Post on 10-Mar-2016
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8 h i g h l a n d e r
We all remember our high
school days. Cramming for
tests, attending Friday night
football games, trying out our
acting skills in the school play;
the world was our oyster.
High school gave us four glorious years before we had to
embark on the next chapter of our life and the beginning of
adulthood. Approximately 430 students in St. Margaret’s
Upper School are presently doing just that. These students are
spending their memorable days among classmates, friends,
faculty and the administration of St. Margaret’s.
Although the Upper School student schedule is similar to
that of Middle School students, it is still quite a transition; a
new campus, new teachers, more opportunity and for many,
deeper experiences. Upper School students are given more
independence and autonomy so they can begin learning
how to manage their time in lieu of an impending
college schedule.
“We strive to give students more ownership over their high
school experience,” said Upper School Assistant Principal
Ryan Dahlem. “We encourage students to pursue a
challenging academic curriculum, but we also want this to
be a time of exploration. St. Margaret’s has an amazing
athletics program, award-winning performing arts productions,
leadership opportunities and student-run clubs where
students can let their voice be heard.”
A D A Y I N T H E L I F E O F . . . U P P E R S C H O O L
7:45 a.m. Monday–ThursdayInstruction begins. Students follow the Upper
School block schedule and report to their
classes. The Upper School offers a college-
preparatory academic program that is
appropriately rigorous and encourages students
to become confident in their approaches to
learning and to life.
9:20 a.m. MondayConvocation. Students, faculty and staff make
important school announcements and share
perspectives on a variety of issues with the
entire Upper School student body. Convocation
is led by the Associated Student Body President.> > 10:05 a.m. Wednesday
Advisory. Advisors meet weekly with their advisory
groups for discussion and action on social issues,
moral dilemmas and civic engagement.
B y N i c o l e P e d d y
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Student voices are heard regularly in student-led Convocations,
grade level meetings, advisory conversations and through
leadership roles in the Associated Student Body, Honor
Committee, Peer Counselors and Student Admissions
Ambassadors. In fact, student leadership plays a large role at
St. Margaret’s. The four leadership groups are each supported
by a mentor and comprise the joint-leadership program on
the Upper School campus. The joint leadership group meets
bi-monthly to improve knowledge and skills regarding
leadership, serve as an advisory body to the school, assist in
campus initiatives and reflect on global leadership issues.
Each bi-monthly class is led by students and supported by
the mentors.
> >
AdvisoryEvery year students have a teacher, staff member or administratoras an advisor. The main roles of an advisor are to monitor eachadvisee’s academic progress and keep informed about personalcircumstances that could affect a student’s performance andexperience at school. Advisors often act as liaisons between parents and the school.
10:45 a.m. ThursdayChapel. During the required weekly chapel
service, the Upper School joins in prayer, song
and reflection. Students actively participate in
numerous ways, including serving as acolytes,
musicians and speakers. Formal dress is worn out
of respect for the faith, and students sit with
their advisors in pews.
10:50 a.m. FridayActivities. St. Margaret’s offers a scheduled
45-minute activities period each week for
students to participate in extracurricular clubs
and organizations. This time may be used for
assemblies and speakers that enhance or educate
the community.
12:00 p.m. MondayLunch. Students enjoy PTF hot lunch, a lunch they
have brought from home, and In-n-Out Burger
on Fridays. The Tartan Field, picnic tables, Tartan
Courtyard and Freshman Quad are open for
students and teachers to enjoy during lunchtime.
AP ClassesAdvanced Placement courses are an important part of the St. Margaret’s Upper School curriculum, enabling students whoshow readiness for college-level coursework to increase theirpreparation for advanced study and, in some cases, begin earningcollege credit. St. Margaret’s offers 24 AP courses from core academic disciplines to music and art.
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10 h i g h l a n d e r
St. Margaret’s comprehensive college counseling program, and
particularly the expert on-campus college counselors, play a
large role in the development of Upper School students as
they prepare for graduation and transitioning to a college or
university. The college counselors bring a wealth of
experience to the college process and are professionally active
and maintain a national profile to proactively strengthen the
relationship of St. Margaret’s with colleges and universities.
The college counseling office helps St. Margaret’s students
and their families plan for future education, with personalized
family meetings beginning the second half of the student’s
junior year. The counselors also hold workshops for students
and for parents in all grade levels throughout the school
year. The overarching philosophy of the college counseling
program is finding the college that is the best match for
each and every student.
