Philip Adzima, School Principal

Phillip T. Adzima of Milford joined Saint Mark School in September of 1992 assuming the position of Principal. Mr. Adzima has over thirty years of teaching and administrative experience.

Upon his 1968 graduation from Notre Dame Boys' High School in Fairfield, Mr. Adzima continued his education at Sacred Heart University and graduated in 1972 with majors in English, Education and state certification. He received his Masters degree in Education from Fairfield University in 1985. His education also includes training through the "Drugs Don't Work" Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut where he was trained to work on a Student Assistance Teams.

From 1972-1979, Mr. Adzima began as a teacher at Saint Pius X School in Fairfield instructing grades 5 - 8 in English, Reading, Literature, History, Science and Religion. In 1979, he joined the faculty at Fairfield Country Day School where he was teacher of grades 5 - 9 in English, History and Math. As his career progressed, Mr. Adzima was appointed Dean of Students at Fairfield Country Day in 1985 and served as teacher and Dean until 1987.

In 1987, Mr. Adzima was appointed Assistant Principal of Student Life at Notre Dame High School in West Haven where he supervised all aspects of student life until being appointed Principal at Saint Mark.

Mr. Adzima has been involved in many "extracurricular" activities throughout his career including producing and directing school plays for many years along with the producing and editing of school yearbooks and newspapers. He has also coached several sports and served as a member of Student Assistance Team. Over the years, he has been and is currently a member of many educational organizations and charitable endeavors. He has taught Adult Education in Milford serving as instructor in the English As a Second Language Program. Through his parish, Saint Agnes in Milford, Mr. Adzima has taught CCD and worked as a volunteer for the Thomas Merton House of Hospitality in Bridgeport.

When asked his goals, he responded: "I would like to ensure Catholic education through the next century and make St. Mark a model. Children need a nurturing Christian atmosphere as they have here to help form them into adult Christians. The elementary level is filled with wonder and excitement and it is a perfect time to instill these values along with a solid academic foundation. Because of the family atmosphere here, there couldn't be a better place for this. "

Kindergarten: Mrs. Maureen Kasuba

I have been teaching at St. Mark School since 1994. My first few years at our school I taught English Grammar and Composition to Grades 5 through 8. The past seven years I have been teaching Kindergarten. My first love has always been the teaching of the young child. Prior to teaching at St. Mark I was a Head Teacher at the Milford Cooperative Preschool Learning Center. I instructed both a three and four year old class for nearly 10 years.

I received my Bachelor's degree with a double major in English and Elementary Education at Sacred Heart University. I continue my education by staying up-to-date with current programs. I often attend summer workshops as I enjoy learning new methods of teaching.

Our Kindergarten program has a phonics based whole language approach to reading readiness. We have rotating learning centers which revolve around a unit or theme. We are a full day program with many extra special teachers during our week. Field trips are a special experience as well as doing unique activities with our Eighth grade buddies. We grow in love and kindness as well as academics each and every day in St. Mark Kindergarten.

1st. Grade: Mrs. Patricia Roy

I have been teaching First grade at Saint Mark School since 2000. I have a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Connecticut State University. I taught Kindergarten for 19 years in both public and parochial schools, pre-school for seven years and this is my fifth year teaching First grade.

First grade is an exciting year where learning to read opens up a whole world of opportunities for each child. We learn as a whole group and in small groups at learning centers. We incorporate active and passive learning experiences all centered on a faith-based curriculum

2nd. Grade: Mrs. Peggy Craig

In 1997 I started teaching Second grade at St. Mark School. Prior to that I worked five years in the Milford Public School system before teaching at Our Lady of Victory School in West Haven. In addition, I've been teaching Religious Education classes at St. Agnes Church in Milford since 1991.

After growing up in Indiana, I lived in Colorado for 10 years before moving to Connecticut in 1989. I graduated from Ball State University, received my teaching certificate from Southern Connecticut State University, and am currently pursuing a Master's degree at Sacred Heart University.

In Second grade, various learning strategies are used to meet the students' individual needs. The children enjoy Learning Centers which reinforce skills in Reading, Phonics, Math and Computer Technology, just to name a few. We are busy writing throughout the year and culminate with our Publishing Center in the spring where the children compose, type and illustrate their stories. The children look forward to learning Cursive Writing and to the Field Trips, where our Science and Social Studies curriculums are enhanced. Receiving the two Sacraments, Reconciliation and First Communion, highlight the events that make Second grade a special year.

