to be a Parent (Grandparent) Prayer Warrior:
- Come pray in the school chapel on Wednesdays – more information and sign up at Wednesday Prayer Warrior Sign Up
- Join Parent Prayer Warrior Group Me to pray for intentions of the school and learn more about Mom’s Bible Study at Parent Prayer Warrior Group Me Link
- Parent Morning of Reflection/Talk with Jason Angelette: In conjunction with the Sophomore Retreat, all SMHS parents are invited to coffee and conversation at St. John the Evangelist on Wednesday, September 20 from 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM. Jason Angelette from the Willwoods Marriage and Family Apostolate will be speaking about Spirituality and Parenting in the Digital Age. RSVP at Parent RSVP
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SERVICE – SERVE LIKE CHRIST
A reminder that all information on the St. Michael Service Program can be found on the St. Michael website at www.smhsbr.org under Campus Ministry.
There are many organizations that are reaching out to us for volunteers so please encourage your student to check the link Upcoming and Ongoing Service Opportunities regularly. This is not the ONLY place that students can serve, but a great place to start and meet the needs of our community.
St. Jude Run/Walk: Students are invited to attend the St. Jude Walk Run on September 30 from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Students who attend are required to donate a minimum of $10 and participate in the walk. Completion of all requirements will result in ONE DIRECT service hour. Students who wish to run the 5k will be required to pay the $25 registration fee. This will also result in ONE DIRECT service hour. Students who participate in the 5k are not required to pay the $10. Register here
Out of the Darkness Walk Sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Students are invited to participate in the walk on October 7 beginning at 9:00 AM at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Help raise awareness for suicide prevention by walking in honor of the lives affected by suicide. Students are invited to join team Rain Will Bring Flowers, an organization founded in memory of Owen Tabor. For their participation, students will receive ONE DIRECT service hour. To sign up, please use the QR Code below. |
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UPCOMING CAMPUS MINISTRY EVENTS
CHASTITY SPEAKER: On Wednesday, September 6 St. Michael will host the organization, Fight the New Drug, for an important student and faculty presentation on pornography. As porn becomes increasingly normalized in the digital age, education on its well-documented harms becomes increasingly important. Fight the New Drug’s live presentations provide individuals and communities with the information they need to make an educated decision about pornography. The presenting organization, Fight the New Drug, is a secular organization that is spot on with their information regarding the realities of pornography in our culture. What they present mirrors the truth that the Church teaches on the topic and the presentation received the recommendation of national Catholic Chastity speaker Jason Evert. We will have a priest(s) present at the presentation to offer a Catholic perspective, resources, and follow up as well. More information about this organization and the presentation may be found at https://fightthenewdrug.org. Please read the Parent Letter about the presentation. If you have any questions or concerns please contact administration.
PARENT PRAYER NEEDED FOR DAY OF PRESENTATION: Parents are encouraged to pray for this talk. We will have a space for parents to take part in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and intercessory prayer in the St. Anne room located in the St. Sebastian Multipurpose Building before and during the talk. Parents are welcomed to come and pray for the speaker and our students from 12:30-2:30 PM. After the talk (at dismissal) students will be invited into Adoration and we will have priests available for confession and prayer with students. Directions for the day and sign up to COME and PRAY are available at Parent Prayer and Adoration Sign up.
CELEBRATION OF MASS: An all-school Mass and Eucharistic Procession to celebrate the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel will be held Friday, September 29 at 8:50 AM in the St. Sebastian Multipurpose Building. Our celebrants will be Fr. Joseph Bresowar and Deacon Michael. Fr. Albert will assist in the school-wide Eucharistic procession, following mass. Parents and alum are invited to the Mass and should check in at the school office prior to the Mass start time. Students must wear their dress uniforms on Mass days.
JUNIOR HIGH MP3: St. Michael Peer Ministry will host a Junior High MP3 Night (Music, Prayer, Praise, Pray) on Saturday, September 23 from 6:30-9:30 PM in the St. Michael Gymnasium. Please invite 6 th-8 th graders to attend this awesome night of fun and fellowship. More information and sign up can be found at JH MP3 SIGN UP
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION FOR STUDENTS: All students and faculty will have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) during a school wide day of prayer in Theology Classes on Thursday, September 14. Please pray for our students and the more than 12 priests who will be present all day.
