Lions’ St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School - Jacksonville, FL
Second Trimester 2010-2011
Healthy Minds . . .
. . . Healthy Bodies Inside This Issue:
Encouraging Fitness
A Full Day of Kindergarten
Alumni News
News from Around Campus
Capital Campaign Highlights
Honor Rolls and Awards
A Message from the Chair of the Board
In This Issue: Chair’s Message
W
Head of School Message 3
hen I was in elementary school, my fellow students and I were able to buy glazed donuts (a dime apiece) at recess. At lunch, my school provided orange drink or fruit punch, plus an array of frozen and reheated “meat” sandwiches (some of you are wincing at the memory). This was the acceptable standard. Now, it seems that everywhere you look, the acceptable standard has risen. St. Mark’s is striving to convey the message of “Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies” by improving our physical education programs and by setting new recommendations regarding treats at school. We are offering healthier options in our Lion’s Lunchables program, which is soon to get another makeover: our capital campaign’s planned Commons Building will include a commercial kitchen that will make it easier for St. Mark’s to provide more freshly prepared lunches.
This winter, we were off and running, literally. Special thanks go to chairs, Cathy McQuade, Julie Shapiro, and Carol Chaffin, for their leadership of the Daily’s Ortega River Run, and to Suzanne Burhyte for the St Mark’s Fun Run, two recent marquis fundraising events which demonstrated our school’s enthusiasm for exercise (not to mention fun). The ‘fun’ part is important. Our school’s renewed commitment to “Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies” is not intended to invoke joyless prohibition of every birthday cupcake. Instead, we are striving to instill an axiom of moderation rather than excess, knowing that children and parents alike benefit from that approach. We welcome the warmer weather and the opportunities it offers to worship again in Stockton Park, to see the trees blooming outside our classroom windows, and to run around at recess fueled by something other than a 10‐cent donut. Missy Ketchum, Chair of the Board of Trustees
OUR MISSION St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School is a parish day school that instills Christian values, builds a strong academic foundation, encourages personal achievement, stimulates creative expression, and fosters a heart of giving in a nurturing environment in children age one through grade six.
We are proud of two St. Mark’s Alumni, Anna ‘00 and Jack Robison ‘98, who are owners of Grassroots Natural Market, located in Riverside’s Five Points. Pictured here at their booth during the Daily’s Ortega River Run, they are dedicated to providing the finest selection of fresh, organic, healthy, and environmentally friendly foods and household goods. Stop by and check out their juice bar and always growing selection of craft beer and gourmet cheeses. 2
2
Rector‘s Message
3
Healthy Minds & Bodies 4‐5 Full Day Kindergarten
6‐7
Academic Support
8
Technology
9
Around Campus
10‐13
Capital Campaign
14‐15
Fruit of the Spirit Awards 16 St. Mark’s Honor Roll Alumni News
17
18‐19
2010 -2011 Board of Trustees Missy M. Ketchum, Chair of the Board Cathy Hardage, Head of School The Reverend Jonathan B. Coffey Jr. Rector John K. Adams Nicole B. Bryan Rev. Jonathan B. Coffey Jr. Robert E. Dickson Eugenia H. Donahoo** Susan K. Feeley Charles L. Gibbs II Cathy Hardage Cheryl A. Hardin* Missy M. Ketchum Eugene B. Nichols Dade R. Nigro Jeffrey Preuss Lisa L. Rogers Leigh S. Scales Brian C. Sheridan Leslie P. Sirbaugh Holly H. Upchurch* Margaret B.Wetherbee Avery W. Williams Alison I. Witkovich *Vestry Representative **Parents’ Association Team Representative
Messages From the Head of School & Rector Dear St. Mark’s Families and Friends,
I have to say I am very proud. I am proud of our school, our students, our faculty and staff, our parents, our Board of Trustees, our alumni, and our church. As I tour our campus, I am as proud as a mother hen by what I see occurring every day! Our early childhood program is exceptional. We are the only FCIS school in Jacksonville which is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the “gold standard” in early childhood education and care. This organization accredits our Early Learning Program through kindergarten. As I visit these classrooms, I not only see the love shared among the teachers and students, but I witness the brain research being implemented into our lessons, helping these young students to receive the best start to an education they can possibly have. I am proud to announce the extension of our kindergarten school day next year. The full day will allow more time for our young students to explore and learn, as young children learn best. There will be plenty of brain breaks during their day, allowing them to actively play or to rest ‐ whatever their need may be. I am also proud of our faculty and staff, as I see 21st century educational skills being implemented into our classrooms daily. We are
O
ne of the hallmarks of health is integration. When a system, whether a classroom, a small business, a family or a church, is integrated, the constituent parts (people, departments, curricula, etc.) work together for a common goal or purpose. An unhealthy system is, among other things, one in which Jonathan B. Coffey, Rector of St. Mark’s Church
using technology to learn and to reach out to other places in our world! We continue to be grateful to the Henry & Lucy Gooding Foundation for the generous gift, which has made a great deal of professional development available to our faculty. Professional development is the lifeblood of a faculty. I am proud of our 6th graders, as the acceptances to their middle schools of choice come in. As the end of the school year approaches it’s so hard to know these children, almost half of whom have been here since the Early Learning Program, will be matriculating on to higher studies. As always, the last two pages of this Lion’s Tale show the high percentages of our students who achieve honor rolls, awards, and recognition at their secondary schools. Above all, I am so proud of the strong character the students possess that is shaped by their early years at St. Mark’s. The knowledge of Christ among us is woven into all that we do here. Especially touching to me was a note I recently received from a student: Dear Mrs. Hardage, I love St. Mark’s! I love to go to Chapel on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and learn about Jesus. Thank you for being our Head of School!
