WEEKLY SCHOOL BULLETIN October 26, 2017

Prayer for the 2017-18 School Year

Lord, help us to come together as a community to support one another, encourage one another

and show each other kindness. Amen.

St. Mark Mantra

Every day we treat others as we would treat Jesus Christ, with all our

heart, mind and soul.

REMINDERS

TODAY, Thursday, October 26:

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM: Half days are Cane's Days at St. Mark! Visit the Raising Cane's across the street from the school, mention St. Mark when placing your order, and a percentage of proceeds benefits the Athletics Dept.! -12:00 NOON: Early Dismissal -Parent/Teacher Conferences Friday, October 27: -No School -Parent/Teacher Conferences Saturday, October 28: -Priesthood Weekend -8:00 AM, St. Mark Campus: All Souls Remembrance 1K/5K Walk/Run (details below)

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Sunday, October 29: -Priesthood Weekend -12:00 PM, John Paul II High School Field: Homecoming! JV Homecoming Game begins at 12:00 PM, followed by the 1st annual St. Mark Homecoming Tailgate/Chili Cook-off at 1:00 PM, and at 2:00 PM, the Varsity Homecoming Game (details below) -2:00-5:00 PM, Ternan Home: ECE Pre-Auction Mixer (details below) Monday, October 30: -8th grade visits Bishop Lynch High School Tuesday, October 31: -PK-K students wear costumes to school; grades 1-8 can pay $2.00 and dress as a super her0 (details below) -8:15 AM, Cafetorium: Spunky Pumpkin play presented by 2nd grade -11:45 AM: ECE Halloween Parade

-2:30 PM: Class Halloween parties (due to space considerations, only Room Parents may attend) Wednesday, November 1: -8:30 AM, Church: All Saints Day Mass; all are welcome -Living Saints, presented by the 8th grade -New student applications for the 2018-19 school year are available online Thursday, November 2: -8:00 AM, Bacot Gym: SmartLab Dedication Ceremony with Bishop Burns (details below) Saturday, November 4: -5:30 PM, Church: Childrens' Choir Sings at Mass Sunday, November 5 - Friday, November 10: -Lion's Lair Gym: Scholastic Book Fair Monday, November 6: -St. Mark Spirit Day! (refer to page 28 of the Parent Student Handbook for guidelines)

QUICK LINKS

Calendar Lifetime Lions Alumni Admissions Lunch Menus Safe Environment Lion's Den Spirit Store Work of Heart Nomination

PICTURE MAKE-UPS/ CLASS PICTURES

On Thursday, November 16, Lifetouch will take individual student make-up pictures, as well as class photos. If your student was absent on picture day, or if you are unhappy with your student's fall picture, please remind him/her to go to the make-up picture session. All students should be in complete uniform, including the school sweater, for make-ups and class pictures.

SUPER HERO DAY (GRADES 1-8)

We know our students are Super Heros! Why not dress the part? On Tuesday, October 31, students in grades 1-8 may pay $2.00 to Student Council and participate in "Super Hero Day!" (Note: This is the same day as the class Halloween parties; Preschool-Kindergarten students will be wearing Halloween costumes). Outfits should be conservative and in good taste. They do not have to be complete, formal costumes. They can consist of

PRESCHOOL RETURNS TO ECE ON MONDAY, 10/30

Preschool classes will return to normal routines as of Monday, October 30 (including morning drop-off and early pick-ups at the ECE building). Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we paddled through the waters of this mess! The children have been awesome and really rolled with change without any real hiccups.

SMARTLAB DEDICATION CEREMONY

4th ANNUAL ALL SOULS REMEMBRANCE 1K "COFFEE WALK" & 5K RUN!

Run/walk in memory of a loved one while supporting our Athletics Department. Everyone is welcome -- students, parents, friends, family, strollers, wheelchairs. Don't miss the new pancake breakfast, hair braiding, and face painting! Click here for full details and registration.

ST. MARK "TRUNK OR TREAT" - OCTOBER 28

a simple cape or a super hero t-shirt. Jeans are allowed. No sweatpants, shorts, masks, or face paint. Any closed shoe is allowed.

CATHOLIC MATH LEAGUE

If your child in grades 3-8 qualified to participate in this year's Catholic Math League competition (based on his/her first quarter math grade of 96 or higher), you should have received an email from Mrs. Ostermann including a registration form. If your child will participate, please print a hard copy of the form, sign it, and return it to Mrs. Ostermann by November 1, 2017 at 8:00 AM (forms sent via email cannot be accepted).

BOOK FAIR IS COMING!

The St. Mark Book Fair takes place from Sunday, November 5 through Friday, November 10. Be sure to check the Book Fair web page for complete details including the class visit schedule, Poster Contest, Get Caught Reading Raffle, and more! We are in need of parent volunteers to help with the Book Fair. If you are interested, please sign-up here.

