Published August 1, 2024. Information subject to change.
MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY
As a Catholic Montessori school, St. Catherine’s is dedicated to an educational experience which awakens in our students the awareness of their gifts and responsibilities as individuals in relationship with Jesus Christ and as stewards of the global community.
Montessori Vision
Dr. Maria Montessori frequently described the inner wisdom inherent in all human beings and envisioned education as a spiritual mission to unleash each child’s inner potential. In The Secret of Childhood she writes, “Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make [them] learn things, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within [them] that light which is called intelligence.” Montessori believed that, properly nurtured, each child’s wisdom radiates outward to create a more peaceful world.
Catholic Roots
Our Catholic vocation is to nurture and reveal the Spirit of God within each child. Revealing one’s inner light is an aspect of service to God outlined in the Gospel of Matthew. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Our Philosophy: Bringing Wisdom to Light
The complementary messages of our Montessori and Catholic heritages are perhaps most simply summarized by our guiding philosophy: “Bringing Wisdom to Light.” As an AMI school, St. Catherine’s follows the curriculum and traditions established by Dr. Montessori more than 100 years ago. More than simply a method of education, the Montessori approach fosters the development of the whole child—intellectually, physically, socially, morally, and spiritually. As a Catholic community, St. Catherine’s additionally nurtures children’s spiritual development so that each student may experience the presence of God both individually and in community.
Dear St. Catherine’s Community,
It has been a busy summer, and I hope your family is enjoying the remaining weeks of the summer break, relaxing with the different pace of schedule. So, let me be the first to welcome you to a new school year at St. Catherine’s Montessori!
With the start of another school year fast approaching, I look forward to welcoming our children and adolescents back to campus, hearing the chatter in the hallways that we miss during the summer months, and seeing their eager faces ready to learn and experience those magical moments that define the beauty of discovery. I am always excited to see our new families join the school and become a part of our SCM community.
If you are like me on any new journey, you are reaching out to find the best navigation tool to keep you on the right path. We hope this Year in Advance: 2024–2025 will serve as a tool for the year ahead or, at minimum, be a good place to note important dates and serve as a starter to the year. On these pages, you will find information about our faculty/staff, various programs, events, and important dates. I invite you to take the time to read these pages to familiarize yourself with the upcoming school year.
As you return to St. Catherine's this year, you will also notice a few updates and enhancements to our campuses and online presence. Our Elementary Playground has been refurbished and now includes a new slide and spinner. At Japhet Campus, our urban farm that serves as an extension to our main campus, construction and renovations have begun on the outdoor classroom and main house. We will be adding a portable classroom to our Adolescent Community so students and guides can have access to muchneeded additional space. Finally, we launched the school’s new website in June.
It is an exciting time for St. Catherine’s, and we are grateful for all your support! As Dr. Montessori said:
“We must construct an environment for the child in which he can be active…. if we are to have an education capable of aiding the development of humanity. Education must begin the day the child is born, and the child must be able to live in an environment built for him, an environment that answers his needs.” –Education and Peace, p. 53
I would like to close by sharing one of the most beautiful moments I experienced last school year. I had the joy and the opportunity to speak with some of our alumni and hear their passion for St. Catherine’s as they articulated how important the school was in preparing them for their future. That future path was ultimately formed through relationships with exceptional and talented guides, coaches, and mentors. We have a wonderful community, and I am excited for our future.
I look forward to seeing you on campus soon!
Lina Delgado Head of School
Lina Delgado Head of School ldelgado@stcathmont.org
Holly Copeland Business Director hcopeland@stcathmont.org
Bruce Moses
Director of Lower School & Technology Director bmoses@stcathmont.org itmanager@stcathmont.org
Dr. Brian Tucker
Director of Upper School & High School Guide btucker@stcathmont.org
Emily Blackman Campus Administrator eblackman@stcathmont.org
Sam Hemming Facilities & Athletics Director shemming@stcathmont.org
Lyndsey Ray Advancement Director lray@stcathmont.org
Amy Walz Enrollment Management Director awalz@stcathmont.org
Lower School (Infant Community, Primary, and Elementary) First and second planes of development
Ely Marron
Infant Community Co-Educator
Erica Berwanger Primary Guide
Kathy Richardi
Primary Guide
Jennifer Uitenbroek
Primary Guide
Helene Lubel
Lower Elementary Guide
Jaime Hope
Lower Elementary Guide
Catherine McLachlan
Lower Elementary Guide
Tim Snow
Upper Elementary Guide
Meg Spesia
Upper Elementary Guide
Sabina Vizinat
Infant Community Co-Educator
