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Lower School 2026-2027

Welcome Back Warriors!

Lower School Back-to-School Information

Welcome to Lower School at St. Michael’s Prep! We are excited to welcome students back to campus on Wednesday, August 12, as we begin a new year rooted in faith, learning, friendship, and formation.

This page includes important information to help your family prepare for the start of school, including required forms, uniforms, technology expectations, orientation details, electives, and key dates. Please review each section carefully so your student is ready for a strong and joyful start to the school year.

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Upcoming Lower School Events

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  • Mon, Aug 3 - Fri, Aug 7: Used Uniform Sale

    From Monday through Friday the week of August 3, between 8:30am and 3:00pm, families are invited to come shop in our Used Uniform Closet, which is located in the Lower School. It is an honor system shopping experience, so you will simply fill out a sheet for what you would like to take home, and your FACTS account will be charged. Please reach out to Andrea Juarez with Lower & Middle School questions and Jeni Messina for Upper School questions.

  • Thurs, July 23: 3rd-4th Grade Intake Conference Sign Ups Open in mySMP

    Lower School Intake Conference Forms

    Beginning-of-year Intake Conferences are an important opportunity for parents to share helpful information about their child with their teacher before the school year is fully underway. These conversations help teachers learn more about each student’s personality, strengths, needs, routines, and any important details that will support a smooth and successful start.

    Because students in 3rd and 4th grade participate in a departmentalized curriculum, they are taught by all three teachers. Parent Intake Conferences for students in 3rd and 4th grade will take place on Monday, August 10 from 10:00 am - 4:15 pm; Tuesday, August 11 from 8:00 - 4:15 pm; and Friday, August 21 from 8:00 - 4:15 pm. These three days allow us the time we need for you to meet with all three departmentalized teachers simultaneously, rather than just your child’s homeroom teacher. Please choose one of these three days for your intake conference. (3rd and 4th Grade Sign Ups will go live in mySMP on Thursday, July 23).

  • Mon, Aug 10: New Family Orientation

    Monday, August 10
    9:00–10:30am
    Uniforms are not required.

    This event is designed for families who are new to St. Michael’s Prep Lower and Middle School. Families will have the opportunity to become familiar with campus, meet key Lower and Middle School faculty and staff, and prepare for a smooth first day. 

    This orientation is for new families only. Families with a sibling of a current student enrolling do not need to attend.


  • Mon, Aug 10–Tue, Aug 11 & Fri, Aug 21: 3rd & 4th Grade Intake Conferences

    3rd and 4th grade families may attend Intake Conferences on Monday, August 10, Tuesday, August 11, or Friday, August 21. Families should sign up for one date only. These three days allow us the time we need for you to meet with all three departmentalized teachers simultaneously, rather than just your child’s homeroom teacher. 

    Sign-ups and Lower School Intake Conference Forms will be available on the Resource page in mySMP. 3rd and 4th Grade Sign Ups will go live in mySMP on Wednesday, July 22.


  • Mon, Aug 10: PreK-2nd Grade Intake Conference Sign Ups Open in mySMP

    Sign-ups for Kindergarten through 2nd grade students will be posted after class rosters go live in mySMP on Monday, August 10.

    Beginning-of-year Intake Conferences are an important opportunity for parents to share helpful information about their child with their teacher before the school year is fully underway. These conversations help teachers learn more about each student’s personality, strengths, needs, routines, and any important details that will support a smooth and successful start.

    Parent Intake Conferences for students in PreK3 through 2nd grade will take place on Friday, August 21 from 8:00 am - 4:15 pm.

  • Tue, Aug 11: PreK Welcome Day

    Tuesday, August 11
    9:00–10:30am
    Uniforms are not required.

    PreK Welcome Day gives our youngest Warriors a chance to visit their classrooms and meet their teachers. 

    When families arrive, they should park in the upper lot and walk their child to the classroom at the end of Founder’s Hallway. After dropping off students, parents will gather at the Learning Stairs outside the Chapel for a brief presentation at 9:30am. Parents will then return to their cars and proceed to the PreK Tower Door to pick up their child. This gives families a chance to practice PreK carpool procedures before the first day of school.


  • Wed, Aug 12: First Day of School and BooHoo/Yahoo Parent Social

    Wednesday, August 12
    School begins promptly at 8:00am
    Students should arrive in the proper SMP uniform.

