Saint Mary's Hall Founded in 1879, a college preparatory, co-ed school for students ages 3 to 12th grade.

• Upper School
  • 8:15am – 3pm, with lunch break from 12:15pm – 1:30pm
  • 3:10pm – 3:40pm, Faculty Office Hours
  • 3:45pm – Athletics/After-School Arts
  • View the detailed Upper School Virtual Schedule
     
• Middle School
  • 8:15am – 3pm, with lunch break from 12:15pm – 1:30pm
  • 3:10pm – 3:40pm, Faculty Office Hours
  • 3:45pm – Athletics/After-School Arts
  • View the detailed Middle School Virtual Schedule
     
• Lower School
  • Montessori: 9am – 2:30pm, with lunch break from 12pm-1pm (View the detailed Montessori Virtual Schedule)
  • Kindergarten: 9am – 2:30pm, with lunch break from 11am-11:50am (View the detailed Kindergarten Virtual Schedule)
  • Forms 1 - 2: 8:15am – 3pm, with lunch break from 11am-11:40pm (View the detailed Forms 1 - 2 Virtual Schedule)
  • Forms 3 - 5: 8:15am – 3:05pm, with lunch break from 11:30am -12:10pm (View the detailed Forms 3 - 5 Virtual Schedule)

This summer, a deep assessment was performed regarding the spring term and our previous virtual learning plan. Together, we have worked closely with faculty, students, parents, and other institutions to understand shortcomings and opportunities for growth. The survey data collected in May was also informative. We are committed to an enhanced virtual learning experience for our students. To strengthen our program, this summer:

• A faculty advisory group was created for each division. This group analyzed previous results and generated new practices and policies for the division.
• All teachers were signed up for the Global Online Academy’s (GOA) training “Designing for Online Learning” and many pursued professional development opportunities on their own.
• The SMH Technology Department has hosted professional development workshops throughout the summer to enhance teacher literacy on best-in-class platforms for virtual learning.
• There is ongoing conversation to improve and strengthen technology for teachers and students to better facilitate instruction under our various learning models.

We will continue to provide the arts as part of our Lower, Middle, and Upper School curriculum for the 2020-2021 school year. Fine arts classes, productions, and exhibitions will still take place, but will include safety measures such as socially distanced classrooms and studios, personalized supply kits, disinfecting shared equipment, moving select classes to nontraditional venues, adjusting schedules as needed, streaming all performances, and hosting digital exhibitions. The Fine Arts faculty and staff pledge that the Fine Arts will continue to be a place of safety, learning, artistry, and joy for every student.

This information is subject to change. For more information, contact Director of Fine Arts Bethany Bohall at bbohall@smhall.org

The Athletic Department is monitoring local and state guidelines daily, as well as meeting with other district athletic directors to stay up-to-date with the latest information regarding the safe return of fall sports. SMH fall athletics in-person activities will not begin until we return to campus. 

Beginning August 17, varsity head coaches will work with athletes on home workout plans for their teams and will host weekly Zoom meetings so athletes can participate in team-building activities.  The Athletic Department will also share information regarding essential topics such as nutrition, mental health, and sports psychology to further engage our student-athletes.  We continue to await word from our state athletic governing body, Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS), on further guidance as we move forward.  We will remain flexible and agile and look forward to the opportunity for fall athletics teams to safely return to play. 

Physical Education: This summer SMH coaches have participated in substantial training and planning to prepare a more robust and engaging virtual PE curriculum for all students.  Coaches will connect with students via Zoom as well as share videos and activities virtually to help the students remain active and energized while they are away from campus.  The coaches will also share information with students to improve their overall health and wellness beyond just physical activity. 

Perennially, ensuring our students’ mental health and wellness is of primary importance. The pandemic and social injustices across the country during recent months have undoubtedly had an impact on student well-being. Consequently, we plan to engage in assessment, direct service, and indirect service throughout the school year regardless of the ONE|SMH Virtual, Hybrid, or On Campus models.

We plan to survey our Middle and Upper School students intermittently to better understand their emotional needs while learning amidst COVID-19. We will use that data to inform future decisions concerning our wellness efforts. Lower School Counselor Susan Moore-Sickmann will have weekly classroom guidance classes, on campus or virtually,  to support student well-being and will be available for individual consultations with students or parents. Middle and Upper School Counselors Leslie Palmer and Liz Clark will be available to students by appointment and will continue to lead advising efforts.

Indirect service options include consultation and collaboration with parents, off-campus providers, and faculty regarding enhancing student support. Director of Wellness Dr. Sandra Lopez-Morales will lead the Saint Mary’s Hall task force on equity and will continue working with a team to examine school climate and implement change about enhancing equity and inclusion efforts on campus. She will also continue to spearhead wellness offerings throughout campus and is available to consult by appointment.