Distance Learning

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While our  building was temporarily closed in the spring 2020 due to COVID-19, teaching, learning, faith formation, and service did not stopped at St. Mark School. Under guidance from and collaboration with the Office of the Superintendent, our administrators, teachers, and staff immediately put a Distance Learning Plan into place for our PK-8 students. 

Distance learning is a way for real time teaching and learning to continue remotely without being in regular face-to-face contact with a teacher in the classroom.  Teachers utilized a variety of online learning platforms including Google Classroom, EdPuzzler, NearPod, Edmentum, Duolingo, and more, to ensure the learning goals set for students in core subject areas and speciality classes (Art, Music, Spanish, Technology, and PE) were met.  Our administration, faculty, and staff were mindful to balance an infinite number of different scenarios that families were going through during this unprecedented time in the world with realistic expectations for providing a robust and quality education at a distance.  

During this time of Social Distancing in our community, maintaining personal connections with our St. Mark families was so important.  This is why our teachers are used real time video communication to hold class and teach new skills to students, as well as made live personal connections with their students' families on a weekly basis through phone calls and video communication Teacher Office Hours.  

At St. Mark School, faith formation and service are the cornerstone of our community. So many of our treasured traditions and events happen in the Springtime. Thanks to some creative thinking and engineuity, our Grade 8 class produced a Virtual Reenactment of the Stations of the Cross during the Holy Triduum. During this time of uncertainty and fear, many of our students came together (virtually) to produce an uplifting and heartfelt rendition of We Are The World to brighten the day and bring a smile to the faces of local nursing home residents.

Parent Testimonials on Distance Learning
"I just wanted to let you know how incredibly impressed I am with St. Mark’s Distance Learning Program. The amount of time that teachers have put into creating schedules, establishing rules/norms, and developing lessons should be commended. I do not feel there has been a lapse in their education. It just looks different now. I can not tell you what joy it brings me to see my children hard at work daily. Keep up the great work!" -The Curran Family

"I wanted to give a huge SHOUT OUT to our 1st grade teacher. She has been amazing with communication, assigning work, making adjustments and readjustments, leading Zoom calls, creating online video lessons, organizing materials, guiding parents and students, and in general for being the best teacher we could ask for during these difficult times. Being an educator in the public system, I have firsthand experience realizing how far advanced St. Mark is and how they are above and beyond!" - The O'Leary Family