Dear St. Mark Families,

This Sunday’s Gospel, Luke 24:13-35, shows us how the first community of disciples came to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. In these stories we gain insight into how the community of the Church came to be formed.

The two disciples in Sunday’s reading are leaving their community in Jerusalem. Their friend Jesus has been crucified. Their hope is gone. They are trying to make sense of what has occurred, so that they can put the experience behind them.

Jesus himself approaches the two men, but they take him for a stranger. Jesus asks them what they are discussing. He invites them to share their experience and interpretation of the events surrounding His crucifixion and death. When the two disciples have done so, Jesus offers His own interpretation of His crucifixion and resurrection, citing Jewish Scripture. In that encounter we find the model for our Liturgy of the Word—what we do each time we gather as a community for the Eucharist. We reflect upon our life experiences and interpret them in light of Scripture. We gather together to break open the Word of God.

In the next part of the story, we find a model for our Liturgy of the Eucharist. The disciples invite the stranger (Jesus) to stay with them. During the meal in which they share in the breaking of the bread, the disciples’ eyes are opened; they recognize the stranger as Jesus. In the Eucharist, too, we share in the breaking of the bread and discover Jesus in our midst. 

Just as the disciples returned to Jerusalem to recount their experience to the other disciples, we too are sent from our Eucharistic gathering. Our experience of Jesus in the Eucharist compels us to share the story with others. © Loyola Press Sunday Connection

I wish you all God's Blessings and Grace.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Warner 

Feast of St. Mark

Tuesday, April 25th

Our patron, St. Mark was an evangelist, or Gospel writer. In fact, he was the pioneer in Gospel writing. His is the shortest and the oldest of the Gospels. Little is known of Mark except from the New Testament. He was not one of the twelve apostles, but was a member of the first Christian community. Mark had firsthand experience of the early Church and apostolic life. He was a traveling companion and assistant of Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey.

Mark’s Gospel was a great contribution to the Church. It included oral and written tradition concerning the words and deeds of Jesus. He shows Jesus as the suffering Son of God. Mark knew that to accept the Risen Jesus meant to come to terms with the cross. Jesus was glorified because He willingly allowed himself to suffer death for our salvation. Mark writes that anyone who wishes to follow Jesus must accept the cross.

Over the years artists have given a symbol to each of the evangelists. Mark’s symbol is a winged lion because his Gospel begins with the story of John the Baptist who, like a roaring lion, called people to repent. © Loyola Press

On Tuesday, April 25th, St. Mark School will celebrate the Feast of St. Mark with our 3rd Annual St. Mark School HSA Walk-A-Thon and free Dress Down Day. Students are invited to participate in a free Dress Down Day by wearing St. Mark School Spirit Wear (and sneakers) to show their love and support for St. Mark School on the Feast of St. Mark.

Save the Date

• Bishop Caggiano will celebrate mass for the St. Mark School community on Thursday, May 4th at 9A. 

• Grade 8 vs. Faculty Volleyball Game will be held on Friday, May 5th at 12:45P.

• May Crowning of the Blessed Mother will be presented by Grades 2 & 8 on Wednesday, May 17th at 9A in our church. All parents are welcome to attend. 

• Friday, May 12th is an early dismissal day at 11:25A for students.

• Grandparents & Special Friends Day will be held on Thursday, June 1st 12P-2P. Stay tuned for more details!

• Wednesday, June 14th: Early Dismissal at 11:25A

• Wednesday, June 14th: Last Day of School for PK3 and PK4.  If your child is in PK3 and does not attend school on Wednesdays, his or her last day of school would be Monday, June 12th or Tuesday, June 13th.

• Wednesday June 14th: PK4 Graduation, 9A

• Thursday, June 15th: Early Dismissal at 11:25A for Grades K-7

• Thursday, June 15th: Kindergarten Graduation, 9A

• Thursday, June 15th: Last Day of School, Grades K-7

Lunch

The number of K-8 students coming to school without lunch has increased dramatically over the last few weeks. If you have not ordered a hot lunch, please send your child to school with enough to eat for snack and lunch.

