Dr. Peggy Whitson, an astronaut, Visited St. Mark's

St. Mark's hosted Dr. Peggy Whitson, an astronaut who returned in December from six months on the International Space Station. Dr. Whitson answered student questions and had both a PowerPoint and DVD presentation for the students. Dr. Whitson also gave St. Mark's a board with a photo of the International Space Station, with a photo of the crew, mission patch and American flag that flew on the Station attached. Dr. Whitson is a former college field hockey teammate of Ms. Clark's and also visited three other area schools.

Children's Author Visited St. Mark's

Mr. Patrick Jennings gave three presentations to all of the students on February 13th. In preparation for his visit, Jennings' books were rolled into the curriculum. Students in the elementary grades read Faith and the Electric Dogs. Some classes listened to the book being read to them during their library periods. Upper grades read The Beastly Arms. The Bird Shadow, the first book in the Ike & Mem series, was read to our younger students. Scholastic and Holiday House publish Mr. Jennings' books. Jennings has had many life experiences that have helped him become such an accomplished writer. Jennings lived for awhile in Mexico where he was an ESL teacher. Many of his experiences there provided the foundation for his first book, Faith and the Electric Dogs. Mr. Jennings talked to the students about the process of writing and how writers develop their ideas.

St. Mark's is looking forward to an upcoming visit by author, Patrick Jennings.

Mr. Jennings will give three presentations to all of the students on February 13th. In preparation for his visit, Jennings' books were rolled into the curriculum. Students in the elementary grades read Faith and the Electric Dogs. Some classes listened to the book being read to them during their library periods. Upper grades read The Beastly Arms. The Bird Shadow, the first book in the Ike & Mem series, was read to our younger students. Scholastic and Holiday House publish Mr. Jennings' books. Jennings has had many life experiences that have helped him become such an accomplished writer. Jennings lived for awhile in Mexico where he was an ESL teacher. Many of his experiences there provided the foundation for his first book, Faith and the Electric Dogs. The importance of Jennings' visit is to talk with students about the process of writing and how writers develop their ideas. Jennings is an engaging speaker and will appeal to all age groups, young and old. Jennings will travel from his home in the state of Washington for the three separate presentations.

Students Speak with Space Station Astronaut Peggy Whitson.

St. Mark's students were asked to submit a question or questions to Dr. Peggy Whitson who is currently on the International Space Station. The top questions were selected, and those students asked Dr. Whitson questions on Wednesday, October 2. The students ask questions over speakerphone through a link in Australia. The audiotape excerpts can be found at the MSNBC Web site:

High School Information Night on Monday, October 21st.

St Mark's Lutheran School will offer Hacienda Heights area junior high students a unique opportunity to meet admissions directors from public and private high schools at their High School Information Night on Monday, October 21st.

National Distinguished Principal, Barbara Clark

St. Mark's Principal Barbara Clark was selected as a 2001 National Distinguished Principal. Ms. Clark is beginning her 16th year as principal of St. Mark's. The National Distinguished Principal Program (NDP) is jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Association of Elementary School Principals in corporate sponsorship with the Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company.

The selected principals for the 2001 NDP will include one public elementary and/or one middle school principal representing each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, three-five from private PreK-8 schools, and two each from the Department of Defense Dependents' Schools and the Department of State Overseas Schools. The Honorable Rod Paige, Secretary of Education, will present each honoree with a certificate and engraved brass school bell at the black-tie awards banquet to be held on October 19, 2001 in Washington, D.C.