a part (pancreas, teacher, executive or employee) is at odds with the other parts and is therefore causing friction, conflict and turmoil (disease/dysfunction). Our capital campaign is operating under the banner “We Are One” because we are an integrated community in which the Church , the Day School, the Scouts, the Art Guild, the Boards of Trustees, all the parts are working together in a common mission: to follow our ancestor Mark in proclaiming to all the victory of Jesus over disease, dysfunction and death. We are not one because of our
As I see people around Jacksonville or outside of our city, I am continually impressed as they express the great love and devotion they have for St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School. Whether former students, parents, or grandparents, they all have fond memories. What a treasure we have in our school! I am also proud of this exciting time as we plan for our current children, as well as the next generation at St. Mark’s. You will want to read all about the “We Are One” Capital Campaign for our school and church. I feel very privileged to be serving as the Head of School during this very exciting time in the life of our school and church. In closing, I do want to proudly announce one more thing ‐ the birth of our second granddaughter, Olivia Elizabeth, on December 7, 2010!
In Christ’s love, Cathy Hardage, Head of School
biology, but rather because of our theology, which is that “Jesus saves”. This common conviction, upon which in our better and best moments we are willing to stake our lives, is the source of our access to God the Father in whom all unity finds both its origin and its destiny. This unity is not of our making, but we can choose to accept it or reject it. It comes to us as a gift from God the Father, through His Son Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the unity that both gives and sustains life. We Are One, Jon (The Rev.) Jonathan B. Coffey, Rector 3
Healthy Minds Forging a Future of Fitness
A
new fitness program has begun this year at St. Mark’s. Virginia Ogletree, Physical Education Assistant for grades K‐ 6, achieved certification in the CrossFit Kids program, a strength and conditioning program for kids, that is being used in many schools and by young athletes and youth sports teams. The overall goal is for students to grow up strong and healthy and to develop a life long love of working out ‐ which will help them to avoid inactivity and obesity later on. The program is designed to be broad and inclusive. Healthy living requires children to push, pull, run, throw, climb, lift, and jump effectively and safely regardless of whether or not they play athletics. “Teaching proper technique and form in an age‐ appropriate and fun way early in life will help our students in the future by giving them a head start” says Virginia Ogletree. “If they move on to a higher level of sports they will already know
the correct ways to warm up and perform activities ‐ rather than needing to break old habits and re‐learn, which can cause frustration and decrease motivation.” The program is being used in modified ways in kindergarten through sixth grade and as individual student’s abilities allow. Students are learning correctly rather than quickly the proper form when doing squats, push‐ups, and other calisthenics. Fun, kid‐friendly games incorporate these fitness skills leading toward a complete workout at the end of every class. Promoting overall health and making it fun will hopefully lead children to understand that exercise is necessary for a healthy lifestyle, and that it doesn’t have to be boring or tedious. Physical Education Teacher, Patty Gordon, has already seen the difference. “The first question I’m asked at the start of every P.E. class is ‘how many laps?’ when it used to be ‘Ugh . . . I have to run laps to warm up?’”
Third graders, Tommy B. and Third graders, Tommy Bishop and Klare B., de m monstrate the Klare B., onstrate the plank position for proper push‐ plank position for proper push‐ups.
Food for Thought
S
4
chool lunch programs are notorious for serving bad food ‐ not only in taste, but in quality. St. Mark’s has been taking a closer look at its Lion’s Lunchables program and has implemented some tasty and healthier menu choices over the past year. For example, kids love pizza, but each pizza day, our students are enjoying slices
from a local pizzeria, Five Star Pizza, which makes its own sauce, uses only unbleached flour in the crust, and buys their vegetables locally to help support the community. Cathy Hardage, Head of School, has also been taking a stance on sweets in school. She asked parents to refrain from sending sweet treats and candies to school on Valentine’s Day, and to instead, opt for the sharing of traditional paper valentines and stickers. Parents have also been asked to
consider sending healthy treats for their child’s birthday celebration snacks, especially in the Early Learning Program and Pre‐Kindergarten classes. She has also discouraged faculty from using candy as a reward in class. “I want us to model to our students the very important lesson of moderation” says Mrs. Hardage. “Students do occasionally enjoy a sweet at school, and we want them to grow up with the knowledge to make wise choices.”
Healthy Bodies Fit FUNdraising St. Mark’s Fun Run A Fun and Energetic Fundraiser! Students in kindergarten through sixth grade collected sponsorships and pledges for the Fun Run held on Wednesday, February 16. With a time limit of 30 minutes and a lap cap of 35 laps, students were encouraged to run, skip, and dance their way around a track on Berg Field. In preparation for the run, students participated in pep rallies and learned tips from the Fun Run Coach, David Bast (current dad), and Fun Run “Superstar,” Buck Norris, such as pace yourself, stay hydrated, and keep going. Special thanks to our chair, Suzanne Burhyte for such a great event! The Goal? The fundraising goal was to raise $10,000 to support the operations of the school. Any amount raised over this goal will go toward new kitchen equipment . . . allowing students to enjoy healthier lunch options in the future. The Result? Our amazing students collected 767 pledges totaling over $20,000! They had a blast too! Jaxson de Ville made a special appearance and roller‐bladed around the course with the students. We’d like to thank all the dads who stayed after Fathers’ Chapel to cheer on the runners and all the parents who volunteered to make the event so successful.
Cool Food Club
F
or the past two years, a group of moms have created and run the “Cool Food Club” for students at St. Mark’s. Sponsored by Jax Pediatrics, and led by Raymur Rachels (also a St. Mark’s Alumni), the Cool Food Club meets once a month during the students’ lunch periods. The moms prepare and serve samples of nutritional foods, and it is up to the child whether or not they want to participate. Those who do take a taste‐test receive a stamp on their hand and can call themselves a member of the club. Offerings have varied from roasted aubergine dip to mangos. “Surprisingly, the most popular offering to date has been guacamole” says Raymur. “They also really liked kiwi; however, we did get mixed reviews on the roasted parsnip.”
