Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update & Distance Learning Program – May 8, 2020

Happy Aloha Friday Saint Mark Parents,

I continue to hope and pray that you are doing well.  I am writing with the latest updates.

Final Packet Pickup
Parents are invited to stop by the school next Friday, May 15 between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to pick up their child(ren)’s learning materials to be used for the final two weeks of May.  A reminder will be sent next week with the pickup guidelines/requirements.

Returning School Materials
Parents are asked to return all school property (books, iPads, Chromebooks, chargers, white boards, etc.) to the teachers on Friday, May 29 between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.  A reminder will be sent home as the date draws nearer with the drop-off guidelines/requirements.

Teacher Appreciation Week Mahalos
Mahalo for all of the wonderful support during this past week!  All the letters, cards, gifts, videos, and other well-wishes truly brightened our days and are so greatly appreciated.

Parent Stress
Including spring break, we have now been home with our children for eight full weeks.  As much as we all love our families, being sequestered at home for two months with limited opportunities to get out of the house coupled with varying levels economic uncertainty can perpetuate parental anxiety and stress.  The faculty and staff realize that our ability to lower family stress levels is limited; however, we do want our families to know that we are keeping you in prayer and are here to fully support you as we continue to empathize with your struggles.  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

If you are looking for a few stress management pointers, Anne Nielsen in Managing stress during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has the following recommendations for parents in these difficult times: Do virtual meetups or playdates; Make “me” time; Cut yourself (and your kids) some slack; Go outside when possible; Limit your time on social media and watching the news; Check in with yourself and your partner about how you’re handling the stress as a parent; Keep your routine (as much as possible); and Plan fun activities to pass the time.

Financial Support
Because of the sudden and unexpected financial hardships COVID-19 has created for some of our families, Saint Mark has set up a donor link on the school’s website. This link allows us to collect donations to specifically help support those families who may need tuition assistance as the current crisis continues to disrupt employment and other financial factors. I’m happy to report that we have already received numerous generous donations.  Please rest assured that we are here to help our families and are committed to each student continuing their Saint Mark education in the 2020-21 school year.

Grade 8 Graduation
We are currently finalizing plans for our drive-up ceremony on Thursday, May 28 for our Grade 8 graduates.  More details to follow.

ELC Summer Program
Saint Mark is still considering the feasibility of offering an on-sight summer program for current ELC parents this summer; however, it’s not looking promising.  A final decision will be made by the end of next week. 

Resuming On-Campus Activities in 2020-21
It continues to be our sincere hope and plan that we will be able to safely resume on-campus operations at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year with the implementation of well-thought-out protective measures.

Mahalo for your continued patience and perseverance and, as always, please do not hesitate to contact the school office should you have any questions.

Mahalo, Stay Safe, and Have a Wonderful Mother’s Day Weekend,

David Gaudi
Head of School