The Honor Code Fall 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

At St. Martin’s, our students know that they are never alone, as we accompany them on their 12-year journey from middle school through high school and college. It is a journey of accompaniment from the moment they come for their first interview during the admissions process where they spend a day paired with an
SMPA student, to the day they graduate and look out in the audience to see Dr. O’Leary and me along with other members of the St. Martin’s staff and board, looking proudly back at them. In between are the many staff, volunteers and supporters, whose caring hands and hearts provide the foundational support that makes all of our work possible.

“May God hold you in the palm of his hand” is a beautiful reminder that God holds us always near and dear, and that we are protected, loved and never, ever alone.

We are blessed to have so many hands supporting us, praying for us, guiding us, and accompanying us. I find great comfort and strength in knowing that I am not on this journey alone, that our wonderfully deserving students are held in the palm of His hand and yours, and I hope that you do too.

Warmly,

Allison Rivera
President

Mia, Class of 2036, with SMPA President, Allison Rivera

Graduate Spotlight: Sapphire, Class of 2024

After graduating from St. Martin’s, Sapphire went on to attend Sacred Heart Academy and then Connecticut College where she graduated with a degree in Neuroscience and a minor in Computer Science. She deferred her graduate school acceptance at Brown University to conduct research at Yale this year.

Day at Hammonassett State Park

“I had so much fun catching crabs in the marsh and frogs in the field.”
-Avonna, Class of 2035

“The Nature Walk was the best. I especially liked exploring the rocks by Meig’s Point.” -Michaela, Class of 2034

Make Zahir’s Day … Come See Our Mission In Action!

At St. Martin’s, everyone makes a birthday speech, from the president to the youngest student. Even our school dog, Penny, makes a speech. These “speeches” help us to learn about each other, celebrate the birthday person, model and practice public speaking, and help us to reflect on how we have grown, where we are headed, and who we would like to thank. Zahir, Class of 2036, who turned 10 in September, shared this during his birthday speech:

“I like how we welcome guests to the SMPA family. It doesn’t make me feel like just the guest is special, but it makes me feel like I’m also special. I think our welcome makes the guest’s day better.”
– Zahir, Class of 2036

Spring Brook Farm, Vermont
NativityMiguel Spirit Week
Bicycle Club
Performance at Shubert Theater
Field Hockey
Geography Project
Band Practice
Archbishop Stepinac High School Football
Freshman at UCONN
Corn Maze at Treat Farm
Rotary Interact Officer Induction
Kayaking at Camp Hazen
Painting Co-Curricular
Peace & Justice Service Club
Trinity College Football Game
String Ensemble Co-Curricular
Making Apple Cider
Soccer Game hosted at SMPA
Future Engineers

St. John Neuman Volunteerism Award

Two of our SMPA volunteers, Pat Mason (left) and Beth Galligan (right), were honored with the St. John Neumann Award for volunteerism at the 47th Annual HOPES Dinner. Pat and Beth have both made tremendous contributions in the lives of our students and staff.

Thank you, Pat and Beth, and all of our incredible volunteers for all you have done and continue to do. We truly could not do what we do without the help of our many dedicated volunteers!

Hello Friends! Looking for someone to teach ping pong as one of our co-curricular activities and for donation of 1-2 new or used folding ping pong tables. Please spread the word!

Ping Pong begins THIS WEEK from 3:15 to 5:30 PM and continues through these dates. If you could teach Tuesdays or Thursdays (or both days), please let us know, info@saintmartinacademy.org.
Tuesdays
Nov 12, 19, 26
Dec 3, 10, 17
Jan 7, 14, 21, 28
Thursdays
Nov 14, 21
Dec 5, 12
Jan 9, 16, 23, 30

Board of Trustees

Paul K. Sullivan, Jr., Chair
Michael McClammy, Co-vice Chair
David I. Newton, Co-vice Chair
Kyle Ballou, Secretary
David J. Crotta, Treasurer
Jay Bowes, Founder
Allison Rivera, President

David M. Brown
Hart D. Caparulo
Leo Connors
John J. Crawford
Robert Curis
Robert Davis
Sarah Davis
Jerrell Dorsey
Michael F. Dowley
Julius F. Friese
Eugene W. Harris
William T. Kosturko
Ronald LaMorte
Dr. Julia McNamara
Sherri Mignone Miller
Paul F. Morris
Sandra Nelson
Sr. Sheila M. O’Neill, ASCJ
Barbara L. Pearce
Mary Ellen Ryder

Dr. Kelly O’Leary, Principal

Transforming Lives through Education and Opportunity
208 Columbus Avenue • New Haven, CT 06519 • (203) 772-2424 • saintmartinacademy.org

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