    BooHoo/Yahoo Social for Parents
    7:45am in the Commons

    Parents are invited to walk students to their classrooms on the first morning and then join us in the Commons for the BooHoo/Yahoo Social at 8:00am. Whether you BooHoo or Yahoo that school has begun, we invite you to come visit with other parents, welcome new families, and write a back-to-school note to your child that will be delivered later in the day.

  • Fri, Aug 14: Friday Fun Day and Lower & Middle School Mass

    Friday, August 14
    Friday Fun Day for Students

    LS/MS Mass
    8:00am
    Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

    Students should follow Mass dress expectations.

  • Fri, Aug 21: PreK-2nd Grade Intake Conferences (No School)

    Friday, August 21 from 8:00 am–4:30 pm
    No school for students.

    Sign-ups for Kindergarten through 2nd grade students will be posted after class placements go live in mySMP on Monday, August 10.

    Sign-ups and Lower School Intake Conference Forms will be available on the Resource page in mySMP.

  • Wed, Aug 26: Lower School Back to School Night (Parents Only)

    Wednesday, August 26
    6:30–8:30pm

    Parents only.

  • Wed, Sep 2: Lower School Picture Day

    Wednesday, August 19
    Students should wear Mass dress uniform.

    LS/MS Mass 8:00am

  • Wed, Oct 7: Retakes and Class Photos

    Wednesday, October 7
    8:00am-3:00pm
    PreK3-8th Retakes & Class Photos

Required Before the First Day of School

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  • Complete Special Area and Elective Course Selection for 3rd and 4th grade by August 5

    Families of children in 3rd and 4th grade will notice a yellow banner on mySMP requesting their student’s elective selections for the year. Please complete the course selection form and rank choices as soon as possible so class rosters can be finalized. If a form is not submitted by Wednesday, August 5, a course will be selected for your child.

    Please contact Lorna Gonzalez-Quiles with questions.

  • Download Orah (Attendance Platform)

    Orah Platform: As we continue to strengthen alignment across all three divisions, we are excited to introduce Orah, the platform St. Michael’s Prep will be used to support student attendance and improve communication between families and school staff. For some of you, Orah may already be familiar, as our Upper School campus has been using the platform since the 2025-2026 school year.

    Orah is a secure, user-friendly system available on web and mobile devices, including iOS, Android, and desktop browsers. It is designed to make attendance processes more efficient and school-family communication more timely and transparent.

    You may download the Orah app here for Android phones and here for iPhones.

    Families will also have access to an Absence Reporter link, allowing you to notify the school of a student absence quickly and conveniently.

    With Orah, you'll have greater visibility into your child's school day while helping our staff manage important attendance updates seamlessly.

    What You Can Do with Your Orah Parent Account
    • Stay informed about attendance updates, schedule changes, and important announcements
    • Report absences directly to school staff
    • Submit absence notifications quickly and track confirmation status
    • Submit schedule change requests
    • Request late arrivals
    • Notify the school in advance when your child needs to leave early
    • Receive real-time alerts and notifications
    • Manage student contact methods
    • Provide multiple ways for the school to reach you (phone, email, text) and keep you informed about your students' attendance. 

    Getting Started-What to Expect
    All you need to get started is an active email address. In the coming days, you'll receive an email invitation from noreply@orah.com prompting you to create your Orah account. Once activated, your account will automatically link to your child's profile, and you'll have immediate access to all Orah features.

    Questions or Need Help?
    If you have questions about how St. Michael’s is using Orah or would like to confirm your invitation status, please reach out to Dean of Student Life in your student’s division: 
    Upper School- Evan Wiatrek
    Middle School- Kelly Jenks
    Lower School-Dr. Ida Fields
    For technical support or account issues, you can contact support@orah.com.

    Helpful Resources to Get Started

  • Complete Health Forms in Magnus by August 12

    All health records must be updated before the first day of school on Wednesday, August 12. To access forms, log in to mySMP, click the Resources tab, and select the Magnus Health tile.
     
    Please contact Nurse Tracy with any health-related questions.

  • Review and Sign the Parent/Student Handbook

    The Parent/Student Handbook will be posted in mySMP.

    Families should look for the yellow banner across the top of the mySMP page directing them to review and sign the handbook. The handbook can also be found under the Resources tab in the Parent/Student Handbook tile.

    Please review the handbook carefully, as there may be updates for the new school year.

  • Review Uniform Requirements and Purchase Needed Items

    All Lower School students are expected to arrive in the proper St. Michael’s Prep uniform beginning on the first day of school.

