St. Mary’s Ryken (SMR) is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Maryland State Department of Education. SMR is recognized as an independent Catholic high school by the Archdiocese of Washington, and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association.

Students come to SMR from over 40 middle schools, two states and eight counties, including Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s and counties in Virginia.

A Catholic school in the Xaverian Brothers tradition, SMR offers a holistic, faith-based education that is tailored to our students’ needs and ambitions. SMR students receive rigorous college preparatory, honors, and Advanced Placement curriculums in a values-based environment with scheduling that allows for flexibility. The SMR faculty is committed to being accessible to students and parents, and has a genuine interest in the students’ success. Tutors and mentors are available in all subjects. All students must graduate with 28 credits plus service-learning hours.

THE CROSS represents the knightly Crossland cross, which appears on the flag and seal of the state of Maryland. It reminds us of our school’s location in Maryland and suggests the Knight as the school’s mascot.

THE CRESCENT is an age-old symbol of Mary, the Mother of God.

St. Mary's Ryken is a Catholic, coeducational college preparatory school community operated under the Xaverian Brothers' sponsorship dedicated to academic excellence and individualized student growth.

SMR draws inspiration from the Gospel and the Catholic faith as well as the charisms of its founders, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and the Xaverian Brothers. Central to the SMR philosophy is the mandate to teach as Jesus did and to reach out to all to achieve the Kingdom of God.

SMR recognizes that each individual is unique and gifted with innate goodness and talents. The SMR community encourages the respect for and appreciation of diversity and nurtures a faith-filled view of existence. Christian service is an integral component of the SMR philosophy and practice. SMR provides an integrated approach to the students’ development as loyal, intelligent and self-directed persons.

Essential to the educational methodology at SMR is the characteristic of living in concordia. This perspective on learning allows the students’ intellectual growth to flourish in an environment not hampered by undue competitiveness. Students experience diverse and progressive opportunities in academics, fine arts, athletics, student activities and campus ministry. The challenge of the SMR education is to enable students to realize their potential, continue their academic journey and assume responsibilities in their family, the local community and the professional world.

Imbued with the spirit of its founders, SMR prepares young men and women to continue this work as global citizens. Our task as educators is not accomplished by ourselves. We share this mission and its various responsibilities with parents, who are the primary educators, the communities in which they live, and the local Church.

• Being a Catholic, college preparatory community
• Functioning as a community, embracing the Xaverian Brothers’ values of humility, trust, zeal, compassion and simplicity
• Preparing our students for success in higher education and beyond
• Offering and promoting academic excellence
• Protecting the rights and embracing the contributions of all individuals within our inclusive community
• Acknowledging the students’ transitional period between adolescence and young adulthood and supporting their growth
• Adopting teaching strategies to support students with learning differences and to promote an educational environment that embraces different learning styles within a college preparatory curriculum
• Striving to implement educationally-based technology that encourages engagement in the classroom among students and teachers and that prepares students for college and the work force
• Motivating our students to show integrity and leadership in actions through responsible citizenship

In the Xaverian tradition, a demanding Catholic, college preparatory, educational program is a hallmark of SMR. As a center of growth and learning, SMR expects that all students and faculty are committed to academic integrity and excellence as well as spiritual growth. Such an atmosphere instills the desire to learn for the sake of learning and increases our students’ personal confidence as they experience success in the classroom and the athletic field. Understanding the importance of developing the whole, unique individual, it is our hope that an SMR graduate will:

• Be a person of moral character, be able to nurture a relationship with God through prayer, be a steward for social justice, and possess an understanding of Catholic theology and tradition
• Possess a deep intellectual curiosity with a passion for lifelong learning, have the competency for critical thinking and analysis in the humanities and the sciences, and be well prepared for post-secondary academic pursuits
• Be a confident, self-assured young adult capable of developing enduring personal relationships, nurturing a spirit of harmony, be open to diversity and possess a global perspective, and be committed to making a difference in their community by their leadership.

At the beginning of each academic year, students are required to sign a pledge stating that they are aware of and will adhere to the provisions of the Honor Code. Any student who transfers to SMR after the beginning of the academic year will likewise be required to sign the pledge.

All students will include the following pledge before all tests, exams and papers: I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this work.

The Honor Code is based on the premise that a person’s honor is his or her most cherished attribute. It is expected that all students of SMR demonstrate honesty and integrity in their conduct; therefore, acts of intentional lying, cheating and stealing will not be tolerated. While the Honor Code covers only certain express conducts, as members of the SMR community, we should be mindful to act in an honorable way in everything that we do so as not to compromise our own honor and integrity or the honor and integrity of SMR.

The Honor Code is as follows:

• I will always tell the truth.
• I will always do my own work.
• I will respect others by never taking what is not mine.
• I will abide by the provisions of this Code and take measures to see that the provisions of this code are enforced.

St. Mary's Ryken is located on Camp Calvert Road, a picturesque acreage in Leonardtown, Maryland. The only comprehensive Catholic high school in Southern Maryland, St. Mary's Ryken draws from a large geographic region, which includes Anne Arundel, St. Mary's, Calvert, Charles,  Prince George's counties of Maryland, the District of Columbia and northern neck of  Virginia.

Administration:           7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. weekdays
Summer Hours:          9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday. Offices are closed on Fridays.
Telephone:                  (301) 475-2814  

Student identification ("keycards") must be worn at all times, They are a required uniform item that also allows students to access campus buildings as well as purchase food at the cafeteria (with a lunch account).

Replacement keycards can be ordered by visiting this webpage: https://www.smrhs.org/forms/student-life/keycard-request-form. Once the replacement keycard has been printed and programmed, the student will receive an email to pick it up.

No deliveries for students, such as food deliveries, flowers, balloons, etc., will be accepted by the SMR offices. This includes special occasions such as holidays and birthdays. 

Deliveries will be sent away. SMR is not responsible for any financial loss due to the non-delivery of items. 

(Special care should be taken to lock up belongings securely or to keep them in the student's possession at all times. To discourage theft, all textbooks and other belongings should be clearly marked in ink with the student's name. Students should not leave their belongings unattended in hallways, outside the cafeteria or in classroom buildings.)- I don't think this section needs to be here. 

In situations where weather conditions pose a potential hazard to students and/or employees, the administration will close, dismiss early or delay the opening of school. We will make every effort to make the decisions for delay openings of closings by 6 a.m.

It is important that families come up with a plan for early dismissals/delayed openings and review them with their children.

In the event that school is closed or there is an early dismissal, after school activities will be canceled. If hazardous weather is predicted during the after-school hours, activities may be cancelled. This decision is usually made before the end of the school day so that students can take their regular transportation home.

Information for SMR school closing can be found on our website. Families are also notified via text and email.

SMR is serviced by three bus companies. It important the families make sure they know which company services their area and to follow the instructions below:

Compton Bus Service:

If SMR is closed then the Compton buses will not run. If on a delayed scheduled, the Compton buses will pick up their students on the delayed schedule as well. In the case of an early dismissal the Compton buses will pick up students at the time of the early dismissal.

If SMR is open:

Compton Bus Service follows the directions of Charles County Public Schools for school closings and delays. Families, including families that live in PG county but use Compton Bus Service, should refer to the Charles County Public school website, Facebook group, or Instagram page in order to determine whether their buses will be running.

If Charles County Public Schools are closed, the Compton buses will not pick up SMR students. If the County is on a delay, then the bus company will pick up students according to the time of delay. For example, if the student is usually picked up at 6am and there is a two-hour delay, the bus will pick up the student at 8am.

If there is inclement weather on a SMR scheduled half day and Charles County is on a delayed opening schedule, the Compton buses will not run.

If you have questions about whether the Compton bus will run, please feel free to contact the company at 301-932-0910.

VVS Bus Service:

If SMR is closed then the VVS buses will not run. If on a delayed scheduled, the VVS buses will pick up their students on the delayed schedule as well. In the case of an early dismissal the VVS buses will pick up students at the time of the early dismissal.

If SMR is open:

PG and Charles Counties:

VVS buses follow the directions of PG County Public Schools for school closings and delays. Families, including families that live in Charles County but use VVS buses, should refer to the PG County Public school website, Facebook group, or Instagram page in order to determine whether their buses will be running.

If PG County Public Schools are closed, the VVS buses will not pick up SMR students. If the County is on a delay, then the bus company will pick up students according to the time of delay. For example, if the student is usually picked up at 6am and there is a two-hour delay, the bus will pick up the student at 8am.

