What do you want to be when you grow up? How many times during your childhood were you asked that question? It was fun to name all that you wanted to be, but at some point in your teenage years you were expected to land on a career path. On what was your decision based as a 16 or 17 year old? Most likely, your answer may have been based on a slight understanding of that career.
What if you took the question and turned it upside down? What if you were asked, “What problem do you want to solve?” Maybe, more importantly, “What are you passionate about?”
At St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School (SMCS), we are educating our students (Saints) to be problem solvers and critical thinkers. Our Saints tackle real-world scenarios through Project-Based Learning (PBL) using collaborative discussions, research, enrichment, and more.
For example, our kindergarten Saints were going to learn about the importance of worms and composting. They could have read a story or had a group lesson to cover the material. How effective is that approach? What if they incorporated PBL?
Mrs. Graham’s kindergarten (KC) Saints are wrapping up their PBL project, “Worms and Waste: A Winning Combination”. To learn about the importance of worms and compost, they added red wiggle worms into a small worm bin. Each student then had a job (e.g. driller, compost filler, food gatherer, etc.). They learned how worm castings made the soil rich. They look forward to adding their compost to our larger compost bin at school.
At the conclusion of their project, our KC Saints will write a book on how to create a worm bin. How exciting is that for a five-year old learner? Could there now be future scientists, farmers, environmentalists, horticulturists, or writers/authors in our midst?
Our fifth-grade Saints embarked on a classroom newspaper project. Each student had a job such as editor, sports writer, breaking news reporter, photographer, etc. Interestingly, each job was assigned a saint. For example, St. Sebastian is the patron saint of sports. So, students who were sports writers wrote articles from the perspective of St. Sebastian. Each student first researched their saint so they had a better understanding of how to write their articles.
Our Saints experienced the process of publishing a newspaper. They also learned about the challenges. In the end, they enjoyed the experience. Who knows, we may have future journalists, reporters, publishers, communication specialists, or professional photographers in our fifth-grade classrooms. Some may even start their very own news organizations.
Through PBL, our Saints are embracing real-world scenarios and learning how to problem solve and think critically now and into the future. Just ask them, “What problem do you want to solve?” They will be happy to tell you.
Independence is an important component in student learning. It should be nurtured to help students gain the confidence they need throughout their education and in life.
We all want children to be successful. Often, when children are faced with a situation where they struggle, it is human nature to help. We have learned, and research has shown, that the instinct to always help can impede long-term success. By always helping children in times of stress, they are not able to fully develop their problem-solving skills, learn how to not repeat the same mistake, and become fully independent later in life.
What better time to encourage independence than in childhood?
Below are some tools that we use to help students learn to embrace their independence. Combined with parents’ support and encouragement, these tools have proven to benefit our students.
Use an Agenda. An agenda (assignment book) is an effective tool that helps students stay organized throughout their school day. When students document their assignments, they are able to look back in their agenda at a later time to make sure they have completed their work. They do not have to try to remember everything throughout the day. They have a resource to draw on.
Set a Schedule. Some school work may be done on a weekly basis. To the extent possible, we may assign the due date on the same day each week. By having some routine in their schedule, students will generally take the lead in making sure that the assignment is still due even if it is not highlighted that week.
Allow Mistakes. Students sometimes forget to do an assignment. We have probably all been there at some time. It is okay to forget as long as the student learns from it, even if it means a zero in the grade book. Why is a zero okay? For example, if a student is not using an agenda and relying only on memory, he/she may miss the due date or even forget the assignment altogether. After receiving a zero, the student may be motivated to consistently use an agenda. A mistake can be a short-term lesson with long-term benefits.
Trust the Teacher. When an assignment is given, it may be one that challenges students to stretch their knowledge. The process of completing the assignment may require students to research new information, understand the information, and convey their understanding in written form. We highly recommend that parents try not to edit their student’s work. Allow the student to take ownership of the work; allow the learning process to unfold.
At St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School, we understand that students vary in their levels of independence. With this in mind, we meet them where they are and help them along their path towards independence and success.
***************
Mr. Todd Shafer, principal, holds a BSed, Med in Educational Leadership, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. He has seventeen years’ teaching experience, including 4-1/2 years at SMCS, prior to being named principal. Mr. Shafer enjoys his new role as principal and is also pleased that he can continue teaching two of our quarterly 6-8 grade electives – Ted-Ed Student Talks (second quarter) and Model UN (third quarter). Whether he is visiting classrooms as principal or teaching, Mr. Shafer’s favorite part of the school day is seeing the learning process unfold for our Saints.
TEST. It’s that four-letter word that made us cringe when we were students. Some things have changed in education, but tests will, most likely, always be around in some form. Think SAT and ACT.
As long as tests are around, test anxiety will be around too. So, how can we continue to encourage a love of learning when that learning will eventually be tested in some way? With a little help, it’s not that difficult.
