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.
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.
Join us in supporting
St. Mary's School
2023-2024 Sponsorships
Sponsorship Levels
Mary's Circle: $2,500
Proud Mustang Partner: $1000
Honor Roll Society: $500
Scholar's Roundtable: $250
Friend of the School: $100
Please sponsor us today!
Sponsorship Levels
Our Lady's Club: $5,000+
Monsignor's Club: $2,000 - $4,999
Principal's Club: $1,000 - $1,999
Parishoner's Club: $500 - $999
Mustang's Club: $250 - $499
Friend of Mary's: $100 - $249
Caring Club: Up to $100
St. Mary’s Catholic School is an educational institution affiliated with the Archdiocese of Washington. The school was founded in 1951 by the Sisters of Mercy and is an integral part of St. Mary’s Parish. As a parochial school, our aim has been to educate the whole child through a rigorous program that focuses on faith, academics, and service. The school is coeducational and serves approximately 175 students from preschool through grade 8.
The focus of our school is to provide a nurturing Christ-centered academic environment striving to meet the individual needs of our students. Our faith in Jesus Christ and His Church is expressed in formal religion classes, in the integration of that faith commitment in all subject areas, and in the embodiment of Christian living in our daily lives. Students are encouraged to spread the Gospel message of Jesus Christ through service to others within the school community, the parish, and the local and global communities through various outreach programs.
St. Mary’s School strives to build a strong foundation of academic skills and knowledge in our students and to enkindle a lifelong love of learning. Emphasis is placed on the importance of student development in spiritual, personal, and social growth. The students are encouraged to cultivate a sense of personal responsibility and self-discipline. Positive self-esteem is fostered through the personal achievement of objectives that are suitable for each unique student. St. Mary’s goal is to graduate well-educated young men and women imbued with Christian values and high moral standards.
Conveniently located in the heart of the City of Rockville, St. Mary’s School is a community of families that value the teachings of the Catholic Church and a strong academic curriculum. St. Mary’s School is a great place to grow!
The St. Mary’s School Advisory Board (SAB) provides advice and assistance to the St. Mary’s School Principal and Pastor leadership team in the governance of the school. If you are interested or know someone who has talents to lend to our great school, please email sab@smsrockville.org to find out how you can help. The SAB meets once per month. Committees, which may be comprised of both SAB members and non-SAB members, may meet more frequently as necessary.
Please contact jesse.stahr@akelius.us with any questions.
ST. MARY’S SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD 2022-2023
Mr. Jesse Stahr, Chairman of the Board
Mr. Robert Gould, Secretary
Mrs. Cecilia Bonangelino
Mrs. Kayla Sickles
Mrs. Christina Philpott
Mrs. Jackie Means, Lower Hall Faculty Representative
Mrs. Melissa Barr, Upper Hall Faculty Representative
ELECTED/APPOINTED MEMBERS
Brad Daly, Director of Marketing
Mrs. Lenore Dustin
Mr. John Dustin
Mrs. Rose Stahr, HSA Representative
Mrs. Pauline Tohotcheu
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
Rev. Monsignor Robert G. Amey, Pastor
President of the Board
Ms. Debra Eisel, Principal
Executive Secretary of the Board
Support Us!
JOIN US IN SUPPORTING
St. Mary’s School Development Fund Appeal
Events and Parish Life
Please see our Sunday bulletin to learn about St. Mary's activities. The bulletin includes a list of groups and volunteer initatives, as well as updates on events in the parish and community.
Parish Registration
To register with the parish, please complete the form HERE or come to the rectory. Registering allows us to keep you better informed of parish activities and helps us if you ever need a pastor's letter to become a godparent or sponsor or for any other reason.
Children's Education and Faith Formation
If you have children in your family and would like to enroll them in our parish school, parish educational programs, or youth groups, you can find links to information HERE or see the Faith Formation section of our website.
Becoming Catholic or Receiving Confirmation as an Adult
If you are not Catholic and would like to learn more about the Catholic faith or if you are Catholic and have not received your First Communion or Confirmation, please call the rectory at 301-424-5550 or email rciasaintmarys@gmail.com. See also Becoming Catholic.
The St. Mary's School Advisory Board (SAB) provides advice and assistance to the St. Mary's School Principal and Pastor leadership team in the governance of the school. If you are interested or know someone who has talents to lend to our great school, please email sab@smsrockville.org to find out how you can help. The SAB meets once per month. Committees, which may be comprised of both SAB members and non-SAB members, may meet more frequently as necessary.
