Questions for the Cardinal | Cardinal Wilton Gregory | Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington

Cardinal Wilton Gregory answers questions from students of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.

Dr. First's Tips for Improving Your Child's Attention Span

Dr. Lewis First has some suggestions on how to deal with children tuning you out in this week’s First with Kids Report.

Christmas Message | Cardinal Wilton Gregory | Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington

A message for Christmas from Cardinal Wilton Gregory.

No Sew Sock Penguin Plushie | Winter Crafts for Kids

No Sew Sock Penguin Plushie | Winter Crafts for Kids

Can You Solve the Honeybee Riddle? - Dan Finkel

You’re a biologist on a mission to keep the rare honeybee Apis Trifecta from going extinct. The last 60 bees of the species are in your terrarium. You’ve already constructed wire frames of the appropriate size and shape. Now you need to turn them into working beehives by filling every hex with wax. Can you help the bees create producing hives? Dan Finkel shows how. 

Lesson by Dan Finkel, directed by Charlotte Arene.

5 Ways to Spend Christmas with St. Joseph

Fr. Bill Byrne shares 5 ways we can all spend Christmas with St. Joseph!

Parenting Tips for Helping Your Child With Homework | Parents

Help your child shine at school with three easy tips you can do as a parent to raise a successful student! Although it might feel like ages ago to you (and hundreds of years to your little one), sharing your own encouraging school experiences can help put your kids at ease about any issues they may be encountering on a day-to-day basis. Find out two more tricks to put in your positive parent tool belt to help improve different learning tools for kids with this Parents video!

Three Tips for Improving Learning For Kids | Parents

Help your child shine at school with three easy tips you can do as a parent to raise a successful student! Although it might feel like ages ago to you (and hundreds of years to your little one), sharing your own encouraging school experiences can help put your kids at ease about any issues they may be encountering on a day-to-day basis. Find out two more tricks to put in your positive parent tool belt to help improve different learning tools for kids with this Parents video!

PLAY | 5 Clever Dot Stickers Games!

Tess was having so much fun, not sure she realized she was practicing letters, numbers AND fine motor skills.

Advent Message | Cardinal Wilton Gregory | Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington

A message for Advent from Cardinal Wilton Gregory.

6 Christmas Craft for Kids - Christmas Crafting Ideas

Ready for some Christmas Craft for Kids kids? We have a whole bunch of easy Christmas Crafting Ideas, from simple art ideas to wonderful handmade ornaments and gifts kids can make.

Can You Solve the Pirate Riddle? - Alex Gendler

It’s a good day to be a pirate. Amaro and his four mateys – Bart, Charlotte, Daniel, and Eliza have struck gold – a chest with 100 coins. But now, they must divvy up the booty according to the pirate code — and pirate code is notoriously complicated. Can you help come up with the distribution that Amaro should propose to make sure he lives to tell the tale? Alex Gendler shows how. 

Lesson by Alex Gendler, animation by Artrake Studio.

8 Kid Activities For Car Rides

Taking a road trip this summer? Here are 8 fun kid activities for car rides!

How to go to Confession | A Guide to Confession

Fr. Bill Byrne gives us a simple guide to better understanding and appreciating confession.

Questions for the Cardinal | Cardinal Wilton Gregory | Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington

Cardinal Wilton Gregory answers questions from the middle school students of St. Anthony Catholic School in Washington D.C.

Thankful Pumpkin Craft | Thanksgiving Craft Ideas for Kids | 3D Pumpkin Craft

How to make a 3D Pumpkin for Thanksgiving. Fall Craft for Kids. Thanksgiving Craft for Kids. These paper pumpkins are super easy to make!

5 Amazing Things About Our Guardian Angels

Fr. Bill Byrne shares 5 Amazing Things about Our Guardian Angels!

Upcycle Your Broken Crayons | How to Make Oven-Baked Crayon Letters

It hurts to throw away broken crayons, so we just stash them hoping we can someday use them again. Well, today, we can. Jill turns her broken crayons into cute little letters that would make an adorable gift for your little ones.

