About Us
 
Mission Statement & Philosophy
Curriculum
Policies
IOWA Test Scores
Prayers
Programs/Activities
Awards

 

Mission Statement & Philosophy


          Saint Mary School established the first Catholic school in southern New Jersey in 1858 when 26 students attended the first classes held in the rectory of Saint Mary's Parish. Later, Father Daly authorized the building of a two story, four room school on Cumberland Street. In August of 1873, four Sisters of Saint Dominic arrived to staff the school. July of 1893 marked the laying of the corner stone in the present building. 


         Today, nearly three hundred students in pre-school through eighth grade attend Saint Mary's School. We are proud of our many students who have graduated and continue to embrace the ideals of their Catholic Education.

         Following the tradition of the Sisters of Saint Dominic, Saint Mary School of the Diocese of Camden is a Christian community dedicated to serving others as did Jesus, the Master Teacher.
 

We call our students and their families to be public witnesses to the Word of God by living their faith as responsible Christian people in an ever-changing world.

We offer the school community daily opportunities to strengthen their personal relationship with Jesus and with each other through prayer and worship.

We recognize the importance of the family as the primary unit in the education of children.

We strive to provide a balanced academic program of study which incorporates technology, artistic expression, and basic skills needed for the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical development of the whole child.

We recognize the individual talents and potential of every student by encouraging each child to develop and share their God-given gifts for the betterment of themselves, their community, and the world they will enter as Christian adults.

We believe that our classroom teachers should serve as role models by facilitating a constructivist learning process that promotes the active participation of every child. 

Download 2006 Middle States Accreditation Report
(pdf file format)

 

Curriculum


Curriculum Statement
 

The primary goal of the curriculum of Saint Mary School is to provide learning experiences that foster the values, attitudes, skills and knowledge necessary for the total development of the students as stated in the school’s philosophy. Saint Mary School offers a full Diocesan curriculum, which has been approved by the Middle States Association. This curriculum is aligned with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Throughout the year administration and faculty review and evaluate the curriculum, academic policies, and school procedures to the achievement of the school’s goals. The administration and faculty investigate researched-based, standards-based programs to enhance the curriculum.


Religious Studies (PK-8)
Beginning with an appreciation of God as Creator, our students become familiar with the Bible, traditional prayers, and a variety of Church celebrations throughout the liturgical year. The Church is presented as a prayerful, caring, and ministering community of faith. Saint Mary School encourages students to bring Christ to the world through class and individual service.


Our program moves from a study of the Commandments to an appreciation of the sacramental life of the Church and a deeper understanding of the Bible as the Word of God. The life of Jesus Christ, preparation for the sacraments of First Penance, First Eucharist, Confirmation, and time for self-reflection are important aspects of family life and faith development. The Family Life curriculum concentrates on the relevant issues of personal growth, respect for life, social living, family relationships, and social justice. 
 

All students (grades K-8) participate in Mass the first Friday of the month. In addition to this, each grade level plans monthly liturgies. Paraliturgical services, the lighting of classroom Advent wreaths, the Stations of the Cross, and the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are an integral part of the spiritual life of Saint Mary School. In addition to this, the prayer life of our students is strengthened through the relationship of the Prayer Partner Program. The priests and religious of Saint Mary Parish are a vital part of the Saint  Mary School community through their presence and support.

Early Childhood (Preschool-K)
Saint Mary Preschool Program is committed to the education of children with Gospel values. We focus on basic skills and work to enrich each child while striving for a balance among intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical attributes. The Kindergarten program is based upon a child-centered developmental approach. We accomplish this goal by structuring a curriculum program that stimulates the awareness and curiosity of each child while challenging him/her to recall, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate their growing knowledge.

Language Arts
The Language Arts curriculum integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing development through a variety of thinking skills and communication techniques. Grade appropriate instructional strategies, including technology, are employed to ensure the continual development of grammar, spelling, phonics, reading, usage, and mechanics required in conventional English. Our program is literature-based, which allows students to become familiar with different genres, authors, and writing styles. Reading and writing skills are integrated across the curriculum.

Mathematics
The Mathematics curriculum reflects the importance of applying math skills. Math strategies are taught to strengthen the student’s ability to solve problems and connect math to real life situations. Math manipulatives and technology are used to enhance the learning experience. Our goal is for all students to reason and communicate proficiently in mathematics. We offer a full year of Algebra 1 to all eighth grade students.

