Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Are skilled in expressing themselves orally and in writing by meeting school standards demonstrated by competency that meets or exceeds state standards.

Demonstrate critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving demonstrated by inventive solutions and teamwork in class and beyond school.

Are competent in basic reading, writing, and mathematics demonstrated by achievement that meets or exceeds school and state standards.

Demonstrate curiosity and enthusiasm for learning through interactive sharing and questioning in class and beyond.

Read for enjoyment and learning, demonstrated by thoughtful reading of school texts, and by reading a variety of materials including fiction and nonfiction books, poetry, drama, news and special interest periodicals and newspapers, traditional print media, and electronic media.

Are involved in extracurricular activities, demonstrated by participation in clubs and teams at school and beyond.

Show appreciation for fine and performing arts demonstrated by visits to and participation in cinema, museums, theatre, and concerts at school and beyond.

Successfully practice a healthy lifestyle with a positive self-image, demonstrated by wholesome choices in diet, exercise, and activities, aspiring to a lifetime of physical and emotional well-being.

Have developed an understanding of good physical health, including proper diet and good hygiene, demonstrated by successful completion of a health course.

Participate in wholesome activities that promote good spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being, demonstrated by membership in youth ministry groups, sports teams, campus clubs, fitness clubs, and health-related drives such as school-sponsored blood drives.  

Understand the basic civic responsibilities of a citizen, demonstrated by an awareness and appreciation of the global community and the environment by active participation in the community beyond school, through: tolerance, service, contributing time, resources, energy, and talent to improve the quality of life in our families, schools, community, nation, and world.

Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the global community and the environment by active participation in the community beyond school, evidenced by meaningful service to others, and participation in community events and charitable fund raisers such as walk-a-thons, beach clean-ups, and town meetings, Catholic Lobby Day, and participation in state and national elections.

Contribute their time, resources, energies, and talents to improve the quality and continue the traditions of our families, schools, community, nation, and world, demonstrated by meaningful service to others.

Work effectively and collaboratively with others toward achievement of a common goal, demonstrated by collaborative completion of projects in class and beyond and by participation in inherently collaborative entities such as family and sports teams.

Understand the connections between choices and consequences by taking responsibility for their actions, demonstrated by positive behavioral choices in class and in the school community, as well as positive responses to correction.

Demonstrate the skills and qualities required for positive leadership, exemplified by desire to serve as a group leader in class and beyond, and by participation in activities that develop leadership skills such as retreats, youth ministry activities, and community and school clubs.

Desire to sustain and grow in their relationship with God, demonstrated by spiritual development beyond school, such as active participation in a faith community, parish, retreats, and/or Bible study group.

Have sufficient self-confidence to face challenges, demonstrated by mature, positive responses to challenges such as losing at sports, or failure to be admitted to a desired college, or other goals not achieved and by showing appropriate self-esteem in response to successes.

Have academic and interpersonal skills to succeed in college and beyond, demonstrated by formation of a college support system comprised of academic and personal counselors, coaches, new friends, college roommates, study buddies, teacher-mentors, and spiritual directors.

Make good choices for themselves and others by practicing appropriate social boundaries in relation to a safe environment, and by avoiding drugs, alcohol, premarital sex, and irresponsible driving behaviors.

Practice social responsibility guided by compassion, confidence, and integrity, demonstrated by openness, responsiveness, and respect to all regardless of gender, social status, race, ethnicity, culture, or religion through the implementation of the Character Education Program.