Annabeth Demary
Primary Assistant
Denise Rodriguez
Primary Assistant & Elementary After-School Program
Ashley Melchor
Primary Assistant
Lauren Lee
Lower Elementary Assistant
Kimberly Rivas
Lower Elementary Assistant & Elementary After-School Program
LuAnn Sanchez
Lower Elementary Assistant
Maria Diaz
Upper Elementary Assistant
Sharon Ortiz
Upper Elementary Assistant
Upper School (Adolescent Community and High School)
Third plane of development
Veronica Harth
Adolescent Community Guide
Danielle Mouton
Adolescent Community Manager & Guide
Gabriela Velez
Upper School Land Manager & Japhet Liaison
Krystal Davis
Part-time High School Guide
Amy Lindsey
High School Guide
Dr. Charles Novo
Part-time High School Guide
Vincent Melgarejo
Adolescent Community Guide
Teresa Onofre
Adolescent Community Guide
Mobeena Husain
High School Guide
Todd Nies
High School Guide
Dr. Brian Tucker
High School Guide
Kelley Bruso Naturalist
Student Support Staff
Sandra Espinosa, MSSW Counselor
Sarah Lewis Director of College Counseling
Sterling Richards
Academic Support Specialist & Testing Coordinator
Kapila Sankaran
Afternoon Primary Program Lead
Mindy Snow
Creative Expression & Music Guide
Ricardo Vargas Athletics Associate
Staff
Samuel Garcia
Facilities Associate
Jocelyn Ochoa
Creative Design & Communications Specialist
Kesley Rodriguez Registrar & Administrative Coordinator
Sr. Theresa Josephine Do, O.P. Catechist
Heidi Flores Office Assistant & Upper School After-School Program
Melissa Lopez Library Manager
Aranza Ruiz Afternoon Primary Assistant
Renee Smith
Early Education & Communications Specialist
Christian Sosa Health Care Coordinator
Tom Mouton
Facilities Associate
Grecia Parra Analyst
Krystal Davis, Part-time High School Guide
Krystal will join St. Catherine’s as a part-time guide in the High School where she will teach Spanish. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and completed her master’s degree at the University of Salamanca. Krystal has 20 years of experience teaching in public and independent schools across the United States, has chaperoned student trips throughout Europe and to Costa Rica, and studied indigenous Andean cultures in the highlands of Bolivia and Peru. Her main motivation for teaching language is to help prepare students for interaction on a global scale. Krystal believes that her greatest skill as an educator lies in providing students with a comfortable environment for learning in which they can be themselves and facilitate their own education.
Annabeth Demary, Primary Assistant
Annabeth will assist in Ms. Erica’s Primary classroom. She received her degree in Catholic theology from Benedictine College in Atchison, KS where she also received a minor in elementary education. Annabeth has several years of experience teaching and assisting in early education classrooms. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, scrapbooking, embroidery, and baking for friends and family. She has been interested in Montessori education since college; one of her favorite books is The Child in the Church by Maria Montessori.
Vincent Melgarejo, Adolescent Community Guide
Vincent will join St. Catherine’s as a guide in the Adolescent Community. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Houston-Downtown. Vincent has always had a passion for science and teaching, began his career in parish youth ministry, and has taught AP biology, chemistry, and environmental science at HISD. He enjoys working outdoors, camping, and cooking for his family and friends. Vincent looks forward to encouraging our students to grow in their love of knowledge.
Mobeena Husain, High School Guide
Mobeena will join St. Catherine’s as a guide in the High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with a minor in mathematics and holds an AMI Adolescent Diploma. She previously served as the middle school science guide at The Post Oak School. Mobeena received a Montessori education during her formative primary years and grew up as a lifelong learner. She loves to integrate humanities with science and is looking forward to working with older adolescents
Kimberly Rivas, Lower Elementary Assistant
Kimberly will assist in Mr. Jaime’s Lower Elementary classroom. She previously worked as a substitute at St. Catherine’s and as substitute and after-school program staff at a local Christian private school. Kimberly will complete her undergraduate studies in psychology at the University of HoustonDowntown in December and will pursue a master’s degree in child psychology. She likes that the Montessori method is rooted in childhood development and truly believes that a Montessori education cultivates a firm foundation for a child’s future. Kimberly is active in the youth ministry at her home parish where she enjoys teaching confirmation classes and going on mission trips. In her free time, she spends quality time with her family playing board games, vacationing, and playing soccer.
Aranza Ruiz, Afternoon Primary Assistant
Aranza will assist with the Primary After-School Program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences. Aranza has worked as an early childhood co-teacher and an ancillary science teacher and enjoys connecting with children as they learn independence and embark on their paths of self-discovery. In her downtime she enjoys the outdoors, spending time with her family, traveling, and going to the movies. In Dr. Montessori’s methodology Aranza sees a clear understanding of human development that pairs beautifully with her own personal view on how children can best learn, grow, and mature.
