School News

Mr. Holley is happy to report that he was very impressed with St. Margaret of Scotland’s above-average standardized test scores, while noting areas for improvement. And he anticipates a fun week with upcoming activities for Halloween.

Contributions were made to Isaiah 58, 8th graders created prayer cards for a shooting vigil, first graders made Halloween decorations for the Ronald McDonald House, and a prayer chalice program has begun – all in this week’s update from Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) Gwen (Cataldo) Heithaus.

In this week’s CIDE update, Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter highlights key October and November events, shares a quote on imagination by Albert Einstein, and reminds us that we’ve all been given a very special gift from God.

St. Margaret of Scotland hosted a prayer vigil, organized by its Youth Ministry and Gun Sense team, to commemorate the 1-year anniversary of the CVPA/Collegiate school shooting.

Event Date: Wednesday, October 25, 5:00-7:00pm
School Parking Lot

St. Margaret of Scotland School’s contract with St. Louis Counseling ensures daily counselling. With Kara Nacke’s departure, they’re seeking a new 3-day counselor. Kaycee Maurer continues part-time.

St. Margaret’s School is celebrating Día de los Muertos from November 6, encouraging communal participation. Offerings including personal items and volunteering time for altar setup are welcomed. The celebratory event honors deceased loved ones.

SMOS yearbook team is requesting photo submissions from school events, sports, and more, which can be sent to smosyearbook@gmail.com or via their Facebook group.

This week, Maggie is helping to cure everyone’s sweet-tooth on the details for Halloween plans at School this year – no tricks, just treats!

Thanks to all who helped make Trivia Night such a huge success – we raised over $16k for safety & security. Also, please try to attend the CVPA/Collegiate Shooting Anniversary Prayer Vigil next week.

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.

This week we highlight featured leader Manny Pacquiao and are reminded about the importance of keeping positive people around us for support and to keep on the right path. Click the link for this week’s update from the Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.

The first Faith In Families is tonight in the School Cafeteria at 7:00 PM. Also, news about Parent Prayer on Friday mornings, including next week’s service for the conflict in Israel, and well as details about “prayer chalices” in this week’s update from Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) Gwen (Cataldo) Heithaus.

Parent-Teacher Conferences for ALL FAMILIES are on on Thursday, November 2 from 1-7 p.m. and Friday, November 3 from 3-7 p.m.

You could say a good slime was had by all on Saturday night in the school gym – thanks to everyone who joined in the fun!

These faculty members joined us at or just after the start of the school year. Please join us in welcoming them to the SMOS community!

Currently the SMOS Chess Club runs after-school sessions as an extra-curricular program for 1st-8th Graders. They are working with the…

Event Date: Sunday, October 29, 6:00pm
Church Hall

Event Date: Saturday, October 21, 8:00am-1:00pm
Old Playground Pavilion, Tower Grove Park

This week, Maggie is getting lyrical about her very NOT secret closet, as she threads the needle about how to find Maggie’s Closet and what all of the hub-bub is about… bub!

Fox 2 News was on the SMOS campus yesterday afternoon to do a story about our new green playground. They interviewed Mr. Holley and caught some of our kindergartners at play on the new surface.

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.

Please find attached a letter from Principal Holley regarding Standardized Test results.

News about the first Families in Faith program starting up, as well as details and pics from the 3rd Grade retreat – all in this week’s update from Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) Gwen (Cataldo) Heithaus.

More events for the month of October, plus featured leader Wilma Mankiller and a poem. Also, we are reminded that true success is accompanied by some failures – in this week’s update from the Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.

Event Dates: Auditions – Saturday, October 14, 1:00pm; Callbacks – Sunday, October 15, 1:00pm
Church Hall

Support the SMOS Boy Scouts’ annual fundraiser with your purchase of fresh live Christmas wreaths and greenery.  Varieties include fabric bow, natural pine cones, golden ornaments, and decorative red berries.  

