Aug. 10, 2022 (St. Louis) – Marian Middle School is pleased to announce the appointment of Sandra Morton, MEd., MBA, as the school’s new Principal. Marian is a Catholic middle school with a focus on breaking the cycle of poverty through exceptional education. Morton will take the reins starting with the 2022-23 school year – beginning August 10.
“We are excited to have Sandra lead our stellar and passionate team of education professionals,” said Mary Elizabeth Grimes, president of Marian. “She has an impressive background in both elementary and secondary school administration, as well as experience in business. She is an instinctive mentor to young people, has a keen focus on building the social-emotional skills of students, and is deeply committed to her faith – all of which we know will greatly benefit Marian Girls.”
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Morton is pursuing a Master’s in Education Leadership from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She previously served as Principal at St. Louis Catholic Academy and held several leadership positions at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School, including Director of Admissions, Dean of Students, Technology Coordinator, Business Teacher, and Writing Lab Instructor.
Morton says her goals as principal reflect her social-emotional learning (SEL) approach to teaching. She plans to establish weekly circle time for students to meet as a class where they can identify their own needs and talk about their differences. Morton says she is excited about helping her students thrive, improve self-discipline, and be successful in the classroom.
“In addition to providing a top-level education, I have a goal of helping Marian Girls feel empowered,” Morton said. “I want them to have a voice, to learn to work through issues using the principles of SEL, and to build self-confidence. I want each and every Marian Girl to value the light she has within herself.”
Marian Middle School is the only all-girls, private Catholic middle school in the City of St. Louis. Marian girls receive a transformational education and enrichment programming during their middle school years. The team also provides ongoing support throughout high school and college as part of their Graduate Support Program. The school’s approach to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education is authentic and project-based. STEM was introduced in 2011 as a stand-alone class, but has grown into an interdisciplinary way of learning, teaching, and thinking.
By the numbers:
In 2021-22, 100 percent of Marian alumnae graduated high school, compared to 72% at local public schools.
100% of Marian’s graduating alum entered post-secondary education.
Nearly 70 Marian alumnae have obtained their college degrees, and 52 Marian Girls are flourishing in their career journeys at the region’s top employers.
More than 300 girls have graduated from Marian since its inception in 1999.
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About Marian Middle School
Marian Middle School is a Catholic school for girls that is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty through education. Founded in 1999 and located in the Tower Grove South neighborhood, they provide a life-altering experience for girls in grades 5-8 by focusing on each student’s spiritual, academic, social, moral, emotional, and physical development.
Eighty five percent of students face poverty and travel from up to 30 zip codes to become a Marian Girl. Students attend extended hours each school day and a longer academic year. The staff provides ongoing support to alumni through high school and post-secondary education to ensure career success. Over 300 girls have graduated from MMS with 100% of them entering post-secondary institutions.
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Media Contact:
Amanda Galloway | 314-598-0544 | amanda@amandacookpr.com