Additionally, we have been overwhelmed by the number of food deliveries. These deliveries cause a great deal of upset to younger children who do not have McDonald’s, french fries or other foods delivered to them. If for some reason you forget to send your child lunch, please pack a lunch in your child’s lunchbox and drop it off at the Main Office before 11:00 am. If you do not recall if you have not ordered a hot lunch, please reach out to Mrs. Mannino. 

Please note: Tuesday, May 16th there will be no hot lunch served per Sodexo Food Services.  Please send your child to school with lunch from home, not a restaurant or fast food delivery.

Third Quarter Marking Period

For the third quarter marking period, report cards will be distributed to students in grades K through 8 on Monday, April 24th.  Included with report cards will be spring 2023 Iowa and/or CogAT standardized assessment reports.  Please sign and return your child’s report card envelope to his or her homeroom teacher by Friday, April 28th.  The report card and standardized assessment reports are yours to keep.

Grades K through 8 Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences

At St. Mark School, we believe parent/teacher communication is critical to student success. As partners in your child’s Catholic education, it is important that parents and teachers work collaboratively to help each child reach his/her potential spiritually, morally, intellectually, socially and physically. As educators, we believe that regular communication about student progress is critical.  This teamwork approach to learning is a great way to ensure student success. 

All K through 8 parents are invited to request a conference.  Additionally, if a teacher feels it is necessary, he or she may reach out to you and request a conference. In order to coordinate schedules and maximize everyone’s time, Middle School teachers (Ms. Heider, Mr. Fallon, Mr. Bonito, Ms. Eldridge and Mr. Kennedy) will conference with parents as a team. If you would like an additional meeting with an individual Middle School teacher, you are welcome to make arrangements with your child’s teacher after conferences. 

Spring Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on Wednesday, April 26th, 12P-6P and Thursday, April 27th, 3P-7P.  Classroom teachers emailed an electronic sign-up link to parents on Wednesday, April 19th.  If you did not receive the link, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

We ask that parents make arrangements for their children for conferences. Students may not remain unattended during in person-conferences, for his or her safety. In order to keep our conferences on schedule, we ask that you arrive on time to your conference. If you need additional time beyond what is allotted, please make arrangements with your child’s teacher after the conference. 

Specials teachers will hold conferences at a parent's request. Please email the following Specials teachers to set up a time to conference.    

Ms. Sarah Carrano, Art scarrano@stmarkschool.org

Ms. Sarah Carrano, Innovation K-2 scarrano@stmarkschool.org

Mr. Kevin Dougherty, P.E. kevin.dougherty@stmarkschool.org

Mr. Alex Kennedy, Innovation 3-8 alexander.kennedy@stmarkschool.org

If you would like to schedule a conference with Ms. Rosely Paulino-Martinez, Spanish teacher, please email me mwarner@stmarkschool.org to set up a conference time. 

Faculty Update

Please join me in welcoming Ms. Donna Martire-Miller to St. Mark School. Ms. Martire holds a master’s degree in counseling and organizational Human Resource Development. Ms. Martire has an adjunct professorship at the University of Bridgeport where she teaches Human Services courses. She is known for her strength-based approach to teaching. While employed by Help For Kids, she developed child-friendly programs to promote learning for children of all ages. She introduced the importance of noticing character strengths in children. With this approach, children learn what is strong in them and learn how to use their strengths in ways that are good for them and for others. 

Ms. Martire is looking forward to joining our St. Mark School community as the short-term substitute teacher in Grade 2 through the end of the school year while she pursues her teaching degree. 

Ms. Martire was raised in a Catholic family and her children and grandchildren received their sacraments at St. Mark Parish. Ms. Martire’s hobbies include singing and writing. She has authored and published books about happiness and children using their character strengths.

Blake's School Uniform Company Sale

Blake's School Uniform Company is offering early bird specials on uniform sales for the 2023-2024 school year. Click here for pricing information and click here to download an early bird coupon. For store information visit www.blakesschooluniform.com.

Grades 6 through 8 Honor Roll

In accordance with Diocese of Bridgeport Policy 2.204 - Honor Roll, the academic honor roll in elementary schools are as follows:

• High Honors: No grade lower than an A- including only 1s or 2s in conduct and effort. All major subjects are included in calculating High Honors.

