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St. Mark School
A National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
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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.
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Dear St. Mark Families,
We had a wonderful start to the 2020-2021 school year. Celebrating First Friday Mass as a school community this morning was beautiful and I would like to thank our Pastor, Father Birendra, for the poignant blessing of our students and faculty.
This pandemic has taught us many things. To enjoy every moment to its fullest, to be grateful for what we have, and to be humble and give of ourselves for the good of others. As we begin this new school year, I reflect upon all we accomplished last year as a school community. What stood out most was that our COVID protocols would not have successfully kept our students in school full-time without the support of the faculty, and you-our parents. This year, I would like to deepen the strength of our school community by introducing our theme for the 2021-2022 school year: Teamwork.
As Helen Keller once said, "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." Together we are stronger.
Yours in Christ,
Mrs. Warner
Please do not reply to this email. If you have questions, comments or concerns please email me directly.
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Reminders
Monday, September 6, 2021
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
- First full day of school, dismissal at 2:10pm
- HOT LUNCH will not be served.
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From the Nurse's Office
Please click here to read a detailed COVID-19 update from Nurse Wendy Frate, RN including:
- Reporting a positive case of COVID-19
- Quarantine Guidelines
- Travel
Lunch and Cafeteria Usage
After careful consideration and due to the number of students in our cafeteria at each given time, the decision has been made to have K-4 students eat lunch in their classrooms. We will revisit this decision in late October.
Due to reduced total number of students in the upper school and the vaccinated age group that is included in this lunch wave; Grades 5 through 8 will be utilizing the cafeteria beginning on Tuesday, September 7th, 2021.
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New Faculty Update
Mr. Patrick Fallon joins St. Mark School as our Middle School Math teacher and Grade 7 Religion teacher. Mr. Fallon received a Master's Degree in Education from Northeastern University. Prior to that, Mr. Fallon attended Western Connecticut State University, where he received his undergraduate degree in the Social Sciences, concentrating in Anthropology and Sociology and a double minor in American History and General History.
Mr. Fallon comes to us from West Haven High School where he was the English and Math long-term substitute teacher for seven years. Mr. Fallon is also a night school Math teacher for the West Haven Adult Education program, a piano teacher for the Rock House School of Music, and a summer senior camp counselor for West Haven's Eco Camp.
Mr. Fallon is looking forward to having his students think outside the box, be critical thinkers, and enjoy an active learning environment that is positive, respectful, and rewarding.
Please join me in welcoming our new Spanish Teacher, Mr. Fernando Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from The College of Westchester. He went on to pursue a Masters Degree in Applied Psychology concentration in Community Psychology at Sacred Heart University and graduated in 2017. Mr. Hernandez worked for two years at a special education school; first as classroom aide and substitute teacher, then as virtual classroom teacher and Transition Coordinator for high school students. During his undergraduate studies, he took three years off to do a vocational missionary experience in South America where he studied Philosophy and Theology at the Facultad de Teologia Monsignor Mariano Soler in Montevideo, Uruguay. Mr. Hernandez is looking forward to working in a community where there are like minded people who put their faith first and strive to transmit it to the next generation.
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Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
I realize the line of cars to drop off in front of the school building was especially long these first few days. Please be patient with us as the faculty and staff work together to coordinate a smoother arrival and dismissal.
For the safety of our students, I ask the following protocols be followed by our school community:
- After buses have unloaded, designated doors will open for students being dropped off.
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During the full day transition period of September 7th through September 10th, students in all grades will be permitted to cross within the crosswalk, escorted by our crossing guard, Mr. Flaig.
- Any students crossing within the crosswalk enter the school building through the Parish Center (Gym) doors.
- No student should ever walk across the parking lot without an escort.
- Beginning on Monday, September 13th, we ask that only students in Preschool through Grade 2 utilize the crosswalk. Older students may cross with younger siblings.
- Students in Grades 3 through 8 are requested to utilize the car drop and go line beginning on Monday, September 13th.
- Please do not cut in front of traffic. This includes parents visiting the Main Office during drop off time. Everyone must cross at the crosswalk with the crossing guard.
- When exiting the vehicle, students should exit from the passenger side of the car, when possible.
- At dismissal, please do not park across from the handicap spots in front of the playground (pictured below). By parking here, you prevent the vans from accessing the parking spots.
Please bear in mind, rainy days will slightly delay these procedures. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work together to streamline our arrival and dismissal procedures.
Please note: If someone other than yourself is dropping off or picking up, please relay these important parking lot safety protocols.
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In Our Community
I am so pleased with how beautiful our school and campus look! Thank you to our St. Mark volunteers for sharing their time and talents with us these past few weeks. Thank you to The Christoffersen Family, Roy Johansen, Tony, Tim '19, Joe '21 & Michael (7th Grade) Scalzo, Pete Baird, Nick Carrano, Michael Formato, Charlie Huda, The Scioletti Family, The Joseph Family, Mark Szczepanski, The Suniaga Family, Brittany Prior, St. John Paul II Council #8, Father Russ, The Aloi Family, Sebastian Sanchez, and Christen Conte. We are so grateful to all who took the time to tend our school grounds.
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For important information and updates on COVID-19, visit the
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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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- Monday, September 6th: No School, Labor Day
- Tuesday, September 7th: First Full Day of School, Preschool through Grade 8. NO HOT LUNCH SERVED
- Tuesday, September 7th: After School Program begins
- Sunday, September 12th: Agnes Miller Retirement Celebration, Mass at 12 noon
- Tuesday, September 14th: Back to School Night, Grades K-4, 7:00pm
- Thursday, September 16th: Back to School Night, Grades 5-8, 7:00pm
- Thursday, September 16th: $1 Dress Down Day
- Monday, September 27th: Picture Day, Grades PK4 through Grade 8
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500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, CT 06614
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Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.
Helen Keller
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