On November 16, 2011 we celebrated our National Blue Ribbon Award. It was a wonderful day that started with a special Mass of Thanksgiving. We were privileged to have our Pastor, Monsignor Amey, our Assistant Pastor, Fr. Charles, as well as Fr. Val and retired Reverend, Fr. Downs. Our guest of honor was Sister Carol Rigali, OSF, former principal of the school and now Provincial of the United States Province of the School Sisters of St. Francis. After Mass, the entire community gathered in the school’s auditorium for a special award presentation from a Department of Education representative. The event also included special remarks from Monsignor Amey, Sister Carol, student representatives from every class, and 6th Grade teacher Mr. DiGiovanni. Our eighth graders performed a special song dedicated to our Blue Ribbon accomplishment.
Ms. Debby Kennedy, Principal, proudly addressed the school with these words: “we have made history for Catholic Education! There are 135,000 schools in the United States and only 315 of them were recognized this year as Blue Ribbon Schools. Of the 10 schools in Maryland, 4 of them were Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools. That puts St. Mary’s School in the 97th percentile nationwide. That is amazing!”
We are very proud to announce that St. Mary's has been recognized as a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. This is such an honor because although there are 33,000 private schools in the nation, only 49 private schools are recognized.
St. Mary's has reached this accomplishment through their dedicated faculty and staff, their hard-working students and their ever-supportive parent community. Together, we bring academic excellence in a loving, faith-filled community to our children everyday.
Our curriculum focuses on the development of the whole child. 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. Scantron Performance Standardized Assessment is used from Kindergarten through Eighth grade and is administered in at the beginning of the year, mid year, and at the 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.
Seventh and Eighth Grades
Religion:
The religion program is a two-year preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is based on the doctrines of the Catholic Church as found in Scripture and Tradition. There is an emphasis on the Ten Commandments and the Creed. The students are led to understand how to make moral choices based on the Catholic faith and to establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Students attend school Mass one day a week. They participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent.
Language Arts:
The language arts curriculum is an integrated program of literature, grammar, vocabulary, and writing. The students write poems, personal narratives, short stories, and persuasive letters to add to their writing portfolios.
Mathematics:
Math instruction is designed to develop techniques and strategies to integrate math into daily life. The students learn and use formulae and algebraic expressions. They are introduced to the use of graphing calculators and computer spreadsheets. There are grade-level and accelerated classes.
Science:
The science program is designed to teach students to understand the universe around them. They develop problem solving strategies and effective methods of rational thinking. The focus in seventh grade is life science -- biology and human health, and in eighth grade physical science -- chemistry and physics.
Social Studies:
The social studies program focuses on history, civics, current events and geography. The students learn how to write a research paper.
Our curriculum focuses on the development of the whole child. 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. Scantron Performance Standardized Assessment is used from Kindergarten through Eighth grade and is administered in at the beginning of the year, mid year, and at the 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.
Fifth and Sixth Grades
Religion: In the middle grades, the religion curriculum emphasizes Catholic teaching through a foundation in the Mass and Old and New Testaments with support from The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Students attend mass weekly with the parish community. They participate in school-wide masses and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Students continue to memorize Catholic prayers. The Family Life program is introduced at this level.
Language Arts: The language arts program is a literature-based program with a focus on vocabulary development and reading comprehension. Grammar, spelling, and mechanics are an integral part of the writing program. The students continue to maintain the portfolio begun in kindergarten.
Mathematics: The math curriculum stresses operations with fractions and decimals. As students progress they learn pre-algebraic concepts.
Science: Science instruction builds on concepts and techniques introduced in the earlier grades. The scientific process is used for student hands-on investigations. The students are taught critical reading strategies which apply to more technical material.
Social Studies: Social studies programs include topics of history, civics, current events and geography with a strong emphasis on appreciation and respect for the various cultures that comprise the world population.
Saint Mary's School offers a curriculum of academic and enrichment programs at every grade level. Additional teachers are employed to provide academic support as well as to teach Spanish, art, music, physical education, computer technology, and library skills.
Second Through Fourth Grades
The religion curriculum emphasizes the growth of students' Catholic Identity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is the basis for Catholic teaching. The students participate in a weekly Mass, special liturgical services, and charitable outreach programs. The students are prepared for and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, in the second grade. There is an emphasis on memorization of Catholic prayers.
Language arts instruction is a literature-based reading program with a focus on phonics, vocabulary building, and reading comprehension. The students continue to build their writing portfolio with original, creative, and factual writing. English grammar and usage rules are taught through the writing process.
