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Middle School 2026-2027

Welcome Back Warriors!

Welcome to Middle School at St. Michael’s Prep! We are excited to welcome students back to campus on Wednesday, August 12, as we begin a new academic year centered on discovery, faith, growth, and formation.

This page includes important information to help your family prepare for the start of school. 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 Middle 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, Aug 6: Advisory Placement Postcards will be Mailed

    Advisory placements will be shared in two ways. Teachers will mail postcards to students the on August 6, and Semester 1 schedules will be available to view in MySMP on Monday, August 10.

  • Mon, Aug 10: New Family Orientation (Parents and Students)

    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 School 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.

  • Tue, Aug 11: 5th Grade Transition Day (Parents and Students)

    Slideshow Link

    5th Grade Transition Day
    Tuesday, August 11
    All 5th grade students should wear their daily uniform

    All 5th grade students will attend Transition Day on Tuesday, August 11, from 8:00–10:30 a.m.

    This special morning is designed to help students feel welcomed and confident as they begin their Middle School journey. Students will meet their 5th grade advisory team, connect with classmates  and begin learning about the routines and expectations that will support a strong start to the year.

    Parents will gather in the Commons from 8:00–8:45 am for a welcome from Dr. Laura Lopez, Head of Middle School, and an overview of Middle School policies and procedures. Parents will also have the opportunity to meet key Middle School faculty, including the Dean of Student Life, Kelly Jenks, and the Middle School Athletics Director, Taylor Stewart.

    Students will meet their advisors on the Learning Stairs at the start of the morning.

    From 10:30–11:00 am, parents are welcome to help students organize and decorate their lockers. Families should review the locker guidelines in advance. If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Jenks. 

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

    We look forward to welcoming all Middle School students back to campus on Wednesday, August 12. Classes start promptly at 8:00am.

    During the opening days of school, students will spend time building community within their Advisories, learning routines, receiving supplies and Chromebooks, and connecting with teachers. Students will select their first-semester electives during the first week of school, and electives will begin on Monday, August 17.

    Students should wear their regular daily SMP uniform on the first day of school.

    As we begin the year, please extend grace during afternoon carpool. The first few days always take a little extra patience as students learn routines, new families join the flow, and Middle School students remember that “walking with purpose” does, in fact, apply to carpool.

    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 7:45am. 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: 5th Grade Pinning Ceremony after Mass

    Friday, August 14
    8:00 am  |  Mass dress is required

    Please join us on Friday, August 14, for the 5th Grade Pinning Ceremony, a special SMP tradition where we officially welcome and celebrate our 5th grade Warriors as they step into their Middle School journey. The ceremony will take place following The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mass.

  • Fri, Aug 21: Middle School Intake Conferences (No School for Students)

    Friday, August 21
    8:00 am–5:00 pm
    No school for students.
     
    These beginning-of-the-year conferences provide an important opportunity for parents to share helpful information about their child with teachers, including strengths, learning style, personality, hopes for the year, and any details that may support a smooth and successful start.

    Sign-up links will go live on mySMP July 23.

    Please complete this form before your conference.

  • Wed, Sep 2: Lower/Middle School Picture Day

    Wednesday, September 2
    8:00am-3:00pm  |  Mass Dress Required 
    PreK3-8th Portraits

  • Wed, Sep 2: Middle School Back to School Night (Parents Only)

    Wednesday, September 2
    6:30–8:30 pm
    Parents Only

    We are excited to welcome parents to Middle School Back to School Night! This evening is an opportunity to step into the educational learning spaces where your child spends their days, connect with teachers, and learn more about curriculum, classroom expectations, major projects, grade-level retreats, and upcoming Intersession experiences.

    Parents will also have the chance to “live their child’s schedule” by rotating through classes and meeting each teacher along the way. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience Middle School life firsthand and see the energy, joy, and purpose that shape our students’ daily experience.

    And yes, you may want to bring your track shoes, Middle School passing periods are no joke!

  • Wed, Oct 7: Picture Retakes and Class/Advisory Photos

    Wednesday, October 7
    8:00am-3:00pm  |  Mass Dress Required 

    PK3-8th Retakes & Class/Advisory Photos

Required Before the First Day of School

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  • Complete Required Forms in mySMP

    Before the school year begins, families should log in to mySMP and complete the forms listed in the yellow banner at the top of the page.

