My grandmother had a best friend we called MiMi. MiMi lived around the corner and would meet Grandmomma to walk to church every Sunday morning. I loved MiMi. She bought me my first purse- a red patent leather shoulder bag with my initials B.O. scribed in white in the corner. A bag fit for a talkative three-year old. I loved Mimi but hated Mimi’s house. Mimi was old school and only allowed kids in one part of the living room. When asked why I couldn’t go into the other rooms of the house, my mom would respond by saying, “Those rooms aren’t meant for you.”
In some school communities students are having a similar experience. They are being asked to learn, grow, and participate in learning environments that are not meant for them. Many students have been included in these school communities but are far from experiencing a sense of belongingness that is necessary for true academic and personal growth.
Goodnow & Grady(1993) define belongingness as the extent to which student feel personally accepted, respected, included, and supported by others in the school environment. Belongingness, then, is a deliberate action done by the community that results in positive feelings like acceptance, respect, inclusion, and support. Many schools have made inclusion a goal in their communities. I assert that inclusion is not sufficient to support true academic, emotional, and spiritual growth for all students. Inclusion results in participation not partnership. Inclusion typically requires the individual to change who they are for access to the community.
SMA students already belong. They are seen, loved, and cared for as precious gifts from God. The SMA rooms are meant for them! Because they belong, students will exceed their own expectations in all areas, including leadership, achievement, and character. Belongingness at SMA is not happenstance. It happens through the commitment and work of the amazing faculty and staff members on campus. Their commitment to seeing every aspect of each student is why this community is unlike any other. Simply put, at SMA you don’t have to fit in, you already belong.
Goodnow, C., & Grady, K. E. (1993). The relationship of school belonging and friends’ values to academic motivation among urban adolescent students. Journal of Experimental Education, 62(1), 60–71. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220973.1993.9943831
Carondelet Circle is about building a community of people who want to “serve the dear neighbor” and find strength in sisterhood. This clubs is the spiritual life blood of SMA. Students lead and plan liturgies, retreats, service opportunities, and other opportunities for the spiritual growth of students. We will walk in the footsteps of our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, by praying together, visiting our CSJ sisters at the convent or writing them, participating in bible study, making sandwiches for the poor, and other community service events.
National Art Honor Society inspires and recognizes those students who have shown outstanding ability in art. Students must have 1 year of a visual arts class with a grade of B+ or higher as well as a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply. Its purpose is to assist student members to attain their highest potential in all forms of art, and to raise awareness of art education throughout the school and community.
Art Club is open to all students, regardless of artist skill or experience. Members of NAHS will host an art club where they will provide opportunities for students to learn to build their art skills.
Anime Club is a special interest club where students can bond and learn about anime-related media, art, literature, music, popular culture, and social activities and the cultural contributions of those who produce Anime. Anime Club members also have a prominent role in producing the Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Assembly in the Spring.
Believers’ Club is a student-run club who participates in various walks/events or raises money for organizations and foundations dedicated to cancer research and support for cancer patients.
Young Entrepreneurs aims to enable young women in developing professional skills in the workforce prepared and empowers them to create their own business. This club will encourage girls to become innovative and invest in their human capital.
Global Citizens Club promotes the importance of being an active global citizen, and inspires awareness and learn how to advocate against injustice happening in other countries. It will also encourage others to travel and will help with more youth exchange program awareness. Furthermore, it will give a background on different countries.
