2025-2026 Back to School Information

Back to School Information for the 2025-2026 school year is now available. Please see the links below for everything you need to know about coming back to school.

This year's theme is Forward in Vision, Rooted in Tradition. We wish everyone a very successful and happy school year.

We are very excited to see you on campus for the first of our return to school events: MD Days (Saturday August 2 - Wednesday, August 6.)

Please use the below timelines for grade level return to school events.

Parent-Student Handbook: Action Required by 8/17/25

The information you will find in the Mater Dei Parent/Student Handbook serves as a guideline for you in dealing with the policies and procedures of Mater Dei High School.

CLICK HERE to access this year's handbook.

For parents, this book gives you helpful information regarding attendance, academics, discipline, parent organizations, and counseling. For students, this handbook outlines important guidelines in areas of academics, attendance, dress code and discipline, student regulations, student organizations, and counseling. Please take time to read and review this year’s Parent/Student Handbook. We believe that the information provided in the handbook gives us all the opportunity to work together cooperatively on a daily basis as we strive to provide the best in an excellent, holistic, Catholic education for you, our MDHS students and parents.

ACTION REQUIRED: A parent/guardian must complete the Parent Student Handbook Acknowledgement Form in ParentSquare no later than Sunday, August 17, 2025. The acknowledgement form was emailed to all families in our Back to School message via ParentSquare. Note: The parent/guardian signing must sign the form digitally exactly as their name appears in Aeries. You will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your completed form copy for your records. Thank you for your attention to this important action item to start the school year.

Data Confirmation in Aeries: Action Required by 8/17/25 (for school updates and emergency communication)

Accurate and up-to-date contact information is critical not only for emergency communication, but also for the daily operations of our school. Data Confirmation will be enabled in your Aeries portal from Monday, July 28 through Friday, August 8, 2025. During this time, you will need to confirm the following data in order to have full access to the portal:

Parent/guardian contact information: mobile number(s), email addresses, home address, check that ALL emergency contacts up-to-date and accurate
Student contact information: student mobile number, their email address is their MD email – no need to update

During this time, we also recommend that you:

Download the ParentSquare App (login with your Aeries credentials)
Set your preferred language
Program your desired notification settings*
*Note: In the event of an emergency, ALL families are notified. Families can opt to receive non-emergency messages via text, the ParentSquare app, email or all three in an immediate or digest format.

Thank you for your cooperation in completing this important step.

MD Days

Monarch Distribution Days (MD Days) are students’ opportunity to purchase physical textbooks, receive their school IDs, and pickup their iPad in preparation for the start of school. An appointment is required for all students who will attend MD Days. Parents/guardians are encouraged, but not required, to attend MD Days with their student(s).

MD Days will take place:

Saturday, August 2 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, August 4 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, August 5 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, August 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CLICK HERE for more information about MD Days.

Back to School Pictures (taken during MD Days)

Pictures are taken by Lauren Studios for student ID cards and for the yearbook. See below for dress code:

GIRLS

Uniform skirt no shorter than mid-thigh, or uniform pants with MD logo.
White 3/4 sleeve shirt or white short sleeved oxford shirt
Sweater (vest or cardigan) - optional. In school colors red or gray (NO sweatshirts) and must have Mater Dei logo on front left-hand side of garment (available from Vicki Marsha).
Dress flat shoes or tennis shoes in good repair.
Earrings may be worn in the earlobe only; no facial piercings, (i.e. lip, nose, tongue, etc.) may be worn.
Hair must be properly groomed, clean, neat, and professional in appearance, and must be a natural hair color. Exaggerated or extreme styles, non-natural colors, or hair that hangs in the face distract from the educational experience and are not permitted.
Extreme, two-toned hair color is never permitted.
Make-up, if worn, must be in good taste.

BOYS

Khaki pants/shorts with Mater Dei logo.
Dress shirt – white long sleeved or white short sleeved oxford shirt.
Christian decent tie or bow tie.
Sweater (vest or cardigan) - optional. In school colors red or gray (NO sweatshirts) and must have Mater Dei logo on front left-hand side of garment (available from Vicki Marsha).
Dress shoes or tennis shoes in good repair.
All male students must always be clean-shaven.
Sideburns man not extend below the ear or be flared.
Hair must be groomed out of the eyes, clean, neat, and professional in appearance, and must be a natural hair color. Exaggerated or extreme styles, non-natural colors, or hair that hangs in the face, or scalp/hair designs distract from the educational experience and are not permitted.
Extreme, two-toned hair color is never permitted.
Earrings are never permitted.

