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Upper School 2026-2027

Welcome Back Warriors!

Welcome to the Upper School Back-to-School Guide. This page includes key dates, schedules, forms, reminders, and resources to help all Upper School families prepare for the first week of school. Please review the sections below and check back throughout the summer as additional details are updated.

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Upcoming Upper School Events

List of 12 items.

  • Tue, Aug 4: Senior College Bootcamp & Senior Portraits

    Sign up for Senior Portraits Here

    Tuesday, August 4 (Session 1)
    9am-4pm

  • Fri, Aug 7: Senior Portraits

    Friday, August 7 (Session 2)
    9am-4pm

    Sign up here

  • Sun, Aug 9–Mon, Aug 10: Freshman Fish Camp

    Fish Camp: Freshmen Only

    Fish Camp is an overnight event designed to help freshmen make the transition to Upper School together. Students participate in team-building activities led by the Fish Camp Leadership Team. Meals are provided.

    Key details:

    Item
    Details
    Departure
    Sunday, August 9; report to Christ Chapel Courtyard at 2:45 p.m.
    Return
    Monday, August 10 at approximately 3:00 p.m.
    Location
    Camp Young Judaea, Woodcreek, TX
    Required Forms
    Fish Camp permission form in mySMP; Magnus Health forms
    Contact
    Dr. Annie Bullock, Director of Campus Ministry
    Mrs. Neilia Bliss, RN for medical forms

    Packing list:
    The camp provides bedding (including pillows). All meals and snacks are provided. What to bring:
    • Refillable water bottle
    • Casual, comfortable clothing appropriate for outdoor activities
    • Closed-toe shoes
    • Personal toiletries
    • Towel
    • Sunscreen, Insect repellent, hat
    • Cellphones will be collected at check-in and returned to students after the retreat
    Do not bring valuables.

  • Mon, Aug 10–Tue, Aug 11: Returning Student Laptop Pick Up

    Monday, August 10–Tuesday, August 11
    10am-2pm

    Students in grades 10–12 are invited to stop by the Upper Commons anytime between 10am and 2pm to:
    • Pick up their laptops for the 2026–27 school year.
    • View their locker assignments.
    • Register for parking and pick up a parking tag (grades 11–12 only). A parent permission form must be picked up in person Aug 10-11 by the student and completed by their parent. Students should bring their vehicle’s make, model, color and license plate number.

  • Tue, Aug 11: New & Transfer Student Orientation

    Tuesday, August 11
    For Freshman and Transfer Students
    10:00am-2:00pm
    Meet in front of Christ Chapel
    A complimentary lunch will be provided
    Casual attire- no uniforms

    Freshman and transfer students will briefly walk through their class schedules and be issued computers.

  • Wed, Aug 12: First Day of School

    The first day of classes for all Upper School students is Wednesday, August 12. Students should follow the Upper School dress code, however this is not a Mass Dress day.

    Classes begin promptly at 8:30am, and the school day ends at 3:45pm.

  • Fri, Aug 14: New Parent Coffee and Presentation

    New Upper School parents are invited to join us Friday, August 14, for coffee and a parent presentation, “Navigating Upper School.”

    Time
    Event
    Location
    8:45am
    Freshman and Transfer Student Parent Coffee
    Café Loredo Dining Hall
    9:00am
    “Navigating Upper School” Parent Presentation
    Gloria Delgado Theatre

  • Wed, Aug 19: 9th-11th Grade Portraits

    Wednesday, August 19
    Time TBD
    HALO Center, 2nd Floor

  • Wed, Aug 19: First Mass of the Year

    Wednesday, August 19
    Students should wear Mass Dress

  • Fri, Aug 21: US Spirit Wear Day and Varsity Football Season Opener

    Friday, August 21
    Students wear Spirit Wear to school
    6:00pm Tailgate
    7:30pm Varsity Football season opener

  • Wed, Sep 9: US Back to School Night (Parents Only)

    Wednesday, September 9
    6:30pm
    This event is for parents only

  • Wed, Sep 16: Picture Retakes

    Wednesday, September 16
    Time TBD
    Since this is Homecoming week, please be sure and bring Mass Dress for the photos, then you can change back into Spirit Wear.

Required Summer Action Items

List of 5 items.

  • For All Upper School Families

    • Review the 2026–2027 Uniform/Dress Code
    • Confirm access to mySMP
    • Familiarize yourself with the School Calendar
    • Review student Class Schedule when posted on July 27
    • Complete any required forms in mySMP
    • Review lunch account/billing information through FACTS
    • Student drivers: complete driving permission form in mySMP and prepare vehicle information

    The First Day of School, Wednesday, August 12

    The first day of classes for all SMP students is Wednesday, August 12. Students should follow the Upper School dress code, but this is not a Mass Dress day.

