St. Mark School
A National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
St. Mark School is a Christ-centered learning environment that teaches Gospel values and fosters academic excellence. Aware of the dignity and uniqueness of all students, we are committed to the spiritual, intellectual, moral, social, and physical development of each child.

November 15, 2019
Dear St. Mark Families,
 
I'm happy to share with you that our St. Mark School Pre-K and Kindergarten Open House was a overwhelming success! Over 20 families visited our school and all were impressed with our welcoming community and what our school has to offer. I'd like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to everyone who made the day possible, including our St. Mark School Marketing Committee, our Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers, Mrs. Larracuente, Mrs. Arena, and Mrs. Dudzinski, our Parent and Student Ambassadors, and School Advisory Board Members for taking the time to share what makes our school community special with perspective new families.
Colorful and inspirational finishing touches have been added to the Innovation Zone. LEGO building tables and walls, STEM construction engineering building block sets, and shelving units have been added to display student created work.
St. Mark School was named the 2019 winner of the Macaroni Kid-sponsored Act of Kindness Week Social Media Contest. In recognition of our students' efforts, St. Mark School was awarded $300, to be donated to a charity of our choice-Foundations in Education in support of strengthening Catholic Education.
Weather Related Emergency Alert System

Saint Mark School's weather related emergency alert system was tested on Friday, November 8th. If you did not receive a call, text, or email on Friday, please contact the main office to update your contact information.
Lawn Signs
We are collecting all Open House lawn signs! Please return signs to the main office and exchange it for a smaller, Saint Mark School sign to show your school pride!
St. Mark Church Craft Fair
The parish Christmas craft fair will be Saturday, November 16 from 10:00 am- 3:00 pm in the Parish Center. There will be a wide variety of items available for purchase including: wreaths, pebble art, handmade jewelry, soaps, lotions, handmade ornaments, hair bows and headbands-perfect for school age girls, and much, more. Mrs Claus will be there (between 10am and 11am) and if Santa isn't too busy he may pop in also!
Please visit our school website regularly at www.stmarkschool.org . Important school updates including copies of notices, newsletters, HSA links, and school calendars can all be accessed on the website. You can even see updates from our Facebook Page!
Important Reminder:

It has been brought to my attention that CCD facilitators and member of our evening cleaning crew are being asked to unlock classroom doors after hours. Under direction from the Diocese and the Parish, all classroom and building doors are to be closed and locked. Unfortunately, once classroom doors are closed for the evening, please do not ask anyone to reopen them. I appreciate your understanding of this policy.
Parents of Students in Grades 5-8:

Please be advised that while the temperatures have dropped, I still encourage the faculty to take their class outdoors for recess, when the temperature is above freezing (32 degrees). Please ensure that your child comes to school with proper winter attire to ensure they have an opportunity to participate in outdoor recess with their peers.
Dates-at-a-Glance

November 15: Grades 7 & 8 Dance

November 21: Dress Down Day, $1

November 27: 11:25 Dismissal, No After School Program

November 28: Happy Thanksgiving

November 29: No School

December 2: Father's Club Meeting

December 3: Paradise Pizza Night

December 5: Science Fair Awards

December 6: First Friday Mass

December 7: Bottle and Can Drive

St. Mark School | 203-375-4291 |  www.stmarkschool.org
500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, CT 06614
"An education in the fullness of humanity should be the defining feature of Catholic Schools."

Pope Francis