School History
The Future – At St. Michael the Archangel School the future can be envisioned with thrilling anticipation. Much has been accomplished, true, but so much more lies ahead of us. New generations of students, faculties, and administrators will continue coming together to form the new St. Michael family year after year.
The Present – During the past 70 years, St. Michael has grown and matured as an institution. The school staff is seriously dedicated to the total education of the students. All persons associated with St. Michael the Archangel, adults and children alike, are proud of being able to fulfill our Christian lives here, as they look into the future.
The Past - It all started in 1951 when the Most Reverend Thomas McDonough, Bishop of St. Augustine, blessed and laid the cornerstone Saturday morning, September 29th. The parish of St. Michael the Archangel, led by its pastor, Monsignor Romuald Philbin, made great efforts to establish the Parochial School and Convent. Since then, the pastors of St. Michael Church have supported the school in every possible way. Our current pastor, Father Elvis Gonzalez was assigned here in 2020. The first group of Sisters; The Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary arrived in 1951 to live in the convent and teach in the school. In 1981, The Sisters of the Apostolate of the Sacred Heart were invited to live in the convent. The first secular principal, Mrs. Carmen J. Alfonso came to St. Michael in 2004 until June 2022. Our current Principal, Mrs. Lisette Reina-Naranjo was appointed in 2022.
Spiritual Formation
A Catholic atmosphere is maintained and fostered throughout the school. In accordance with our philosophy, religious education receives special attention. Students take an active part in the celebration of weekly liturgies. SMA school families are expected to participate and contribute each Sunday here at the 12:00 PM Mass. The Holy Mass is a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet, in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.
The Sacramental Life of the students is nurtured through frequent opportunities for the reception of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Second-grade students are prepared for the reception of these sacraments and eighth-grade students are prepared to make their Confirmation. Our Religion instructors hold special meetings for parents of students preparing for these sacraments.
The Prayer Life of the students is fostered throughout the school by the prayer experience, which focuses attention on the necessity of daily communion with God. The Faith Life of the students is deepened by the study of the Sacred Scriptures and through classroom discussions about the challenges we face in our society.
Parents are required to cooperate with the school in spiritual matters, especially by setting an example of sincere Christian living. This can be accomplished by creating a religious atmosphere in the home, by family prayers, by frequent reception of the sacraments, and by regular attendance at Sunday Mass. Our students are expected to participate in the 12:00 PM Sunday Mass because being part of SMA School means to live and practice our Catholic faith. The Holy Mass is the source and summit of all Christian life and through the Eucharistic celebration we have united already with the liturgy of heaven and we have a foretaste of eternal life.
Philosophy
Our school is a school of faith and reason. Our Catholic faith teaches that each person is a unique individual gifted by God. Our task is to educate the children to the full extent of their abilities while focusing on developing both, academic excellence and a genuine Catholic identity. Jesus Christ is the heart, soul and reason for our existence as a school.
Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators
All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and administrators are required as a condition of employment to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct.
All employees, educational support employees, and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators, which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors. Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to the school Principal- Mrs. Lisette Reina-Naranjo, 305-642- 6732, [email protected] Standards of Ethical Conduct St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to the Superintendent of Catholic Schools (ADOM), Dr. Jim Rigg, (305) 762-1078, [email protected]
Non Discrimination Policy
The Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Miami restate their opening admission policy. No person, on the grounds of race, color or national origin is excluded or otherwise subjected to discrimination in receiving service at any school operated by them. Nor do they hire or assign staff on the basis of the race, color or national origin of the individuals they are to serve.