SMHS Weekly Newsletter
September 26, 2025
September 26, 2025
Dear Parents,
On Monday we will be having our traditional Senior Ring Mass Ceremony which will be celebrated by Most Reverend John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe. All seniors must be in appropriate Ring Mass attire as outlined in their Google Classroom. All other students must be in appropriate mass dress. This is a special tradition for our seniors and will be a beautiful ceremony.
It continues to be an honor to be surrounded by the presence of your students every day. We, as the educators within the school, are not the only ones conducting the teaching; your students continue to teach us and help us all strive to be the best that we can be.
Thank you for entrusting us with your students. It is our commitment to you and your families to not only work with you to create better academic students, but to help mold them into phenomenal human beings according to the philosophy and teachings of St. John Baptist de La Salle. “Mindfulness, humility, and respect for your neighbor should always be apparent in your conduct.” (Part 1, Chapter 11 of ‘The Rules of Christian Decorum and Civility’)
As some of you have been recently contacted by teachers, they have informed you that your student has a D or F in their class. We ask that your student takes advantage of our tutoring sessions with our National Honor Society students. For more information, please contact National Honor Society's Moderator, Ms. Lisa Blea-Ortiz at lblea-ortiz@smhs.me.
Together, let’s continue to motivate our students to meet with their teachers about any missing assignments, and to ask if they need help or a support plan.
Thank you for all your support as we work together for the success of all our students. Go Horsemen!
Yours in Christ,
Martin C. Sandoval, Principal
Raffle Tickets Distributed!
Today, Friday, September 26, students received their family’s 2025 SMHS Annual Raffle tickets during first period. Each family received an envelope labeled with their name containing a booklet of 8 numbered tickets.
An instruction sheet was included with the tickets explaining how to return ticket stubs and collected money. Please review it carefully to ensure all tickets are returned by the deadline.
Thank you for supporting St. Michael’s and our students!
Safety Tip of the Week:
"Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, whether you are at school or in a public space."
Counselor's Corner:
Upcoming College Fair in Albuquerque
The Rocky Mountain Association for College Admission Counseling (RMACAC) will be hosting a College Fair this Sunday, September 28th at the Albuquerque Convention Center from 12:00–2:30 PM.
This event is free for students and families and is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect directly with college representatives, ask questions, and learn more about different schools.
We encourage all students to attend and take advantage of this chance to explore their college options!
Here are some stress reduction tips from Mr. Rich!
Relaxation Techniques:
Meditation, Yoga, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Deep Breathing
Physical Activity:
Exercise regularly, Spend time in nature
Lifestyle Changes:
Get enough sleep (7-9 hours of sleep per night), Eat a healthy diet, Limit caffeine, Manage your time effectively
The NMAA Foundation is excited to announce a continued partnership with a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to graduating seniors here in New Mexico. This relationship is with the Daniels Fund and we hope that you will pass this on to your coaches, counselors, and fellow administrators so that students across our state can be made aware of this great opportunity.
Applications for the Daniels Scholarship Program are now open, and we need your help getting the word out to high school seniors in your community!
The Daniels Scholarship Program makes college possible for motivated students from New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. Scholarships cover a full ride at partner schools or up to $25,000 per year at any accredited college in the United States. Daniels Scholars receive more than just financial support — they also gain leadership skills, personal support, and a brand-new MacBook!
The application for the Daniels Scholarship Program will be open from September 15 through October 17, 2025 at 4:00pm MT and typically takes students less than one hour to complete.
Please encourage students to learn more and apply online now at DanielsFund.org/scholarships!
Campus Ministry
Senior Ring Mass is coming up soon. The feast of St. Michael is celebrated on September 29th which is a fitting day to also celebrate our seniors and the journey they embark on as their last year of high school. Any Questions about the ceremony can be answered by Ms. Lopez at the school. Senior Ring Mass: September 29th!
NHS Blood Drive:
Our first blood drive will take place on Tuesday October 21st. Click on the link below to make an appointment today.
AutoCAD and 3D printing Club
Meets on Tuesdays after school in the Library.
Athletic Passes
Athletic Season Passes are in, please contact Athletic Director Dakota Montoya at dmontoya@smhs.me for purchase of season passes. We will also sell them at the gates for our athletic events, please have cash or check available in full at the time of purchase. Passes are good for all SMHS Regular Season Home Games Only.
Streaming Options
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/ Search for St. Michael’s High School - Santa Fe, NM (Must purchase a subscription to watch)
On-line ticket sales
NMAA Foundation Scholarship Opportunity
The Michael L. Danoff Memorial Scholarship Fund recipient will be announced and recognized on December 26, 2025, on the field during the Isleta New Mexico Bowl. It is important the applicant has a strong background in community service during his or her high school career and reflects that of a “stand-up citizen.” The $2,500.00 scholarships may be used toward tuition, fees, books, required equipment/technology and/or room and board at the college or university.
Applicant must:
• Be a New Mexico resident
• Involved in extracurricular activities
• Have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
• Have experience in community service and a reflects “good citizenship” in the community
• Submit an essay (no longer than one-page double spaced size 12 font) reflecting community
service involvement, good citizenship, extracurricular activities and how he or she will give back to the community. It is important to note why this scholarship will help with your future success and why this scholarship will help you to accomplish your goals in education. Your essay should also include your school and year of graduation as well as anything else you feel is important for the selection to consider such as family background, hobbies, career ambitions, etc. Your essay should also provide contact information for how you can be reached if selected.
Application Deadline: All applications shall be submitted to danoffmemorialscholarship@gmail.com by November 7, 2025
Let us remember...
One of our “Five Core Principles” is, of course, faith in the presence of God. There were a couple of spiritual practices that St. De La Salle cultivated to sense, and really feel, the sacred presence in everyday life. First, he paid attention to daily moments of grace. Think of grace as a goodness, comfort or inspiration. De La Salle was convinced that we were always in the holy presence and that if we looked upon life with that conviction we couldn’t miss the signs of that abiding, loving support. The second was to respond to that grace. Much as we respond with appreciation, joy and love to someone’s gift or kindness or encouragement, when God’s goodness appears we can sense an invitation to respond in kind. In one meditation he wrote of this as “fidelity to grace”: “You can perform several miracles in regard to you and your work: in your own regard, by an entire fidelity to grace, not letting any movement of grace go by without corresponding with it . . . ” (180.3).
Live Jesus in our hearts...
Please join us for our next general meeting on October 14, 2025 @ 6:00 P.M.
We are still in need of volunteers to help in the concession stand for both Football and Volleyball games. Your help is appreciated! If you are available to help please call Brian Gutierrez @ 505.989.1111
Parents' Association is working diligently on the tuition assistance awards. We are hopeful that all award letters for the 2025-2026 school year are out soon.
It is with great regret to announce that Henrietta Baca has decided to step down from the position of Concession Co-Chair. Parents' Association is thankful for all her hard work and dedication. We wish Henrietta the best going forward.
We are blessed to have Courtney Cole and Bree Rodgers to ensure a smooth and successful transition with concession sales. I would also like to thank all our regular volunteers who are doing a great job.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me @ 505.989.1111.
Thank you
Brian g
Go Horsemen