Raymur Rachels serves samples of roasted parsnip to two kindergarten students.
The overall goal is for students to have an opportunity to try something that may be new to them and to learn a little about the nutritional values found in fruits and vegetables. Recipes and nutritional facts are communicated to parents each month in the school’s weekly e‐newsletter.
We Proved Anyone Can Run!
F
or the second year, Pre‐Kindergarten II teacher, Lauren Mahoney, has encouraged her mostly four‐ year‐old students to form a team and to participate in the Daily’s Ortega River Run 1 Mile Fun Run. Students and parents met early on run morning, donned “Pre‐K II” sweatbands, and energetically completed the one mile course together. Every child who crossed the finish line of the 1 Mile Fun Run received a medal, a well‐deserved award for a great accomplishment. They proved to themselves that anyone can run!
Around Campus
A FULL DAY of
Kindergarten T
he full day kindergarten movement is spreading across the country in both public and independent schools. In Jacksonville, five of the ten FCIS accredited independent schools already have a full day program, and around the state, it has become the majority. After careful research, conversations with faculty, other heads of school, FCIS, and much prayer, Cathy Hardage, Head of School, presented a recommendation for St. Mark’s to transition to a full day schedule for the 2011‐2012 school year to the Board of Trustees. “In an effort to enhance our already excellent program, I would like to see the kindergarten day slow down a bit, with appropriate amounts of time allotted to process material,” says Cathy Hardage. “For example, the Singapore Math program is designed to be taught for 45 minutes to an hour every day of the week. It is developmentally appropriate for this age group to have a quiet story time every day, and it is equally important to include all of our wonderful resources so these students are exposed to a variety of arts and enrichment.” 6
Kindergarten is a special time for children as they transition into a more structured learning environment. St. Mark’s provides an enriching curriculum to build skills in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, technology, and the fine arts. “A full day kindergarten means our pacing can be less rushed, which is certainly beneficial for all types of learners,” thinks current kindergarten teacher, Marianne Haferkamp. “What a pleasure it will be to have time for longer enrichment projects, and to also spend more time engaged in learning centers within the classroom where everyone has a turn on the same day. Children who need more guided activities as they grow and develop will have the time necessary to meet in small learning groups daily.” A developmentally appropriate and brain‐based schedule has been developed so students will benefit from the day being structured to optimize their peak learning in a way to keep them motivated and having fun. According to current kindergarten teacher, Brooks Gallagher, “I think what I am most excited about is having an uninterrupted block of time in the morning for language arts and math instruction and exploration. No more, ‘Hurry up and finish because we have to move on!’ Also, I think the children are really going to enjoy our new curriculum, particularly the cooking component!”
Around Campus
St. Mark’s nurturing faculty and staff promote an and these benefits will continue onward throughout their environment that builds responsibility, decision making, educational career. “The full day model allows the teacher to problem solving skills, strong work habits, assess individuals more accurately, and cooperative social behavior among re‐address needs, and provide students. “With all of the academic enrichment where it’s needed. . . . Live a balanced life ‐ demands placed on these young students, This builds their academic learn some and think some our schedule was jam packed with foundation, preparing them for structured activities,” says former mastery of skills in the early and draw and paint kindergarten teacher and current fourth elementary grades,” believes and sing and dance grade teacher, Kelly Risdon. “I feel the former kindergarten teacher and and play and work extra time in each day will allow for more current sixth grade and computer teacher‐created, student‐led activity teacher, Anne Gorman. every day some. . . centers. This relaxed time is vital for “Additionally, some less structured providing opportunities for these young ‘down time’ fosters All I Really Need to Know children to problem solve, resolve conflicts independence. Students learn vital on their own, and to create their own social and emotional skills while I Learned in Kindergarten, activities, games, or anything they choose independently visiting centers in by Robert Fulghum for themselves.” classroom. These are skills that are vital for success in later years.” Resource classes kindergarten students attend include Christian education, art, music, Spanish, library, physical education, and computer. Current kindergarten teacher, Mary Kathryn Smith believes, “The ability for children to transition to and from resource classes at a leisurely pace will be a benefit. I am also looking forward to an organized social studies class ‐ the students will be learning about children in other countries and cultures.” When the first groups of students begin their full days this fall, the hopes are they will benefit academically and socially,
7
Around Campus
Academic Support is for Everyone! St. Mark’s unique Academic Support Center helps ALL students reach their full potential.
S
omething that sets St. Mark’s apart from other independent schools in Jacksonville is the Academic Support Center (ASC). The ASC provides a setting where academic performance, across the continuum of achievement, is assisted and enriched. The goal is to enable all students to reach their full potential. The ASC instructors, Carol Rountree and Sheryl Brantley, work with students both individually and in small groups, both in and out of the classroom. Trained in many specialized programs such as the multiple Lindamood‐Bell Learning Processes® intervention programs, the Wilson Reading and Spelling Program®, and Read Naturally®, they support student achievement and progress in language arts and math. Pre‐K II through second grade students benefit from Sheryl’s expertise in child development, as well as, specific intervention strategies. Young children are often at many different performance levels, and by working both in the classroom and in pull‐out sessions, she is able to assist the classroom teacher in providing differentiated instruction for all students. Carol works with the third and fourth grade teachers to conduct guided reading groups, writing workshops, and math support, again providing differentiated instruction to meet each student’s needs. She also provides math support to fifth and sixth grade as needed. At the fifth and sixth grade level, there is a combined effort to enhance the language arts curriculum through weekly small group lessons. Groups rotate every few weeks. Students use leveled readers as the basis for learning reading comprehension strategies and genre studies, and they also have a classical
roots vocabulary study. The math component of the ASC has been expanded this year with the addition of Cathy Braude as Singapore Math implementer and math enrichment teacher. She assists the kindergarten, first, and second grade teachers with the implementation of the Singapore math program, new to St. Mark’s this year. She also conducts math enrichment groups with kindergarten through sixth graders to grow their math knowledge through challenging and engaging activities. In addition to working directly with students, the ASC oversees all of the school’s standardized testing, readiness screenings, admissions testing, the online reading assessment, STAR, and the online Diagnostic Online Math Assessment (DOMA), newly implemented in December 2010. The ASC also coordinates services that are recommended by local physicians and psychologists, such as speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. St. Mark’s has two of these therapists on campus, three days a week. This is a great benefit for both parents and students, as it alleviates the need to transport the child to another location for these therapy sessions.