    Families should review the full SMP Uniform Guidelines before purchasing items or making back-to-school plans. The uniform guide includes approved daily uniform pieces, Mass dress expectations, outerwear, shoes, spirit wear guidance, and division-specific requirements.

    Uniforms may be purchased through FlynnO’Hara, which now has a brick-and-mortar store in Austin in addition to online ordering. Families are encouraged to shop early to allow time for sizing, exchanges, hemming, and delivery if ordering online.

    Uniform reminders for Lower School families:
    • Students should wear the approved daily uniform unless otherwise communicated.
    • Students should be prepared for Mass dress on designated Mass days.
    • Outerwear worn during the school day should follow SMP uniform guidelines.
    • Shoes should be comfortable, school-appropriate, and compliant with the uniform guide.
    • All items should be clearly labeled with your child’s name.
    • Spirit wear and special dress days will be communicated through The Messenger, on the school calendar, and through classroom updates.

  • Complete Field Trip Shirt Sizing

    Kindergarten through 4th grade students will be provided a field trip shirt.

    Parents should complete the mySMP form to select the correct size. These shirts will be worn for both fall and spring field trips, so please consider sizing accordingly.

  • Sign Up for Beginning-of-Year Intake Conferences

    Beginning-of-year Intake Conferences are an important opportunity for parents to share helpful information about their child with their teacher before the school year is fully underway. These conversations help teachers learn more about each student’s personality, strengths, needs, routines, and any important details that will support a smooth and successful start.

    Because students in 3rd and 4th grade participate in a departmentalized curriculum, they are taught by all three teachers. Parent Intake Conferences for students in 3rd and 4th grade will take place on Monday, August 10 from 10:00 - 4:15 pm; Tuesday, August 11 from 8:00 - 4:15 pm; and Friday, August 21 from 8:00 - 4:15 pm. These three days allow us the time we need for you to meet with all three departmentalized teachers simultaneously, rather than just your child’s homeroom teacher. Please choose one of these three days for your intake conference. (3rd and 4th Grade Sign Ups will go live in mySMP on Thursday, July 23).

    Parent Intake Conferences for students in PreK3 through 2nd grade will take place on Friday, August 22 from 8:00 am - 4:15 pm (PreK 3 through 2nd Grade Sign Ups will post after class rosters go live in mySMP on Monday, August 10).

    Remember to complete and bring to your conference the "LS Intake Conference Form" found here.

Important Information

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  • After Prep and After School Enrichment

    Lower School After Prep

    After Prep offers programming and care from 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm to all Lower School students. Each student receives a healthy snack directly after dismissal, followed by free play to celebrate the end of a productive day. Our After Prep programming includes opportunities to complete homework, read, or work on an art project.  We offer two pricing structures to better meet the needs of your family’s unique situation.  
    • Unlimited After Prep Plan: $2802.50/year + $110.00 one-time materials fee. Register here: Parent Login | CampBrain 
      • The annual cost of the Unlimited After Prep Plan is $2,802.50, paid in 9 equal monthly payments of $311.39. Payments are charged on the 15th of the following month.
      • A $110.00 materials fee is collected as a one-time deposit at the time of registration.
      • Cancellation Policy: Cancellations may be made at any time.
        • Cancellations submitted between the 1st–10th of the month will take effect immediately. Any After Prep days attended during that month will be billed at the applicable drop-in rate.
        • Cancellations submitted between the 11th and the end of the month will take effect at the beginning of the following month.
    • Daily Drop-in After Prep: $30/occurrence. No registration is required.
    • Half Day Drop-in After Prep: $45/occurrence, $35 for pre-registration.
    For After Prep Registration click HERE
    For Half Day Registration click HERE

    After School Enrichment

    Make the most of the school day with After School Enrichment at St. Michael's Prep! Our enrichment program offers students the opportunity to explore new interests, build skills, and have fun in a relaxed, engaging environment after school.

    With a wide variety of classes—including sports, STEM, arts, cooking, and more—there's something for every learner. Classes are led by experienced instructors and local Austin Vendors who inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence while helping students discover new passions.

    Activities are offered throughout the year across four, six-week sessions, 4:00-5:00 pm:
    • Session 1: August 24 - October 2
    • Session 2: October 19 - December 4
    • Session 3: January 18 - February 26
    • Session 4: April 5 - May 14
    For Enrichment '26-'27 Information, click HERE
    For Enrichment Registration, click HERE
    Please contact Jessica Fisher with any questions, course details and registration information TBA!

