For the SMOS School Thursday Newsletter, please refer to the School Flocknote.
School News
CRE Update 04-25-24
This week our students talked a lot about how to be good stewards of our Earth. God created such a beautiful gift for us – we are called to love and care for it!
School Shoutouts 04-25-24
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
Dear Maggie – April 25, 2024
Maggie’s column is usurped today by her trusty admin, Gen (as in St. Genesius, the patron saint of secretaries), who has an axe to grind with our Ms. Maggie (which has nothing to do with the rumors of his beheading!) It appears that Gen was all-but-forgotten yesterday for Administrative Professionals Day – and he wants to make sure that we all didn’t lose our heads and forget to thank Chris Stephens & Jennifer Shearer for everything they do around the school!
Principal’s Message 04-25-24
Our students had several opportunities to show off their talents and gifts this past week.
Curriculum Corner 04-25-24
Not only did the 5th Graders perform in the Dancing Classrooms competition this week – they also discovered a lot about ecosystems using their class terrariums AND put on their teacher hats to educate their classmates about the Civil War. Phew!
SMOS Library Book Sale 2024
Event Date: Friday, May 3, 3:00pm
School Parking Lot
CIDE Update 04-25-24
We at St. Margaret have been an active participant in the No Place for Hate program for the past few years. This year we will celebrate the program with a weeklong spirit week. This spirit week will take place May 6th- May 10th. In today’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity – Corey Shorter, we learn about No Place For Hate – and get more insight into the “disease of hate” from a quote by India Arie.
Speech Team Results – Final Qualifying Tournament 2024
Congratulations to the members of the SMOS Speech Team members who qualified for the final Bellarmine Speech League tournament! It was an honor for them to attend, and they performed with excellence on April 20, 2024!
SMOS Track Meet 2024
This past weekend, the SMOS Track team competed in the CYC Track Meet at Cardinal Ritter High School. Over 2500…
Speech Team Performance Night
Event Date: Sunday, April 28, 5:30pm
Church Hall
SMOS Family Dance 2024
Event Date: Friday, April 26, 6:30-9:30pm
SMOS School Gym
Dear Maggie – April 18, 2024
The hills are alive with the sounds of… Beyonce?!? In this week’s column, Maggie steps in to sashay a Mom confused about the Family Dance into the right tempo. Maggie’s here with all the deets before you can say so long, farewell!
CIDE Update 04-18-24
In today’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity – Corey Shorter, we learn about Charles Darwin and the need AND importance of being able to adapt – not only to our surroundings, but to God’s will for us.
CRE Update 04-18-24
Have you been to one of our class Masses lately??? On the third weekend of each month, a different grade level is celebrated at the 10:00am on Sunday mornings. Join our kindergarteners at 10:00 Mass this Sunday! Looking for another incentive to go to Mass this weekend? Two of our 7th graders will be receiving sacraments at that Mass. One of our 7th graders will be baptized, and he will be joined by another 7th grader in receiving First Communion. Please pray for these two students and for all who will be receiving sacraments in the weeks to come!
School Shoutouts 04-18-24
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
Principal’s Message 04-18-24
The next couple of weeks are going to be very important to the Sacramental lives of our students at St. Margaret of Scotland.
Curriculum Corner 04-18-24
Lots of exciting stuff going on in 4th Grade the past couple of weeks! The work in the classrooms have been focused heavily on everything earth-related. And yesterday, a group of students were the subject of an coming story by KMOV Channel 4.
SMOS Day Of Service 2024
Event Date: Saturday, May 4, 9:00am
St. Margaret of Scotland School, 3964 Castleman Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63110
Dear Maggie – April 11, 2024
Maggie is back this week with tough love for a SMOS parent whose ability to control her inbox has been eclipsed by Spring Break and a certain solar event.
Willy Wonka Jr.
Event Date: Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21, 2024
St. Margaret of Scotland Church Hall – 3864 Flad Ave., Saint Louis, 63110
Bellarmine Speech League Tournament – March 2024
Congratulations to the SMOS Speech Team for their work in preparing and performing in the Bellarmine Speech League Tournament on March 23, 2024! The team performed with excellence and we are pleased to share their results and gratitude for the support of our SMOS community.
Dragons Excel At Math Regionals
Congratulations to the members of the SMOS Math Club who participated at the MathLeague Regional Meet on April 6th at Parkway…
SJHI Thank You
To all in the St. Margaret of Scotland Community – Your generosity toward St. Joseph Housing Initiative during the Lenten…
CIDE Update 04-11-24
In today’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity – Corey Shorter, we find a quote from NASA Astronaut, Christa McAuliffe, which teaches us to remove the limitations from your dreams, accomplish your goals, and SOAR!
CRE Update 04-11-24
No Families in Faith tonight. Parent Prayer tomorrow at 7:55am in the Hesed Outdoor Classroom! This week many of our…
Curriculum Corner 04-11-24
Exciting news from third-grade math!
