Distance Learning
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Program Overview
St. Mark Catholic School is committed to providing students with meaningful and engaging lessons that maintain educational momemtum and prepare them for the following school year, whether inside or outside of the traditional classroom setting.
Should Distance Learning become necessary, St. Mark has a program in place that enables students to transition seamlessly between the classroom and home setting. This program incorporates all academic subject areas, religion instruction, "specials" classes including art, music, library, computer lab, Spanish language class, and physical education, as well as engaging extra-curricular activities, faith-based activities, and opportunties to interact virtually with classmates.
Technology Use
St. Mark Catholic School students are well-versed in the use of technology, which allows for an uninterrupted transition to Distance Learning.
St. Mark utilizes the following platforms:
FACTS Family Portal (lesson plans, homework, grades)
Zoom (video conferencing)
Seesaw (assignment submissions, sharing student work with parents)
Google Classroom; Google Hangouts (middle school assignments and video conferencing)
Home Computer & Internet Access Requirements:
During Distance Learning, students are required to have home access to the Internet and to a computer. Middle school students have personal Chromebook laptops that they continue to utilize during Distance Learning. Arrangements can be made for students to borrow a school iPad or laptop as needed.
Video Conferencing Etiquette:
*Find a location where you will not be distracted.
*Attire should be appropriate for school.
*Be on time and be prepared with all necessary materials.
*Be present. Refrain from using mobile phones or gaming devices during video conferencing.
*Make sure your computer or device is charged.
*Use headphones.
*Mute yourself to eliminate background noise.
*Behave as you would in a classroom setting. No eating, playing, making faces, etc.
*Use the chat function responsibly. If you have a question, type "?" followed by your question.
*Use hand signals when appropriate (thumbs up/down, raise hand to make a comment, etc.).
Assignments
Lesson plans for the upcoming week are posted by 4:00 PM on Friday, and all attachments are posted by Sunday evening. This accomplishes three things: 1) Provides information to families that need to work over the weekend; 2) Provides information to families that need to plan alternate work schedules; and 3) Provides information in advance to those who want to follow the traditional timeline, allowing them to preview the lessons and be ready for the following week.
Grading Policy
The grading system outlined in the Parent Student Handbook continues to apply to Distance Learning assignments.
Attendance
In order for Distance Learning to count as qualified instruction, schools are required by the Texas Education Agency to take regular attendance. St. Mark counts the work a student submits as proof of attendance. Accommodations can be provided to families that need to submit assignments outside of the normal deadlines due to scheduling conflicts and other reasons.
Support Services
Support services are available to students who have accommodation plans in place. Support sessions are conducted via Zoom with a St. Mark Resource Teacher. Students who need additional help or tutoring to complete classroom lessons may schedule individual appointments with teachers via Zoom.
What Does Distance Learning Look Like at St. Mark?
Math Class: Learning Numbers
Religion Class: PK3 Students Pray Together With Their Teacher
Social Studies Class: Producers vs. Consumers Via Zoom
6th Grade Stations of the Cross Via Google
Religion Class: Middle School Notes Emailed To Their Prayer Partners
Physical Education: Virtual Field Day
Classroom Storytime With Guest Readers Via Zoom
Art Class: Getty Museum Challenge
Students recreate famous artwork at home.
Art Class: Perspectives
Library: The Masked Reader
Teachers take turns dressing up as book characters and reading books to students via Zoom over several weeks. Students guess who "The Masked Reader" is each evening.
Library: St. Mark Mobile Library
During the summer months, the St. Mark Librarian organizes a “mobile library” that provides families with an alternative to visiting a library in person or purchasing books online. Books are checked-out electronically and delivered directly to family homes.
Engaging Activities: Easter Egg Hunt
2nd grade students receive a surprise Easter delivery from their teacher:
an educational Easter egg hunt.
Engaging Activities: Preschool Lunch & Learn
Preschool teachers connect with students via Zoom where they enjoy lunch together and engage in lessons. This lesson discusses the number 9 and how to create it using Playdough.
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STEM/Science: Egg in a Jar Experiment
3rd grade students conduct science experiments at home. -
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Spanish Class: Gummy Bear Song/Dance
An example of homework might be singing the "Gummy Bear Song" in Spanish,
creating a dance to go along with it, and submitting a video to the teacher. -
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Spirit Days
Students show their LION PRIDE by wearing their St. Mark shirts during Distance Learning.
Middle School Chromebooks
Middle school students are able to complete their work on their Chromebook laptops at home.