Science
Topics of physical, earth and life science are incorporated into each grade level. Using the Scientific Method, hands on activities, laboratory investigations, and technology, students are able to apply their scientific knowledge to the real world. Students are reminded of their role as stewards of the environment. Emphasis is placed on the role of God in all of creation.

Social Studies
Students are encouraged to understand and appreciate the fact that they are members of a variety of communities. Geography, citizenship, social justice, and current events are incorporated. A focus on the humanities is also connected in the exploration of culture. Students are encouraged to interpret historical events, to see connections between these events, and to focus on effects of events over time. Technology is used to research and explore topics.


MINOR SUBJECTS

World Language
Students will see that language is a key to culture. Language and culture are inseparable. Students will be introduced to foreign languages through customs, demonstration, technology, and practice.

Music
Students at all grade levels are encouraged to enjoy music. Our students are given a comprehensive knowledge of theory, history, styles, and elements of music. In addition to this, students are exposed to instrumental music, with a focus on keyboarding and musical composition for junior high students.

Technology
Each classroom is equipped with on-line computers and software to develop and reinforce academic skills and for research. Students learn the functions of the computer and how to use technology to enhance different curriculum areas. Skills learned include but are not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Corel Graphics, and Midi keyboarding technology.

Art
All students participate in art classes. The program consists of art history, studying various artists and their styles, as well as providing an avenue for the development of each student’s’ own creativity.

Physical Education/Health
The physical education program at Saint Mary School focuses on health and fitness. The program is designed to motivate students to make healthy food choices and to provide a variety of physical activities linked to health concepts and skills. In addition to this, it is the desire of the school to provide our students with the necessary skills that will allow them to maintain good nutrition and a physically active life style.


Enrichment
Saint Mary School offers an enrichment program. The program is designed to challenge the student beyond the classroom. Three of the following criteria must be met to qualify:
 
Cognitive Ability Test (CogAt) of 120 or above
Consistent scores of 90 or above in national percentile (total math and/or language scores on the standardized tests)
Evidence above average performance in classroom
Recommendation of the teacher

Our goal is to nurture and support the academic gifts of the students in this program. 
 

Policies

Building Security
For the safety of your child/children it is required that all visitors, including parents/guardians report to the main office and sign in. At that time a visitor’s pass will be issued which must be worn during the visit. Please note that parents/guardians are always welcome to visit the school, however they must not go to the classroom or seek conversation with a teacher while classes are in session. To visit a particular class, parents must contact the principal.

School Hours

Regular School Day (K-8) 7:55 AM – 2:30 PM
Early Dismissal 7:55 AM – 12 Noon

Preschool Half-Day Program
AM Class only 8:15 AM – 10:45 AM

Preschool Full-Day Program 8:15 AM – 2:15 PM
3 Day: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (4 Year Old Concentration)
2 Day: Tuesday and Thursday (3 Year Old Concentration)
5 Day: Monday thru Friday (Both 3 & 4 Year Old Concentration)

SMS After School Program (K-8) 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
 

Dress Code
Parents/Guardians are expected to cooperate with the St. Mary School staff and administration on a daily basis in enforcing the student uniform policy. Whenever necessary, the appropriateness, cleanliness, and neatness of the student’s attire and accessories will be determined at the sole discretion of the school administration. Students wearing clothing other than that authorized from school-approved vendors will be considered in violation of the school’s uniform policy and subject to disciplinary action. Parents/Guardians will be contacted if their child is not properly attired. Necklaces may not be worn during gym. Also, make-up may not be worn. Please refer to parent/student handbook for the dress code.

Discipline
Saint Mary School will employ various disciplinary measures, including suspension and expulsion, for any behavior that is not consistent with the proper atmosphere for a Catholic school. This section of the handbook explains the types of disciplinary action typically imposed for various types of misconduct and prohibited behavior. Please be aware that similar disciplinary action may be taken for violations that are not listed here if the conduct or behavior is harmful to the good order and discipline of the school, its religious mission, or its educational objectives. In addition, while this section explains typical disciplinary action, the principal and the pastor have the authority to alter these procedures as they determine if warranted in a particular situation.

The purpose of discipline in a Catholic school community as a whole is to lead the children so that their actions promote the Christian development of each member and thereby enhance the community.