Event Date: Saturday, November 11, 9:00am
Old Playground Pavilion, Tower Grove Park

These one-hour-long social events will include a short talk, followed by discussion opportunities, practical tips and activities to take home… and a lot of socializing.

Event Date: Saturday, October 21, 8:00am-1:00pm
Old Playground Pavilion, Tower Grove Park

Check out the artwork some of our students produced to be shown at the Shaw Art Fair this year.
Congratulations!!

This week, Maggie’s puts on her Buzzfeed pants and dishes out some sound advice for a parent who is feeling stressed from all of the Fall activities – too many events, too little time, and not enough Pumpkin Spiced Lattes to go around!

Lots of dates to remember this week in October. We are reminded that sometimes we can become so blinded by revenge that we don’t take into consideration the adverse effects of our poor decision making – in this week’s update from the Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.

News about Respect Life Month activities, including the annual baby bottle collection for Our Lady’s Inn – all in this week’s update from Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) Gwen (Cataldo) Heithaus.

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.

This week I would like to encourage you to attend our parent presentation by BeSMART STL tonight, October 5, at 7pm at school.  It’s a relatively quick event and an important topic that affects the safety of all of our children – Firearm Safety.

This week, I would like to highlight an organization that we partner with during the school year.  Green House Venture works with our fourth, fifth, and sixth grades by pushing to the classroom to teach lessons.   

News about the new Faith In Families program which starts up this month, as well as fun pics of students creating angels to celebrate the feast of Guardian Angels – all in this week’s update from Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) Gwen (Cataldo) Heithaus.

Lots of events heading into October. We are reminded that our differences shouldn’t be considered a disadvantage, but that bringing different perspectives “to the table” is what makes our communities unique – in this week’s update from the Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.

This week, Maggie’s all about the links – but it’s not the school website that has her excited, it’s the annual golf tournament! Check out the advice she has for one SMOS Dad who is worried his game may not be up to par enough to participate.

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.

Event Date: Friday, October 20, 11:00am-7:00pm
Forest Park Golf Course

In this week’s column, Maggie helps out a Mom who’s gone missing in action with school events – and gets her back on track with the Sunday Class Mass schedule – yes, it is a thing, and yes, there is a signup!

Please find attached a letter from Principal Holley regarding the soft lockdown of the school that was put in place this afternoon.

The 5th Grade Class wanted to do a service project this Fall – so they came up with a nice…

I would like to spotlight our Saint of the Month, St. Vincent de Paul. Because the mission of St. Vincent de Paul is so near to our own school mission.  I strongly encourage all of our school families to consider participating in part or all of our St. Vincent de Paul Society day of events this Saturday – the Charity Walk, Mass, and the Pasta Dinner.

We are reminded to give ourselves the credit we deserve and also, see the flyer for the new Student Diversity Committee – in this week’s update from the Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.

7th & 8th Grade students participated in National Migrant Week activities in this week’s update from Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) Gwen (Cataldo) Heithaus.

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.

Event Date: Saturday, October 14, 6:00-10:00pm
School Gym

Details about the upcoming Health Screening and October’s Lunch Menu from Kelly’s Catering.

In this week’s column, Maggie gives the FACTS on the fast, direct way to email your questions to her at maggie@stmargaretstl.org. You’ve got mail!

Event Date: Thursday, October 5, 7:00pm
School

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.

We have some staff details and a reminder about standardized testing week starting next Monday.

Fun details and pics from scavenger hunts in Church in this week’s update from Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) Gwen (Cataldo) Heithaus.

We are reminded that personal achievements are good but if we’re not giving back to our community, then our efforts and achievements would be in vain – in this week’s update from the Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.

There are three main themes which come through the data as key takeaways from last year’s survey.

As was mentioned on the flyer distributed at Packet Day – every third Sunday of the month from August-May at 10:00 AM…

Event Date: Tuesday, September 12, 7:00pm
School – Hesed Outdoor Classroom (weather permitting)

I cannot help but think of all of the opportunities we have to let our light shine during the course of the week.  We have so many kids with different strengths and talents.  It is within this diversity that we find our strength at St. Margaret of Scotland.

