St. Mark Catholic School, in conjunction with the Diocese of Dallas Catholic Schools Office, 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.
 

The St. Mark campus will be closed through at least May 1, 2020.
 

Distance Learning
*Please login to FACTS Family Portal to access distance learning lessons posted by grade level teachers.

*Any technical difficulties or problems accessing lessons via FACTS Family Portal should be reported to the teacher immediately.

*Grades from distance lessons will be entered into the gradebook.

*In keeping with Texas Education Agency policy, attendance will be taken. Students will be counted present for the week as long as lesson deadlines are met. If a student becomes ill and/or is unable to submit assignments, please contact the teacher, and include the school nurse if ill -- caroline.townsend@stmcs.net. 

Important Communications

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

What You Need To Know

*The school campus closed as of March 16, 2020 and will remain closed through at least Friday, May 1, 2020.

*School supply pick-up for Preschool-8th grade took place March 17-18, 2020. A second school supply pick-up for Preschool, TK, Kindergarten and 1st Grade took place March 25. Unclaimed packets were delivered to homes by staff members.

*St. Mark Catholic Church offers Daily Mass online in addition to Holy Week services. Please join the Masses via the church Facebook page and YouTube channel.



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

*All school-related activities have been canceled until further notice.

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

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 
 

Event Cancelations & Postponements

Canceled Events:

*All Dallas Parochial League (DPL) spring sports including games and practices
*March 24 Open House
*March 28 PSIA Academic Competition
*April 3 HSA Talent Show
*April 7 Come & Play Day Open House
*April 7 4th and 7th grade field trips
*April 8 Living Stations of the Cross
*April 14-19 Spring Book Fair
*April 16 Recorder Performance
*April 21 Early Childhood Education Open House
*April 22 Spirit Night at Dairy Queen
*April 24 STEM Fair
*April 25 TCA State Robotics Competition

Postponed Events:

*March 26 LLS/Olive Garden Lunch for Students & Staff

*March 31 "Kids Take Over the School" Day

*The Dan Gemeinhart author visit scheduled for April 1 has been postponed until the 2020-21 school year. For anyone who pre-ordered his books, orders are being processed and books will be delivered to the school in the coming weeks. If you have an 8th grade student who ordered books, please contact Mrs. Hughes directly.

*8th grade Confirmation scheduled for April 25

*Duke TIP recognition ceremonies

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 practices.