Welcome, Warriors!
From the Head of School
Welcome to our school family!
We are delighted to officially welcome you to St. Martin’s, a vibrant and nurturing community where children grow, learn, and thrive from preschool through 8th grade. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or transitioning from another school, we’re honored to be part of your child’s educational journey.
At SMES, we believe in the power of the preschool–8th grade model. This approach allows us to know and support each student as they grow—academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually—through every stage of childhood. By the time they reach 8th grade, our students are confident and well-prepared for high school and are compassionate leaders grounded in a strong sense of self and purpose.
Rooted in Episcopal values, our mission is centered on developing the whole child. That means nurturing curiosity, encouraging creativity, fostering resilience, and celebrating the unique gifts of every student. Our dedicated teachers and staff work hand-in-hand with families to create a joyful and inclusive environment where children feel seen, heard, and loved.
One of the hallmarks of our school is the strong sense of community you’ll feel from the moment you walk through our doors. Parents, students, teachers, and alumni come together in meaningful ways—from classroom moments and chapel gatherings to school-wide traditions and community service.
This booklet includes helpful information, including key dates and resources, to ease your transition and ensure you feel connected right from the start. Please take a moment to review everything, and don’t hesitate to reach out if questions arise.
Our Enrollment Office is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need help navigating the calendar, understanding uniforms, or connecting with other families, we’re just a phone call or email away.
Thank you for choosing St. Martin’s. We can’t wait to see all the ways your child will grow, shine, and lead in our community. We’re so glad you’re here!
Warmest regards,
Maria Croley Madden Head of School
KEY PHONE NUMBERS
Main School Phone Number
404-228-0719
School Nurse
404-228-0740
Explorers
404-421-7697
Business Office
404-228-0710
SCHOOL HOURS
8:10 a.m. School Starts (Carpool begins at 7:40 a.m.)
1:30 p.m. EC Dismissal
2:50 p.m. LS Dismissal
3:10 p.m. MS Dismissal
Late Start Wednesday 9 a.m.
Complimentary Explorers begins at 7:45 a.m. Carpool begins at 8:35 a.m.
EXPLORERS
Afternoon Explorers is available for Early Childhood through Middle School. Explorers offers flexible care with pick-up options until 6 p.m.
Important Contacts
DIVISION HEADS
LaToyia Hawkins Early Childhood Division Head lhawkins@stmartinschool.org
Lynne Perry Lower School Division Head lperry@stmartinschool.org
Kanette Fenstermacher Middle School Division Head kfenstermacher@stmartinschool.org
AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER CAMP
Mark McDaniel Director of Auxiliary Programs & Athletic Director mmcdaniel@stmartinschool.org
Jessica Wooldridge Assistant Director of Auxiliary Programs jwooldridge@stmartinschool.org
Morries Walker Director of Explorers (Extended Day) mwalker@stmartinschool.org
SCHOOL NURSES
Jenny Pasley School Nurse jpasley@stmartinschool.org
Amy Oligario School Nurse aoligario@stmartinschool.org
Important Contacts
BUSINESS OFFICE
Cheryl Doughty Director of Finance cdoughty@stmartinschool.org
Jewell Strong Controller jstrong@stmartinschool.org
TECHNOLOGY
Chris Nama Director of Technology cnama@ stmartinschool.org
STUDENT SUPPORT
Meadow Smith Director of Student Support msmith@stmartinschool.org
RELIGION TEAM
Father Brandon Duke School Chaplain bduke@stmartinschool.org
Taylor Pafford
Lower School Religion Teacher tpafford@stmartinschool.org
Ed White
Early Childhood Religion Teacher ewhite@stmartinschool.org
2026-2027 Key Dates
August 17-18 Mon - Tues
Orientation Days
August 19 Wed
First Day of School
September 7 Mon Labor Day Holiday (no school)
September 28 - Oct 2 Mon - Fri
ERB Testing (3rd-8th grade)
LS (Sept. 28-Oct. 1; makeup Oct. 2)
