Academics & Activities

St. Michael Catholic School has a tradition of providing an environment that fosters spiritual growth and academic excellence. St. Michael staff work to maintain high standards and reasonable expectations for all students.

Academic achievement is measured in class by formal and informal assessments. Academic growth is measured with the standardized MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) test, administered each fall and spring. Teachers utilize MAP results to tailor instruction to meet the needs of students.

Over 80% of St. Michael Catholic School students score at, or above grade level proficiency on the MAP test. We are proud of their achievement and work to help each child achieve to the best of their ability.

It is common to hear from alumni and families that St. Michael prepares students very well for high school and post-secondary education. We hear how confidently our students enter the world beyond St. Mike’s with the spiritual foundation provided during their time here.

Whether attending Prior Lake-Savage High School, Holy Angels, Holy Family, or another Catholic high school, St. Michael graduates become leaders. Alumni frequently return to visit to thank their former teachers. They tell of their involvement in clubs, sports, National Honor Society, student council, performing arts clubs, etc. During the 2009-10 school year, 4 of the 5 PLSHS National Honor Society Officers were St. Michael graduates!

We are exceptionally proud of our students and alumni who demonstrate preparedness academically, socially, and spiritually to live the Gospel message in an ever changing, diverse world.

St. Michael Catholic School believes in the positive values and developmental opportunities provided by extra curricular activities. Academic progress takes priority over extra curricular activities. Students must meet academic and behavioral standards in order to participate in extra curricular activities.

Awards – Letter/Pins

Students in the Middle School (grade 6-8) can earn a letter “B” for BLUES, and a pin during the first year in which they participate in an extra curricular activity. In following years, a bar is awarded for each activity in which a student participates. In eighth grade, a “year” pin is earned.

Band

Students in grades 4-8 may participate in beginning band and advanced band. The band program is run by Schmitt Music Company, and an instructor from Schmitt comes to St. Michael Catholic School two days a week. Typically a first-year band student is in beginning band, and students in band beyond their first year are in advanced band. Students may progress from beginning band to advanced band sooner than one year at the band instructor’s discretion. Beginning band meets every Monday after school for rehearsal from 2:15-3:00. Advanced band meets every Tuesday after school from 2:15-3:00. In addition, students will receive a weekly lesson on the same day as their group band rehearsal. The cost of lessons is in addition to tuition and is paid directly to Schmitt Music.

Schmitt Music conducts an informational meeting for band every spring for students who might be interested in joining band the following school year.

Both bands perform a Christmas concert and a Spring Concert.

Book Clubs

St. Michael Catholic School offers many options for after-school book clubs and Kids Are Author programs throughout the year. Please refer to the Laurentine Media Center page for more details on these programs.

Chess Club

Chess Club meets on Mondays after school from 2:20-4:20, and is available for students in grades K-5.

Field Trips

Field trips enrich students’ education. Students must meet academic and behavior expectations to participate. Each grade participates in one or two field trips every school year. Additional fees may be charged for transportation or admission. Fee scholarships are available by contacting the teacher or principal. Written parental approval is required to transport children.

Chaperones are needed to accompany students on all field trips. Teachers will send home specific information regarding each field trip and request volunteer chaperones as necessary. All chaperones are required to have completed Virtus training, as mandated by the Archdiocese. (See Volunteer Handbook for Chaperone Guidelines)

Sixth grade: Eagle Bluff field trip. Every year the sixth grade students attend Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. This is a 3-day, 2-night overnight trip near Lanesboro, Minnesota. The class may decide to organize and participate in a fundraiser to help cover the expenses for this trip.

Eighth grade: Wolf Ridge field trip. Every year the eighth grade students attend Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center near Lake Superior. This is a week-long overnight trip. The class may decide to organize and participate in a fundraiser to help cover the expenses for this trip.

Fine Arts Program

Students are given opportunities to participate in St. Michael Fine Arts activities. These include special performing arts (singing, acting) and the visual arts. Grades 1-6 participate in a Christmas program. Grades 7 & 8 participate in a spring musical. Art fairs are also held each year in conjunction with the spring musical.

Flag and Safety Patrol

Students in grades 5 and 6 have the opportunity to participate in flag or safety patrol. The safety patrol members help escort students safely across the street whenever the students attend weekly Mass or go to the church for other assemblies. The flag patrol is responsible for raising and lowering the flag outside of school each day. Students must write a letter to apply for the positions each year.
Each spring fifth grade students can apply to be co-captains for the safety patrol for the following school year. The co-captains must agree to attend a week-long summer camp at Legionville prior to their 6th grade year.

School Dances

St. Michael 7th and 8th grade students have the opportunity to attend three school dances each year—one around Halloween, one around Valentine’s Day, and a graduation dance in June.

Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad is an after-school activity in for grades 6-8 in which students work on a variety of competitions ranging from building an accurate catapult to identifying bones and muscles on a human body. The group meets once a week from October-February and then compete in a regional competition in February.

Sports Programs

St. Michael Catholic School has several sports programs available to students of all ages:
* Volleyball – Grades 5, 6, 7 & 8 (Fall Sport/Girls only) – September and October
* Intramural Volleyball – Grades 3-4 (Fall Sport/Girls only) – September and October
* Basketball – Grades 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 (Winter Sport/Boys and Girls) – November – February
* Intramural Basketball – Grades K – 4 (November and December on Saturdays or Sundays for boys; January and February on Saturdays or Sundays for girls)
* Baseball – Grades 7 & 8 (Spring Sport/Boys only)
* Softball – Grades 7 & 8 (Spring Sport/Girls only)
* Golf Club– Grades 5, 6, 7 & 8 (Spring and Fall Sport, boys and girls together at Cleary Lake Golf Course)
* Ski Club—Grades 5, 6, 7 & 8 (Winter Sport, boys and girls together at Buck Hill)

The St. Michael Catholic School Athletic Handbook provides further information regarding each of these sports.

Student Council ( Grades 7 – 8 )

Student Council is open to any 7th and 8th grade students who meet the following requirements:
1. Demonstrate respect for self, others and property of others at all times, in and out of school.
2. Follow school rules.
3. Encourage others to conduct themselves in a manner that makes St. Michael Catholic School a wonderful place for all students, staff and visitors.
4. Maintain a “C” or higher grade point average.
5. Attend and actively participate in student council meetings and activities.

Student Council meets every Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. throughout the school year, and the student council members assist teachers with specific duties as assigned by that teacher. Student Council members also help out at the fish fries during Lent.