  • Altar Servers Needed!

    An altar server assists the priest by handling sacred vessels, carrying the processional cross and candles, holding prayer books, and preparing the altar.

    Eligibility:

    Servers must have received the following sacraments:
    • Baptism, Reconciliation, and Holy Communion.
    • May begin as early as the 4th grade.

    Training will be provided. New altar servers to be paired with an experienced server.

    If interested, please contact:
    Lower/Middle School

  • New This Year: Special Programming on P/T Conference Days!

    We’re excited to offer Special Programming Days on all four conference days for Lower School students!

    These programs provide families with flexible half-day or full-day care while giving students the opportunity to enjoy fun, engaging activities.

    Our first Special Programming Day is coming up on Friday, August 21!

    • Students in grades K-4th may choose from:
      PE Favorites with Mr. Dan Whitcomb
      STEM Adventures with Drone Together

    Families may register for a half-day or full-day option, depending on their childcare needs, and a boxed lunch may be ordered during registration from our cafeteria.

  • Orah: Attendance Platform

    Orah Platform: As we continue to strengthen alignment across all three divisions, we are excited to introduce Orah, the platform St. Michael’s Prep will be used to support student attendance and improve communication between families and school staff. For some of you, Orah may already be familiar, as our Upper School campus has been using the platform since the 2025-2026 school year.

    Orah is a secure, user-friendly system available on web and mobile devices, including iOS, Android, and desktop browsers. It is designed to make attendance processes more efficient and school-family communication more timely and transparent.

    You may download the Orah app here for Android phones and here for iPhones.

    Families will also have access to an Absence Reporter link, allowing you to notify the school of a student absence quickly and conveniently.

    With Orah, you'll have greater visibility into your child's school day while helping our staff manage important attendance updates seamlessly.

    What You Can Do with Your Orah Parent Account
    • Stay informed about attendance updates, schedule changes, and important announcements
    • Report absences directly to school staff
    • Submit absence notifications quickly and track confirmation status
    • Submit schedule change requests
    • Request late arrivals
    • Notify the school in advance when your child needs to leave early
    • Receive real-time alerts and notifications
    • Manage student contact methods
    • Provide multiple ways for the school to reach you (phone, email, text) and keep you informed about your students' attendance. 

    Getting Started-What to Expect
    All you need to get started is an active email address. In the coming days, you'll receive an email invitation from noreply@orah.com prompting you to create your Orah account. Once activated, your account will automatically link to your child's profile, and you'll have immediate access to all Orah features.

    Questions or Need Help?
    If you have questions about how St. Michael’s is using Orah or would like to confirm your invitation status, please reach out to Dean of Student Life in your student’s division: 
    Upper School- Evan Wiatrek
    Middle School- Kelly Jenks
    Lower School-Dr. Ida Fields
    For technical support or account issues, you can contact support@orah.com.

    Helpful Resources to Get Started

  • Uniforms

    Families should review the full SMP Uniform Guidelines before the start of school. The guide includes approved uniform pieces, Mass dress expectations, shoes, outerwear, spirit wear, and special dress day guidance.

    Uniforms may be purchased through FlynnO’Hara. FlynnO’Hara now has a physical Austin store, which gives families an additional option for sizing, shopping, and exchanges.

    Please make uniform preparation a priority before the first week of school. Families should not wait until the final days before school begins to purchase required items, as sizes may sell out or require exchanges.

    Helpful reminders:
    • Label all uniform pieces, outerwear, water bottles, backpacks, and lunch boxes.
    • Make sure your child has Mass-appropriate uniform pieces ready before the first school Mass.
    • Check that shoes meet the uniform guidelines and are comfortable for daily campus use.
    • Keep an extra uniform item available at home when possible, especially for younger students.
    • Review spirit wear expectations before sending students in non-uniform items.

  • Backpacks and Water Bottles

    Students should bring a refillable water bottle to school each day.

    Lower School water fountains operate as bottle-filling stations. Water bottles with straws are not permitted due to leakage and safety concerns. Additionally, please do not affix keychains and charms to water bottles as these become distractions in the classroom.  

    Backpacks may be any design but must fit inside classroom cubbies measuring 18" x 18" x 18".

    Backpacks with wheels are not permitted. Please limit keychains and backpack tags to one or two items so backpacks fit easily in the cubbies.