Our third graders have embarked on a colorful, hands-on journey into the world of fractions with Skittles, making learning both engaging and memorable!
Principal’s Message 04-11-24
I hope all of you had an awesome Easter and Spring Break. We are entering into ‘end of the year’ mode as we only have six weeks left in the school year. We have had a great week back in school.
SMOS Dine Out: Mission Taco
Event Date: Wednesday, April 24, 11:00am-10:00pm
Mission Taco – Soulard
April Showers 2024 Dress Down Day
The Girl Scouts are sponsoring a Dress Down Day to coincide with their April Showers collection event on Friday, April…
Update To FACTS Text Message System
We have some updates regarding messages sent from the School via FACTS. Starting April 8, messages sent via Parent Alert (the text message system) will have a new short code (the numbers the text comes from).
Middle School Open House 2024
Event Date: Monday, April 15 @ 7:00pm
Starting in the School Gym – St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic School, 3964 Castleman Ave., Saint Louis, MO, 63110
Scouts BSA “Camp Card” Fundraiser 2024
The Scouts of Troop 110 are raising money for their 12-day backpacking expedition to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico…
Save The Date – VBS 2024
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
St. Margaret of Scotland Church
August 5-9, 2024
9am – 12pm Noon
Playground Closed Over Spring Break
Please note that the playground and part of the blacktop will be closed over Spring Break for repairs and some…
Dear Maggie – March 21, 2024
This week, Maggie consoles a school parent who’s caught up in the lack of a Spring Break grind – by commiserating about her lackluster vacation plans too – all while reminiscing about her younger days… and a Spring Break “Grind” of another sort.
School Shoutouts 03-21-24
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
CRE Update 03-21-24
No parent prayer tomorrow because on Friday morning, the 6th grade class will present a Living Stations of the Cross on the School Parking Lot. The “actors” will pose and hold still as the teacher of the class coming through reads a reflection/reading. Classes come individually throughout the morning/day. This will be open to all school parents, as well as any other parishioners who wish to join us to walk through – from 8:15-10:15am.
Curriculum Corner 03-21-24
Currently, the 2nd Grade classes are working on the science unit: Cycles in Nature in Reading. Students are learning about many of the natural cycles that make life on Earth possible. This week, they are learning about the life cycle of flowering plants and trees.
Save The Date – Annual Family Dance 2024
The SMOS PTA invites you and your family to the Annual Family Dance on Friday, April 26th from 6:30-9:30 in the SMOS Gym! Stay tuned for an announcement about this year’s theme and for information on how to register! This event is FREE this year!
Save The Date – Willy Wonka Jr.
Ticket sales open on Monday, April 8.
School Board Nominations 2024
Call for nominees to run for School Board! It’s time to nominate three candidates for the School Board to replace outgoing members. Board members support School Administration by advising the Pastor and Principal on policy, budget, and planning. The three-year term begins in June 2024.
Dragon Raffle 2024
Raffle tickets are going home today with your family’s oldest child. The Dragon Raffle is a mandatory fundraiser for each School family – the only one required every year. You will receive $100 worth of tickets with which you can…
Principal’s Message 03-21-24
I hope everyone has a calm relaxing and refreshing Spring Break. I can unequivocally say that it will be a welcome break.
Girl Scouts April Showers 2024
Pick up will be at Masses on 4/6 and 4/7. They will also be accepting cash donations and via the…
CIDE Update 03-21-24
In today’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity – Corey Shorter, we check in on the life of Amelia Earhart — and through her words we learn the importance of taking flight with the opportunities you are given; and if you are not given them, creating your own opportunities from the ground up.
Supply Drive For St. Joseph Housing Initiative
Both the Parish and the School are supporting the St. Joseph Housing Initiative as part of a Lenten Service Project…
SMOS Dine Out: 3 Little Monkeys
Event Date: Thursday, March 21, 11:00am-11:00pm
3 Little Monkeys
Dear Maggie – March 14, 2024
Maggie to the rescue again this week to bail out a mother who, let’s just say, didn’t exactly tell the truth about where she was this Tuesday night. Now she needs Maggie to fill her in on all of the hot scoop from the PTA meeting this week, so her teenage daughter doesn’t find out that she was fibbing and went out for wine with her mom-friends at Sasha’s instead of heading to the School.
Principal’s Message 03-14-24
Lots of stuff going on around school this past week – we had a great week! Living History Museum, upcoming Feast of St. Joseph plans, and forthcoming news about staffing for next year all in today’s message.
Curriculum Corner 03-14-24
This past week in First Grade, the students were hard at work on their animal research projects, as well as creating shapes using smaller shapes.
School Shoutouts 03-14-24
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
CIDE Update 03-14-24
Through the strength shown by this week’s Featured Leader, Jaqueline Kennedy, we are taught to not let oneself to be overcome by sadness. It’s an important lesson in today’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity – Corey Shorter.