Sabina Vizinat, Infant Community Co-Educator
Sabina will join St. Catherine’s as Infant Community Co-Educator. She received her AMI Primary Diploma from the Houston Montessori Institute in 2015 and has worked with children aged six months to 11 years. Sabina has experience as a substitute Montessori guide and as an instructor at a Montessori-inspired parent and child studio where she worked with toddlers and their caregivers to guide them through practical life activities like food preparation. Through her work at the studio, she discovered her love for working with this age group and learned the potential the young child has when the environment and tools are designed with the child in mind. Sabina loves reading, gardening, traveling, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
RETURNING FACULTY & STAFF IN NEW POSITIONS
Heidi Flores
Office Assistant & Upper School After-School Program (formerly Primary After-School Program & Substitute)
Helene Lubel
Elementary Guide (formerly Elementary Co-Guide)
Ely Marron
Infant Community Co-Educator (formerly Infant Community Assistant)
Kapila Sankaran
Primary Afternoon Program Lead (formerly Primary Assistant)
Renee Smith
Early Education & Communications Specialist (formerly Infant Community Guide & Primary Specialist)
LuAnn Sanchez
Lower Elementary Assistant in Ms. Catherine's class (formerly Lower Elementary Assistant in Mr. Jaime's class)
Gabriela Velez
Upper School Land Manager & Japhet Liaison
(formerly Adolescent Community Guide & Japhet Liaison)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The primary charge of the St. Catherine’s Montessori Board of Directors is to maintain the institution’s essential character and integrity, and to ensure that it remains viable to serve the students of today, while being mindful of the boundary between board duty and day-to-day school operations and management. Collectively, the board is entrusted to ensure the financial integrity of the school, support the Head of School in their execution of operations and management, and ensure that the character and quality of the program and instruction remain consistent with the overall longterm commitment and mission of the school. In addition, in the appropriate years, the board directs the strategic planning process for the creation and implementation of the school’s five-year plan. Board members are volunteers and serve a three-year renewable term.
President
Head of School Support & Evaluation Committee, Chair
Finance Committee
Term 2 – Year 1
Secretary
Committee on Directors, Chair
Term 2 – Year 1
Vice President
Head of School Support & Evaluation Committee
Term 2 – Year 2
Treasurer
Finance Committee, Chair Term 2 – Year 1
Term 1 – Year 3
Denise Stasio
Angie Gubitz
Sarah Scherschel
Lauren Wasielewski
Misty Matin Advancement Committee, Chair Term 2 – Year 2
Chad Mavity Committee on Directors Term 1 – Year 3
Sam McGlone Building & Grounds Committee, Chair Term 1 – Year 2
Eric Rodriguez Building & Grounds Committee Term 1 – Year 3
Kevin Smith Committee on Directors Head of School Support & Evaluation Commitee
Lina Delgado Head of School Ex-Officio
PREPARING FOR THE FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL
Required Forms
Required Medical Forms for the upcoming school year were due on Friday, July 19, 2024. These forms must be completed before your child’s first day of school. To access all forms, log in to your FACTS Family Portal account, available from the parent portal of the school website, and use district code “STCM-TX.”
Contact Christian Sosa at clinic@stcathmont.org or (713) 665-2195 with questions.
Healthy Community
It is important that every family conducts a daily assessment to determine whether their child is well enough to attend school. Students who are not well enough to attend must be kept at home
A child having one or more of the following symptoms at school will be sent home:
• Fever 100.0 degrees or above
• Chills
• Sore Throat
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Suspected contagious disease
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Does not feel well enough to participate in usual school activities
• Lice
If your child has any of the above symptoms in the morning before school, they may not come to school. Contact the Health Care Coordinator at clinic@stcathmont.org to inform us of the nature of your child’s illness and to receive guidance on when they might return to school. If the child sees a physician, please provide a Return to School note from that physician prior to returning to school.
Please inform the school of any communicable disease your child's doctor confirms, including COVID-19.
What to Bring to School
Remember that all students must bring a reusable water bottle to school each day. Please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook and communications from your child’s guide for additional and classroomspecific information on what to bring (and not to bring) to school.
Uniforms for Mass and Special Outings
Upper Elementary and Adolescent Community students are required to wear uniforms for Mass and special outings. Upper Elementary students wear SCM collared shirts with khaki slacks or khaki skirts. The SCM collared shirts can be purchased online at Lands’ End using the dedicated St. Catherine’s link located in the parent portal of the school website. Adolescent Community students wear a navyblue blazer, long-sleeve white dress shirt, and khaki slacks or khaki skirts. High School students wear professional church attire to Mass.
The first Mass of the school year is Friday, August 30 at 1:15 p.m. in the gym. All members of the St. Catherine’s community are invited to attend.
Christian Sosa Health Care Coordinator
After-School Program
During the school year we offer an after-school program on a space-available basis. Only SCM students may enroll, and the schedules are as follows:
• Primary PM and Elementary students from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. (from 2:30 p.m. on Fridays)
• Adolescent Community and High School (Upper School) students from 3:45 to 6:00 p.m. (from 2:45 p.m. on Fridays)
The Primary PM after-school program opens on Wednesday, August 21. The Elementary after-school program opens on Thursday, August 15. The Upper School after-school program opens on Wednesday, August 14 for High School students and on Thursday, August 15 for AC students.