125th Birthday of F. Scott Fitzgerald

Sept. 24, 2021 marks the quasquicentennial, or 125th anniversary, of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s birth. Indeed, the “Great Gatsby” author has been buried in Rockville for more than 80 years.

For the rest of eternity, F. Scott Fitzgerald rests at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery, sharing the same plot of land with his wife Zelda, where they are surrounded by five generations of Fitzgerald family members. To this day, and especially around Fitzgerald’s birthday, passersby visit the author’s burial site and leave gifts in homage to the “Jazz Age,” like bottles of champagne, cigars, candles, money, and much more.

Many who study the “Gatsby” author question why he is buried in Rockville when he never actually lived in Montgomery County. Jackson Bryer, professor emeritus of English at the University of Maryland and president of the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Society, and Eileen McGuckian, a historian and preservationist who wrote “F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Rockville: A Guide to Rockville MD in the 1920s,” speak to MyMCM about how Fitzgerald’s roots run deep in Montgomery County. They also share the story about how F. Scott and Zelda happened to be buried here, not once but twice.

Article Source: https://www.mymcmedia.org/125-years-since-his-birth-f-scott-fitzgeralds-legacy-beats-on-in-rockville/

Questions for the Cardinal | Cardinal Wilton Gregory | Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington

Cardinal Wilton Gregory answers questions from the middle school students of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Academy in Washington D.C.

Hall of Fame Coach

Matt Kaluzienski was inducted into the Coaches Hall Of Fame by the Catholic Business Network of Montgomery County on Friday October 15 for all of his tremendous work coaching St. Mary's youth in basketball. Matt and his family are long time members of St. Mary's Parish and all four of his children have attended St. Mary's School. Matt has coached multiple championship teams and many girls and boys who have gone on to play basketball in high school. He has been a role model to the girls and boys that he has coached making a positive impact on the lives of our youth.

Congratulations to Coach K. on this well-deserved honor. He is truly a St. Mary's legend!

Class of 1981 Reunion

The Class of 1981 is the process of organizing a 40th Reunion in the Spring of 2022! Planning for dinner and other events are underway. We have narrowed down some choices in March or April 2022. The reunion committee has been in contact with many people from the class already but are looking to contact everyone. If you were part of the Class of 1981 or know someone who was, please have them fill out the Alumni Contact Form on the web site or contact the reunion chair Jennifer Daniels (née Pederson) at her email: Jennifer@flyinglaboratories.com.

The reunion committee is looking for help finding venues in Rockville. If you have a connection to somewhere that could host the reunion, please contact alumni@smsrockville.org.

DIY Halloween Costumes for Kids

Pirates, princesses, pumpkins– think beyond the traditional store-bought disguises this year. These creative ideas that can be pulled together with cupcake liners, pipe cleaners, and a few craft store finds.

How to Teach Kids About Halloween Safety

How to Teach Kids About Halloween Safety

Parenting in Action: Top Homework Tips

Applying homework tips to your after school routine could help shed some light on the best way to achieve homework success.

Your Kids Will LOVE These Science Projects | How to Make Elephant Toothpaste

Elephant toothpaste and DIY lava lamps are an easy and fun way to keep your kids entertained!

5 Pieces of Advice for Guys | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

Fr. Bill Byrne shares 5 pieces of advice for guys!

51 Easy DIY Halloween costumes

It’s never been so easy to make handmade costumes. Just grab a few items from around your house and get ready to turn your kid into the cutest cupcake, honey-bear, flamingo and more.

“When I was Hungry…” Statue Blessing and Mass | Holy Trinity Church | Wa...

On Tuesday, October 6, Cardinal Wilton Gregory celebrated Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Washington, D.C. Following this Mass, Cardinal Gregory blessed a statue titled, “When I was Hungry…” sculpted by the renowned international sculpture Timothy Schmalz. This beautiful sculpture is based on the passage from Matthew 25.

Easy Halloween Crafts for Kids | Halloween Craft Ideas

Easy Halloween Crafts for Kids | Halloween Craft Ideas

Alumni Favorite Scripture Passage

Luke: 1:45

Blessed are you who believed

what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.