If there is inclement weather on a SMR scheduled half day and PG County is on a delayed opening schedule, the VVS buses will not run.

Calvert and Anne Arundel County:

VVS buses follow the directions of Calvert County Public Schools for school closings and delays. Families should refer to the Calvert County Public school website, Facebook group, or Instagram page in order to determine whether their buses will be running.

If Calvert County Public Schools are closed, the VVS buses will not pick up SMR students. If the County is on a delay, then the bus company will pick up students according to the time of delay. For example, if the student is usually picked up at 6am and there is a two-hour delay, the bus will pick up the student at 8am.

If there is inclement weather on a SMR scheduled half day and Calvert County is on a delayed opening schedule, the VVS buses will not run.

If you have questions about whether your VVS bus is running, feel free to contact the company at 410-703-2224.

St. Mary’s County

SMR follows the direction of the St. Mary’s County public schools. If the county is closed or operating on a delay, SMR will follow the same schedule.

Visitors to SMR must follow the school’s policy as stated below:

All approved visitors must check in at the Attendance Office in Paschal Hall. Approved visitors will be given a visitor’s sticker and must wear it while on campus.

Approved visitors include SMR graduates, parents and prospective SMR students.

Cars will not be allowed to enter or leave the campus parking lot from 2:30 - 2:50 p.m. in order to ensure a safe and efficient dismissal of our students.

Former students (non-graduates) are not permitted to visit the school/campus during regular school hours (8:10 am - 2:50 pm) unless authorized by staff or a faculty member.

Non-approved visitors to the SMR campus will be considered trespassers and handled accordingly. This includes those in cars on any part of the campus.

SMR’s operating budget is funded almost entirely from tuition. The Annual Fund and fundraising events help to raise additional money for tuition assistance and capital improvements; therefore, the school relies heavily on the prompt payment of tuition in order to meet its financial obligations. SMR receives no direct cash subsidy from either the Archdiocese of Washington or the Xaverian Brothers.

All tuition payments and billed fees must be current before report cards will be issued for any quarter. At least one half of tuition must be paid before a student will be allowed to attend classes for the second semester, and all fees must be paid before a student will be allowed to take final exams or receive academic credit or student records. Seniors will neither receive a diploma nor will grades be released to any college until all financial obligations have been met. 

SMR operates under a Continuous Enrollment model.  Continuous Enrollment means that when you enroll your students at SMR, you are enrolling from the date of submission until your student graduates or until you provide us written notice during the designated “opt-out” period that your student will no longer attend St. Mary’s Ryken High School for the next academic year. 

Each year, SMR will hold our Board of Directors annual meeting in February during which tuition is agreed upon. After, a letter is emailed to parents stating the tuition.  If your student will not be returning for the next academic year, you will need to contact the Enrollment Office by email at admissions@smrhs.org on or before March 2.

For students leaving SMR before the end of an academic year for any reason, the date on the “Official Withdrawal Statement” will determine the obligation to pay tuition and any applicable fees on the following basis: July 1 the tuition contract signatory for a registered student is liable for 50 percent of the total year tuition; on Jan. 18 the signatory is liable for 100 percent of the total year tuition. Students may be put on administrative leave or have schedules withheld for nonpayment of debts or failure to submit a completed financial contract.

Students beginning at SMR after the first scheduled day of an academic year will be charged tuition based on the academic credit they expect to receive from SMR. The exact amount of tuition will be set by the administration at the time of registration.

Please call the Business Office to answer your tuition or financial aid questions: 301-373-4193.

Special care should be taken to lock up belongings securely or to keep them in the student's possession at all times. To discourage theft, all textbooks and other belongings should be clearly marked in ink with the student's name. Students should not leave their belongings unattended in hallways, outside the cafeteria or in classroom buildings.

All lost articles should be reported to, handed in or claimed at the Student Life Office (Xavier Hall). The school is not responsible for missing items but we will  do our best to assist in locating lost items. 

According to Maryland law, all school Personnel are required to report cases of suspected child abuse to the Department of Social Services. Cases of suspected child abuse should be reported to the principal's office where assistance will be given in notifying the appropriate agency. A report of suspected child abuse is regarded as a request to begin an investigative process and should contain the following:

• Name and address of the child and parent / guardian
• Age of child
• Nature, extent, evidence of suspected abuse or neglect  under the statute,  child abuse includes:
  • Any physical injury to a child under 18 which is the result of cruel or inhumane treatment by the child caretaker
  • Any sexual abuse of a child under 18 by the child's caretaker whether physical injuries are sustained or not Immunity from civil liability or criminal liability is provided to all who report in good faith.

Resources located in the Appendices below:

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Law

All students attending schools in the state of Maryland must comply with the Maryland Immunization Requirements and Public Health Codes. Physicals are mandatory for all students. Students must submit a new physical each year. Students may not attend classes without having all necessary health documents on file in the Registrar’s Office.

All required back-to-school immunizations are listed at https://phpa.health.maryland.gov.  They may also be found in the SMR Health Services Handbook, which is located on mySMR, the SMR Portal.

Magnus Health

The Magnus Health app is available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

The Magnus Mobile app gives you access to your child's Personal Health Records that were submitted to Magnus. You can also submit all of your student's requirements through the mobile app including forms such as Physicals and immunizations as well as complete Electronically Sign Documents.

READ MAGNUS HEALTH STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Visit Magnus Health  

If you have other athletic related questions, please contact either the coach listed or Fran Foster, Director of Sports Medicine, at frances.foster@smrhs.org.

If a student needs to take any medication during the school day, please contact the School Nurse. State law requires the proper forms filled out by the doctor and the parent to be on file for each medication. . This applies to over-the-counter and prescription medications alike. All medications are kept in the Nurses’ Office and administered by a designated school employee. Students are not allowed to self-medicate; this is for the protection of the students.

Medical Authorization Form

Any student who becomes ill during the school day should secure a pass from the teacher and report directly to the School Nurse (Xavier Hall). The parents will be contacted and our School Nurse will work with parents to determine appropriate next steps. All students must sign out of the Attendance Office before leaving campus. The student, with the parents, must arrange transportation. Every family should designate an emergency contact within an hour drive from campus for these instances. Another student will not be permitted to furnish transportation. In an emergency, an ambulance will be called to transport the student to the nearest hospital, and the parents will be notified. Parental permission slips for hospital emergencies will be kept on file in the Office of the School Nurse.

The Veracross portal, e-newsletters from the President and Principal, overhead announcements during the school day, periodic emails, text messages and phone calls are the methods of communication from SMR to the school community. Students and parents are expected to keep themselves informed by listening to and reading these messages as they are distributed.

To ensure that you receive information in a timely manner, please ensure your contact information is up to date in the Veracross Family Profile. To opt-in to receive text notifications from SMR, please send a text message to 67587, with the word Yes or letter Y in the body of the message. You should also receive a response message from the system, stating the following “You're registered 4 SchoolMessenger notifications. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply. msg freq varies. schoolmessenger.com/txt”

The Principal’s e-Newsletter is sent by email to all parents, students and staff every other week or on an as needed basis during the school year. This email contains pertinent information for both parents and students concerning academics, school events, school news, campus ministry and service learning opportunities and student life. Parents and students are responsible for the information published in this email.

Connections Magazine is published annually and includes news and stories for and about SMR alumni and the SMR community.

The SMR Annual Report is published annually and includes lists of donors to the school and related stories about our benefactors. 

Maryland State Police Safety Resource Officer on Campus Every Day

The safety of our entire school community is our top priority. Accordingly, St. Mary’s Ryken has partnered with the Maryland State Police and beginning on the first day of school, a MSP officer will be on campus throughout the school day helping to maintain the safety and security of our school community.  The same team of officers will rotate their duty on our campus throughout the school year. The officers will be visible to students and staff, and be in marked and unmarked vehicles.   

Additionally, as a community, we will encourage our students and staff that if they "See Something, Say Something.” Students will be encouraged to speak up to their counselor, teachers, parents and all SMR administrators. As always, our priests, campus ministry and our counseling team are available for our school community.  

Drills are held to instruct and train the students so that, in a sudden emergency, they will be able to act appropriately and in a manner to ensure their safety. Anyone violating safety rules or causing a disturbance will be reported to the Dean of Student Life.