82% of the graduates from the Class of 2010 have made an honor roll at their middle school this year. St. Mark’s is fully accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and Florida Kindergarten Council. The Early Learning, Pre‐ Kindergarten, and Kindergarten programs are also fully accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children ‐ the gold standard in early childhood care and education. We are the only FCIS school in Jacksonville to have achieved this prestigious designation. For the past three years, a St. Mark’s alumni has been nominated as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist (one of the top 15,000 high school seniors in the country). Approximately 40% of our graduating sixth grade students have attended St. Mark’s since the Early Learning Program. Approximately 80% of our graduating sixth grade students have attended St. Mark’s from the first grade. St. Mark’s commitment to faculty and staff professional development is reflected by its $40,000 annual budget ($25,000 was grant money). Over $200,000 in financial aid was awarded to students in kindergarten through sixth grade in 2010‐2011. St. Mark’s offers resource classes led by expertly trained and enthusiastic teachers in art, music, library, computer, Spanish, and physical education.
St. Mark's Episcopal Day School has been voted a "Best of Jax" in several categories of the Jax4Kids.com survey! We’re recognized as: Best Preschool; Best Elementary School; Best Teacher (Mrs. Traci Salari); Best Bible/Religious Camp (St. Mark's Episcopal Church) 100% of faculty have a bachelors degree and hold a teaching certificate in the state of Florida, or an Early Childhood CDA. 46% of faculty have a masters or doctorate degree. All classrooms in kindergarten through sixth grade are equipped with mimeo interactive boards and overhead projectors. Our fully fenced, quiet, open‐air campus is an excellent setting for classes to be held outdoors during nice weather. 40% of our students are also St. Mark’s Church parishioners. We welcome everyone of all faiths to attend our school. Chapel services, classroom instruction, daily devotions, prayer, scripture memory, and the discussion and teaching of biblical values help students develop an understanding of the Christian faith. Leadership opportunities exist in many ways throughout all grade levels. Students assume responsibilities as Safety Patrols, Chapel Leaders, Acolytes, and Chapel Buddies.
Around Campus
Teaching With Technology F
ifth and sixth grade students recently participated in a unique learning opportunity. Via Skype, an internet video conferencing program, they participated in a live lesson with park rangers in the Grand Teton National Park. The lesson was all about animal adaptations during the winter months ‐ something children growing up in Florida may not have much knowledge about. St. Mark’s is one of only seven
schools nationwide to participate in this unique program. While it was a balmy 70 degrees at 12:30 p.m. in Jacksonville, students were transported live to Wyoming where it was a cool 25 degrees at 10:30 a.m. The rangers broadcast their lesson from an outdoor “ice desk” carved out of four feet of snow. If not for an overcast morning, students would have been able to see the peak of Grand Teton
in the background. Students were able to interact with the rangers constantly, with many questions and answers being given on both sides of the camera. St. Mark’s very own park ranger, (science teacher, Josie Bryan), facilitated the entire session, boosting the lesson by showing pictures and animal antlers in the classroom during the discussion.
Around Campus
Fathers’ Chapel
We celebrated all our fathers and special friends on Wednesday, February 16, with two very special chapel services in their honor. Dads were also invited to stay after chapel to visit their child’s classroom and to help cheer on the students as they participated in the Fun Run fundraiser.
Spelling Bee Winners Congratulations to all the 20 fifth and sixth grade contestants who participated in the Spelling Bee on Thursday, January 6!
After eight rounds, fifth grader, Caroline W. (pictured far left), was declared the champion after correctly spelling exoskeleton.
Visiting Author Day - Greg Tang Greg Tang, author of several books geared toward making math exciting, spoke to St. Mark’s Kindergarten through sixth grade students on Visiting Author Day, Tuesday, February 1. He engaged the students with unique illustrations and poems which help create a better understanding of numbers and math facts. Students enjoyed playing along with his enthusiastic math rhymes and jokes!
10
Congratulations also to runner‐up, sixth grader, Charlotte S. (pictured far right).
He also lead a professional development session for the faculty during their lunch hour - sharing tips on how to get children excited about math.
Admissions
Our Students Are From 28 Area Zip Codes!
R
eminiscent of neighborhood schools “our parents” walked to when they were children, St. Mark’s is still that neighborhood school nestled amid quiet, shady, tree‐lined streets. Our students enjoy and thrive in this nurturing environment surrounded by outstanding faculty and staff who have a passion for learning. While many students still walk or ride their bikes to school each day, a large number of students travel to our location from areas all over Jacksonville! This school year, our students represent 28 zip codes from around Duval, Clay, and St. Johns counties. We are now enrolling for the 2011‐2012 school year. Spaces are limited in many grade levels, and waiting lists will be forming! We want you to know every day is an Open House. If you or someone you know would like to take a tour of our campus and classrooms, please contact Susan Kwartler, Director of Admission, for a personal tour, (904) 388‐2632 x21, skwartler@stmarksdayschool.org.