The after-school program registration form is available online in the parent portal of the school’s website.
Carpool Maps
Drop-off and pick-up are important transitions in your child’s day, and we make every effort to encourage your child’s confidence and independence. The following procedures are designed with your child’s needs in mind, along with the safety and efficiency of the carpool line.
Please use Link Valley Drive to queue up for the carpool line. This prevents the line from backing up on Timberside Drive and extending towards the 610 freeway. If you do enter Timberside from the freeway, DO NOT jump the line. Turn down Link Valley to join the end of the line forming there.
The roundabout/traffic circle outside the school gates is an active city street. DO NOT park, stop, drop off, or pick up students in the roundabout.
Primary – High School parents DO NOT park in the carpool lane during arrivals or dismissals.
We ask that all parents stay in their vehicles during morning arrival and all dismissals (except for Infant Community parents).
During arrival, all students enter through the Welcome Center entrance.
Infant Community parents park at the black cones in the carpool lane; walk their IC child to the classroom via the Welcome Center in the morning and pick them up in the Welcome Center at dismissal.
Primary – High School parents pull all the way up to the first available cone when dropping of your student(s).
• Families dropping off ONLY Primary children MUST drop off a the first available colorful cone (purple through red) for an employee to assist your child.
• Families with older students may utilize the first available colorful cone OR carefully use the outer lane to drive around to use a black cone. This includes families with a Primary child and an older Elementary – High School student who will assist their Primary sibling to class.
BACK TO SCHOOL AND FIRST WEEKS ON CAMPUS
Classroom Orientations
Wednesday, August 7
•6:00 – 7:00 p.m. High School
Monday, August 12
•5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Lower Elementary
•6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Upper Elementary
AC Goal-Setting Conferences
Thursday, August 8
•6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Adolescent Community
Wednesday, August 14
•5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Infant Community
•6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Primary
Tuesday, August 13 and Wednesday, August 14, by appointment only
First Days of School
Parents of NEW Infant Community and NEW Primary students consult your phasing in schedules that were emailed to you by Amy Walz this summer.
Wednesday, August 14
•All NEW Lower and Upper Elementary students only, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (all 1st, all 4th, and all NEW to SCM 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th year students)
•Adolescent Community Goal-Setting Conferences, by appointment only
•All High School students on regular schedule, 8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
After-school program opens for enrolled High School students from 3:45 to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 15
•All Elementary (new and returning) on regular schedule, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
After-School Program opens for enrolled Elementary students from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.
•All 7th-years and all NEW to SCM 8th and 9th year students only, 8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
After-school program opens for enrolled Adolescent Community students from 3:45 to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, August 16
•Infant Community and Primary Looking Day, by appointment only
•All Adolescent Community on regular Friday schedule, 8:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
•Friday dismissal, 2:30/2:45 p.m.
Monday, August 19
•Returning Infant Community only on regular schedule, 8:30 – 11:20 a.m.
•Returning Primary only, 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, August 20
•Returning Primary only, 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, August 21
•Returning Primary only on regular schedules
After-School Program opens for enrolled Primary PM students from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES CALENDAR
ABOUT MONTESSORI EDUCATION
An Education for Life
Our care for the child should be governed, not by the desire to make [them] learn things, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within [them] that light which is called intelligence.
–Dr. Maria Montessori
Academic Support
Montessori is more than a method of education. It is an outlook on life with a deep reverence for the innate potential of each person. It is a spiritual mission to create a more peaceful and loving world.
Dr. Montessori believed that each child is born with a unique personality and gifts, along with a desire to learn and to experience the world. By encouraging children’s interests and cultivating their innate strengths, Montessori believed that children would develop into productive, community-minded adults. At heart, education must serve the whole child – intellectually, socially, physically, and spiritually.
At St. Catherine’s, academic progress is a crucial focus of our program, but it is only part of our goal. Our underlying mission is to help students develop the character, confidence, and resilience to handle whatever life brings.
St. Catherine’s is dedicated to meeting each student’s academic needs. Our AMI-trained academic support specialist works in partnership with Primary and Elementary guides, parents, and the administration to help students receive the support they need to succeed at the level appropriate to their learning development.
If parents believe that more academic support is needed for their child, their first step would be to consult with their child’s guide to discuss concerns and plan a course of action. Likewise, if a guide observes that support may be needed, they will first notify the student’s parents. As needed, the academic support specialist will assess and work with the student. They will also maintain communication about the student’s needs and progress. In the event support staff determines additional, or outside, testing and support is warranted, St. Catherine’s is able to assist the family in locating these resources.
