St. Mark School

A 2009 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 20, 2022

Dear St. Mark Families,


This Sunday's Gospel comes from Jesus' long farewell discourse at the Last Supper and sums up the themes of the opening of the discourse: the Christian's life is not shaped by Jesus' absence but by God's abiding presence; God's presence overcomes anxiety about God's absence; and the present holds in it the seeds of a fresh future shaped by love, not fear.


These verses also contain a glimpse of some of the other themes of the farewell discourse: Jesus' relationship with the Father and the disciples' relationship to Jesus connect the disciples to the Father as well. Jesus promises to send an Advocate or intercessor who will remind the disciples of everything that Jesus taught them and bring them peace.


As our celebration of the Easter season is coming to an end, the liturgy reminds us that Jesus remains with us through the Holy Spirit, who teaches us everything we need to know, reminds us of all that Jesus taught, and brings us peace.  © Loyola Press Sunday Connection


This week, I invite our school community to join our K-8 students in the celebration of Mass at 8am on Thursday, May 26th, the Ascension of Our Lord.


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


Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Warner 


Please do not reply to this email. If you ever have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at any time.

Teacher Communication


As partners in your child's Catholic education, communication between home and school is vital to your child's success.  However, we appreciate your understanding that a teacher's responsibility and focus during school hours is engaging with students and delivering instruction. Please understand that emails will be responded to on a prep period (dependent on grade level/class/day) or after school until 4pm.

 

If at any time you need an immediate response to your inquiry, please contact Mrs. Mannino at cmannino@stmarkschool.org.

Music Teacher Candidates 

St. Mark School is looking for a qualified music teacher for Preschool-Grade 8. If you know someone who may be interested in a part-time position, please ask them to email their resume to mwarner@stmarkschool.org

AMEN Team Update


Many classes for the 2022-2023 school year are full and have wait lists. If you have not registered your child for the fall, please be advised that your child’s seat will be released if your registration is not complete and received by May 20, 2022. 


Please note: a complete registration includes: completed registration form, registration fee and tuition agreement. 

St. Thomas Aquinas Honoree


Join me in congratulating Francesca Pagano, Class of 2022, recipient of the St. Thomas Aquinas Award.


Every year, each Diocesan elementary and High School is asked to nominate a student in the Grade 8 class who has shown excellence in academics, and who exemplifies the Gospel Values we are called to in our Catholic faith through service to others and Christ-like behavior. 


Francesca and her fellow honorees were recognized by Dr. Cheeseman and the Office of the Superintendent for Schools at the Breakfast of Champions award reception this week.

Dress Down Day Reminders


With the warm weather approaching, I want to remind students that open-toed shoes are not allowed at school. This includes flip flops, slides and open-toed sandals.

Room Parents


Are you interested in being a Room Parent for your child’s class for the 2022-2023 school year? If you would like to be considered for the role, please email Ms. Zenowich no later than June 15, 2022. If you are selected to be a Room Parent, an invitation email will be sent to you mid-summer. 

Variety Show 


The Variety Show returns to our stage this evening, Friday, May 20th at 7pm. Our students have been working hard on their acts and are looking forward to entertaining our school community!


 Performers may enter the school between 6:30-6:45 in costume at the blue awning door. Only class coordinators and performers are permitted in at this entrance. The performers will go straight to their classrooms.  

 

The Parish Center is where ticket holders will enter. Doors will open at 6:45. No one will be permitted in the gym before 6:45.  Tickets will not be sold at the door.

 

The show will begin promptly at 7:00.  Snacks will be available for purchase. 

 

As a reminder, children will remain in their classrooms until intermission- parents must pick up their children from Grades K-3 at intermission. Following intermission, remaining acts will wait in the gym, with their class until it is their turn to perform. 


This is going to be a spectacular show and we are all very excited! 

Grade 8 vs. Faculty Volleyball Game


St. Mark School's traditional Grade 8 vs. Faculty Volleyball game was held outdoors on Wednesday.  Fellow students and family cheered on their graduates and teachers. A fun time was had by all!  I would like to sincerely thank our commentator, Mr. Baird, line judge, Mr. Carrano, and referee, Mr. Kery for their time and enthusiasm in making the event such a success!

End of Year Dates

With the approval of the Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools, Office of the Superintendent for Schools, the last day of the 2021-2022 school year for Grades Kindergarten through 7 will be Friday, June 17th, 2022.
 
Early Dismissal Days in June
Thursday, June 16th, 11:25 Dismissal
Friday, June 17th, 11:25 Dismissal

Little Lions Preschool Program (PK3 & PK4)
The last day of Little Lions Preschool (PK3 & PK4) Program will be Thursday, June 16th, 2022. Please note that the day is an early dismissal at 11:25am and there is no After School Program. We will celebrate our PK4 students moving up to Kindergarten with a Graduation Celebration on the last day of the program, Thursday, June 16th.

Kindergarten
Kindergarten Graduation will be celebrated on Friday, June 17th. Please note that the day is an early dismissal at 11:25am.

After School Program
The last day of St. Mark School's After School Program will be on Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 for all grades, PK3-8.

Parish News


Pray the Rosary

Please join the Knights of Columbus as they pray the rosary for the entire month of May in honor of our Blessed Mother. Dates/times are in the bulletin.


Malta House/Birthright: St. Mark Parish is collecting diapers and wipes to help parents and children in need. Boxes will be at the entrances of the church weekends of May 14/15 and May 20/21.  Thank you for your support.  


Are You in Need of Food?

Anyone in, or out, of the Parish, who needs food assistance, should contact Deacon Paul at pkurmay45@optimum.net or call him at 203-378-8025. You may also leave a message at the rectory office 203-377-0444. Discretion and confidentiality are a priority. Please don’t be nervous to reach out to us.

For Parish information, visit: https://www.saintmarkchurchstratford.org/

For important information and updates 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.

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Dates At A Glance
  • Friday, May 20th: K-8 Variety Show, 7pm


  • Thursday, May 26th: Ascension of the Lord, Mass, 8am K-8


  • Thursday, May 26th: NJHS Induction Ceremony, Grades 6-8, 12:45pm


  • Friday, May 27th: PK-8 Field Day


  • Friday, May 27th: Pie-A-Teacher/Dunk The Principal


  • Monday, May 30th: No School: Memorial Day
St. Mark School | 203-375-4291 | www.stmarkschool.org
500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, CT 06614
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Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.
Helen Keller