Coronavirus (COVID-19) Back to School Update – July 18, 2020

Happy Aloha Saturday Saint Mark Parents!

I continue to hope and pray that you all are doing well.  I am writing with the latest Saint Mark news.

REOPENING CAMPUS PLAN IS COMPLETE
On behalf of Saint Mark’s Board of Education, faculty, staff and administration, I am happy to share that Saint Mark Lutheran School’s Reopening Campus Plan – Policy and Procedures – 2020-2021 is complete and has been attached.  I implore you to please take some time to carefully read through this document.  Much time and care was taken to create a well-researched back-to-campus plan that prioritizes health & safety, educational excellence, practicality, and flexibility in what we hope is a helpful, reassuring and readable format.

As I stated last week, we understand that there is no perfect map to guide us in these uncharted times but we are confident that by applying sound guidelines from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH), Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS), and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) we can confidently re-open our campus to students knowing that our decisions are data driven, consistent with other thoughtful school leaders, and in the best interest of our school `ohana. 

WELCOMING FACULTY & STAFF
In addition to our returning faculty and staff, we are excited to be welcoming a number of new faculty to the Saint Mark `Ohana.  Please join me in wishing a very warm aloha to all of our new and returning faculty and staff: Mrs. Alissa Menza (PK3), Mrs. Kristin Sorrell (PK4); Margaret Carpenter (PK4); Mrs. Dawn Somera (K); Mrs. Charlene Lazaro (grade 1); Ms. Cynthia Chung (grade 2); Mrs. Myra Zhang (grade 3); Mrs. Miriam McMillian (grade 4); Mrs. Sarah Selph (grade 5); Mrs. Melissa Sanborn (m.s.), Mrs. Elizabeth Gregson (m.s.), Mrs. Kristy Schroppel (m.s.);  Mr. DJ Caoile (band & choir); Mr. Paul Markillie (school programs, athletics & computers); Ms. Kaui Dias (E.A. & P.E.); Mrs. Dale Gibo (E.A., art, aftercare); Mrs. Mele Manu (E.A., school programs, library); Mrs. Karen Akaka (E.A., beforecare); Ms. Kelly Friel (E.A.); Ms. Melemanu King (E.A.); Ms. Calsea Shaner (E.A.); Mrs. Melelani Lawrence (business manager); Mrs. Robin Kaha`ulelio (admin asst, admissions).

WELCOMING PASTOR DAN
Saint Mark Lutheran Church and School is thrilled to welcome its new pastor – Pastor Dan Truesdell.  He, his wife Becky, and three children: Christian (K), Kaiya (grade 3) and Savanna (grade 6) will be active members of both our church and school `ohana.  Please join me in welcoming them!  Pastor Dan’s email is: pastordan@stmarkhawaii.org.

TEACHERS REPORT
All faculty and staff are to report for the first meeting this coming Thursday, July 23.  This will give us several full days to meet/train for our reopening.

STUDENTS RETURN TO CAMPUS
We are planning to reopen the campus to all K-8 students on Wednesday, July 29 and all ELC students on Friday, July 31.

BEFORE and AFTERCARE BEGINNING ON AUGUST 10
In an effort to keep the student numbers low and to increase our ability to physical distance the students, Saint Mark’s extended care program has been drastically limited to no more than 10 to 12 students per class. Also, the start date for the Before and Aftercare program will not begin until Monday, August 10.  This extra time will be used to make certain that the program is operated as safely as possible.

PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS
All members of the Saint Mark School community have a shared responsibility to prevent the spread of illness when they are aware or suspect that they have contracted a communicable disease.  As such, we will be asking/requiring our school families to support us in our efforts to stay safe.

Thank you for your time and support and, as always, please do not hesitate to contact the school office should you have any questions.

Mahalo, Stay Safe and Enjoy your Weekend,

David Gaudi
Head of School