Dear St. Rose School Families:

It was an enchanting week at St. Rose School! Our Gathering Hall transformed into a beautiful forest of books and related activities that delighted all who visited. My sincere thanks to Mrs. Setear, Mrs. Milo, Mrs. Prieto, Mrs. DiCandido, Mrs. Fagan and all of the parents who worked so diligently -- and

creatively -- to bring us this incredible opportunity. We can probably all agree that there is nothing more enlightening than reading a good book and to start the love of reading early is a gift that keeps on giving!

I hope everyone had a chance to meet with your child's teacher(s) for conferences this week. Many positive things happened in the first quarter and it is an ideal time to share important information about the learning journey. We are all partners in your child's education and therefore have the same goal -- to ensure a top notch educational experience for every student!

We want to hear from you! I trust you received a copy of the Survey that was sent Wednesday to all parents. It is also attached to this newsletter. We would greatly appreciate your insights. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and return it to us by November 21st. Honest feedback is the key to keeping our school moving forward and growing stronger. Thank you.

I was so impressed with our students' respectful treatment of the veterans last week. The posters and essays reflected a genuine understanding of patriotism, service and what it means to be free. It warms my heart to know that these values are being instilled in our children and that they are carrying them forward. Eighth grader Kyle Getzinger's essay, which she read during the Assembly, is exceptional. I have attached it to this newsletter in case you would like to read it.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! This is a most precious day to step away from the rushed schedule and give thanks for our many blessings. A day to enjoy the company of our friends and family, sitting around a table with great food and conversation. It is also a time for us to think of those who are less fortunate, offering prayers and assistance in whatever ways we can. Thank you for the generous donations to our school wide Food Drive -- we collected hundreds of items that will be delivered to those in our parish and community who are in need.

Next week will be a short but lively one! On Tuesday we will gather as a school community for a Thanksgiving mass at 9:00 a.m. Honor Roll certificates will be awarded to 6-8th grade students in the Church following mass. Please join us! Later that day at 1:00 PM we will gather once again out on the field for the Turkey Bowl! Our 8th grade homerooms will face each other in a friendly game of flag football while the 7th graders perform sideline cheers and all classes will be on the field -- with our very own Ramsey -- rooting for their team. In the spirit of tradition, Mr. McKenzie will be the referee and Mr. Toaso will be the emcee. Come out and join the fun -- all families and alumni welcome!

As a reminder, there will be an early dismissal next Wednesday, the 21st followed by two days off. I hope you enjoy this stretch of time and for those who are traveling, be safe! Due to this schedule there will not be a Friday newsletter on November 23rd; we will resume on Friday November 30th.

We will have a school wide Pep Rally on Monday, November 26th at 1:00 PM to kick off the official Basketball and Cheer season. This will be a dress in red and white day for all students to show their school spirit. We hope you can join us for the Boys' home games that night as well. Schedules for both Boys and Girls teams can be found in Athletics News below.

Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing you at our school Mass and Turkey Bowl next Tuesday.

God Bless.

Mr. Bardhyl Gjoka

Principal