Sterling Richards Academic Support Specialist & Testing Coordinator
Our Dominican foundresses, Sr. Edna Ann Hebert, O.P. and Sr. Shirley Owens, O.P., envisioned the rich potential of combining Montessori and Catholic principles to serve the hearts and minds of students. Children of all ages have a unique relationship with God, and assisting even the youngest children in spiritual and moral growth is a crucial aspect of our mission. In accordance with both our Montessori and Catholic beliefs, St. Catherine’s has adopted the teachings of “The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” to support the spiritual life of our students. Inspired by the profound religious intuition of children, the Catechesis curriculum combines the self-teaching principles of Montessori with the theological moorings of Hebrew scholarship, scripture studies, and Roman Catholic liturgy and doctrine.
Beginning at the Primary level, students attend monthly Mass, and children in Primary and Elementary visit the school catechist in our Atrium weekly. The Atrium is a prepared environment specifically intended for the spiritual growth of children. The space helps to nourish each child’s relationship with God by allowing for a period of retreat that facilitates introspection and silence; encourages religious life through community and worship; provides concrete, tactile work through which children may converse with God; and prepares the child for involvement in the larger worshiping community.
In adolescence, students are encouraged to recognize the responsibilities that come with receiving God’s gifts and to envision themselves as collaborators in a life committed to spiritual work and understanding. Our Catholic Adolescent Community and High School students receive lessons in preparation for confirmation. In their Theology course, students study each of the sacraments and their function and operation under a panoply of Catholic teaching and social practice.
Mass Schedule
Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Richard Hinkley, Director of Spiritual Formation at St. Mary’s Seminary, and Fr. John Rooney, pastor at St. Mary of the Expectation Catholic Church. Mass is held in the SCM gym, and all members of our community are invited to attend.
Friday, August 30 at 1:15 p.m.
Friday, September 20 at 1:15 p.m.
*Friday, October 18 at 1:15 p.m.
Friday, November 1 at 1:15 p.m.
Monday, December 9 at 2:15 p.m.
*Friday, January 17 at 1:15 p.m.
Friday, February 21 at 1:15 p.m.
Wednesday, March 5 at 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29 at 8:45 a.m.
Wednesday, May 14 at 8:45 a.m.
*Masses to be celebrated by Fr. Rooney
Fr. Richard Hinkley Fr. John Rooney
PARENT EDUCATION
At St. Catherine’s, education is a partnership between the student, guide, and parents. Students benefit the most when their families connect with Montessori philosophy and understand the workings of our classrooms. We understand that the Montessori approach may be new to parents who have grown up with more traditional schooling. Throughout the year we offer several parent education opportunities. We expect that each parent attends at least one (1) parent education event during each three-year cycle These events help to deepen your awareness of your child’s growth as they progress through the Planes of Development and transition from one classroom level to another. Our guides also use these opportunities to suggest practical applications of Montessori at home.
Additionally, the Parent Service Organization (PSO) maintains a Parent Library in the Welcome Center, which includes many resources on Montessori principles and parenting that may be checked out by parents.
Classroom Orientations
Parents will meet their child’s guide and learn about the daily rhythms of the classroom. Orientations are adult-only gatherings.
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
•6:00 – 7:00 p.m. High School
Monday, August 12, 2024
•5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Lower Elementary
•6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Upper Elementary
Primary Parent Education event
Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, August 8, 2024
•6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Adolescent Community
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
•5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Infant Community
•6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Primary
Upper Elementary Parent Education event
Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
The Montessori Journey
Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12, 2024
A unique opportunity for current parents to experience Montessori education as a participant in the classroom. Designed by a Montessorian and guided by our faculty, this two-day event provides parents with a hands-on tour of each level from Infant Community through High School. The first evening is spent in silent observation of each level, followed by the second day when parents are presented with lessons and encouraged to work with classroom materials as their children and adolescents do each day. Space is limited; registration will open in September by email notification. We recommend that every parent attend The Montessori Journey during their time at St. Catherine’s, preferably within their first three years of enrollment.
High School Information Night
Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Families of all levels are invited to receive an overview of the High School's curriculum, three-year cycle, and assessment process. This event is led by students from the High School community. Guides will be available to answer questions.
AC Information Night
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Parents of all levels are invited to join the Adolescent Community guides for a conversation about the classroom environment, integrated curriculum, and everything else about the AC that serves the needs of the early adolescent.
Elementary Moving Up Nights
These evenings are designed to introduce parents to what they and their children can expect as they transition to the Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary levels.
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
• Upper Elementary
Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
• Lower Elementary
College Financial Aid
Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Sarah Lewis, SCM’s Director of College Counseling, will discuss the ins and outs of college financial aid.
Alumni Parent Panel
Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Panelists will speak about their experiences as parents of SCM High School students and alumni and share perspectives on how St. Catherine’s prepared their children for life after high school and beyond.