In the event of a local, state or national emergency, SMR will activate its crisis management plan and comply with any directives from local, state and/or national authorities. Parents are instructed to monitor events via television, radio and the Internet. SMR also uses an automated phone/email/text alert system to notify parents in the event of an emergency, in addition to posting updates on the SMR website (www.smrhs.org) and the SMR Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SMRKnights/). The cell phone and email addresses for parents on file at the time of registration have automatically been added to the alert system.

The safety of your children is ensured every day and SMR faculty and staff are prepared in case of an emergency on campus:

• All SMR students, faculty and staff will wear a lanyard with a visible school identification card
• Faculty and staff are trained on the crisis management plan, including walk-throughs of the plan
• Plans are reviewed and updated yearly by local and state law enforcement
• Special training is provided by local and state law enforcement to our faculty, staff and leadership team
• Plans have been modified to follow national models and best practices
• Campus-wide drills are performed for regularly for fire, weather or lock-down emergency situations
• Security measures are in place to ensure safety inside the buildings and outside around the campus
• Communications systems are in place for immediate notifications and instructions

IMPORTANT!

If you have not received an opt-in text from SMR, please alert us, or follow these instructions to opt in to receive text messages:

Text "Y" or "Yes" to 67587 using your mobile device. 

SMR is mindful of its primary mission as an effective instrument of the educational ministry of the Church and witness to the love of Christ for all mankind. SMR shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, national, nor ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, admissions policies, tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

To be considered for admission to SMR, students must submit an application for admission and all items outlined on the applicant checklist. SMR reserves the right to contact the applicant’s current school for additional information. An admissions interview may also be required.

Upon receipt of all required documentation, the admissions committee will consider students for admission. Parents of applicants will be notified of the admission decision according to the schedule set by the Catholic Schools Office. 

Applicants are evaluated for admission based upon the following criteria:

• Submission of the SMR application, fee and essay
• Appropriate ability as demonstrated on the Archdiocesan High School Placement Test (8th grade applicants only)
• Strong academic achievement 
• Demonstrated desire to attend SMR
• Evaluations from principals and/or teachers
• Satisfactory disciplinary and attendance history
• Admissions interview, if applicable

Students who are considering applying to SMR are encouraged to visit SMR for a day. Arrangements to attend part of a school day with a current student must be made with the Admissions Department at least one week in advance. If a visitor arrives without prior approval from the Admissions Office, he/she will be sent home. Any SMR student who brings a visitor without permission will be subject to disciplinary actions. While on campus, student visitors must abide by all rules and regulations in the handbook. Appropriate dress is required.

If for some reason a student must withdraw from SMR, please notify the Director of Enrollment Management at Amy.Cricchi@smrhs.org.  A withdrawal statement and exit survey must be completed by the parent/guardian. Records will be sent directly to the new school upon receipt of a release of records form from that school. No transcripts will be forwarded to any school unless all SMR financial obligations have been met and all athletic uniforms, equipment, and any other school-owned items have been returned.

To qualify for graduation from SMR, the student must have successfully completed 28 credits plus community service hours. Credits are awarded when a student has successfully completed required course material and attained a passing grade.

In keeping with Gospel teachings and the philosophy of the Xaverian Brothers and SMR, students are required to complete a service project at each grade level. The Campus Ministry Office coordinates the Christian Service Program. All service hours and applicable written requirements must be turned in to the Campus Ministry Office no later than the provided deadline.

• Freshmen must complete 10 hours of service (service hours must be turned in by the first Friday in April).
• Sophomores must complete 15 hours of service (service hours must be turned in by the last Friday in March).
• Juniors must complete 20 hours of service (service hours must be turned in by the last Friday in February).
• The senior program consists of 20 hours and accompanying written requirements (service hours and written requirements must be turned in by the last Friday in January).
• Failure to meet this first deadline will result in additional requirements.

Seniors may be permitted to spend part of the school day at an internship or job. Such permission must be viewed as a privilege carrying with it serious responsibilities since participation requires that students be absent from the campus for a part of the school day. Students will be released via parental permission and with permission of the Dean of Academics and Internship Coordinator.

A student involved in the internship program is expected to view satisfactory academic progress as the primary concern. To assist in maintaining the needed perspective and balance toward the academic responsibilities, the school specifies conditions under which the program may be continued:

1. The candidate for the internship program must have a parental request in writing to participate.
2. The candidate must be registered for at least five academic courses which take up at least five periods of the academic schedule.
3. Juniors are permitted to take part in the internship program but only during after-school hours or weekends.
4. The candidate must secure from the employer a description of the job and the specific hours of employment.
5. The Internship Coordinator will contact the place of employment periodically to determine the student's fidelity and application to the job.
6. Once the student signs out of school for the day, the student must report directly to the place of employment.
7. The student's scheduling of academic courses has priority over work arrangements.

Students are given the opportunity to take selected Advanced Placement courses in English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages and fine arts. These courses are college-level work. Students who elect to take Advanced Placement courses must take the AP examinations in May.

Students of SMR can take courses from St. Mary’s College and the College of Southern Maryland, and the grade will be recorded on their transcript. These courses may be taken for enrichment purposes or to fulfill SMR graduation requirements. Both St. Mary's College and the College of Southern Maryland offer winter and summer courses to high school students. A one semester college course taken to satisfy a high school graduation requirement will be transcripted as a half-credit high school course.  Weight, if awarded, would be at the Honors level.  Interested students should consult with the Director of School Counseling, and final approval must be given by the Dean of Academics and parents.

Retreats are structured and wrapped around the Xaverian mission of SMR. Each retreat allows an opportunity for spiritual renewal and development. Freshman through Junior year retreats are mandatory and may include an overnight stay at the retreat center. Although, the senior retreat is optional, members of the class are encouraged to attend the two-night retreat. The Retreat Program has priority over all other extra-curricular activities and athletic programs.

At graduation, some awards are presented to outstanding students. The senior with the highest cumulative GPA will be given the honor to speak during Baccalaureate. The class speaker will be chosen by a consultative vote of the faculty, administration and senior officers of the Student Activity Council from among the top seniors as determined by the class standing at the conclusion of the seventh semester.

SMR does not report a student's rank in class.

The grade-point average (GPA) is determined according to the following weighted scale:

The transcripts of students who are new to SMR will be evaluated upon enrollment with the goal of creating neither an undue advantage or disadvantage to the enrolling student. Any previous weighted credits will be converted to the SMR weighting system. However, only those classes weighted at SMR will be weighted in determining a student’s GPA. This may result in a change of the entering student’s GPA. Other GPA discrepancies not enumerated here will be reviewed by the Dean of Academics.

All end of course assessments are worth up to 20% of the second/fourth quarter grade and will be counted toward the final grade of either the second or the fourth quarter.  Parents and guardians will be notified in the event that a student will receive a failing grade for a course.  Letter grades translate to the following percentages and/or equivalents:

A  = 90 to 100%               F = a failing grade with no credit given

B+ = 88 to 89%                P = a passing grade with no credit given

B  = 80 to 87%                 I = Incomplete

C+ = 78 to 79%                W = Withdrawal from course

C  = 70 to 77%                

D  = 65 to 69%                

F  = 0% to 64%

All students are required to sit for end of course assessments at the times scheduled by the school. Only during extreme circumstances are students granted permission to complete these assessments outside of the published schedule. Parents are strongly urged to consult the school calendar prior to booking family vacations and other travel. Students who must complete assessments outside the regular schedule are required to submit a written request to the Dean of Academics three weeks prior to the needed change in date. The Dean of Academics, together with the Dean of Students and the Principal,  must approve this request. Both winter and summer breaks may be used as potential times for students to sit for midyear and end of year assessments.

A student may add/drop a course before the end of the second week of school. Requests of this nature often require the approval of a parent, counselor, and/or Dean of Academics. After this add/drop period, a junior or senior may withdraw from a course within the first 25 percent of the time the course meets (first quarter). Students who choose to withdraw from a course during this period will receive a grade of “W” on the transcript that will indicate course withdrawal. If a student drops a course after this deadline, a failing grade of “F” will be recorded on the transcript. Before a student is allowed to withdraw, he/she must meet with his/her counselor and the Dean of Academics to discuss the situation. Juniors and seniors should note that six academic classes are required. For all 9th and 10th grade students, seven academic classes are required.

SMR recognizes scholastic excellence by publishing the Honor Roll for each marking period. Honors are calculated using the current quarter grades.

The President's List is awarded to all students who achieve a 3.60 GPA or above in all subjects for the quarter. The Principal’s List is awarded to all students who achieve an average between 3.00 and 3.59 for the quarter.

