Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update & Distance Learning Program

Aloha Saint Mark Parents,

I continue to hope and pray you all are doing well as we forge forward in these difficult times. With the full deployment of our Distance Learning Plan beginning tomorrow, I am writing with the latest updates and schedule for the days ahead (which includes the packet/materials pickup on Thursday).

As I have been meeting/talking regularly with other school heads across the state (and California), I have been getting some fairly consistent feedback regarding the early days of distance learning.  What I’m being told is that it’s not the students and teachers who are experiencing the most difficulties. Rather, it’s the parents. This is completely understandable when thinking about the added pressures that are now being thrust upon their shoulders.  And as if the risks of this new (and rapidly spreading) virus along with the financial hardships many are experiencing were not enough, parents are now being asked to help manage their children’s new learning environment while attending to their own personal/professional responsibilities. These certainly are challenging times, and I want you to know that the faculty and staff of Saint Mark are fully engaged in this journey and are here to empathically support you while shepherding your children through this new learning paradigm.  

Upcoming Schedule
Wednesday, April 1
Officially Begin Distance Learning Program
Begin Zoom conferencing (if haven’t already) with students and families to test the system

Thursday, April 2
Continue testing the systems, explaining the processes and expectations to students and parents
Packet pickup at school for all grades PK to Gr 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (More Details Below)

Friday, April 3
First Day of Regular Distance Learning begins at 8:00 a.m.

Guidelines/Requirements for Packet Pick-up
1.  Parents are invited to stop by the school on Thursday, April 2 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to pickup their child(ren)’s learning materials to be used for the next two weeks.
2.  After arriving on campus, parents are asked to go directly to their child(ren)’s classroom and wait at the door where their child’s teacher will meet them and give them their materials.  Middle school parents are to go to their child(ren)’s homeroom teacher’s classroom.  Each door will have a table/desk in front of it to help maintain a safe social distance. (For your safety and the safety of those around you, please maintain a safe distance from all non-household members while on campus).
3.  Once parents have received the materials, we ask that they immediately return to their vehicle and exit the campus.
4.  There is to be no congregating on campus.

If you are not comfortable picking up your packet, are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms, or are currently quarantined for COVID-19 (mandatory or voluntary), please inform your teacher and other arrangements will be made.  We apologize if these restrictions sound a bit harsh but in order to support our community efforts to thwart the spread of this virus, we must do our part to honor the social distancing guidelines/directives.

Zoom Rules Sheet Must be Signed
In an effort to keep our students safe while on-line and to help establish an environment conducive to learning, a set of Rules for Students While Using Zoom have been created and are attached.  We ask that K-8 parents please print, sign (student and parent), scan (take a picture), and email back to your child(ren)’s teacher(s) no later than Friday, April 3. If you do not have a printer, hard copies will be available for pickup on Thursday.

Mahalo for your patience and perseverance and, 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