In the daily activities of family life, we can easily find excuses for not attending to our spiritual lives. If not given top priority, prayer and reading Scripture risk becoming occasional activities rather than daily practices. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that if we fail to give our spiritual life priority, we will find ourselves unprepared to receive Jesus. Daily prayer and spiritual practice keeps us ready to receive Jesus.

© Loyola Press Sunday Connection

This week, I encourage families to recite the following prayer with their family and ask for God's continued blessings on our St. Mark School family.

We bless your name, O Lord,

for sending your own incarnate Son,

to become part of a family,

so that, as he lived its life,

he would experience its worries and its joys.

We ask you, Lord,

to protect and watch over this family,

so that in the strength of your grace

its members may enjoy prosperity,

possess the priceless gift of your peace,

and, as the Church alive in the home,

bear witness in this world to your glory.

We ask this thought Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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

As you are aware, the first marking period for the 2020-21 school year ended on Friday, November 6th. Please be advised that the Parent Portal will be locked on Monday, November 9th in order for teachers to prepare report cards. Report cards for students in grades 1 through 8 will be sent home via back pack mail on Tuesday, November 17th.

Virtual Parent/Teacher conferences for grades Kindergarten through Grade 8 will be held on Wednesday, November 18th, 3pm-7pm and Thursday, November 19th, 12pm-6pm via Zoom.

Please check your inbox for more detailed information regarding virtual parent/teacher conferences early this week.

As we are all aware, COVID cases are back on the rise. In an effort to remain in school full time, it is imperative that students follow our guidelines by practicing social distancing, wearing face masks and following directions.

As part of our reopening lunch plan, while students are eating, they have been instructed to remain in their seat and face the same direction. If students are talking to one another while masks are off, it is imperative they do so while facing the same direction. It is often difficult to talk to someone without looking at them, even for adults. In that situation, if students are unable to face the same direction without face masks, they should be silent.

We understand that our students need time to regroup during lunch and teachers have been asked to play a movie to entertain them during this time. Students can socialize while at recess or once they have put their masks back on. The faculty and I ask that you review this policy with your child and remind them that this is not a punishment, but a safety protocol. Together we are stronger.

In anticipation of the winter season, St. Mark School's emergency alert system (which will call, text and email) will be tested on Monday, November 9th at 3:30 pm. If you do not receive the test alert, or need to make changes to your contact information, please call the Main Office 203-375-4291.

When weather conditions or other emergencies warrant the closing of school, you will be contacted by our emergency alert system. When the Stratford public schools are closed or delayed due to inclement weather, St. Mark School will also be closed or delayed.

If there is a delayed opening St. Mark School will open at 9:30 a.m. with class beginning at 9:45 a.m.

If school closes early for weather related reasons, dismissal will be at 11:25 a.m. Parents will be alerted through our emergency alert system. Our After School Program will not be held when there is early dismissal due to weather or emergencies.

In an effort to promote our Preschool & Kindergarten Open House tours, we are asking Kindergarten and Preschool families to post a promotion on their social media page(s). We are happy to customize the post with a picture of your child(ren). Please email amenteam@stmarkschool.org and your customized post (as seen here) will be emailed to you.

The Vicki Soto 5K has always been strongly supported by the St. Mark School Community. This year due to COVID the walk is virtual. St. Mark students dressed down in pink, green or flamingo on Friday to honor our hometown hero. Donations are still coming in and we will announce the total amount collected next week. All proceeds from the dress down will benefit the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund.

We are looking for parents who live on busier roads to put our Preschool and Kindergarten school tour signs on their front lawns. You can pick up the sign at school or it can be delivered to your house. Please call Mrs. Mannino at 203-375-4291 if you can help. Many Thanks!

This week in science class, 8th grade constructed atomic models using wire, beads, and super glue of their chosen element from the Periodic Table. Students learned that making a model is one way that scientists can explain complicated or sophisticated concepts.

First and second grade students worked hard on their foundational reading and spelling skills this week. Afterwards, they enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather with some extra time outside and mask break!

4th grade attended a virtual field trip to New Pond Farm in Redding to learn about the Eastern Woodland Native Americans. They learned how Native Americans lived and survived in their environment. They missed making their annual visit but New Pond Farm made them feel like we were really there!

In honor of All Saints Day, all second graders, including Distant Learners, researched, gave an oral report, and dressed as the Saint of their choice. These holy men and women provide ample models, as people of faith, for the students of St. Mark School.

Preschool students enjoyed using their "painting finger" to create festive and colorful November calendars!

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

Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools website

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.