Students who meet the GPA requirement for an Honor Roll but receive one or more F's for that quarter will not qualify for that Honor Roll.

Academic Ineligibility:

To remain academically eligible to participate in any extracurricular activities, including athletic games and practices, students must earn a quarterly average of 2.0 and must not have earned a failing grade in more than one subject. Academic ineligibility (AI) lists are printed at the end of every quarter, including the fourth quarter. A student on the fourth quarter list would be AI for the first quarter of the following school year. Seniors not meeting their service requirements will be AI for the fourth quarter. Freshmen are not subject to the AI rule until the end of the first quarter. Students may have their eligibility reinstated at the quarterly interim period if all eligibility requirements are met.

At the end of each quarter, there is a period of one week before the AI List is published. This allows students the chance to work with their teachers to be certain that any and all assignments were turned in and that final quarterly grades are correct. Only the student and his or her parent/guardian should be in contact with a given classroom teacher during this time. Coaches are not allowed to approach a teacher after the grading period has ended about a specific grade. Indeed, it is the stated goal of this process to instill in our students the importance of, and the practice and ability to, advocate for themselves academically. If a change is made to a grade during this one-week time period, the AI List would be amended accordingly. Once the list is published, no changes to the AI List will be made. 

Note that incompletes do not remove a student from the AI List. A student with an incomplete at the end of a quarter must complete all assignments and turn them in by close of business the following Friday. Incompletes are assigned in cases of prolonged sickness, injury, or other serious personal or emotional problems. An inability to be organized and manage time properly does not constitute the need for an incomplete, nor would one be granted in such a circumstance. Note as well that an incomplete is calculated as a failing grade on the report card. Thus, one incomplete is allowable if the student would otherwise be eligible. Two incompletes would render the student ineligible unless the coursework is competed in the one-week time frame after the end of the grading period. 

An exemption from the AI List is granted for each student once in his or her four years of education at SMR. A student can apply for this exemption in extenuating circumstances. Documented physical, social, and/or emotional hardship from either an SMR counselor or trainer and/or a licensed private practitioner are required to use this exemption. However, after this exemption is used, no further adjudication of AI status, throughout the career of the student, will be allowed. There are no exceptions to this policy. Thus, this exemption should be used only in the most dire and unforeseen of circumstances.

Each freshman needs to earn a minimum of five credits in order to be promoted into the sophomore year. A maximum of two credits may be earned in summer school to bring the total to five credits. (At the discretion of the Principal, a student may repeat the freshman year.)  Each sophomore needs to earn a cumulative minimum of 12 credits in order to be promoted into the junior year. A maximum of two credits may be earned in summer school. Each junior needs to earn a cumulative minimum of 19 credits in order to be promoted into the senior year. A maximum of two credits may be earned in summer school to bring the total to nineteen credits. Each senior needs to earn a cumulative minimum of 28 credits (plus service hours and essay) to meet graduation requirements. Normally, all failures must be made up during the summer.

Monday through Thursday from 2:50 – 5:00 p.m. Homework Lab will be open for students who need tutoring and assistance with homework or a quiet place to work.  Students must sign up in advance for Homework Lab.  Students who stay after school to use the Homework Lab must remain there until their ride arrives. Contact the School Counseling Department for more information on how to sign up for Homework Lab and its location.  

On specified evenings in the fall and spring, parents will have the opportunity to meet with the teachers and to discuss the progress of their child. If further consultation is necessary, parents are encouraged to make individual appointments with the teachers by emailing the teachers. The faculty directory is located on the school’s website under “Faculty Directory.”

Students staying after school must receive permission from a teacher and remain under supervision until departure. Students are not permitted on school grounds without teacher permission and/or adult supervision.

Students are not permitted to walk into town. Students who walk into town are open to disciplinary consequences. 

SMR ATTENDANCE POLICY

We know that students do their best learning when they are in the classroom. Attendance is a strong indicator of a student's success. Participating in scheduled classes, X-hour, advisory, assemblies, and Mass are vital to the SMR experience. We work diligently with our families to make sure students are on campus and in their classes during the school day.

OFFICIAL SCHOOL DAY

The official school day begins at 8:10 am. Students are expected to be in their first hour class and in their seats at 8:10 am. It is recommended that student drivers arrive on campus no later than 8:00 am; all student drivers should be out of the parking lot and walking to class by 8:05 am. The front gate will close at the start of class; 8:10am.

The official school day ends at 2:40 pm. Only students participating in a structured sanctioned after school program with a coach/teacher/counselor can remain on campus after 2:50 pm. 

Students should report to the Homework Lab if they are awaiting transportation. Parents should pick up their children promptly after a scheduled activity.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Students with unexcused absences are not eligible for additional time to complete missing assignments. It is at the teacher's discretion which assignments they will accept late and the time frame for which to turn in missing work.

Absences for which the school has not received written parent notification nor the required documentation within three school days of the student's return to school are considered unexcused. Supporting documentation handed in after three days of the student's return will not be accepted. Documentation and supporting information for the absence must be submitted to the Attendance Office in Paschal Hall.
 
Students with any unexcused absences will be referred to the Dean of Student Life office.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

In all cases of excused absences, it is the sole responsibility of the student to make up all work assigned during the absence. Make-up work shall be permitted for excused absences. It is the student's responsibility to obtain assignments from the appropriate teacher upon returning to class immediately following the absence. The student should contact the teacher the day of the absence for the assignments. The student will be given the number of days absent plus one additional day to make up all work missed for credit.

Excused absences include the following:

• Student illness/medical reason, substantiated by a parent or guardian.
  • If a student is absent for three or more consecutive days, they are required to submit a doctor’s note to the Attendance Office in order to return to campus.
• Healthcare Appointment
  • The student must provide a doctor’s note in order for the absence to be excused. 
  • If a student leaves campus for an appointment, they must submit a doctor’s note to the Attendance Office in order to return to campus that day. 
• Family/Personal Reason
  • Students are allowed three excused family/personal excused absences a semester. After three, these will not be considered excused. 
• Pre-arranged absences that are pre-approved by the Principal.
  • Absences of more than two days require prior approval by the Principal.
• College visits
  • When possible, college visits should be planned for non-school time. Permission for an excused absence for a college visit is at the discretion of the Dean of Student Life.
  • Attendance submissions for college trips should be submitted two weeks in advance of the visit.
  • Attendance submitted within two weeks or after the college visit will not be considered excused.

When a student will be absent from school, the parent should report the absence by 8:00 am. Log on to the Veracross Parent Portal and click on the "Report Student Attendance" button.

Absences of more than two days require prior approval by the Principal and must be submitted at least two weeks in advance.

College visit requests should be submitted at least two weeks in advance in order to be considered excused.

In order for the absence to be excused, the Attendance Office must receive notification and/or supporting documentation within three school days of the absence. Students with unexcused absences are not eligible for additional time to complete missing assignments.

STUDENTS LEAVING EARLY/ARRIVING LATE

It is important that students are in attendance for the full school day. If it is necessary for students to leave early or arrive late:

• Parents must submit early dismissal/late arrival notifications by 8:00 am. 
  • Submissions will be denied if submitted after 8:00 am. 
• When late, students are required to sign in at the Attendance Office (front of Paschal Hall).  
• When leaving early, students are required to sign out at the Attendance Office. Students who leave campus without signing out will be referred to the Dean of Student Life office.
• Students who leave and return to school the same day (with parent notification) must submit a doctor’s note to the Attendance Office in order to sign back in for the day.
• In cases of an emergency, please notify the Attendance Office if a student must leave campus early. 
  • Please notify attendance before the student leaves campus. 
  • Students are required to sign out in the Attendance Office before leaving campus.  

In order to participate in an after-school practices, games, and/or scheduled extracurricular activity, a student must be present for the full day of school or have an excused absence approved by the Attendance Office.

If an emergency arises and it is necessary for a student to leave school during the day for an appointment, the student must have permission (signed parent note, email, or entry by parent on the Portal's "Report Student Attendance" link) from the parent or guardian on the day of the appointment. Phone calls will not be accepted as permission. The documentation for permission should include the time the student needs to leave campus and, if applicable, the person transporting the student. If permission is granted, a hall pass will be given to the student to report to the Attendance Office to sign out just before leaving. If the student will return to school the same day, the student must report to the Attendance Office to sign in upon returning or the absence will be unexcused. When a student is given approval to leave school early, arrangements for transportation must be made prior to signing out. Another student will not be dismissed to provide transportation. Failure to sign out at the Attendance Office prior to leaving campus for the day will result in disciplinary action.