Below are some tips that we share with our students to help ease test anxiety. Consider them as tools in a student’s education toolbox. The more students practice using these tools, the less anxious they may be at test time.
Study as You Learn. As new information is introduced, it helps to review the information at some point in the day it is learned to determine if you understand the material or if you are a little confused about it. You may be able to see the teacher later in the day or be prepared to ask the teacher the next day about any areas where you would like further explanation. Don’t wait until the night before the test to realize that you do not understand all the material. As you find yourself growing in your understanding of the material, your concern about an upcoming test may be lessened.
Keep It Colorful. Highlighters can be your best study tool. We recommend keeping different colored highlighters on hand. You can use the colors to highlight important material in workbooks, notebooks, etc. Green can be used to highlight the material you easily understand. Yellow can be used for material that needs another quick review. Pink can be for material where extra help is needed. Focus on the pink. Seek out that help.
Ignore the Squirrel. It’s test day… How can you ignore distractions and stay laser focused on the test? You can learn to ignore distractions by practicing that skill during regular class periods. There will always be some level of distraction. Someone may stop in the classroom to give something to the teacher, a classmate may drop their notebook, a squirrel may be sitting outside looking through the classroom window (seriously), etc. Practice your ability to ignore distractions. The more you learn to ignore them, the easier it will be to stay focused during a test.
Let Time Be Your Friend. A class period may be 45 minutes long. The test may be three pages long. You do not have control over the length of a class period or test, but you do have control over how you are going to manage your time. First, look over the test and determine if you need extra time on a certain section. If not, you may decide to allocate 15 minutes per page. If you think you need more time to answer essay questions, then allocate your time accordingly.
As you become more accustomed to managing your time, you may find that you have excess time after you have completed the test. Use that time to do a final review. Don’t necessarily second guess yourself. Just make sure that you carefully read the directions and any information provided on the test.
Look for the Clues. Your pencil or writing implement can be your best friend during a test. Use it to underline or circle important words on the test. These are words or phrases like include, less than, most important, etc. that can help you zero in on the correct answer.
Tests or other evaluations (e.g. projects, presentations, etc.) assist teachers in determining how well students understand the material. When students prepare for a test, their results help them grow in confidence and further their love of learning throughout their education and, hopefully, their lives.
***************
Dana Glick Ed.S. serves as School Counselor at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School. Mrs. Glick graduated from Ohio University and has ten years of experience in educational counseling and advising. If you ask Mrs. Glick what she enjoys most about being our School Counselor, she would tell you that she enjoys interacting with students and knowing that they feel welcome to visit her office when they may need some extra support. Mrs. Glick also enjoys being in the classroom and teaching lessons focused on strengthening academic, study, and interpersonal skills. Mrs. Glick and her husband, Danny, have two children.
The homework for many subjects can be tricky business, especially for students in the upper grades. If helping your child study is stressing you out and giving you your own first-day-of-school nightmares, have no fear! The good news is there are tips, tricks, and resources that can help you help your student.
The first thing you can do is super simple and only takes a few minutes. Ask questions. What are you learning about in grammar class? Can you explain this concept to me? What was one thing you remember from class today? Do you know what is on your schedule this week? What concept are you struggling with? Can you read over your notes out loud to me? While getting your teen to talk about their day might be like pulling teeth, anything they talk about (even things they struggle with) can help them solidify concepts in their memory and also help them figure out where they are struggling. Maybe you are reluctant to talk about their Algebra homework if your own math experience has gotten a little foggy. Do not be intimidated - you do not have to know the specifics of the content to start the conversation.
Speak positively. As a teacher, I can tell you, what you tell your child sticks with them. I know you may even wonder if they are listening! Students say things like, “My mom says we just are not good at reading in our family” or, “Struggling with math is in my genes.” Children internalize this, and once they believe it, it will affect their performance. Studies show that a student’s self-perception has one of the biggest impacts on a student’s learning. Taking the time to acknowledge their struggle but also encourage them is so important. I know this is a hard concept, but take a break and come back to it later with a fresh mind. I struggled in school with reading, but I know that you can be successful if you keep working hard. I am proud of you for trying; the grade is not the only measure of your success! Gaining knowledge is more important than just getting A’s; as long as you are showing growth you are improving and succeeding.
Know your resources. If your child has hit a brick wall and you cannot help, find out what other resources are available to you. Many teachers have or use websites that they are willing to share with you. Some teachers are willing to communicate after school hours via apps like Remind and Class Dojo. Others offer free tutoring before or after school. At the end of the day parents and teachers want their students to be successful. While teachers might not be able to sit at the kitchen table with your child, educators are happy to point parents in the right direction for help.