  • Classroom Placement

    Homeroom teacher postcards will be mailed home before the start of school. Class placements will also be available in mySMP at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10.

    Your child’s teacher will send an email message on Monday evening so each student begins the first day knowing who their teacher is.
    New students and families will receive an email from their child’s teacher before New Family Orientation.

  • Lunches

    Students in PreK4 through 4th grade will eat lunch in the Commons.

    Students may bring lunch from home or purchase lunch at school. Lunch from outside restaurants is limited to your child’s birthday. Please do not provide outside lunches for other students on birthday lunch days.

  • School Health Guidelines

    Parents should monitor children for symptoms and keep students home when they are unwell.

    Students must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school.

    For absences, please email your child’s teacher, LS Attendance, and Nurse Tracy.

  • Carpool Tags

    Only families new to St. Michael’s Prep will receive new carpool tags. Returning families will keep using the ones they have.

    Tags will be placed in the backpack of the youngest child in the family. Carpool tags should hang from the rearview mirror with the numbers facing out so faculty and staff can clearly see them during carpool.

  • Morning Carpool and Early Care

    Morning carpool runs from 7:30–7:55am.

    Students should be dropped off by 7:55am so they have time to get to their classrooms and be ready for the 8:00am start.

    Early care is available in the Commons beginning at 7:15am for Kindergarten through 4th grade students. PreK students do not participate in early care.

    Kindergarten through 4th grade students who arrive early remain in the Commons until 7:45am, when they are dismissed to their classrooms.

    Families with children in both Lower School and Middle School may drop students at the front of the Lower School. Families with a PreK student and older Lower School or Middle School siblings should contact Lorna Gonzalez-Quiles at the Lower School office to discuss the best carpool option.

  • Dismissal and Afternoon Carpool

    End-of-day announcements begin at 3:20pm. Silent dismissal and carpool immediately follow.

    If you need to pick up your child early for an appointment, please do so by 3:00pm.

    Please do not arrive in the carpool line before 3:00pm. On early release days, please do not arrive before 11:45am.

    Families with PreK students and older Lower School siblings may request that their PreK student wait in the Lower School office so all children can be picked up through the Lower School carpool line. Families may also choose to go through both the PreK and Lower School carpool lines. Please notify the Assistant to the Head of Lower School, Lorna Gonzalez-Quiles, and your child’s PreK teacher of your plan.

    Families with students in both Lower School and Middle School should drive through Lower School carpool first and then park in the upper lot to wait for Middle School dismissal at 3:45pm.

  • Mass and Morning Prayer

    Lower School and Middle School Mass is celebrated on Wednesdays at 8:00am in the LS/MS gymnasium.

    Students should follow Mass dress expectations on Mass days.

    When your child’s classroom is hosting Morning Prayer, parents are invited to attend in the Commons at 8:00am on Fridays. In some cases, Morning Prayer may take place on a Thursday. These dates will be communicated through The Messenger, the all school calendar, and your child’s Interactive Learning Plan, which will be posted on mySMP.

  • Students with Learning Plans

    If your child has a learning plan and receives accommodations, your child’s teacher will review those accommodations with you during intake conferences.

    This intake meeting replaces the annual roundtable meeting and allows parents and teachers to discuss accommodations early in the school year. Homeroom teachers and the Director of Student Services, Janna Griffin, will ensure that each teacher is informed about your child’s learning plan and accommodations.

    If your child completed neuropsychological, behavioral, or academic testing over the summer, please forward the evaluation to Janna Griffin, Director of Student Services.

  • 2nd Grade Sacramental Preparation

    In the Catholic tradition, 2nd grade is a special time for learning about the sacrament of the Eucharist. If you have not already done so, now is the time to contact your parish Director of Religious Education so that your son/daughter will be included in the parish celebration of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Classes begin in the home parish during the month of September, so don’t delay in connecting with yours. Be sure to read your parish Sunday bulletin each week to stay informed as more information and important dates are posted. Kathy Roy, our Director of Religious Education, will be reaching out with additional information in the weeks ahead.

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Lower / Middle School

Upper School

St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School maintains dual accreditation by Independent Schools of the Southwest and the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops. 

St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, age, gender, national or ethnic origin in : (i) the admission of students; (ii) the offerings of rights, privileges, programs, or activities generally made available to their students; or (iii) the administration of educational policies, financial grant programs, athletic programs, employment practices or policies, or other school-administered programs.
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