Discipline at Saint Mary School is part of a teaching/learning process. It is a constructive process to guide and develop the attitudes of our students so that they may achieve the highest possible standards of Christian behavior and cooperation. In keeping with the regulations of the Diocese of Camden, Saint Mary discipline policy is developed in a positive manner being primarily diagnostic and remedial rather than punitive.

There is a standard form to notify parents/guardians of inappropriate behavior, which must be signed and returned.

Saint Mary School students are expected to respect themselves and others. Any individual’s actions that deter Christian development or demonstrate socially or morally undesirable behavior will be considered by Saint Mary School to be injurious to the well being of both the individual and the community.

Each student is also expected to follow the individual teacher’s classroom policy.

Inappropriate behavior warrants disciplinary actions (e. g. student-teacher conference, parent/guardian-teacher telephone conference, parent/guardian-teacher-student conference, detention, suspension, and expulsion). Some behavior may warrant immediate detention. Parents will have twenty-four hour notice of said detention.

 Click here for the complete text of the harassment policy.

   DETENTION
Recess detentions are an option. After school - Day to week to be determined:

K & 1:              2:30 to 2:45                

Gr. 2 to 4         2:30 to 3:00                

Gr 5 to 8:         2:30 to 3:15    

SUSPENSION
In school suspension will be based on the nature of the infraction.

EXPULSION
The principal and pastor will decide upon Cases of expulsion. The diocesan Catholic School Office will be informed of the action to be taken.

Dismissal
Children will not be dismissed before the official end of the school day without a written note from the parent/guardian. Please make every effort not to schedule an appointment for your child during the school day. If this is unavoidable, you must send a note prior to the scheduled appointment. Children will not be permitted back into the building after dismissal to return to their classroom, unless they have an appointment with their teacher for tutoring. No child will be permitted to leave the school with another individual unless written notification has been given to the office.

Absenteeism/Medications
A note indicating the reason for your child’s absence must accompany him/her the day he/she returns to school. All medications must be brought into school by the parent/guardian with a completed Medication Paper. Forms are available in the main office.

Eligibility
To participate in our sports program/extracurricular activities, students must maintain passing grades in all academic areas and a satisfactory mark in conduct. If a student receives a failing grade in a major subject on the Progress Report or an unsatisfactory grade in conduct, the child will be placed on probation and the student’s record will be reviewed on a weekly basis. Evidence of definite improvement from week to week will be needed for continuance in any program. If a student receives a failing grade in a major subject on his/her Report Card and/or continues to have an unsatisfactory grade in conduct, he/she will be excluded from all extra-curricular activities for 3 weeks. At that time, the student’s record will be reviewed and a decision will be made to determine if and when the child may resume participation in our sports program/extracurricular activities. 

Lunch Schedule

Grades: PreK, K, Grade 1            10:20 to 11:00 (Snack at 1:15)

Grades: 2, 3, 4:                               11:00 to 11:40

Grades: 5, 7                                    11:40 to 12:20

Grades:  6, 8                                   12: 20 to 1:00

 *Note: Lunch Schedule may change due to class size.

Classroom Celebrations
In order to comply with diocesan policy on the required number of instructional hours per subject, we ask that classroom celebrations be limited. The principal must approve all classroom parties. The distribution of birthday or other party invitations by school personnel, parents, or students is strictly prohibited unless every student in the grade level is welcomed to the gathering. For legal reasons, the classroom teacher or office staff is in not allowed to provide addresses or phone numbers of any our students to parents.

Field Trips
Field trips may not exceed 1 per semester without approval of principal. Chaperones are selected from approved list only. All trips must receive Principal approval. The trip form must be submitted no later than 1 month before date of anticipated trip. A class trip is allowed for 8th grade students only. Field trips must be aligned to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and Diocesan Guidelines. Teachers are required to submit an outline describing how the trip will impact on the curriculum for that grade level. Faculty members need to remind parents/guardians that field trips are not family outings. Only assigned chaperones may accompany the children on the field trip. Siblings may not accompany the chaperone.

Progress Reports/Conferences
Progress reports will be distributed at the discretion of the administration. Grades 1 to 8 are required to have one (1) Parent Conference per year. Kindergarten will hold two (2) conferences.

Report Cards
Report cards will be distributed according to the diocesan calendar. Report cards will be withheld from families owing tuition and other designated fees.

