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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is St. Mark open, and do you offer on-campus learning? 
St. Mark Catholic School began the 2020-21 school year on August 19, 2020, offering both
on-campus and off-campus learning options during the COVID-19 pandemic.

*On-campus students experience a regular school day with enhanced health and safety measures in place.

*Off-campus students experience a regular school day from home via live stream. A weekly school supply bag exchange provides off-campus students with the materials they need to fully particpate in live classes during the upcoming week.

 *Please refer to the following documents for the policies and procedures
pertaining to each program:

*Protocols for the Safe and Healthy Opening of On-Campus School
*Off-Campus Learning Platform

What does a typical school day look like?
*On-campus students attend a full school day in person, as well as regular weekly "specials" classes such as Art, Music, Library, Computer Lab, Spanish, Physical Education. Middle sschool students attend daily elective classes. Students enjoy daily outdoor recess, and the full cafeteria lunch program is available. Breaks are scheduled throughout the day, and classes are periodically held outdoors, weather permitting. 

*Off-campus students attend a full school day from home via Google Meet live streaming, including weekly "specials" classes such as Art, Music, Library, Computer Lab, Spanish, and Physical Education. Middle school students attend daily elective classes. A variety of programs and apps allow students to fully partipate in the classroom experience. On-campus and off-campus students and their teachers are able to see and hear each other. Breaks are scheduled throughout the day.

What is St. Mark doing to enhance the health and safety of students and staff on campus?
St. Mark has heightened our cleaning practices during this time and we continue to encourage everyone to practice good hygiene and frequent hand-washing to prevent the spread of illness. Some of the things we have added to our procedures:

*Face masks are required for everyone on campus.

*Daily health and temperature screenings for students and staff.

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

*Heightened nightly cleaning procedures with hospital-grade, environmentally-friendly 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.

*Ionic air purifiers have been installed in all classrooms.

*Plexiglass shields have been installed in classrooms to facilitate small group work.

*Visitors are not permitted on campus.
 

Recent Communications

Family Resources

What You Can Do to Prevent the Spread of Illness

*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.