St. Mary’s students begin each day with a pledge promising to respect themselves and others, stand up for what is right, lead by example, and allow their faith to show in their actions. The pledge ends with the statement, “I am not alone.” Each student wears a shield around their neck throughout the school day as a reminder of the S.T.A.N.D pledge – Students Together and Not Divided.
Five years ago, the S.T.A.N.D and Shield programs were developed by 4th grade teacher Jenny Rodriguez in response to a student’s comment asking why the children of the school were not looking for Christ in one another. She stated, “The Shield program challenges the students to make a change. A change that empowers each child to be the best they can be.”
S.T.A.N.D participants gather before school twice monthly to discuss student concerns and then formulate together positive ways to make a change. Students are divided into two groups, the junior high and the primary grades, allowing for each to tackle their own issues.
Simon Rodriguez said, “The S.T.A.N.D program is fun and helps us work out problems we have at recess.”
The S.T.A.N.D and Shield programs have allowed students to promote an overall environment of tolerance, peace and acceptance at St. Mary School.
St. Mary’s School Chardon is a Catholic School for grades preschool through 8 where students are encouraged to develop academically in an environment of faith, with a vision for the future.
For information, visit the website or mintihar@stmaryschoolchardon.org or call 440-286-3590.
More St. Mary’s school news can be seen HERE.