Check Out Our New Look! www.StMarksDaySchool.org Our website has a new look! We’ve refined the design to help our visitors easily find the information they are looking for. The design features intuitive navigation and resource areas for prospective families, current parents, and our faculty and staff. We’ve also launched an easy to browse smart phone application too!
E‐Statements Now Available! Over the past few years, St. Mark’s has been lessening its environmental impact by decreasing its paper trail using electronic resources to correspond. We started with weekly online newsletters and e‐mailing about important school news.
Now, beginning with the first tuition payment due for the 2011‐2012 school year, statements will be delivered to e‐mail inboxes each month and will also be accessible any time from our website. View and download statements with ease; they will look and function just as paper statements did!
Do you want to make your payment online? It’s easy ‐ simply use your financial institutions online bill pay feature. It’s free and saves you a check, a stamp, or a trip into the office! 11
Congratulations to (L to R) 5th grader, Emilyn R., graders, Cameron B. Annie F., who al in their age categories in the 5 mile race. Congratulations to 6th grader, Andreas K., who wo n the 1 Mile Fun Run! Other St. Mark’s students, 3rd grader, Alex B., and 4t h grader, Connor M., came in second and third place respectively for boys.
and 6th l placed
Many St. Mark’s alumni return to campus to participate in the run. These girls from the class of 2010 (L to R), Lindsey Dempsey, Dinah Stephens, and Laurel Lee, were spotted after the 5 mile ‐ looking through a Lion’s Tale!
The 33rd Daily’s Ortega River Run Saturday, February 26
O
ver 3,000 runners, walkers, and joggers (and a couple of dogs and lots of baby strollers) participated in the 1 Mile Fun Run or the 5 Mile race!
Proceeds from the sponsors and race registrations benefit the students of St. Mark’s by providing financial aid, enhancing technology, and boosting programs.
It was wonderful to see so many families and friends out on a beautiful and warm morning enjoying the street fair and beaming with pride as they crossed the finish line.
Whether it was a first‐timer or someone who has run this race many times before, everyone was talking about the beautiful 5 mile course which wound its way through the streets of Ortega and over both the Ortega Bridge and the Roosevelt Blvd. bridge.
St. Mark’s is proud to hold this event each year not only to raise money, but to provide a positive and fun environment to encourage our families and the community to participate in a healthy event and to build confidence in their fitness abilities.
We are so grateful to First Coast Energy (Daily’s, Shell) for again being the Title Sponsor and donating $20,000 to benefit the students and financial aid program at St. Mark’s.
Annual Fund
Why Your Annual Fund Gift is Important:
Assists with salary, benefits, and professional development for faculty and staff
Provides utilities, maintenance, and insurance to maintain our beautiful campus
Brings new technologies, equipment, supplies, and other programs to the classrooms
Supports academic programs and services for all students
Securing grants and funding is often based on Annual Fund participation
Thank you to all those who have already made a gift/pledge to the 2010‐2011 Annual Fund Campaign. Our goal is to raise $175,000 by June 30, 2011
Join us in the effort to meet this year’s goal! Pledge Online: www.stmarksdayschool.org Click on “Support St. Mark’s” Mail Your Gift to: St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School 4114 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville FL 32210 Please indicate “Annual Fund” on the memo line
Overview: Excitement has been mounting around our church and day school during the silent phase of the “We are One” Capital Campaign. In the fall of 2010, a feasibility study took place to determine the possibility of this campaign. Conducted by the Episcopal Church Foundation, the results were very positive, and on January 17, 2011, the Vestry, School Board, and Foundation approved moving forward. The plan was unveiled at the Church Annual Meeting on January 30.
The silent phase is now underway, with the strong expectation that the public phase will begin in April. Everyone is hopeful ground will be broken the first of June! Much work is already underway, as a team of architects, under the direction of Richard Skinner, is meeting weekly with church and school representatives, as well as project managers. Soil borings have been taken, and arboretum specialists have been consulted.
“This is a very exciting time in the life of our school and church. I feel very privileged to be serving as the Head of School as we plan for our children now and in the years to come.” ‐ Cathy Hardage, Head of School Below: Recent renderings of The Commons Building include theater seating for around 360, dining for 200, a lobby to feature artwork and awards, storage, washrooms, and a commercial kitchen. In this facility, children will eat freshly prepared meals, hold school‐wide assemblies, present theater and musical programs, and enjoy indoor play. The building will double in size to around 10,000 square feet.
Highlights: Now is the time for us to bring our campus into a symmetry and consonance that reflects our unity in Christ. Won’t you join us in our next chapter of growth and development at St. Mark’s?
The Campus Green:
The Commons:
Oxford Avenue, as it now stands, endangers our children and divides the church and school campuses. Our intent is to create a beautiful pedestrian thoroughfare anchored by a green. Carpool and parking areas will become safer and more convenient.
While the school’s existing space has served us well, we propose to build a new 21st century Commons Building to meet the broadening needs of our students and our church. It will include a stage with dressing rooms, a commercial kitchen, flooring, and equipment suitable for indoor play and physical education classes.
“I am thrilled and grateful to be part of this joint effort to move into the future with quality infrastructure to support our quality faculty and staff and students ” ‐ The Rev. Jon Coffey, Rector St. Mark’s Church
Chapel Renovation & Expansion: Many services and children’s Sunday school are held weekly in the church’s Chapel. There is a need to expand the space to be more inviting and functional for everyone.
Deferred Maintenance: While much of the campaign is dedicated to new construc‐ tion and renovation, a comprehensive assessment of our existing facilities has identified maintenance issues which require attention, such as refurbishment of stained glass windows, repair of roofs, upgrade of air conditioners, and more.
