St. Mark School E-Newsletter

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 13, 2022

Dear St. Mark Families,

This Sunday's Gospel comes for the Gospel of John. Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment: love one another. John's Gospel does not present a sentimental view of love. This is a type of love that is shown in service and sacrifice. It is difficult to choose to love when faced with hatred and anger. Jesus tells the disciples that all will know that they are his disciples because of the love they show for one another. This description of the early Christian community will be repeated in the Acts of the Apostles: “See how they love one another.” Christian love is the hallmark of Christianity. We see it lived in the witness of the martyrs. We see it in the example of the lives of the saints. We see it in the holy women and men who live and love daily, making small and large sacrifices for others.© Loyola Press Sunday Connection

This week, our 2nd and 8th Graders participated in the May Crowning of our Blessed Mother prayer service. This cherished St. Mark School tradition occurs in the month of May and it recognizes Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. The crowning of Mary is in keeping with the “Order of Crowning” which attributed the queen symbol to Mary because she was a perfect follower of Christ, who is the absolute “crown” of creation. Mary is yet another strong example of the Christian love that is the presented in John's Gospel. I am so proud of Grades 2 & 8 for showing grace and humility during this prayer service, which are direct reflections of our Blessed Mother’s character.

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.

Living our Faith

Students in Grades K-8 will pray the Rosary on Tuesday, May 17th 1pm in our church. All are invited and welcome to join us.

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.

Quarter 4 Progress Reports

PlusPortals is the Diocesan Student Information Web Portal System available to all parents, Grades K-8. PlusPortals provides parents access to student grades, attendance, announcements, and teacher emails.

A feature has been added to parent's PlusPortal dashboard this year: e-locker. Monday, May 15th, parents of students in Grades K-8 can find a PDF copy of the 2021-2022 Quarter 4 Progress Report in the e-locker. Please note that Quarter 4 progress reports will not be sent home via backpack mail.

If you need a PlusPortals activation email resent, please contact Mrs. Mannino at cmannino@stmarkschool.org.

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 will be held on Friday, May 20 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale and going quickly! Please be sure to get your order in by Wednesday, May 18. The Variety Show Dress Rehearsal will be held on Friday, May 20 during the school day, Class Act Coordinators are the only parents permitted to attend.

Blake's School Uniform Company Sale

Blake's School Uniform Company is offering early bird specials on uniform sales for the 2022-2023 school year. Click here for pricing information and click here to download early bird coupon. For store information visit www.blakesschooluniform.com

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.

Parking Lot

This weekend, Saturday, May 14th, the parking lot will be in use by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation from 8:00 a.m. till noon. Please avoid this area.

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

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.

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