Throughout the weekStudy Block. Students often have an open period,
or “study block,” in their schedules. This time
can be used to study independently or in groups,
begin nightly homework assignments, or simply
take a break during the day. Study blocks help
students practice the skills they’ll need to
manage their own time in college.
3 p.m. FridayArts. Rehearsals are typically held from 3-6 p.m.
The Highlander Chorale, Orchestra and Concert
Band also meet throughout the year.
2:05 p.m. MondayTutorial. Faculty are available to help students
outside of class time during tutorial periods.
Faculty may require students to attend tutorial
periods to receive extra help or make up
outstanding or incomplete academic work.
ClubsSt. Margaret’s strongly supports the involvement of students and faculty in expanding the practical educational experience. All student clubs are initiated by students, based on their uniqueinterests and passions, and sponsored by a faculty member. Some of the opportunities available include: charitable serviceclubs, environmental clubs, hobby groups, political clubs and competitive clubs.
Community ServiceAs students serve others, they learn profound and life-changinglessons. Those seemingly in need of help often give back far more than they are given. The community service program complements the mission of St. Margaret’s in preparing studentsfor lives of learning, leadership and service. As students grow and mature through their high school experience, so does theexpectation of them to share their time and talents with others.The Upper School requires all students to participate in thecommunity service program by completing a minimum gradelevel requirement in grades 9 through 12.
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“The program helps students develop their leadership skills
and put them to a productive use. It provides for student
involvement, character building and serves as a cornerstone of
an introduction to leadership, while shaping student climate
in the Upper School,” said Lora Allison, school-wide
community service director and Upper School director of
student activities and events. “Students in the joint-leadership
program become a real sounding board for all faculty and
administrators.”
Students also hold leadership positions in co-curricular clubs
and organizations on campus, and as captains on sports teams.
Upper School students have a plethora of support systems
to assist them in making the most of their high school
experience. St. Margaret’s student advisory program aims to
create a more personalized learning environment with an
emphasis on relationships, collaboration and education driven
by student needs and realities. Student advisors not only
guide their advisees in academic and social matters, but also
forge lasting relationship with their advisees over the course
of four years together.
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SportsThe Upper School offers 23 interscholastic sports in three seasons over the course of the school year. Through athletic competition we strive to achieve the highest degree of integrity,sportsmanship, and mutual respect to prepare students for livesof leadership and service.
“At St. Margaret’s, we expect that students will use the skills
that have developed here during the college process,” said
Amy Warren, associate director of college counseling.
“An engaged, thoughtful, and open-minded student paired
with one of our experienced college counselors makes for
a successful college process, but also prepares students for
life after St. Margaret’s.”
As graduation nears, seniors in the Upper School will spend
their final weeks at St. Margaret’s participating in Independent
Senior Projects. The main goal of the ISP program is to
create a transition for the seniors from the structure of high
school to the independence of college. It is an opportunity
for the students to apply their in-school learning to real-
world experiences outside the classroom.
“St. Margaret’s comprehensive program shapes students in so
many ways that are unique to an individual’s interests and
aptitudes,” said Associate Headmaster and Upper School
Principal David Boyle. “In our intimate setting, students are
required to stand and deliver in and out of classes. We expect
and encourage students to find their own voice, to speak for
themselves, and to be their own advocate in conflicts and
challenges. We expect students to develop a sense of personal
agency that shows they are in charge of their lives. These
kinds of cultural expectations produce students who know
how to interact with adults in a respectful manner and are
successful negotiating their way through the complex adult
world of colleges and universities. We consistently hear that
our graduates see their professors during their office hours
for additional help or clarification. Showing such initiative
and making a personal connection with one’s professor goes
a very long way toward academic success.” ●
3:30 p.m. Monday - FridayAthletics. Practices are typically held between the
hours of 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., following school and
tutorial sessions. Some practices may also be
scheduled for Saturdays.
Performing ArtsIn addition to courses offered in visual and performing arts, students have the opportunity to participate in after-school productions including theater activities, the dance program, concert band, the Highlander Chorale, orchestra and the classical guitar ensemble.
“We strive to give students more ownership over their high school experience,”
said Upper School Assistant Principal Ryan Dahlem. “We encourage students
to pursue a challenging academic curriculum, but we also want this to be a time
of exploration. St. Margaret’s has an amazing athletics program, award-winning
performing arts productions, leadership opportunities and student-run clubs
where students can let their voice be heard.”
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