    Required forms include:
    • Technology Acceptable Use Policy
    • Student Device Policy

  • 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

  • Review and Sign the Parent/Student Handbook

    Families should look for the yellow banner at the top of the mySMP page, which will direct them to review and sign the handbook. The handbook will also be available under the Resources tab in the Parent/Student Handbook tile.

    Please review the handbook carefully, as it includes updates for the new school year.

  • Submit Health Forms by August 1

    All health forms are due by August 1. 
     
    Please note that updated, signed vaccination records are required for all 7th grade students. We are unable to accept portal copies for vaccination records.

    All students in Grades 5–8 must also have a current physical form on file each year. MS Health Forms

    If you have any questions regarding Health Forms, please contact Nurse Tracy.
     
    To access or upload health forms:
    1. Go to mySMP
    2. Click the Resources tab
    3. Select the Magnus Health tile

  • Sign Up for Parent Intake Conferences

    Parent Intake Conferences will take place on Friday, August 21, from 8:00 am–4:15 pm There will be no school for students on this day.

    These beginning-of-the-year conferences provide an important opportunity for parents to share helpful information about their child with teachers, including strengths, learning style, personality, hopes for the year, and any details that may support a smooth and successful start.

    Please complete this form before your conference.

    Sign-up links will go live on mySMP on July 22.

  • Review Cell Phone and Smartwatch Expectations

    To support a focused and engaged learning environment, cell phones and smart watches may not be used during the academic day.

    Students are expected to keep phones and smart watches turned off and stored in their lockers from arrival on campus through dismissal at 3:45 p.m. After 3:45 p.m., devices may be used only with permission from an SMP faculty member and only for communication with parents, guardians, or those picking up the student from school.

    Students who would like to keep track of time during the day are encouraged to wear a traditional wristwatch.

  • Review Uniform and Shoe Guidelines

    Middle School students are expected to wear the SMP uniform beginning on the first day of school, Wednesday, August 12. A neat, complete, and properly worn uniform supports a purposeful learning environment and helps students begin each day with focus and a shared sense of community. Mass uniform is expected each Wednesday.

    Please note that students will wear Mass uniform on Friday, August 14, for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mass.

    Please review the MS uniform and shoe guidelines. When purchasing school shoes, shoes must be black and/or white only; accent colors are not permitted. Additionally, it is SMP policy that uniforms must be worn in a way that does not show undergarments. Please be sure shorts and skirts are at minimum fingertip length.

    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.

    Questions about Middle School uniforms may be directed to Kelly Jenks, Middle School Dean of Student Life.

  • Complete EIM Training if You Plan to Volunteer

    Parents who would like to volunteer on campus must be EIM certified.

    Upcoming EIM training dates:

    Thursday, July 30, 4:00–7:00 pm
    Incarnate Word Chapel (LS/MS Campus)

    Thursday, August 27, 9:15–12:15 pm
    Incarnate Word Chapel (LS/MS Campus)

    Refresher Session: Thursday, August 13, 8:30–9:45 am
    Incarnate Word Chapel (LS/MS Campus)

    No need to register, just show up. This will be first-come, first-served, with a maximum of 40 people. You can also log in to Virtus.org to complete the refresher online at your convenience!

    *Only for those who have completed the workshop but are due for an update.
     
    Parents must register through the Diocese website for the EIM Training workshops.

Important Information

List of 11 items.

  • Advisory

    Advisory placements will be shared in two ways. Teachers will put the postcards in the mail to students on August 6, and Semester 1 schedules will be available to view in mySMP on Monday, August 10.

  • 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

  • MS After Prep

    Middle School After Prep

    Middle School After Prep offers Middle School students a safe and quiet space to work on homework, hang out with friends, or pass the time until practice begins.

    After Prep is offered as a complementary program to all Middle School students. Safety and supervision are the top priorities of this program.

    Registration is not required and program hours run from dismissal until 6:00 p.m.

  • Electives

    Our Middle School Elective Descriptions will be sent to families on Tuesday, August 4. We are excited to introduce several new and innovative electives that reflect our continued alignment with Upper School programming and give students meaningful opportunities to explore their interests, talents, and future academic pathways.