MEDICAL LEAVE

If a student is hospitalized or in need of extended leave due to medical reasons, parents should inform the Medical Management Team via their school counselor or the Attendance Office. The Medical Management Team will work with the families to best support students in need of their assistance.

ABSENCES/TARDIES

SMR distinguishes between excused and unexcused absences and reserves the right to make such distinctions. The Dean of Student Life office closely monitors student absences/tardies.

Students are permitted a combination of three unexcused absences/tardies a semester. Further infractions will result in the disciplinary actions outlined below:

• 1st offense: Lunch Detention & email to parent
• 2nd offense: After School Detention & email to parent
• 3rd offense: In school suspension & meeting with parent
• 4th offense: Out of school suspension, disciplinary probation & a meeting with parent
• 5th offense: Removal from SMR community

It is the expectation that students and their parents take the necessary precautions to see that the student arrives on time to school. SMR will not excuse tardiness due to, but not limited to, traffic, transportation problems, oversleeping, running late, getting gas, or weather. Any student who is late to school must first report to the Attendance Office, sign in for the day, and report promptly to the class in session. Failure to sign in at the Attendance Office will result in a referral to the Dean of Student Life. Accepting late work that is missed due to an unexcused tardy is at the teacher’s discretion.

Truancy is absence from school without permission of the parent or guardian. The penalty for truancy is as follows:

1. Suspension
2. Zero grade for any quiz, test, exam, assignment or project missed
3. Repeated truancy will result in dismissal 

Referrals will be made to Juvenile Court via the Pupil Services Department.

Cutting class, appointments with teachers or administration, and/or scheduled structured time is  inexcusable and not tolerated. Students are not to be absent from or more than 10 minutes late to any class, appointment or structured time, unless they have the permission of the administration in consultation with the student's teacher. A student who is found guilty of cutting a class, appointment or structured time must realize that teachers will not allow such students to make up any class work on the day a student cuts and the student will face disciplinary action. Disciplinary consequence results in a minimum of five demerits and out-of-school suspension.

Consequently, teachers may assign a grade of “F” for such assignments.

SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES

Students are not permitted to leave campus during school-wide liturgies or assemblies for any reason. Attendance submissions submitted for days containing assembly or liturgical services will not be considered excused; this includes doctor appointments. Students who leave campus on these days will not be permitted back on campus that day.

We are happy to offer the opportunity for our students to drive to and park on campus. With this privilege comes great responsibility. Students must meet the following requirements in order to drive to and park on campus:

• Student must be a junior or senior. 
• Student must currently have and maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or higher. (If a student's gpa is below a 2.0 at the end of a quarter, their permit will be revoked.) 
• Student must not be on disciplinary probation. 
• Student must have attended 90% of classes in the previous quarter. (This will be monitored every quarter and a necessary requirement for student to maintain their parking privileges.)

If students meet the criteria above, they can fill out the parking permit application which cost $25. 

When driving on campus, 

• Students may not drive to the lower campus between 7:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for any reason unless approved by the Dean of Student Life.
• The parking pass must be attached to the inside rearview mirror and be visible at all times when on school property. 
• All vehicles entering the SMR campus must obey the 10 MPH speed zone.
• AT NO TIME DURING THE REGULAR SCHOOL DAY MAY STUDENTS USE THEIR VEHICLES OR VISIT THE PARKING LOT. Students who enter the parking lot, their vehicle, or someone else's vehicle during the school day will result in disciplinary actions and the lost of parking privileges.  
• Students may park in the lot behind Paschal Hall ONLY. All other parking areas are reserved for faculty, staff, and visitors. (This restriction on parking extends to after school, especially during sporting events and extracurricular activities.)
• Students from other schools are not permitted on campus or in the parking lot unless an administrator has granted permission.
• Three or more tardies can results in the suspension of your parking pass. The Dean of Student Life reserves the right to suspend or revoke a student’s driving privilege at any time.
• Only student drivers and their passengers are allowed in the parking lot in the morning/afternoon. 

STUDENTS WHO PARK IN AREAS WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE DEAN OF STUDENT LIFE ARE SUBJECT TO TOW-AWAY AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE AND LOSS OF DRIVING PRIVILEGES.

Drop-off before the school day takes place between 7:45-8:10 a.m. Families should drive onto campus and drive into rows 4 and 5 for drop off. Do not drop off in any of the other rows. 

At 8:10 when the gate is lowered, students should be dropped off in the front of Paschal Hall. They are required to sign in with the Attendance Officer. Failure to sign in could result in disciplinary action. 

At dismissal, parents should park, or line up, in rows 4 and 5. Please be mindful of students walking in between cars. 

Please pay attention to the directions of the adults directing traffic. 

In order to ensure a safe and efficient carpool, cars will not be allowed to enter or leave the lower campus from 7:45 – 8:10 a.m. and from 2:30 to 2:50 p.m.

Students whose ride arrives after 2:50 p.m., must be picked up from the Homework Lab.

All school-sponsored trips must be approved by the Dean of Student Life and must be chaperoned by members of the faculty or administration.

Students are held to the same expectations, outlined in the handbook, on school-sponsored trips as they are on the SMR campus. 

Students transported regularly on the school buses should be aware that this privilege carries with it an obligation to the bus driver as well as to the other passengers. When signed up for bus services, families will receive additional information on bus expectations. 

State law forbids smoking on school buses. Eating or drinking is not allowed on the bus. Any violation of bus regulations will result in the removal of the student from the bus for a specified period of time.

Boarding the buses at dismissal begins at 2:40 p.m. The buses will be dismissed at 2:47 p.m.

Students registered for transportation have the opportunity to use the late buses (departure 5:30 p.m.) which provides students transportation when participating in school-sanctioned activities.

The late buses provide transportation to Calvert, Charles and Prince George’s counties.

The framework for the Catholic college preparatory community of St. Mary’s Ryken High School is guided by the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The overarching mission of SMR is centered in the vision, values and goals of the Xaverian Brothers. A Xaverian Brothers sponsored school is a school community whose members are imbued with Christian characteristics.

SMR’s student code of conduct is centered on the values of a Xaverian community. When students choose not to conduct themselves within the valued center code of the SMR community, disciplinary action will result.  The SMR Administration will work with students to understand the impact of the behavior. Repeated negative behavior can ultimately lead to removal from this community.

A Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School is a center of growth and learning marked by:

• Enduring personal relationships
• Stewardship for God’s creation
• The centrality of religious instruction, spiritual formation, worship and prayer
• Character and moral value development
• A challenging educational program
• A spirit of harmony
• A passion for justice and peace

The concepts of enduring personal relationships are endangered in the school community when respect and dignity are missing in a student’s behavior. This type of behavior is exhibited by disruption of class, insubordination, profanity, harassment, abusive behavior to other students or self, disruption of school events, and threats to adults.

The concepts of stewardship for God’s creation are endangered in the school community when moral responsibility to care for all of God’s gifts, e.g. the human person, human relationships, environment, natural resources and material resources, are missing in a student’s behavior. This type of behavior is exhibited by reckless driving on campus; being outside of the campus building perimeters; harassment, altercation/assault; vandalism to any school property or property of another member of the school community, guest or visitor; possession of tobacco products, drugs/alcohol; extortion; or possession of weapons.

The concepts of the centrality of religious instruction, spiritual formation, worship and prayer are endangered in the school community when a student’s behavior disrupts opportunities that are provided for reflection, prayer, sharing of faith and sacramental celebrations.  

The concepts of character and moral value development are endangered in the school community when student behavior exhibits a disregard for honesty and integrity, the school uniform policy, sexual behavior that is in direct conflict with the teachings of the Catholic Church; modest and proper decorum at school dances.

The concepts of a challenging educational program are endangered in the school community when student behavior exhibits tardiness to class and/or school; disruption to the class; cheating, lying and violations to the school’s honor code; unauthorized use of cellphones; cutting class; violations to the school’s technology policy.

The concept of a spirit of harmony is endangered in the school community when the values of trust and Christian humility are missing from a student’s behavior. This might be any behavior in or outside the school that is directly detrimental to the growth of the school community.

The concept of a passion for justice and peace is endangered in the school community when a student makes decisions that directly conflict with the Gospel values and the social teaching of the Church and endangers members of the school community.

Mass is an important part of our community and we want all of our students in attendance and well behaved. 