CRE Update 03-14-24
Tonight’s gathering of Families in Faith has been POSTPONED until April 11. There will be NO event tonight. Taking place in our school cafeteria, these informal get-togethers are geared toward families looking to build community here in our parish and school. All are welcome! We will gather at 7:00pm and childcare is provided. Please RSVP using the link below, so that we know how many children will need care! The link has been updated to show the new, correct date. Click the link below for the rest of this week’s CRE Update with Gwen Heithaus.
Solar Eclipse Permission Form
A permission form will be coming home this afternoon with your oldest/only child regarding the solar eclipse – and permission to view it with special glasses provided by the PTA – on Monday, April 8 (which is the first day back at school after Spring Break).
Spring Music Concerts 2024
Event Date: Tuesday, March 19, 6:00pm
St. Margaret of Scotland School Gym – 3964 Castleman Ave., Saint Louis, 63110
Girl Scout Diaper Drive 2024
Fourth Grade Girl Scout Troop 2184 is having a diaper drive as a Lenten service project, benefitting families in need at the St. Vincent de Paul Pantry at St. Pius.
SMOS Book Fair 2024
Event Date: Tuesday-Thursday, March 5-7
Parents’ & Grandparents’ Day, Thursday, March 7, 3:00-6:30pm
St. Margaret of Scotland School Gym – 3964 Castleman Ave., Saint Louis, 63110
CRE Update 02-29-24
Please join us tomorrow (Friday) morning for Parent Prayer in the Hesed Outdoor Classroom! All are welcome. Also, in this week in the CRE Update with Gwen Heithaus, news about the 6th Grade Retreat and learning about black saints for Black History month (lots of pics inside!).
School Shoutouts 02-29-24
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
CIDE Update 02-29-24
In today’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity – Corey Shorter, we learn about the first African-American, Native American, female pilot in the United States and through her story learn the importance of making a plan and sticking to it.
Principal’s Message 02-29-24
This past Friday our faculty spent their afternoon participating in professional learning. We continued our work in creating Units based on standards using Understanding by Design.
Curriculum Corner 02-29-24
This week our kindergarten was working hard. From working on dictation of CVC words, to learning about African American Saints, to breaking about numbers, and St. Patrick’s Day – it was a busy few days!
Dear Maggie – February 29, 2024
This week, Maggie jumps in to help repair the generational divide between a daughter and her mother – over what SMOS activities are appropriate for the granny-set! Of course, being a grandma herself gives Maggie a leg up, as she tries to explain that the answer may just lie in a recess-ive family gene!
Donuts At Dismissal 2024
The St. Margaret of Scotland Middle School Violin Students and Choir Members will be performing at the Music in the Parks Festival this April. Fifty percent of the proceeds from this sale will go to the choir to help defray their participation costs.
Dear Maggie – February 22, 2024
It’s always FAIR weather when Maggie comes to the aid of a school parent with a daunting question, and this week is no exception. In this week’s column, Maggie clarifies why a student is looking to extort fifty bucks from his cash-strapped parents for the library.
School Shoutouts 02-22-24
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
CRE Update 02-22-24
In this week in the CRE Update with Gwen Heithaus, one great way to pray with your kids this Lent is to take them through the Stations of the Cross. Gwen provides several resources available online to use at home.
SMOS Yearbook Ads 2024
Send a shout-out to your favorite Dragons or promote your business to the 200+ SMOS families! The SMOS PTA supports the School yearbook and allows us to give one to every student and faculty member each year, free of charge. Selling ads for the publication is the only fundraiser the Yearbook Committee runs to help defer these costs.
Principal’s Message 02-22-24
We have had a great first full week of Lent at St. Margaret of Scotland. We are partnering with the Parish and focusing all of our services on the St. Joseph Housing Initiative. Plus, join us for Stations of the Cross on 3/1 – and Report Cards for 2nd Trimester will be out soon.
CIDE Update 02-22-24
In today’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity – Corey Shorter, we are reminded about the importance of perseverance, with a quote from Nelson Mandela, who lived his life battling the seemingly impossible every day.
SMOS Book Fair 2024 – Save The Date
It’s Scholastic Book Fair time! Classes will participate during school hours Tuesday, March 5 through Thursday, March 7. There will also be a special Family Event Thursday, March 7 at 3:00-6:30 P.M. where parents and grandparents are welcome to join their student to shop! Every purchase benefits our school. Start exploring together on our school’s Book Fair homepage!
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/stmargaretofscotlandschool2
Curriculum Corner 02-22-24
This week’s Curriculum Corner will focus on our preschool classes. While they may be the youngest in the school, they are certainly focused on some big learning in the classroom.
Each week, we will be highlighting the amazing and wonderful things that are happening in our classrooms and grade levels at St. Margaret of Scotland School. We are very proud of the work our teachers do with our students and are amazed by what happens at SMOS. Our goal is to share more about the hidden gem that is St. Margaret’s.