When all else fails, just breathe. If frustration is rising in you or your student, step away. Take a break. Focus on your breathing for a moment. While academics are very important, try not to let homework be a cause of friction and conflict in your home. At the end of the day, homework should reinforce skills, sharpen students’ minds, and increase understanding of the material. If a student struggles, have them write down their questions or where they got stuck. This way, they are prepared for the next day and know exactly what to ask their teacher.
I cannot speak for every teacher, but I speak from a teacher’s perspective when I say that we would rather see a student try and fall short rather than not attempt the work at all.
*************
Kortlyn Hoyt (formerly McPeek), seventh and eighth grade English teacher, is an alumna of St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School and Aquinas High School. She attended St. Thomas Aquinas College and then transferred to the University of San Diego, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with degrees in both English and Theology. Motivated by a love of knowledge and helping people learn, she decided to pursue a career in education. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Augusta University. Although she has worked in charter and public schools, she is happy to be back home at SMCS for her third year. Her favorite part of teaching at SMCS is building authentic connections with her students and seeing their progress.
We enjoy meeting new families and helping them learn more about St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School. We strive to provide parents with the information they need to determine the right school home. One piece of information that is important for parents to know is that we welcome families of all faiths.
Each year we look forward to welcoming many new families who desire a Catholic education for their children… an education that focuses on more than academics. We focus on the whole child -- academically, spiritually, and socially. In addition to a challenging curriculum, we believe that guiding students in developing a relationship with Jesus, being kind and respectful to each other, and helping others are as important as their grade in math class. Many parents, regardless of their faith, want this for their children.
Our entire school environment revolves around this belief. We: start our day with student-led prayers, have religion class, visit the Adoration Chapel to spend time with Jesus, and come together as a school family to celebrate weekly Mass. We also help others through community service.
We can say that we welcome families of all faiths, but it may be helpful to hear from one of our school families.
“2017-2018 was our first year at St. Mary’s. The transition for both of our children was much easier than I anticipated. Although we are not members of the Catholic faith community, we felt welcomed immediately by faculty and families alike. We have been pleased with the academic curriculum and the shared Christian values which are being taught to the children daily. We appreciate the Christ-centered environment which facilitates spiritual growth for Lillian and Pierce. SMCS has been a good move for us!” – Day Harrison
Whether you are Catholic or of another faith, we encourage you to learn more about our school. We would enjoy giving you a tour and letting you experience how we nurture academic success and spiritual growth all day, every day here at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School. We look forward to meeting you!
The month of May is probably the busiest, event-filled month at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School. Shortly after we wrap up our Talent Show and Spring Concert, we look forward to special events such as the May Crowning Mass, First Holy Communion, Athletic Banquet, Field Day, Art Show & Festival, Kindergarten Program, and End-of-Year Mass. Honor roll and academic competition awards are recognized throughout the school year due primarily to the number of awards our students earn.
The May Crowning Mass is a special Mass where we honor Mary our Mother. First Holy Communion, which occurs on a Saturday, is when our Catholic students in the second grade receive the Blessed Sacrament for the very first time.
We set aside an evening in May to recognize our student athletes and coaches who work hard and represent SMCS well in ten different sports in the Augusta-Aiken Middle School League. Field Day provides an opportunity for the entire school to have a half day of teamwork, a little competition, fun, and more fun.
The Art Show & Festival highlights our students’ artistic talents. This much-anticipated event gives parents, grandparents, and other family members an occasion to appreciate their student’s artistic talents.
The Kindergarten Program is a wonderful tradition that caps off our youngest students’ first year in the “big school”. Our End-of-Year Mass is always a special time for us to give thanks for our school year.
Although these events are varied, they all have one thing in common -- they bring us together.
I like to think of these and other events as opportunities for us to celebrate each other. They also remind us that, at SMCS, we are more than a school. We are truly a school family.
As we near the end of this school year, we begin to focus on preparing for next year and look forward to welcoming many new students and their families into our SMCS family.
Our St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School football team is an impressive group both on and off the field. Their success on the field can be attributed to their training, determination, and athletic abilities. The team itself gives credit to their beloved coach Dan MacEachern, “Coach Mac.” Although he is a tough coach and sets the bar high, Coach Mac loves his team and the team loves him. Recognizing all that he has done for them, the team chose to do something special to give back to Coach Mac.
We recently learned that Coach Mac’s three-month old grandson was diagnosed with cancer. School-wide prayers began along with offers to find out how our school family can help. While all this was going on in the grown-up world, Coach Mac’s football team was discussing among themselves what they could do to help.
The team approached some football parents and told them they wanted to help Coach Mac’s family in some way, possibly a fundraiser to help with medical costs. The boys were only looking for the go-ahead to proceed with their plans. They wanted to do everything on their own. Before long, the team decided to host two events on one weekend—a Friday evening 80’s Dance for students in grades 6-8 and a Saturday evening Kids’ Night Out for students in grades 2-5. The team would raise funds by selling tickets to the events.
