Frequently Asked Questions
Whether your family is new to St. Mary's School, or you've been with us for awhile, you may have a few questions about common topics, procedures, and activities. We hope this FAQ's file will clarify things for you. If you have a question that isn't addressed here, please suggest it for inclusion. We want to ensure that no good question (and we think they are all good!) goes unanswered.
When does the school day begin and end?
Our normal school week runs from Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. Please see our calendar for details.
What are family groups?
The Family Groups Program follows the example of the Holy Family. Family Groups combine small groups of students from various grades, Kindergarten through Eighth, with the oldest student in each group acting as the "head of the household." At several points throughout the year, the group gathers for a school-wide activity, during which each group goes to an assigned classroom to engage in an educational activity led by the "head of the household" under the supervision of the classroom teacher. This program offers an opportunity for multi-age interaction, emphasizing nurturing and acceptance of others. Older students are given an opportunity to act as leaders and mentors to the younger students in their groups, and younger students get the opportunity to interact with with older, more mature students. All students enjoy the chance to work with schoolmates beyond their immediate class and age groups.
When does my child visit the library?
Librarians visit the preschool classroom once a week beginning in early October. Students in Kindergarten through 4th grade go to the library on Wednesdays, and are allowed to check out books, which they are expected to return on the following Wednesday, at which point they can check out new books, and so on throughout the year. Students in the upper grades, 5th through 8th, visit the library at their teacher's discretion throughout the year.
What is Thursday Hot Lunch Day?
Our hot lunch program generally begins in early October and continues throughout the year. Near the beginning of each month, a hot lunch menu and order form will come home in your child's folder. You make your menu choices, and submit your form, along with payment, once monthly. Then, each Thursday, your child will enjoy a hot lunch from a local restaurant. Typical meals include pizza, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, hamburgers, and a variety of hot sandwiches, sometimes accompanied by chips and desserts. Children do not have to participate if they prefer to bring their own lunches on Thursdays as usual, but the children of St. Mary's do tend to enjoy this program, and their parents often enjoy the luxury of day off of lunch making duty.
I have been hearing about "The Golf Outing" and the "Auction." What are they? Can I participate?
Yes, their are plenty of opportunities for you to participate in these two events, which are our school's major annual fundraisers. The proceeds are applied to the school's operating expenses, and are written into the yearly operating budget. These funds assist us in meeting many of our growing school's crucial needs, and help offset steep increases in tuition. Please see our Auction Page and our PTO page for further information about how you can get involved.
How does St. Mary's School Celebrate Christmas?
Our celebration of the Christmas Season begins early in December with the Live Nativity and Cookie Walk. It includes a reenactment of the nativity, complete with live animals. Additionally, the students perform Christmas carols outside of the church, while in the church basement we offer a wide variety of cookies and other seasonal goodies for you to purchase. All school families are asked to donate ten dozen cookies in support of this event. We encourage all to participate! By the end of the evening, you'll have terrific pictures of your children (do bring a camera!), a wide variety of delicious treats to see you through the season, and an uplifted heart overflowing with the true spirit of Christmas. Please be prepared for cold weather. Warm drinks will be available in the church basement, but hats, mittens, and even boots are also a good idea.
St. Mary's families also celebrate the season by reaching out to the community. Each school family receives the name and the wish list of a local nursing home resident. Children and parents work together to select, purchase, and wrap suitable gifts. Many of our children choose to include homemade cards and notes, as well. These gifts and tokens are then personally delivered to the residents by school family volunteers.
What is the Welcoming Committee?
This volunteer group was created to help make the transition of new families to St. Mary's a little easier. The committee pairs each new family with an established family, who make themselves available to answer questions and offer ongoing support throughout the year.