SOPHOMORE RETREAT “Persevere": On Wednesday, September 20 sophomores will take part in a fun and faith-filled Retreat for their class. The Retreat will take place in the Activity Center at St. John the Evangelist Parish Church in Prairieville. Parents must drop off students (not before 8:00 AM) and students must be picked up at 2:30 PM (no student drivers). If you have a serious issue with transportation you must email efroeba@smhsbr.org by September 8. Permission forms are due back to the sophomore religion teachers by Friday, September 8. Click here for Retreat Information & Permission Retreat Information & Permission
Future Retreat Dates
- Senior – Monday, October 30
- Freshman – Wednesday, November 15
- Junior – Tuesday, March 19 (date change)
PEN PAL PROGRAM: The freshmen will be earning “Direct” service hours by writing letters to nursing home residents in the greater Baton Rouge area. More information about these letters and possibilities of visits will be given to students in Theology classes and emailed to parents.
WARRIORS FOR LIFE WEEK: Mark your calendars for a week-long celebration of Human Life and Dignity from October 2 - 6. More information about the annual March for Life Pilgrimage to Washington, DC will be available during this week.
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Intellectual
END OF FIRST NINE WEEKS: The end of the first 9 weeks grading period is Tuesday, October 3. It is important that each student puts forth maximum effort in his/her studies. There is no excuse for not working. Keep up with your student’s grades using PlusPortals. If you need help accessing the site, please call the front office and ask for the Registrar. If you have questions or concerns about your student or his/her grades, please contact the appropriate teachers.
PSAT INFORMATION FOR SOPHOMORES & JUNIORS: On Wednesday, October 18 all 11th grade students will sit for the PSAT, the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and the preparatory version of the SAT. St. Michael will cover the cost for all juniors to take the test. This test is now being delivered electronically and will be conducted within a shorter time frame. Additional details regarding dismissal times will be communicated at a later date. Due to the PSAT now being offered virtually, students will need to bring their laptop and laptop charger.
St. Michael allows 10th grade students to sit for the PSAT as well. The cost for sophomores is $20. Ms. Chelsea Brown emailed all sophomore parents a link to register for the PSAT. Students interested in sitting for the PSAT must register by no later than Friday, September 15. St. Michael must abide by the September 15 deadline to ensure an accurate amount of testing materials.
SENIOR PARENT NIGHT: All senior parents are encouraged to participate in the Senior Parent Meeting with Mrs. Rachel Cart and Ms. Ashley Goodwin, LSU Admissions Counselor. This event will be held in the SMHS cafeteria on Wednesday, September 13 beginning at 6:00 PM. Ms. Goodwin will be addressing LSU Undergraduate Admissions and steps to the application process. Senior parents, please attend this event to learn very valuable information regarding college applications; admissions to LSU; and receiving the TOPS scholarship.
BATON ROUGE NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR: The National Association for College Admissions Counseling Fair will be held on Tuesday, September 19 at the Raising Cane's River Center. Seniors will be allowed to go to the morning session, which is from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM. If they choose to go, they will need to register at https://www.nacacattend.org/23batonrouge/begin This will give them a barcode to register with the colleges they wish to visit that day. If they prefer not to use school time to attend the fair, there is also a night session from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. On the day of the fair, students must go to their first hour class. They will need a parent letter requesting them to sign out after first hour, which will be turned in to Mrs. Tracy Perrien in the front office by no later than September 18. Without the note they will not be allowed to sign out after first hour to attend the fair. All students attending the fair must sign in with Mrs. Rachel Cart while at the fair. If they do not sign in, their time away from school will not be excused. Please encourage your students to attend the information sessions held that day. They are very informative.
COLLEGES VISITING SMHS: We will have admissions representatives from a number of colleges and universities visiting our school to share information with prospective students. Emails and/or announcements will be made alerting students of these opportunities. Seniors may monitor their email, Moodle, and the SMHS Online Calendar for dates/times of upcoming events held at St. Michael.
Currently Scheduled Visits
- Northwestern September 5
- Spring Hill September 5
- Xavier September 14
- Southeastern September 15
- McNeese September 18
- Aveda September 22
- Centenary College of Louisiana September 26
- Louisiana Tech September 27
- University of Arkansas October 13
- University of Southern Mississippi October 20
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.
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: 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.
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION: Each month Mrs. Rachel Cart sends an email to parents and students with scholarship information. Mrs. Cart also posts on Moodle on the Senior Counselor Site scholarships that are available to seniors. Please use these resources for locating scholarship opportunities.