It is expected that SMR students will exhibit respect for God. During Mass we are in the presence of Jesus Christ. Appropriate behavior should be reflected at this time. Disrespect, either talking, misconduct, or cellphone use, during mass is considered a serious offense to the SMR disciplinary code.

Students should not be dismissed from school before or during Mass on all school Mass days. 

Students are dismissed from school before or during Mass will not be allowed to return to school or participate in after school activities or games on that day. Doctor notes will not be accepted as an absence excuse.  

The formal SMR uniform is required for school Mass days. 

SMR is committed to providing an educational environment that is free of harassment of any kind. The following list represents specific actions that constitute harassment:

1. Unwelcome sexual advances
2. Behavior that has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual’s academic performance, or of creating an intimidating hostile, or offensive educational environment
3. Demeaning another person in the SMR community because of their race; religion; religious creed; sex; sexual orientation; physical disability; mental disability; political opinion; color; or ethnic, national or social origin of that person
4. Making jokes that another person might interpret as offensive
5. Teasing or bullying
6. Displaying suggestive pictures, posters, calendars or cartoons
7. Excessive attention in the form of love letters, telephone calls or gifts; leering, stares or gestures
8. Spreading rumors about a person, calling other students’ names that are hurtful or otherwise upsetting
9. Inappropriate touching – brushes, pats, hugs, shoulder rubs or pinches
10. Graphic comments about an individual’s body or dress
11. Using email, phones, cellphones or any other technological communication device to send inappropriate or threatening material to another student, administrator, faculty member or any member of the SMR community
12. Recording and distributing videos or pictures of students, in any aspect, with or without their knowledge 
13. Posting disparaging or inappropriate comments about another students, administrator, faculty member or any member of the SMR community 

Harassment can be verbal or nonverbal behavior in the school. It may focus on the sexuality of another person or occur because of the person’s gender. It is behavior that is unwanted or unwelcome, and it usually is severe or pervasive enough to affect the person’s school environment.

Students who feel they are being harassed should report the incident(s) to a counselor, an administrator, a teacher or another staff person. They may also use the "See Something, Say Something" button on the Student Portal.  

Bullying and cyberbullying will not be tolerated neither personally nor by electronic means, i.e., social media, computers, cellphones, etc. The consequences imposed for bullying can vary from verbal warning to expulsion. Every student is entitled to a level of comfort and safety at school, related school activities and at home.

Recording and distributing videos or pictures of students, in any aspect, with or without their knowledge and/or posting disparaging or inappropriate comments about another students, administrator, faculty or staff member or any member of the SMR community can also be considered bully/cyberbullying. 

Consequences can/will be given regardless of whether this behavior takes place at school or off campus. 

The primary objectives of this school are ethical behavior, student learning and college preparation; as such , the faculty and administration of SMR regard academic dishonesty, cheating or plagiarism as serious breaches of ethical academic behavior. It is the adopted policy of this school that cheating in any of its forms, e.g., copying homework, copying answers from others’ tests, plagiarizing, unethically obtaining copies of tests or quizzes before they are administered in the proper classroom setting, aiding or abetting a cheater, allowing completed work to be used unethically by another student, the perpetration of other academic fraud, or the attempt thereof, constitutes a serious offense, which will result in disciplinary action.

Be advised that many colleges and universities ask students to indicate whether they have had specific ethical breaches during their high school career. It is the advice of this school that students answer these questions honestly and make every attempt to show what they have learned through these experiences. It is our hope that students will come to understand the moral and social imperative of ethical behavior and that honesty is indeed its own reward. It is also the central objective of any school to assure that students are mastering the content and skills required of them both during and after high school. Cheating in any of its forms robs students and teachers of the ability to truthfully assess the learning and achievement demanded of SMR students.

Violations

If a student is caught cheating or plagiarizing, parents/guardians will be notified. A first offense may result in a grade of “0” credit for the given assignment and referral to the Dean of Academics. A second offense and any thereafter in any class may result in suspension from school and failure of the given class. Failure of an entire course would be entered on a student’s transcript, and the student would be required to repeat the course if it is a graduation requirement. All suspected academic dishonesty will be entered into a student’s file, which will stay in the school for the duration of the student’s academic career at SMR. Repeated offenses will result in referral to the Honor Council. Cheating in any of its forms constitutes grounds for dismissal from National Honor Society or any other honor-based school organization.

A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or conceal any object that can be deemed dangerous on school grounds or at any school-related function. Weapons are defined as implements that can cause bodily harm, including knives, metal knuckles, guns, rifles, firearms and any object used as a weapon. Consequences for violating this rule range from a minimum of suspension to a maximum of police referral and removal from the SMR Community. 

An SMR student is expected to refrain from the possession, use and/or distribution of any prohibited, controlled or illegal drugs, and/or drug paraphernalia, on campus or at school functions.

A student found to be in POSSESSION OF, TRAFFICKING IN, UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF, AND/OR USING ALCOHOL AND/OR OTHER CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES on school grounds, in the drug-free zone around SMR or at any school function range is subject to a minimum of suspension coupled with counseling and assessment of chemical dependency to a maximum of removal from the SMR Community. The Principal ultimately decides this matter.

St. Mary’s Ryken High School Administration reserves the right to make any decision to ensure a safe environment for our students. All attendees, vehicles, lockers, bags, articles, electronic devices, cell phones, and personal belongings are subject to search if suspicion of illegal, illicit, or unusual behavior arises. This includes a weapon, tobacco, drug, alcohol, contraband, paraphernalia, or other prohibited substance. Students’ cellphones can be confiscated and viewed by the faculty and staff at any time if there is reason to believe the phone is being used to facilitate illegal activities or cheating, or harassment.  Involvement from law enforcement will occur as appropriate.

NOTE:  Occasionally, the school will ask that police dogs are used to search the school premises.

When observation and/or evidence of inappropriate behavior indicates reasonable suspicion of substance abuse or dependency, the school reserves the right to require a qualified professional assessment for continuance at the school.

Students are NOT to smoke or have in their possession any tobacco products or tobacco paraphernalia anywhere on campus or at any off-campus school-related event. This includes retreats, field trips, mixers and class trips. Tobacco products or paraphernalia include cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, lighters, matches and pipes.

First and second offenses will result in immediate suspension. Third offenses result in the removal of the students from our community. 

A student will not use physical force, cause or inflict physical injury to any member of the SMR community or anyone else while on school property. It is the responsibility of the students to prevent and resolve problems before fighting becomes an issue. School counselors and administrators are available to assist. The consequences for fighting range from a minimum of one-day suspension and counseling to a maximum of dismissal from St. Mary's Ryken.

SMR makes no guarantee that the functions or the services will be error-free or without defect. SMR will not be responsible for any damage suffered, including loss of data or interruptions of service. SMR is not responsible for the accuracy or the quality of the information attained through the system. SMR will not be responsible for financial obligations arising from unauthorized use of the system.    

Internet Etiquette

Students are expected to use the Internet safely and with proper Internet etiquette.

• No personal information or photos of oneself or anyone else shall be posted on the Internet through SMR’s system.   
• No assignations shall be planned with anyone met on the Internet through the SMR system.
• No obscene, inflammatory, harassing or disrespectful language will be used.

No Illegal Activities

Students are forbidden to engage in any illegal activities.              

• No unauthorized access to this or any other computer system will be attempted.
• No disruption of the computer system or destruction of data by the spreading of computer viruses or by any other means will be attempted.   

Respect of SMR Computer Security

Students are expected to respect SMR’s computer security system.

• Virus protection procedures will be followed at all times.
• No attempt will be made to change any settings or computer configurations.
• No attempt will be made to visit any unauthorized sites on the Internet.
• Immediate notification of a teacher or other appropriate person will be made if any inappropriate site is visited on campus.
• Immediate notification of a teacher or other appropriate person will be made if any breach of the computer’s security system is identified.

Respect Resource Limits

Students are expected to respect their resource limits on SMR’s computer system.

• The system will only be used for educational and career development activities.
• Downloading and saving files to the hard drive is not allowed without teacher approval.
• Accessing discussion groups is not allowed.
• Accessing personal email accounts is not allowed.

Penalties for Violating SMR's Computer Access Policy

First offense: Notification of the parents and suspension of computer privileges.

Second offense: Five-day suspension from school.                                          

Engaging in illegal activities or attempting to breach the computer’s security system, however, will result in an automatic five-day suspension from school and a disciplinary review by the School Council, with the possibility of expulsion.