“I have witnessed many changes and improvements at St. Mark's over my 20 years of service. The newest plans for our school guarantee the next 20 years will provide the continuance of excellence in education and Christian growth for many generations to come. I'm honored to be a part of it.” ‐ Steve Williams, 5th Grade Teacher
But the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self‐Control. ‐ Galatians 5:22
T
he Fruits of the Spirit Character Education Program was authored and developed by our Head of School, Cathy Hardage. It is now being used in a number of schools in Florida and Texas. This program is ideally suited for an Episcopal school. Each of the nine fruits is assigned to a month of the school year. During Wednesday chapels, homilies about the fruits are presented to the students to complement the instruction in Christian education classes, and students receive awards. Some awards are voted on by the students, and some are chosen by the faculty. By the end of the year, every student will receive an award.
Student Nominated ‐ Love Coulter H. Christopher S. Katie T. Liam G. Katie S. Xander M. Kate R.
Ryan B. Braden W. Chloe S. Katie B. Madison B. Courtney T.
Teacher Nominated ‐ Love Mills A. Leah B. Mary E. Matt C. Marcela C. Rhett D.. Amelia D. Sara F.. Reece Garcia Ashton H. Don K.. Chance Lee Gary L.
Xander M. Serena N. Annie P. Emilyn R. Kiara R. Grant S. Hannah S. Avery S. Parker S. John Wright S. Calla T. John William T. William U.
Student Nominated ‐ Goodness Cate W. Mackenzie T. Sam B. Don K. Will G. William C.
Isabelle H. Anastasia U. Maggie T. Isabella U. Amanda T. Jeffrey P
Teacher Nominated ‐ Goodness
16
Margaret C. Maddie M. Matthew D. Matthew C. Regan L. Isabelle H. Jane D. Mason B. Jack B. Elijah F. Jack S.
Mitchell D. Sean R. Cecilia H. Cole N. Chase C. West T. Sydney S. Pepper V. Stan V. Gabriel S. Donald D.
Student Nominated ‐ Patience Hana C. Sam M. Hannah S. Phelps M. Will K. Julia P.
Berkeley W. Tommy B. Brantley S. John G. Mary Emma C. Anne Harvey M.
Teacher Nominated ‐ Patience Somerset A. Jeffrey P. Jack A. Geoffrey R. Christina A. Matthew S. Sam B. Maggie T. Katie C. Courtney T. Libby D. Chase T. Andrew Moore Sam W. Katie O..
St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School - Honor Roll High Honors represents all As
Honors represents all As and Bs
Classes for Honor Roll calculations include: Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science
4th Grade HIGH HONORS ‐ 2nd Trimester Margaret C. Kate F. Margaret G. Jack H. Ben K. Will K. Courtney K. Bond M.
Xander M. Andrew M. Julia P. Kate R. Bianca S. Katie S. Lilly W. Sam W.
4th Grade HONORS ‐ 2nd Trimester Leah B. Dari C. Katie C. Maggie Gallagher Jillian G..
Maddie H. Regan L. Mandy M. Keadle R. Colin S.
5th Grade HIGH HONORS ‐ 2nd Trimester Katherine B. Will B. Mason B. Toby C.. Jane Donahoo Phelps M. Marlo M.
Emilyn R. Hannah S. Maggie T. Katie T. Isabella U. Caroline W.
6th Grade HIGH HONORS ‐ 2nd Trimester Phoebe C. Annie F. Ashton H.. Coulter H. Andreas Kowald
Peyton P. Annie P. Dawson S. Sydney S. Kathryn W.
6th Grade HONORS ‐ 2nd Trimester
5th Grade HONORS ‐ 2nd Trimester Andrey K. Sasha K. Teddy L. Chance T. Pepper V.
Liam G. Reid G. Kayla H. Stanton H. Nancy Grace H.
Cameron B. Carrigan B. Collin B. Ben C. Hana C. David D. Sam M. Jeffrey P. Kiara R.
Tyler S. Elijah S. Charlotte S. Calla T. Chase T. Amanda T. Stan V. Frannie W.
Corrections: Our third grade Fruit of the Spirit Poster Design Contest winner was named incorrectly in the last issue. Congratulations to Anna D., who drew a beautiful design! Fourth graders, Margaret C. Lily W., both received High Honors for the 1st Trimester this school year. Way to go girls! In the last issue, we reported on Katherine B., a current 5th grade student, who swims five days a week, about 4,000 yards per practice for the Bolles Sharks. She also maintains a High Honors (all As) grade average at St. Mark’s. We are thrilled to report she is now the #1 ranked swimmer in her age group in the state of Florida in the 100 meter breaststroke and 50 meter breaststroke! She placed first in both events at the Junior Olympic (Florida Swimming Age Group Championships) meet held in Clearwater in February 2011. Children ages two to five are welcome to spend eight weeks (June 13 ‐ August 5) this summer learning, playing, and grow‐ ing with our loving faculty and staff! Fun‐filled weeks will include themes of: dinosaurs, flowers & insects, fun with food, under the sea, and more! 9 AM ‐ 12 PM: $105/week 9 AM ‐ 4 PM: $160/week (Extended Day Available from 7:15 a.m. ‐ 6 p.m.) REGISTER NOW ‐ SPACE IS LIMITED
www.stmarksdayschool.org
Questions? Contact Summer Camp Director, Susan Wood, (904) 388‐2632, swood@stmarksdayschool.org.
Check out future St. Mark’s student, Kate S.! Born in December, she’s already showing off her school pride. Kate is little sister to very proud big brothers, Thomas and John Wright, who are in the first and third grades.
Do you know someone who recently had a baby? We’d love to send them a note and a St. Mark’s onesie!
Contact Susan Kwartler, (904) 388‐2632 x21, skwartler@stmarksdayschool.org. 17
St . Ma r k’s Epi s c op a l D ay S c h o o l
lumni Notes 1989
1993
2005
James Trimble married Amanda Fogel on December 4, 2010, at the club at Admiral’s Cove. James graduated from St. Johns Country Day School, received his Bachelors Degree from Sewanee, The University of the South, and a medical degree from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y. He is employed by the University of South Florida Department of Dermatology as a resident physician. The couple live in Tampa.
