St. Margaret Mary

St. Margaret Mary School follows the standards, assessments, and curriculum guidelines published by the Archdiocese of Omaha and meets or exceeds the requirements set forth by the Nebraska Department of Education. 

The core classes of Religion, Mathematics, Reading, Language Arts, Phonics, Spelling, Social Studies, and Science are taught daily in K-4th grades.

The Science of Reading is a research-based approach to teaching the skills of reading. We use a comprehensive literacy program called CKLA (Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts), which combines knowledge building and foundational skills to develop strong readers and thinkers.  Primary grades are implementing an explicit research-based phonics program, called UFLI Foundations, developed by the University of Florida Literacy Institute, which supports foundational reading skills in students.

The core classes of Religion, Mathematics, Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies, and Science are taught daily in 5th-8th grades.  The HMH Dimensions science program is taught and was created to address the Next Generation Science Standards. Novel study and literacy circles are key components of the grades 5-8 Reading and Language Arts curriculum. 

For the 2025-2026 school year, there is a school-wide adoption of HMH Into Math, which aims to move beyond rote memorization and encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and reasoning.

Most 7th and 8th-grade students will take Pre-Algebra in 7th grade and Algebra I in 8th grade. 

St. Margaret Mary School offers students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades an opportunity to participate in an accelerated mathematics curriculum. Participation in this program is based on metrics from 5th-grade math class grades as well as Math scores from 9 previous STAR assessment exams.  

To enter the advanced math program students must have scored at the 95th percentile or above in mathematics on the standardized tests given at the school, in at least two of three years in grades 3, 4, or 5, have achieved 'A's in math in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades and/or prior math teacher recommendations. Students in the program will complete Algebra II by the end of 8th Grade. The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for an accelerated math track. 

Students in grades K-6 take 5 specials, which include: Library-media, Art, Technology, Music, and Health/Physical Education. Students in grades 7 and 8 attend bi-weekly Spanish classes through Meg Languages.  

Standardized Testing

St. Margaret Mary School utilizes the STAR Assessment for grades K-8 according to Archdiocesan guidelines as one measure of student achievement and school effectiveness.  

The STAR assessment is taken 3 times online yearly to provide progress monitoring and student growth data from year to year.  Results are provided to parents during parent/teacher conferences. The teachers and administration utilize results to identify the areas of strength and address areas that would benefit from a different instructional approach.

Additionally, progress monitoring tools such as IXL and DIBELS may be utilized to help inform instruction and support student learning.

Catholic Based Education

By incorporating prayer, weekly Mass attendance, religion classes, Sacramental Preparation, faith integration, reflection, and service opportunities, St. Margaret Mary School creates a vibrant Catholic atmosphere where students can grow in their relationship with God, develop a deep understanding of their faith, and live out the teachings of Jesus Christ in their daily lives.

• Morning Prayer: Each day begins with a prayer, where students and teachers come together as a community to ask for God's guidance. This shared moment of reflection sets the tone for the day, fostering a sense of unity and reminding us of our faith's central importance.

• Weekly Mass: We gather as a school community once a week for Mass. This tradition allows our students to actively participate in the liturgy, deepen their understanding of the Eucharist, and experience the beauty of coming together for worship. 

• Religion Classes: Our curriculum includes dedicated religion classes taught at every grade level, K-8th grade. These classes provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the life of Jesus and scripture, Catholic teachings, and Sacraments, and provide a point of conversation about how we can live the kindness that Jesus taught. Through engaging lessons and discussions, we help students develop a strong foundation in their faith and equip them with the knowledge to live as disciples of Christ.

• Sacramental Preparation: We recognize the significance of the sacraments in a Catholic's life journey. We guide our students in sacramental preparation, such as Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. This process is a partnership between the school and parents, ensuring that students receive instruction, spiritual formation, and preparation to receive these sacraments.

• Faith Integration: Our Catholic faith is not limited to religion classes alone but is integrated into various aspects of our school curriculum. Teachers find opportunities to connect Catholic teachings and values within their daily classroom work. This integration helps students see the connections between their faith and the world around them, fostering a holistic understanding of Catholicism.

• Service and Outreach: We instill in our students the importance of serving others and living out the Gospel values. There are various service projects organized through the School and Parish that students and their families are invited to take part in. These outreach initiatives allow students to put their faith into action by helping those in need and making a positive difference in our local community.