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.

February 23, 2020
Dear St. Mark Families,
 
Love is the most important thing a family can share with one another and the same is true in God’s family. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tried to teach his disciples how to love others beyond those who are closest to them. Jesus tells them to love even their enemies. As members of God’s family, we are called to do the same thing.

As Catholic School educators, we share our love by partnering with our school families to guide, nurture, and educate your children; not only in academics, but in faith development, morality, and service. Together, we share the love of Catholic Education.

Yours in Christ,
Melissa Warner
Read Across America

St. Mark School is proud to announce our participation in the National Education Association (NEA) Read Across America Campaign with a week long celebration of reading! Our celebration kicks off on Monday, March 2nd, in honor of Dr. Seuss' (Theodore Giesel) birthday and continues through Friday, March 6th.

Monday, March 2nd: Dr. Seuss Themed Dress Down Day
Calling Thing 1, Thing 2, Horton and the Who's! Students have the option of participating in a free dress down day, in honor of Dr. Seuss. Dr. Seuss themed attire is necessary to participate in the dress down, as are the following guidelines:
  • wigs are acceptable
  • face paint and hair dye/color is not permitted
  • proper sneakers/shoes are required, no slippers

Tuesday, March 3rd:
  • Grades 6 & 7 will travel to Stratford Library and visit their U-Create Makerspace
  • PK-8 Assembly: NED's Mindset Mission

Wednesday, March 4th:
  • Buddy Read-to-Me Day

Thursday, March 5th:
  • Grade 8 will travel to Stratford Library and visit their U-Create Makerspace
  • PK-8 Movie: Horton Hears A Who!

Friday, March 6th:
  • Mystery Readers

Our faculty and staff may also have a few surprises planned for our students! We are looking forward to a fun and exciting event that motivates kids to read and bring the joys of reading to students of all ages.

For more information about how to generate excitement for reading in your family, or a list of recommended diverse children’s books, visit  www.readacrossamerica.org .
Math: Hands on Learning

Last week, Grade 1 students explored symmetry through hands on learning activities. Students made symmetrical shapes by folding and cutting paper on the line of symmetry. By doing so, the children are making unique works of art and learning to identify what is symmetrical.
Innovation in the Classroom

After reading, discussing, and analyzing the The Best Part of Me by Wendy Ewald, second grade students brainstormed their favorite part of themselves and their reasons behind their choice. Students worked through the writing process by drafting, editing, and publishing a final piece. The students' published pieces are currently hanging on the Second Grade bulletin board. Along with the published piece and a photo of the best part of themselves is a QR code that contains a video of the student describing the best part of themselves.

SHU Basketball Night Fundraiser

Join St. Mark School Father's Club at Sacred Heart University Basketball Night! Tickets are available until Wednesday, February 26th. Click here to download the flyer.
Calling All Realtors!

As you know, St. Mark School is tucked away in North Stratford, amidst a neighborhood of homes. We know our Blue Ribbon School is one of Sratford's Best Kept Secrets - but it's time to get the word out to prospective families moving into the area! Therefore, the Marketing Committee is planning a Realtors' Open House in March/April. If you are a real estate agent in the Stratford area, or know someone who is, please email mwarner@stmarkschool.org , to receive more information.
2019-2020 Annual Fund Update

The Annual Fund is St. Mark School’s largest fundraiser and the proceeds go directly toward supporting the operating costs of the school. 

As the renovation to Innovation Zone is complete and there are no current capital improvement projects planned for this year, St. Mark School will not be holding a Strive for 25 Fundraiser. In lieu of that, I ask that families who participated in the Strive for 25 last year, consider participating in the annual fund this year instead.

We are profoundly grateful for our faculty, grandparents, current parents and School Advisory Board who give so generously to St. Mark School Annual Fund. Your generosity allows us to grow and thrive and breathes life into our mission. Whether you are an annual giver or are considering giving for the first time, ­­­­­your gift to the Annual Fund is an investment in Catholic education. Thank you!