Now that we have settled into our routines a bit, we have noticed that traffic in and around the Shaw…

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.

In this week’s column, Maggie takes a question from a reader who’s looking to get into the “Act” when it comes to checking out some new choir music!

Details about how your family can join in with the school children’s celebration of all things Mary in this week’s update from Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) Gwen (Cataldo) Heithaus.

A number of dates and celebrations are highlighted in this week’s update from the Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.

Event Date: Saturday, September 15, 9:00am-1:00pm
School Parking Lot

Basketball registration for 1st-8th grades has started and runs through the month of September.

What a difference a change of the temperature can bring.  Our teachers and students are using our campus to its full potential to maximize the beautiful weather.

This week, Maggie has a question from a Nellie superfan – Nellie Hoppman that is – who wonders what social groups Maggie participates in, similar to the SMOS Moms & Dads groups?

We’re still hiring!!  We are looking for a Full-Time Assistant Preschool Teacher to join our team.  Someone in our SMOS…

If you haven’t yet had a chance to fill out the SMOS Volunteer Survey, now’s the time!  Please consider filling…

Each year, the PTA provides stipends to each of the lead and specials teachers, so that they can buy something…

¡Hola! Bienvenido a las clases de español en St. Margaret of Scotland.  Spanish class has returned to the school day!

Join the new Mrs. Heithaus for Friday morning prayer starting on 9/89 – details in this week’s update from Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) Gwen Cataldo Heithaus.

Updates for the end of August with the Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.

Event Date: Friday, September 8, 11:00am-7:00pm
Wild Olive Provisions

Event Date: Friday, September 1, 3:00pm
School Parking Lot

We are pleased to announce auditions for the SMOS Speech Team! Students in grades 5 through 8 are eligible to participate in the Bellarmine Speech League tournaments.

Please see the letter from Mr. Holley (below) regarding gym uniforms.

Lego Robotics will be firing up again soon for the 2023-2024 season. But first they need coaches!  Check out this super-helpful info about this extracurricular afterschool program for SMOS students – and then fill out the volunteer interest form.

We are excited to report that our new Middle School Electives program is off to a great start!  

We all know how important snacks are, so the PTA is organizing a sign-up system for families to provide snacks…

This week, Maggie is helping decide the pressing debate of “Team Monday” or “Team Friday” for a laundry weary parent. So what’s it going to be Maggie – which team are you on?!?

First school Mass and the 8th Grade St. Margaret play are in this week’s update from Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) Gwen Cataldo.

Updates for August with the Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.

Update on some of the safety initiatives that are taking place at SMOS this year.

Despite the heat we have been having an awesome second week of school.

Head Lice Screening – Saint Margaret of Scotland School is contracting with Lice Busters to check all of our students…

Register now to join the Children’s Choir – open to grades 3-8.

Event Date: Thursday, August 31, 6:00-8:00pm
SMOS School Parking Lot

Do you love children?  Even other people’s children?  Then have we got the thing for you!

We’re looking for folks to help us with a new SMOS ministry – a Babysitters Club!  We are in need of sitters for the Parishioner Thank You, which is coming up on Sunday, August 27th.

There are some changes to the SMOS Family Handbook to note this year.

The beginning of the school year is always a special time.

This week, Maggie has a very pressing question from a certain “Perplexed Principal” who needs her to spill the tea one of her favorite topics – herself! So, exactly who is Ms. Maggie??

Learn about the our returning Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) Gwen Cataldo.

Learn about the new Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (CIDE) Corey Shorter.

This Fall, SMOS will participate in both the traditional Girls on the Run Program for 3-5th graders, and also the Heart and Sole Program for 6-8th graders.

Please see the Back to School letter from Mrs. Nacke and Ms. Maurer regarding school counseling for 2023-2024.

