St. Mary of the Woods - Mission

We are a community of believers, proclaiming that Jesus is Lord. We come together as Catholics to celebrate the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, to hear and be transformed by the Word of God, to bring Christian values and love into our world, and to live and share the teachings of Jesus. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we strive as a parish family to further the Kingdom of God, making God’s presence felt and extending the caring spirit of Jesus.

St. Mary of the Woods - Philosophy

St. Mary of the Woods School exists to help the parent as primary educators of their child and further the educational mission of the parish to nurture children to become whole, responsible persons spiritually, academically, aesthetically, and physically. The school provides children with a solid moral foundation rooted in church doctrine, enabling them to develop Catholic attitudes based on Catholic social teaching, justice and scripture. The foundation learned at St. Mary of the Woods School enables the student to incorporate Catholic Christian values in the local and global communities.

In keeping with the philosophy, we believe:

• Children are the center of all learning.
• Teachers are the role models and facilitators at school.
• Children are unique individuals possessing varying needs.
• Children are guided to realize their dignity and the dignity of others.
• Children are guided to realize their full potential as members of the parish, this community, and as future members of society and the global community.

The History of St. Mary of the Woods School

St. Mary of the Woods School first opened its doors to 310 students in September 13, 1953 under the direction of Father O’Rourke. By 1957, the enrollment reached 420 children and necessitated an addition to alleviate the crowded conditions. Throughout the early days of SMOW, children enjoyed leisurely hour and a half lunches at home watching the Bozo show, performing a “gym show” for their families which featured exercising or playing basketball and an end of the year celebration at Kiddieland. During the 1970’s, eighth grade students were treated to their first co-educational dancing lessons, a tradition that continues today. The 1990’s held many exciting changes for SMOW. A new school addition that included the gym, a meeting room, and eight new classrooms was dedicated.
This year St. Mary of the Woods is going through extensive construction. By the spring of 2012, St. Mary’s will have a new Music Center, Art Studio, Science Lab, and Administrative Offices. Students, teachers, and community members are anxiously waiting to see the final product.

St. Mary of the Wood’s School has undergone a transformation since its opening in 1952, but our most important principals - Faith, Family, and Tradition - remain at the center of our school.