Math instruction makes use of manipulatives and technology for conceptual learning and the development of problem-solving skills. Students acquire skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, measurement, and geometry, probability, and statistics.
Science instruction uses investigation through a hands-on approach to develop critical thinking skills. Each grade has topics appropriate to that level. Students investigate topics such as the solar system, light and sound, the human body, and health.
The social studies curriculum assists students in becoming responsible citizens. The students learn about their community, state, and country. There is a strong emphasis on geography skills and history. Students learn to respect cultural differences.
Saint Mary's School offers a curriculum of academic and enrichment programs at every grade level. Additional teachers are employed to provide academic support as well as to teach Spanish, art, music, physical education, computer technology, and library skills.
Kindergarten and First Grade
The religion curriculum emphasizes God's special love for His children. The foundation for the practice of the Catholic faith is established through simple prayers, Bible stories, songs, attendance at Mass, and daily instruction.
Language arts instruction is centered on the correlation between spoken and written language. The reading readiness program develops phonemic awareness and introduces a basic sight vocabulary. Students read from decodable books and supplemental trade books. Students' writing portfolios are initiated as a cumulative collection of the children's creative work.
Basic skills and concepts in mathematics are developed through the manipulative approach. Number competency, cognitive skills, and problem solving are stressed, encouraging students to become competent problem solvers.
Science instruction begins with basic observation of the children's environment. Students learn about and use their five senses in observations. Simple experiments using the scientific approach help students make informed conclusions.
The social studies program fosters growth in simple geography skills and the awareness of a child's neighborhood and local community. The program stresses the importance of good citizenship and multicultural awareness.
Saint Mary's School 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Saint Mary's School 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.
Act of Faith
O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches because you have revealed them who are eternal truth and wisdom, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. In this faith I intend to live and die. Amen.
Act of Hope
O Lord God, I hope by your grace for the pardon of all my sins and after life here to gain eternal happiness
because you have promised it who are infinitely powerful, faithful, kind, and merciful. In this hope I intend to
live and die. Amen.
Act of Love
O Lord God, I love you above all things and I love my neighbor for your sake because you are the highest,
infinite, and perfect good, worthy of all my love. In this love I intend to live and die. Amen.
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I
stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear
and answer me.
Amen.
Stations of the Cross
1. Jesus is condemned to death
2. Jesus receives the cross
3. Jesus falls the first time
4. Jesus meets His Mother
5. Simon of Cyrene carries the cross
6. Veronica wipes Jesus' face with her veil
7. Jesus falls the second time
8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
9. Jesus falls the third time
10. Jesus is stripped of His garments
11. Jesus is nailed to the cross
12. Jesus dies on the cross
13. Jesus taken down from the cross
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb
Morning Offering
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings
of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
throughout the world, in reparation for my sins,
for the intentions of all my relatives and friends,
and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen.
St. Michael Prayer
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Hail, Holy Queen
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished
children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then,
most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show us the blessed fruit of
thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
An Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for
having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins,
because I dread the loss of heaven,
and the pains of hell;
but most of all because
they offend Thee, my God,
Who are all good and
deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve,
with the help of Thy grace,
to confess my sins,
to do penance,
and to amend my life. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you!
Blessed are you among women
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Grace before Meals
Bless us O, Lord and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
3Grace after Meals
We give You thanks, almighty God, for all your benefits, who love and reign now and forever. Amen.
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Guardian Angel Prayer
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God's love
entrusts me here,
Ever this day,
be at my side,
To light and guard,
Rule and guide. Amen.
Weekly Eucharistic Adoration
MONDAY:
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM In Our Lady's Chapel
WEDNESDAY:
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM In Our Lady's Chapel
FRIDAY:
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM In Our Lady's Chapel
Eucharistic Adoration begins in Our Lady's Chapel after the 12:10 Mass, which is held in the main church.
Sign-up for a time -- Walk-ins also very Welcome
To help us ensure there are always people praying during Eucharistic adoration times, please consider signing up for a timeslot HERE.
What do people do in Adoration?
In adoration, people spend time with Jesus. When they arrive, they genuflect or kneel (if they can) to show reverance because they are in the presence of God. Some people also sit quietly and pray. Some read the Bible, a prayer book, or other spiritual reading or write in a journal.
In Mass, we contemplate and receive Jesus in the Eucharist. At adoration, we continue that contemplation and have more time for personal prayer. Adoration can make time at Mass even more fruitful.
For a few specific methods of praying, please click HERE.
