Positive School Environment

The Archdiocesan Bullying Prevention, Intervention & Response Policy

Bullying, harassment, or intimidation of any student on school property or at a school-sponsored function or by the use of electronic technology is prohibited in all Archdiocese of Baltimore schools. Such behaviors are contrary to school life in a Christ-centered community, which respects God’s children’s dignity and uniqueness. To foster a school environment where all students are educated in a safe and caring atmosphere, all Archdiocesan schools will follow established procedures for prevention and intervention.

Bullying, harassment, intimidation, or retaliation against anyone who has reported these behaviors is prohibited. Students engaging in these behaviors on school property, at school-related activities, off school property, or after school hours when the behavior threatens or is likely to substantially disrupt or adversely affect the school-related environment for students or significantly impacts the interest of students or the school community are subject to disciplinary and/or legal action.

Students, parents, employees, and service providers are responsible for reporting incidents of bullying, harassment, intimidation, or retaliation. School principals will immediately report all illegal behaviors to the appropriate local authorities and the Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Positive Behavioral Intervention & Support (PBIS)

PBIS is a statewide program created in partnership with Shepherd Pratt Health System and John Hopkins University. PBIS has been implemented in every Archdiocesan elementary and high school.

PBIS is a framework or approach for assisting school personnel in adopting and organizing evidence-based behavioral interventions into an integrated continuum that enhances academic and social behavior outcomes for all students.

PBIS is not a packaged curriculum, scripted intervention, or manualized strategy.

PBIS is a prevention-oriented way for school personnel to (a) organize evidence-based practices, (b) improve their implementation of those practices, and (c) maximize academic and social behavior outcomes for students.

PBIS supports the success of all students.

SMS HAS GRIT:

Cultivating Character: How St. Margaret School Lives Out GRIT Every Day

At St. Margaret School, we believe that a truly exceptional education extends far beyond academic achievement. It’s about building character, resilience, and a moral compass that guides our students through every challenge and opportunity. That’s why our entire community is built around a powerful core value: GRIT. Our students are challenged each and every day to show their GRIT in all aspects of student life.

But what does GRIT mean at St. Margaret? It’s an acronym that defines our character:

G – Be like Jesus: We show kindness and empathy to everyone we meet.
R – Respect and listen to others with care: We stay on task, follow directions, and cultivate a strong work ethic.
I – Strive to always be honest, honorable, and moral: We do the right thing, even when no one is watching and others are not.
T – Help and include everyone: We identify problems, resolve conflicts, and work to restore relationships, strengthening our community.

This framework isn’t just a poster on the wall—it’s a living, breathing part of our school culture, brought to life in age-appropriate ways across our campuses.

Nurturing GRIT in Elementary School

For our younger learners, we make GRIT tangible and encouraging. Teachers recognize students with “Glow notes” when they display their GRIT in exceptional ways, celebrating their successes. For moments when a student needs a little encouragement, “Grow notes” offer gentle guidance. Each trimester, every homeroom teacher selects one student to receive a special GRIT certificate for consistently going above and beyond. We also foster a spirit of shared responsibility by awarding GRIT prizes to entire homerooms, like classroom celebrations or movie parties, for collective effort.

Deepening the GRIT Commitment in Middle School

As students mature, so does their engagement with GRIT. Our Middle School campus begins each day by reciting the GRIT Pledge in unison, setting a purposeful tone:

“As a St. Margaret student, I pledge to put GOD first, be RESPECTFUL & RESPONSIBLE, act with INTEGRITY and work together as a TEAM!”

This daily affirmation is supported by dedicated GRIT lessons throughout the year, which delve deeper into each aspect of the acronym. To keep motivation high, students who display exceptional GRIT in the classroom are entered into a monthly raffle to win prizes or receive a visit from the famous candy cart from Mrs. Askey and Mrs. Messaris.

At St. Margaret School, GRIT is the common thread that weaves together our academic and spiritual lives. It is the language we speak and the standard we hold, ensuring our students grow not only as scholars but as compassionate, honorable, and resilient individuals.