SENDING ACT SCORES: 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.
SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM: The United States Selective Service System requires all young men to register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. In order to be in full compliance with the law, a man turning 18 is required to register during the period of time beginning 30 days before, until 30 days after, his 18th birthday...a 60-day window. In addition, registration information may now be submitted as early as the age of 17 years and 3 months old. In cases of early registration (prior to the 60-day window), Selective Service will keep the information on file and then process it once the young man is within 30 days of reaching his 18th birthday. A card will then be mailed confirming that his registration has been processed. Failure to register is in violation of federal law. To register, please go to www.sss.gov.
LIBRARY NEWS: Did you know that free homework help is available online everyday from 2:00 PM—midnight? These one-to-one tutoring sessions include real-time help, interactive white boards, math tools, etc. Simply log into homeworkla.org. Students may even upload research papers or essays to receive live editing assistance. The website includes free ACT and AP test prep quizzes, as well as tutoring in Spanish and Vietnamese. In addition, our SMHS National Honor Society members have free tutoring on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the last 30 minutes of all lunch periods. Pop in the library to get help with homework, lab reports, and peer editing.
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Personal Development
SCHOOL HOLIDAY: There will be NO school on Monday, September 4 in observance of Labor Day.
CONFIRMATION PREPARATION AT ST. ALPHONSUS LIGUORI: Confirmation preparation begins in the 10th grade. Registration is required for each year. If you have not done so, please complete the registration form which is available in the back of the church, in the Faith Formation Office, or on the church website at www.alphonsus.org.
LETTERMAN JACKET ORDERS: On Friday, September 8 letterman jacket orders will be taken during all lunch periods for students who received an academic letter during Fall Awards and for students who lettered in spring sports this past school year. Packets are available for pick up in the office.
SCHOOL PICTURES: Barberito Photography emailed the school picture proofs to parents of students who took school pictures. If you did not receive your email from Barberioto’s you may contact them directly at (504) 455-6818.
SCHOOL PICTURE RETAKES: If your student was not able to take his/her picture last month, retakes are scheduled for Thursday, September 21 during all lunch periods. If you were unhappy with your first picture you may have it re-taken at this time as well.
SENIOR PICTURES: October 31 is the deadline for senior yearbook pictures. Contact Barclell’s at 225-791-1951 to schedule an appointment or you can book online by visiting Barclell’s website at http://www.BarclellStudio.com and select the blue "Book a Session" button on the bottom right hand side of the page. From there they'll be able to schedule your senior yearbook portrait appointment. Cost for your yearbook picture to be taken is $15.
STUDENT COUNCIL: Student Council will hold its annual workshop on Sunday, September 17 from 4:30-7:30 PM. At the workshop students learn about the year ahead for student council, make plans for Homecoming, and learn leadership skills. Dinner will be served.
STUDENT COUNCIL INDUCTION: The Student Council will hold its induction ceremony on Monday, September 25 in the St. Sebastian Multipurpose Building. Parents of members will receive an invitation with details.
PATRON SAINT SPIRIT DAY: Each class will have a unique spirit day on Thursday, September 28. Students may dress up as their patron saint.
- Class of 2027 – Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
- Class of 2026 – St. Joan of Arc
- Class of 2025 – Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Class of 2024 – St. Damien of Molokai
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Advancement News &
Important Events
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GIVE BACK NIGHT-Take a break and let Off the Hook do the cooking! Swing by the Baton Rouge Corporate Drive location on Thursday, September 14 between 3:00 - 9:00 PM 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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ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAMES-Pull out your old basketball shoes and sweatbands and join us on Saturday, October 28 for our annual Alumni Basketball games. Games will start at 10:00 AM (Coed)and 11:00 AM (Male Only). Note: The 10:00 AM game is a less competitive event. If your signature move is the "granny shot" this is your game. The 11:00 AM game is competitive and features alumni who can touch the rim without the use of a ladder. Choose wisely. Click the link to sign up! https://forms.gle/TMd1QrdhHLTotGu27
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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 you can register your team and get involved with this year’s event. Golf Classic 2023 (diamondmindinc.com)
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A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:
The 2023-2024 school year has begun, and it is evident that GOD IS WITH US. As a school community we are blessed to have students who are dedicated to their studies and to their faith. They work hard to develop their God-given gifts and talents. We are blessed to have parents and guardians who often sacrifice to have their children have a Catholic school experience. We are blessed with an outstanding faculty and staff who are committed to the mission of St. Michael High School. In times of celebration and in times of struggle, we recognize that GOD IS WITH US.