Montessori Night School
Thursday, January 30, 2025
This evening is an opportunity for parents to see Montessori work in action, as Primary and Lower Elementary children will share their classrooms and demonstrate the lessons they are learning to their parents. Upper Elementary classrooms each host an academic fair in which students give presentations on a topic of their choosing. All are welcome to attend the Upper Elementary presentations.
Upper School Parent Education event
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Lower Elementary Parent Education event
Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Primary Parent Education event
Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Dr. Montessori viewed humans as an integral part of nature, here to appreciate with awe and wonder all of God’s creations and to be stewards of the global community. In The Absorbent Mind she stated, “Only through freedom and environmental experience is it practically possible for human development to occur." From the Infant Community through High School, St. Catherine’s students learn to see how their actions impact those around them, understand the interdependency of the web of life, and recognize their responsibility to preserve and enhance the earth. Students of all ages maintain outdoor classroom gardens and harvest what they grow as part of snack and lunch. They care for classroom pets, studying their lifecycles and behavior.
4-H at SCM
4-H is an extracurricular activity available to SCM students from 3rd grade through high school. In 4-H, the activities are organized by five major topic areas called “projects”: Agriculture & Livestock, Family & Community Health, Leadership & Citizenship, Natural Resources, and STEM. All members must be enrolled in at least one project and students will research and study that topic. They participate in various hands-on activities, learn new skills, do community service, and more! We will share more details and registration information in August.
Japhet Campus
Located in Houston’s Greater Fifth Ward, our Japhet Campus inspires the spiritual formation and intellectual development of the adolescent and provides our younger children, families, and friends with a pastoral gathering place to study, work, and practice living in community.
At Japhet our adolescent students experience land-based learning as envisioned by Dr. Montessori – delving into nature-related subjects and studying the relationship between nature and the human society around it. Care for the environment flows naturally from the adolescents’ interest in participating in their community and from their curiosity about how their farm experience fits into the bigger picture of societal living.
The three-acre property is currently undergoing a transformation to better serve the needs of our Adolescent Community, provide unique outdoor educational opportunities for our High School and Lower School, and give our greater SCM community a gathering place.
SCHOOL TRIPS
Beginning in Lower Elementary, St. Catherine’s students take overnight trips with their class. The excursions support ongoing classroom work; foster independence as students learn to make connections with the world beyond their school community; and provide additional freedom within limits. Students take an active role in planning their trips by researching locations, selecting activities, and preparing itineraries.
Lower Elementary
March 6-7, 2025
All three Lower Elementary classes will travel to Camp Allen in Navasota, TX
Upper Elementary
November 19-22, 2024
Ms. Spesia’s class trip to Nature’s Classroom Institute (NCI)
Tentatively November 20-22, 2024
Mr. Snow’s class camping trip (location TBD)
Tentatively February 10-13, 2025
Upper Elementary trip (location TBD)
May 14-15, 2025
6th-year Rite of Passage (location TBD)
*Adolescent Community
October 2024
AC Spiritual Retreat (location TBD)
April 2025
Adolescent Community trip (location TBD)
April 23 – May 2, 2025
9th-year trip to Costa Rica
*High School
September 2024
High School Spiritual Retreat (location TBD)
December 1-13, 2024
12th-year trip to Italy
April 2025
High School trip (location TBD)
*Part of the third plane studies entails involving students in the trip planning process, therefore some trip locations are still undetermined at this time. More information will be provided throughout the school year.
SPORTS
Program Philosophy
St. Catherine's is dedicated to giving students the opportunity to develop and strengthen their athletic abilities. Our after-school sports program is committed to building an athletics tradition that provides opportunities for students of all skill levels to enjoy the excitement, community, and physical development of sports. Athletes make a commitment to themselves and their teammates when they join a team. This commitment includes always working hard, being a good teammate, and attending all team practices and games.
After-School Sports Offerings
The following after-school sports are offered for 4th-12th year students throughout the school year. Practices will begin on the dates listed below. Note: Soccer and flag football start dates may change due to heat protocols.
• Volleyball – Monday, August 19, 2024
• Soccer – Tuesday, September 3, 2024
• Flag Football (for HS only) – Wednesday, September 4, 2024
• Basketball – Monday, November 4, 2024
• Track & Field – Monday, February 10, 2025
•Upper Elementary teams will practice Monday – Thursday from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.
•Adolescent Community teams will practice Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m.
•High School teams will practice Wednesday from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 2:45 to 4:00 p.m.
Registration forms for all sports will be released in August.
St. Catherine’s varsity teams compete against other area Catholic schools in the Greater Houston Catholic Athletic Association (GHCAA). SCM High School teams compete against greater Houston-area schools in the Texas Charter School Academic and Athletic League (TCSAAL).
All members of the St. Catherine’s community are invited to attend games to cheer on the Owls!