The possession and/or use of cellphones, other communication devices, iPods, video games and portable music players, are not permitted during instruction or during school functions that require the full attention of participants. School personnel have the right to limit the use of electronic communication devices that impede the instructional climate in the school or otherwise create a disturbance. Therefore, all communication and electronic devices must be turned off and in the student’s backpack during the school day. *Students who ride a school bus must follow the bus driver’s policy regarding all communication and electronic devices. 

A student shall not steal and/or damage the property of another person or the school. Violations of this rule will result in consequences that range from a minimum of suspension and restitution to a maximum of dismissal. All students are expected to protect their personal possessions by not leaving them unattended. SMR will not be responsible or make restitution for lost or stolen items.

Walking past the cash registers and not paying for your meal is considered theft. 

Public displays of affection are inconsistent with behavior that shows respect for oneself and others in a professional, educational setting and are prohibited.

Disciplinary action will take place for repeat offenders. 

Students are not permitted behind the buildings at the lower campus (Rupert, Romuald, Xavier, Cafeteria), or the woods surrounding Breton Bay during school hours or without the supervision of a faculty or staff member. Students are not allowed to drive down to the boat ramp/cul-de-sac on Camp Calvert Road. Violation of these rules will result in automatic suspension.

Students must abide by all school policies when in the cafeteria. Students are not permitted in the cafeteria during any class or structured time. Students are responsible for leaving their area of clean and dispose of trash when they leave the cafeteria. Any violation of these policies will result in students cleaning the café after school or in detention, in addition to demerits being assigned. Sodas and food are prohibited outside of the cafeteria. Extenuating medical circumstances and overlaps in class schedules warrant some flexibility in this policy.

Because it is impossible to foresee all problems that may arise, this clause empowers faculty members to make referrals or issue detention for any action that violates the spirit of the system, even though not specified here.

While enrolled at SMR, students must conduct themselves both on and off campus in such a manner that reflects the values and mission of the school.

The administration reserves the right to rule on unusual cases in an individual and discretionary way. Students involved in illegal activities outside the school may also incur disciplinary action by the school administration. It is important to note that in some cases when students are involved in illegal matters at school, the administration may be obligated to notify the legal authorities. The school reserves the right to have the student join an afterschool counseling group on behavior, to refer the student to outside professional counseling as a stipulation for continuance at SMR, or to require the student to meet regularly with his/her counselor or adviser designated by the administration for the purpose of guidance and support.

Detention is for students who are in violation of school policy. Students must be in dress code at each detention session. Detention will be held from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. If detention needs to be cancelled for inclement weather or other circumstances, the student must report to the following detention. Sporting events, working hours and vacations are not viable reasons to not attend detention. Attendance at an assigned detention is mandatory. Unexcused absences from detention will result in the student being assigned a Saturday detention or result in a suspension. 

Detentions can be scheduled, by admin, Monday-Saturday. 

Suspension from class and school activities is for students who either fail to correct their behavior or seriously violate school rules. Any student who is suspended will be placed automatically on disciplinary probation. The period of suspension may last from one day to two weeks. Suspensions will be served at the student’s residence or on campus. During the period of suspension, the student forfeits participation in the co-curricular program and such events as mixers, dances and proms.  While in suspension, the student is expected to keep up with his/her assignments by contacting classmates and teachers.

The student is to present all assignments to the teachers during the first class after suspension. Tests and quizzes missed during the suspension will be made up at the teacher’s convenience. As a condition for reinstatement, the administration will have a conference with the student and parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to review specific expectations for the improvement of attitudes and behavior.

Infractions against our code of conduct can result in disciplinary probation. A student may be placed on probation without having been suspended.

Probation is the school's final warning to students and their parents or legal guardians that they either correct their attitude and behavior or they will be dismissed from school. Students who are placed on disciplinary probation may lose extracurricular school privileges. The school reserves the right to dismiss a student on probation if there is a lack of serious cooperation and/or progress. Should students violate their terms of probation, their records will be reviewed by the Dean of Students Life and a recommendation for continued enrollment at SMR will be made to the Principal. The Principal's decision is final.

Dismissal ultimate degree of disciplinary censure from SMR. The school reserves the right to expel a student at any time whose attitude or conduct is judged harmful to himself/herself and/or other students, or a student who openly defies the values underlying SMR's philosophy of Catholic education and formation, or a student who seriously violates school rules. Because of the nature of certain acts committed against the school or school community, such as acts of arson, or the use or the threat of use of a dangerous weapon, the penalty will result in automatic dismissal from the school.

A student is subject to dismissal for reasons including habitual or flagrant disrespect of school personnel or another student; chronic lack of serious study; fighting; stealing; vandalism; possession of a weapon of any type; smoking; trafficking in alcohol or other drugs, or being under the influence of any controlled substance; possession of or selling stolen goods; conviction of a crime; and sexual harassment.

Uniform infractions will result in lunch detention. Repeated offenses will result in after school detention. If violations continue, further disciplinary actions will be taken.

Inappropriate apparel will result in removal from class until student is dressed in proper attire.

The extracurricular program at SMR consists of all those activities, athletic and non-athletic, conducted outside the regular program of studies. As a supplement to academics, it is a voluntary program conducted solely for the benefit and development of the student, not the school. SMR feels that the extracurricular program is an essential part of school life because it offers the students the opportunity to develop special talents; to facilitate their ability to work well with others; to expand their educational interests; to develop initiative, leadership, creativity and originality through active participation in school organizations; to develop concern for others and loyalty and service to a group; and, finally, to exercise the Christian apostolate through commitment to an involvement in specific religiously-oriented programs.

A complete listing of clubs and activities offered at SMR can be found on the SMR website.

1. The activity must provide the students with specific and concrete opportunities for initiative, leadership, service, creativity, originality and active participation. By policy, organization, and constitutional guarantees, all student activities are to be student-centered. Each activity must have a moderator or coach.
2. Membership in any school activity is to be open to all qualified members of the SMR student body. All students meeting specific qualifications for membership are to be considered for membership.
3. All officially approved activities are eligible for school awards. No activity is permitted to give special awards unless officially approved by the Principal.
4. Parents should pick up students promptly at the conclusion of school activities.

While in attendance at school dances and extracurricular activities (including sporting events at SMR and other high schools), all of the rules of SMR apply.

In order to maintain a safe environment, no one is permitted to leave and then re-enter any event. In addition, SMR students are responsible for the behavior of the guests they bring to SMR. Parents are expected to pick up their students on time at the end of an event. Telephones are not easily available at the end of events to call home for rides. All dances are over at 11 p.m., and parents are expected to pick up their students at that time.

Dance Guidelines

All policies of St. Mary’s Ryken High School will be followed. Administration reserves the right to make any decision to ensure a safe night for our students. Attending a SMR event constitute your agreement to abide by the following policies:

• All students, including guest, must present student ID and ticket at the check-in table.
• Guest forms are turned into Dean of Student Life Office 48 hours prior to the event
• To be admitted to an event, you must present the ticket(s).

Dance Attire and Conduct

• Dress attire should be modest and appropriate. The Administration reserves the right to determine appropriateness in all matters pertaining to dress code.
• Students and guests will be asked to open purses, bags and pockets.
• The following are not allowed on campus or at the dance: cigarettes, tobacco, e-cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs (this includes OTC medication). Anyone possessing, using, under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be held onsite and released to his/her parents/guardians. The individual will be subject to disciplinary action and notification to law enforcement.
• In accordance with our expectation to encourage Christian character in all SMR students, dancing must remain appropriate. Suggestive or sexually explicit dancing will be stopped and participants immediately removed from the premises, dismissed from the event, and parents notified.
• No re-entry to the event. Once admitted to the dance/event you must remain indoors. This includes going to a vehicle.
• Students may not enter restricted areas of the building.
• SMR Students are responsible for the behavior of any invited guest.
• All dance attendees, vehicles, and articles are subject to search if suspicion of illegal/illicit behavior arises.
• Any suspicion of drug or alcohol use will result in non-admittance or removal from the event.  Involvement from law enforcement will occur as appropriate.