• Honors: No grade lower than a B including only 1s or 2s in conduct and effort.  All major subjects are included in calculating Honors.

Above honor roll criteria is used to determine National Junior Honor Society eligibility

Athletic Update

Spring Track Team (Grade 5 through 8)

St. Mark School is looking to form a Middle School Spring Track Team; but first we need a Coach!

No experience necessary, just a Virtus-trained parent or two willing to share their passion for running with like-minded student athletes.  Please note, our Fall Cross-Country Coach, Amy Pagano, is willing to share her "best practices" on training and preparing for Diocesan meets (currently scheduled for 4/30, 5/14, and 5/21).

If your child is interested in participating on our Spring Track Team, please click here. 

Contact Michael Sciallo at michael.sciallo@stmarkschool.org for more details.

Social Media 

The best advertising our school can do is through parents and supporters of St. Mark School. Please like and share our St. Mark School Facebook and Instagram posts.  

High School Open House



At this time of year, 7th grade students are encouraged to begin thinking about the high school admissions process. Current 7th grade girls are invited to spend a day at Sacred Heart Academy to get a jump start on their high school search. Families may select a date for a visit by clicking this link. Personal tours for families are also available.

St. Mark Pet Policy

We understand that Spring weather brings an opportunity for families to walk to school for morning drop off and afternoon pick-up. As a gentle reminder, families are asked to adhere to St. Mark School's pet policy to ensure student and staff safety.

Pets and non-service trained domestic animals are not permitted on school grounds during school hours and during school events, except when in a vehicle. Pets are not permitted to leave a vehicle without prior permission of school administration or parish officials.

Parish News

Feast Day of Our Patron Saint Mark

The feast day for St. Mark is on Tuesday, April 25. Please join us for coffee “and” in the Parish Hall after all the Sunday Masses this Sunday, April 23, in celebration of our patron Saint Mark.  

Adoration Chapel

Father Birendra has approved that our Adoration Chapel will now be open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.  

HIPPIES….Peace, Hope, and Love

April 29 is almost here so grab your love beads and put flowers in your hair to experience the music that defined a generation. Video history….DJ….Live Performances.  Date: April 29, 6:00 p.m. till 9:30 p.m., Parish Center. BYOB and snacks. Serving brownies, dessert, water, and coffee. Cost $15 per person; $50 per family. Checks payable to St. Mark. RSVP hippies@stmarkstfd.org. You may drop your payment in the collection basket marked either “Paula” or “Hippie,” or mail it to the office, or drop it off in person. Please provide your name(s) and number of guests. Will be a groovy time!

Merton House

Help is needed to feed the poor at Merton House!! The newest member of our St. Mark parish family of faith, Kelemen (who is the chef at Merton House), along with his wife, Lia (who is the receptionist at Merton House), needs additional help serving at Merton House on Mondays through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. till 10:00 a.m.; and on Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. Kelemen is the chef at Merton House and his wife, Lia, is the receptionist; Deacon Paul and the St. Mark crew works there on Mondays, but more help is needed. This is a wonderful opportunity to help the hungry in our midst and to practice one of the corporal works of mercy! Please contact Deacon Paul if you can help at pkurmay45@optimum.net. Thank you! 

The Power of Prayer

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.

• Tuesday, April 25th: Feast of St. Mark

• Tuesday, April 25th: HSA Walk A Thon event

• Wednesday, April 26th: Early Dismissal, 11:25A

• Wednesday, April 26th: K-8 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 12P-6P

• Thursday, April 27th: Early Dismissal, 11:25A

• Thursday, April 27th: K-8 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 3P-7P

• Friday, April 28th: HSA Me and My Guy Dance

• Thursday, May 4th: Bishop Caggiano celebrates Mass for St. Mark School, 9A

• Friday, May 5th: First Friday Mass, 8A, all are welcome to attend

• Friday, May 5th: Faculty vs. Grade 8 Volleyball Game, 12:45P

• Saturday, May 6th: HSA Bottles and Cans Drive, 10A-2P

• Saturday, May 6th: HSA Father's Committee Pasta Night, 6P

God gives each one of us sufficient grace ever to know His holy will, and to do it fully.

St. Ignatius of Loyola