Parents

2026-27 Student Handbook

Parking Permit Application

Buses depart 10 minutes after the end of the school day on early dismissal days. For example, on 2 p.m. dismissals, the shuttles depart at 2:10. You can read more about our transportation policies here.

To report an absence or early dismissal, contact the Attendance Office at 240-764-2230 or by email at attendance@dematha.org. The office also offers ties and blazers for the day if one is needed.

Lost items can be found at two points on campus: the Attendance Office and the Convocation Center (outside of the athletic training room). If any items are found on campus, please take them to one of these locations.

Athletic events are announced regularly in the weekly Antler Points that goes out to all students and parents. Ticket purchases vary from game to game, so please check your weekly newsletter for information. You can also find schedules for sports teams here.

Any questions regarding schedule can be found on your Veracross calendar. You can also view our school calendar here, but please note that your Veracross calendar will be the most up-to-date.

Lead in Drinking Water – Public and Nonpublic Schools

Updated in response to legislation effective as of June 1, 2021

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  ELEVATED LEAD WATER SAMPLE RESULT(S)

[DeMatha Catholic High School]

ELEVATED LEAD WATER SAMPLE RESULT(S)

All Maryland public and nonpublic schools are required to sample all drinking water outlets for the presence of lead pursuant to the Code of Maryland Regulations. On March 31, 2022, 73 lead water samples were collected from DeMatha Catholic High School. Of these lead water samples, 1 had levels of lead exceeding the State’s revised action level of 5 parts per billion (ppb) (formerly 20 ppb; 5 ppb effective June 1, 2021) for lead in drinking water in school buildings. The elevated lead results from the sample(s) collected at DeMatha Catholic High School were as follows: 

6.5 parts per billion (ppb) for a laboratory sink located in room 104 that is not a supply of drinking water.

ACTION LEVEL (AL)

Effective June 1, 2021, the State’s AL for lead in drinking water samples collected from outlets in school buildings has been lowered to 5 ppb. The AL is the concentration of lead which, if exceeded, triggers required remediation of drinking water outlets.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF LEAD

Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women. Lead is stored in the bones and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the fetus receives lead from the mother’s bones, which may affect brain development. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. 

SOURCES OF HUMAN EXPOSURE TO LEAD

There are many different sources of human exposure to lead. These sources include: lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dust or soil, some plumbing materials, certain types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, food, and cosmetics, exposure in the workplace and exposure from certain hobbies, brass faucets, fittings, and valves. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 10 to 20 percent of a person’s potential exposure to lead may come from drinking water, while for an infant consuming formula mixed with lead-containing water this may increase to 40 to 60 percent.

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS TAKEN

Signage was placed at the sink indicating not for drinking.

NEXT STEPS

A filter has been placed on this outlet to mitigate lead levels.

TO REDUCE EXPOSURE TO LEAD IN DRINKING WATER:

1. Run your water to flush out lead: If water hasn’t been used for several hours, run water for 15 to 30 seconds or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking.
2. Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula: Lead from the plumbing dissolves more easily into hot water.

Please note that boiling the water will not reduce lead levels.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/lead. If you are concerned about exposure; contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead.

Note: 

All drinking water outlets and food preparation outlets met the AL standards for lead and have been determined safe for drinking/consumption.

Laboratory test results can be found here: Read Test Results.