For both events the football team planned all the activities, created the decorations, ensured everyone was having fun, walked students to their cars, and cleaned up. The grownups only needed to be the chaperones.
The team raised $2,800 for Coach Mac’s family through ticket sales (160 tickets!) and donations. It was obvious to all that the weekend was more than a fundraiser. It was a way for the football team to honor Coach Mac and to thank him for all that he has done for them.
At St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School, we like knowing that rewards come in different and, sometimes, surprising ways.
Fifteen of our 7th and 8th grade students took First Aid/CPR as their 9th period enrichment elective last quarter. Our school nurse, Mrs. Rhonda Wallace RN BSN, taught the class. Mrs. Wallace has taught many including ALL of our St. Mary’s school faculty and staff. (Note: The Catholic Diocese of Savannah, for which we are a part, requires first aid and CPR training for ALL faculty and staff.)
It was Mrs. Wallace’s first time teaching first aid and CPR to our middle school students, so she designed the class knowing that she would be teaching our students daily for nine weeks. She would be able to cover a lot of material in that time.
Let’s fast forward to the last day of the class…
Fortunately for me, my office was adjacent to Mrs. Wallace’s class. I had opportunities to see highlights of what the students were learning. I just happened to be in my office during their final class. Although the students spent time with hands-on practice during the nine weeks, Mrs. Wallace focused solely on possible scenarios--each with multiple issues--that required student teams to combine what they have learned to help someone.
I was highly impressed with our students’ ability to properly apply what they learned to help someone or even save a life. At the end of the class, Mrs. Wallace presented each student with their First Aid/CPR certificates and a starter first aid kit.
After class ended and as Mrs. Wallace was gathering her supplies, I told her how impressed I was with her students. Mrs. Wallace then said, “Teaching this class has been the most rewarding part of my career!” I was surprised by her statement because Mrs. Wallace has been a nurse for 27 years, including 25 years in Shock-Trauma ICU at a local hospital. Imagine all that she has done during her career, and all the people she has helped in those years. In that moment, she told me that teaching our middle school students was at the top of her list! Mrs. Wallace was also highly impressed with how well our students listened, practiced, and applied what they learned.
Mrs. Wallace is now teaching a new group of students this quarter. I expect that she will always remember her first 9th period First Aid/CPR class. I also believe that Mrs. Wallace's students will remember her class as well, especially since some of her students may be considering a career in the health care field.
I like knowing that our 9th period enrichment time is one example of how we strive to help our students prepare for high school and beyond.
***************
Mrs. Wallace also spent time in class talking to her students about the story of the Good Samaritan in the Bible. She told them that story represents the purpose of the First Aid/CPR class. Learning how we can help others empowers us to step forward, help, and not just pass by someone in need.
9th Period Enrichment at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School
St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School has a 9th period enrichment time for students in grades 4-8. In grades 4 and 5, 9th period is a flex time where students can meet with teachers, work with enrichment resources in different subject areas, read, or participate in other activities.
Our 6th grade students participate in a 9th period Math Lab where they can practice math skills and be challenged with new skills using an interactive online math resource. Our students’ 9th period enrichment class also includes a focus on critical thinking, public speaking, Latin word roots, SAT/ACT vocabulary, study skills, guidance lessons, and study time.
Our 7th and 8th grade students can choose from a variety of 9th period enrichment electives. This quarter’s electives include broadcasting, creative mindfulness art class, crocheting (taught by one of our 8th grade students!), First Aid/CPR, Model UN, robotics, Spanish 1, and study time. Spanish 1 is a full-year elective for 8th grade students and is in addition to their weekly Spanish class.
Our students are leaders. You are a leader when you show kindness and inspire others to do the same. One simple act of kindness, such as helping a classmate with a math problem, may inspire that classmate to help another classmate and so on. Or, your classmates witness your act of kindness and are more alert to opportunities where they can show kindness during their day.
As faculty and staff members, we strive to encourage leadership among our students by providing immediate and positive acknowledgement when we see students helping others.
Examples of kindness may also be shared with the entire school on Thursday mornings when Mrs. Webster, our principal, reads notes that were left in our “random acts of kindness” mailbox. These notes reflect small and large examples of kindness that involved our students, faculty, staff, or parents, both on and sometimes off campus. Our Thursday morning “mail” is a great way to start the school day and reminds us that kindness is both appreciated and the right thing to do.
In addition to encouraging individual acts of kindness, we participate in school-wide community service opportunities. That is where our Student Council Officers take the lead.
Being a Student Council Officer is an important leadership role in the school. Your responsibilities include working with Mrs. Webster, Mrs. Fisher (assistant principal), and Student Council faculty moderators to determine how we can help others beyond our school family. Our Student Council Officers, along with Student Council homeroom representatives, take the lead in communicating with all of the students and encouraging their participation.