Lee Wedekind and his wife, Suzanne, announce the birth of their son, Lee Dilly Wedekind IV, on December 1, 2010. Lee weighed 6lbs 4oz and was 20.5 inches. He joins big sister, Mary Bullock Wedekind, who was born on October 22, 2008. Chrissy Lane is engaged to William Boozer. They are planning a wedding for 2012. Chrissy is a Pre‐Kindergarten I Assistant Teacher at St. Mark’s.
1991 Sandy McArthur and his wife are proud to announce the birth of their son, Duncan Alexander McArthur, on January 27, 2011. He weighed 7lbs 6oz and was 19 inches. He joins big sister Eleanor.
1993 Andy Kidd and wife, Katie, proudly announce the birth of their second daughter, Emily Douglass Kidd, on February 18, 2011 at 12:38 p.m. Emily weighed 7 lbs 6 oz and was 20 inches. She joins her big sister, Maggie, who is currently in St. Mark’s Early Learning Program II.
1994
Billy Petersen and Julia announce the birth of their son, Charles Theodore, on February 1, 2011. Charlie weighed 7lbs 9oz and was 20 inches.
1994 & 1996
Alex ‘94 and Caroline ‘96 Graham announce the birth of their second son, Adams McRae, on March 10, 2011. He was 6lbs and 2 oz and 19 inches. He joins brother, Luke, who is in ELP I at St. Mark’s!
1997
Katherine Stovall is a Pediatric Nurse in the Emergency Room at Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital. She received her Bachelors Degree in Child and Family Health from the University of Georgia and her Nursing Degree from Jacksonville University.
1999 Susan McAurthur married Richard Jones on February 26, in the St. John’s Cathedral. A reception followed at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. She graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia, where she was a member of Phi Mu, and is employeed by Free People Clothing. The groom graduated from Duke University and is attending the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. After graduation, he will be employed by McKinsey and Co. in New York City.
William Pilcher, a senior at Bolles, graduated from the prestigious Joe Berg Seminars of Jacksonville series. This is an academic seminar series which offers 12 seminars yearly in each of the humanities and sciences. Participants are nominated by their high schools during their sophomore year and then sit for a rigorous examination. About 50 students from public and private Jacksonville schools are admitted. William also received the College of the Holy Cross Book Award at Bolles last year. It is presented to a junior who excels in scholarship and personal qualities and who exemplifies exceptional academic achievement within a rigorous college preparatory program. Additionally, he or she shows sincere concern for others and a responsible attitude in all of his or her endeavors. He is also an AP Scholar with Distinction and was awarded the Bernard Ramsey Honors Scholarship at the University of Georgia (although still uncertain of where he will attend). He is the President and Founder of the Computer Programming Club at Bolles and is a Member of the National Honor Society, the National Latin Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, JETS (Engineering Team), and was a National Biology Olympiad Semifinalist. Wiliam Leeser, a senior at Bolles, has now been named a 2011 National Merit Scholarship FINALIST! He is one of the top 15,000 nationwide. To become a Finalist, he has an outstanding academic record throughout high school, has been endorsed and recommended by the high school principal, and earned SAT scores that confirmed his earlier performance on the PSAT. He will now compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships that are awarded on a state basis, as well as several other awards and scholarships from corporations and universities. Winners will be announced this April through July. William is also the Bolles National Honor Society President this year!
Christopher Buckingham, a senior at Episcopal, has signed a letter of intent to play football at Washington and Lee University.
2006 Darby Dame, a junior at Episcopal, was a stage technician for the one‐act, No Picture, which received the highest rating, a Superior, at the Thespian Districts in February.
2002
2010
Zoe Brose is a junior at the University of Central Florida, majoring in political science. She is also the UCF Apple Representative.
Woody Moore is appearing as “Maureen” in the Bolles Middle School drama production of the musical Honk! Jr.
Episcopal Middle Head of School, Quarter 2 Camp Shelor Allison Bast Lindsey Dempsey Grace Egan Neely Egan Kaiden Ketchum Matthew Moore Isabelle Nigro Alex Oakley Evan Ray Teddy Sirbaugh Dinah Stephens Anjelo Villero Lauren Witkovich Everett Hale Elizabeth Smithwick Ally Taylor Episcopal Middle Honor Roll, Quarter 2 Jack Whelan Laurel Lee Kaley Libera Thomas Magevney Lilly Nigro Andre Royce Chadwick Feeley Shelby Gregory Quinn Magevney Autumn Morrell Collin Walker
Episcopal High Head of School, Quarter 2 Thomas Chafin Sarah Irving Emily Leeser Quinn Pattillo Jack Stephens Tanner Thornton Caitlin Dempsey Kat Jones Emily Smithwick Chris Buckingham Katie Ladd
St. Matthew’s Catholic Bolles National Honor School Honor Roll, Society 2nd Quarter Bolles junior, Ralston Brooke Michael Corse ‘06, was inducted into the Darnell‐Cookman Bolles chapter of NHS on School of the Medical February 28, 2011. Arts Honor Roll, 2nd Quarter 2011‐2012 Rani Mahmoudi
National Junior Honor
