Philosophy and Purpose

Extracurricular activities are an important part of the overall experience at GSCM. They provide an opportunity to extend the school experience beyond the school day and  classroom environments. They are a way to live out the vision and mission of GSCM by providing experiences that meet the needs of the child spiritually, intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally. 

Extracurriculars also offer an opportunity for community-building throughout the school among students, parents, and families. They also enable students to pursue areas of individual interest and passion. It provides an avenue for volunteerism at the school and gives a framework for participation in meaningful ways. 

All extracurricular activities are coordinated by parent volunteers or paid staff. Activities/groups must be approved by the administration and operate within the mission statement of GSCM. 

Five-Tenet Structure

Drawing from Montessori philosophy, child development, and catholic identity we offer extracurricular offerings under five categories or tenets: Creative/Performing Arts, Scouting, STEM, Service/Community, and Physical Health/Sports.  Each of these five categories has a faculty liaison connected to the program who communicates directly with the coordinators and the school’s administration. 

Mini-Course Fair

In addition to the five tenets and beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, a mini-course fair will be held each year. This serves as a month-long exposure to new offerings and allows for skill-based categories that do not fall into the above tenets: i.e. chess, pottery, writing, cooking, wood-working, photography. These are proposed to the principal and the PTO extra-curricular coordinator. Offerings are selected based on interest, available space and resources, and committed volunteers.

Oversight and Coordination

All extracurricular offerings must be approved by the principal. The principal has the authority to make any and all decisions regarding extracurriculars. The principal works directly with the PTO extracurricular coordinator to develop a list of offerings each year. The principal also meets with faculty liaisons chosen to oversee various groups and activities. 

The principal coordinates an annual evaluation of all extracurriculars prior to priority registration and makes any necessary changes for the following year.

Evaluation Rubric

All extracurricular activities are evaluated as to their “fit” within GSCM’s mission and vision as a Catholic Montessori School. The following are general guiding principles when a new extracurricular is proposed. These guidelines are also used yearly to evaluate the ongoing offering of all extracurriculars. 

• Is there a desire among students to participate in the activity?
• Does the activity encourage the development of the whole child in the spirit of the vision, mission, and touchstone statements of GSCM? 
• Is there a willing group of adult leaders who can make this activity a success following the stated procedures and policies?  
• Does the activity aid in the mission of our extra-curricular program to provide a balanced group of offerings to our community?
• Does the school have adequate resources to make the activity successful (equipment, space, time, etc.)?
• Does the activity align with the catholic identity of the school as outlined in the Catholic Identity Statement?
  • Does the overall mission of the group/activity align with catholic teaching? 
  • Is there anything written or stated that goes directly against catholic values? 
  • Does the Archdiocese or NCCB have any official statements or policies regarding the activity or group? 
  • Is there anything within the published curriculum of the group/activity that would be contrary to Catholic teaching? If so, is there flexibility to eliminate or adapt that part of the curriculum? 
  • Is the group affiliated or connected with any group that actively or publicly opposes catholic teaching? How proximate or remote is that affiliation? 

The principal has the final authority to evaluate the “fit” of any and all groups according to this rubric.