We recently wrapped up a successful Toy Drive to benefit Fort Gordon’s Christmas House. Christmas House has an important mission to serve military families who need a little extra help during the holidays.
Our Student Council Officers participated in school-wide morning announcements and special segments during our Saints Morning News Show (directed/produced by students) to share information about Christmas House, its mission, and the Toy Drive. Along with handmade posters strategically placed on the school campus, the hope was that our students would take the lead and share information about Christmas House and the Toy Drive with their own families.
We are proud of our Student Council Officers and all of our students. We look forward to both community service and everyday opportunities where our students can inspire others through leadership.
It is a big school year. You are no longer considered to be an elementary school student, but you also may not be thinking much about high school. You are probably more excited about the sports and expanded extracurricular opportunities from which to choose. As teachers and parents, we know that high school is a mere stone’s throw from sixth grade.
At St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School, we want our students to be ready for high school and beyond. One way in which we help our sixth grade students is by providing them with additional opportunities to strengthen their foundation in the areas of math and critical thinking, gain more confidence with public speaking, expand their knowledge with Latin word roots and SAT/ACT vocabulary, reinforce study skills, and have guidance lessons.
As many of us can relate, math can be a love it or not subject. If you do not love it, you still need to have a solid foundation. With the guidance of our sixth grade math teacher, Mrs. Edge, our students participate in a ninth-period, semester-based Math Lab where they challenge themselves using an interactive online resource. As they correctly solve problems, the problems become progressively more challenging. For those who have some difficulty with a concept, the tool allows them to focus on practicing the concept.
While some of our sixth grade students are in Math Lab, others are in a class with Mrs. Webster, principal, that is focused on critical thinking, public speaking, Latin word roots, and SAT/ACT vocabulary.
Mrs. Webster challenges students to think outside the box and to step outside their comfort zone. For example, the public speaking part of her class includes extemporaneous (extemp) speaking or speaking in front of a group with very minimal preparation time. In Mrs. Webster’s class, you are given a topic by Mrs. Webster or one of your classmates and only 30-60 seconds to organize your thoughts. You are then encouraged to give an organized response followed by peer critique where positive or constructive feedback is provided in a respective way.
Mrs. Webster shares teaching the ninth-period class with Mrs. Hagler, our sixth grade English and literature teacher, and Mrs. Parel, guidance counselor. They focus on study skills and guidance lessons, respectively.
Encouraging our sixth grade students to challenge themselves and expand their knowledge base is just one way in which we prepare our students for high school and beyond.
Schools exist to educate. In theory, academics and students’ academic success should come easily for any school.
If we take the above statements one step further, should schools also exist to help students strive to reach their full potential? If so, can academics alone be the barometer by which full potential is measured?
Catholic schools educate by focusing on the whole student because a student is more than the grade he or she receives on a test or report card. A student is more than just an intellectual being. He or she is an emotional, social, and, most importantly, spiritual being.
At St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School, we do expect a lot from our students academically. We expect them to do their homework, be prepared for class, pay attention and participate in class, study for quizzes and tests, and do their best. We also expect that our students will listen to their teachers, treat others with respect, and be kind to all. As adults, we are mindful to model the behavior that we expect from our students. How can we expect our students to be respectful and kind to others if we do not do the same?
Our focus on the whole student is woven throughout our school day. It begins with morning prayers where we include prayer intentions on behalf of others because praying for others helps us grow as spiritual beings. As the school day continues, students learn and grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually because their day is spent in a supportive and caring environment whether they are in math class, religion class, or on the playground.
Focusing on the whole student helps them strive to reach their full potential in school and in life. It’s what we do at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School. All Day. Every Day.
Seasons change, times change, and some things at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School (SMCS) change too. When reflecting on the changes this year, it is easy to see they have something in common. They reinforce our commitment to our students’ academic success.
Below are the Top 10 changes for which I am most excited. Drumroll please…
SMCS has:
10. Moved the after-school care program to a larger location which provides more space for quiet homework and study time.
9. Hired playground supervisors for recess times. Our faculty now has a duty-free lunch time for planning or just having lunch together as a team.
8. Installed all new playground equipment designed for a larger number of students to play on and have fun during recess. Recess is an important part of our day. It allows students to refresh their brains for the remainder of the school day.
7. Introduced the NWEA’s Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Test for students in grades 1-8. MAP is a computer-adaptive test which measures student achievement and growth over time, regardless of a student’s grade level.
6. Expanded the school by converting available space into two new classrooms. SMCS now has three homerooms in each of our K-8 grade levels with a preferred maximum of only 20 students in each homeroom.
5. Installed lockers for grades 6-8 which allows students to be more efficient during class changes and to minimize the need for students to carry a large number of books.