This quote was selected by Mrs. Brenda Hoffmaster who attended St. Mary's School 1st through 4th grade in the 1960's and is currently administrative assistant at St. Mary's School. This quote is featured in one of the stained glass windows of St. Mary's Church and is often Mrs. Hoffmaster's meditation after Holy Communion.

70 Years of St. Mary's School

Newspaper Clipping from 1951

The building site for St. Mary's Catholic Church convent and parochial school in Rockville was staked out Tuesday and, according to Rev. Gilbert Hann, the school may be completed by next September.

A two-story structure of cinder block, the attractive building will be located on the church grounds.

The first floor will be used for classrooms and will hold a maximum capacity of 400 students; the second floor will accommodate ten Sisters, although the school will open with four.

All eight grades of grammar school will be taught.

The building was designed so that additional wings can be added as demand requires and someday Father Hann hopes to construct the five-hundred seating capacity auditorium that will be connected to the school as shown in the picture.

The construction contract was awarded to Victor I. Beauchamp of Rockville, the lowest bidder. The architect was Maurice S. May.

Thanks to St. Mary's Parishioner Randy Isenburg for providing the clipping.

First Day of School - September 7th

St. Mary's welcomed its students to school earlier this month in person. We wish these future alumni success this academic year especially the 8th Grade Class of 2022 (pictured above). Please keep all of the St. Mary's students and staff in your prayers.

Congratulations Class of 2021

Congratulations to the St. Mary's graduating class of 2021! We welcome them into our Alumni Community and wish them the best in their new high schools.

5 Amazing Things About Purgatory | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

Fr. Bill Byrne shares 5 amazing things about Purgatory!

St. Mary's Strategic Plan

The current St. Mary's Strategic five year strategic plan was created in the 2017-2018 school year. It is the result of feedback, research and hard work of school administration, parents, staff, students and parishioners. This is a living plan that will be updated as goals are accomplished and new goals added. The plan aligns with the Archdiocese of Washington Plan.

Use the links below to view each individual pillar or view the pdf version of the Strategic Plan.

Pillar 1 - Catholic Identity
St. Mary’s School provides a Christ-centered learning environment that provides the opportunity for spiritual growth, strengthens the bonds with our Catholic community, and produces students who realize their full potential as children of God.

Pillar 2 - Academic Excellence
St. Mary’s School will offer an effective curriculum program (both academic and extracurricular) in line with Archdiocese of Washington’s requirements that addresses the students’ needs for personal growth, fulfillment, and preparedness for life.

Pillar 3 - Enrollment
St. Mary’s School will establish, maintain, and improve upon approaches to increase enrollment with an emphasis on affordability and accessibility.

Pillar 4 - Governance
St. Mary’s School will have dedicated, proactive, and expert administrators, faculty, and parents planning and working for the current and future spiritual, instructional, and managerial success of the school.

Pillar 5 - Facilities
St. Mary’s School will update the current school facilities in order to provide a more modern and competitive look for current and prospective families.

How to Raise Successful Kids -- Without Over-Parenting | Julie Lythcott-Haims

By loading kids with high expectations and micromanaging their lives at every turn, parents aren't actually helping. At least, that's how Julie Lythcott-Haims sees it. With passion and wry humor, the former Dean of Freshmen at Stanford makes the case for parents to stop defining their children's success via grades and test scores. Instead, she says, they should focus on providing the oldest idea of all: unconditional love.

5 Reasons It's Great to Have a Pope | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

Fr. Bill Byrne shares his 5 reasons it's great to have a Pope.

PLAY | 3 Awesome Science Experiments!!

Your kids will go crazy over these three easy density and color science experiments using household objects!

Back-To-School Lunch Prep Hacks

Make packing a lunch easier with these back-to-school lunch prep hacks!

12 Fun Kid Activities For Learning

12 Fun Kid Activities For Learning

5 Myths about the Priesthood | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

Fr. Bill Byrne shares his 5 common myths about the priesthood.