Assistant Principal Letter 02-16-24
Please find attached a letter from Principal Holley regarding the new Assistant Principal for St. Margaret of Scotland School.
Curriculum Corner 02-15-24
Each week, we will be highlighting the amazing and wonderful things that are happening in our classrooms and grade levels at St. Margaret of Scotland School. We are very proud of the work our teachers do with our students and are amazed by what happens at SMOS. Our goal is to share more about the hidden gem that is St. Margaret’s.
Girl Scout Cookie Sale 2024
St. Margaret’s 2nd grade Brownie Troop 740 will be selling cookies after the 8am and 10am Mass on Sunday, February 18….
SMOS Dine Out: Bailey’s Range
Event Date: Monday, February 26, 4:00-8:00pm (“The Sandlot” starts at 6:00pm)
Bailey’s Range
Bellarmine Speech League Tournament 2024
On February 10th, the SMOS Speech Team competed in the second Bellarmine Speech League Tournament of the year. Congratulations to the team for their excellent preparation and performance! We are delighted to share their results and gratitude for the support of our SMOS community.
Principal’s Message 02-15-24
It is part of my job as a principal to participate in both formal and informal observations of teachers over the school year. To bring these experiences to you, I would like to introduce a new article in the newsletter. We are calling this Curriculum Corner.
CRE Update 02-15-24
In this week in the CRE Update with Gwen Heithaus, it’s everything Ash Wednesday, as we celebrate as a school and parish community. It was so wonderful to see all of the children at Mass – even our preschoolers! See all of the pics inside!
Dear Maggie – February 15, 2024
There’s something fishy going on in Maggie’s column this week – and it’s not the question about who the Feastie Boys really are, but the details about what makes the SMOS Fish Fry so good? Hint, hint – it may not take a lot of cooks in the kitchen, but it is necessary to have 4 Hands!
School Shoutouts 02-15-24
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
MathLeague Competition Results 2024
We had 80+ kids participate from over 13 area schools in the MCTM MathLeague Competition hosted by St. Margaret of Scotland on February 3, 2024. 10 SMOS students have advanced to the regional level competition at Parkway West High School on April 6th.
CIDE Update 02-15-24
In today’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity – Corey Shorter, we have a lesson from our Featured Leader for this week, Malcolm X, who teaches us the importance of standing up for something that you believe strongly about – and that not doing so will cause us to settle in life.
Family Stations of the Cross 2024
Event Date: Friday, February 23, 6:30-8:00pm
School (Faith Hall)
Fish Fry 2024
Event Date: Friday, February 23, 5:00–8:00pm
St. Margaret of Scotland School Cafeteria – 3964 Castleman Ave., Saint Louis, MO, 63110
Camp Opportunities From Starkloff Disability Institute
As part of our ongoing Inclusion & Diversity efforts, St. Margaret of Scotland has initiated a collaboration with Starkloff Disability…
Wednesday Mass Crossing Guards – Spring 2024
Our Sign-Up Genius has been updated, and there are new dates available to volunteer as a crossing guard, to help…
Black History Month & SMOS I&D Committee Meeting
The SMOS Inclusion & Diversity Committee will be holding its monthly meeting tomorrow, Friday, February 9 at 8am in the…
Principal’s Message 02-08-24
Next week marks the beginning of the Lenten Season with our Ash Wednesday celebration. I encourage all of you to join us for Mass next Wednesday to celebrate with us.
School Shoutouts 02-08-24
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
Dear Maggie – February 8, 2024
In this week’s column, Maggie hears from a parent who’s stuck in holiday hell – trying to juggle the indulgences of Valentine’s Day and the restrictions of Ash Wednesday. But as Maggie reminds her, not all is lost – and that there may just be a way to have her King Cake and eat it too!
Speech Team Bake Sale
On February 13 (Tuesday), the SMOS Speech Team will be hosting a Valentine’s Day Bake Sale! They will be selling cookies,…
School Lost & Found
The Lost & Found at school is once again getting pretty full. Please stop by the Cafeteria to take a…
STUCO Soup-er Bowl Challenge & Valentines Dress-Down Day
The Soup-er Bowl Canned Goods Drive. The SMOS Student Council (STUCO) is sponsoring a canned goods drive for Isaiah 58…
CIDE Update 02-08-24
Hoping to see all of you at the Inclusion & Diversity Committee meeting tomorrow morning at 8AM at School. We’ll be discussing all things Black History Month. In today’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity – Corey Shorter, we learn about Frederick Douglass and are reminded that sometimes we often think if we don’t have the right amount of people in our corner or we don’t have the tools or resources needed to be successful, but all that we really need is God.
CRE Update 02-08-24
In this week in the CRE Update with Gwen Heithaus, we wrap-up Catholic Schools Week with a look at our Spirit Day festivities and pray together for the Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita. Plus, be sure to VOTE FOR SMOS in the TinySaints CSW contest – it’s a chance to win Tiny Saints of Margaret for the entire school! The school with the most votes wins!!