4. Introduced a mentor program for our 6-8th grade students. An administrator or faculty member will meet with their students on a regular basis to help guide them throughout the school year.
3. Added a 9th period class for students in grades 4-8. This class period provides students with enrichment opportunities including elective classes for grades 7-8. This quarter's electives include broadcasting, competition math, installation art, and a class focused on positivity. Eighth grade students can also choose Spanish 1 as their elective class for the year.
2. Expanded our emphasis in the areas of critical thinking and writing to include more varied and creative problem solving throughout the school day. Three faculty members are also school-wide writing consultants to reinforce cross-curricular writing skills.
1. Increased our resources in math to include school-wide computer-based math enrichment, a more challenging math series in grades 4-5, and a dedicated math lab (in addition to math class) in grade 6 to further prepare students for pre-algebra and Algebra I.
Changes will always be a part of any organization, including a school. It is reassuring to know that although some things may change at SMCS, one thing will always remain the same. We will always be focused on what is in the best interest of our students. Here’s to a great school year! Go Saints!
Christine Sweeney, Marketing Director
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Below is a sweet letter from St. Mary's parents, Joseph and Maria Novajosky. We asked if we could share it with you. You may want to keep the tissue box handy.
Eighteen years ago our son, Nicholas, started Kindergarten at St. Mary’s. Two years later, it was Jonathan’s turn, and seven years after that Timothy followed in his older brothers’ footsteps.
St. Mary’s School has been part of our lives for 18 consecutive years. In that time we have seen principals come and go, teachers shuffled around, a new cafeteria and gym built, and technology such as active boards and RenWeb introduced; we have attended countless first Friday Masses, pep rallies, sporting events, and field days; we have celebrated sacramental milestones of our faith – Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist – with our immediate family as well as our church and school family; and we have followed the rhythm of a school year and a liturgical calendar – marking first and last days of school, feast days and holy days, Christmas vacations and Lenten traditions, and spring breaks and early dismissals.
These past eighteen years have been full, and not always perfect, but going forth each day within a faith setting fosters understanding, forgiveness, contrition, spiritual growth, and love of neighbor.
This month our son, Timothy, will graduate from St. Mary’s. He has been busy these past few weeks writing a country report, preparing a PowerPoint presentation, studying for exams, celebrating a soccer championship win, and looking forward to the traditional graduation trip to Carowinds. He’s experiencing everything his older brothers did, and the constancy of these traditions is a blessing.
We know the Graduation Mass on May 22 will be wonderful and moving, because it always is. But this time it will also be bittersweet. Timothy is our caboose, and his graduation marks the end of the line for our time here at St. Mary’s School. No more sitting in carpool line with the orange, laminated card (A20) displayed on the dashboard, or driving for field trips, or scrambling to find a shirt and tie for Mass uniform because we forgot it was First Friday. We will no longer look through the Lost and Found box for a lost sweatshirt, or figure out what to do between the half hour school ends and soccer practice begins, or listen to stories about epic football games lost and won on the playground.
We will miss it. All of it.
As parents, we wanted to give our sons the tools needed in life, to establish a foundation of faith and family they can always stand on, and it’s with both humbleness and gratitude we look back on these past eighteen years and realize that our parish school has helped us give this to them.
Well done, St. Mary’s, and from the bottom of our heart … thank you.
Sincerely,
Joseph and Maria Novajosky
It has been a many years since I was excited about going to the mailbox. In my younger days I may have been looking forward to my first magazine or a birthday gift from a relative. Although those days were decades ago, I am reminded of them when I walk through our school’s main lobby and see the Random Acts of Kindness mailbox. Why? I know there is special mail awaiting all of us.
The mailbox is strategically located on a table with a small tablet and a few pens and pencils. Interestingly, I rarely see a note being written, but there are always new notes in the mailbox! The notes may have been written by a student, teacher, parent, or a visitor to our school. The notes highlight an act of kindness by a member of our school family that may have occurred during a school day or even outside of school. At times there are cute notes that express how much a student loves being at St. Mary’s.
On Thursday mornings Mrs. Webster, our principal, reads the mail over the intercom. She does not focus on individuals or names; she focuses on the acts of kindness. So, I like to think that the Random Acts of Kindness notes are like little gifts for all of us. They both touch our hearts and are a great start to our school day. Below are a few notes that I wanted to share with you. I hope they touch your heart and make your day.
When you think of robotics and 3D printing at an elementary and middle school, you probably think they are high tech ways of having fun in the classroom. You are correct. You are also correct if you think they are opportunities to strengthen students’ critical thinking skills.
On a recent visit to the St. Mary’s Computer Lab, I had an opportunity to see our students in action as they were working with Lego robots. Working in teams of two, they were tasked with coding their robot to move a box an exact distance. When the robot stopped, the box would move forward ever so slightly. This slight movement would sometimes cause the box to fall ahead of the goal line. The student teams would discuss why that occurred and then make one or more adjustments to the code to successfully complete the task.