MS (Sept. 28-30; makeup Oct. 5)
October 1-2 Thurs - Fri
MS Retreats
October 9 - 13 Fri - Tues
Fall Holiday (no school)
October 13 Tues
SMES Faculty/Staff In-Service Day (no school for students)
October 23 Fri
Parent-Teacher Conference (no school)
November 20 Fri
HALF DAY - Early Dismissal
November 23-27 Mon-Fri
Thanksgiving Break (no school)
December 18 Fri
HALF DAY - Early Dismissal
December 21-January 4
Christmas Break (no school)
January 4 Mon
SMES Faculty/Staff In-Service Day (no school for students)
January 5 Tues Class Resumes
January 18 Mon
MLK Holiday (no school)
February 15 Mon
Presidents Day Holiday (no school)
March 1 - 5 Mon-Fri
Spring Break (no school)
March 19 Fri
Parent-Teacher Conference (no school)
March 25 - 29 Thurs-Mon
Easter Break (no school)
April 23 Fri
SMES Faculty/Staff In Service Day (no school for students)
May 3 - 7 Mon - Fri Middle School Class Trips
May 25 Tues
EC Last Day of School (Full Day)
May 26 Wed
LS/MS Last Day of School (Half Day)
May 26 Wed 8th Grade Graduation
The full school year calendar dates will be added to the online school calendar over the summer. Please refer to the online school calendar for the most current information. The school calendar can be found on the school website’s homepage (stmartinschool.org).
Summer Checklist
Your child’s first day at St. Martin’s will be here before you know it. Here are a few things you can do this summer in preparation for the first day of school:
o Visit the New Family Web Page. This page contains information on uniforms, books, and back-to-school updates. This web page will be updated regularly. Please check often for updates.
o Look out for a touch base with your Warrior Connect Circle. Families will be contacted in early summer.
o Monitor Your Email for a comprehensive Back to School communication in early July.
o Summer Work Required Grades 1 - 8: Reading lists and math packets will be posted on the New Family Web Page in early summer.
o Order uniforms from Flynn O’Hara. (Beginners through 8th grade) Uniform guidelines can be found on the New Family Web Page.
o Middle School Textbooks Textbooks for rising 5th8th grades will be available for ordering through MBS beginning in July.
o Fill out all St. Martin’s Forms. Please complete all forms prior to the first day of school. These will be found on the New Family Web Page, and will be shared in our July Back-to-School communication.
o Download SchoolPass. SchoolPass is an essential app for reporting absences, checking your child out early, and/or keeping track of your carpool number. Look for an email from the school with an invitation to join before school starts. Carpool numbers will be shared at orientation.
o Attend Back-to-School Orientation. Homeroom teacher assignments will be shared prior to orientation.
o Have an amazing summer! We look forward to a great school year ahead!
New Family Web Page
Flynn O’Hara
Sideline Sports School Store (Opens in July)
Get Connected
Warrior Connect Circles
New families will be placed in a Warrior Circle. Each “Circle” will be composed of current and new families. This program allows our new parents to have someone in our community to connect with during the summer to ask questions.
School Website
St. Martin’s website (stmartinschool.org) contains public information about school activities, events, and news.
MY SMES Parent Portal
In July, parents can log into their MY SMES portal to access helpful resources, including the school’s calendar, the school directory, carpool information, and the school resource board. The school website also hosts classroom pages, test calendars, and important information for students.
School Notifications
In July, visit the MY SMES portal and follow these directions to sign up and personalize the level of notifications you wish to receive from SMES:
• Click the dropdown menu under your name (on the top right of the page).
• Choose “Settings” and then select “Notifications” in the menu on the left.
• Make sure the box next to “Announcement Posted” is checked.
• Then, select “Edit Options” and make sure all the appropriate boxes are checked.