    Middle School students will select electives during the first week of school with support from their Advisor. Electives are semester-based, and students will be asked to rank their top four choices during Advisory.
    • Communications
    • Fine Arts
    • Innovation
    • Physical Education
    • Study Hall*
    *Study Hall is available as an elective option for students in grades 6–8 for one semester per academic year.

    Grade-Level Elective Notes
    5th Grade6th Grade7th/8th Grade
    Fifth grade students will take World Language as their year-long Elective 1 course, rotating through Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish. Students will also be pre-enrolled in PE for one semester and will have the opportunity to select one additional elective for the year.
    		Sixth grade students will be pre-enrolled in PE for one semester. Students may also have the opportunity to select up to three electives throughout the academic year.Students in Grades 7–8 will participate in two elective periods, allowing them to select up to four electives throughout the academic year.


    While we work to honor student preferences whenever possible, specific elective placement is not guaranteed due to teacher availability, space limitations, and course popularity. Priority is given to 8th grade students.

    Questions regarding electives should be directed to your child’s advisor.

  • Middle School Intersession Trips

    Middle School Intersession will take place the week of April 12, 2027. Intersession provides students with meaningful opportunities to extend classroom learning through hands-on experiences, real-world exploration, service, and experiential learning.

    Students in Grades 5–7 will participate in two local day trips. These experiences are designed to spark curiosity, build community, and help students make connections beyond the classroom.

    Our Grade 8 students will take part in an exciting culminating trip to Washington, D.C., marking a special milestone in their Middle School journey. D.C. Dates: April 12–16

    Additional details will be shared at Middle School Back to School Night.

  • Middle School Retreats

    Retreats are a meaningful part of the Middle School program. These experiences support student faith formation and invite students to live out our core values of Integrity, Courage, and Excellence. Retreats also help students recognize that they are part of something larger than themselves, both within the St. Michael’s community and in connection with other Catholic schools throughout the Diocese.

    This year, Middle School students will attend the Eucharistic Rally on Wednesday, September 30, joining hundreds of other Catholic middle school students in prayer, worship, and reflection centered on Jesus in the Eucharist. In addition, students will participate in a one-day grade-level retreat led by their grade-level Theology teacher and Mrs. Kathy Roy, Director of Religious Education.
     
    Additional retreat information will be shared during Middle School Back to School Night. If after that time, you have questions, please contact your child’s Theology teacher. 

  • Morning Dropoff

    The instructional day begins promptly at 8:00 am. and ends at 3:45 pm. Students may arrive on campus as early as 7:15 am.
    For student safety, please note that adult supervision in the Middle School Rotundas and at Middle School carpool does not begin until 7:30 am. If you are dropping off between 7:15 am and 7:30 am, please use the Main Entrance at the Lower School, as it is the only entrance open at that time. The Middle School gates near the angel statue will remain locked until 7:30 am.

    Students arriving between 7:15 am and 7:30 am may wait in the Commons. If they have a pre-scheduled teacher meeting, they may report directly to that classroom. 

    Breakfast is available for purchase Monday–Thursday in the Commons from 7:15 am–7:45 am. Breakfast is not served on Mass days. Student accounts will be billed monthly through FACTS.

  • Physical Education and Athletics

    Students in Grades 5 and 6 will be pre-enrolled in a PE course during Elective 2, scheduled in either the fall or spring semester. 

    This ensures that all students complete one full credit of PE within their first two years of Middle School. SMP Athletics for Grades 5–6 will take place after school and does not count toward PE credit.

    Both Dance and PE satisfy the Physical Education requirement. 
     
    Questions regarding PE waivers should be directed to Taylor Stewart, Assistant Athletic Director for Middle School.

  • Students with Learning Plans

    If your child has a learning plan and receives accommodations, your child’s advisor 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.

  • Academic Program Highlights

    At St. Michael’s Prep, our educators are committed to continued growth so that we can provide students with a strong and engaging Middle School experience. Over the summer, our faculty and leadership team spent time in professional learning, curriculum planning, and program refinement to prepare for the year ahead.

    Laura Lopez and Kelly Jenks completed Trey Education’s AI: Strategy, Clarity, and Planning Summer Accelerator, which focused on the impact of AI, mission-aligned decision-making, and thoughtful implementation in schools.