Attention 5-8 grade students and their families. St. Louis Catholic High Schools: High School Fair and Presentation Nights Please see…

Mrs. Chrostoski and Ms. Betsey are so excited for another year of music, learning and joy!  Please see the attached schedules…

Please see the letter from Mr. Holley (below) regarding an update about the Learning Lab.

NEW THIS SCHOOL YEAR… School families must have ALL parents/guardians in compliance with Protecting God’s Children.

Upcoming PGC Workshop
Wednesday, September 20 @ 6:00pm
School Cafeteria

Please see the letter from Mr. Holley (below) regarding an info about Back To School.

There are several IMPORTANT changes with communications protocols for St. Margaret’s School for the 2023-2024 school year.  Here is your guide to knowing where to find all of the school information throughout the year.

Any parish or school organization setting up a rental for a pavilion, field, etc., at Tower Grove Park, must go…

Event Date: Sunday, August 6, 9:00am-12:00pm
School Gym – 3964 Castleman Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63110

Event Date: Friday, August 18, 4:00-8:00pm
Old Playground Pavilion – Tower Grove Park, 3817 Main Dr., Saint Louis, MO 63110

Event Date: Sunday, August 13, 10:00am
St. Margaret of Scotland Church

Ms. Gwen’s Summer Socials continues in August with a rockin’ good dance party in the Church Hall for all children aged 7-11. So don’t miss out – be sure to sign up today!!

St. Margaret’s first Vacation Bible School is coming up next week and we want your recyclables! Find details about this and other support opportunities on the SMOS website.

We are pleased to welcome Ms. Alice Bean as our new Third Grade Assistant Teacher at St. Margaret of Scotland School.

We are pleased to welcome Ms. Nealon as our new Lead Fifth Grade Teacher at St. Margaret of Scotland School.

We are pleased to welcome Mr. Corey Shorter in his new role as Coordinator of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity at St. Margaret of Scotland School.

We are pleased to welcome Mr. Breon Evans as our new Middle School Language Arts Teacher at St. Margaret of Scotland School.

Please see the letter from Mr. Holley (below) regarding news about Dragon’s Grove.

Stay in touch with your old Alma Mater, as sign up for the new Flocknote we created just for SMOS alums!

Mr. Holley is hard at work this Summer getting ready for the next school year to start in August. Feel free to reach out to him anytime!

Call of the Wild! Be sure to sign-up your kids to join Ms. Gwen Cataldo on this special Zoom call to celebrate the life of St. Kateri – Friday, July 14 @ 10AM.

NEW THIS SCHOOL YEAR… School families must have ALL parents/guardians in compliance with Protecting God’s Children BEFORE the start of School.

PGC Workshops
Sunday, August 6 @ 9:30am
Tuesday, August 8 @ 5:00pm
School Cafeteria

Vacation Bible School at St. Margaret of Scotland Church Hall
July 31-August 4, 9am-12pm

Save The Date – Vacation Bible School at St. Margaret of Scotland
July 31-August 4, 9am-12pm Noon

We are pleased to welcome Sr. Mary Jo Kremer as our new 2nd Grade Assistant Teacher at St. Margaret of Scotland School.

We are pleased to welcome Mindy Baker as our new Middle School Science Teacher at St. Margaret of Scotland School.

We are pleased to welcome Laura Wells as our new Middle School Social Studies Teacher at St. Margaret of Scotland School.

Be sure to sign-up for the Elementary Bible Day Camp or the Noah’s Ark Party with Ms. Gwen as part of Summer Socials at SMOS!

Our Flocknote Signup Sunday was a big success this past weekend.  Did you miss it?  If so, it’s never too…

For all families whose children do not attend St. Margaret of Scotland School – Please help us track the religious education of our parish children not enrolled in St. Margaret’s School by completing our annual survey.

Event Date: Friday, August 18, 4:00-8:00pm
Old Playground Pavilion – Tower Grove Park, 3817 Main Dr., Saint Louis, MO 63110

Event Date: Saturday, June 10, 4:30-6:00pm
Church & Hall – 3854 Flad Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63110

Congratulations to our newly elected School Board Members! Each will serve a three-year term. Thank you to the terrific slate…

Be sure to sign-up for the Kickball Game with Ms. Gwen as part of Summer Socials at SMOS!

We are pleased to welcome Karen Rasure as our new Middle School Math Teacher at St. Margaret of Scotland School.

We are pleased to welcome Grace Hoover as our new First Grade Teacher at St. Margaret of Scotland School.

Great Teachers Needed!! St. Margaret of Scotland currently has a good number of open positions available for teachers in Preschool,…

Event Date: Friday, May 26, 5:00-9:00pm
Tower Grove Park Sons of Rest Pavilion – 3619 Southeast Dr., Saint Louis, MO 63110

Join SMOS Coordinator of Religious Education, Gwen Cataldo, and her Summer Social Team for activities and religious formation fun for your children – June-August 2023.

Registration for CYC Volleyball (3rd-8th), CYC Soccer (2nd-8th) and Judge Dowd Soccer (PK-1st) is now open through June 1st.

Event Date: Friday, April 28, 6:30-9:00pm
St. Margaret of Scotland School Gym – 3964 Castleman Ave., Saint Louis, 63110

Event Date: Friday, April 14 – Sunday, April 16
St. Margaret of Scotland Church Hall – 3854 Flad Ave., Saint Louis, 63110

Event Date: Thursday, May 11, 7:00-8:00pm
St. Margaret of Scotland Church – 3854 Flad Ave., Saint Louis, 63110

Event Date: Wednesday, March 29 – Friday, March 31
St. Margaret of Scotland School Gym – 3964 Castleman Ave., Saint Louis, 63110

Call for Nominees to Run for School Board!  It’s time to nominate three candidates for the School Board to replace…

Event Date: Saturday, April 22 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
St. Margaret of Scotland School – 3964 Castleman Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63110
St. Margaret of Scotland Church – 3854 Flad Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63110

Event Date: Saturday, March 25@ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
St. Margaret of Scotland Church Hall – 3854 Flad Ave., Saint Louis, 63110

Event Date: Friday, March 31 @ 5:00–8:00pm
St. Margaret of Scotland School – 3964 Castleman Ave., Saint Louis, MO, 63110

Send a shout-out to your favorite Dragons or promote your business to the 200+ SMOS families! The SMOS PTA supports…

Registration for SMOS CYC Golf is Now Open.  Registration is open to 2nd-8th graders. The golf season for 2nd-4th grades…

The SMOS PTA has set up another Dine Out opportunity for the St. Margaret community. Navin’s BBQ is generously donating…

REGISTRATION FOR SMOS CYC TRACK IS NOW CLOSED.  REGISTRATION REACHED ITS LIMIT OF THE FIRST 95 KIDS, SO IT IS…

As part of All Things New, the Archdiocese of St. Louis is examining our parishes, schools, ministries and agencies, evaluating…

Registration for Start Baseball Right (Boys & Girls) for grades Pre-K, K & 1st and Baseball and Softball for grades 2nd – 8th is now open through January 8th.

2023 SMOS Auction Dear Friends, The St. Margaret of Scotland Auction is happening in 2023! Join SMOS families and supporters…

As the Parish wraps up its most recent major capital campaign, Preserving Our Future, please see this letter of thanks…

This week, Maggie tackles the age-old SMOS gift-giving conundrum… what do I get my kid’s teacher for Christmas that they really will want, rather than jsut add to their “World’s Greatest Teacher” mug collection?

The #iGiveCatholic Giving Day campaign will take place on Tuesday, November 29 from 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM.  This is…

On Monday, October 17, the The Archdiocese of St. Louis released new information regarding Catholic education – including additional resources…