Dear St. Mark School Families,
 
It is my honor to be a part of a school that has so many new things happening.  I am proud of what we do, very excited about our school, and want to share that excitement with you!
 
The STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Lab that was established at the beginning of the school year is used daily.  The rectory dining room is located directly over the lab, and as I often sit there working on my homilies, I can hear the students working, learning, and laughing.  They are having fun while discovering new things.
 
A new View Board was recently installed in the 7th-grade classroom and the preschool got their long-awaited SmartBoard.  Chromebooks are being utilized by the middle school students for homework and research.  They are taught to sift through information to find what they need, as well as how to use technology responsibly and considerately.  This will prepare them well for high school.   
 
We have plans to update our current computer lab to make it more conducive for 21st-century learning.  We are pricing new flooring, tables, and air-conditioning to encourage more movement and discovery in this room.  Security in the school will be improved as we install new doors in the hallway near the school office.  These doors will be secured at all times so students, faculty, and staff will be safer anytime the Church is open to the Faithful. 
 
We continue to look at other aesthetic and practical improvements as well.  Many of the signs around the campus are hard to read and confusing.  We are looking into new signage that is easier to read and represents our campus well.  New heating and cooling options are also being researched as we look to update the school building in this regard.
 
Mrs. Greubel and Mrs. Bingham have been going through the process of writing grants.  We have identified and applied for a few grants for which we are eligible.  They are currently finishing a grant through the Beyond Sunday Foundation which is entitled Watch our STREAM Grow.  It includes new fencing around the school garden, a greenhouse, Marian and memorial gardens, outdoor Stations of the Cross, a green screen, and new video cameras.  It is quite large, but I am excited to see that it is progressing nicely.
 
 We have volunteers giving time to our school every day.  As I walk our halls, I see volunteers reading, writing, and doing Math with our students.  Other volunteers give
time each month helping us keep up with changing technology.  Still others help maintain the building and grounds.  I am proud to work with a very active School Board, Parish
Council, and Finance Council.  They are invested in our school and are always looking toward the future.
 
St. Mark is a school filled with laughter, passion, and learning.  In my first meeting with Mrs. Bingham, one way she described our school was by saying, “it feels like home.”  She, the teachers, and the staff truly believe St. Mark is a family and they are always happy to welcome people home.  This attitude enables us to meet the challenges of academic excellence in a positive, fun, and nurturing environment.  As we always want to continue improving, I welcome your input.
 
God bless you and have a great spring semester! 
 
Fr. Hecktor