Head of School Update – February 16, 2024

Happy Aloha Friday Saint Mark Parents,

I hope and pray you all are doing well.  I am writing with the latest updates, reminders and pictures (lots of them) as we head into this President’s Day weekend.

3rd QUARTER GOING WELL
From exciting science labs and exhilarating outdoor lessons, to daily classroom activities, Chinese New Year & 100-Day celebrations, and interactive field trips, the 3rd quarter has thus far been a fun and educational time.

SPELLING BEE
In early January, students in grades 4 to 8 participated in class level spelling bees where two students from each class were selected to move on to the schoolwide bee.  From there the top two moved onto the Windward District Spelling Bee.  We congratulate our grade level winners (Luke Bemowski, Brock Faufata, Grace Kawamoto, Kailena Kepa’a, Jessa Kona, Nyla Shae Kurihara, Gavrielle Major, Kara Makue, Esaiah Rivera and Javan-Rod Whittington) and our two school winners (Nyla Shae Kurihara and Kara Makue) who proudly represented Saint Mark in the District Bee earlier this week.  Great job spellers!

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR 
After weeks of long hours, dedicated research, careful experimentation and thorough reporting, the middle school students proudly completed and shared their science fair projects with their fellow students and families on January 31 in the Saint Mark gym.  We commend our students for their dedication and determination in getting these important projects done.  Congratulations to the winners: Grade 6: 1st place – Javan Whittington; 2nd Place – Samuel Tanjutco; 3rd Place – Kaiea Maka’ina’i & Isabella Rodrigues; Grade 7: 1st Place – Nyla Kurihara; 2nd Place – Braxton Hardy; 3rd Place – Isabella Fry; Grade 8: 1st Place – Mia Mackenzie; 2nd Place – Kale’a Nakamura; 3rd Place – Kouta Asato.  A big mahalo goes to the students, Mrs. McMillian and Mrs. Sanborn for their commitment to bring back an important event!

JV BASKETBALL ENDS ON A HIGH NOTE
Our JV basketball teams finished up their short but eventful season with a sweep of Friendship Christian last Thursday. The boys picked up a couple of wins and averaged 26 points per game while taking on several very strong teams in the league.  The girls team went undefeated with an average winning score of 34-10.  This follows their undefeated JV volleyball season last fall.  A huge mahalo to all our players (Carter Bode, Micah Estell, Kaukahi Haili-Nakamoto, Logan Nguyen, David Pocock, Samuel Ponce, Javan Whittington, Brody Wong, Kenzie Brayce, Grace Kawamoto, Kira Keawe, Kailena Kepa`a, Leyla Mafua, Kaiea Maka’ina’i, Bella Rodrigues and Taylor Sunaoka) along with Athletics Director/Coach Mr. Markillie and Coach Mrs. Erin for a fun and successful season.

RE-ENROLLMENT for the 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR (Returning Students)
Please remember that the enrollment contract and enrollment fee for all RETURNING students (in grades PK3, PK3/4 and K-7) are due back to the school office no later than next Thursday, February 22, 2024 to guarantee a spot for the 2024-25 school year. Please call Mrs. Kacie dela Cruz in the school office at 247-5589 should you have any questions.

SAFE KIDS LOCKDOWN DRILL (Scheduled Soon)
As you hopefully recall, Saint Mark participated in H.E.R.O. week last month where students learned safe-thinking skills and empowerment strategies through activities, stories, and discussions. With the training complete, we are now ready for our scheduled Lockdown drill which will take place on Tuesday, February 27.  The teachers are prepping their classes for this drill, and we encourage our parents to do the same. We value the health, safety and well-being of our children above all else and believe this H.E.R.O. training program creates a safer and better prepared learning environment for our entire school community. Mahalo for your cooperation in this new program and please do not hesitate to reach out to your classroom teacher or Mr. Markillie at pmarkillie@smls-hawaii.org should you have any questions.

SPIRIT WEEK (Coming Soon!)
We are excited that Spirit Week 2024 is scheduled for the week of March 4 to 8!  For those new to Saint Mark, this is a week where our students get to show their school spirit by dressing up and having some fun. You’ll be receiving a Spirit Week flyer in the near future with details.  The daily themes are as follows:
Monday, March 4 – Disney/Superhero Day
Tuesday, March 5 – Class Color Day 
Wednesday, March 6 – Aloha Attire Day
Thursday, March 7 – Sports Day 
Friday, March 8 – Crazy Hair Day with Free Dress 
Class Colors: K-Red; Gr 1-Orange; Gr 2-Blue; Gr 3-Purple; Gr 4-Yellow; Gr 5-Green; Gr 6-Tie Dye; Gr 7-Gray; Gr 8-Black

NO SCHOOL MONDAY – PRESIDENT’S DAY
This is a friendly reminder that there is NO SCHOOL, Monday, February 19 as it is President’s Day.  School will resume on Tuesday, February 20.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
    Spring Family Night – Friday, February 16 at the Ice Palace at 6:00pm
    No School (President’s Day) – Monday, February 19
    Spirit Week – March 4 to March 8
Spring Activity Day – Friday, March 8
    3rd Quarter Ends – Friday, March 8 (Early Dismissal)
    Spring Break – March 11 to March 22
    School Resumes – Monday, March 25
    No School (Good Friday) – Friday, March 29
    No School (Easter Monday) – Monday, April 1
Spring Pictures – Thursday, April 4

MAHALO!
Mahalo for your continued support and commitment to the people and programs of Saint Mark.  And as always, please do not hesitate to let us know should you have any questions.

Mahalo, blessings and have a wonderful 3-Day Weekend,

David Gaudi
Head of School