Volume IX| October 12, 2018

THIS WEEK AT ST. ROSE SCHOOL
Dear St. Rose School Families:

Our 60 years of learning, serving and amazing growth were recognized at a beautiful mass and festive Oktoberfest celebration last Saturday. Thanks to many of you who joined us to mark this significant milestone. St. Rose School was built upon the hard work, dedication and belief of so many religious, clergy and lay administrators and faculty as well as the parents, parishioners and students who have walked these halls and kept us going for 60 years. We are poised for a bright future that is rooted in the same hard work, commitment and Catholic Gospel values with an eye on innovation and educational excellence.

It was a joy for me to meet so many people from St. Rose School past, present and future who shared their memories and spoke of the ways in which they were formed here. Dr. Cheeseman, Superintendent of the Bridgeport Diocesan Schools, relayed a message from Bishop Caggiano who is in Rome for the Youth Synod. He also shared his own remarks and both leaders highlighted the many strengths of St. Rose School, giving thanks for our commitment to Catholic education and growing future leaders. We were also honored to be recognized by the State of Connecticut in a compelling citation presented by Representative Mitch Bolinsky and Senator Tony Hwang. Mr. Dan Rosenthal, our First Selectman, also issued a thoughtful proclamation highlighting the values of a St. Rose School education and the impact our school makes in the Newtown community. Both signed documents will find a special place in our entry hall for all to read. We are 60 years and going strong!
There is still time to spread the word about the first Open House of the year which will take place this Sunday, October 14, 12:30-2:30 PM. Please encourage your family, friends and neighbors to stop by. My thanks to the faculty, parents and students who are giving of their time to show off the school on Sunday. Please remember that we are all the face and voice of St. Rose School; everyone we meet could be or know of a potential student!

This week I discovered that Mrs. Katelyn Doane will be moving to Maryland for her husband's job. Mrs.Doane is a valued member of our faculty and I am happy to say that she will continue to be our Rediker/Parent Portal point person. This is a job that is done remotely and since Maryland is in our time zone it works very nicely. Please join me in wishing Mrs. Doane and her family a safe, smooth move. May God bless and guide their days in Maryland.
Speaking of the Parent Portal ... you can now access your student's grades on the Portal. This is an ideal time to check them as the first quarter will be ending in two weeks. There is a tutorial link below. If you have questions please feel free to email Mrs. Doane, [email protected].

This is a fun time of the year. I hope you have marked your calendars for the HSA's annual Trunk -R- Treat gathering here at St. Rose School on Friday October 19th. Stay tuned for details and start thinking about creative ways to decorate your car trunk for this fun family event. It's always a treat when we can get together and share our school spirit!

Have a wonderful weekend!


God bless,

Mr. Bardhyl Gjoka
CLASSROOM HAPPENINGS

Learning takes place inside and outside of the classroom. This week many classes went on field trips, giving students the opportunity to explore the world around them. Preschoolers spent the day pumpkin picking, maze searching and observing the animals at Castle Hill Farm while our Second graders visited Stepping Stones Museum for hands on work with states of matter. Fourth graders were energized by their time at Duracell learning all about batteries from the scientists at work. All the while at 40 Church Hill Road, student minds continue to percolate as they make great strides in curriculum goals.












CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Band , Grades 3-8
Violin Lessons , Grades 1-2
Fun Fridays , sign up for new session
Mock Trial , Thursday Evenings, 6:30-7pm, Grades 6-8
Junior Math Club , Tuesdays , 3-4 p.m.
Homework&Tutoring Club , Mon-Fri, 3-4 p.m.

60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

It was a great day to gather and recognize our rich history and bright future! Let's keep the celebration going all year long!

You can still purchase apparel at the flash store through October 26th. Orders will be fulfilled and delivered to the school by mid November.

Hats, 60th Anniversary Christmas ornaments and glasses are still available and will be sold at school events while supplies last. In the meantime, if you are interested in ordering these items email [email protected].
STUDENT LIFE UPDATE BY MRS. B

St. Rose students are thriving on all fronts as they implement both academic and life lessons in a variety of activities during the school week. Mrs. Wong is being assisted by one group of students while another are greeting their buddies at school every morning. And, after school enrichment programs, including our brand new band, are music to the ears, mind and soul. Click here for more information.

STUDENT COUNCIL AND NJHS NEWS

Please help people in need stay warm this Winter! We are working with the Knights of Columbus on a Winter Coat Drive starting Monday October 15th through Friday October 26th. Collection bins will be in every homeroom, the Gathering Hall entrance and the Preschool for new and gently used coats. The Knights of Columbus will provide a pizza party for the classroom that collects the most coats. If you can help we would be very grateful!

Putting its best foot forward, Student Council is running the annual SOCTOBER campaign throughout this month, collecting socks of all colors and sizes to ensure those in need some protection this winter. Collection bins are in the gathering hall lobby and Mrs. Quinn's homeroom Thank you!

PONDER THIS..

"Prayer in action is love, and love in action is service. Try to give unconditionally whatever a person needs in the moment."
-St. Teresa of Calcutta


UNIFORM UPDATE -- PLEASE TAKE NOTE!

