Special Events

Mary of Nazareth School welcomes a variety of speakers each school year to enrich our academic curriculum and  student learning.  In the past, we have celebrated and appreciated Veterans from our community, we have learned to bake bread for “Bake for Good," enjoyed life lessons from the “Harlem Ambassadors," and have been awed by nature with the “Mad Scientist."   We are committed to supplementing the students’ education with interesting guests who inspire them to do their best and contribute to society.

Students at Mary of Nazareth School attend a minimum of two field trips per school year. Our proximity to Washington, DC allows classes to readily access the Smithsonian Museums, US Capitol, and National Monuments. Additionally, we travel to Baltimore, New York City, and  Philadelphia to support our history and science curriculums. Fifth through eighth graders participate in team building at Calleva Outdoor Adventures. Faith based trips include visiting the the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Baltimore Basilica, and the Mount St. Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery.

In the example of Christ, Mary of Nazareth School students are encouraged to reach out in service to those in the local community as well as abroad. Students partner with A Wider Circle, a non-profit organization in Montgomery County dedicated to ending poverty. Working closely with this organization raises student awareness and provides multiple opportunities to support those in need. Additional school-wide efforts are organized to help the homeless, raise funds for the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center, and feed the hungry at St. Martin’s Food Pantry. Grade level service projects are conducted twice a year in collaboration between parents and teachers.

Intramural sports in grades six through eight provide an opportunity for our students to interact and compete between grade levels on the athletic field. Intramurals are scheduled at 2:00 PM on Friday afternoons. Sports such as flag football, basketball, ultimate frisbee, and kickball are organized by season. Our football season ends with a school-wide MustangBowl on our lower field. This cross-grade level program has cultivated sportsmanship, established friendships, and provided leadership opportunities. Most of all, it is FUN!

In early December, our eighth grade visits New York City for an overnight field trip with a parent.  Our journey begins with a visit to the 9/11 Memorial Museum and culminates with a private Mass in The Lady Chapel at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  Additionally, parents and students attend the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, view the NYC skyline from the Top of the Rock, and tour the Big Apple with classmates.  This right of passage is often our students’ greatest memory upon graduation.

Camaraderie and education is what it is about! Race for Scholars is a yearly event and fundraiser organized by the Home and School Association. This ‘race’ through our rolling hills and wooded areas helps our parents support and enrich school programs. These programs provide all of our students with opportunities to grow and be recognized for their achievements. Every school family is encouraged to participate in this event by joining in on the fun and galloping across the finish line like a true MUSTANG!

Mary of Nazareth students, teachers, and parents celebrate Halloween by participating in an age appropriate parade attended by members of the entire community.  This fall event is, without a doubt, a special TREAT!

Yes, yes, yes we do, we have spirit, how about you? Spirit Day is an opportunity for our student body to celebrate our school with exuberant, creative, and entertaining grade level skits and dances. Whether the day involves the principal bungee jumping from the rafters or the seventh grade making Michael Jackson’s song, “Thriller”, their own, it is a FUN day that the entire community enjoys and embraces!

Grandparents Day always takes place before Thanksgiving and is a cherished tradition at MoN. Grandparents or special family members are invited on campus to attend classes with their grandchild(ren) and then the entire community worships together at Mass.