Saint Mary’s believes that student activities are a vital part of the total educational program and should be used as a means for developing wholesome attitudes and good human relations and knowledge and skills. Therefore, the school will provide a broad and balanced program of activities geared to the various ages, interests, and needs of students. All activities considered after school care and/or extra curricular activities to include clubs, organized sports, student organizations, teacher led activities and contracted activities are authorized and controlled by Saint Mary’s School. All such programs must adhere to policies and procedures promulgated by the Diocese of Richmond, the Parish of Saint Mary and Saint Mary’s Catholic School.
Saint Mary’s School, as a ministry of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, enjoys the use of the parish’s facilities and resources. Youth programs under the auspices of the parish are not subject to Saint Mary’s Catholic School policies. Such programs include those offered by Charter with the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts, and sacramental preparation programs.
The after school care and extra curricular educational program will include a planned and developed student activities program that will contribute to the abilities, social well being, and leadership opportunities of all students. Membership and participation will be open to all unless specific qualifications, as noted in the annual student handbooks, are not met by the individual.
Student activities are defined as planned, organized, and supervised activities conducted under the auspices of a school or an element thereof (Parent -Teacher Organization) which primarily involve students in other than classroom situations. These activities will be of sufficient variety and number to meet the wide range of interests and needs of the students.
The educational goal for each student is a balanced program of appropriate academic studies and student activities to be determined by the school, parents, and students.
The following will serve as guides in the organization of student activities:
- Programs are designed and implemented in a variety of formats to include:
a. Programs directly supervised by school employees, i.e. After School Care, Choir, Robotics
b. Programs organized under the auspices of the Parent-Teacher Organization, i.e. Basketball, Track and Cross Country
c. Programs offered by non-Saint Mary’s vendors by arrangement with the school, i.e. Band, Chess Club - The assistance of parents in planning activity programs will be encouraged.
- The goal for each student will be a balanced program of appropriate academic studies and activities to be determined by the school, the parents, and the student. This should be a shared responsibility.
- Guidance will be offered to encourage participation of all students in appropriate activities and to prevent over-emphasis on extracurricular activities at the cost of academic performance.
- All activities will be supervised.