Students at St. Margaret Mary School enjoy taking part in a variety of school traditions. Some of these activities are held during the school day and others are scheduled when parents and grandparents may attend.
Field Day
As each school year comes to a close, we come together to celebrate the year. Field Day is a day filled with excitement and joy, where our students eagerly participate in a wide range of outdoor games and activities.
From relay races, sack races, and team challenges, our students showcase their athletic abilities, team spirit, and camaraderie. It's a time when friendships are strengthened and memories are made, creating a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences.
Parents and grandparents, we invite you to be part of this memorable day! Join us on the grassy hill as you cheer on your children, witnessing firsthand the bonds they've formed and the joy they experience. Your presence adds an extra layer of pride and support to our students as they engage in friendly competition and showcase their talents.
Field Day is not about winning or losing—it's about fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and the sheer joy of being active outdoors. Through these activities, our students learn the value of cooperation, perseverance, and unity.
Father-Daughter Dance and Mother-Son Bowling
Two memorable events are designed to strengthen the bonds within our school community: the annual Father-Daughter Dance and the Mother-Son Bowling Night! ?
Our Father-Daughter Dance is a special tradition that takes place one Friday evening each year. It's an enchanting evening filled with joy, laughter, and valuable memories. Dads and their daughters are invited to the SMM School Auditorium, where they can indulge in delicious cookies, dance to their daughter's favorite tunes, and create moments together. It's a chance for fathers to spend time with their daughters and meet their friends and classmates.
In addition to the Father-Daughter Dance, another fun evening opportunity is the Mother-Son Bowling Night. Scheduled during the second semester, this fun-filled event is a perfect chance for moms and their sons to come together for an evening of friendly competition. Moms and sons, showcase their bowling skills and work together toward victory. It's a night filled with laughter and shared experiences. This annual tradition allows moms and sons to create lasting memories while enjoying a light-hearted bowling experience.
Both events are not only a source of enjoyment but also an opportunity to foster stronger connections within our school community. They provide a platform for parents and their children to share quality time, strengthen their relationships, and build lasting friendships with other families.
Halfway HoeDown
Half-way Hoedown is an extra special St. Margaret Mary celebration that 4th graders and their parents enjoy yearly. The students celebrate their halfway mark within St. Margaret Mary School. This night features upbeat music, line dancing, cowboy hats, and denim. Parents enjoy seeing their students demonstrate line dancing they've learned and everyone is invited to join in.
Music Programs
Throughout the year, our students showcase their musical abilities, captivating audiences with their voices. Led by our dedicated music teacher, these programs highlight the incredible progress and musical standards our students have achieved.
During the Christmas season, students spread the spirit of the season through music. In the spring, our school becomes a stage for our talented students to shine in our annual Talent Show. Students from all grade levels have the opportunity to showcase their talents, whether it's singing, playing an instrument, dancing, comedy, and more! This fun-spirited event celebrates the unique gifts of each student. Additionally, our primary grades take center stage in the spring Music Program. With their darling voices and enthusiastic performances, our young musicians showcase their progress and mastery of music standards.
Through music programs, our students develop musical skills and learn the value of practice, as well as the joy of sharing their talents with others.
Kindergarten Saint Parade on All Saints Day
Each year kindergarten students anticipate the tradition of dressing up as their favorite saint on November 1, All Saints Day. As they don their costumes, the hallways become a vibrant tapestry of holy figures, each embodying the virtues and teachings of a particular saint. With hearts full of excitement, the students process into Mass, radiating the inspiration of these holy men and women who have shaped our faith. Later in the day, they gather with their classmates and proudly share a fact about the saint they have chosen. This event not only celebrates the remarkable lives of the saints but also nurtures the developing Catholic identity within our young learners. It sparks their curiosity, deepens their understanding of the faith, and sparks their awareness about living a life of holiness and virtue.
Faculty vs 8th Grade Volleyball Game
In celebration of the feast of our patroness, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the annual 8th grade vs. Faculty Volleyball tournament brings together the entire school community each October. With K-7 students filling the Raynor Center, the atmosphere buzzes with excitement and anticipation as they cheer for their favored team. This lively volleyball competition fosters a strong sense of school spirit, uniting students, teachers, and staff in friendly competition and camaraderie. This joyful event serves as a reminder of the vibrant community we experience at St. Margaret Mary, where teamwork, sportsmanship, and celebration come together in a spirited event that is cherished by all.
