SML Campus Life
Weekly Chapel/Goal-Setting
Students and Staff lead the weekly Chapel service with scripture readings and by singing to praise God. Each class takes a turn conducting the service during the school year. Once a month after Chapel, small groups of 5th–8th grade students meet with a Staff Advisor to discuss academic and life goals.
Fun & Fitness
Combining physical fitness with fun exercise activities allows the SML students a day off from the classroom. From inflatables to Zumba to Yoga to field games, students eagerly anticipate this annual major school fundraiser that takes place during the fall each year.
Scholastic Book Fairs
Read, read, and read some more! Scholastic Books arrives with trunks full of books and transforms our school Library into a mini bookstore. Students do their own shopping from a wide selection of best sellers and classics.
Fall Carnival
The Fall Carnival is a highly anticipated event on campus each year for students to dress in their costumes, enjoy games, music, food, a Junior High dance, and lots of candy. The SML parents organize and run the entire Fall Carnival to provide a safe environment for all.
See You At The Pole/National Day of Prayer
At St. Mark’s, we firmly believe in the power of prayer. "See You At The Pole" takes place before school on the fourth Wednesday of every September. Led by the SML Student Council, students and staff gather at the flag pole to lift up their friends, families, teachers, school, and nation to God. Then, on the first Thursday in May, we join the nation with our student-led National Day of Prayer.
Christmas Programs/Classes Sing in Church
The sounds of Christmas fill the school with joy as students perform holiday skits and sing for their families at grade level evening performances. Additionally, each grade level glorifies God by singing at one Sunday church service during the school year.
Leadership Event
Through our Leadership Academy, we teach even our youngest students how to navigate through life as faithful servants of God. Embracing the belief that our students can be a positive change in the world, the annual leadership event exposes the K-8th graders to various leadership opportunities and inspiring role models.
Poetry Festival/History Bowl/Spelling Bee
Memorizing poetry stanzas, displaying knowledge of history, or understanding the nuances of spelling is not a lost art. We hold a Poetry Festival each year open to all grade levels, while qualified 5th-8th graders participate in the annual History Bowl. Our in-school Spelling Bee sends our SML champion to compete at the Regional Spelling Bee leading up to the National Spelling Bee.
Spirit Week/Game Day/JH Dance
One full week of themed days allows students to dress up in crazy attire for our Spirit Week, with points earned for creativity and participation. The week culminates with Game Day, which is as the name implies, a day full of games for the entire student body and another Junior High Dance. As a special treat, the In N’ Out truck pulls up to provide lunch one day during this school spirit-filled week.
STEAM Day
On Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math Day, we explore each of these academic areas. Upper grade students assist younger students with science experiments under the tutelage of the teachers. Our most anticipated STEAM event is the Rocket Launch conducted by the 8th graders.
Back to School Night/Open House
Welcoming our parents to Back to School Night at the onset of the school year allows the teachers to explain our academic goals and expectations. Towards the end of the year, Open House opens the school doors at night allowing students to proudly display their work to their families.
Talent Show/Awards Assemblies
Do you have talent? Students may volunteer as a solo or group act to sing, dance, or play a musical instrument at this end-of-the-year Talent Show. Another way that students’ achievements are honored is at the semester Awards Assembly. We recognize those who have made improvements over the course of that semester, are tops academically, and have modeled their faith. Students receive achievement awards and restaurant certificates from corporate donors.
8th Grade Student of the Month/Lion’s Cards
At the end of weekly chapel, K-8th students are nominated by their teachers and presented with Lion’s Cards in front of the school. Even Leo the Lion himself comes out to congratulate them! Additionally, we see those 8th grade students who stand out, and we honor them monthly with a certificate and a book presented in front of the whole school. At the end of the year, those 8th graders are invited to a luncheon in their honor with all their Junior High teachers in attendance.
8th Baccalaureate/8th Graduation
Eighth grade Baccalaureate is a Church service held shortly before Graduation. Students and their families attend this service where the salutatorians present speeches to the congregation. Eighth grade Graduation is the culmination of our students’ SML education. Student valedictorians send off their classmates with inspiring and sentimental words of encouragement as our 8th graders proudly hold their diplomas.