8 h i g h l a n d e r

We all remember our high

school days. Cramming for

tests, attending Friday night

football games, trying out our

acting skills in the school play;

the world was our oyster.

High school gave us four glorious years before we had to

embark on the next chapter of our life and the beginning of

adulthood. Approximately 430 students in St. Margaret’s

Upper School are presently doing just that. These students are

spending their memorable days among classmates, friends,

faculty and the administration of St. Margaret’s.

Although the Upper School student schedule is similar to

that of Middle School students, it is still quite a transition; a

new campus, new teachers, more opportunity and for many,

deeper experiences. Upper School students are given more

independence and autonomy so they can begin learning

how to manage their time in lieu of an impending

college schedule.

“We strive to give students more ownership over their high

school experience,” said Upper School Assistant Principal

Ryan Dahlem. “We encourage students to pursue a

challenging academic curriculum, but we also want this to

be a time of exploration. St. Margaret’s has an amazing

athletics program, award-winning performing arts productions,

leadership opportunities and student-run clubs where

students can let their voice be heard.”

A D A Y I N T H E L I F E O F . . . U P P E R S C H O O L

7:45 a.m. Monday–ThursdayInstruction begins. Students follow the Upper

School block schedule and report to their

classes. The Upper School offers a college-

preparatory academic program that is

appropriately rigorous and encourages students

to become confident in their approaches to

learning and to life.

9:20 a.m. MondayConvocation. Students, faculty and staff make

important school announcements and share

perspectives on a variety of issues with the

entire Upper School student body. Convocation

is led by the Associated Student Body President.> > 10:05 a.m. Wednesday

Advisory. Advisors meet weekly with their advisory

groups for discussion and action on social issues,

moral dilemmas and civic engagement.

B y N i c o l e P e d d y

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Student voices are heard regularly in student-led Convocations,

grade level meetings, advisory conversations and through

leadership roles in the Associated Student Body, Honor

Committee, Peer Counselors and Student Admissions

Ambassadors. In fact, student leadership plays a large role at

St. Margaret’s. The four leadership groups are each supported

by a mentor and comprise the joint-leadership program on

the Upper School campus. The joint leadership group meets

bi-monthly to improve knowledge and skills regarding

leadership, serve as an advisory body to the school, assist in

campus initiatives and reflect on global leadership issues.

Each bi-monthly class is led by students and supported by

the mentors.

> >

AdvisoryEvery year students have a teacher, staff member or administratoras an advisor. The main roles of an advisor are to monitor eachadvisee’s academic progress and keep informed about personalcircumstances that could affect a student’s performance andexperience at school. Advisors often act as liaisons between parents and the school.

10:45 a.m. ThursdayChapel. During the required weekly chapel

service, the Upper School joins in prayer, song

and reflection. Students actively participate in

numerous ways, including serving as acolytes,

musicians and speakers. Formal dress is worn out

of respect for the faith, and students sit with

their advisors in pews.

10:50 a.m. FridayActivities. St. Margaret’s offers a scheduled

45-minute activities period each week for

students to participate in extracurricular clubs

and organizations. This time may be used for

assemblies and speakers that enhance or educate

the community.

12:00 p.m. MondayLunch. Students enjoy PTF hot lunch, a lunch they

have brought from home, and In-n-Out Burger

on Fridays. The Tartan Field, picnic tables, Tartan

Courtyard and Freshman Quad are open for

students and teachers to enjoy during lunchtime.

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

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10 h i g h l a n d e r

St. Margaret’s comprehensive college counseling program, and

particularly the expert on-campus college counselors, play a

large role in the development of Upper School students as

they prepare for graduation and transitioning to a college or

university. The college counselors bring a wealth of

experience to the college process and are professionally active

and maintain a national profile to proactively strengthen the

relationship of St. Margaret’s with colleges and universities.

The college counseling office helps St. Margaret’s students

and their families plan for future education, with personalized

family meetings beginning the second half of the student’s

junior year. The counselors also hold workshops for students

and for parents in all grade levels throughout the school

year. The overarching philosophy of the college counseling

program is finding the college that is the best match for

each and every student.

