The Academics Committee includes the following:

Accelerated Reader
The Accelerated Reader Committee provides volunteers in the computer lab on a daily basis from 7:45 – 8:15 a.m. to assist students with the Accelerated Reading Program. The volunteers are there to help students log on to the AR Program. Other areas for AR volunteer opportunities are: labeling AR books in the school library, preparation of program achievement certificates and incentive certificates and assisting with the AR participant year-end party.

Chess Club
The St. Mark Lion Kings meet every Friday after school in the library until 4:30 PM. Students from 2nd – 8th grade are invited to join the club at any time. Parents pickup their children in the car pool lanes. The club’s format includes:

• 15 – 20 minutes of instruction (for beginner through advanced players),
• chess ladder play based on level (beginners, intermediate and advanced), and
• endgame, or free play time.

Anyone can join and learn the Royal Game. The Lion King’s members have the opportunity to play in individual or team tournaments

Cultural Enrichment
The Cultural Enrichment Committee enhances the experiences of our students in this area through activities that promote culture and unity, while preparing them to become global citizens. Committee members plan, coordinate and carry out culturally enriching activities through festivals, assemblies and the compilation of teacher resource materials that work towards this goal.

Fine Arts
The goal of the Fine Arts Committee is to provide support and assistance to enhance the experiences of our children in the areas of music, drama and visual art. Committee members assist in a variety of ways with stage productions and other performing arts programs such as Carols in the Courtyard, Christmas and Spring Performances and others as created by the committee.

Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement is a program that educates students about business, economics and free enterprise. The curriculum, taught at an appropriate age level using reading, writing and math concepts, is delivered by business role models, parents or teachers and bridges community to the classrooms. For our 4th graders we have Exchange City, which allows them to learn about the operations of a city and follow-up with a visit to “run a city” for a day.” Junior Achievement is a rewarding volunteer opportunity allowing you to make a difference in the classrooms of your school.

Math Counts
Math Counts is a math enrichment program designed for the middle school student. Students can earn extra math credit, movie passes, and dress down days just for participating in this exciting program that provides an extra challenge in the area of mathematics!

Math Superstars
Math Superstars is an enrichment program that provides the extra challenge that self-motivated students need in mathematics. The students are presented with challenging problem-solving activities. It does not affect or replace the normal classroom routine nor does the student receive a "grade". Participation is always optional but encouraged. The student receives 20 worksheets throughout the year. Dress down passes are awarded for every 5 sheets completed. Completion of 10 sheets throughout the years earns and "end-of-year" ice cream party.

Math Mania
Math Mania is an after-school math club for 4th and 5th graders. The students work in small groups and have fun solving real life problems, doing logic puzzles, playing math games and more. The club will emphasize problem solving and developing new strategies and ways of thinking.

Resource Room
This room provides Teachers with models, materials, consumable goods and reference material that can be shared and used by the entire teaching staff at St. Mark to compliment and enrich their curriculum and teaching styles. These materials will be shared and the room will be run on a check-out system similar to the library. Additional funding will be provided by the PTO each school year to continue to grow and enhance the inventory of materials available to our teachers.