St. Mary's Catholic School (Temple, Texas)
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St. Mary's Catholic School or SMCS is a
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co-educational school, PreK-8, located in
Temple A temple (from the Latin ) is a building reserved for spiritual rituals and activities such as prayer and sacrifice. Religions which erect temples include Christianity (whose temples are typically called churches), Hinduism (whose temples ...
,
Texas Texas (, ; Spanish language, Spanish: ''Texas'', ''Tejas'') is a state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States. At 268,596 square miles (695,662 km2), and with more than 29.1 million residents in 2 ...
.


History

St. Mary's School was founded in 1897 under the name of St. Mary's Academy by Father Heckmann, pastor of St. Mary's Church. Under his direction, with the support of a group of parishioners, Divine Providence Sisters guided the pupils for several years. The Divine Providence Sisters withdrew in 1912 and not until 1919 could teaching sisters be found to continue their good work. Sisters of the Congregation of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament from
Houston Houston (; ) is the most populous city in Texas, the most populous city in the Southern United States, the fourth-most populous city in the United States, and the sixth-most populous city in North America, with a population of 2,304,580 in ...
,
Texas Texas (, ; Spanish language, Spanish: ''Texas'', ''Tejas'') is a state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States. At 268,596 square miles (695,662 km2), and with more than 29.1 million residents in 2 ...
, began at St. Mary's School in 1919 and had a presence in the school until the retirement in May 1995 of long-time librarian, Sister James Philip Davison. In 1974, Mrs. Loris Edwards became the first lay principal. Today, the school is staffed by lay teachers.


Academics

In addition to its emphasis on moral development, St. Mary's prides itself on academics and is a presence at the PSIA tournaments every year. It has hosted the academic competitions several times at its school. Elementary students study the core subjects of math, English, science, social studies, and religion. Middle school continues with each of these but also adds Spanish as a core class. Elementary students do have weekly music, band, Spanish, and technology classes. Middle school students have electives, which include creative writing, drama, technology, guitar, choir, art 1 and 2, band, bible study, and study hall. Elementary students also have electives such as baking and home ec.


Buildings

The school is divided up into two interwoven campuses, the Reagan campus and the Parish campus. The Parish campus was the home for the school for 105 years. The school, because of a rise in its student body, acquired a recently closed down elementary school directly across the street. This building was Reagan Elementary, and it is now the current home of the school. Some are still held in the Parish hall, but most activities take place in the Reagan building. Plans exist to expand the Reagan building even more, for the school is quickly running out of room. Recently added was the new gym for the students located next to the Reagan building. It contains a band hall, gymnasium, and offices.


References


External links


Official Website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Saint Mary's Catholic School (Temple, Texas) Private K–8 schools in Texas Schools in Bell County, Texas Educational institutions established in 1897 1897 establishments in Texas