A Day in the Life of the Upper School

A DAY I N T H E L I F E U P P E R S C H O O L

O F. . .

By Nicole Peddy

e 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.

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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.”

9:20 a.m. Monday

> > 7:45 a.m. Monday–Thursday Instruction begins. Students follow the Upper School block schedule and report to their classes. The Upper School offers a collegepreparatory academic program that is appropriately rigorous and encourages students to become confident in their approaches to learning and to life.

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Convocation. 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.

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.

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AP Classes Advanced Placement courses are an important part of the St. Margaret’s Upper School curriculum, enabling students who show readiness for college-level coursework to increase their preparation for advanced study and, in some cases, begin earning college credit. St. Margaret’s offers 24 AP courses from core academic disciplines to music and art.

Advisory Every year students have a teacher, staff member or administrator as an advisor. The main roles of an advisor are to monitor each advisee’s academic progress and keep informed about personal circumstances that could affect a student’s performance and experience at school. Advisors often act as liaisons between parents and the school.

10:50 a.m. Friday

10:45 a.m. Thursday Chapel. 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.

Activities. 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. Monday Lunch. 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.

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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.

Clubs St. 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 unique interests and passions, and sponsored by a faculty member.

Some of the opportunities available include: charitable service clubs, environmental clubs, hobby groups, political clubs and competitive clubs.

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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.

Community Service As students serve others, they learn profound and life-changing lessons. 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 students for lives of learning, leadership and service. As students grow and mature through their high school experience, so does the expectation of them to share their time and talents with others.

The Upper School requires all students to participate in the community service program by completing a minimum grade level requirement in grades 9 through 12.

Throughout the week

3 p.m. Friday

Study 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.

Arts. Rehearsals are typically held from 3-6 p.m.

The Highlander Chorale, Orchestra and Concert Band also meet throughout the year.

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2:05 p.m. Monday Tutorial. 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.

“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 realworld experiences outside the classroom.

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.” ●

“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

Performing Arts In 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.

3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday Athletics. 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.

Sports The 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 lives of leadership and service.

“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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