CSW PTA Gift To Student Body 2024
The SMOS PTA is excited to provide a little bit of science fun for the students this year as a…
Wunderkind Adventure Camp @ SMOS
Please find attached the Wunderkind Adventure Camp flyer, registration form for caregivers, follow-up information to accompany the registration form, and…
Open House Thank You!
Our Open House 2024 was a huge success! We welcomed 65 new families this year – a 35% increase over…
Dear Maggie – February 1, 2024
Today, it’s not a parent, but none other than Ms. Jen Shearer with a request for Maggie – she is getting buried alive by your kids, or rather, by your kids’ stuff! She needs help to dig out of the Lost & Found pile before Mr. Holley files a missing person’s report, and considers her a goner. Have no fear – Ms. Shearer is still on the job, but any unclaimed items that are not “found” by February 20 will soon be “lost” to SVdP. Once again, it’s Maggie to the rescue!
School Shoutouts 02-01-24
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
Principal’s Message 02-01-24
Tomorrow we will celebrate the feast day of St. Blaise. St. Blaise was a bishop and martyr and the patron saint of throat ailments. In honor of St. Blaise, we will have throat blessings for all students and faculty tomorrow during the school day.
CIDE Update 02-01-24
News about the history of Black History Month, plus our positive quote of the week is from Langston Hughes who reminds us that dreams are very important – they help provide our purpose. All this and much more in today’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity – Corey Shorter.
CRE Update 02-01-24
Happy Catholic Schools Week! We have had a blast celebrating our Catholic identity here at SMOS this week, and there is more fun still to come! Check out some of the highlights from this week in the CRE Update with Gwen Heithaus.
SMOS Yearbook Photos Request
Have any great photos from school (even awkward ones!)?? The Middle School yearbook staff has been working hard on the…
Dear Maggie – January 25, 2024
If your oldest child is even less responsible than the US Postal Service is these days when it comes to delivering paperwork, you might not be alone. This week, Maggie helps out a mom who has the registration blues – with just the right note to help fix her document drama.
School Shoutouts 01-25-24
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
Principal’s Message 01-25-24
Thanks to everyone who signed up to volunteer for our school improvement committees. It just goes to show the great spirit of this community at St. Margaret of Scotland which will be on display this weekend at Open House. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
CRE Update 01-25-24
Once again, please feel free to join us tomorrow for our Parent Prayer in the Hesed Outdoor Classroom at 7:50am to start the day with a little bit of Jesus. Also in this week’s CRE Update with Gwen Heithaus, we are reminded of the importance of bringing our children to Mass this weekend (especially) and every Sunday.
CIDE Update 01-25-24
As his birthday month approaches, we are reminded by Abraham Lincoln that you can choose how to live your life, making it one of purpose or not – that and much more all in this week’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.
GOTR Spring 2024 Registration Now Open!
Registration is OPEN now for the GOTR Spring 2024 season! Sign-up your 3rd-5th Grade girl this Spring for an afterschool…
2024-25 SMOS Preschool Letter
Please see the letter from Mr. Holley (below) regarding changes for Preschool at St. Margaret’s School for the next school…
SMOS Family Ice Skating Night 2024
Event Date: Thursday, February 1, 5:30-8:30pm
Steinberg Ice Rink
Scottish Arts Performance
To conclude our celebration of Catholic Schools Week, the SMOS 6th/7th Grade Choir singers will collaborate with renowned artist Jil Chambless to perform traditional Scot songs that celebrate our school heritage.
CSW Buddy Service Project 2024
Each grade level is responsible for bringing a different item to add to the hygiene kids we are making to benefit the homeless through the St. Patrick Center.
Catholic Schools Week 2024
St. Margaret of Scotland will be observing Catholic Schools Week (CSW), starting with Open House on Sunday, January 28th and continuing through that week until Friday, February 2nd.
SMOS Lego Robotics 2024 Registration
Lego Robotics registration for the Spring 2024 session opens Friday, January 19 at 8am. SPOTS ARE LIMITED! Registration is FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE.
Dear Maggie – January 18, 2024
After a night out with her friends, Maggie is at a loss for words – not because she doesn’t have anything to say – but because she hasn’t a clue where her phone is!?! She’ll be back with answers to your pressing questions next week, but in the meantime, she reminisces this week about her favorite time of year – Catholic Schools Week (what else?)!
School Shoutouts 01-18-24
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
CIDE Update 01-18-24
This week, we learn an important lesson from the King of Swat himself, Babe Ruth, who reminds us that the most courageous thing we can do is “try” – that and much more all in this week’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.
CRE Update 01-18-24
We have our next Faith in Families program – “Addressing Tough Questions” – this evening at 7:00pm in the School Cafeteria. All are welcome! And also, please feel free to join us once again tomorrow for our Parent Prayer in the Hesed Outdoor Classroom at 7:50am to start the day with a little bit of Jesus. And read on for more info in this week’s CRE Update with Gwen Heithaus.