To help us reach our goal of raising $12,000 for this year's annual fund, please click  here  to visit our school website and give online.

Gifts to St. Mark School are tax deductible to the extent provide by law and are eligible for matched giving.

Percent of Annual Fund Participation

Grade
Grade 8 - 25%
Grade 7 - 14%
Grade 6 - 5%
Grade 5 - 14%
Grade 4 - 11%
Grade 3 - 8%
Grade 2 - 2%
Grade 1 - 8%
Grade K - 5%
Grade PK - 8%

Constituents
School Advisory Board - 100%
Faculty/Staff - 81%
Current Parents - 19%
Grandparents - 7%

The Annual Fund makes a difference in the lives of our students. It's not the size of the gift that matters, it's your participation. Thank you!
Reporting Students Absent

To report your child absent, please contact the school by calling the main office at (203) 375-4291 or email cmannino@stmarkschool.org. Please leave a detailed message indicating why your child is absent from school, including reasons of illnesses.

After 3 consecutive days absent due to illness, a doctor's note is required upon returning to school.

Please contact Nurse Wendy Frate at (203) 375-4291 or fratew@stratk12.org with any questions.
Bishop's Scholarship Fund

Bishop’s Scholarship Fund (BSF) provides tuition assistance to help families afford a Catholic Education. 

Applications are now being accepted!   

All families with students in next year's grades Kindergarten-Grade 8 are eligible to apply.

Consideration may be given to families with multiple elementary school-aged children.

Families apply online via FACTS Grant & Aid, making certain to complete all questions regarding BSF, submit supporting documentation and the $30 FACTS processing fee.

Application requires the entire 2018 IRS Federal tax return along with 2019 W2s. If applicants do not receive W-2s, then they must submit 2019 tax return. 
  • Deadline to apply - March 15 for current families; April 15 for new families 
  • Award notifications - Early May for current families; Late May for new families 


Please call Mrs. Evelyn Lesko, bookkeeper, at (203) 375-4291, should you have questions about applying for Bishop's Scholarship Fund or to set up an appointment for assistance.
Children's Educational Opportunity Foundation of Connecticut, Inc.

Since 1995, Children's Educational Opportunity Foundation of Connecticut, Inc. (CEO), has been awarding scholarship monies to families residing in Bridgeport, Hartford, East Hartford, and New Haven who strive to have equal access to quality education for their children.

CEO will provide half of the annual tuition – up to a maximum of $2,100 per academic year.
Guidelines:
 
  • Students must reside in Bridgeport, Hartford, East Hartford or New Haven and live in the home of the applicant parent or guardian.
 
  • Students may enter CEO between grades K-5.
 
  • Renewing students may be supported through grade 8.
 
  • Families may choose any accredited private or parochial school in Connecticut.

Online applications will be available on www.ceoct.org beginning on March 2, 2020 for the 2020-2021 school year!

Please call Mrs. Evelyn Lesko, bookkeeper, at (203) 375-4291, should you have questions about applying for CEO scholarship monies or to set up an appointment for assistance.
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.

Please also visit our social media pages for updates on our school community.
Dates: At A Glance
February 26th: Ash Wednesday, 8am Mass grades K-8

February 29th: Father's Club SHU Basketball Night, 3:30pm

March 2nd: Father's Club meeting, Paradise Pizza, 8pm

March 7th: Bottle and Can Drive, 10am-2pm

March 11th: Early Dismissal, 11:25 No Lunch Served

March 13th: First Penance, Grade 2

March 17th: St. Patrick's Day Parade, Grades 4-8

March 19th: Dress Down Day, $1

March 20th: Family Bingo Night

March 26th: Snack Shop
St. Mark School | 203-375-4291 |  www.stmarkschool.org
500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, CT 06614
You don’t love in your enemies what they are, but what you would have them become by your prayers.
Saint Augustine