Dear St. Mark Families,

This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. This feast invites us to consider what we believe about God, who has revealed himself to us in the Trinity—one God in three persons.

The verses of today's Gospel come near the end of Jesus' long discourse at the Last Supper. In the early part of this discourse, as we saw last week on Pentecost, Jesus offers assurances to the disciples. Even though he must leave the disciples, he tells them that they will have a future because of the help he will send them in the Holy Spirit.

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus focuses more on the shape of the future, which will include Jesus' victory over the world that they will share in. The disciples of Jesus cannot know the future. They can only know that, whatever shape the future takes, they will not have to face it alone. They have the Spirit of Truth, who will continue to provide the teaching of Jesus in the future. © Loyola Press Sunday Connection

Having previewed this Sunday's Gospel, I am struck by it's parallel to our graduates, the Class of 2022.  Much like the disciples of Jesus, our 8th graders cannot know what the future will hold for them as they move onto High School and beyond.  They can only know that, where ever life takes them, they will have their strong faith, morals, values, and character development that was at the core of their education at St. Mark School.

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

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Warner 

Best wishes to the Class of 2022

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate St. Mark Class of 2022! You have learned and grown so much this past year. May God guide you and direct you to a bright and blessed future. We will miss you!

End of Year Dress Down Days

On Tuesday, June 14th, students and faculty may dress down in Red, While, Blue in honor of Flag Day as an optional, free dress down day. Regular uniform is required for those who chose not to participate in the theme.

Friday, June 17th will be a free dress down day for students and faculty.  As we will be attending mass, students are asked to be dressed down in church appropriate clothing.  No short shorts, tank tops, ripped shorts or pants.  Open-toed shoes are not allowed at school. This includes flip flops, slides and open-toed sandals.

Summer Work

Studies show that when students don’t engage in learning activities over the summer months they could lose up to two months of math and reading skills. Keeping students engaged in fun learning experiences over the summer months will set them up for success the following school year.

Classroom teachers in Kindergarten through Grade 7 will share information with parents for recommended summer work to maintain students' academic skills over the summer including:

• 30 minutes of work on each Edmentum Personalized Exact Path (Mathematics, Reading, Language) per week for current 2nd through 7th grade students

• 30 minutes of work per week on Reading Eggs for current Kindergarten and Grade 1 students

• participation in the CT Governor's Reading Challenge. Student Summer Reading Journal can be found here. Visit the Connecticut Reads website by clicking here for more information and click here to learn how to find "just right" books for your child and recommended book lists.

• Daily reading with a parent, family member, or independently.

Summer Learning information will be sent home with student via backpack mail on Friday, June 17th. Students in Grades K-7 will receive a 9x12 manila envelop with the following items included:

• Report card in the 21-22 report card signature envelope
• Summer work introduction letter
• Math choice boards for Grades K-4
• Reading choice boards for Grades K-7
• Edmentum/Personalized Learning Informational Resource Parent Pack 
• 2022 Governor’s Reading Challenge information and Reading Log
• Classroom Supply list for 22-23 school year
• Art Class Supply list for 22-23 school year

Math and Reading Choice Boards

Please note that Grades K-4 Math choice boards are built upon math skills students have been taught in the current school year. Therefore, students will be provided an opportunity to strength their skills and reinforce the foundation established this year in order to continue to grow their academic success in the next grade level. Students in Grades 5-7 are encouraged to strengthen their math skills by continuing on their spring Edmentum Math Personalized Learning Path.

Reading choice boards do not specify specific books for students to read.  They are encouraged to choose engaging books of high interest that they can read and comprehend independently.

There is no minimum amount of choice board squares to complete.  Students are encouraged to complete as much as they can, and will be asked to return summer work to their teacher in September.

End of Year Mass

Students in Grades 1-7 will attend mass on Friday, June 17th at 8am.  All are welcome to join us as we end the 2021-2022 school year as a faith-filled community.

In Our Community

Next weekend, our Middle School Science and 4-8 Innovation Teacher, Mr. Alex Kennedy is getting married! We wish Alex and his wife joy, love, and God's blessings as they begin their new life together.

Parish News

Ladies Guild

The St. Mark Ladies Guild will close out its 2021 – 2022 year and Celebrate Summer with a luncheon on Tuesday, June 14 at 12:30 pm in the Upper Room.  Pizza, salad, dessert, soda, tea, or coffee.  Cost $10. All women of the parish are welcome. For reservations call Gerri Szabo at (203) 378-2552 by today, June 10.

Blessed Sacrament

Blessed Sacrament/Father Skip has reached out to us to request our help with his food kitchen ministry over the summer. As you know, we collect food weekly for Father Skip; however, his pantry is getting bare and the summer increases the need for many in his Parish, especially school children who no longer receive breakfast or lunch at school. Father can use: canned tuna fish, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, boxed cereals, canned vegetables, rice, pasta, pasta sauces, and other non-perishable items. Thank you as always for your generosity.  

A Musical Afternoon At Putney Chapel

The Putney Chapel Association is hosting a Musical Afternoon of piano music, featuring Dr. “Joe” Utterback (celebrated American jazz pianist, composer, and recording artist, "Dr. Joe" Utterback is a featured performer throughout the United States, from the Tony Awards dinners in New York City to music festivals across the country, his high-energy piano jazz delights audiences. Dr. Joe infuses familiar blues, ballads, Broadway, and jazz classics with a captivating, dynamic style), Stratford’s very own Addie Lee Chase, and friends, on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., at the Putney Chapel, 5396 Main Street, Stratford, CT. Reserve your seats by emailing putneychapel@gmail.com. $10 suggested donation per person. 

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.

• Wednesday, June 15th: Last Day of After School Program

• Thursday, June 16th: Last Day of PK3 & PK4

• Thursday, June 16th: Early Dismissal, 11:25A

• Friday, June 17th: Last Day, K-7, Early Dismissal, 11:25A