What To ExpectHere is some insight into actual life at Mount Saint Joseph.
|
Homework LoadDon't be worried about high school or the amount of homework you will have. The homework at MSJ is a very reasonable amount but can vary depending upon the level of class you take. In college prep classes you might have a worksheet to do in each class or you might have a video to watch online and then answer some questions. Most classes require work to be turned in on your iPad. Very little homework is turned in on paper. You can expect more and harder homework in honors classes. Don't worry, it won't be more than you can handle, but you do have to put in effort. MSJ does an excellent job of helping you to succeed and become a responsible young man.
|
School Policies & JUG The rules and student code of conduct at MSJ are taken very seriously and your actions will have consequences. The school is very particular about the dress code. Shirts must be tucked in and your hair can't be too long or dyed. You are not allowed to grow facial hair or wear earrings. Phones can not be seen by any teacher during the school day (even during lunch time or in between classes). Proper language and manners are taken seriously on campus. Sweatshirts are not allowed to be worn during school hours. Getting caught breaking policies can result in something called JUG or Justice Under God. JUG is detention after school and it is NOT FUN!
|
Daily ScheduleThere are 8 class periods each day at MSJ. The schedule at MSJ seems complicated at first as it rotates. But it is done so that you don't always have classes at a certain time of the day. This is helpful if you have sports and have to leave early for an away game. Also, its helpful not to always have the same class first thing in the morning when you might be a bit tired. However, lunch is always at the same time everyday. The days at school are called Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4.
On Day 1 the classes are A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H. On Day 2 the classes are B, A, C, D, E, F, H, G. On Day 3 the classes are G, H, C, D, E, F, A, B. On Day 4, the classes are H, G, C, D, E, F, B, A. This may seem a bit complicated, but you catch on quickly. Don't worry, you often show up to school wondering what day it is, but you can always ask a friend or listen to the morning announcements to know your schedule. Insider tip: I like to screen shot my schedule and make it my background on my iPad. |
FoodThe food at MSJ is very good! The cafeteria is centrally located so it is convenient to get to from anywhere on campus. It is open before school, during school and after school. The cafeteria takes cash, however, you can also register for a debit card with First Financial Credit Union which can be used in the cafeteria. MSJ will have applications on campus when you register for the school, or you can visit an actual credit union branch location to register. The debit card will ONLY work at the MSJ cafeteria. Breakfast is offered daily until 8am. For lunch, there are always several choices to eat and the menu is posted on line. When in doubt, there is always pizza and chicken fingers as well as a salad bar. This is NOT the school cafeteria food you are used to...this is delicious food you will WANT TO EAT!
There are several vending machines in the cafeteria that offer snacks, juice and soda. There is also a vending machine in the Smith Center (sports building). The vending machines take cash, credit card or debit card (but not the one you use for the cafeteria from First Financial Credit Union). Insider tip: Cafeteria vending machines are great for a snack for the ride home or before practice. |
Inside Tips
There are certain sections of grass that you can not walk on. They are between the main classroom buildings. The grass there is called "Jesus Grass" and if you get caught walking on it you get a JUG.
On average there are two Wednesday's a month where school starts at 10am for students to allow for teacher meetings. This is a great treat to get a couple extra hours sleep. These days are also out of uniform days and you can wear regular clothes, including sweat shirts and shorts to school. You need to bring a donation (usually $1 - $5) which "pays" for you to be out of uniform and is donated to a charity designated by the school. The cafeteria has a fountain soda bar where you can get drinks like, coke, sprite, lemonade, ice tea, and gatorade. You can even make your own unique mixture! The third lunch line, all the way to the left, offers access to all the food offered that day, but it also has extra snacks and desserts such as a large variety of ice cream, chips and candy. Be sure to check out the gummy worms! |
Teachers ExpectationsMost teachers at MSJ are pretty strict. They know how to joke around but they also mean business. Some are more flexible on when homework is due, but others offer no credit for late work. You will find the teachers here really care about your education and offer lots of time for you to see them if you need extra help.
Extremely Organized
COVID-19 and the mandatory closing of school caught a lot of schools off guard in March, 2020, but MSJ was prepared. The week before all Maryland schools shut down, MSJ had the students practicing Zoom meetings, learning where to get information, and how to submit homework. While many schools struggled to get curriculum out to students, MSJ students transitioned to online learning on day one. Teacher expectations were still high, in fact, some people claim they had more work when doing remote learning than when they were in the classrooms! Teachers were always available via zoom and email to help the students, just like they were on campus.
|