ST. MARK SPAGHETTI DINNER, DANCE & CARNIVAL FOR A WORTHY CAUSE

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the St. Mark community is coming together in support of Jonathan's Place, a shelter where Child Protective Services can bring neglected or abused children. Join the St. Mark Knights of Columbus Council 6065, Family & Adult Ministry, Youth Ministry, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Troops of St. George, and American Heritage Girls for a family event on October 28 from 4:30-8:00 PM in the Cafetorium. Enjoy a spaghetti dinner, family dance and carnival while supporting this worthy cause! Become a sponsor! Contribute at the Silver Level for $100 or the Gold Level at $200 and enjoy special event recognition. Please click here for complete details. Questions? Contact Randy LeGrand at randy.legrand@yahoo.com.

Do you know a faculty or staff member who has gone the extra mile for the education community at St. Mark? Consider nominating him or her for a Work of Heart Award through the Catholic Foundation. It's quick and easy. Award recipients are recognized at an All School Mass with a certificate and a check. Click here for details and the nomination form.

ST. MARK ALL-SCHOOL YEARBOOK

Historically, St. Mark has published two separate yearbooks, one for Preschool-5th grades and one for Middle School. This year we have joined the two memory books into one. 2017-18 will be the first all-school yearbook! Grades Preschool-7th: Don't delay, order yours today! The price is $25 between now and December 1 (the price will increase after December 1 to $30). 8th grade families do not need to place an order, as each 8th grader receives a yearbook free of charge. Payments can be made in three different ways: Cash or checks may be submitted to the school office (make checks payable to St. Mark Catholic School and include "yearbook" on the memo line). If you would like to make your payment electronically, you can do so via the Electronic Payment link on the school website under "Quick Links" (select the "Party/Activity" option and indicate "Yearbook" and your

2018 Auction Tickets Are On Sale Now - Click Here!

Quarter Two Auction Challenge: Each person who purchases a TAX DEDUCTIBLE teacher ticket between October 16 and December 15 will be entered into a drawing for a free VIP Experience the night of the auction. Buy a teacher table of 10 tickets and your name is entered into the drawing 10 times. Purchase 5 teacher tickets and your name is entered into the drawing 5 times. The more you buy, the more chances of winning! What is a VIP experience? VIP's get one hour early access to the silent auction tables, free champagne, and canapés.

Do you need teacher Christmas gift ideas? Accept our "Quarter Two Auction Challenge" above and buy a teacher ticket to the auction. You have the ability to donate the ticket in a teacher's name or keep your donation anonymous. It is your choice. If you have questions, please reach out to Rebecca Battles.

Upcoming Auction Events:

Pre-Auction Mixers: As each mixer date approaches, email invitations will be sent to families via Renweb. You will receive an invitation to your grade-level mixer. However, please keep in mind that you are welcome to attend any or all of the mixers -- we simply ask that you RSVP to each one. If you don't receive an email invitation to the mixer you wish to attend, please reach out to Sherry Mehring.

Early Childhood Education Pre-Auction Mixer:

child's name in the comment box).

2018-19 APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1

New student applications for the 2018-19 school year will be available November 1. Our current families are St. Mark's best ambassadors! Here are some ways you can help spread the word about our wonderful school as admissions season begins... 1. Like and share our posts on your social media pages. See the links above. 2. School Tour Referral Incentive: Simply send someone you know to take a school tour. Once they attend in person and indicate you as a referral, we'll send you a $10.00 gift certificate to the Lion's Den Spirit Store! 3. Referral Thank You Program: Refer a new family to St. Mark and you could receive a $500 tuition credit. Click here for details.

LOWDOWN FROM THE LION'S LAIR

Direct from the SmartLab, the News Broadcast Club

Presents:

Ternan's Spooky Spectacular Home

1708 Carmel Drive Plano, Texas 75075

October 29, 2017 2:00-5:00 PM

*This is the only pre-auction mixer where children are

invited. This mixer is open to anyone who would like to attend,

including older children. Costumes are welcome, but not required!

SAVE THE DATE FOR ADDITIONAL MIXERS:

*K-2 Mixer: January 19, 2018 @ the Herrera home in

McKinney

*3-5 Mixer: December 9, 2017 @ the Broome home in Allen

*6-8 Mixer: February 9, 2018 @ the Velasquez home in Plano

Family Fun Fundraisers:

Eat for a Cause at Chipotle!

Tuesday, November 14, 2017 4:00-8:00 PM

1009 N. Central Expressway, Plano, TX 75075

Mark your calendar now! Chipotle will donate 50% of the proceeds from this event

"Lowdown from the Lion's Lair" - Week of 10/23/17

ISEE PREP WITH JPII

Attention 8th grade families: John Paul II High School students are offering ISEE Study Sessions on the St. Mark campus. Choose which subjects to study. Interested? Click to register!

UPCOMING HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS

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to the St. Mark Auction. This is a "can't miss" dinner opportunity.

Plan to meet up with school friends, swing in and grab dinner to go, or have a family dinner out. However it works

for you, we need everyone to support this night!