Principal’s Message 01-18-24
As you may know, we are in the first year of the school improvement process. This process calls us to create committees to answer questions about our school and create suggestions for improvement.
It is imperative that members of our parent community join these committees so that we can have your varied perspective in setting goals for our school.
2024 SMOS Track Registration
Registration for SMOS CYC Track is Now Open. Registration is limited so please do not delay. The season will go…
SMOS Dine Out: Pie Guy
Event Date: Wednesday, January 24, Noon-10:00pm
Pie Guy
First Grade Service Project
The First Graders NEED YOUR HELP with their service project for this year. They are collecting aluminum can tabs to…
Save The Date – Catholic Schools Week
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the celebration of Catholic Schools Week here in the United States. Each year,…
Open House 2024 – SMOS Community Invited
As Mr. Holley mentioned in his Principal’s Message this week, we’re continuing to put our plans together for SMOS Open…
St. Margaret of Scotland School Open House 2024
Event Date: Sunday, January 28, 11:00am-2:00pm
School
Dear Maggie – January 11, 2024
This week, Maggie grabs her shovel and digs into the details of the School’s snow day plans, to help an artic-addled mom dig out from the avalanche of weather forecasts brought forth by her doppler-addicted husband.
Families In Faith – Winter/Spring 2024
CLICK TO RSVP
CRE Update 01-11-24
Was one of your New Year’s Resolutions to grow in faith this year? Join us tomorrow for our first Parent Prayer of 2024! All are welcome to come to the Hesed Outdoor Classroom at 7:50am to start the day with a little bit of Jesus. And read on for more ideas of resolutions to make in this week’s CRE Update with Gwen Heithaus.
School Shoutouts 01-11-24
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
Principal’s Message 01-11-24
Thank you to everyone for your help with the water main situation today – and we’re gearing up for Open House and Catholic Schools Week – lots more info to come!
CIDE Update 01-11-24
Join us at the next Inclusion & Diversity Committee meeting on Friday, January 12th at 8am at the school. In this week’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter, we reflect on a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King about being of service to others as our true purpose in life.
CRE Update 01-04-24
We are still in the Christmas season as Ms. Heithaus explains in this week’s CRE update, and next up is Epiphany. Here at SMOS, we will celebrate with an Epiphany Prayer Service on Monday, January 8 at 2:15pm. All are invited to come and celebrate as our 3rd graders lead us in prayer and reflection!
CIDE Update 01-04-24
In this week’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter, we are reminded (by the late Rosalynn Carter) that we will fall short of perfection in some areas of our lives and that’s just fine – Once we accept the fact of not being perfect, then we will gain confidence with doing the best we can.
Open House Parent Volunteers Needed
It’s January and that means it is time to begin planning for the SMOS Open House. Open House is an…
Principal’s Message 01-04-24
In this week’s Principal’s Message, Mr. Holley wishes to thank everyone for the overwhelming show of support for he and his family with the death of his father. Also, you may see evidence of some of our safety projects coming to fruition around the campus.
Paw Paws Planted
A new pawpaw grove has been planted in Tower Grove Park, thanks to these great tree ambassadors from St. Margaret…
2024 SMOS Golf Registration
Registration for SMOS CYC Golf is Now Open. Registration for the 2024 season is open to 2nd-8th graders. The golf…
MCTM MathLeague Competition Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for the MCTM MathLeague Competition hosted by St. Margaret of Scotland on February 3, 2024. There is space for 100 students on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please click on this link below to secure your student’s spot in the competition.
8th Grade Advent Display
From the St. Margaret’s School 8th grade: To the side of the Lawrence doors in the green space (Dragon’s Grove…
SMOS Middle School Choir – Soccer Game
Get your tickets now to hear the SMOS Middle School Choir sing at the St. Louis Ambush game on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 7:35PM.
Dear Maggie – December 14, 2023
This week, Maggie is asked to help out a Mom who is desperately seeking sitters during this holiday season! As she explains, trusting the walking dead to watch your kids isn’t the best idea – but Maggie comes to the rescue with the details about the SMOS Babysitters Directory.
CRE Update 12-14-23
This week we celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (12/12), and Ms. Heithaus has some really fun facts about the story of Our Lady and St. Juan Diego in this week’s CRE update!
School Shoutouts 12-14-23
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
School Board – November 2023 Meeting Highlights
Recap of November’s School Board Meeting The Budget and School Calendar were discussed. The Health Committee proposed five sectors to…
Principal’s Message 12-14-23
In this week’s Principal’s Message, Mr. Holley expresses his appreciation for the SMOS Student Council – and all they’re doing during Advent to keep the school in the holiday spirit.