PLAY | 5 Weather Science Experiments!

Check out these 5 fun weather science experiments to try with your kids!

Dr. First's Tips for Improving Your Child's Attention Span

Dr. Lewis First has some suggestions on how to deal with children tuning you out in this week’s First with Kids Report.

Parenting Tips for Helping Your Child With Homework | Parents

Help your child shine at school with three easy tips you can do as a parent to raise a successful student! Although it might feel like ages ago to you (and hundreds of years to your little one), sharing your own encouraging school experiences can help put your kids at ease about any issues they may be encountering on a day-to-day basis. Find out two more tricks to put in your positive parent tool belt to help improve different learning tools for kids with this Parents video!

Laudato Si' Action Plan | Cardinal Wilton Gregory | Archdiocese of Washington

Join Cardinal Wilton Gregory as he introduces the Laudato Si' Action Plan for the care of God's creation.

Three Tips for Improving Learning For Kids | Parents

Help your child shine at school with three easy tips you can do as a parent to raise a successful student! Although it might feel like ages ago to you (and hundreds of years to your little one), sharing your own encouraging school experiences can help put your kids at ease about any issues they may be encountering on a day-to-day basis. Find out two more tricks to put in your positive parent tool belt to help improve different learning tools for kids with this Parents video!

5 "Thought Bubbles" During Mass | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

In this episode of 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne, Fr. Bill shares 5 thought bubbles you might hear at Mass.

Back to School: First Day of School Fears | Parents

Watch as Parents helps your child with back to school fears!

Parenting Pro Tips

Kid-tested, parent-approved!

5 Things I Learned from My Dog | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

Fr. Bill Byrne shares the 5 Things he learned from his dog, Roo.

5 Fun Soaps To Make With Kids

5 Fun Soaps To Make With Kids

World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly | Catholic Archdiocese of Washington

Cardinal Wilton Gregory shares his message to the Grandparents and Elderly of The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington

5 Reasons to Have the Devotion to the Sacred Heart | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

In this episode of 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne, Fr. Bill shares 5 Reasons to Have the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

PLAY | Magic Color Paper Towel Art ("Whoa!")

PLAY | Magic Color Paper Towel Art ("Whoa!")

5 Myths of Saints | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

In this episode of 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne, Fr. Bill shares 5 Myths of Saints.

Summer Learning Hacks | GMA

“GMA” family editor Genevieve Shaw Brown joins us to give tips on how to help parents prevent the summer learning regression before Labor Day arrives.

Boredom Busters for Summer!

Summer has started and there is no better time to get creative and try some fun new ideas with your family. 

Welcome To St. Mary's School

St. Mary's is a Great Place to Grow...

Since 1951 we have been forming responsible, faith-filled children through a rigorous curriculum that marries faith, academics and service. The greatest testament to our mission of educating the whole child is the fact that so many alumni return to the halls of St. Mary’s School to educate their children. We are expanding every day through an array of extracurricular opportunities, an extended preschool with all-day hours and ongoing training for staff and administrators.​

See more about our school at http://www.stmaryschoolrockville.org/

 

The 5 Delightful Mysteries of the Rosary | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

Fr. Bill Byrne shares his 5 Delightful Mysteries of the Rosary.

5 Fun & Easy Summer Activities For Kids

5 Fun & Easy Summer Activities For Kids

5 Amazing Things About Our Guardian Angels

Fr. Bill Byrne shares 5 Amazing Things about Our Guardian Angels!

Happy Father's Day!

 

Happy Father's Day from St. Mary's School

Saint Mary's School Academic Curriculum

Saint Mary's School's academic curriculum follows the guidelines and academic standards provided by the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools Office. The school is designed for students from Preschool through eighth grade. Since students enter school with a wide range of skills, each student is motivated to explore and develop his/her skills and talents in a variety of academic and extracurricular programs.

Our curriculum focuses on the development of the whole child. The classes are self-contained in kindergarten through third grade. Departmentalization begins in the fourth grade and continues through eighth grade.

