• Robust campus health and safety protocols provide safe environment for in-person learning, critical for student well-being.

• Spring 2021 Parent surveys demonstrated very strong support and agreement rates for campus safety (99%), technology support (98%), communication during COVID (98%), mission delivery (96%) and academic support (94%). The recommendation rating on a scale of 0 to 10 scored a mean of 8.8 and median of 10.

• Campus facilities fully re-engaged for 2021-2022 school year include Lower School Science Lab, iLab, Maker Space and Library.

• New school schedule developed for 2021-2022 school year for increased community connection, tutorial support and experiential learning opportunities.

• All-school events held in-person outside to foster cross-divisional connections include Homecoming Pep Rally, St. Margaret’s Day Chapel Service and Lessons and Carols Service and Music Concert.

• Student activities fully reactivated for 2021-2022 school year include indoors arts performances, Middle School and Upper School athletics, Innovation Block Mini-Courses, in-person service learning and retreats.

• Concurrent Learning Program transitioned to Home Learning Accommodation.  Nearly every student is now learning in-person.

• New Upper School course offerings include Advanced Acting and Cinematic Arts, Race and Racism in United States History, and Solving STEM Problems with Computer Science.

• Upper School history progression realigned to provide more opportunity for elective choice in grades 11 and 12 based on student interest.

• Middle School enrichment courses redesigned for interdisciplinary focus including connections between spiritual, physical, and digital health and 3-D design and fabrication, coding and art.

• Lower School furthering thematic connections to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and engaging in social studies curriculum review.

• Early School deepening commitment to constructivist approach and piloting new technology for documentation of student learning.

• Faculty awarded nine Summer Innovation Grants, bringing the total to 66 over past several years.

• Tartan Dance Company launched for advanced dancers to perform at dance festivals throughout Southern California.

• Artist in Residence program continued with visual artist Alexandra Grant.

• Pandemic itself integrated into curriculum with Middle School history students documenting and archiving news and experiences, Upper School science students simulating COVID-19 antibody testing and dance students expressing emotional hardship of the pandemic.

• Cross-divisional learning experiences significantly increased, connecting students across all four divisions for enhanced learning and connection.

• DEI priorities for the 2021-2022 school year include student health and well-being focused on sense of belonging, cultural competency skill development and community engagement.

• DEI survey administered to Upper School students to better understand experiences and perceptions, including across demographic groups.

• Affinity groups launched for Upper School students following successful launch of professional community affinity groups in 2020-2021 school year.

• Professional community Equity Team committee work includes advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, affinity groups, social justice standards, culturally responsive teaching, measurement and data for equity, and professional development.

• Board of Trustees participated in fall retreat focused on DEI work.

• Discussions continued with ISC (International School Consulting) regarding a St. Margaret's international partnership or campus.

• In-person learning and co-curricular experiences prioritized for impact on student health and well-being.

• Counseling personnel increased to provide additional resources and support for student social and emotional well-being.

• PTF Speaker Series focused on Mental Health and Well-Being with experts Lisa Damour, Wendy Suzuki and Drew Ramsey.

• Upper School Honors Assembly featured student speakers sharing personal reflections on the theme “You are Enough.”

• Digital Mentor program launched with Upper School Peer Counselors helping younger students navigate their digital lives in a positive way.

• Upper School students worked as ambassadors with The Social Institute to advise on lessons and create mentor videos for use with students across the country. 

• Middle School computer science course explores Emerging Technologies and the ethical questions they raise.

• St. Margaret’s received AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award, recognizing small percentage of schools nationally with 50% or higher female exam takers in challenging AP Computer Science A course.

• Girls in STEAM Symposium 2021 hosted virtually with engaging female speakers from industry and universities, and hands-on learning experiences. Plans in place for a return to in-person event for spring 2022.

• Industry-grade digital arts software and tools introduced in studio arts classes.

• Team of three St. Margaret’s students named global champions out of 1,130 teams in international virtual business solutions competition.

• Upper School student earned first place in global entrepreneurial innovation competition for app enabling increased financial access to banking.

• Upper School eSports program expanded to fall and spring seasons and new coach appointed.

• Lower School Family STEAM night shifted to virtual platform with engaging activities for students and families to participate in from home.

• Full assessment of St. Margaret’s Technology Department engaged in collaboration with a consultant who conducted 75 virtual interviews across all St. Margaret’s constituencies.

• Community partnerships sustained through the pandemic to meet authentic local needs.

• Service Learning activities re-engaged in person for 2021-2022 school year.

• Infant Pantry launched through St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church with school support.

• Three seniors awarded $5,000 foundation grant to install new outdoor LED lighting at San Juan Elementary School.

• All-School Service Learning Project partnered with The Ecology Center to support the Nourishing Neighbors program for local families impacted by the pandemic, raising over $15,000 in cash and household item donations.

• Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano and Special Camp programs returned to campus for in-person experiences.

• Service Learning Leadership Team presented overview of the Service Learning Program to the Board of Trustees.

• Field trips resumed, including Marine Science students to Dana Point tide pools, Lower School students to Carlsbad Flower Fields and SJC Ecology Center, Middle School students to the beach and a variety of Independent Senior Projects including outdoors experiences to Idyllwild, Mt. Whitney and Colorado.   

• St. Margaret’s hosted Association for Constructivist Teaching National Conference in hybrid format.

• Educators presented and led sessions at national conferences including National Association of Independent Schools, National Association of Episcopal Schools, National Science Teachers Association and Association for Constructivist Teaching.

• Constructivist-in-Residence led full week of professional development in Early School on importance of creativity for student growth.

• Professional community actively participated in virtual and in-person learning experiences, including additional connection with new partner California Teacher Development Collaborative.

• Tartan Center renovated as Tartan Café in Upper School.

• Administrative offices relocated from Wallace Hall to newly acquired property in Ortega Village Center in preparation for future construction of Student Commons building.

Finance

The school remains on solid financial footing while managing its resources through this extraordinary time.  Major infrastructure investments were made in 2020 to prepare the campus for a safe return of students and professional community.  Many of these investments will have long-term benefits that will outlast the current pandemic.