Student Life

Introduction

There are approximately 245 boys and girls in Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth Grade.  There is one classroom per grade.  The student body is diverse and represents many nationalities and cultures.  The classrooms reflect all ability levels.  Special efforts are made to make all students feel comfortable and accepted.  To promote school unity, each lower level student has a “buddy” in the upper lever.  The buddies attend religious services and special activities together.  The children are constantly reminded that they are special because they are “children of God.”

We strive to empower each child to develop a healthy self-image within a warm, loving Christian environment embedded in Catholic Tradition.

We believe that parents, the first and foremost educators of their children, and the teachers should work together in a partnership that is both positive and cooperative.  Therefore, as our students learn and develop, we believe that parental involvement is crucial for their success.

Student Activities

Special activities provide avenues for students to grow and develop in many ways - spiritually, academically, culturally, socially, and athletically.  Holy Cross makes a concentrated effort to broaden the students' horizons. 

The importance of spiritual growth is continually emphasized.  Each grade prepares liturgies and provides lectors at class masses.   The students in Grades 3-8 have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a regular basis.  Para-Liturgical Celebrations such as the May Procession, October devotions to Mary, Living Stations of the Cross, a Christmas Pageant, and special prayer services are also regular features of religious life at Holy Cross.

It is important to help students recognize their obligations to those who are in need of special attention.  Many classes select a special service project for the entire school year.  For example, primary students may send cheerful messages and pictures to children's hospital or a nursing home while other classes may select to become pen pals with the elderly members of the community or make sandwiches for the homeless.  All classes Pre-K – Grade 8 collect food for needy families at Thanksgiving.   At Christmas time each student selects a nametag from the parish Giving Tree and buys a present for that individual.   These are just some of the projects that help the students realize the importance of service to one another and to their parish.

There are many opportunities for cultural enrichment.  Holy Cross School is within walking distance of the Metro subway, which allows easy access to our Nation's Capital and the special museums, historic monuments, and government facilities.  Field trips are also taken to nearby Baltimore, Annapolis, and the Chesapeake Bay.  The school does not have a school bus, but buses are rented for many of these trips.   Parent volunteers are willing chaperones and assist the teachers on these excursions.

The school conducts many programs that foster cultural and social growth and achievement.  Student art shows, an award winning school band, National Geography Bees, and educational fairs are just some of the events that encourage, support, and recognize achievement.  Each spring classmates, parents and friends enjoy watching many talented boys and girls perform in the annual spring musical.  Special after-school programs provide enrichment in art and science for interested students.  The Holy Cross Youth Group sponsors many extra- curricular activities for students in seventh and eighth grade.  This club also teaches them the importance of community service.  A literary magazine staff as well as a yearbook and newspaper staff provides students with the opportunity to display writing and creative talents.

There is a strong athletic program to encourage physical fitness and good sportsmanship.  Students participate in physical education classes two times per week.  The CYO sports program sponsors teams in soccer, basketball, softball, and baseball.  Volunteer coaches instill a love of athletics, necessary skills, and an understanding of the qualities necessary to work together as a team.  The team photographs and the displayed trophies are indications of the success and achievement of the sports program.

There are also some very special days and events that provide an opportunity to share time and talents with others.  Every year we honor Grandparents with a joyful celebration.  During Catholic Schools' Week there are several planned programs.  Those who are interested in learning more about Holy Cross may visit during an all-day Open House.  Fifth graders escort the visitors through the school and enlighten the guests with stories of the history and operations of the school.  There are also days devoted to student and teacher appreciation. 

Student government is an important asset to the school.  Each year an election takes place, and the officers work together with student class representatives and a faculty mentor.  They plan activities that are fun, as well as those that are spiritual or service oriented.  Students also work with parents to produce an annual yearbook.

All of these activities, programs, and opportunities truly enrich the learning environment at Holy Cross School.  They help bring our school family closer to each other and closer to God.

Discipline Policy

The philosophy of discipline at Holy Cross fosters a positive self-esteem.  Students are respected as individuals and are given the right to learn and express themselves in a caring, Christian environment.  All students are empowered to accept accountability for their actions.  A spirit of mutual respect for all persons is encouraged and enforced which fosters orderly behavior.

Student Dress Code

Uniform Schedule:

• Fall Uniform - August 31
• Winter Uniform - November 1
• Spring Uniform - April 3

Girls Uniform:

Grades K - 4:

Plaid jumper, red polo shirt (short and long sleeve), navy blue socks/ tights and navy blue cardigan or pullover with Holy Cross emblem.

Grades 5 - 8:

Plaid skirt, red polo shirt (short or long sleeve), navy blue socks/ tights and navy blue cardigan or pullover with Holy Cross emblem.

*Girls in grades 1 - 8 may wear plaid shorts from April 15 to October 15 and navy uniform pants in the winter months

Boys Uniform:

Grades K - 8:

Navy blue dress pants, twill or corduroy belt, red polo shirt (short or long sleeve), navy blue cardigan or pullover sweater with Holy Cross emblem and navy socks.

*Boys may wear navy shorts from April 15 to October 15.

Pre-kindergarten students do not wear uniforms

Physical Education Uniform:

Grades Pre-K - 8:

Boys and girls wear the Holy Cross green shorts and t-shirt or the Holy Cross green sweatpants and sweatshirt, sport socks, and tennis shoes.