I hope this newsletter finds you and your families in good health as we continue to work together during this pandemic. While this “new normal” is different and at times quite challenging, it is important to keep routines and schedules that are comforting to everyone; most importantly to children. It is hard to believe that is has been almost six months since we have been in school. There is nothing more energizing than the smiles and sounds of children being back in school and I am counting the days until we are together again!

As always if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. If you have any COVID related questions, please reach out to our COVID Response Team at [email protected].

I wish you all continued good health and look forward to seeing you soon. 

As a follow up to my e-newsletter on August 21st, please be aware that our reopening policy now requires face covering for all K-8 students while they are inside the school building, including classrooms. Mask breaks will be provided in such a manner as to maintain the safety of all students. Please know that decisions surrounding the safe reopening of our school building are not taken lightly and include continued discussions with Diocesan leaders, other local area principals, as well representatives from our local healthy officials. I have also taken into consideration the experiences in schools around the country that have already opened, as well as the recent development in Danbury, CT. 

As partners in your child's education, we ask that you continue to talk positively and openly about healthy hygiene habits at home including the benefits of face coverings and masks. For our younger learners, please click here for a child friendly video "Why Do People Wear Masks?" by Jack Hartmann.

If you have any COVID related questions, please reach out to our COVID Response Team at [email protected].

I am so proud of our students and the progress they made on Edmentum Exact Path for summer learning.  All student Exact Paths will end on August 31 and their new path will be available after students have taken their fall diagnostic assessment.  

Registration is open for our 2020-21 After School Program. Please click here for reopening guidelines. For registration information please email Ms. Sarah Carrano here.

Please join me in welcoming Ms. Danielle Veith to our St. Mark School community. Ms. Veith has joined our faculty as grade 7 homeroom teacher/6-8 ELA. She earned a Master's Degree in English Education at Columbia’s Teachers College in New York City and attended Bryant University, receiving an undergraduate degree in English and Business. In her spare time, Ms. Veith enjoys competitive Irish Dancing. We are excited for the energy and enthusiasm she will bring to our Middle School.

As we prepare to return to school, I want to remind you of our Food Policy. Lunch will be eaten in the classrooms daily, now more than ever it is important that we all do our part to be sensitive to those with life threatening food allergies. As a reminder, foods containing nuts or items that are made in a facility that processes nuts may not be sent to school. Thank you for your cooperation.

Nurse Wendy Frate has important updates regarding daily symptom checking, emergency forms, and travel advisories. Please click here to read her communication to our St. Mark community.

MyCatholicDoctor is a nationwide telehealth service that brings a network of faithful medical professionals to patients through video-based health consultation on almost any smartphone, computer or tablet. MyCatholicDoctor made it a priority to find a way to support schools and provide medical expertise to keep students and faculty safe and prevent the spread of illness during the era of COVID-19. We are proud to participate in this new Diocesan partnership. There will be a LIVE Question and Answer Session on Zoom, Wednesday, August 26th at 7 PM. Please visit https://mycatholicdoctor.com/school-registration/ for more information. 

I am pleased to let you know that Theresa Sciallo and Jen Tayman will be staying on as our St. Mark Amen Team (Advancement, Marketing, Enrollment, Networking). Theresa and Jen are both Alumni parents with a deep love for St. Mark School. Theresa has spearheaded our marketing initiatives this school year and has been widely successful in boosting our enrollment. Our AMEN Team hosted an Open House by appointment this past Saturday. We had 12 appointments and from those tours, 7 students enrolled. As most of you know, our social media marketing relies on your visits, contributions and “shares” of our social media posts. Please add [email protected] to your contacts as our AMEN team will be reaching out from time to time for your participation in marketing campaigns.

For Parish information, visit: https://www.saintmarkchurchstratford.org/

For important information and updates on COVID-19, 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.