St. Margaret Mary

Student Awards

History Day

 The Nebraska History Day competition provides each 8th grader an opportunity to research a topic and create a visual or audio-visual project. The entire grade presents their work to parents, teachers, and the student body each January. Presentation format options are reports, slideshow presentations, and videos. Student work is judged at the event, and winners advance to the Nebraska History Day competition.  

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SMM Robotics Club

The SMM Robotics Club is available to students in 4th- 8th grades and meets throughout the school year. 

SMM's Robotics Club has grown since its first year of competition in 2016-2017. The commitment and enthusiasm of Robotics coaches and club members generate tournament success and rewarding experiences for all involved.

In 2025, all of the SMM elementary and middle school robotics teams were invited to and competed at the Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship in March at the SAC Museum in Ashland.

 In the elementary division, the ‘Spicey Pickles’ placed 3rd in the finals! For the middle school division, the teams ‘Access Denied’ and ‘The Cult of Adolescent Nobodies,’ participated in the finals together and finished in 5th place!

 In 2023, 3 teams competed in the 2023 State Championship Tournament. Team 68132 won 1st place! (Lucy L, Charlotte R, Colin M, Zoey K, the Taco Cats). The team was qualified to compete at the Worlds Competition in Dallas, TX, in May 2023.

Robotics Club awards in recent years:

Science Fair

The Annual St. Margaret Mary Science Fair is a celebration of students' scientific discoveries and a deeper understanding of the scientific method. Each year, 7th graders determine their topic for a science research project. Students build their projects over months to develop a theory, create a hypothesis, record results, and draw conclusions. Their compiled work goes on display each January for parents, teachers, and students to observe. 

Judges score the students on their work and award a winner. Teams advance to the Metro Science and Engineering Fair each spring.

St. Thomas Aquinas Club (STAC) - Quiz Bowl Team

8th Grade High School Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to these 11 SMM 2025 8th Graders, who earned academic scholarships to Omaha area Catholic High Schools. Students were awarded merit scholarships based on their entrance exam scores from  Creighton Prep, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart,Marian High School, and Mt. Michael Benedictine High School

Additional Scholarships & Awards:

The 8th-grade awards day, held in May, is an annual tradition at St. Margaret Mary School. Parents join their children at an awards ceremony to recognize the class, their accomplishments, and celebrate memories from their time together. 

Teachers and Administrators present several scholarships to 8th-grade students. Some of the scholarships require an application, and others are awarded through nominations. The scholarships awarded include the St. Margaret Mary Guild scholarship, Philip Kenny Memorial Vocal Music, the Vincent Manielli Athletic Award, the Knights of Columbus scholarship, the Lanoha Family Memorial Scholarship, and the Presidential Academic Award.  

Faculty Awards

The St. Margaret Mary teachers and staff are devoted to the education of students from kindergarten to 8th grade. The community has offered special recognition for these outstanding faculty leaders.

Kate Rezac

Mrs. Kate Rezac is currently an Interventionist at St. Margaret Mary School.  Before that, she was a 4th-grade teacher.

Rezac is the co-creator of Monarch Rescue: An Educator's Guide to Using Butterfly Gardens to Implement STREAM "an easy to implement resource for classroom teachers to create monarch rescue gardens as a tool for an authentic, project-based learning experience incorporating the STREAM model". 

Kate Rezac is an Interventionist at St. Margaret Mary School where she shares her curiosity about monarchs and their environment with her students.  Rezac recently participated in Notre Dame's Alliance for Catholic Education Program for Inclusive Education. 

In 2014 Rezac wrote a grant proposal to build the Monarch Meadow and received funding from the National Catholic Education Association and was selected to receive an additional grant again the folllowing year . The Monarch Meadow is a certified schoolyard habitat and a Monarch Waystation, which provides monarchs the environment they need in order to sustain their 1000+ mile migration. 

In class and outdoors in the Monarch Meadow, 4th grade students discover the importance of providing for these marvelous migrating monarchs. Students see the necessity to create an "inn" and a place for monarchs and other pollinators to rest, find nourishment, and a home.  The students take on the role of protector of the monarchs. Students further study the migration pattern of the monarchs from Mexico to Canada. Through their work, they participate in citizen science activities such as reporting sightings and tagging monarchs. 

 Third and fourth grade SMM students learn and understand their responsibility to be stewards of this beautiful creation. 

  Barb Gilman

Mrs. Barb Gilman teaches 3 grade at St. Margaret Mary School.