3rd. Grade: Mrs. Kristen Palaka

I have been at St. Mark School since 1998. I received an Early Childhood Certificate from Housatonic Community Technical College. Also, I have my BS in English/Elementary Education from Western CT State University. I am certified for K-6th grade. Currently I am working on my Masters in Learning from Sacred Heart University. I love teaching my students Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. In the spirit of St. Mark's the children continue to learn how to be good and caring individuals.

4th. Grade: Mrs. Janet Rodriguez

I earned a Bachelors degree in education from Central Connecticut State College. In 1987, I earned a Masters of Arts in teaching from Sacred Heart University. I began my teaching career in 1984 at St. Joseph School in Yonkers, NY. In 1985 I began teaching at St. Cecilia School in Stamford, CT where I remained for 10 years teaching both 3rd and 1st grades.

My husband and I bought a home in Stratford in 1994. Not wanting to commute, I changed schools and began teaching at St. James School in Stratford. I taught 1st grade at St. James for 3 years before leaving to raise my daughter Emma.

I came to St. Mark School in 2001 as the Enrichment & Resource Teacher. I enjoyed that position for 2 years before becoming the 4th grade teacher in 2004.

The 4th grade is a wonderful year of new found independence and adventures in learning. There is a complimentary mix of traditional learning and learning through experience. Weekly centers and monthly projects enrich the students' knowledge of Literature, Social Studies, Science and Writing.

Outside the classroom students experience the Arts, History and Science through well-planned Field trips that enhance the curriculum. Fourth grade is a journey that is ever changing and growing.

5th. Grade: Mrs. Sharon Barnett

I have been at St. Mark school since September 2000. Here I teach Fifth grade, as well as sixth grade English and Social Studies. I grew up in Fairfield, CT and attended Bay Path Jr. College in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. I received my Bachelor of Science degree having graduated from the University of Bridgeport. I received my certification in nursery school through eighth grade. I am currently working towards my Masters degree in education.

I have two children Kimberly and Jimmy and my first grandchild, Juliana Marie, was born in August 2004.

6th. Grade: Mrs. Margaret Robinson

Sixth Grade Homeroom teacher and Science teacher for grades 5-8. I have been teaching at Saint Mark School for 14 years. I especially enjoy the 6th grade because the children are highly motivated. I integrate high interest activities in all subject areas. I taught in Bridgeport at Blessed Sacrament for 17 years. I also taught in Binghamton, NY and Charleston, SC. I received a BS from Cabrini College and a Masters from Marywood College, PA.

Science is my special field.

In Grade 5 we study "Animals"
Grade 6 - Plants & Fungi
Grade 7 - Life Science and Body Systems
Grade 8 - Earth Science/Geology

A variety of hands-on techniques are incorporated and the children thoroughly enjoy Science. We focus on the Scientific Method and learn a simple Lab sheet for the future. We also do simple dissections. A Science Fair is held in April. What fantastic projects are produced! Einstein would be impressed. Our new Science Lab permits much scientific investigations.

Religion and the Old Testament are emphasized. We understand that Religion and Science are closely related. We participate in the "Challenger Program" at the Discovery Museum. God is always at the Center of our life.

The 6th grade Christmas tradition is a classroom cookie swap. Parents and Grandparents are invited to share in our tradition.

The year is very busy. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to work with such wonderful children. I thank God every day for His abundant goodness. Grade 6 is a GREAT place to be!! Alleluia!

7th. Grade: Mrs. Marian Rabel

I received a BS from Sacred Heart University and am presently working towards a Masters in Religious Studies from SHU. I have been teaching at St. Mark School since 1998. I am the seventh grade homeroom teacher, and I teach both seventh and eighth grades.

The seventh grade class studies a wide breadth of subjects. I teach Religion, which focuses on the New Testament, Literature, English, Writing and Grammar, Spelling and Vocabulary. Mrs. Robinson teaches Science, and Math is taught by Mrs. Miller.

I teach American History to the eighth grade. We begin pre-Civil War era and study up to the present time. I also teach them English. Along with studying grammar, we do a great deal of writing, as well as learning how to write a research paper.

8th. Grade: Mrs. Agnes Miller

Eighth grade - what a joy to teach! Our students work in a Christian atmosphere and are academically challenged. Students in grade Eight study Church history, spelling, vocabulary (which we have fun learning), Literature (where we learn to analyze and think critically), and Algebra. I also teach grades 5, 6 & 7 Math. We have an encouraging family community at St. Mark School.

I received a B.A. from Merrimack College in North Andover, MA. I have also received credits toward my Masters Degree at Sacred Heart University. Before coming to St. Mark School, I previously taught at St. Charles School in Bridgeport, CT.

I am the proud mother of four children and two grandchildren (and one on the way)! My oldest grandchild is enrolled in St. Mark School in the Kindergarten class, so you know that I believe our school is great!