    Classes begin promptly at 8:30am
    School ends at 3:45pm


    School Portrait Dates for 9th-11th Grade Students:

    Wednesday, August 19 (TBD)
    • Time TBD
    • Mass Dress
    Retake Photo Date for 9th - 12th Grade Students

    Wednesday, September 16:
    • During Lunch, Study Hall, or in the afternoon as needed
    • Since this is Homecoming week, be sure and bring Mass Dress for 9th-11th for photos. You don't need to remain in Mass Dress all day.

  • For Freshman Families

    Fish Camp
    New and Transfer Student Orientation

    Freshman and transfer students will briefly walk through their class schedules, have a Mass overview, participate in a scavenger hunt, and be issued computers.
    • Tuesday, August 11, 10:00am- 2:15pm
    • Meet in front of Christ Chapel to check in
    • Casual attire- no uniforms
    • A complimentary lunch will be provided in the Cafe Laredo Dining Hall
    The First Day of School, Wednesday, August 12

    The first day of classes for all SMP students is Wednesday, August 12. Students should follow the Upper School dress code, but this is not a Mass Dress day.

    Classes begin promptly at 8:30am
    School ends at 3:45pm


    Parent Events

    Friday, August 14
    • "Navigating Upper School" coffee and presentation for parents of incoming freshmen and transfer students
    • 8:45am-9:45am in the Delgado Theatre in Campus Center. US Map

    Wednesday, September 9
    • US Back to School Night, 6:30pm
    • This event is for parents only
    • Parents will walk through their student's schedule and meet their teachers

  • For Transfer Families

    Review mySMP login
    • Class Schedules released on July 27, and may be found by logging into mySMP and clicking the Progress tab

    Magnus Health Forms 
    • Upload all required Magnus Health forms by August 1 onto the Magnus Health tile in Resources in mySMP


    New and Transfer Student Orientation

    Freshman and transfer students will briefly walk through their class schedules, have a Mass overview, participate in a scavenger hunt, and be issued computers.
    • Tuesday, August 11, 10:00am- 2:15pm
    • Meet in front of Christ Chapel to check in
    • Casual attire- no uniforms
    • Lunch will be provided in the Cafe Laredo Dining Hall

    The First Day of School, Wednesday, August 12

    The first day of classes for all SMP students is Wednesday, August 12. Students should follow the Upper School dress code, but this is not a Mass Dress day.

    Classes begin promptly at 8:30am
    School ends at 3:45pm

    Parent Events

    Friday, August 14
    • "Navigating Upper School" coffee and presentation for parents of incoming freshmen and transfer students
    • 8:45am-9:45am in the Delgado Theatre in Campus Center. US Map

    Wednesday, September 9
    • US Back to School Night, 6:30pm
    • This event is for parents only
    • Parents will walk through their student's schedule and meet their teachers

  • Senior Information including Portrait Sign-up

    Seniors:
    • Attend College Boot Camp
    • Sign up for senior portrait time slot
    • Review wardrobe requirements for senior portraits
    • Bring required attire for tux/drape and cap-and-gown photos

    Senior Photo Dates:

    Tuesday, August 4
    9:00am-4:00pm

    Friday, August 7
    9:00am-4:00pm (with photographer break between 12:15-2:15pm)

    Sign-Up:
    You must sign up for your senior portrait time slot.

    Attire- don't forget to wear/bring:

    Ladies senior formal portraits:
    Ladies should wear a camisole or strapless/low-profile top with modest shorts or pants. The photographer will provide the formal portrait drape. For cap-and-gown photos, students should wear or bring a Mass Dress-appropriate shirt or dress; no spaghetti straps or off the shoulder.

    Gentlemen senior formal portraits:
    Gentlemen should wear a white undershirt with modest shorts or pants. The photographer will provide the formal tuxedo jacket. For cap-and-gown photos, students should bring a Mass Dress-appropriate shirt and tie.

  • 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

Important Information

List of 12 items.

  • Advisory

    All Upper School students are assigned to an Advisory Group and will meet weekly. A student’s Advisor may be found in mySMP on the Progress tab. Scroll past the student’s classes to locate the Advisory-Teacher name.

    Note: Shannon Hudson, Director of College Counseling, may appear as an Advisor for all students, so families should look specifically for the Advisory-Teacher name.

  • After School Pick-Up Procedures

    Please click on this MAP to see the route through the student parking lot and out the faculty lot to pick up your student after school.