MUSIC
Program Philosophy
The St. Catherine’s music program is dedicated to helping each student reach their maximum potential by teaching them to realize the significance of commitment, musicianship, loyalty, teamwork, and work ethic. We expect each musician to be a respectable representative of themselves, their ensemble, and their school.
Music Offerings
Specific registration details for the following music offerings will be released in August.
Instrumental
• Beginning Strings Lessons for all NEW 2nd- through 12th-year players on violin, viola, cello, or bass. Lessons will be held during the school day as part of the work period Students will move at their own pace on their instrument but will be expected to do some at-home practice. Beginners will perform in a concert in the spring.
• Intermediate Strings Lessons for all 3rd-grade players who are beginning their 2nd year on violin, viola, cello, or bass. Lessons will be during the school day. Students will play together as an ensemble and will be expected to do some at-home practice. Intermediate players will perform in two concerts—at the Christmas Book Fair and in our Spring Fancy Music Night.
• Chamber Orchestra, Electric Bass Ensemble, and Chamber Ensemble for Adolescent Community and High School students are performance-based groups for 4th- 12th-year players. These groups are geared towards musicians with at least two years of experience with their instruments. Members will play music orchestrated into multiple parts and will explore various performance opportunities around the Houston and St. Catherine’s community as they grow into young musicians. Schedule TBD.
Vocal
• Acapella Choir for 4th- through 6th-year singers. Acapella Choir is an opportunity for young singers to develop their musical skills and hold their own parts in harmony. Singers should have the desire to sing together and explore fun performance opportunities. One of the Acapella Choir’s favorite projects is the “Singing Valentine Project,” where they surprise loved ones all over Houston!
• Musical Production for all Adolescent Community students. The AC Musical is an opportunity for growing artists to develop their musical performance skills in a fully produced, professional-style production. Adolescents hold auditions during the year and perform all the acting parts, choreography, and the technical and “back-stage roles.
All of the Lower Elementary classes will perform songs at the Christmas Concert and are featured as special performers in the AC Musical, which is a favorite event of the entire St. Catherine’s community.
PARENT SERVICE ORGANIZATION (PSO)
The PSO is dedicated to enhancing the experience of St. Catherine’s students, staff, and parents by creating a community founded on parent involvement and warm hospitality. Parents are welcomed as PSO members as soon as their child is enrolled at St. Catherine’s, and are invited to participate in all PSO activities.
Volunteering your time is crucial to sustaining the many activities that occur during the school year, and your involvement and participation are essential to cultivating and maintaining a strong and vibrant community.
Below is a list of PSO meeting and major event dates, which represent only a small number of activities and volunteer opportunities that will occur this year. We encourage you to subscribe to the online calendar linked from the school home page (www.stcathmont.org), and volunteer with a PSO committee.
PSO Meeting and Major Events Schedule
Saturday, August 3, 2024
PSO Playdate for Infant Community – Upper Elementary
Friday, August 23 – Sunday, September 29, 2024
Parent Potlucks
Monday, September 2, 2024
SCM On A Whim sign-up for new families
Friday, September 6, 2024
PSO Welcome Back Event
Friday, September 27, 2024
PSO Meeting
Thursday October 10, 2024
Sociables Sign-up Day
Saturday, October 19, 2024
PSO Garden Work Day
Saturday, October 26, 2024
PSO Fall Fest
Friday, November 15, 2024
PSO Meeting
Monday, December 2 – Friday, December 6, 2024
Book Fair
Friday, December 6, 2024
Christmas Concert
Friday, January 24, 2025
PSO Meeting
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Steps 4 Students 5K Run/Walk (followed by HS Pancake Breakfast)
Friday, March 21, 2025
PSO Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Saturday, April 26, 2025
PSO Garden Work Day
Saturday, May 3, 2025
PSO Spring Fling
PHILANTHROPY
St. Catherine’s is blessed to have a community that is deeply committed to the school’s mission and gives generously in support of our advancement. As an independent, non-profit school, we rely on tuition income and philanthropic contributions to support our operating expenditures and capital projects (campus expansion). By design, tuition covers approximately 90% of the school’s operating expenses and fundraising covers the rest. St. Catherine’s has been able to grow and continue as an exceptional institution because of volunteer participation and a tradition of giving.
SCM Annual Fund
September 1 – 30, 2024
The SCM Annual Fund is the school’s primary fundraiser. It is designed to provide additional support to our operating budget; helping us fund our daily operations and accomplish immediate campus improvements and program updates. The September annual fund drive is the first and most important fundraiser for St. Catherine’s and benefits every member of our community.
The motto of the SCM Annual Fund is “Every Family for Every Child,” and we ask that 100% of our families make a meaningful contribution each year. The goal for the 2024-2025 school year is $200,000 and St. Catherine’s will prioritize these four areas for annual fund spending:
• Better meeting the financial aid needs of our families through tuition assistance;
• Enhancing the strength of our educational programs through increased professional development opportunities and AMI training for faculty and staff;
• Improving campus facilities and prepared learning environments; and
• Accommodating the local travel needs of our students with the purchase of an additional bus.