1. The student must attain the grade-point average requirement (currently 3.5) established by the SMR NHS Faculty Council.
2. The following students are eligible to apply for the National Honor Society:  first-semester juniors and seniors; second-semester juniors. These students must have attained the requisite scholastic average, demonstrated service, leadership and character. Students who have achieved the scholarship average required are invited to complete an application for membership. The applications, together with recommendations from the SMR faculty, are evaluated, and selection is made by the SMR National Honor Society Faculty Council.
3. The objective of the National Honor Society is to acknowledge and promote academic excellence and good citizenship. The Faculty Council selects those students who best demonstrate distinguished academic achievement, commitment to willing service, effective positive leadership, and strong moral character. Support of school policies, including dress code, is an important criterion for selection.
4. NHS members who fail to maintain the standards that were the basis of their selection shall be promptly warned. Failure to regain proper status during the time of one marking period will result in dismissal from the Theodore Ryken Chapter of the Honor Society. Breaches of moral or honorable conduct will result in review of worthiness by the Faculty Council.
5. Other pertinent information relative to the Honor Society is contained in the chapter's constitution.

The mission of St. Mary's Ryken Athletics is to create a transformational student-athlete and community experience. Each program will build a championship process and culture that will serve our students for life through the pursuit of competitive excellence. This will be done in alignment with the SMR mission, Xaverian Brothers' sponsorship, portrait of an SMR graduate and the bylaws of the WCAC. 

Fall Sports

Cheerleading – Varsity

Cross Country – Boys and Girls Varsity

Dance- Varsity 

Field Hockey – Girls Varsity

Football – Boys JV and Varsity

Sailing - Coed JV and Varsity

Soccer - Boys and Girls JV and Varsity

Tennis - Girls Varsity

Volleyball – Girls JV and Varsity

Winter Sports

Basketball - Boys Freshman, JV and Varsity and Girls JV and Varsity

Girls Ice Hockey- JV and Varsity 

Ice Hockey- Coed JV and Varsity

Swimming – Coed Varsity

Wrestling – Boys Varsity

Spring Sports

Baseball – Boys JV and Varsity

Golf – Coed Varsity

Lacrosse - Boys and Girls JV and Varsity

Sailing - Coed JV and Varsity

Softball – Girls Varsity

Tennis - Boys Varsity

Track & Field - Boys and Girls Varsity

SMR athletes will:

1. Respect their teammates, opponents, spectators, coaching staff, officials and the game by understanding to be a member of a team is to represent themselves, their family, their team and SMR- this includes language, social media and actions at ALL times, not just when practicing or competing 

2. Abide by all WCAC bylaws, SMR school rules and SMR team rules set forth by the coaching staff

3. Refrain from creating or engaging in any type of bullying or hazing within teams

4. Embrace the privilege of being selected for a team and to represent SMR

5. Communicate with coaching staff in a timely manner-Understand that missing in-season practices or contests COULD result in decreased playing time or removal from team if unexcused absence continues 

Failure to abide by the above conduct rules may result in disciplinary action and/or dismissal from the team.

SMR carries accident insurance for all students for accidents or injuries incurred on campus or SMR sponsored off campus activities.  This insurance is intended to be a secondary source of coverage to assist families for expenses incurred that are not covered by the student’s primary insurance.  Exceptions to that rule include accidents or injuries that are deemed to be the fault of SMR.  All accidents or injuries must be reported immediately to the adult in charge at the time of incident (Teacher, Athletic Trainer, Coach, Club Moderator) who will complete the SMR Injury Report.  The injury report will be shared with the Nurse, Principal, Athletic Director (if sports related) and the Director of Human Resources.  The Director of Human Resources will forward applicable insurance paperwork to the parents of the injured student and serve as the  point of contact for any questions parent(s) may have regarding coverage.  The parent(s) of the injured student are responsible for determining if they need to utilize this secondary coverage and for filing all applicable forms with the SMR insurance provider directly.

There are times when it is convenient for parents to allow students to drive or carpool to and from athletic events with other students and families. All student/athletes are required to obtain parental permission to drive or to carpool to and from athletic events, provided such athletic events are approved by the school administration.

Please fill out the Parent Permission for Carpooling to/from Athletic Events:

Parent Approval Permission Form For Drivers To/From Events

WCAC Sportsmanship Creed: Hyperlink to Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct Form

“Admission to interscholastic athletic events in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference entitles spectators to enjoy a competitive exhibition of skills in a Christian educational setting.  Spectators, please give the athletes positive encouragement and support.  Show respect for opposing players, coaches, spectators, and support groups.  Please refrain from booing, taunting, or intimidating the officials and opponents.  Such behavior is unfriendly and unacceptable.  Please respect the integrity and judgment of game officials; they are doing their best to promote the student athlete and the game.  Be a positive representative of your school community.”

Athletic Chain of Command:

If there are any questions or concerns involving some aspect of our athletic program, the athlete or parent should follow the chain of command.

1. Head Coach
2. Athletic Director
3. Principal

When expressing a concern with a coach, an individual should refer to and use the following guidelines:

1. Call or email the coach and make a mutually convenient appointment to discuss the concern.

2. Wait 24 hours following a game to address a concern related to a game.  Never approach a coach immediately after a contest.  

3. Raise your concerns in a calm and civil manner in private.  Speak and listen with the goal of mutual understanding. 

4. Understand that coaching decisions are made to support the team first before the individual.  

SMR spectators will:

1. Understand they are representing not just the individual but SMR as an institution and the WCAC as a league.

2. Be sportsmanlike and gracious at all times, whether in victory or defeat. 

3. Positively support and respect athletes, coaches, opponents and officials in the spirit of competition both at the event AND on social media.

SMR spectators will not:

1. Possess and/or consume alcohol or use tobacco products on the campus.

2. Be allowed on the track or field, unless given access by event staff

3. Have pets on the campus.

4. Use negative, demeaning or harmful language towards athletes, coaches, spectators or officials.

5. Enter the playing field or court during the contest.

6. Damage, deface, or litter the property of an opposing school when attending a game.

7. Display posters or signs which are offensive to others.

*Failure to abide by these guidelines will result in removal from the contest and possibly future contests.

The gate will be open on school days during the following times for before-school drop off and after-school pickup (including for activities and sports):

• 5:30 – 8:15am
• 2:15 – 10:00pm

Unless you are an SMR Employee with a valid keycard, the Lower Campus is not accessible from 8:15am – 2:15pm on school days, without first checking in at the Attendance Office located in Paschal Hall.

Definition:

Study Period is designed to help all SMR students to be successful in school and to be a quiet environment where students can work without disruptions or distractions. Please respect this educational environment at all times. 

Guidelines:

• Study Period rosters may be amended at any time.
• Seating charts are an option for the study period teacher; they may be amended at any time.
• If it is important and needed for you to eat or drink during study hall (hydration and dietary needs, for example), please let your teacher know beforehand.
• Study period is not social time. Time is allocated for student academic tasks and down time. Putting your head down to rest when your work is completed and your grades are all C’s or better is acceptable.
• If you have completed your homework, studied for any upcoming tests, and reviewed your notes for the last two days; you may read or work on your ipad.
• Please use earphones to listen to your device.
• Your study period teacher may check your grades on Veracross to be certain your usage of the iPad is acceptable.
• Cell phones are not used during study period.
• If a student needs to see a teacher or counselor during the study period, please bring a signed and dated pass to your study period teacher at the beginning of the study period. 
• Students will not be allowed to get the pass once the bell for study period has sounded, unless the receiving teacher/counselor sends an email directly to the study period teacher.
• Students are highly encouraged and may be required to use study period time to make up missed tests.
• Bathroom breaks are allowed. Please do not overstay or stray. Teachers will use a pass system (name on board; time out of room, etc.) to keep track.

St. Mary’s Ryken, like the majority of private, independent, and Catholic schools utilizes state and federal funding such as that extended during the pandemic as well as that creating improved internet infrastructure. 

The BOOST Scholarship Program has certain requirements for participating schools (see attached).  SMR agrees to comply with the terms and conditions in the Assurances in order to participate in the BOOST.

" It is the policy of the State of Maryland that all public and publicly funded schools and school programs operate in compliance with:

(1) Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964; and

(2) Title 26, Subtitle 7 of the Education Article of the Maryland Code, which states that public and publicly funded schools and programs may not:

(i) Discriminate against a current student, a prospective student, or the parent or guardian of a current or prospective student on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability;

(ii) Refuse enrollment of a prospective student, expel a current student, or withhold privileges from a current student, a prospective student, or the parent or guardian of a current or prospective student because of an individual's race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability; or

(iii) Discipline, invoke a penalty against, or take any other retaliatory action against a student or parent or guardian of a student who files a complaint alleging that the program or school discriminated against the student, regardless of the outcome of the complaint.".

Read BOOST Scholarship Amendment Assurances Program 

Read Discrimination Prohibited Document

AHERA Information Letter