Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update & Distance Learning Program

Aloha Saint Mark Parents,

I hope and pray you all are doing well and staying safe in these increasingly challenging times. While this crisis has brought about unprecedented change in all of our daily lives, we can also see it bringing our families and communities together in new and meaningful ways. And I am confident that we will emerge from this crisis as a stronger and more resilient community. In the meantime, we will continue to update you in an effort to keep you well-informed.

Distance Learning Plan Completed
As was shared last week Saint Mark has been carefully planning a comprehensive Distance Learning Program for PK3 to Grade 8, and I’m happy to report that it is now complete.  We kindly ask that you please take some time to read the plan – paying particular attention to those sections that apply to your child(ren).  We believe that this plan provides the overall structure and curricular framework needed to create orderly school days while also giving teachers, students and families the flexibility to handle the various challenges associated with remote learning.

Teacher/Student Connections
A significant part of this Distance Learning experience will be teacher and student connections/interactions.  The longer the students are sequestered at home, the more vital the personal (albeit remote) connections become for the students.  Please rest assured that the faculty and staff are resolutely committed to consistently establishing and fostering those connections while adhering to daily routines.

Zoom
One of the most powerful ways to facilitate these teacher/student and student/student connections is through the digital platform Zoom. Saint Mark will be utilizing Zoom in most grades as its primary conferencing tool. More information will soon be shared  regarding how to use Zoom.

Suspension of On-Campus Activities until April 30 & May Day Cancellation 
With Governor Ige’s third supplementary proclamation that all people are to stay at home until April 30, 2020, Saint Mark is extending it’s suspension of on-campus activities until at least April 30.  As such, we must unfortunately cancel our biennial May Day Performance which was scheduled for May 1.

Upcoming Schedule
Mon, Mar 30 –  No School.  Faculty and Staff Prep for Distance Learning
Tue, Mar 31 –   No School.  Faculty and Staff Prep for Distance Learning
Wed, April 1 –   Faculty and Staff Officially Begin Distance Learning Program; Begin Zoom conferencing with students and families to test the system
Thur, April 2 –   Continue testing the systems, explaining the processes & expectations to students and parents
Fri, April 3 –      First Day of Regular Distance Learning Class

And finally, I want to end with what I conveyed to the faculty & staff yesterday and that is that while I obviously see the days ahead as a somewhat disconcerting time for our school, state, country and world, I also see it as an exciting opportunity for the faculty & staff of Saint Mark to make a meaningful difference to our students at an otherwise extremely changing time.  We look forward to a continued partnership and thank you for your commitment to Saint Mark.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact the school office should you have any questions.

Mahalo and Blessings,

Dr. David Gaudi
Head of School