Cub Chronicles: Week of August 29th
Dear Families,
Our first full week together has been filled with excitement, growth, and many “firsts.” Children are beginning to settle into routines with greater confidence, and it’s been wonderful to see their independence grow day by day. The classrooms are alive with curiosity as students explore, ask questions, and share their ideas with one another.
Highlights from the Week
• Children are finding their rhythm in daily routines and beginning to take pride in caring for their classrooms.
• New friendships are taking root, with lots of moments of cooperation, laughter, and encouragement.
• Teachers are guiding children in meaningful learning experiences while nurturing a strong sense of community and belonging.
This week, I had the opportunity to attend the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Safeguarding God’s Children Training. This training is designed to strengthen our ability as educators to create and maintain safe environments for every child in our care.
The training covered best practices in child safety, recognizing signs of concern, and ensuring that every adult in our community understands their responsibility in protecting children. This is not just about compliance—it’s about living our commitment that your child’s safety is our number one priority.
Why This Matters for Our School
• For Teachers: It equips our staff with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to respond appropriately and responsibly in any situation.
• For Children: It ensures that they are cared for in an environment where their well-being, dignity, and safety always come first.
• For Families: It allows you to feel confident that your children are entrusted to a community deeply committed to protecting them as they learn and grow.
We want you to know that safeguarding is at the heart of our mission, and we will continue to prioritize training and awareness so that every child in our school feels secure and loved.
Looking Ahead
Next week, we will continue settling into routines, beginning new units of exploration, and celebrating the joy of learning together. We can’t wait to see what the children will discover and create.
Thank you for entrusting us with your most precious gift. Together, we are building a strong and safe foundation for a wonderful school year.
Warmly,
Whitney Zisman, M.Ed.
Head of School
St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School
The Importance of Process Art
At St. Mark’s, one thing we place a big emphasis on is process art. For preschoolers, the magic of art is not in the final product but in the experience of creating. Whether they’re exploring new textures, mixing colors, or simply enjoying the feel of a paintbrush, children are learning in powerful ways.
Sparks creativity and imagination
Strengthens problem-solving skills
Develops fine motor abilities
Builds confidence and self-expression
Keeps art joyful and open-ended
We love watching our students discover that the true masterpiece is the process itself!
Sportball begins next week!
We’re excited to launch our Sportball sessions! Sportball introduces children to the basics of multiple sports such as soccer, basketball, and baseball through age-appropriate games and activities. The program is designed to build coordination, confidence, and teamwork skills in a positive and noncompetitive environment. It is a great way for kids to stay active, learn new skills, and develop a love for movement.
We’ll be closed on Monday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day. Wishing everyone a fun and relaxing long weekend — we’ll see you back on campus Tuesday!
Join us for Coffee Talk!
Join us on Thursday, September 5 for coffee and tacos in the courtyard right after drop-off. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab a bite, say hello, and connect with other parents. We hope to see you there!
Save the Date: Fire Truck Visit!
We’re excited to welcome the fire truck on Monday, September 15 at 2:00 pm. Since the firefighers are busy in the mornings, this year’s visit will take place during extended care. If your child is not enrolled in extended care, no worries, you are welcome to come with your child. More details will be shared soon.
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.
You’ll be able to see contact information for families who have chosen to share their details.
✨ Important to know: You will not see your own information listed, only other families who have shared theirs. ✨
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.
What a great first full week back! We’ve loved seeing new friendships beginning to bloom.
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
September 1- Labor Day- No School
September 5- Coffee Talk
September 9- National Teddy Bear Day
September 15- Fire Truck Visit
September 22- No extended care/staff development
September 25- Back to School Bash
October 18- St. Mark's Episcopal Church Block Party