Weekly Warrior
The Weekly Warrior is an e-newsletter that is an excellent source of information about upcoming school events (e.g., nonuniform days, student concerts, programs for parents, etc.) and other important reminders (e.g., due dates, carpool changes, registration deadlines, etc.). Make sure to check your inbox every Sunday once the school year starts.
MY SMES
School Site
Get Connected
Download the SchoolPass App
The SMES carpool system, SchoolPass, further enhances student safety and security. Use SchoolPass to schedule late arrivals/ early dismissals, report absences, and notify the school of carpool changes.
Parent Badges
Parents will be provided a red lanyard and badge with their photo and name. Parents are requested to wear the lanyard while on campus throughout the school year. Over the summer, you will receive more information on how to receive your parent badge.
Follow
Giving Back
Like most independent schools, St. Martin’s relies on philanthropic support from our community, which is essential for sustaining and enhancing our exceptional programs while advancing our mission. Your generosity helps us achieve excellence and continue growing. We invite you to be a part of our journey!
During your time here, your family will be encouraged to support one or more of the following initiatives:
o The St. Martin’s Fund (SMF): Our annual giving campaign provides critical support for the annual operating budget. We strive for 100% parent participation! The higher the percentage of participation, the greater the school’s ability to obtain grants.
o Georgia GOAL: A state tax-credit program offering needbased tuition assistance by redirecting a portion of your state tax liability.
o Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): A powerhouse of parent volunteers that continue to enhance the experience at St. Martin’s by focusing on supporting our teachers and hosting community events throughout the year.
Lauren Sims Director of Advancement lsims@stmartinschool.org
In addition to your charitable contributions, there are plenty of ways for parents to get involved at SMES. Throughout the year, you will learn about volunteer opportunities.
A LOOK AT WHAT’S AHEAD AT ST. MARTIN’S
As you join the St. Martin’s community, you are arriving at a meaningful moment in our school’s story. Guided by our strategic plan, we are in the midst of Rooted. Ready. Rising., a comprehensive campaign focused on strengthening our people, programs and place.
At the center of this work is Warrior Hall, the heart of daily life on campus. This summer, we will begin a full transformation of this space, reimagining classrooms, corridors, art and science labs and the library to better support how our students learn, create and grow. When students return in the fall, they will step into a thoughtfully redesigned environment that fosters collaboration, creativity and connection across divisions.
Rooted. Ready. Rising. also includes the Faculty Excellence Fund, an investment in the people who make the St. Martin’s experience exceptional. This fund supports the recruitment, retention and continued growth of outstanding teachers.
Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to the future of St. Martin’s, ensuring that our spaces and our people continue to support each child’s growth and experience.
Warrior Speak
You will hear lots of new terminology here on campus. Check out this St. Martin’s cheat sheet “From A to (Almost) Z” to help you as you start your journey at SMES.
Atrium – located on the first floor of the Middle School building, the Atrium is used for meetings and events.
Back-to-School Night – a parents-only event at the beginning of the year where parents get important information about the year ahead and meet their child’s teachers; each division has its own Back-toSchool Night; parents with children in multiple divisions should attend the Backto-School Night for each of those divisions.
Christmas Service & Sing-a-Long – Students in K – 8th grade lead this annual school-wide Christmas celebration that parents are encouraged to attend.
Clap Out – a special tradition where 8th-grade parents, students, teachers, and staff applaud the graduating 8th-grade class as they prepare to leave St. Martin’s on their last day of school.
Commons – the Lower School & Middle School lunchroom; located in Warrior Hall near the gym.
Conference Day – a day is set aside for parent/teacher conferences; there is one conference day per semester, and students do not have school on conference day.
Cookies & Carols – a fun holiday tradition where kids enjoy carols, cookies, and a visit from Santa.
Daughters’ Dance – a PTO-sponsored spring dance for young ladies in Beginners through 8th grade and their fathers or special adult.
