St. Mark Catholic School, in conjunction with the Diocese of Dallas Catholic Schools Office and state and local governments, is closely monitoring reports about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). During this time, we ask that all families continue to check their school communications and this page regularly for updates. Let us pray together for the safety of our community, our nation, and our world, and for all those suffering the effects of COVID-19.
 

St. Mark Catholic School will begin in-person classes on
Wednesday, August 12, 2020.

Please click here to read the Protocols for the Safe and Healthy Reopening of School.
 

Important Communications

June 15, 2020 Protocols for the Safe and Healthy Reopening of School
June 15, 2020 Letter from Mrs. Opon
May 22, 2020 End of Year Letter from Dr. Matt Vereecke to Parents
May 6, 2020 Fall 2020 School Reopening Letter from Mrs. Opon
April 26, 2020 CSO Student, Parent, Teacher Dedication Mass
April 24, 2020 End of Year Plans Email from Mrs. Opon
April 23, 2020 Class of 2020 Modified Graduation Plan Email from Mrs. Opon
April 17, 2020 School Closure Update from Mrs. Opon
April 10, 2020 Easter Message from the Catholic Schools Office
April 3, 2020 Distance Learning Update from Mrs. Opon
March 31, 2020 Additional Decree by Bishop Burns and Holy Week Guidelines
March 31, 2020 Letter from Dr. Matt Vereecke, Superintendent, Dallas Catholic Schools
March 31, 2020 School Advisory Council Letter
March 25, 2020 8th Grade Confirmation Postponed Email
March 24, 2020 ECE-1st Grade Supply Pick-Up #2 Email from Mrs. Opon
March 20, 2020  Letter from Dr. Matt Vereecke, Superintendent, Dallas Catholc Schools
March 17, 2020 Pope Francis Rosary Email
March 15, 2020 School Supply Pick Up Email from Mrs. Opon
March 14, 2020 Mass Cancelation Statement from Bishop Edward J. Burns
March 14, 2020 STEM Fair Cancelation
March 13, 2020 Statement &  Decree from Bishop Edward J. Burns
March 13, 2020 Video Press Conference by Bishop Edward J. Burns
March 13, 2020 Letter from Dr. Matt Vereecke, Superintendent, Dallas Catholic Schools
March 13, 2020 Distance Learning Email from Mrs. Opon


Distance Learning

Should Distance Learning become necessary, St. Mark has a comprehensive plan in place. Please click here for complete details.

What You Need To Know

*The school campus closed March 16, 2020 through the end of the 2019-20 school year.

*All spring school-related activities are canceled or postponed until further notice.

*The Dallas Parochial League canceled all spring sports including games and practices.

*St. Mark Catholic Church offers daily Mass online. Please join the Masses via the church Facebook page and YouTube channel.

*The Diocese of Dallas offers online and broadcast masses. Please click here for dates and times.
 

Family Resources

* Father Mike with Ascension Presents: How Should Catholics Respond to the Coronavirus Pandemic?

* No Child Left Behind: Reading Tips for Parents 

* The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans: Spiritual Communion

* Social Distancing: This is Not a Snow Day

* "How to Handwash - Catholic Style" Printable Resource

* BrainPop Video about Coronavirus

* Childmind: Talking to Kids About Coronavirus

* National Association of School Psychologists: How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus

* Spark and Stitch Institute: How to Talk to Kids and Teens About the Coronavirus

* America Magazine: A Prayer Amid an Epidemic

* Boosterthoncharacter.com - Access Code: AtHome


Public Health & Assistance Resources

* Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
* Collin County Health News & Advisories
* Dallas County Health & Human Services
* Texas Department of State Health Services
* World Health Organization
* Diocese of Dallas Catholic Schools Office: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Flu Precautions
* Texas Workforce Commission 
 

What We Do To Keep Our Campus Healthy

St. Mark has heightened our cleaning practices during this time and we continue to encourage all staff and students to practice good hygiene and frequent hand-washing to prevent the spread of illness. Some of the things we have added to our procedures:

*Frequent disinfecting of all high-touch surfaces with Clorox, including desks, light switches, door knobs, and handrails. All computer keyboards are cleaned immediately after use.

*Heightened nightly cleaning procedures with hospital-grade cleaner, Envirox.

*Mandated hand-washing times for all students during the school day including beginning of the school day, before lunch, after recess, and after P.E.


What You Can Do Now

*Stay home if you are sick.

*Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing "Happy Birthday" twice). If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Remember that handwashing is the strongest way to prevent the spread of disease.

*Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

*Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; germs spread this way.

*Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze (use your upper sleeve if a tissue is not available).

*Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

*Comply with local health authorities regarding social distancing and safety practices.

Spring 2020 COVID-19 Archive