  • 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:

    Upper School

  • Class Schedules, Drop/Add, Textbooks, and Supplies

    Class Schedules
    Student class schedules will be posted in mySMP on July 27. Families may access schedules by logging into mySMP and clicking the Progress tab.

    Schedule Changes
    The Drop/Add period ends August 21. Students must complete and submit a Drop/Add form to request schedule changes.

    Textbooks
    Textbooks are ordered by the school and will be distributed during the first few days of classes.

    School Supplies
    General classroom supplies are included in the student comprehensive fee and will be distributed in Advisory or classes as needed. Some courses may require additional supplies.

  • Flex Block

    Flex Block is a required discretionary class period used for advisory, studying, tutoring, meeting with teachers, class meetings, college representative visits, and guest speakers.

  • Laptop Distribution

    New Students and Freshmen:
    Laptops will be passed out during orientation on Tuesday, August 11.

    Returning Students:
    Monday, August 10–Tuesday, August 11
    Returning students in grades 10–12 are invited to stop by the Upper Commons anytime between 10am and 2pm to:
    • Pick up their laptops for the 2026–27 school year.
    • View their locker assignments.
    • Register for parking and pick up a parking tag (grades 11–12 only). A parent permission form must be completed in MySMP before registering. Students should bring their vehicle’s make, model, color and license plate number.

  • Lunch

    New and Transfer Student Orientation Lunch
    A complimentary lunch will be provided for all freshmen and transfer students during Orientation. Members of the Senior Leadership Team and Student Council will also be included.

    Daily Lunch Service
    FLIK Independent School Dining is the school’s food service provider. The kitchen will open on the first day of school. Students will receive an account number that connects daily purchases to the family’s incidental account in FACTS. Monthly invoices are sent from FACTS by email, and balances may be checked in FACTS.

    A price list will be added in early August.

    Allergies and Sensitivities
    FLIK is aware that some students have food allergies and sensitivities and works to ensure options are available.

  • Parent Save the Dates

    August 25 8:15am: Parent Volunteer Open House
    Come and learn how to get involved!

    August 27 9:15am- 12:00pm: EIM Workshop (required certification for all parent volunteers)
    This course is intended for those who have never completed an EIM Course before, and will take place in the Incarnate Word Chapel at the Lower School.

    To attend, you must sign up at Virtus.org, see EIM Instructions , then use Diocese of Austin, St. Michael's Catholic Preparatory School as the main location. 

    September 9 6:30pm: Upper School Back to School Night
    Parents only. Students do not attend.

  • Parking Passes and Student Drivers

    Monday, August 10–Tuesday, August 11
    Parking passes will be distributed through the office of the Dean of Student Life. Students in grades 11–12 are invited to stop by the Upper Commons anytime between 10am and 2pm to pick up their pass and fill out their permission form.

    Students who plan to pick up a parking pass should bring the following vehicle information:
    • Make
    • Model
    • Color
    • License plate number
    Once students receive their parking tag, they should place it on the rearview mirror before exiting campus.

    Parents and guardians must complete the driving permission form before a student may drive to and from campus. Students may pick up a permission form in person Aug 10-11 from the Dean's office.

  • Senior Portrait Attire

    Sign up here.

    Ladies senior formal portraits:

    Ladies should wear a camisole or strapless/low-profile top with modest shorts or pants. The photographer will provide the formal portrait drape. For cap-and-gown photos, students should wear or bring a Mass Dress-appropriate shirt or dress; no spaghetti straps or off the shoulder.

    Gentlemen senior formal portraits:
    Gentlemen should wear a white undershirt with modest shorts or pants. The photographer will provide the formal tuxedo jacket. For cap-and-gown photos, students should bring a Mass Dress-appropriate shirt and tie.

  • Service Learning

    Upper School students log service-learning hours through MobileServe. Instructions and an invitation to join MobileServe will be provided to students at the beginning of the school year. Students are expected to complete 20 service hours each year, for a total of 80 hours by graduation.

    We will walk incoming students through setting up their account during orientation.

    Contact: Dr. Annie Bullock, Director of Campus Ministry.

  • Uniforms and Mass Dress

    First Day Attire
    Students should wear attire within the Upper School Dress Code on the first day of school. Please note that skirts must be longer than the end of fingertips when arms are down on the side.

    First Mass of the Year
    The first Mass of the school year will be Wednesday, August 19. Students should wear Mass Dress.

    Dress Code Contact
    Questions may be directed to Evan Wiatrek, Dean of Student Life.

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Helpful Links

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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