Cover feature Catholic Teacher Magazine Fall 2016

Saint Margaret Mary’s 3rd grade teacher, Barb Gilman, is featured on the cover of September’s issue of Catholic Teacher magazine. Gilman is honored for her dynamic work building community for both students and educators throughout the world. Gillman, a wife and mother of three, loves teaching in a Catholic school and keeping up with the latest teaching research.

While most of her 3rd grade students are tucked in at 8 am Saturday mornings, teacher Barb Gilman visits with other Catholic teachers from around the world on Catholic EdChat. Gilman, along with Nancy Caramanico, host the Twitter chat. Their audience includes administrators, diocesan officials, and teachers from across the world- even Sydney, Australia.

Nearly 8000 Catholic educators follow Gilman on Twitter and have tuned in to hear her present the last few years at the National Catholic Education Association conference. Gilman credits her collaboration with other educators on Twitter and at conferences for “reenergizing me every week.”

“As a teacher you can be very isolated with your students in the classroom. Every week I almost always come away with one good idea from the chat,” says Gilman.

2014 NCEA Distinguished Teacher for the Plains States

In 2014, she was awarded the NCEA Distinguished Teacher for the Plains States. “I love Catholic education and I believe we need to enrich and empower other Catholic teachers with the latest research and advice.” Gilman may also be found at Catholic EdCamp, which she helped start, at Creighton University each summer. You can also find her monthly blog post for Loyola Press- http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/auth

Every year, St. Margaret Mary School organizes a Thanksgiving Food Drive where students actively participate in collecting food donations in the weeks leading up to the holiday. As service is one of the four core values at the school, alongside faith, scholarship, and conscience, the importance of giving back is emphasized during this event. Students enthusiastically campaign for generosity by creating vibrant posters and delivering classroom announcements to inspire their peers. The spirit of giving resonates across all grade levels as students eagerly contribute to those in need. Classrooms are paired together as teams, fostering a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition. The team that collects the most food is celebrated as the winning team and receives a special prize. Throughout the Food Drive, students not only collect food but also learn valuable lessons about service and compassion for others. The collective efforts of the St. Margaret Mary community make a significant impact in supporting the needs of others in Omaha.

All students are invited to prepare and take an initial screening test to participate in the annual Geography Bee. The finalists compete in a quiz-bowl competition in the school auditorium. The winning student advances to the Metro Catholic School Geography Bee. 

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.

The SMM Monarch Garden is a beautiful living outdoor classroom offering students an opportunity to observe, study and understand the importance of the yearly migration of the monarchs. To read more about how the Monarch Meadow effort began by Mrs. Rezac, read the article here.

To stay up to date with the St. Margaret Mary Monarch Meadow happenings on Twitter,  read and connect with the Monarch Meadow on Twitter below.

Tweets by MonarchMeadow

K-8 weekly Technology Class: Fostering digital literacy

At St. Margaret Mary School, we believe in providing a well-rounded education that prepares our students for the world beyond grade school. That's why we have an engaging weekly technology class for our K-8th grade students. Our technology class goes beyond the traditional approach of simply using computers and delves into hands-on experiences that foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and digital literacy.

In our technology class, students of all grades have the opportunity to participate in exciting and interactive projects. For example, our 3rd graders engage with Sphero bots, learning the basics of programming as they guide these robotic balls to follow simple instructions. It's a fun and engaging way to introduce them to the world of coding.

Elementary grades have a fun and interactive introduction to coding using languages such as Scratch. Through this block-based programming environment, students develop their logic and problem-solving abilities while creating their own interactive stories, games, and animations. This lays the foundation for understanding concepts like pseudo-code and computational thinking.

We are proud to partner with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) engineering department to provide our students with real-world engineering experiences. Through collaborative projects, our students go through the design, build, and test process. For example, our first graders construct landscapes using various materials to create a design that can withstand a simulated landslide. They then test their design using water to observe how effectively their creation prevents soil erosion.

Our 5th graders take on a similar concept but in the realm of water filtration. They explore the best materials to use for filtration and have the opportunity to build their own water filters, having to assess which materials they think will provide the best filtration. Results often surprise the students and through this hands-on trial-and-error environment, students put their scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills to the test.

Beyond these projects, our technology class equips students with fundamental skills. They learn the basics of HTML and CSS, enabling them to design and customize simple websites. These skills empower them to express their creativity and communicate effectively in the digital realm.

To further support students' interest in coding, we offer an after-school coding club. Here, students can dive deeper into coding skills, explore advanced concepts, and collaborate with their peers in a supportive and engaging environment.

