Upper School

Student Life

As a complement to the rigorous academic program at St. Margaret's, along with the athletic programs, the arts, and the spiritual programs, a rich student life program has developed. It is St. Margaret's goal to provide students with as many areas as possible in which to develop their talents and to grow and succeed.

Chapel

During the weekly chapel service the Upper School joins in prayer, song, and reflection. This time is set aside and formal dress is worn out of respect for the faith and traditions that guide our school. To facilitate roll taking, students sit with their advisors in pews assigned in the first week of school. Attendance is required.

Student Government

Every student is encouraged to participate in student government at St. Margaret's. In addition to elections that are held for class officers, students also elect Associated Student Body (ASB) Officers each year in the spring. The purposes of student government include discussion of school issues, the exchange of ideas, the formulation of recommendations to the Principal, and the planning and implementation of varied activities and intramural programs. Students may hold only one major elected position such as ASB & Honor Committee member each year.

Activities

On Tuesdays and Fridays, St. Margaret's offers a scheduled activities period for students to participate in extracurricular clubs and organizations. The school strongly supports the involvement of students and faculty in their efforts to expand their practical experience and education as well as extend their assistance to those in need.

Each full-time faculty member sponsors a club or a tutorial during the activity period. Some of the opportunities available include the following: Ambassadors, a young women's service organization; ASB, elected student government representatives; Debate Club, participating in debate competitions; Ecology Club, promoting awareness and action on behalf of our environment; Mock Trial, training for competitions through debate and trial simulations; Model United Nations, training and study in the field of International Relations; and Peer Counselors, offering trained support to students through the Chaplain's office. This year's weekly schedule features a sixty-five minute Orchestra/ Choir/ Club Period. Every student will be a member of an active club during this time. Attendance is not optional.

School Functions

The Upper School hosts many events and activities over the course of the year which, in addition to their curricular or extracurricular functions, serve as focal points for the school's social life. Athletic events, dances, field or club trips, class retreats and celebrations associated with certain holidays may take place either on- or off-campus. Most of these events benefit from substantial student and ASB participation in their planning and implementation. Either the Director of Activities or the Director of Athletics (at athletic events), supported by the Deans, is responsible for the planning, coordination, and supervision of these events. It is important to note that all school rules apply to students in attendance at school activities whether these activities are held at St. Margaret's Episcopal School or any other location. Students may face a disciplinary response if their behavior is not in keeping with Upper School standards.

Dances

Dances are a wonderful way for our students, who do not all live near the school, to gather to socialize. To create a safe and orderly setting for dances, students must follow the following rules:

• Every student must sign in.
• Students must remain at the dance and may not leave until 30 minutes prior to its end. They will not need to sign out on leaving the dance.
• A student may bring only one non-St. Margaret's Episcopal School student/date to a dance. The St. Margaret's student is responsible for the guest's behavior and must complete a guest form in advance.
• Once a student enters the dance, he or she may not leave and return. Trips to the car are not permitted.
• Casual attire is appropriate unless otherwise stated. "Free" dress rules apply here.
• When theme dances are held, students may come in costume. Discounts on admission are offered to students when they come in costume.

The guidelines for formal dances differ from those noted above on a number of points. We will send home specific information on the winter semi-formal and the prom prior to the events.