Announcing the St. Mark Talent Show, presented by HSA:

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2017-18 HSA General Meetings: *December 6, 8:15 AM, Cafetorium: HSA 2nd General Meeting This meeting will take place during the morning hours, following drop-off. We will have our business portion of the meeting beginning at 8:15 AM, followed by a service project opportunity. Local volunteer-guru, Michelle Chase of WeeVolunteer, will be setting up a service project that is family-friendly for the Advent season. She will be reaching out to the The Samaritan Inn to see how our families can serve these patrons best. This is a child-friendly meeting and children are encouraged to come and help with the service project.

Ursuline Academy of Dallas invites you to Open House, October 29, 2:00-4:00 PM: Tour the campus, meet teachers and students, and immerse yourself in the Ursuline experience. Click here for more information. Registration is available through Ravenna or at www.ursulinedallas.org.

NEWS FROM ATHLETICS

Dallas Parochial League 15th Annual 8th Grade D1/D2 All-Star Volleyball Matches: Join the best volleyball players from each school as they compete for the All Star title on Tuesday, November 7 at 6:30 PM (D2) and 7:30 PM (D1) at Ursuline Academy of Dallas. Stay tuned for the announcement of your St. Mark All Star players! Concession Stand Volunteers: Need service hours? Volunteer at the St. Mark concession stand during home games. Contact Marlene Ehring to sign-up.

The Lion's Den Spirit Store is open every Friday morning from 7:30-8:15 AM in the Cafeteria hallway. Can't make it in person? Shop online at www.stmcs.net/spirit-gear. Once an order has been

*March 28, 6:30 PM, Cafetorium: HSA 3rd General Meeting *May 2, 8:15 AM, Cafetorium: HSA 4th General Meeting ___________________________________________________

Volunteer Opportunities: Looking to volunteer? Check out the master Sign Up Genius link and all the ways you can help out. In addition, Mrs. Schell needs help with the PK3 classes as students learn basic movement and music skills. Be ready to dance, skip and play instruments! The volunteer position is open to ALL volunteers, not just PK3 parents. You must be current on your Safe Environment certification to participate. Click here to sign-up. ____________________________________________________

The inaugural St. Mark Homecoming Tailgate and Chili Cook-Off is just around the corner! Be sure you have your LION spirit ready to cheer on our football teams and your secret chili recipe ready to compete! As a reminder, the action starts this Sunday, October 29 with the JV football team taking the field at 12:00 NOON, the Chili Cook-Off starting at 1:00 PM near the tailgating area, and the Varsity game directly following at 2:00 PM. If you will be entering the Chili Cook-Off competition, please RSVP through the Facebook event. Mark your calendars now so you will have the best seat in the house to cheer with the rest of the Lion Pride and sample some of the award-winning chilis! ____________________________________________________

submitted it will be bundled and ready for pick up on Friday. Note: Not all items available are offered online. Mark your calendar: Spring Pep Rally: January 31, 2018. Families welcome!

Monsignor Smyth Golf Classic: Friday, May 4, 2018

SEEN & HEARD AROUND ST. MARK

A few scenes from this week. To learn the stories behind

these photos, visit our Facebook., Twitter and

Instagram pages!

Red Ribbon Week:

Plano Fire Show:

Blanket Making:

Box Tops: Earn additional funds for St. Mark Catholic School by clipping Box Tops For Education from a variety of products, AND earning bonus Box Tops via the Box Tops app. Each Box Top submitted earns $.10 for St. Mark. Click here for details. For more information, please contact Holly Lewis at anglophilefootballfanatic@gmail.com or Jennifer Pike at jenniferjslp@gmail.com.

ST. MARK COMMUNITY PRAYER TEAM

The mission of the Community Prayer Team is to provide ways that we, as a community, can come together and pray throughout the year. For more information about our Prayer Team, click here. October's prayer intention for our school: For our students' parents and/or caregivers.

Rosary Circle: In celebration of Rosary month, we would like

to launch our Rosary Circle. We had over 40 people participate

in this last year and would love to have even more participate

this year! What does it involve? Each person says just one

decade of the rosary a day. It does not matter when or where

the decade is said. This is a way in which the community can

come together to say an entire rosary (all 20 mysteries) for the

community's intentions every day. Please sign up to pray a

decade a day for our school and families. Click here for

more details and the sign-up.

Upcoming Events: *Join our school in praying the Rosary during the month of October: Wednesday mornings at 7:15 AM in the Cafetorium.

*Next Community Prayer Team meeting is November 6 at

8:00 AM in room 116 (between 4th and 5th grade). The

meeting typically lasts about 30 minutes, but it's very

informal. You can arrive and leave as your schedule fits. Also,

non-school age children are welcome to come with

you. Please send prayer requests to Kathleen Frye or Liz

Quarles. Please indicate if your prayer can be shared or should

be kept confidential. You can also place prayer requests in the

Living Rosary:

Priesthood Weekend:

Fall Pep Rally:

1st Grade Pumpkin STEM:

STEM Scouts Drones:

Prayer Box on our school Prayer Table (breezeway by the

Administration offices). We will pray over these intentions

during our meeting.

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