At St. Margaret Mary School, we believe in the power of technology as a tool for learning and innovation. Our weekly technology class provides students with the necessary skills and experiences to navigate the digital world with confidence, creativity, and critical thinking. Through hands-on projects, partnerships, and extracurricular activities, we foster a love for technology and empower our students to become active creators and problem-solvers in our ever-evolving technological landscape. 

Technology Program

St. Margaret Mary students have access to 1:1 technology. In addition to having access to a school-owned device, students take a technology course each week with age-appropriate material. Each grade will have a hands-on technology unit as well as activities around   

Students in 3rd - 8th grades utilize Chromebooks in their classrooms. Teachers use the Google Classroom learning management platform. Teachers can post assignments, quizzes, videos, and schedule video conferencing through the platform. 

The school Google Classroom platform allows students to utilize Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides for Technology Class as well as other coursework. 

Mrs. Gilman's 3rd graders have used Google Meet for author conversations. This one features author,  Lisa Hendey who wrote "I am God's Storyteller".  Mrs. Hendey spoke to students about using their gifts to share the joy of God's message and answered questions regarding how to become an author. 

Students in 3rd -8th grades have access to individual Chromebooks. 

Each classroom is equipped with interactive smartboards, projectors, and Apple TVs. These tools enable teachers to incorporate media into their daily plans. Teachers include educational games in learning using GIMKIT and Quizzizfor interactive online quizzes. 

Rooted in Christ

At St. Margaret Mary Catholic K-8 School, faith formation is at the heart of our work. Guided by our school's mission statement, our work is to help your children grow as individuals of faith, conscience, academic excellence, and service in the Catholic tradition.

Recognizing that parents are the primary educators of your children, we value our partnership with families. Throughout their years as students, we work hand in hand with parents to foster a deep understanding of Christ's teachings and an awareness of God's love. Together, we empower our students to continue developing their faith as they journey into adulthood. We continually observe how as SMM students matriculate to various high schools, they continue to share their gifts in service of others. 

Our sacramental preparation programs provide a structured framework for parents to engage in meaningful faith discussions with their children. In 2nd grade, students prepare to receive their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. With the guidance of our Director of Religious Education, teachers, classmates, and parents, children deepen their understanding and grow in readiness for these sacraments.

For our 7th and 8th-grade students, sacramental preparation focuses on Confirmation. Through engaging in service projects aligned with the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, students develop a heightened awareness of the needs of others within our community.

At St. Margaret Mary School, we are committed to nurturing children's spiritual growth and development and equipping them to live out their faith and serve others with compassion and love.

All K-8 students are invited to take the spelling test to determine who will participate on stage for the upbeat annual event, the SMM Spelling Bee. 

The Spelling Bee test finalists compete on stage during Catholic Schools Week.  The SMM Spelling Bee winners advance to the Omaha Metro Catholic Schools Bee. 

 Students in 7th and 8th grades are invited to participate in an educational tour of the monuments, museums, landmarks, and exhibits of Washington DC. 

The trip is held every other year and parents join in the fun while offering their service as chaperones.

Staff Support and Updated Facilities

The objective within the St. Margaret Mary Resource Department is to provide students with equal access to the learning environment.  Our commitment to equitable educational opportunities is evidenced by the staffing of:

• Two certified interventionists
• An OPS-contracted Special Educator
• An OPS-contracted Speech & Language Pathologist (SLP)
• A Catholic Charities-based Counselor
• A Title I Educator

The dedicated resource room has incorporated multiple types of flexible seating to meet the various learning styles of students. St. Margaret Mary School resource professionals implement and/or continue intensive skills instruction with evidence-based practices in a nurturing and caring environment. 

Multi-Tier System of Support Model (MTSS)

Student support services are implemented under an MTSS (multi-tier system of support) model. The first step of support is high-quality tier one instruction, with teachers using evidence-based instructional practices that benefit all learners. Through the process used by the Student Assistance Team (SAT), additional levels of support may become part of the student’s educational plan. Supports are provided by the classroom teacher, classroom teaching assistants, and resource staff.

Service Availability

In order to effectively serve the needs of students, parents of children who have a diagnosed medical, visual, hearing, or learning disability must provide the school with that documentation before enrollment. Current and new students who have a verified learning disability (as determined by the local public school district) will have an accommodation plan monitored by St. Margaret Mary School if they decline special education resources offered by their local school district.

Speech and language services are provided on-site at St. Margaret Mary School by a certified SLP (Speech & Language Pathologist). Those children qualified for the St. Margaret Mary SLP process will receive speech and language services through this program. 

For more information about resource support at the school, please contact SMM School Principal, Mr. Ryan Wieczorek, or SMM Assistant Principal, Mrs. Mary Simerly.