Activities
Prayer Partners - Kindergarten and 5th, 1st and 6th, 2nd & 7th, 3rd & 8th, and 4th & Preschool
Special Persons Luncheon - Kindergarten, 4th, and 8th
DARE - Grade 6
Student of the Month - October to May - Kindergarten to grade 8 - 1 per month with no one receiving twice.

Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure
All personal information in regard to families and staff, proprietary information and other internal information, data and materials of Saint Mary School are property of Saint Mary School. Protection of this information plays a vital role in the trust our families and staff have placed in Saint Mary School. All staff associated with Saint Mary School agree that any school information to which they have access to is confidential, unless otherwise designated by the administration. Such information includes student data, and classroom situations. The staff understands that the disclosure of such confidential information to anyone other than the person(s) concerned authorized might cause irreparable injury to the school and parties involved.

Technology Acceptable Use Policy
The purpose of school-provided technology, including Internet access and electronic mail, is to facilitate legitimate educational endeavors. To remain eligible as users, students must restrict their activities to those which are in support of and consistent with the school's philosophy and goals. Access to all forms of technology is a privilege, which entails responsibility on the part of the user.

 Click here for the complete text of this policy.

Pest Management Policy

The Integrated Pest Management Policy of Saint Mary School (SMS) seeks to resolve conflicts and redirect pest control efforts toward least hazardous practices. As such, any methods used in the management of pests will not exclude the application of pesticide agents, but will minimize their use whenever possible. SMS acknowledges that a safe, sanitary and healthy learning environment is required for students and educators. Therefore, we will concentrate our efforts on developing and implementing long-term pest prevention methods favoring non-chemical control measures and other means posing the least possible threat to persons or the environment. SMS will make every effort to prevent pest infestations through economically feasible methods.

Click here to download (pdf) of the complete document.

School Closing
Delayed Opening #730

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IOWA Test Scores

The administration and faculty continually review and evaluate the curriculum, academic policies, and school procedures in light of our mission statement and goals. As part of ongoing professional development,  our staff investigates researched and standards-based programs to enhance the curriculum. During the summer of 2005, K to 5 teachers received over 25 hours of professional development in Math Trailblazers. Since the introduction of this math program, a significant increase has been reported in math scores, especially among our third and fourth grade students. 
  
Our students continue to perform well above the national norm in Reading, Language, and Math, with a number of students performing in the first through fifth percentile in all areas. 

The results from the IOWA tests are used to identify a child’s areas of strength and those in need of improvement. The graph displays our school’s achievement over the past five (5) years.


 

Prayers


 Morning Offering

O, Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, the reunion of all Christians. Offer them for the intentions of our Holy Father and all our Bishops and of all who are praying to you. Amen

Prayer to My Guardian Angel

O, Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love entrust me here: ever this day be at my side to light, to guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Vocation Prayer

Lord, Let me know clearly the work, which You are calling me to do in life. Grant me every grace I need to answer Your call with courage, love and lasting dedication to your will. Amen

Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O virgin of virgins, my Mother.

To thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful, O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions but in they mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am sorry for my sins, in choosing to sin, and failing to do good, I have sinned against You and Our church. I firmly intend, with the help of Your Son, to make up for my sins and to love, as I should. Amen

Angelus

Leader: The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary

All: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary…………………..

Leader: behold the handmaid of the Lord

All: Be it done unto me according to your word. Hail Mary…………………

Leader: And the word was made flesh (genuflect)

All: And dwelt among us. Hail Mary………..

Leader: Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

All: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: (All) Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord, your grace into our hearts that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ your son was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Regina Coeli

Queen of heaven, rejoice, ALLELUIA

The Son whom it was your privilege to bear, ALLELUIA

Has risen as He said, ALLELUIA

Rejoice and be glad, Virgin Mary, ALLELUIA!

For the Lord has truly risen, ALLELUIA!

Let us pray. O God, You gave joy to the world through the Resurrection of Hour son, our Lord Jesus Christ. We ask You through the Intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, to bring us to the happiness of eternal life. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

Programs/Activities


 Below is a partial list of school sponsored activities and programs available for parent involvement.


Extracurricular Activities

 

AWARDS

Each year Saint Mary School graduates receive academic scholarships to prominent diocesan and private high schools. Scholarships and academic awards/honors that have been awarded include: