And the Spirit Run class winner is…

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THIRD GRADE!!!

Today it was announced that third grade has won the Spirit Run prize! Did you know that 100% of the third grade class brought in MORE than $100? That is pretty amazing third grade!! We hope you enjoy your picnic and silly string festivities.

Stella Maris would also like to thank all of our parents and students for exceeding our goal of $13,000 and raising over $14,000. Your generosity is truly amazing and you make our SMA community so wonderful.

Thank you once again to Jennifer Bonakdar for organizing this entire event. You are truly an inspiration to all of us!

We are SO CLOSE!! Spirit Run Update

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We have raised 12,100 and are honing in on our target. If you have waited until the last minute to donate, this is it. Monies must be turned in tomorrow morning, February 15th to be counted.

February Kiva Update

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Second and third grade chose to help in the area of Water and Sanitation this month.  A woman by the name of Hien, who lives in Vietnam, is struggling with the absence of a toilet.  Unfortunately, many in her community are in this same horrible situation.  Building a toilet will improve the health of Hien and her two children.  Quite simply, this loan will help prevent the spread of disease.  Appropriate sanitation facilities are critical for these families!

After learning about germs and sanitation, students played The Germ Game!   The object of the game was to keep the dreaded germs away by showing their understanding of what they learned during our Kiva lesson.  Students understood we don’t notice when germs enter our bodies and were able to give examples of what could happen if they do.  Students also saw the importance of practicing good hygiene such as washing their hands.

We were happy to help Hien and her family and we pray for their continued good health!

Viva Las Vegas – March 10th

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You are invited to a Viva Las Vegas Casino Night

Benefitting Stella Maris Academy

Saturday, March 10, 2018

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

UCSD – The Great Hall

Hosted by the Stella Maris Academy PTO

RSVP by February 16, 2018

January KIVA update

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3rd and 7th Grade spent Friday morning discussing the challenges facing single parents around the world.  These mothers and fathers are supporting their families without a partner.  In small groups, students shared out their ideas regarding why they believe being a single parent is difficult.  One group said, “It’s hard because you have to work by yourself and you have less income.”  Another group said, “There is no one to help you.”  Students showed sympathy and empathy as their classmates spoke.
Students were introduced to a man named Armando, a father from Boliva, who is supporting his three children working as a bricklayer and a driver.  He is in need of a loan for a motor and maintenance of his vehicle.  The students felt we should help him because “his car is probably run down and old.” They were impressed by how hard working he is by holding down two jobs to support his family.  The students recognized the love Armando has for his children and that he is doing everything he can to provide for them.
Our SMA students continue to show their compassion for others and are always willing to help in some way.  We will continue to learn the stories of these men and women in need and do what we can, no matter how small.

IT’S HERE – SMA’S SPIRIT RUN HAPPENS TOMORROW!!!

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IT’S HERE – SMA’S SPIRIT RUN HAPPENS TOMORROW!!!

We can’t wait to see everyone at the La Jolla Rec Center Monday afternoon, filled with the Holy Spirit and ready to kick off Catholic Schools week with this FUNdraiser. Please remember that students may come to school in appropriate, comfortable athletic wear. Eat a sensible lunch (nothing too heavy) and bring sunscreen and a water bottle. We will have water at the park to refill bottles and gatorade and light snacks for after the run. Thank you to all who have volunteered to help at the event – it is not too late to join us. See the signup genius to see where you are needed, or just show up at the park and we’ll find a role for you! We especially need parents to help tally laps and cheer students on as they go go go!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080b49a8ae23a02-smaspirit

Lastly,THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT of the Spirit Run.  Remember to keep collecting donations and pledges. We have raised over $5000 so far towards our $13K goal. Money must be turned in by Thursday Feb 15 to be counted toward any incentives, the taco lunch, the silly string battle, or any teacher prizes.

See you on the field – let’s do this SMA!

*Jen Bonakdar

Spirit Run Coordinator/PTO Treasurer

Spirit Run time!!

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Have you heard? The Spirit Run is just two weeks away. Monday, January 29 is the date for this FUNdraiser where students earn money for our school by running laps at the La Jolla Rec Center. Students should be collecting donations or securing pledges (i.e. $1 per lap etc) and all money can be turned in whenever received. If every family were to raise $100 in donations, we would meet our fundraising goal of $13,000 for this event.

Donations can be received in cash or check, or donors may pay through Paypal on the PTO page of the school website http://stellamarisacademy.org/parents/pto/

Remember, the class who brings in the most funds, determined by the per student average, will earn a walking field trip for a picnic in the park, capped off with an epic silly string fight! Additionally, any student who raises $100 or more can participate in the popular Taco Truck Lunch. All funs are due by February 15 to be counted.

We need family volunteers for a fun and smooth day – please see the SignUp Genius to find out where you can help:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080b49a8ae23a02-smaspirit

December KIVA update

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On Friday, the 3rd graders met with their 6th grade buddies to learn about a man by the name of Vincent who lives in Spokane, WA.  Vincent is creating a mobile farmers market app which will enable his neighbors to have access to healthy foods and his business will support the local farmers.  Vincent learned the importance of investing in his community as a young boy scout.  Now, as an entrepreneur, Vincent is concerned about the wellness of those around him and is doing something about it!

A recent Time For Kids issue had a cover story about “companies that care.”  In addition to learning Vincent’s story, the students

 

5th Annual Wine, Beer and Dessert Tasting on Saturday, December 2nd

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Celebrate the holidays with our SMA family, Mary, Star of the Sea Parish and our La Jolla Neighbors in the recently remodeled Parish Hall
We will feature wine selections from San Diego County Wineries including: Highland Valley Vineyards, Principe di Tricase Winery, Lenora Winery and Mission Brewery

Entrance includes a Stella Maris wine or beer glass, tastings, appetizers, and desserts including our chocolate fountain.
Tickets are $25 a person ($35 CASH ONLY at the door)

Sponsor a teacher or staff for $25 and consider buying them a bottle of wine.

Raffle with dozens of prizes from local wineries and restaurants (with a special thank you to prizes donated by Dick’s Liquor). We will even be raffling off 2 new 40 inch Sony televisions!

Music by local musicians and jazz composer Josh Weinstein, PhD

If you like the wine, buy a bottle or case to support our wineries and SMA. Also take a chance at our raffle which includes dozens of prizes from local wineries and restaurants.

The wine tasting proceeds will be used to buy a new chromebook cart.

We hope to see you there!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS NOW!

For more details contact Robert Bonakdar or David Oliver