St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic School Launches New Academic Resource Center

Hyattsville, MD (VOCUS) September 8, 2009 -- St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic School (http://www.stmarkhyattsville.org) in Hyattsville, MD kicked off the new school year this week, announcing the launch of the St. Mark’s Academic Resource and Teaching (SMART) Center for students with learning differences. In addition, this year the school welcomes 53 new students to the community.

The St. Mark’s Academic Resource and Teaching (SMART) Center program will be run through the school’s Resource Department. It is aimed at providing aid and support for children who are English Language Learners, those who would benefit from focused enrichment activities in a gifted and talented program, or children who are facing learning challenges. The St. Mark’s Resource Department is directed by seasoned teacher Denise Kurtz, who has extensive experience working with students at St. Mark’s.

According to Principal Charles M. Russell, “We are excited about the many ways the SMART Center will allow us to reach students who need extra resources to complete their educational experience. This new program gives us the flexibility to meet any student’s needs and to enhance the effectiveness of our already outstanding educational program.”

St. Mark’s has seen a jump in enrollment towards the end of the summer. “We have seen this summer that families continue to value an environment that fosters both the intellectual and spiritual development of their children,” Russell explained. “We have focused this year on working with families to make it possible for their children to join our community. We are happy to welcome more than 50 new families whose children joined our 215 returning students this week.”

St. Mark’s also welcomes three new teachers to their staff. Joshua Miles has joined the faculty as a fourth grade teacher. Rhonda Ortiz will join in the 7th grade and Michelle Winters will work with the Pre-School and the 7th Grade.

St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic School (http://www.stmarkhyattsville.org) is a Pre-School to 8th grade elementary school in Hyattsville, MD. The school was founded in 1958 by the Religious of Jesus and Mary and prides itself on providing a safe and nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and moral development to children in Prince Georges County and beyond. Students graduating from St. Mark’s routinely go on to attend the best Catholic high schools in the area. Visit http://www.stmarkhyattsville.org/ to learn more about St. Mark's.

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