Since that day, our students have quickly progressed to successfully programming their robots to move through a tricky maze and to incorporate ultrasonic sensors. Think Roomba Vacuums.
What’s next?
The robots are now being programmed for a “search and rescue” mission. This task requires students to use various sensors as their robots move into different “rooms” to accomplish their mission.
Why do we have robotics at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School?
Robotics provides students with an opportunity to expand their technological knowledge while also strengthening important critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is required when each and every move the robot needs to make must be programmed. Critical thinking is actually required of all of us throughout our lives. Strengthening those skills helps us to process information more quickly, rationally, and logically and leads to improved decision making.
Critical thinking also comes into play for our newest technology addition in the St. Mary’s Computer Lab – a 3D printer. It reminds me of a microwave oven except it has spools of plastic string in it. It must also have some magnetic properties because our students are definitely drawn to it!
The 3D printer works with a design software program. Students design the item that will be printed and send it to the printer. If there is a flaw in the design, the students need to evaluate what happened and make the needed adjustments. Although robotics and 3D printing may differ, similar critical thinking skills are required for both.
We appreciate that we are able to increase technology opportunities for our students. I also appreciate that St. Mary’s does not incorporate new technology just for the sake of having it. We view technology as a resource to enhance and strengthen our learning environment. It’s a win-win.
At first I was reminded about our writing curriculum at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School when I saw the eighth grade persuasive essays hanging on the wall outside of Mrs. Weber’s classroom. Mrs. Weber, our eighth grade literature and religion teacher, tasked her students with answering the question, “Why should someone attend St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School?” While reading each essay, I enjoyed learning about what our most-senior and soon-to-be-graduating students love about our awesome school.
Below are snippets from a few of the essays. I hope you enjoy them!
Last year was my first year at St. Mary’s and within the first few days I had already met a lot of people and started to become good friends with some of my classmates. My family was assigned a family from St. Mary’s during our first year here that would help us out with anything relating to school, so I had already become friends with a few kids before the first day even started! – Ryan
Being at St Mary’s is like being a part of a big family. I could not be more grateful to have spent the past nine years attending this lovely school, learning my faith, being a part of teams, and always feeling welcome. Although I am excited to start high school, I will miss St. Mary’s. It will always have a special place in my heart. – Camilla
Being able to attend St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School has been a true blessing. The amazing people students meet and bond with, such as fellow students and teachers, make the school practically glow with a positive attitude. Another reason St. Mary’s is such an amazing school is the ability to fully develop and understand the faith and what God is calling us to do. Amazing academics, strong friendships, and the ability to understand God more fully are only a few features that make St. Mary’s such an amazing place. – Felix
St. Mary’s has a variety of classes including algebra, science, Spanish, and computer, just to name a few. In our classes we do many hands-on projects that test us mentally such as Future City in science and coding in computer. – Nick
St. Mary’s offers many opportunities for students to use their God-given talents in extracurricular activities. St. Mary’s has sports teams, academic teams, and cyber security teams. God gave everyone special talents and St. Mary’s gives our students a chance to use them. - Donny
There are also many sports offered at Saint Mary’s including soccer, tennis, football, volleyball, golf, cross country, cheer, basketball, and baseball. Playing a sport is a fun and easy was to stay active during the school year. It is also a great way to make friends with students from other grades that are on the team. Sports bring so much excitement, laughter, and joy to school. St. Mary’s has amazing coaches and they always do a great job of making sure the athletes are playing to the best of their ability. The teams always do so well in their games! – Gabrielle
The registration season for our 2018-2019 school year is already underway at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School. This season seems to be humming along with our new online application. The ease and efficiency of the online process is a win-win for parents, school administration, and the trees. And, our new families can be half a world away and register their children as easily as those already living in Augusta, Georgia.
New families register their children by visiting http://stmaryssaints.org/admissions/admissions. Once you are on the admissions page, just click on “online new student application and fee” to begin the process on RenWeb, the secure school management system that we use at St. Mary’s School.
As you complete the application (one per child), you will have an opportunity to upload any needed forms such as your child’s birth certificate, health and immunization forms, etc. After you submit the application(s) and $75 per child application fee, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.
The following are a few items that are worthy of mentioning:
-RenWeb is working on making their mobile platform fully functional. Until then, we recommend that you use a laptop or desktop computer.
-Kindergarten students must be five years old on or before September 1, 2018.
-Space is limited. As of January 31, 2018, we will process new student applications on a first-come, first-served basis. So, the sooner you apply the better.
-GRACE Scholars scholarships may be available for families who meet eligibility requirements and demonstrate financial need. Please visit http://stmaryssaints.org/admissions/grace-scholars or www.gracescholars.org for more information. The deadline is March 1, 2018, for the 2018-2019 school year.