Classes are taught in a loving, supportive, Christian environment. There is a strong emphasis on faith development, and Catholic identity is visible throughout the school. Students are encouraged to learn about and practice the Catholic faith and to live this faith through community service and outreach programs.

Teachers use formal and informal assessments at all grade levels. The Scantron Performance Standardized Assessment is used in Kindergarten through Eighth grade and is administered three times a year (beginning of the year, midyear, and end of the year).

Writing portfolios are integrated into the language arts curriculum at all grade levels, allowing students to monitor their progress in writing each year.

EAT | 3 Ice Cream Treats Kids Can Make!

School's out and cool treats are in season. Here are 3 easy recipes that will give you that watermelon sugar high!

8 Kid Activities For Car Rides

Taking a road trip this summer? Here are 8 fun kid activities for car rides!

5 Things for College Students | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

Fr. Bill Byrne gives 5 tips for college students when home from college.

St. Mary's Strategic Plan

The current St. Mary's Strategic five year strategic plan was created in the 2017-2018 school year. It is the result of feedback, research and hard work of school administration, parents, staff, students and parishioners. This is a living plan that will be updated as goals are accomplished and new goals added. The plan aligns with the Archdiocese of Washington Plan.

Use the links below to view each individual pillar or view the pdf version of the Strategic Plan.

Pillar 1 - Catholic Identity
St. Mary’s School provides a Christ-centered learning environment that provides the opportunity for spiritual growth, strengthens the bonds with our Catholic community, and produces students who realize their full potential as children of God.

Pillar 2 - Academic Excellence
St. Mary’s School will offer an effective curriculum program (both academic and extracurricular) in line with Archdiocese of Washington’s requirements that addresses the students’ needs for personal growth, fulfillment, and preparedness for life.

Pillar 3 - Enrollment
St. Mary’s School will establish, maintain, and improve upon approaches to increase enrollment with an emphasis on affordability and accessibility.

Pillar 4 - Governance
St. Mary’s School will have dedicated, proactive, and expert administrators, faculty, and parents planning and working for the current and future spiritual, instructional, and managerial success of the school.

Pillar 5 - Facilities
St. Mary’s School will update the current school facilities in order to provide a more modern and competitive look for current and prospective families.

Summer Slide: Helping Students Recover Learning Loss

Parenting author Connie Albers has some tips for parents.

PLAY | 3 Awesome ICE Activities!

These 3 ice activities will cool you down on a hot summer day and keep your kids occupied for HOURS!

5 Tips for Summer Vacation | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

In this episode of 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne, Fr. Bill shares 5 Tips for Summer Vacation.

St. Mary's Catholic School - Our Mission

The mission of Saint Mary’s School is first and foremost to communicate Christ to the students and families whom it serves. Our school seeks to impart a hopeful vision of the future in which students may begin to glimpse the Kingdom of God and to imagine the ways in which their own gifts may be developed and used in the service of Christ. We seek to be a community of prayerful love, free from fear, in which students are unafraid to take risks, to explore, to grow, and to learn. Here they will be encouraged to ask the ultimate questions, not only "How well did I do?" but more importantly, "How shall I live?". We are a learning community in which students embrace their gifts and talents. We seek to bring students to a truly incarnational understanding of Christ in me as well as a school community that works ceaselessly to live in justice, peace, kindness, and understanding.

The Trinity Dome Experience

The Trinity Dome Experience | America's Catholic Church

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington talks about the Trinity Dome.

The Trinity Dome is the central and largest dome of the National Shrine. The mosaic that will adorn the dome will depict The Most Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a procession of saints, all of whom have an association with the United States and the National Shrine.

PLAY | 3 Space Activities!!

Take your play from ordinary to out of this world with these 3 space activities!

5 Pieces of Advice for Guys | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

Fr. Bill Byrne shares 5 pieces of advice for guys!

Dr. First's Tips for Improving Your Child's Attention Span

Dr. Lewis First has some suggestions on how to deal with children tuning you out in this week’s First with Kids Report.

