This school is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. May she forever cradle her children in her arms and keep them close to her everloving son, Jesus.
St. Mary School Mission Statement
With the support of parents, parish, and community, as a Roman Catholic school in the Diocese of Youngstown, we are dedicated to the spiritual, moral, and academic education of our students as we prepare them for a life of service to God and others.
History
St. Mary School began in 1849 in the church basement under the pastorate of Father John Luhr. In 1855, Father Joseph Lais, the pastor, had a one-story brick schoolhouse built. It was small and staffed by lay teachers. In 1870, a two-story brick school was built during Father Lais' second return as pastor. In 1878 the Sisters of Notre Dame came to the school. From 1881 until 1927, the Sisters of St. Francis, the Benedictine Sisters, and lay teachers staffed the school. Since 1927 the Sisters of Notre Dame have been educating the students of St. Mary's.
In 1951 the playground was blacktopped, the old school remodeled, and the southern addition was built. In 1980, Father Kolp had the middle section of the school demolished and the Msgr. Labbe Center was built. During Sister Alice Slowey's administration, the computer lab was begun and was completed under Sister Rosemary Koesel. Under Sister Rosemary (1992) the extended day program was begun. Sister Mary Delores Vargo started the preschool program in 1996.
In 1998, the first lay administrator was named. Since then, only two other lay administrators have been principal. While no longer administrators or classroom teachers, the Sisters of Notre Dame are still very present in the school. Sister Kathy Longheier was a fourth-grade teacher and is currently the technology coordinator.
We are proud of our rich history and tradition. St. Mary School has been educating children for more than 165 years, and we will continue for many more years to come.
Our Students
We service many students, coming from a variety of school districts in Stark County, Ohio. Primarily, our student population is made up of students from the following school districts/areas:
Jackson Local Schools
Massillon City Schools
Perry Local Schools
Tuslaw Local Schools
I'm not Catholic; can I still send my student to a St. Mary School?
We welcome students of all faiths. Non-Catholic families who enroll their children in our school appreciate the Catholic faith, values, and prayer taught at the school. They value the atmosphere it provides for their children and are impressed in how it strengthens them spiritually.
How can I afford to send my student to St. Mary School?
There are many ways to afford St. Mary School. Scholarships are available from the Parish, Diocese, and the Ohio Department of Education. We also have funds available for special circumstances that may arise throughout the year. Our tuition remains at the lowest rate possible through fundraising efforts and the generosity of our parish. W also offer sibling and multi-child discounts. All you have to do is apply or ask.
How do I get my student to St. Mary School?
Busing services are provided from each of the public school districts in our area. If you are traveling a distance, your school district of residence will pay you a stipend to provide your own transportation.
What are the faculty credentials?
All teachers are fully licensed and credentialed by the Ohio Department of Education.
Does St. Mary School offer before-school and after-school child care?
Yes, we offer before and after school care from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday when school is in session. Longer hours are available with special arrangements. We work hard to keep the costs low, and there is a $20 enrollment fee. More Information
Do you accept home-schooled children?
Yes! In fact, St. Mary’s has many formerly home-schooled children in its student body. The small class sizes, high level of parental involvement, strong academic standards, and vibrant Catholic school atmosphere support their vision for their children’s education. Our teachers work with formerly home-schooled children to ensure an effective transition to a traditional classroom.
Does St. Mary School require service hours?
To encourage parental involvement and to keep tuition costs down, St. Mary School asks parents to contribute 20 service hours per year, per family or pay $400. We also ask that every family participate in all school fundraisers.
What is the dress code at St. Mary School?
We believe that our students' appearance is an important part of the learning environment, and that is why our students wear uniforms. Uniforms can be purchased at Lands End or Schoolbelles, and we also have gently-used uniforms for sale. Our uniform guidelines and free dress guidelines are explained in the Family Handbook as well as online. More Information
What books or supplies does my child need?
We provide all textbooks to our students at no cost. St. Kieran Catholic School students take responsibility for the care of their textbooks. Each student is responsible for their own school supplies, and a supply list is available in the school office. We greatly appreciate donations of classroom supplies such as pencils, paper, glue sticks, and notebooks.
What if my child needs medication or becomes ill at school?
fMedication Medication will be dispensed only with prior written approval from the parent/guardian. Medication is stored with school nurse and dispensed as needed. Illness We will notify you if your child becomes ill at school. The best place for an ill child is at home in the care of an adult. The school nurse does not diagnose illnesses but helps care for your child. If your child is ill or injured, please consult a doctor before sending your child to school.
What kind of physical education and extra-curricular sports does St. Mary School provide?
All grades attend two physical education classes per week with a PE teacher, focusing on fitness and sportsmanship. St. Mary offers extra-curricular sports as it participates in the Catholic Sports League while also playing local schools' teams. More Information
What are the school hours?
Kindergarten through eighth grade: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM. The first bell rings at 7:50 AM, and the final bell for walkers and car riders is 2:35 PM.
What fundraisers are there?
As with all schools, fundraising is necessary to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of education. St. Mary sponsors school-wide major fundraisers: Fish fries every Friday during Lent, Art to Remember, and the 100 Club. St Mary also uses Script which provides additional funds for the school through the purchase of gift cards for your own use or as gifts.
What if my child is absent or tardy?
Absences and tardiness disrupt learning and can slow or even prevent your child's success. We encourage you to schedule doctor, dentist, and other appointments during off-school hours. If an absence is unavoidable, please call our school office as soon as possible. Also, refer to the Family Handbook for additional information. More Information
Does St. Mary's have a preschool
Yes! We offer two classes: 3-4 year olds and 4-5 year olds. The 3-4 year old class is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the 4-5 year old class is offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. There is also an all-day option for the 4-5 year old class. More Information