Forty ReMARKable Years

It’s been 40 years since Mark Day School opened in 1980. Over the past four decades, the school has been on three campuses, changed its name, graduated over 1,500 students, and more. We looked back on some of our most notable milestones.

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984

SCHOOL OPENS IN SEPTEMBER

Founded by Ray Bizjack and William F. “Buzz” Nern, the school’s guiding philosophy was to provide high quality education in an atmosphere of love and care in which each member of the community was responsible for the well-being of others.

1ST SCHOOLWIDE CHESS TOURNAMENT

P.E. Teacher and Athletic Director Ray Orwig initiated the first chess tournament, inviting all students to play. Forty-eight students participated in the tournament. There has been one every school year since 1981.

JUST IMAGINE CLUB BEGINS

Ray Orwig and his wife Gail start Just Imagine Club, a lunch club showcasing old sci-fi, fantasy, and horror movies, in response to growing student interest in the genre. The Just Imagine Club originally met every other Friday at lunch.

CAMPUS RELOCATION: 375 BLACKSTONE

On the first weekend of new Headmaster John Pistel’s arrival, the school moves to its second campus located in the Marinwood neighborhood of San Rafael.

OFFICIAL ACCREDITATION

Mark Day is accredited by the Western Associa- tion of Schools and Colleages (WASC) and is given full membership with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the California Associa- tion of Independent Schools (CAIS),

1987

1989 1990

1991

DOMINATING THE MARIN COUNTY SCIENCE FAIR

Students at the school sweep the Marin County Science Fair, winning two Grand Prize awards, 12 of 21 1st place awards, and three other awards for a total of 17 awards.

DAMON KERBY BECOMES HEADMASTER

Known for his gentle kindness, his routine of shaking students’ hands in the front of campus every morning, and for knowing every student deeply, Damon Kerby remained headmas- ter for 24 years.

1ST BOYS’ BASKETBALL TEAM FORMS

The school enters the sports arena by forming the first boys’ basketball team. Since, the school offers a competitive basketball league for grades six through eight.

THE KNIGHTS WIN NATIONALS

The Mark Day School chess team, the Knights, win 1st place at the National Junior High Chess Championship.

A NEW CAMPUS LOCATION

The school moves to its current location: 39 Trellis Drive in San Rafael.

1992

1995

1997

2000

2001

RUNNERS QUALIFY FOR THE JUNIOR OLYMPICS

The first track and field team runners qualify for the National Junior Olympic Cross Country meet.

THE FIRST STRATEGIC PLAN IS DEVELOPED

The school’s first Strategic Plan is published, outlining goals, initiatives, and improvements for all aspects of the school.

SEVEN PILLARS OF CHARACTER INTRODUCED

The Seven Pillars of Character— caring, courage, citizenship, respect, responsibility, honesty, and fairness—are integrated into the culture of school and student life.

A GENEROUS GIFT SUPPORTS ACCESS

Named after a former teacher, the MV Williams Endowment was a transformative $2 million gift given over the course of 10 years in support of tuition assistance. It is still the largest donation the school has ever received.

A CAMPAIGN FOR ST. MARK’S

The Campaign for Saint Mark’s launched to raise money for the construction of the gym and arts and science buildings. The community collectively raised $3.5 million for the transformative project.

2002

2003

2004 2005

2006

ARTS & SCIENCE BUILDING AND GYM OPEN

The new arts and science building and the gym are constructed to offer additional learning space for the arts and Upper Division science, as well as a dedicated indoor space for sports.

ORGANIC GARDEN CREATED

The school’s first organic garden is built on the southwest side of campus. Since, it has become an extension of the classroom and a place where students can learn, dig, plant, relax, and cultivate a healthy relationship with the environment.

1ST DELEGATION TO SOUTH AFRICA

The first delegation of Mark Day families travel to visit our first partner in South Africa, eSibonisweni.

LEADING EDGE TECHNOLOGY AWARD

The school is named a Leading Edge Technology School by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) for our media literacy program.

THE FIRST GOLF TEAM IS FORMED

The first golf team is formed under Ray Orwig’s leadership.

2007

2008

2010

2011

2012

THE CAMPAIGN FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING

The school’s first endowment campaign, The Campaign for Teaching and Learning, is completed. Also, the Green Team is started to help lead efforts in sustainability.

LEARNING FROM ER XIAO

For the first time, faculty exchanged ideas with and learned alongside faculty from our partner school in Beijing, Er Xiao.

1:1 LAPTOP PROGRAM IMPLEMENTED

The school launches its one-toone laptop program for 6th-8th grade. The school also receives funding to add smartboards to every classroom.

JOE HARVEY BECOMES HEAD OF SCHOOL

Joe Harvey becomes Head of School and begins the process of advancing our school on many fronts, including a lease extension, name change, and campus expansion.

GOING GLOBAL: COSTA RICA

Our global partnership with Pan-American School in Costa Rica begins. Also, the school signs a lease extension for 39 Trellis Drive through 2045.

2014

2016

2018

2019

EXPANDING PARTNERSHIP WITH ER XIAO

Head of School Joe Harvey travels to Beijing to visit our partner school, Er Xiao. The partnership is expanded to include students traveling between Mark Day School and Er Xiao.

ST. MARK’S BECOMES MARK DAY

Effective July 1st, the new name was chosen after thor- ough research and collaboration by the community.

WE CREATE IS LAUNCHED

The campaign to build our new Creativity Lab, Learning Commons, amphitheater, and quad is launched; the campaign exceeded our fundraising goal and raised over $6.5 million.

MARK DAY GETS ITS OWN BUS

To expand transportation options to Marin and San Francisco families, the school purchases its first school-owned bus.

EXPANDING THE 6TH GRADE

The school launches an expanded 6th-8th grade program to implement smaller section sizes and increased social community.

2020

MARK DAY SCHOOL TURNS 40 YEARS OLD!

It’s been 40 years since Mark Day School opened its doors in the fall of 1980. In the fall, we intend to come together to celebrate with current families, alumni, alumni families, faculty, staff, and friends.