St. Johns Country Day Society Aquilae Chapter School, Q2 Summa The following students from Cum Laude St. Mark’s Class of 2009 Bradley Ball were inducted into Episcopal’s NJHS in February: Bolles ‐ Middle First Honors, Q 2 Chadwick Feeley Emma Whitner Shelby Gregory Hunt Cramer Everett Hale Woody Moore Quinn Magevney Keni Thompson Elizabeth Smithwick Arch Brooke Ally Taylor Carlton Higby Collin Walker Bolles ‐ Middle 2nd Honors, Q 2 Chinese Language Fernando Acosta‐Rua Awards Bobby Bent Ry Morales Jack McGee, ’08, and Quillan Davis Conolly Anderson, ’07, both received Matthew Pentaleri “Excellent” Award Certificates George Whitner for their participation in the statewide Chinese Language Bolles ‐ Upper Competition in Miami. Both are First Honors, Q 2 students at Episcopal High Bender Middlekauff Hunter Walker School. Gray Houston Michael Pentaleri Science Fair Awards Ralston Brooke Grace Egan, ’10, and Neely Carlton Middlekauff Egan, ’10, were both awarded Curry Clements Julia Howell at the Regional Science and William Leeser Engineering Fair. They are both William Pilcher students at Episcopal. Bolles ‐ Upper State Record Holder 2nd Honors, Q 2 Emily Smithwick, ’06, holds the Brooke Robertson Sarah Bates Florida State Record in the Pole Brewer Corbin Vault. She won the event with Kayla Henrichsen the state‐leading 11‐0 at a Henry Paul recent Track and Field Meet Will Robertson held at the University of North William Bates Florida on March 5. Wilson Brantley Michal Hyde John Peter Price Nationally Ranked Franklin Varn
Softball Team
Episcopal High Honor Roll, Quarter 2 Hayden Brose Michael Burgstiner Ross Clements Megan Dempsey Genevieve Henderson Lindsay Libera Jack McGee Lucy Paul Tanner Wallace Quillan Anderson Ivey Gordon Cole Graham David Harris
Ashley Pilcher Morgan Ray Alexandra Royce Emily Sirbaugh Phoebe Stephens Brooks Dame Darby Dame Maddie Dunkle Betty Ann Graham Paige Hulsey Mary Dudley Lee Wingate White Murphy Williams
Madeline Schroeder ’05, Sarah Bates ’07, and Abigail Brantley ’07, are on the Bolles Softball team, which is currently ranked #13 nationally in the ESPN RISE Powerade Fab 50 preseason national rankings. They have started their season with a record of 8‐0. Correction: Henry Paul made Bolles 2nd Honors for Quarter 1, 2010‐2011. Should You Be Listed?
alumni@stmarksdayschool.org
St. Mark’s Alumni Meet the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, previously Bishop of Nevada, is the twenty‐sixth Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, and youth were able to meet with her and discuss questions about the church, religion and the world at conference in Jacksonville in January.
St. Mark’s alumni from the class of 2006 who participated included: Brooks Dame, Darby Dame, Betty Ann Graham, and Wingate White. The students were nominated by St. Mark’s Church Director of Youth Ministries, Ayana Grady. “I nominated the youth from St Mark's because they are all active members of our youth group, and youth who I thought would like to learn more about the overall Episcopal Church. I felt that they would have something unique to contribute to the group, and that they would all appreciate the opportunity to speak with the head of our church. Each of them prepared questions beforehand that they would like to ask the Presiding Bishop.”
“The Bishop was intelligent, well traveled, cultured, and talked a lot about the link between science and religion,” said Wingate White '06. “She felt the youth was the future of the church.”
Wingate White Named Happening Rector We are is pleased to announce alumni, Wingate White, ’06, has been named Rector of the upcoming Happening on September 16‐ 18. It has been several years since a St. Mark's Church youth has served in this important leadership role. Happening is a renewal weekend for high school aged young people. The purpose of Happening in the Diocese of Florida is to renew the spiritual life of high school students who attend in order that they may take their place in the ministry and leadership of the parishes and missions which sponsor them. It is a weekend experience of fun, games, sharing, surprises, and most of all, a time of spiritual renewal and empowerment.
Alumni Wins Documentary Contest Keni Thompson ’10, a seventh grade student at Bolles, received a Honorable Mention in the C‐ SPAN 2011 StudentCam Video Documentary Competition. Her video, “Recycling,” produced along with two classmates, highlights the recycling program at the Bartram Campus. The group received $250 in prize money. Only 75 videos were chosen out of 1,069 submissions from around the country.
2003 Meredith Mahoney is a sophomore at Auburn University majoring in Elementary Education, and is active member of Alpha Delta Pi. She stopped by St. Mark’s during her spring break to visit and play hop scotch with some of the students in her mom’s Pre‐K II class. Meredith spent the remainder of her break shadowing a teacher at Ortega Elementary. facebook.com/StMarksEpiscopalDaySchool
St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School 4114 Oxford Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32210
Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 3961 Jacksonville, FL
Help us keep our information accurate! Please review the information on your mailing label to check for accuracy, and inform us of any corrections or duplications.
Every Day is an Open House!
Cathy Hardage
Please contact Susan Kwartler, Director of Admission, (904) 388-2632 x21, skwartler@stmarksdayschool.org, to schedule a personal tour of our classrooms~
Head of School chardage@stmarksdayschool.org
Karen Lee
www.StMarksDaySchool.org
Assistant Head of School klee@stmarksdayschool.org
Ilene Hackett Director of Marketing & Communications ihackett@stmarksdayschool.org
Susan Kwartler Director of Admission skwartler@stmarksdayschool.org
Florence Calhoun Director of Finance fcalhoun@stmarksdayschool.org
Our Mission
Alison Eberly
St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School is a parish day school
Director of Development aeberly@stmarksdayschool.org
that instills Christian values, builds a strong academic foundation,
Angela Bast
encourages personal achievement, stimulates creative expression,
Director of Extended Day abast@stmarksdayschool.org
and fosters a heart of giving in a nurturing environment in children age one through grade six.
Nancy Bennett Director of Technology nbennett@stmarksdayschool.org
(904) 388-2632 Fax: (904) 387-5647 smeds@stmarksdayschool.org