Health Services
NEW: St. Mark’s and Recent CDC Guidelines
St. Mark’s is aware of the CDC’s recently released guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals. The St. Mark’s Health and Safety Task Force has been in touch with our external consultants at EH&E about these guidelines. In addition, we are closely monitoring the Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidelines and recommendations regarding mask-wearing for fully vaccinated people.
The School’s current thinking is that we will continue with our current mask-wearing and social distancing protocols through Prize Day. Our thinking is influenced by the facts that St. Mark’s is a congregate setting and that a number of our students are not fully vaccinated.
In consultation with EH&E, the Health and Safety Task Force will continue to monitor the Commonwealth of Massachusetts standards for commencement and graduation ceremonies. The School’s current thinking is to maintain its current approach to Prize Day, Baccalaureate, and the Class of 2020 diploma ceremony. Details of that approach can be found on the Prize Day section of the St. Mark’s website. If we decide to make any changes to that approach, we will communicate that information.
The heads of the Independent School League have decided that the current mask-wearing approach for players and spectators will remain in place through the end of all Spring 2021 interscholastic athletic competitions.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we do everything possible to maintain the health and safety of every member of the St. Mark’s community.
REMINDER: Documentation of COVID-19 Vaccine Immunizations
Please submit a copy of your student’s vaccination card if they have received the COVID-19 vaccine. These copies should be submitted by emailing Director of Health Services Adria Pavletic at adriapavletic@stmarksschool.org.
Case of COVID-19 at St. Mark’s
St. Mark’s became aware of a case of COVID-19 in our community on May 5. The individual is a member of our adult community and is in isolation.
Our campus operation phase level will remain in Yellow.
Campus News
REMINDER: Remote Student Return to Day Student Status
We recently heard from our consultants at EH&E as part of an examination of our current protocols. They provided updated guidance which was accepted by our Health and Safety Task Force along with Head of School John Warren. Students who are currently remote who are fully vaccinated—that is, who have received their Johnson & Johnson vaccine or the second dose of their Moderna or Pfizer vaccine at least 14 days ago—are now eligible to participate in the St. Mark’s educational program as day students.
The process for fully vaccinated remote students to return to St. Mark’s as day students for the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic year is as follows:
2. Families should
contact Health Services to verify their student’s eligibility to return to campus as a day student.
3. St. Mark’s will check capacity in the classes of each student requesting day student eligibility to make sure there is room in each classroom for students who wish to return.
4. The Office of the Dean of Students will determine the appropriate date for the student to begin as a day student. Families should then contact Health Services to schedule a PCR test on campus.
Fully vaccinated remote students who wish to return as day students can begin this process at any time. Please contact the Office of the Dean of Students with any questions.
REMINDER: Off-Campus Activities for Boarding Students
Boarding students who are fully vaccinated can participate in off-campus activities without a 14-day quarantine and without having to obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test, beginning on Thursday, May 27. Beginning on this date, the campus will be de-densified to the point where the School is comfortable with vaccinated boarding students having this flexibility. The vaccination is essential to this process. Boarding students who are not vaccinated will not be eligible to leave campus before the end of the academic year.
This decision was made in order to provide some flexibility for student visitation with families—for example, to leave campus for a meal with parents—as we approach the end of the academic year. Given the success rate of the COVID-19 vaccines to date and the fact that the boarding population of St. Mark’s will decrease significantly on May 27, we feel this is a safe and appropriate change. Please contact the Office of the Dean of Students with any questions about off-campus activities.
REMINDER: Advisor Selection
Advisor Request Form went out to students on Friday. Check out the last year's LOOM video from the Deans’ Office focusing on the Advisor Selection Process.
REMINDER: Housing Lottery
The housing lottery process is currently underway. Next week, lotteries for both single and doubles will take place. More information is listed below.
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COMPLETE - Step #1: May 10-15 - Students select someone of the same form as an intended roommate
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COMPLETE - Step #2: May 14 - All students select a lottery number to be used in the house selection process
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Step #3: May 17 - Students who would like the opportunity to select a single participate in the singles lottery
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Step #4: May 20 - Students not in singles participate in doubles house selection
End of School Year & Underform (III, IV, V Form) Departure Dates
The last academic day of the 2020-2021 School Year is Thursday, May 27. Day students will depart campus after their last commitment, and move-out for boarding students will take place that afternoon and on the morning of Friday, May 28. More details will be shared in a separate communication with families.
Moving and Storage
Moving and storage will be provided for students through On Demand Storage. Families and students will receive a direct web link to secure services and packing materials will be provided for students using this service.
Day Student Weekend Access to Campus
As we move into the spring, we are gradually opening the campus inviting day students on weekends. Day students have been able to come to campus for morning practices and specific events. Here is the plan moving forward:
- May 15 and 16: All Forms
- May 22 and 23: All Forms
Health checks and check-ins will take place during brunch and dinner as well as in the morning during athletic practices. Day students must be given a bracelet to be on campus for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Due to capacity limitations, day students cannot join smaller trips to locations such as Target, Chipotle, etc.
2021 Prize Day
REMINDER: Registration REQUIRED by May 17
Reminders and instructions on how to register for the 2021 Prize Day and Class of 2020 Diploma Ceremony were emailed directly to families on Thursday, May 13. Registration is required for all graduates and guests by May 17.
*Please note: If you, or any of your guests, do not register by May 17 and arrive on campus to attend Prize Day on Sunday, May 30, you will be directed to a remote viewing location on campus to watch the ceremony via livestream. You will not be able to attend the ceremony under the tent.
Class of 2020 Diploma Ceremony
Class of 2021 Prize Day
NEW: VI Formers Placed on "Probationary-Like" Status
As of Friday, May 14, all VI Formers have been placed on a "probationary-like" status until after Prize Day. Any Level I, II, or III rule violation may jeopardize their privilege of attending Prize Day and/or possibly graduating from St. Mark's. This is something we have traditionally done for a number of years in order to keep VI Formers focused on Prize Day and finishing the year, and their St. Mark's careers, in a positive manner. Prize Day will be here before we know it and we ask that parents encourage students to make smart choices on and off campus as we approach the big day. We want everyone to have a wonderful few weeks culminating in receiving their diplomas.
Please refer to the Prize Day website for information about the upcoming celebration.
Prize Day Digital Swag & Printables
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about the upcoming Prize Day festivities? If so, please check out our new Frequently Asked Questions webpage. Be on the lookout for a registration email next week.
Schedule of Events:
- Class of 2020 & 2021 Dinner & Social | Friday, May 28, 6:00 p.m.
- Baccalaureate | Saturday, May 29, 8:00 p.m.
- Class of 2020 Diploma Ceremony | Saturday, May 29, 10:30 a.m.
- Class of 2021 - 156th Prize Day Ceremony | Sunday, May 30, 10:30 a.m.
For more information, please visit the Schedule page of the 2021 Prize Day website.
