St. Margaret Mary School

I am very happy with this school. It is a very caring and nurturing enviornment. They teach the kids to be responsible in all aspects of their lives. The faith community is very strong. They expect a lot from the students which I feel is a great asset in today world. I would highly recommend this school to others of all faiths and backgrounds.
--Submitted by a parent

I question the motives of anyone who would give a school a "one star" rating. If an adult, or even a student, feels so negatively towards a learning environment, why would they wait until they are done to complain? Sure St. Mags has its share of challenges. The school did not have a gym for many years, and they made due. And now, their graduates are parents contributing to our community. The challenge in almost every school district is that most parents are willing to complain, but when asked to participate, they fall silent. If you're considering St. Mags for your child, visit the school. Take a tour. Ask administrators, teachers, and students directly. It may not be a "five star" school, but that means there's always something to strive for. I'm proud to have my child attending this contemporary Catholic schoot.
--Submitted by a parent

There is way too much trying to evaluate childrens mental health at this school. I'm glad they dont have the authority to administer the medication to the childrem themselves but I know they wish they could. Its so one sided. If you dont do what they want you to, they pick on the kid. They make you think you are crazy too. Where did they get these rookie counselors at? A uniform shoe is a good idea but who picked that style? I agree with the comment about the new gym uniform changes, they are cheaply made. The new gym is pretty nice but its a gym, why so many restrictions?

I can understand where some think the best of this school and some think the worst of it. Its unfair thats why. The ones that are in with the principal have nice things to say, on the other hand I have witnessed first hand the bullying, the unfairness, the punishments and the gossip. This school is not a bad school, its because of the people that do this not only to certain children but also to their parents. Its not that diverse and this is 2011, why is the principal being so stubborn about everything. I have one thing more to say, this is a catholic school and do unto others because it will come back to your child someday.
--Submitted by a parent

At this school kids are treated very unfairly. Teachers are very biased. Also, some kids get a more severe punishment than others and some don't even get a punishment at all even though they did something wrong. In the other student review it is true about unfairness. Also, the principal currently is very disorganized. I asked her a question a long time ago and to this day it is still not answered and when I asked her she kept telling me to refer to the handbook. And this was a simple yes or no question. I feel that the main reason that this school only gets one star is because of again and stated above the unfairness. At a school everyone should be treated equal especially at a Catholic School. Right now the uniform is pretty decent but the gym uniform went from navy blue and gray to yellow and dark green. Color isn't a big issue but the uniforms should at least look nice. Also, the shoes are changing. The shoes are changing to black leather sneakers. This is okay for boys uniform, but for the girls it is not. And you have to wear those shoes to gym class. That's just ridiculous! I can go on and on about how terrible the school is but I hope you get the point.

St. Margaret Mary School is a faith filled community with a wonderful Principal and caring teachers. Students attending this school are well prepared for high school. The student thrive from Pre K all the way to 8th grade. There are many activities including:Quiz Bowl, Newpaper, Photography, Student Council, Choir, Scouts as well as Cheerleading, Track and Basketball. There is a great before and after school program for the students. The lunches are made by volunteer parents and the kids love them! This year the school added a beautiful new gym, locker rooms, stage area. Send your child to St. Margaret Mary for everything from Math to Ballroom Dancing, I am so pleased with the education my children have received at STMM!
--Submitted by a parent

My son came from a local school that was run like a circus, the principal was never there, when she was there, the secretarys were her babys babysitters.The bully program that was in place was removed.. The school has a major behavior and bully problem.Several teachers are tyrinnical screamers,she fired many outstanding teachers, her promised 'open door' policy was a joke. When my son changed to St Margaret Marys we were just so impressed with the professional, high quality, high standards of teaching, love, disipline, a great bully program and just wonderful people to set good examples for the children.The office staff are so friendly and wonderful. Everyone goes above and beyond at St Margaret Marys. The Harrisburg Diocese can be proud of St Margaret Mary's. It is a school that TRULY FOLLOWS ITS MISSION STATEMENT TO THE LETTER. Thanks to Mrs Fennessy, a woman of integrity and substance.
--Submitted by a parent

I was not treated bad but I know some of the kids in my class were. Some of the kids in my class never got in trouble or yelled at and they were the one that should have. That is mean to the kids that are always getting in trouble even if they didnt do it. I would be sad if that happened to me. I could never understand why and I prayed about it. Other than that its an ok school but not that fun.
--Submitted by a student

Message 2 of 2: There has always been a cafeteria with a full kitchen and dedicated moms who run the hot lunch program. The students have hot lunch a few times a week. Extracurriculum activities include: After School Help, Quiz Ball, A-Step, Pro-Life Club, Photography Club and a few others will be added the Fall of 2010. The students are encouraged to learn to play an instrument and enroll in band. A Children's Choir is in consideration for next school year. There will also be a couple more extracurriculum activities added next year. Yes, STMMS is a strict, but warm, fair, and loving school. The teachers, principal and parents work together for the development of all students: socially, academically and religiously. So, if you want your child to succeed in life, then please do enroll him/her in St. Margaret Mary School - a Christ centered and faith filled community!

This used to be a great school. Labeling exists in almost every grade. This is typical of almost every other teacher. For every good teacher, the other teacher is unrealistic and unfair with both homework and behavior expectations. A few of the female teachers, along with the librarian, mental counselor and a few parents families too friendly dont keep the fairness of school at hand for individual students. If they do not like a student, he or she will not have a chance to succeed in their classroom. Very sad behavior from some adults for a school that is centered on Christ. Its 50/50 here. No cafeteria, no gym.
--Submitted by a parent