How to go to Confession | A Guide to Confession

Fr. Bill Byrne gives us a simple guide to better understanding and appreciating confession.

Play with Your Food: Science Experiments!

Be the cool mom and let your kids play with their food. :) These 4 science experiments, using easy-to-find food, are sure to wow your kids and keep them busy.

Parenting in Action: Top Homework Tips

Applying homework tips to your after school routine could help shed some light on the best way to achieve homework success.

St. Mary's Catholic School Fundraiser is TODAY at Chipotle in Rockville from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM!!!

 Please help support our school by ordering from Chipotle at 865 Rockville Pike Ste B in Rockville on Tuesday, April 13th from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. 

Don't forget to show the casher this flyer or use code WQQT9EC if ordering online or through the Chipotle app!

5 Amazing Things About Purgatory | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

Fr. Bill Byrne shares 5 amazing things about Purgatory!

Our School Fundraiser is April 13th at Chipotle!!

 Please help support our school by ordering from Chipotle at 865 Rockville Pike Ste B in Rockville on Tuesday, April 13th from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. 

Don't forget to show the casher this flyer or use code WQQT9EC if ordering online or through the Chipotle app!

PLAY | 5 Clever Dot Stickers Games!

Tess was having so much fun, not sure she realized she was practicing letters, numbers AND fine motor skills.

Happy Easter 2021 from Wilton Cardinal Gregory and the Archdiocese of Washington

Wilton Cardinal Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, wishes the faithful of the Archdiocese of Washington and beyond a blessed, joyful, and hopeful Easter 2021!

Mark Your Calendar for Our School Fundraiser on April 13th at Chipotle!!

 Please help support our school by ordering from Chipotle at 865 Rockville Pike Ste B in Rockville on Tuesday, April 13th from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. 

Don't forget to show the casher this flyer or use code WQQT9EC if ordering online or through the Chipotle app!

5 Reasons It's Great to Have a Pope | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

Fr. Bill Byrne shares his 5 reasons it's great to have a Pope.

10 Amazing Easter​ Craft Ideas | Easter Crafts Compilation | Easter Crafts for Kids

10 amazing Easter​ craft ideas that you can make at home. In this DIY craft video we have compiled the top 10 Easter craft ideas from Little Crafties that anyone can make at home for DIY Easter decorations, Easter Egg Hunt or Easter Egg decoration activities this Easter

PLAY | 3 Awesome Science Experiments!!

Your kids will go crazy over these three easy density and color science experiments using household objects!

School Fundraiser on April 13th at Chipotle!!

 Please help support our school by ordering from Chipotle at 865 Rockville Pike Ste B in Rockville on Tuesday, April 13th from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. 

Don't forget to show the casher this flyer or use code WQQT9EC if ordering online or through the Chipotle app!

5 Myths about the Priesthood | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

Fr. Bill Byrne shares his 5 common myths about the priesthood.

5 Fun Soaps To Make With Kids

5 Fun Soaps To Make With Kids

Summer Jobs

If anyone's business is looking for High School or College students to fill summer jobs or internships for 2021, please email your information to alumni@smsrockville.org.

We will post your business and share them with St. Mary's Alumni.

5 "Thought Bubbles" During Mass | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

In this episode of 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne, Fr. Bill shares 5 thought bubbles you might hear at Mass.

PLAY | 5 Weather Science Experiments!

Check out these 5 fun weather science experiments to try with your kids!

Kelley Christine Bula Memorial Scholarship

SAVE THE DATE!

Winner will be announced Friday, May 28, 2021

(after 9 a.m. Student Mass)

The Kelley Christine Bula Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to one child who demonstrates the same qualities and attributes that Kelley had (a love of God, of life and of fellow man; a strong faith; happiness, courage, sensitivity and caring). The Scholarship recipient will receive a full tuition scholarship to St. Mary’s School for the 2021-2022 school year. This year the award recipient will be announced after the school mass on Friday, May 28, 2021.

Unfortunately due to the pandemic, the school has had to cancel the Annual Kelly Bula dance which is the largest fundraiser for the scholarship. Other fundraising events will occur in the school. Please consider making a donation online to support this scholarship.