St. Michael High School continues to celebrate our students as our first month of school contained many new and long-standing traditions. Our seniors got together at the senior barbecue before classes started. Thanks to the Warrior Club and our dads for their contributions to this event. Seniors wore crowns on the first day of class to announce their arrival as senior “royalty.” The Senior Sunrise Breakfast coaxed all of our 12th graders to get to school early to enjoy the delicious meal sponsored by the SMHS Student Council. At the end of the first week of school, the entire school gathered briefly in the Servium Courtyard to enjoy popsicles, music, and time with friends. Our Chaplains, Father Albert Blount, Father Joseph Bresowar, and Deacon Michael Parker, celebrated our first all-school mass in August. All students enjoyed Club Day and the Back-to-School Dance. We are off to wonderful start to what looks to be a great year of growth and formation.
Thanks to everyone who supported the Home and School Free Tuition Raffle and who supported the Warrior Club Back to School Adult Dance. These two organizations are vital to the successful operation of our school. We can always count on them when there is a need. I hope all parents will get involved in one or the other or both. Parents make great volunteers.
A gentle reminder that in order for students to be successful, they must attend school every day if possible. That being said, students should stay home when they are sick. Covid has reappeared among our students and our teachers. St. Michael High School continues to follow Diocesan and CDC guidelines in order to keep all of our students and staff safe and healthy. Now is a good time to remind students about the importance of frequent handwashing.
We are grateful to our parents who partner with our school to accomplish its mission, which is to foster the spiritual, intellectual, and personal development of the young men and young women entrusted to our care. We ask for continued prayers as we work together to Seek the Truth, Live the Faith, and Serve Like Christ.
Your in Christ,
Ellen B. Lee, Principal
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ST. MICHAEL HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
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August was full of back to school activities.
Home and School parent volunteers helped at Picture Day as the students took their yearbook pictures and had their school IDs made.
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The Home and School Association held their annual fundraiser-raffle ticket sales for a tuition reimbursement and a technology fee reimbursement. Thank you to all the families who bought raffle tickets. Without your contribution to this fundraiser we could not accomplish the many activities we provide for the school community.
Congratulations to the winners of the raffles -
Our Early Bird winner for the Technology Fee was Ava Williams
Our Tuition Raffle Reimbursement winner was the Ledet family
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Upcoming September events sponsored by the Home and School Association
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WOW! WHAT A SUCCESS! The Warrior Club Dance was well attended and lots of fun. The EDDIE SMITH Band stepped up for us and put on a tremendous performance. Thank you, Jennifer and Michael Taffaro, Heidi Diecedue, and their amazing crew for their hard work and creativity. This was the best year yet! We’d also like to thank Kasey Gary Photography for the Photo Booth and our sponsors, Shamrock Construction Co, Matherne’s Market, and Stemmans & Alley. Thank you, Warrior Parents, for showing up to support our athletic and spirit programs!
On August 6 the Warrior Club contributed to the Back to School BBQ for the Class of 2024. We thank our BBQ crew, led by Jason Knapps and including Devin Knapps, Bernard Waguespack, and John Rochester, for cooking the burgers for this event.
Attention Warrior Club Members! If you joined by August 18 and did not pick up your membership packet at Back to School Night, you or your student may pick it up in the front office. If you joined after August 18, you will receive an email notification when your membership packet is available for pick up. You will also receive instructions for purchasing Warrior Club Athletic Event Passes as a password is required. Please know that once you purchase your passes, APPROVAL MUST BE GRANTED BY the WARRIOR CLUB before your passes are accessible.
It’s not too late to join the Warrior Club. It’s a great way to meet new Warrior Families and support Warrior Athletics & Spirit Programs. Details are available on our website at www.smhswarriorclub.com. In addition to other benefits, securing a membership offers eligibility to purchase an annual Warrior Club Athletic Event Pass. Warrior Club Passes provide entrance to all regular season home athletic events without having to worry about gate fees.
Need some warrior gear? We will open the store for lunch sales the first Friday of every month. Warrior gear will be sold from the Warrior Club trailer at the first home football game on September 15. You can always shop online from our website at www.smhswarriorclub.com. Once your order is ready, you will receive a notification and you or your student may pick it up from the front office. |
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