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. Please note that this information is subject  to change based on updated information from state and local agencies.

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 Catholic School 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 with synchronized lessons via live video conferencing.

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
 

How are St. Mark's health and safety policy decisions made? 
All health and safety decisions are made in consultation with the Diocese of Dallas Catholic Schools Office which works directly with the Centers for Disease Control, Dallas County Health and Human Services, Collin County Health Care Services, the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department, and the Texas Education Association. Policies and procedures are subject to change based on updated guidance from these agencies.
 

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 including Art, Music, Library, Computer Lab, Spanish, and Physical Education. Middle school students attend daily elective classes. Students enjoy daily outdoor recess. The full cafeteria lunch program is available. Plenty of breaks are scheduled throughout the day enabling students to move, stretch, and go outside. Classes are periodically held outdoors. 

Off-campus students attend a full school day from home with synchronized lessons via Google Meet video conferencing including weekly "specials" classes such as Art, Music, Library, Computer Lab, Spanish, and Physical Education. Middle school students attend daily elective classes. ClassLink, a tool that enables students to access educational websites and applications with a single sign-on, allows students to utilize a variety of interactive electronic platforms and fully participate in the classroom experience. On-campus and off-campus students and their teachers are able to see and hear each other. Plenty of breaks are scheduled throughout the day enabling students to move, stretch, and go outside. A weekly school supply bag exchange provides off-campus students with the materials they need to fully participate in live classes during the upcoming week. 
 

What is St. Mark doing to enhance the health and safety of students and staff on campus? 
St. Mark has implemented heightened cleaning practices during this time and continues to encourage everyone to practice good hygiene and frequent handwashing to prevent the spread of illness. Protocols include:

*Non-medical grade face masks are required for everyone on campus.
*Faculty and staff are screened daily for COVID-19 symptoms before entering campus.
*Students are screened daily for COVID-19 symptoms before entering campus.
*Students have mandated handwashing times throughout the school day including the beginning of the day, before lunch, after recess, and after P.E.
*Hand sanitizer is available throughout the campus, and is utilized frequently.  
*Frequent disinfecting of all high-touch surfaces is conducted with hospital-grade, environmentally-friendly cleaner, Envirox, including desks, light switches, door knobs, and handrails. All computer keyboards are cleaned immediately after use.
*Nightly cleaning procedures are heightened with hospital-grade, environmentally-friendly cleaner, Envirox.
*Ionic air purifiers have been installed in all classrooms.
*Classroom desks face the same direction, are spaced to allow for social distancing,
and rows are staggered.
*Acrylic shields have been installed in classrooms to help prevent the spread of respiratory droplets and facilitate small group work with teachers.
*Acrylic dividers have been added to classroom desks where appropriate to help prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.
*Students do not share supplies. Each student has their own school supply container.
*Students bring their own water bottles to school each day. Water fountains are sealed,
but water bottle dispensers are available throughout campus.
*Students remain in the classroom for daily lessons and teachers come to them in order to minimize the number of students utilizing a classroom.
*One class at a time is permitted in the hallways.
*Weekly music classes are held in the cafeteria to allow for proper social distancing, and emphasize instruction in musicality, rhythm reading, dancing, and percussion instruments.
*Daily physical education classes are divided by teacher, follow social distancing guidelines,
and are frequently held outdoors.
*Students eat lunch in their classrooms.
*Cafeteria meals require pre-orders. Meals are delivered to classrooms in covered containers.
*Recess is held daily and is divided by grade level.
*The After School Program is separated by grade level.
*The school Band program follows a hybrid model and utilizes strict social distancing
and safety protocols.
*Visitors and volunteers 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.
*Avoid close contact with people who 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 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 sleeve if tissue is unavailable). 
*Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
*Comply with local health authorities regarding social distancing and safety practices.