Head of School Back to School Update – July 12, 2021

Aloha Saint Mark Parents!

I hope and pray that you all are doing well.

I have purposely refrained from cluttering your inboxes this summer as we were hoping to give our families some time to relax and enjoy the break. However, with the first day of school just a couple weeks away, it’s time to resume active communications. I am writing with the latest Saint Mark news.

COVID-19 CAMPUS PLAN IS COMPLETE
On behalf of Saint Mark’s Board of Education and administration, I am happy to share that Saint Mark Lutheran School’s COVID-19 Campus Plan – Policy and Procedures 2021-2022 is complete and has been attached.  I implore you to please take some time to carefully read through this document.  While much of it is similar to last year’s plan, great care was taken to revise and update it to reflect the latest guidelines, vaccination rates, and community conditions.

We will again be implementing what the CDC terms “layered prevention strategies” (e.g., using multiple prevention strategies together consistently) to protect those in our community who are not yet fully vaccinated.  And like last year, this plan prioritizes health & safety, educational excellence, practicality, and flexibility in what we hope is a helpful, reassuring and readable format.

We understand that there are many differing opinions and comfort levels when it comes to safety protocols and that there is no perfect map to guide us in these challenging times, but we are confident that by applying sound guidelines from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH), Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS), and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) we can confidently resume classes in the 2021-22 school year knowing that our decisions are data driven, consistent with other thoughtful school leaders, and in the best interest of our school `ohana. 

HIGHLIGHTS from COVID-19 CAMPUS PLAN
Communication is Key – As was the case last school year, open and clear communication will play an integral role in keeping families informed about the latest information as it relates to being on campus and protecting the safety and well-being of our community.  Parents can expect to receive communications from the Head of School via email updating them on the latest news and developments.  

Data-Driven Decision Making – Saint Mark will continue to rigorously follow the science as a guide to safely operate on campus and will make decisions that are data-driven and in the best interest of the entire school `ohana.

Vaccinations Strongly Encouraged – Saint Mark has no current plans to require vaccinations, but does strongly encourage all those eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine to please do so.  We understand that getting vaccinated is our best chance of getting Hawai`i’s kids and teachers fully back-to-school and resuming more normal/traditional school activities.

Dedication to On-Campus Instruction – Saint Mark understands the importance of social interactions and in-person support that is delivered through an on-campus experience.  To that end, an online learning option will no longer be offered and all Saint Mark students are expected to attend school in-person.

Daily Health Screenings – Daily temperature checks will continue

Mask and Shields – All individuals including faculty, staff, students, and school visitors are required to wear a mask that covers the mouth and nose while on campus (both inside and outside the classroom). The school will be providing face shields to all faculty, staff and students that will be required to be worn ONLY at lunch and snack time when the masks are removed.  Shields do NOT need to be worn all day like last year.

No Campus Visitors without Appointment – All visitors to campus, including parents, will be screened including a thermal temperature check upon arrival and are not permitted to go beyond the school office without a scheduled appointment. This means that parents must drop off their children at the designated drop-off area and are not permitted to park.

Out-of-State Travel – Parents are to follow all state and city requirements regarding out-of-state travel and quarantining. Saint Mark will no longer have additional requirements.

Excursions – Saint Mark will be resuming the possibility of off-campus learning with prior approval from the Head of School.  Masks must be worn on all excursions as if the students were on campus.

Athletics – Saint Mark hopes to resume interscholastic athletic competition this school year and is currently collaborating with association schools to create and implement a comprehensive plan to safely do so. Once a plan is agreed upon,  it will be shared with the parents of eligible students at the appropriate time.

WELCOMING FACULTY & STAFF
In addition to our returning faculty and staff, we are excited to be welcoming a few new members to the Saint Mark `Ohana.  Please join me in wishing a very warm aloha to all of our new and returning faculty and staff: Mrs. Alissa Menza (PK3), Mrs. Kristin Sorrell (PK3/4); Ms. Erin Shiroma (PK4); Mrs. Dawn Somera (K); Mrs. Charlene Lazaro (grade 1); Ms. Cynthia Chung (grade 2); Mrs. Myra Zhang (grade 3); Ms. Rochelle Chang (grade 4); Mrs. Sarah Selph (grade 5); Mrs. Melissa Sanborn (m.s.), Mrs. Elizabeth Gregson (m.s.), Mrs. Kristy Schroppel (m.s.);  Mrs. Alyssa Hutchins (band & choir); Mr. Paul Markillie (school programs, athletics & computers); Ms. Kaui Dias (E.A. & P.E.); Mrs. Dale Gibo (E.A., art, aftercare); Mrs. Mele Manu (E.A., school programs, library); Mrs. Karen Akaka (E.A., beforecare); Mr. Nolan Chan (E.A.); Mrs. Julie O`Conner (E.A.); Ms. Calsea Shaner (E.A.); Mrs. Melelani Lawrence (business manager); Mrs. Debbie Jenkins (admin asst, admissions); (Mrs. Miriam McMillian – sabbatical year).

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
Faculty and Staff Report – Friday, July 23
K-8 Parent Visitation/Drop Off Supplies – Monday & Tuesday, July 26 & 27
K-8 First Day of School – Wednesday, July 28
ELC Parent/Student Visitation Day – Thursday, July 29
ELC First Day of School – Friday, July 30
Before/Aftercare Begins for All students – Monday, August 1

PARENTAL PARTNERSHIP
As we prepare to open our doors for the 2021-22 school year and look forward to the eventual expansion of vaccine eligibility to include students under 12, please know that every COVID-19 decision made for our school is one that places the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and families as our top priority.  We have greatly appreciated your trust in us and your cooperative spirit throughout this entire pandemic. We will continue to be asking our school families to support us in our efforts to stay safe as we work to thoughtfully and patiently transition back to a more pre-pandemic reality.    

Thank you for your support and please do not hesitate to contact the school office should you have any questions.

Mahalo, Stay Safe and Blessings on your Week,

David Gaudi
Head of School