What happens after you receive the confirmation e-mail?
We will contact you to schedule placement testing. Kindergarten testing will take place in March 2018. First through eighth-grade testing will take place in May 2018 so students can complete as much of their current year’s curriculum as possible. Testing can also be arranged at other times for out-of-town families and in the event of schedule conflicts. You do not need to pay any additional monies for testing since the $75 application fee helps with that expense.
After testing, we will contact you to let you know if your child has been accepted. Once accepted, additional information may be needed (e.g. forms that were not previously submitted). The $350 per child enrollment fee will also be due. This annual fee helps offset educational expenses such as classroom materials, consumables (e.g. workbooks), online educational subscriptions, and technology.
If you have any questions during the registration process, please contact Mrs. Ryan in our School Office at 706-733-6193 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
I am not sure who is more excited about our newest tradition here at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School—our students or I. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of this time of year and lose focus on what Advent and Christmas are all about. So, having a life-size nativity and wise men in the school help students and grown-ups alike keep our focus on what this season is all about.
The entire school is participating in “The Star from Afar”. The event began with our principal, Mrs. Laura Webster, reading The Christmas Star from Afar by Natalie Ard to the entire school.
Each day one of the kindergarten through third-grade homerooms searches for the Star of Bethlehem. Once the star has been found, an accompanying bible verse is read by one of the students or, sometimes, the entire homeroom over the intercom.
Mrs. Hardy's first-grade homeroom
after finding the star
Life-size wise men are then moved by one of the fourth through eighth-grade homerooms ever closer to the crèche. The Maji will travel throughout the school and will arrive at the manger on the Epiphany.
Fifth-grade students moving the Maji
In focusing daily on the journey of the wise men, we are reminded in a life-size way that Christmas is about more than the presents we receive or Santa. Christmas is about the greatest gift of all – the birth of our living God, Jesus.
All of us at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School wish you and yours a blessed Advent and Christmas.
As far back as I can recall spelling was always one of my favorite school subjects. And, as a spelling enthusiast, I am a big fan of spelling bees, especially our school-level version of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
On the heels of our classroom-level competitions in grades 5 through 8, 14 classroom champions advanced to the school-level competition. Five of the 14 students were returning school-level spelling bee competitors, and two of the 14 students were siblings.
The students all seemed to enjoy participating in the event. They clearly understood the rules and were focused on the task. A total of 149 words were spelled correctly or sometimes incorrectly during 24 rounds of competition. The last two remaining competitors correctly spelled their way through the last seven rounds before the winner was determined!
This year’s St. Mary’s spelling champion is Charlie, one of our 7th grade students. Nick, an 8th grade student, earned second place.
Charlie will represent St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School in the next-level competition in early 2018. We wish good luck to Charlie and all the students who will be representing their schools in the next competition.
---------------
Dr. Kathleen Haley, St. Mary's music teacher and spelling bee coordinator, extends a big thank you to some of our awesome 2nd grade students who helped set up her music room for the competition. The second-grade students also said a silent prayer for the competitors prior to the start of the competition.
It’s Open House time at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School. It is definitely one of our favorite school events. We always enjoy meeting new families. So, you can imagine how much we look forward to an event where we meet many new families at one time.
Our Open House visitors may include St. Mary’s alumni who are looking forward to their children attending their alma mater, other Augusta families, and those who are new to the area. New families may include cyber professionals from Fort Meade in Maryland who will be working at Fort Gordon, medical professionals who will be practicing at area hospitals, and others who will be bringing their expertise to the many industries in our Augusta area.
As someone who was once new to Augusta, I can still recall the mix of excitement and anticipation that I felt moving to a new town. Now, many years later, I still find myself appreciating all that Augusta has to offer such as a family-friendly environment, nice people, and reasonable cost of living. I do sometimes slip up and call Pittsburgh home, but Pittsburgh will always be home in some way. And, as they say, you can take the girl out of Pittsburgh but not Pittsburgh out of the girl.
I recently met a parent who stopped by school for some information. He told me that he was doing the reconnaissance work for his family and getting the lay of the land before the family’s move to Augusta. Shortly into our conversation, he asked me from what part of Pittsburgh I hailed. Apparently 20+ years in Augusta cannot mask Pittsburghese--the official language of all things Pittsburgh.
As we prepare for our upcoming Open House, we keep in our prayers all the parents and families who visit us. We pray for a peaceful process as they determine the best school for their children. We pray for those who are new to the area that they soon call Augusta home. We also pray that the families who choose St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School look forward to becoming part of our family and calling St. Mary’s their school home.
---------------
St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School is a kindergarten through eighth grade private, Catholic school located in the beautiful and historic Summerville area of Augusta, Georgia. For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Christine Sweeney, Marketing Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 706-733-6193.
Facebook