SMOS I&D “Coffee with Corey” – December 2023
Join the SMOS Inclusion & Diversity Committee on Friday, December 15 at 8AM in the Teacher’s Lounge for the next…
CIDE Update 12-14-23
In this week’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter, we are reminded (by the late Rosalynn Carter) that we will fall short of perfection in some areas of our lives and that’s just fine – Once we accept the fact of not being perfect, then we will gain confidence with doing the best we can.
Happy Hanukkah!
Happy Hanukkah to all of our Jewish friends and family!!
As was mentioned in the last Dear Maggie column, school-parent Jenny Hill has been going into all of the classrooms this week to teach the kids about the Festival of Lights!
Jenny is so grateful for the opportunity to have conversations with the students about her faith and about her family’s traditions in celebrating Hanukkah. She wanted to share her experiences with all of you.
Comms 101: Email Families By Grade Level
We’ve gotten a lot of requests about this one: How do you email an entire class or grade level in FACTS?
Although there is no magic “send to all” button to use in FACTS, the process to generate a list to send to is pretty simple – and it really doesn’t take longer than a minute or two.
SMOS Spiritwear Christmas Gifts 2023
Not sure what to get your SMOS-loving family and friends? Don’t forget about the St. Margaret of Scotland Spiritwear store!…
Advent Musical Concert 2023
Event Date: Thursday, December 14 at 6:30pm
Church
SMOS School Staff Christmas Gifts 2023
Our annual collection for the Christmas Gift Fund for the Faculty & Staff at St. Margaret’s School is now open!…
SMOS Holiday Parties
It’s Partytime! Room Parents have been contacting the families in their respective rooms this week to sign up volunteers to help…
Call For Substitutes
Do you know someone (maybe it’s you?) who would be interested to join our incredible SMOS team? We are looking…
Dress Down Day To Support Christmas Outreach 2023
STUCO is sponsoring a dress down NEXT Friday, December 15 to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Outreach effort….
Advent Calendar 2023
Earlier this week an Advent Calendar was sent home with one child from each family. This calendar is a tool…
Principal’s Message 12-07-23
Mr. Holley reports about December 8th – the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – a holy day of obligation for all Catholics. All are welcome to join the school Mass that day at 8:15am.
Dear Maggie – December 7, 2023
This week, Maggie brings in a guest columnist to help her answer a question from a parent who has a dreidel dilemma in his household. Who better than the OG Bubbeh, St. Anne (grandma of Jesus) to help light this menorah!
School Shoutouts 12-07-23
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
CIDE Update 12-07-23
Our ability to dream is beyond powerful and will one day dictate the greatness of our future. Dreams are visions given from God and with the right discipline and commitment they will become our reality- that’s what we learn in the quote from Eleanor Roosevelt in today’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.
CRE Update 12-07-23
Tomorrow (Dec. 8) is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception – it is a Holy Day of Obligation for all Catholics, and the students will celebrate Mass at 8:15am (all are welcome to join!).
Also, Mrs. Heithaus has news (and photos!) about the 1st Graders visit to Ronald McDonald House – all in this week’s Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) update.
2024 SMOS Baseball/Softball Registration
Registration for the 2024 Spring Baseball and Softball season for all grades Pre-K through 8th is now open through January 31st.
Annual Charlie Brown Christmas Musical 2023
Event Dates: Friday, December 8 at 7:00pm; Saturday, December 9 at 7:00pm; Sunday, December 10 at 2:00pm.
Spring Musical 2024 Auditions
Auditions for the school Spring musical 2024 will be held from December 13-15.
Recess Volunteers Schedule Updated
The volunteer schedule to help out with recess at school has been updated – dates for December and January have…
Dear Maggie – November 30, 2023
This week, Maggie helps out a parent who is trying to figure out where all of the religious hype her daughter brings home is coming from. It’s a mystery wrapped up in a retreat – a real who-done-it for Maggie to put on her best Jessica Fletcher sweater and get to the bottom of. But have no fear, she’ll get this mom CLUED in!
School Shoutouts 11-30-23
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
CIDE Update 11-30-23
Happiness is a commodity to produce and consume – that’s the lesson from Helen Keller in today’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter. Also, details about International Day of Persons with Disabilities, as well as Hannukkah.
CRE Update 11-30-23
Parent Prayer is BACK tomorrow after the holiday hiatus (and every Friday) at 7:50am – all are welcome to join in a few moments of prayer. Also, Mrs. Heithaus has news (and photos!) about the 3rd Graders visits to Isaiah 58 this month – all in this week’s Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) update.
Principal’s Message 11-30-23
Mr. Holley reports about the start of Advent around School, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation which the students are receiving this week.