Division – St. Martin’s has three divisions: Early Childhood (Toddlers – Pre-K), Lower School (K – 4th grade), and Middle School (5th – 8th grade).
EC – a frequently used abbreviation for Early Childhood (Toddlers – Pre-K).
Enrichment – Enrichment classes offer students after-school opportunities to explore interests and are led by experienced instructors. A variety of class offerings are available throughout the year, including golf, tennis, science, and gymnastics. Enrichment classes are available as an add-on cost per class.
Warrior Speak
Explorers – The St. Martin’s Explorers extended-day program provides a safe, nurturing and fun environment after-school for students to play, enjoy a snack (or nap, if age-appropriate) and offers Lower and Middle School students a study hall. Fall Festival – This PTO-sponsored event is a family-favorite and has something for everyone (rides, games, food trucks, a cake walk, and more).
St. Martin’s Gala – a formal event held every other year at a local venue. The Gala is the PTO’s largest fundraiser of the year; it features a sit-down dinner, an open bar, music, and a live auction. This event will take place during the 2027-2028 school year.
Food for Thought Events – St. Martin’s Food for Thought events bring people together to discuss key community issues over a shared meal. Past topics have included belonging, mental health awareness, and neurodivergence in the classroom.
Green Space– also known as “the green field” or “the turf,” the green space is the field between Warrior Hall (the Lower School building) and the Middle School building.
Groovin’ on the Green – “Chastain-style” parent celebration with live music on campus. This adults-only event is our way of saying thank you for supporting the annual fund. This year’s date is Sept. 25, 2026. “Jupiter Coyote” will be featured at this year’s event—so save the date!
Late Start – Wednesday carpool starts at 8:35 a.m. instead of 7:40 a.m.; school starts at 9:00 a.m., not 8:10 a.m.
LS – a frequently used abbreviation for Lower School (Kindergarten – 4th grade).
MS – a frequently-used abbreviation for Middle School (5th grade - 8th grade).
PTO – the “Parent Teacher Organization” represents a partnership of volunteers who work tirelessly to support every member of the St. Martin’s community, uphold our school’s mission, and help ensure that all of our kids have the kind of school they deserve. All SMES parents are automatically members of the PTO.
Warrior Speak
SchoolPass – an app that SMES parents use to schedule/ report students’ late arrivals, departures, and/or absences; parents also use the app’s “Quick pin” feature to sign in when they visit the school.
SMES – a frequently-used abbreviation for St. Martin’s Episcopal School.
Sons’ Event – a PTO-sponsored event for SMES boys in Beginners through 8th grade and their moms or another special adult.
Spirit Day – a non-uniform day where students may wear a SMES shirt or shirt with SMES colors.
St. Martin’s Fund – the school’s highest giving priority and the most significant way the school covers costs that tuition cannot; all families are asked to contribute at a level comfortable for them; the higher the percentage of family participation, the better the school’s ability to obtain external grants. Families who make a gift or pledge by Sept. 25, 2026, are invited to attend Groovin’ on the Green.
Warrior Hall – the main building on the SMES campus, which is home to the Lower School, the gym, the commons, and administrative offices. Warrior Hall is the main check in point for parents and visitors when they visit the campus.
Warrior Run – a PTO-sponsored family-favorite event that includes an official Peachtree Road Race qualifying 5K, a fun run, and a post-race celebration. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, December 12, 2026.
Warrior Wings – a PTO-sponsored program that provides a meal gift card to members of the SMES community in times of need (e.g., the birth of a new baby, a death in the family, or a family medical emergency).
Weekly Warrior – a weekly electronic newsletter that contains important reminders from the school and includes PTO updates. The Weekly Warrior is sent each Sunday afternoon.
Winter Social – a more casual, themed party held on non-Gala years. This school year’s event is scheduled on Saturday, March 20, 2027 at Chastain Horse Park.