St. Mary School is a Catholic school educating children in our Transitional Kinder program through 8th grade. Established in 1871, we are accredited by WCEA (Western Catholic Education Association) and WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and follow the Diocese of San Jose, and State of California education directives.

Mission

The mission of St. Mary School, in active partnership with parents as primary educators and the Parish, is to provide a quality Catholic education, while fostering a welcoming community of faith.

As students develop their individual gifts, they become competent, responsible, socially conscious, respectful, life-long learners.

Philosophy

St. Mary School supports the educational mission of the Catholic Church by striving to develop a personal and communal commitment to a life of faith. Together with parents, we instill Christian principles in a caring, active Catholic community. We affirm that all persons are created in God’s image.

We provide a quality academic education, which prepares each student to be an active learner, a person of faith, and a responsible citizen. Students are encouraged to fulfill their individual potential.

St. Mary School is a Catholic school educating children in our Transitional Kinder program through 8th grade. Established in 1871, we are accredited by WASC and WCEA and follow the Diocese of San Jose and State of California education directives. The mission of St. Mary School, in active partnership with parents as primary educators and the Parish, is to provide a quality academic education, while fostering a welcoming community of faith. Our strong academic program prepares each student to be an active learner, a person of faith, and a responsible citizen. On average, 100% of our 8th-grade graduates are accepted to their first choice of Catholic or private high schools.

Our outstanding junior high science program, including a lab, is a strong preparation for high school science. Teachers use extensive technology in the classrooms and curriculum to enhance their instruction, and use of iPads or Chromebooks is provided for students in Transitional Kinder-8th grades. Extended care is offered before and after school with a homework club during after-school care. St. Mary School has a robust after-school sports program for boys and girls in 5th-8th grades. Additional programs for students include music, band, art, and community service. Tuition assistance is available.

The St. Mary School student is challenged to become:

A Person of Faith

♦ learns the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Scriptures

♦ makes faith-based choices

♦ seeks a relationship with God by actively participating in sacraments, liturgical celebrations, prayer and community outreach

♦ shows respect, kindness and compassion, and builds meaningful relationships with his/her family and others

An Active Learner

♦ meets the academic outcomes at each grade level successfully

♦ demonstrates academic integrity

♦ uses technology appropriately as an academic resource

♦ collaborates effectively, functions independently, and is self-motivated

♦ uses critical and creative thinking, as well as problem-solving skills

A Responsible Citizen

♦ accepts responsibility and consequences for his/her actions and works through differences with others

♦ grows in understanding and responsibility toward others, embracing diversity in the community, the nation, and the world

♦ demonstrates fairness, good sportsmanship and forgiveness

♦ makes healthy life choices and demonstrates positive digital citizenship

St. Mary School was founded in September 1871 by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 1888, the order left, but the school remained open under the direction of Katherine Murphy. In 1890, three Presentation sisters from Fitchburg, Massachusetts, assumed the administration of the school at the invitation of Bishop Mora of the Monterey-Los Angeles Diocese. The school underwent many changes over the decades such as being an all-girls school then a coed school, and a day school and boarding school, with a convent that housed the Sisters of the Presentation. In 1953, the school suffered a devastating fire and was rebuilt into what the school is today. In 1987, Sr. Bobbi Green, PBVM and a St. Mary School alumnus, returned to teach and is currently on staff.

Every youth is expected to act in a Christ-like manner. Every youth is expected to be respectful. Every youth is expected to follow the rules and policies as given. Every youth is expected to cooperate with classmates, teachers, peers and leaders. Every youth is expected to communicate in an appropriate manner. Every youth is expected to respect the personal boundaries and property of others. Every youth is expected to promote and support a safe, fun and healthy environment through positive participation. No Youth Will Tolerate Abuse of Any Kind.

STANDARDS FOR ALL SCHOOL WORKERS REGARDING INTERACTION WITH YOUTH
(In compliance with Education Code Section 44050)

(1) School workers must be aware of their own and others’ vulnerability to appearance or perception of impropriety when working alone with youth. At all times, School workers should, therefore, use a team approach to managing youth activities. At least two adults (preferably a team of several adults) will organize and supervise youth activities.

(2) Except in an emergency or urgent circumstances involving the youth’s safety, School workers shall never be alone with a youth during any school activity or setting. For example, adults should avoid situations that put them in a position of being alone with a minor in a rectory, parish building, school, or other closed room (except as required for the Sacrament of Reconciliation).

(3) School workers will carefully observe professional boundaries concerning any type of physical contact with youth. Any physical contact must be professionally appropriate and occur in a public place. School workers must exercise prudence, discretion, and respect when comforting or encouraging students in order to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

(4) Clergy and religious shall never permit a youth to stay overnight in their private accommodations or residence nor shall clergy or religious ever be permitted to share a room overnight with a youth. An exception can be made in the case of immediate family members of the clergy or religious, provided that a parent or adult guardian of the youth also stays overnight and that separate accommodations are provided for the youth and his or her parent or adult guardian.

(5) School workers will not provide shared, private, overnight accommodations for individual youths, including, but not limited to, accommodations in any Church-owned facility, private residence, hotel room, or any other place where there is no other adult supervision present.
(a) School workers will use a team approach to managing emergency situations. A team of adults will consult with each other about the best approach to take in emergency situations.

(6) School workers are prohibited from taking youth home or to another location unless another adult is present in the vehicle. School workers likewise shall not permit other adults to take a youth home or to another location unless at least two adults will be present in the vehicle or the parent/guardian of the youth has given express prior permission.

(7) School workers shall not give gifts to a specific youth under their care or supervision unless a gift is given to all other youth under their care, and even in such situations, any such gifts shall be modest, inexpensive tokens of friendship or appreciation. This provision shall not be construed from precluding clergy and religious from giving gifts to youth who are members of their immediate families, such as nieces and nephews.

(8) School workers will familiarize themselves with, and understand the contents of, the child abuse regulations and reporting requirements for the State of California and the diocese, and will comply with those mandates. School workers shall also complete, in a timely manner, any safe environment and/or youth protection training required of them.

(9) School workers shall take all necessary action to ensure that that no one working with youth is either in possession of illegal drugs or under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. School workers shall take all necessary action to ensure that youth under their care or supervision do not have access to illegal drugs or alcohol. School workers may never serve or supply alcohol to youth or adults under the age of 21. Persons under 21 may, of course, partake of both species of the Eucharist, including the Precious Blood, according to the norms of canon law.

Rev. 1-1-2018

The Chancery ● 1150 North First Street ● Suite 100 ● San Jose, California 95112-4966
(408) 983-0100 ● www.dsj.org ● Fax (408) 983-0295

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