SMOS Chess Club Registration – Spring 2024
Registration for the Spring 2024 session for the after-school SMOS Chess Club is now open! Sessions will meet once a…
SMOS Dine Out: Karaoke at Steve’s Hot Dogs
Event Date: Monday, November 27, 4:00-9:00pm
Steve’s Hot Dogs
SMOS Turkey Bowl 2023
Event Date: Thursday, November 23, 10:15am
Tower Grove Park Soccer Field
Dear Maggie – November 16, 2023
Maggie helps out a parent who has committed the ultimate sin – they threw away their child’s artwork! Nothing like back in her day though, when it was off with your head! As she ponders her own visage in the art world, she has some advice on how to redirect that artistic passion into more constructive means to help the school.
CRE Update 11-16-23
Last Friday, 14 students had the opportunity to attend The Summit, an Archdiocesan event for Middle Schoolers; plus Mrs. Heithaus explains about her day with a caterpillar named Frank Diggy – all in this week’s Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) update.
Principal’s Message 11-16-23
Mr. Holley reports about the 4th Grade field trip to Tower Grove Park, as well as the celebration of the Feast of St. Margaret.
School Shoutouts 11-16-23
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
Coffee On The Lot 2023
Event Date: Friday, November 17, 7:30-8:30am
School Parking Lot
School Board – October Meeting Highlights
Recap of October’s School Board Meeting: The Data & Evaluation Committee previewed the Parent Check-In survey to go out after…
Bellarmine Speech League Tournament 2023
Congratulations to the SMOS Speech Team for their work in preparing and performing in the first Bellarmine Speech League Tournament of the academic year! The team performed with excellence this weekend and we are pleased to share their results and gratitude for the support of our SMOS community.
Humane Society Fundraiser Follow-Up
These fifth-grade girls would like to thank everyone in the SMOS community who generously donated items to the Humane Society…
Maggie’s Makers Market Follow-Up
Thank you so much to everyone who came out to support our very local entrepreneurs at the first ever Maggie’s Makers Market last Friday! We had quite a successful turnout – and the students learned a lot and had a blast (we even think most of the Middle School parents survived with some of there last minute procrastinators!). Click the link below to see the tally and the list of charitable donations made.
Square 1 Art Projects 2023
DEADLINE TO ORDER SQUARE 1 ART IS MONDAY, 11/27!! Don’t miss out on immortalizing your child’s art on a pot…
CIDE Update 11-16-23
Believing that you can, removes the chains of doubt, fear, and unbelief. Scripture tells us that God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self- discipline. BELIEVE! More on this from the positive quote of the week as well as other November details in today’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.
SMOS Winning Soccer Teams
Athletic Association News This past weekend, the SMOS 8th grade boys participated in the CYC City/County soccer playoffs. After two decisive victories…
Día de los Muertos 2023 Ofrenda
Our community Día de los Muertos ofrenda is up in the cafeteria! ALL are welcome to participate. Families and student(s)…
School Shoutouts 11-09-23
As part of Friday announcements, Principal Holley likes to give shout outs to our students who get caught doing acts of kindness around school. We would like to share with you our weekly shout-outs.
Dear Maggie – November 9, 2023
Maggie is on the march – literally! No, she was not kidnapped… just relocated from the Rectory to the new Dragon’s Grove 2.0, where she now sits under the newly situated garden dome. Stop by for a visit anytime – she’d love to catch up!
CRE Update 11-09-23
This week the students celebrated National Vocations Awareness Week by welcoming several visitors to our school to talk about how God calls each of us to our own vocation, plus parent prayer tomorrow, collecting spices for Thanksgiving, and the prayer chalice program begins – all in this week’s update from Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) Gwen (Cataldo) Heithaus.
CIDE Update 11-09-23
Details about the SMOS PTA Inclusion & Diversity Committee Meeting on Friday morning, 11/10 at 8am – join us for “Coffee With Corey” after dropping your children off tomorrow! Plus, the positive quote for this week from Martin Luther King and more details in today’s CIDE update from Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.
Principal’s Message 11-09-23
Mr. Holley has some updates on facility changes and repairs happening, as well as details about report cards, Feast Day 5K, and the Principal For A Day.
A Note From Ms. Stephens
Dear Parents –
Just an FYI – I will be out of school for medical leave (everything is FINE!) for somewhere between 4-6 weeks. I will be checking email, but I just ask for patience if it may take a little longer to get a reply from me. Please know I already CANNOT wait to be back around you and your children once more. Thanks so much!
Christine Stephens
Maggie’s Makers Market
Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/5M9LwPDth Makers Market is an elective course taken by 50 middle school students during the first trimester of…
Recess Volunteers Needed
St. Margaret’s is once again in need of volunteers to help monitor the playground during recess. If you haven’t done…
SMOS School Thanksgiving Food Drive 2023
At St. Margaret of Scotland School, we believe in the power of giving and helping those in need. That’s why…
SMOS Yearbook Cover Art Contest 2023-2024
Calling all artists in grades 3-8, please take some time to create this year’s cover for the school yearbook. All entries should be submitted to the school office by Tuesday, Nov. 21. The entire school will vote on the finalists the following week.
Middle School Choir & Violin Fall Concert
Event Date: Thursday, November 9, 6:30pm
Church