View and Download flyer

Alumni of the Year - Fr. Mark Smith - Class of 1979

On February 6, 2021 at the virtual gala, Fr. Mark Smith '79 was given the 2021 Alumni of the Year Award. Fr. Mark was honored in recognition of his years of service in preaching the Gospel, sustaining the people of God, and celebrating the sacred rites of the Church. Fr. Mark is currently the pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in College Park, Md.

Due to the pandemic, the certificate that accompanies the award was presented on February 12 at Holy Redeemer Parish. Pictured above is Fr. Mark (left) receiving the award presented by Dinis Camara '91 (right) on behalf of St. Mary's Parish.

Fr. Mark Smith is truly humbled to receive the Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award for 2021. He jokes that in his early days at St. Mary’s, he distinguished himself only by low grades and poor behavior. But all that drastically changed, which he sees as living proof of the grace and goodness of God.

Fr. Mark's Bio

Fr. Mark Smith is truly humbled to receive the Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award for 2021. He jokes that in his early days at St. Mary’s, he distinguished himself only by low grades and poor behavior. But all that drastically changed, which he sees as living proof of the grace and goodness of God.

After he graduated from St. Mary’s in 1979, he went to Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, and then earned a degree in Business Administration from Towson State University. Some years after college, Mark started and operated a small fitness training company in the Bethesda area. At the same time, he helped start a young adult group at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Gaithersburg with a few friends and with the help of Fr. E.J. Fliardi, who encouraged him to consider the priesthood. Fr. John Myslinski, while still a new pastor at St. Mary’s, had a strong influence and offered Mark much counsel and direction. With the strong example of many good priests and faithful people, Mark discerned and entered the seminary in 1999.

In preparation for the priesthood, Mark began studying Philosophy at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. On Saturday, May 29, 2004, Mark was ordained a transitional deacon, not at the Cathedral as usual, but at a regular parish Mass at his home parish of St. Mary’s.

Mark completed his priestly formation and Theological studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Washington on May 28, 2005. That very night he gathered family and friends in Our Lady’s Chapel and celebrated a Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving, his first as a priest.

Fr. Mark first served as Parochial Vicar of Holy Redeemer Parish in Kensington. During that time, he also served as Assistant Vocation Director of the Archdiocese of Washington. He was then assigned to serve as Pastor of historic St. Joseph’s Parish in Pomfret; overseeing the parish’s 250th anniversary. He now serves as Pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in College Park and as an adjunct faculty member at Saint John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C.

St. Mary’s has always played an important role in the life of Fr. Mark and his family. They grew up close to the parish, and he fondly recalls walking with his family to Mass every Sunday. His parents, Leo and Nancy Smith, highly valued a Catholic education, sending not only Mark to St. Mary’s, but his 10 older brothers and sisters before him. He is deeply grateful for the love and wonderful example of his parents. They remain, in his mind, the most distinguished and even more deserving of an award and recognition. They certainly had a strong love and devotion for St. Mary’s Parish.

Parenting Pro Tips

Kid-tested, parent-approved!

5 Things I Learned from My Dog | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

Fr. Bill Byrne shares the 5 Things he learned from his dog, Roo.

5 Fun Science Experiments for Kids (w/ Grover!) | #5facts

Our old pal Grover from Sesame Street stopped by the studio to conduct five fun science experiments you can do at home with everyday materials.

5 Reasons to Have the Devotion to the Sacred Heart | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

In this episode of 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne, Fr. Bill shares 5 Reasons to Have the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

EAT | 5 Homework Snacks Kids Can Make!!

Your kids can only eat so many pretzels. :). Here are 5 snacks, easy enough for kids to make, that will give them energy to finish their homework and won't leave them bouncing off the wall once it's done. 

Brown Paper Popcorn
Microwave 1/3 cup popcorn in a brown paper bag (folding down the corners of the bag so it doesn't open) for about 2.5 minutes. When popping slows down, remove. Be sure to monitor so nothing burns.

