Dear St. Mark Families,

It is hard to believe that the summer is winding down and we are back to school tomorrow. As partners in your child’s education, let us work together and support one another. 

I want to remind everyone of my open communication policy.  If at any time you have questions or concerns and need to speak with me, please send me an email, call the office or schedule an appointment. Please read the following information carefully and thoroughly to ensure a successful first day for all our students and families.

As a reminder, hot lunch orders for the month of September are due tomorrow.  Late forms will not be accepted.

I look forward to opening the doors of St. Mark School to our students and families tomorrow morning!

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

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Warner 

First Day of School

Grades K through 8

Thursday, September 1, 2022

All K-8 parents are welcome in the gym at 7:45A as we start the new school year. 

• We will welcome the St. Mark Class of 2023 and pray together as a school community.
• Parents are required to enter at the Parish Center (gym) doors. 
• Students should enter at their designated drop off locations.
• Parents will be asked to promptly leave the gym at the conclusion of morning prayer and pledge so that we can transition our students to the classrooms.

First Week of School

Grades K through 8

Thursday, September 1st -- Dismissal at 11:25, regular fall uniform

Friday, September 2nd -- Dismissal at 11:25, regular fall uniform (not Gym uniform). Grades 1 through 8 will be attending 8am Mass. All families are welcome to attend Mass with us.

Monday, September 5th -- NO SCHOOL, Labor Day

Tuesday, September 6th -- First Full Day, please pack a lunch if you did not order hot lunch.

First Week of School

Little Lions Preschool

Preschool 3’s Orientation: Thursday, September 1st 9:00-10:00 am 

Parents are requested to attend. 

Preschool 4’s Orientation: Friday, September 2nd 9:00-10:00 am

Parents are requested to attend. 

Tuesday, September 6th -- First Full Day of Preschool (for those that attend PK on Tuesdays) Please pack a lunch if you did not order hot lunch.

School Nurse

We were informed late yesterday that the Stratford Board of Education is standing by its decision to reduce our School Nurse to a Part-Time position. Click here to read the communication from the Stratford Board of Education.  I will be meeting with the Director of Pupil Services, Heather Borges, and Head Nurse, Kim Velazquez, to construct a transition plan to ensure protocols and best practices are in place for the protection and safety of our St. Mark students. Furthermore, Nurse Frate will be at St. Mark School during school hours this Thursday, September 1st and Friday, September 2nd.  Once we have a set schedule and protocols in place, I will share it with our school community.  Meanwhile, the St. Mark School Advisory Board will continue to explore any and all options to further pursue this matter.

Morning Drop Off Procedures

As a reminder, we ask that the follow protocols be followed by our school community for the safety of our students:

• Parents utilizing the Drop and Go Car Line are to enter using the driveway adjacent to the Blessed Mother Statue.

• Parents utilizing Parish Center entrance for Preschool and Goodbye Zone are to enter using the driveway across the street from the farm.

• Doors will close promptly at 7:45am in order for classes to be on time for 8am daily Mass (beginning Friday, September 2nd).

• The Nemergut Drive entrance (chain-link fence) is EXIT ONLY during arrival and dismissal times.

Please note: If someone other than yourself is dropping off, please relay this important information.

From the Nurse's Office

As we begin a new school year, I would like to remind families to be cognizant of the health of your child. Most importantly, please keep your child home if they feel sick or have any COVID symptoms. 

We will continue quarantine/isolation guidance for those individuals who test positive or are not feeling well and are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Please see the chart below for this information and click here to read the guidance in its entirety. Please note that if an individual tests positive for COVID-19 they may return on day 6 as noted below. The individual will need to wear a mask for days 6-10 upon return to school.

Staff Announcements 

St. Mark School is excited to announce that our Lower School Innovation Teacher will be Ms. Sarah Carrano.  In addition to teaching Innovation, Ms. Sarah will continue to teach Art teacher as well as remain the After School Director. Ms. Sarah attended Central Connecticut State University where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design. She continued on to Southern Connecticut State University where she obtained her teaching certification. Ms. Sarah is looking forward to helping her students find new ways to explore their creative outlets. When not at St. Mark, Ms. Sarah enjoys puzzles, fitness and spending time with her dog Tucker.

St. Mark School is pleased to welcome our new Pre-K 4 Aide, Dara DeSalvo. She lives in Shelton with her husband (Chris), 5 year old son (Aiden), and 3 year old chocolate lab (Brody); as you can imagine, life is pretty exciting in her house!  Before staying home to care for Aiden, she worked in the jewelry industry for 22 years.  Mrs. DeSalvo is thrilled to be joining the St. Mark community, where she looks forward to supporting our students and watching them grow, while being in an environment that encourages the same Christian values that she was raised with and still holds close.

Though I am unable to make an unofficial announcement at this time, I have hired strong candidates for the following positions: 

• Music
• Preschool 3 Aide 
• Preschool 4 Aide

I am working with HR to move the hiring process along and barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will announce the names of the candidates as soon as I am allowed to do so. 

Parish News

• Thursday, September 1st: Early Dismissal, 11:25A

• Thursday, September 1st: PK3 Orientation, 9A-10A

• Friday, September 2nd: Early Dismissal, 11:25A

• Friday, September 2nd: 8A Mass, Grades 1 through 8, all families welcome to attend Mass with us.

• Friday, September 2nd: PK4 Orientation, 9A-10A

• Monday, September 5th: No School, Labor Day

• Tuesday, September 6th: 1st Full Day of School, PK-8

• Tuesday, September 6th: After School Program begins

• Friday, September 9th: Confirmation, Grade 8

• Tuesday, September 13th: Meet the Teacher Night, Grades K-4

• Thursday, September 15th: Meet the Teacher Night, Grades 5-8

• Thursday, September 15th: HSA Dress Down Day, $1

• Wednesday, September 21st: HSA Snack Shop, $1