CLICK HERE for photo ordering information.

Monarch Connection (Freshmen Only)

WHAT IS MONARCH CONNECTION?

Monarch Connection is an onboarding program for Freshmen students designed to help our 9th graders feel welcomed to Mater Dei. We will be connecting them with Connection Leaders, who are positive, responsible, hand-selected 11th and 12th graders. Connection Leaders will help them feel more comfortable as well as help them achieve success in their first year.

Tuesday, August 12, 2025
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Heisman Lane

CLICK HERE to get more information and RSVP for this fun and exciting event!

As a reminder this event is a required event and attendance will be taken.

Traditions Week

Traditions Week includes designated time to spend with our classes and frame the beginning of school with learning, understanding, and reconnecting with what it means to be a Monarchs!

What to Wear: Monarch Professional Dress
What to Bring: iPad and ID
Where do I go: Homeroom Classroom

**This is a Required Event and Attendance will be taken.**

8/13: Freshmen Traditions (8:00am-11:00am)
8/14: Sophomore Traditions (8:00am-11:00am)
8/14: Junior Traditions (12:00pm-3:00pm)
8/15: Senior Traditions (8:00am-12:00pm)

Opening Mass: MDHS Celebrates 75 Years of "Forward in Vision, Rooted in Tradition"

Bell Schedule and Online Master Calendar

The bell schedule and order of blocks (classes) is listed on the online master calendar for every school day of the year.

CLICK HERE for the 2025-2026 Bell Schedule.

CLICK HERE for the August 2025 Block Schedule.

CLICK HERE for a helpful resource on how to navigate the school calendar, sort, subscribe, and print a monthly view (like the August 2025 resource provided above).

Should there ever be a schedule or date change, we will communicate that to all families in advance.

Important Dates Calendar

CLICK HERE for the 2025-2026 Important Dates Calendar.

This was updated to include three FLEX DAYS:

10/31/2025
3/9/2026
5/8/2026

What is a FLEX day?

It is an open time for students to come and work with teachers – like an extended Office Hour.
It is not a mandatory day for students, but a way for them to take advantage of having time to complete work, make up work, get additional help, etc.
Communication and reminders will be sent to all parents and students via ParentSquare in advance of each coming FLEX Day.

Uniforms and Dress Code

Mater Dei High School believes that a student's appearance has an impact on his or her attitude and behavior at school. Respect for the school community, for the students themselves and for what the school is giving the students is manifested by an attitude of "dressing up" rather than "dressing down" for school. The dress code is also designed to help students develop a sense of modesty and decorum. It should educate them in what is appropriate dress for the proper time and place.

As a sign of mutual respect, as one way of creating an environment of excellence, and of providing an opportunity for the individual student to make a personal commitment to what the school is about, the following dress code has been developed and updated.

Mater Dei High School students are to purchase their uniforms through the Vicki Marsha Uniform Company (VMU). You may visit VMU’s store or if you know your sizes, place your order online or by phone.

The uniform and dress code policies are explained in detail in the Parent-Student Handbook beginning on page 47 section 900.

iPad Program

Mater Dei provides each student and teaching faculty member with an Apple iPad, a device that enhances our students’ learning and overall educational experience and prepares them for college and beyond. The iPad is integrated into all aspects of school, from the core academic classes to performing and visual arts, as well as our many other extracurricular programs. The iPad comes equipped with a keyboard case, giving it the capacity of a laptop with the mobility of a cell phone. It is the most versatile tool for the classroom, which allows teachers to provide dynamic, engaging lessons on a daily basis. Mater Dei remains committed to providing its students with the best education possible, equipping them with the knowledge and tools they will need both now and in the future.

CLICK HERE to visit the iPad page.

