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.

May 14, 2021
Dear St. Mark Families,

This Sunday's Gospel is taken from the seventeenth chapter of John's Gospel. This chapter of John's Gospel comes at the conclusion of Jesus' farewell discourse delivered to the disciples at the Last Supper. This entire chapter is a prayer by Jesus, commending Himself to the Father and expressing His care and concern for His disciples. Several important themes appear in this prayer. One theme being how Jesus describes part of His mission in the language of protection. He has protected those who were given to Him by the Father. © Loyola Press Sunday Connection

During the next few weeks, our Class of 2021 students are preparing to move on from St. Mark School and into the next chapter of their lives. Five of those students have called St. Mark School "home" for 9 years. While it is a bittersweet time, we take comfort in John's Gospel that Jesus will protect our students, no matter where life takes them. Please keep the Class of 2021 in your prayers during this special and momentous time in their life.

As we continue on in this school year with the theme of gratitude, let us be grateful that God has protected our students, and ask for His continued blessings on our St. Mark School community.

I wish you all continued good health and God's blessings.

Yours in Christ,
Melissa Warner 

Please do not reply to this email. If you have questions, comments or concerns please email me directly.
From the Nurse's Office

Please note that though the CDC has relaxed mask-wearing guidelines for vaccinated individuals, the State of Connecticut Guidance has not changed, nor has St. Mark School's 2020-2021 Response to COVID-19 Reopening Plan.

The continued cooperation of our parents, students, and community members to continue to wear a face mask during morning drop off and afternoon pick up time while you are on parish/church grounds and until which time you are inside your vehicle or left the grounds is appreciated.

Click here for the latest State of Connecticut COVID-19 Guidance.
End of Year Assessments

Teachers and students in grades Kindergarten through Grade 8 are currently engaging in Spring DRA and Edmentum Diagnostic Assessments. These assessments have two specific purposes. First, teachers can use end-of-year assessments to measure student growth. Student growth indicates improvement and learning over time. Additionally, these assessments help teachers and administrators identify strengths and weaknesses within classroom instruction or curriculum implementation and alter each as necessary.

In March, students in grades 1 through 7 completed the Iowa or CogAT assessment, depending on grade level. These types of assessments measure student proficiency, or evidence students have met a specific educational standard by a certain point in time. Parents can expect IOWA/CogAT reports by end of this month via backpack mail. Mrs. Mannino will notify parents via email when to expect them.
St. Mark School's Outdoor Scholastic Book Fair continues through Thursday, May 20th. We are working hard to keep kids reading and raise funds in support of classroom libraries with our Spring Scholastic Book Fair. Our Fair will connect your children to notable books and inspiring characters — helping them become lifelong readers!

Click here to browse the Book Fair catalog, learn about convenient e-wallet payment (great for young shoppers), and shop online.

Online shopping is available through May 25th.
End of Year Dates

With the approval of the Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools, Office of the Superintendent, the last day of the 2020-2021 school year for Grades 1 through 7 will be Thursday, June 17th, 2021.

Early Dismissal Days in June:
  • Wednesday, June 16th, 11:25 Dismissal
  • Thursday, June 17th, 11:25 Dismissal

After School Program:
  • Tuesday, June 15th: Last Day of After School Program

Please mark your calendars for these end of year dates:
  • Friday, June 11th, Grade 8 Graduation, 7pm
  • Monday, June 14th, PK 4 Graduation, 10am
  • Tuesday, June 15th, Kindergarten Graduation, 10am
  • Tuesday, June 15th, PK3 last day of school
In the Classroom

Thursday, May 13th was Ascension Thursday, marking the ascent of Jesus Christ into heaven on the 40th day after His Resurrection. Students in grades K through 8 attended virtual Mass on this Holy Day of Obligation.
St. Mark School's traditional Grade 8 vs. Faculty Volleyball game was held outdoors on Friday. Fellow students and family cheered on their graduates and teachers. A fun time was had by all!
Recently, students in Grade 6 created an Ancient Greek Artifact as a culminating project-based History assessment. Students were tasked with creating their own Greek artifact such as a helmet, tablets with Greek writing, advertisement for the Olympics, their own Greek myth, creating a temple for a particular God, or creating missing pages of an epic poem.
The Power of Prayer

If you have a prayer intention, please submit your request to St. Mark School's prayer line by clicking here. Your intention will be remembered during our Afternoon Prayers and Announcements.
For Parish information, visit: https://www.saintmarkchurchstratford.org/

For important information and updates on COVID-19, visit the
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.

Visit our social media pages for updates on our school community.
  • Monday, May 17th-Friday, May 21st: Outdoor Book Fair

  • Friday, May 21st: Field Day

  • Tuesday, May 25th: National Junior Honor Society, Grades 6 through 8

  • Friday, May 28th: Field Day Rain Date

  • Monday, May 31st: No School, Memorial Day

  • Tuesday, June 1st-Friday, June 4th: Grade 8 Final Exams

  • Saturday, June 2nd: HSA Bottle and Can Drive, 10am-2pm
St. Mark School | 203-375-4291 | www.stmarkschool.org
500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, CT 06614
The secret to happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us everyday in His goodness.
Saint Gianna Beretta