Cub Chronicles: Week of August 22, 2025
Dear Families,
What a joyful and successful first few days of school it has been! On behalf of our entire team, I want to thank you for entrusting us with your children and for your continued support and dedication to our school community. The beginning of a new year is always full of anticipation, and we are delighted to see our classrooms filled with energy, curiosity, and the joy of learning.
The Power of Play
Throughout this week, we’ve witnessed children eagerly engaging in play, whether building with blocks, exploring the outdoors, or creating imaginative stories with friends in the sandbox. Some of the children were even eager to share their “apple sand pies” with me! Play is so much more than fun. It is the foundation for developing memory, self-regulation, language, problem-solving, and social skills. As the National Association for the Education of Young Children reminds us, play gives children opportunities to understand and make sense of their world, practice empathy, and build lasting friendships.
Growth Through Challenge and Support
We also know that children grow best when they are challenged just beyond their current mastery, with the encouragement and support of caring adults and peers. This week we have seen children bravely take on new tasks, from learning routines to expressing themselves in new ways. With gentle guidance and the right scaffolding, they are already stretching into new levels of independence and confidence.
A Strong Partnership
Your role in this process is invaluable. By supporting your children at home, partnering with their teachers, and modeling enthusiasm for learning, you help create the strong foundation they need for success. We are deeply grateful for your dedication to our school and your trust in us as we nurture each child’s growth and potential.
As we look ahead, we are excited for the weeks to come, filled with discovery, creativity, and joy. Thank you for making this a truly special start to the school year.
With gratitude and warm regard,
Whitney Zisman, M.Ed.
Head of School
St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School
We had such a wonderful time at Parent & Student Orientation this week! It was a joy to see so many familiar faces back on campus and to welcome new families who are just beginning their St. Mark’s journey. The energy, smiles, and excitement for the year ahead made the day so special, and we are so grateful to share this community with you.
As promised, here's a PDF of our current parent handbook for your reference.
If you weren’t able to attend orientation, we’d still love to connect with you. Please reach out anytime at admissions@stmarksdayschoolaustin.org. We’re happy to answer questions and make sure you feel ready for the school year ahead.
Here’s to a wonderful year together at St. Mark’s!
Early Care/Extended Care Sign Up
Messages have been sent out via Brightwheel confirming placement in Early Care and Extended Care classrooms. If you did not receive a message and intended to enroll, please email admissions@stmarksdayschoolaustin.org so we can assist you.
Billing for these programs will be posted to your Brightwheel account
on September 1st.
The Student Directory is Ready!
You can now access our Student Directory directly through Brightwheel.
Open the app, and tap the three lines in the top left corner.
Click the Directory icon at the bottom of the list, and you’ll be able to see contact information for families who have chosen to share their details.
This is a great way to connect for playdates, carpooling, or just getting to know one another better.
If you’d prefer not to be listed, you can adjust your privacy settings anytime in the app.
Let's Grow our St. Mark's Family!
Have a family you’d love to introduce to St. Mark’s? We’d love to meet them! Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to learn more about our school at our Open House on October 23rd. It’s a great opportunity to see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and experience the St. Mark’s community.
Help us spread the word, we can’t wait to welcome new families!
UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
August 24- Blessing of Backpacks
September 1- Labor Day- No School
September 5- Coffee Talk
September 22- No extended care/staff development
September 25- Back to School Bash