In order to truly experience the unique environment of Mater Dei, students enrolled in grades 7 and 8 are invited to join us for a day of school! By shadowing a knight, which includes attending classes, enjoying lunch, touring the campus, and receiving a shirt, prospective students gain valuable insight into life at Mater Dei.
We hope you accept our invitation to enjoy a day with the Mater Dei family!
IN THE WORDS OF OUR STUDENTS
“For each of us, our shadow day was a key factor in our decision to attend Mater Dei! Throughout the day, in the classes and the halls, the faculty and the students made us feel welcome and comfortable. We also appreciated meeting one-on-one with Mrs. Zurliene after the tour to discuss our questions and concerns. We agree that when we left, we felt like we were already a part of the Mater Dei family!”
Lane Kohrmann (Germantown) and Kayden Barriger (St. Rose), Class of 2027
“Although I planned to attend Mater Dei, shadowing a knight was still beneficial! Experiencing a day in the life of Mater Dei calmed my nerves and erased my fears. I also felt a sense of belonging, which made me more confident in my ability to transition from grade school. I strongly recommend shadowing a knight!”
Avery Wuebbels (Albers), Class of 2025
SCHEDULING YOUR VISIT
To schedule a day to shadow a knight, please contact Assistant Principal Mrs. Maria Zurliene (618-526-7216 or mzurliene@materdeiknights.org).
Note that we do not schedule shadows on the following days during the 2023–2024 school year (due to no school, early dismissal, or semester exams): September 1 and 4; October 9, 13, and 27; November 10, 22, 23, and 24; December 18 through 31; January 1, 2, 3, 12, and 15; February 16 and 19; March 8, 11, 27, 28, and 29; April 1 and 26; and after May 10.
PLANNING FOR YOUR VISIT
Selection of a Knight You may shadow a knight of your choice or request the selection of a knight with similar interests.
Transportation You are welcome to arrange transportation to and/or from Mater Dei or to ride the applicable bus to and/or from Mater Dei. Students living outside the Central Community High School district are welcome to ride the Mater Dei bus that serves their area. We provide bus transportation to the following locations:
– east to Posey—Hoffmann—Centralia—Sandoval—Carlyle
– north to Highland
– west to O’Fallon—Lebanon—New Baden—Trenton
(The O’Fallon location is the park ‘n ride near I-64/Air Mobility Drive.)
Dress Code Our students wear polo shirts or sweatshirts with a Mater logo and black, khaki, or navy pants. Therefore, we kindly request that you do not wear jeans.
Schedule Our school day begins at 8:10 a.m. Please arrive at the main office at 8:00 a.m. to meet your knight. In addition to observing classes and enjoying lunch, you will receive a personal tour of our campus. Our school day ends at 2:50 p.m.
Lunch Lunch is on us! Our daily selection includes a “traditional” lunch that varies daily, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, nachos, salads, fruit, chips, dessert snacks, ice cream, milk, lemonade, soda, and water. (For chips, dessert snacks, and ice cream, please bring $2.) In addition, a microwave is available if you choose to bring your lunch.
Reading Material In case you observe a class during which our school-wide study hall occurs or in which students complete an assignment, quiz, or test, please bring assignments or a book or an electronic device with reading material.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information regarding the Shadow a Knight program, please contact Mrs. Maria Zurliene, Assistant Principal.
Mrs. Maria Zurliene, Assistant Principal
work: 618-526-7216, ext. 105
email: mzurliene@materdeiknights.org
