Head of School Back to School Update – July 12, 2024

Happy Aloha Friday Saint Mark Parents (New & Returning)!

I hope and pray you all are doing well and are finding some time this summer to relax and enjoy the break. As the first day of school draws closer (less than three weeks to go) and we prepare to begin the 2024-2025 school year, I am writing with the latest Saint Mark updates and reminders.

FACULTY/STAFF BACK TO WORK SOON
The entire faculty and staff are excited to be returning to campus on Thursday, July 25.  We will spend the time in conversation, collaboration and training.  Among the many planned curricular discussions and activities, the entire faculty and staff will participate in its annual Emergency First Aid training, CPR training, and general safety training.  It’ll be a busy and productive few days leading up to the first day of school.

WELCOMING FACULTY & STAFF
In addition to our returning faculty and staff, we are excited to be welcoming two new members 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. Janine Kiyono (PK3/4); Mrs. Erin Shiroma (PK4); Mrs. Dawn Somera (K); Mrs. Hilary Beebe (grade 1); Mrs. Kathy Johnson (grade 2); Ms. Dani Mihalko (grade 3); Mrs. Rochelle Chang (grade 4); Mrs. Sarah Selph (grade 5); Mrs. Melissa Sanborn (m.s.); Mrs. Miriam McMillian (m.s.); Mrs. Kristy Schroppel (m.s.);  Mrs. Alyssa Hutchens (band & choir); Mr. Paul Markillie (school programs, athletics & computers); Ms. Kaui Dias (E.A., P.E.& beforecare); Mrs. Dale Gibo (E.A., art, aftercare); Mrs. Mele Manu (E.A., school programs, library); Mrs. Lisa Bastatas (E.A.); Mr. Nolan Chan (E.A.); Mrs. Julie O`Conner (E.A.); Ms. Calsea Shaner (E.A.); Mrs. Melelani Lawrence (business manager); Mrs. Kacie-Lyn Dela Cruz (admin asst, admissions); and Pastor Dan Truesdell.

NEW SCIENCE CURRICULUM FOR GRADES K-8
After months of research, meetings and training, Amplify Science was selected as the new science curriculum for Saint Mark’s elementary (K-5) and middle school (6-8) divisions. While there are a number of high-quality science curricula choices currently available, Amplify was the clear choice.  Amplify is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) which are K-12 science content standards. These standards have raised the bar in science education and according to Amplify “aim to move the focus of instruction away from memorization and toward active engagement….teach(ing) students to think like scientists and engineers, grapple with core scientific principles, and support deep learning of concepts that cut across domains.”

The K-8 faculty are excited to be adopting this engaging and rigorous new science curriculum for the upcoming school year.  A big mahalo goes to Mr. Markillie, Mrs. McMillian, Mrs. Sanborn and Mrs. Selph for their work researching the different science curricula to help us make a well-informed decision for Saint Mark.

CLASSES RESUMING SOON
K-8 Students Return on Wednesday, July 31 (with early dismissal – no aftercare)
Drop-off:  Gr K-8    7:15 to 7:55 a.m.
Pick-up:   Gr K-2    11:15 a.m.
Gr 3-5    11:30 a.m.
Gr 6-8    11:45 a.m.

ELC Students Return on Friday, August 2 (normal dismissal – no aftercare)
Drop-off:  PK to 8    7:15 to 7:55 a.m.
Pick-up:   Gr K-2     2:15 p.m.
Gr 3-5     2:30 p.m.
Gr 6-8     2:45 p.m.
PK          3:00 p.m.

We ask that parents please display their colored vehicle placards when dropping off & picking up their children from school. K-8 parents received their placards in their summer mailing and PK parents will receive them when they visit the classroom on August 1.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MRS. CHANG
Congratulations to our grade 4 teacher Rochelle Chang who was married on July 6.  It was a beautiful ceremony led by Saint Mark’s Pastor Dan Truesdell with the majestic Koʻolau mountains as the back drop.  We wish the newly weds all of God’s blessings as they embark on this exciting journey together!

CAMPUS IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
One of Saint Mark’s most important goals is to provide our students with a safe, beautiful, and highly-functional educational environment. We make it a priority to properly maintain the campus throughout the school year and then complete the bigger more disruptive projects in the summer months. We want the campus to be a source of pride for our students and families. This summer we have been working on a number of small but important projects that include the following:
• Campus painting – interior and exterior
• Tree and stump removal
• Stripping and waxing classroom floors
• Various repairs/upgrades – carpentry, electrical, plumbing, etc.

A big mahalo goes to T&T Construction (Frank Tanaka and Kevin Tanaka),  Island Trees (Ruben Perez),  Rod’s Painting (Jarod Shinsato),  Powerplay Electric (Chad Matsumoto),  Perry Tanouye Plumbing (Perry Tanouye) and Anago Commercial Cleaning for their wonderful work this summer and for their ongoing support of Saint Mark.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
     Faculty and Staff Report – Thursday, July 25
     K-8 Parent Visitation/Supply Drop Off – Monday & Tuesday, July 29 & 30
     K-8 First Day of School – Wednesday, July 31
     ELC Parent/Student Visitation Day – Thursday, August 1
     ELC First Day of School – Friday, August 2
     Before/Aftercare Begins for Registered Students – Monday, August 5
     Back-to-School Orientation (K-5) – Wednesday, August 7 at 6:00 pm
     Back-to-School Orientation (6-8) – Thursday, August 8 at 6:00 pm
     Back-to-School Orientation (PK) – Tuesday, August 13 at 6:00 pm

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

Mahalo, Blessings and See you Soon,

David Gaudi
Head of School