Semi-Homemade Pop Tarts
Unroll a can of crescent rolls, keeping them as rectangles. Pinch the seems closed. Spoon about 1 tablespoon jam in the center of rectangle, leaving about 1/4 inch empty along the edges. Place another rectangle on top and crimp edges with a fork. Bake at 425 for about 8-10 minutes.

Fruit Dip
Mix ¼ cup greek yogurt, ¼ cup almond butter, 1 tbsp honey, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp vanilla in a small bowl. Dip strawberries and apples!

Mug Cake
Mix 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 3 tbsp flour, 1/8 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1 tbsp sugar, 3 tsp coconut or vegetable oil, 3 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract and 1 tbsp kid-friendly protein powder in a bowl. Pour into a mug and microwave for 1-1.5 minutes.

5 Myths of Saints | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

In this episode of 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne, Fr. Bill shares 5 Myths of Saints.

DIY | Easy Handmade Valentines

Check out these simple and unique handmade valentines that are perfect for handing out on Valentines Day!

The 5 Delightful Mysteries of the Rosary | 5 Things with Fr. Bill Byrne

Fr. Bill Byrne shares his 5 Delightful Mysteries of the Rosary.

All In This Together - Auction & Awards Gala

All In This Together

St. Mary's School 2021 Auction and Awards Gala

February 3, 2021 - February 6, 2021

Buy Raffle Tickets, Donate and Auction Item, Sponsor the Event, Bid and Win!

More info HERE

5 Amazing Things About Our Guardian Angels

Fr. Bill Byrne shares 5 Amazing Things about Our Guardian Angels!

5 Spiritual Exercises | New Year's Resolutions

Fr. Bill Byrne shares 5 Spiritual Exercises as New Year's Resolutions!

St. Mary's Strategic Plan

The current St. Mary's Strategic five year strategic plan was created in the 2017-2018 school year. It is the result of feedback, research and hard work of school administration, parents, staff, students and parishioners. This is a living plan that will be updated as goals are accomplished and new goals added. The plan aligns with the Archdiocese of Washington Plan.

Use the links below to view each individual pillar or view the pdf version of the Strategic Plan.

Pillar 1 - Catholic Identity
St. Mary’s School provides a Christ-centered learning environment that provides the opportunity for spiritual growth, strengthens the bonds with our Catholic community, and produces students who realize their full potential as children of God.

Pillar 2 - Academic Excellence
St. Mary’s School will offer an effective curriculum program (both academic and extracurricular) in line with Archdiocese of Washington’s requirements that addresses the students’ needs for personal growth, fulfillment, and preparedness for life.

Pillar 3 - Enrollment
St. Mary’s School will establish, maintain, and improve upon approaches to increase enrollment with an emphasis on affordability and accessibility.

Pillar 4 - Governance
St. Mary’s School will have dedicated, proactive, and expert administrators, faculty, and parents planning and working for the current and future spiritual, instructional, and managerial success of the school.

Pillar 5 - Facilities
St. Mary’s School will update the current school facilities in order to provide a more modern and competitive look for current and prospective families.

Saint Mary's School Academic Curriculum

Saint Mary's School's academic curriculum follows the guidelines and academic standards provided by the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools Office. The school is designed for students from Preschool through eighth grade. Since students enter school with a wide range of skills, each student is motivated to explore and develop his/her skills and talents in a variety of academic and extracurricular programs.

Our curriculum focuses on the development of the whole child. The classes are self-contained in kindergarten through third grade. Departmentalization begins in the fourth grade and continues through eighth grade.

Classes are taught in a loving, supportive, Christian environment. There is a strong emphasis on faith development, and Catholic identity is visible throughout the school. Students are encouraged to learn about and practice the Catholic faith and to live this faith through community service and outreach programs.

Teachers use formal and informal assessments at all grade levels. The Scantron Performance Standardized Assessment is used in Kindergarten through Eighth grade and is administered three times a year (beginning of the year, midyear, and end of the year).

Writing portfolios are integrated into the language arts curriculum at all grade levels, allowing students to monitor their progress in writing each year.