Saturday, April 5, 2025
The gala is our biennial fundraising event designed to raise additional funds for special projects. This year proceeds will fund improvements to our gym, which serves as a hub for countless community gatherings, sporting events, musical performances, Mass, and much more. Gala is an adults-only celebration that includes dinner, dancing, and auctions. Stay tuned for more details and contact the gala chairs at gala@stcathmont.org to volunteer for a gala planning committee.
Gala
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2024-202 5
August 13
AC Conferences
August 14
All NEW Lower and Upper Elem. 8am-12pm
AC Conferences 19 20 2122232425 262728293031
All NEW Lower and Upper Elementary, 8am-12pm
IMPORTANT DATES
September 2
October 11
October 14
October 15
21 2223242526
282930
JUNE
No School – Labor Day
Early Dismissal. In-service Day
After-school program closed
No School – In-service Day
No School for HS students – College Visit Day 10th Grade Conferences
(all 1st, all 4th, and NEW to SCM 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th year students). After-school program closed
All High School on Regular Schedule,8am-3:45pm After-school program opens for enrolled High School students
November 7-8
No School for All Levels Except High School –Lower School Conferences
After-school program closed
November 25-29
No School – Thanksgiving Break
All NEW Adolescent Community, 8am-3:45pm
August 15 (All 7th and all NEW to SCM 8th and 9th year students) After-school program opens for enrolled Adolescent Community students
August 16
Regular Schedule, Adolescent Community (New and Returning)
All Elementary (New and Returning) 8am-3:30pm
ll Elementary (New and Returning) on Regular Schedule, 8am-3:30pm After-school program opens for enrolled Elementary students
All Adolescent Community (New and Returning) on Regular Friday Schedule, 8am-2:45pm
Friday Dismissal, 2:30/2:45pm
August 19
Returning Infant Community only
Looking Day for Infant Community and Primary by appointment only 8:30-11:20am
Returning Infant Community on Regular Schedule, Returning Primary only , 8-11:30am.
August 20
Returning Primary only, 8-11:30am.
Returning Primary only, 8-11:30am. Primary after-school program closed Primary after-school program closed
August 21
Regular Schedules
All Returning Primary on Regular Schedule After-school program opens for enrolled Primary PM students
No School for HS students – HS Conferences
December 23-January 3 No School – Christmas Break
January 6
January 13-14
January 20
February 14
February 17
March 10-14
December 19-20 April 10-11 April 17 April 18
April 21
May 16
May 22
May 26
May 28-29
May 30
June 2
No School – In-service Day
No School for AC students – AC Conferences
No School – MLK, Jr. Holiday
Early Dismissal. In-service Day
After-school program closed
No School – President’s Day Holiday
No School – Spring Break
No School for All Levels Except High School –
Lower School Conferences
After-school program closed.
Early Dismissal. In-service Day
After-school program closed
No School – Easter Holiday
No School – Easter Holiday
Commencement
Last Instructional Day for HS students
No School – Memorial Day Holiday
HS Conferences
Early Dismissal. Last Day of School for IC - AC students
After-school program closed
In-service Day
Stay Informed Throughout the Year
The Globe
The Globe is our biweekly e-newsletter that features upcoming school events, key deadlines, student and community stories, and engagement and volunteer opportunities. We email it every other Wednesday during the school year (except during school holidays) and post it in the parent portal on the school website. We encourage all parents to read The Globe to stay up to date on school happenings.
SCM Website Parent Portal
Over the summer we redesigned our website, which now includes a password-protected portal for parents.
1.To access, click on “Parents” in the menu.
2.From the login page, select “Forgot Username or Password,” then enter the email address you have on file with St. Catherine’s.
3.Instructions for retrieving your username and password will be emailed to you at that address.
The parent portal contains links to information no longer found on the public-facing site such as FACTS Family Portal, Lands’ End uniforms, the Parent/Student Handbook, and issues of The Globe; as well as detailed information about the PSO, and volunteer signups.
Web Calendars
We regularly update our website calendars throughout the year and suggest that parents use the subscribe feature to sync them to their personal calendars.
1.Navigate to the Calendar page from the school’s homepage header menu.
2.Click on the RSS Icon
3.Hover over the iCal button for the calendar you want to subscribe to and choose your personal calendar URL.
Social Media
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EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPENING ON OUR CAMPUSES!
The new Elementary Playground equipment has been installed at our Timberside campus.
Construction has begun on the outdoor classroom at Japhet Campus.
ShowYour SCMSpirit
St. Catherine's has a variety of items in adult and youth sizes, including t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and bags emblazoned with the school logo or mascot.
All can be purchased online and shipped directly to your home.
Visit the school store to check out our selection and show your love for St. Catherine's!