Throughout the weekStudy Block. Students often have an open period,

or “study block,” in their schedules. This time

can be used to study independently or in groups,

begin nightly homework assignments, or simply

take a break during the day. Study blocks help

students practice the skills they’ll need to

manage their own time in college.

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

The Highlander Chorale, Orchestra and Concert

Band also meet throughout the year.

2:05 p.m. MondayTutorial. Faculty are available to help students

outside of class time during tutorial periods.

Faculty may require students to attend tutorial

periods to receive extra help or make up

outstanding or incomplete academic work.

ClubsSt. Margaret’s strongly supports the involvement of students and faculty in expanding the practical educational experience. All student clubs are initiated by students, based on their uniqueinterests and passions, and sponsored by a faculty member. Some of the opportunities available include: charitable serviceclubs, environmental clubs, hobby groups, political clubs and competitive clubs.

Community ServiceAs students serve others, they learn profound and life-changinglessons. Those seemingly in need of help often give back far more than they are given. The community service program complements the mission of St. Margaret’s in preparing studentsfor lives of learning, leadership and service. As students grow and mature through their high school experience, so does theexpectation of them to share their time and talents with others.The Upper School requires all students to participate in thecommunity service program by completing a minimum gradelevel requirement in grades 9 through 12.

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“The program helps students develop their leadership skills

and put them to a productive use. It provides for student

involvement, character building and serves as a cornerstone of

an introduction to leadership, while shaping student climate

in the Upper School,” said Lora Allison, school-wide

community service director and Upper School director of

student activities and events. “Students in the joint-leadership

program become a real sounding board for all faculty and

administrators.”

Students also hold leadership positions in co-curricular clubs

and organizations on campus, and as captains on sports teams.

Upper School students have a plethora of support systems

to assist them in making the most of their high school

experience. St. Margaret’s student advisory program aims to

create a more personalized learning environment with an

emphasis on relationships, collaboration and education driven

by student needs and realities. Student advisors not only

guide their advisees in academic and social matters, but also

forge lasting relationship with their advisees over the course

of four years together.

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SportsThe Upper School offers 23 interscholastic sports in three seasons over the course of the school year. Through athletic competition we strive to achieve the highest degree of integrity,sportsmanship, and mutual respect to prepare students for livesof leadership and service.

“At St. Margaret’s, we expect that students will use the skills

that have developed here during the college process,” said

Amy Warren, associate director of college counseling.

“An engaged, thoughtful, and open-minded student paired

with one of our experienced college counselors makes for

a successful college process, but also prepares students for

life after St. Margaret’s.”

As graduation nears, seniors in the Upper School will spend

their final weeks at St. Margaret’s participating in Independent

Senior Projects. The main goal of the ISP program is to

create a transition for the seniors from the structure of high

school to the independence of college. It is an opportunity

for the students to apply their in-school learning to real-

world experiences outside the classroom.

“St. Margaret’s comprehensive program shapes students in so

many ways that are unique to an individual’s interests and

aptitudes,” said Associate Headmaster and Upper School

Principal David Boyle. “In our intimate setting, students are

required to stand and deliver in and out of classes. We expect

and encourage students to find their own voice, to speak for

themselves, and to be their own advocate in conflicts and

challenges. We expect students to develop a sense of personal

agency that shows they are in charge of their lives. These

kinds of cultural expectations produce students who know

how to interact with adults in a respectful manner and are

successful negotiating their way through the complex adult

world of colleges and universities. We consistently hear that

our graduates see their professors during their office hours

for additional help or clarification. Showing such initiative

and making a personal connection with one’s professor goes

a very long way toward academic success.” ●

3:30 p.m. Monday - FridayAthletics. Practices are typically held between the

hours of 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., following school and

tutorial sessions. Some practices may also be

scheduled for Saturdays.

Performing ArtsIn addition to courses offered in visual and performing arts, students have the opportunity to participate in after-school productions including theater activities, the dance program, concert band, the Highlander Chorale, orchestra and the classical guitar ensemble.

“We strive to give students more ownership over their high school experience,”

said Upper School Assistant Principal Ryan Dahlem. “We encourage students

to pursue a challenging academic curriculum, but we also want this to be a time

of exploration. St. Margaret’s has an amazing athletics program, award-winning

performing arts productions, leadership opportunities and student-run clubs

where students can let their voice be heard.”

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