Art Show
Every spring, our hallways come alive with an explosion of color, creativity, and imagination as we celebrate the artistic talents of our students. This event showcases the work of each child throughout the year, exploring different artists, mediums, and techniques.
Each student, from our littlest kindergarteners to our confident eighth graders, proudly displays their masterpieces, representing a unique interpretation of the artists studied. Our art curriculum takes students on a fascinating exploration of renowned artists from various eras and cultures. From Van Gogh to Kahlo, to O'Keeffe, each grade level delves into the world of a particular artist, discovering their techniques, inspirations, and contributions to the art world.
Different grades may study the same artist, but they express their individuality and creativity to the theme. The works showcase students' mastery of multiple art standards and their ability to express themselves through various mediums. The annual Art Show is not only an opportunity to appreciate each artwork it's also a celebration of our student's growth as artists and individuals.
We are grateful to celebrate how imagination meets skill. Each year we are amazed by the talents and artistic journeys of our students as they proudly present their artwork, telling their own unique stories. This event truly honors artistic expression and celebrates the wonderful talents of our students.
Faith Formation
At St. Margaret Mary School, students engage in a multitude of faith formation opportunities that nurture their spiritual growth and relationship with Christ. Each day begins with a morning prayer, fostering a sense of unity and devotion within the school community. Students regularly attend Mass as a student body, experiencing the beauty of the Eucharist and deepening their understanding of the Sacraments. Scripture is explored and studied, allowing students to delve into the richness of God's Word. The feast day of our patroness, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque is celebrated with reverence and joy, highlighted by a Eucharistic Procession that emphasizes the importance of Christ's presence in our lives. Moreover, students actively participate in service projects, embodying the teachings of Christ and serving as His instruments of love and compassion within our community. Through these and more faith formation opportunities, students at St. Margaret Mary School are continually inspired to grow in faith, live out their beliefs, and be Christ to others.
7th Grade Science Fair
The annual 7th-grade science project and Science Fair are highly anticipated events that showcase the hard work and scientific inquiry of our students. Throughout the first semester, 7th graders immerse themselves in learning the scientific method, gaining valuable skills in forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing results. The Science Fair serves as a platform for these student scientists to present their research to their peers, parents, and teachers. It is an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and creativity, as well as develop their presentation and communication skills. Moreover, many students seize the chance to take their projects to the next level by participating in the Metro Engineering and Science Fair each spring, further gaining experience in presentation skills and discussion of their scientific exploration.
8th Grade History Day
The 8th-grade History Project and History Day celebration are engaging experiences for our students. With a focus on research, 8th graders delve into a chosen historical topic and develop a comprehensive project that effectively communicates their findings to their peers, teachers, parents, and grandparents during the annual History Day. In 2023, the theme for the students' projects was "Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas," allowing them to explore a wide range of historical subjects, spanning from local to global history and ancient to modern times.
The primary objective of the History Day project is to enable students to acquire a deep understanding of a unique aspect of history. They select a topic of personal interest, conduct thorough research, develop a well-supported thesis or opinion, and present their findings through various creative approaches and media. This comprehensive project not only serves as a valuable class assignment but also functions as the 8th-grade archdiocese assessment at our school. Through the History Project and History Day celebration, our students develop critical thinking skills, research proficiency, and the ability to effectively communicate their knowledge and passion for history.
8th Grade Breakfast and Awards
The 8th-grade breakfast and award ceremony serves as a joyful occasion to gather in fellowship and honor the accomplishments of students, their parents, and teachers at the culmination of their time at SMM. Held during the final week of school in May, this cherished tradition celebrates the academic, athletic, and service achievements of the graduating class.
With great pride, teachers and administrators present a range of awards and recognition, symbolizing the dedication and growth displayed by the 8th graders throughout their journey. As parents gather alongside their students, the morning becomes an unforgettable experience, fostering a sense of community and appreciation among the entire class and the beloved 8th-grade faculty.