Immunizations

All students must meet California State Immunization requirements before admission to Mater Dei. Students who have not met these requirements will not be allowed to attend classes until they are up to date or on a schedule to receive the required immunizations for K-12 schools. Immunization records should be provided during the admissions and registration process or sent to the school nurse at [email protected].
CLICK HERE for more information.

Communications: ParentSquare

Mater Dei High School uses ParentSquare for school communication, primarily with email, text and app notifications. ParentSquare automatically generates an account for each parent, using their preferred email address and phone number. We encourage parents to access their accounts so they can download the mobile app and update their preferences on when and how they are notified. We promise to only send you information related to Mater Dei High School.

CLICK HERE to learn how to stay in the know!

Student Parking Structure Application

Entry & Exit Procedures for Student Drop Off/Pick Up

The Monarch Way Parking Lot is a busy place before and after school. Our dedicated team of School Safety Officers is here ensuring a safe arrival on campus for our students, faculty/staff, parents, and visitors.

Drivers dropping off students should follow the School Safety Officers’ directions. School Safety officers will direct traffic to the designated drop off zones located near the front gates of the school and along the west curb line of the parking lot.

CLICK HERE for a detailed map and procedures for the Monarch Way Lot.

Campus Resources: Before and After School

Mater Dei is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students, faculty, and staff. One of the key aspects of our comprehensive security measures is our 24/7 campus security. Our dedicated team of trained security personnel ensures that the campus is monitored around the clock, fostering a secure atmosphere for learning and growth. Whether it's early morning or late in the afternoon, students have a safe and productive environment to pursue their academic and personal interests.

In addition to round-the-clock security, we offer a range of resources to support students before and after school. These include supervised study areas, extracurricular activities, and access to academic support services:

Campus Resource	Hours
LeVecke Center and Shamrock Plaza Seating and Breakfast by Sodexo Food Services (cash or campus card)	7 to 9 a.m.
Campus Store (light snacks, drinks, school supplies, and MD merchandise (cash, ApplePay, or credit card payments accepted)	8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Counseling Office	7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Library (Tech Hub/Support)	7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
After School Snacks in LeVecke Center	15 minutes after school daily
Academic Assistance Program (AAP) - more information to follow in the coming weeks	Wednesdays after school from 3 to 4 p.m.
Office Hours	Mondays from 2:30 - 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 2:20 to 3 p.m.

Prepaid Meals via Your Student's School ID

Mater Dei partners with School Café to offer parents the ability to prepare for their child's meals online. Once their account is funded, students will be able to use their MDHS ID card to make food purchases in the LeVecke Center during breakfast, lunch, or after school in a safe, secure, and convenient way. With School Café, parents can quickly and easily add funds to their student’s meal account online using checking, savings, and credit/debit. You can also review recent purchases, view your student’s current balance, and receive low balance alerts. This program is very similar to pre-paid account programs offered by many colleges and universities across the nation.

Returning Monarchs with an existing School Café account can continue using their account with their 25-26 MDHS ID card to purchase breakfast or lunch in the LeVecke Center/Shamrock Plaza.
New Monarchs will need to have their Mater Dei student ID and School Café account set up. If your student wishes to purchase lunch and does not yet not have their ID card yet, please make sure they have cash for lunch for the first week of school.

CLICK HERE for more information.

75 Years of Mater Dei High School

Mater Dei’s 75th anniversary milestone is more than a testament to our longevity—it’s a celebration of seven and a half decades of faith in action, innovation, and community.

In 1950, 150 families took a leap of faith that a brand-new Catholic high school nestled between dairy farms and cabbage fields in the center of Orange County would become a home for their children. Since then, we have grown from a small parish initiative (under what was then the Archdiocese of Los Angeles) into a thriving educational epicenter known for faith formation, academic excellence, artistic achievement, and athletic distinction.

In a world where many Catholic schools struggle or close, Mater Dei is not only existing, we’re thriving. Through it all, we remain firmly grounded in our mission and our core principles of HONOR, GLORY and LOVE, inspired by our Patroness, Mary, Mater Dei, just as those first Monarchs were back in 1950.

During the 2025-2026 school year, we will be celebrating our school and our incredible community ALL YEAR LONG. We cannot wait to welcome you back to campus and have you take part in the all the the3 fun we have in store for you.

CLICK HERE for more detailed information and our calendar of events!