    Our Mathematics team continued professional learning through our partnership with The Number Lab, with a focus on mathematical discourse, problem-solving, and critical thinking. This work will continue throughout the school year.

    In Humanities, faculty refined writing instruction through The Warrior Way of Writing, a shared framework that helps students organize their thinking, support ideas with evidence, and strengthen analysis across content areas. This approach will help students grow as confident, independent writers.

    Our Theology team participated in professional development connected to our newly adopted curriculum, which supports stronger alignment with the Upper School. This work included lesson planning, curriculum design, and preparation for meaningful faith formation in the classroom.

    New Middle School faculty also participated in Responsive Classroom training to support joyful, engaging, and relationship-centered classrooms.

    Additionally, Kelly Jenks was selected for the CSEE Dean of Students Certification Program, a two-year program focused on mission-centered student formation, belonging, character, and ethical leadership.
     
    Together, this work reflects our continued commitment to academic excellence, student formation, and preparing students well for the years ahead.

  • Quick Reference: Who to Contact

    As the school year begins, we recognize that students and families may have questions about policies, procedures, academics, student support, or other aspects of school life. To encourage timely, accurate, and thoughtful communication, we have provided a quick reference guide to help families connect with the person best positioned to address each need.

    Beginning with the appropriate point of contact allows questions to be resolved efficiently, supports clear communication, and ensures that the individuals working most closely with the student have an opportunity to provide guidance and assistance.
     
    Advisor as Primary Point of Contact
    In Middle School, each student’s advisor serves as the primary point of contact for academic, social, and emotional matters. Advisors play a central role in knowing, supporting, and advocating for their students and are well-positioned to offer guidance, answer questions, and strengthen communication between home and school.

    When additional support is needed, the advisor will help connect families with the appropriate teacher or support team member. This coordinated approach allows us to respond thoughtfully and ensure students receive timely, individualized support.

    We are committed to clear, responsive communication and value our partnership with families throughout the school year.

    After-Prep
    • For student concerns, please contact the After-Prep teacher directly. CC the advisor. 
    • Or contact Jessica Fisher, Director of Auxiliary Programming

    Athletics 
    • After-School Athletics 
    • Athletic Schedules  - Changes to Athletic Schedules
    • Off-Campus Waivers
    • PE Programming
    • Player Eligibility
    • Student Concerns During Athletics
    • Contact Taylor Stewart, Assistant Director of Middle School Athletics

    Admissions Office

    IT Related Questions

    Kelly Jenks, Dean of Student Life:
    • Advisory Programming
    • Carpool
    • Discipline
    • Dress Code
    • 5th–7th Intersession
    • Leadership and Student Formation Opportunities
    • Lockers
    • Student Life
    Thom Herbeck, Associate Dean of Student Life
    • 8th Grade Intersession – DC
    • Attendance
    • Discipline
    • Student Life
    Kathy Roy, LS/MS Director of Religious Education
    • Retreats
    • Student Formation
    • Theology Programming
    Monique Tobbagi, Aspire Lead and 8th Grade Advisor
    • Aspire 
    • Town Hall
    Libby Olson, School Counselor
    • Advisory Programming
    • Peer Relationships
    • Social-Emotional Learning
    • Tutoring
    Janna Griffin, Director of Student Services:
    • Academic Support
    • Standardized testing schedules
      • Please note that scores on CTP-5 testing are discussed with Advisors
    • Testing accommodations
    Cindy Herring, Dean of Humanities and Kelly Linder, Dean of Stem, Kristen Dalton, Dean of Innovation, Creativity, and Technology:
    • Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, cheating, misuse of AI tools, and copying another student’s work
    • Curriculum Questions
    • Communication between teachers, students, and families regarding academic concerns
    • Course placement, academic readiness, and appropriate level of challenge
    • Grading
    Tracy Robson, School Nurse:
    • Concussion Protocol
    • Medical Forms, including forms related to school trips 
      • Lead on all medical for Intersession and Retreats
    • Medication Distribution
    Leticia Gonzales, Assistant to the Head of Middle School:
    • General questions about Middle School.
    • Request a meeting with Dr. Laura Lopez
    Laura Lopez, Head of Middle School
    • Please contact Dr. Lopez for questions related to the overall Middle School experience, division-wide programming, scheduling, policies, or concerns that need additional administrative guidance or support.





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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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