Winter Uniforms and Policy
With the move into fall, October 1 was the official day that students were required to wear the winter uniform. This means long pants for the boys, at all times; and the appropriate skirt or jumper for the girls. Students are not to come to school in short pants at this point; there are no exceptions to this policy or choices of long or short pants at this time of the school year. At the beginning of the school year it was decided that there would be no change in the uniform from the previous year. We will be considering changes for the next school year; but, at this time all students are required to follow the current policy. We ask that parents please partner with us to make sure that students are dressed in appropriate uniforms, including shoes and hair accessories (this is where we are seeing the most noncompliance).


If you need winter uniform items, email [email protected] to check about inventory. It's FREE!


MARK YOUR CALENDARS

October 15-26th -- Winter Coat Drive in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus. Seeking new and gently used coats -- collection bins will be in every classroom beginning October 15th.

Friday, October 12th -- First Bingo of the Season! Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and games run through 9:30 p.m. $17 admission fee per person. A great family night -- tell your friends!

Sunday, October 14th, OPEN HOUSE,
12:30-2:30 p.m. Please Share the Word!

Friday October 19th, Trunk -R- Treat,
6:00-8:45 p.m. in school parking lot. Click here for details.

Monday, October 22nd , School photos by Robert Taylor Photography. Full uniform required. Click here for information about Picture Day.

Monday, October 22nd, Flu Clinic at School, 3:00-5:00 p.m.

 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Emergency and Weather Related Blasts - Please program 956-64 into your phone and call it “St. Rose Emergency Blasts”. This will ensure that you receive weather related closings and delays.
Hot Lunch program - For all questions regarding hot lunch, contact Mrs. Suzanne Thorne, at [email protected]
After School Club - Contact Lauren Frost at [email protected] . During after school hours, the phone number is: 203-419-5258.
Uniform Exchange - Please direct all uniform requests to [email protected] .
AllStar Bussing - Newtown families using the bus, please be sure to save this in your cell phone 203-304-9779. All questions regarding bussing should go through Allstar.
HSA NEWS

Dear Friends:

Today, finally, it is beginning to feel like Fall. Not a moment too soon, since our “Trunk or Treat” celebration is next week! We look forward to seeing all of our St Rose families at this great event. If you are able to help out directing traffic or monitoring the facilities for an hour, we’d really appreciate your help! Please contact chair Beth Keenan at  [email protected]

The HSA membership forms continue to come in. Thank you for submitting them and contributing to our St Rose community initiatives. 

Tonight is Bingo. We hope you and your family are planning to attend this evening- it’s a great time and a wonderful way to support our school. Doors open at 5:45 and games run through 9:30 PM. Admission is $17 per person.

Wishing you and yours a fun weekend,

Your HSA Board
Your HSA Board



Questions? Suggestions? Email [email protected]
NEWS FROM NURSE BONNIE

The State of Connecticut requires all preschool students to receive an annual Flu vaccine. This must be done no later then 12/31/18.  St. Rose School will be having a Flu Clinic on October 22nd at 3:00-5:00 pm in the main school library. All students and family members are welcome.


Please make sure all yearly physicals are updated and forms submitted to me. Thank you.
SCHOOL HOURS

Main School:
Early Drop Off: 7:00am by Gathering Hall doors (will be charged $8, no need to pre-register)
Arrival: 7:50am
Departure : 2:50pm
Early Dismissal, Regular: Noon
Early Dismissal, Emergency : 11:50 a.m.
Delay, Emergency: 10:50 a.m.

Preschool School Hours:
Early Drop Off: 8:00 a.m. Contact Beth Keenan, [email protected] at least one day ahead.
Arrival: 8:45 a.m.
Departure: 1:45 p.m. for Pre-K 4 and Step Up; 11:45 a.m. for Pre-K 3’s
Extended Day: 1:45-2:45 p.m. for Pre-K 4 and Step Up (must register prior to the start of school year - this not a drop in)
Early Dismissal, Emergency: 11:30 a.m.
Delay, Emergency: 11:15 a.m. for Pre-K 4 and Step Up; Pre-K 3’s is cancelled
PLACE YOUR SCRIP ORDER BY OCTOBER 15TH!

The Scrip Team will be placing its first order this Monday 10/15! Please have your orders submitted online or to the rectory by 5pm. They will be sent home with your student the week of 10/22. Going forward, we will be placing orders on the 1st and 15th of the month. Can’t wait for a physical gift card? Ecards and reloadable gift cards are available instantly! Log on to  shop.shopwithscrip.com  to see a full listing of retailers, as well as the generous rebates they give back to our school with each purchase! Please email Amanda Brennan ( [email protected] ) with any questions. Thank you for supporting our school!

AmazonSmile   - When ordering on Amazon, please use AmazonSmile at  smile.amazon.com . The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of the eligible to St. Rose.  AmazonPrime members can also participate.

Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards Program  - Please log on to  www.stopandshop.com/aplus  and select customer registration to register online using your Stop & Shop Card.  Our school id is 16873

BIG Y Education Express. A Family program to help our local schools get FREE, much needed supplies and equipment. 
https://www.bigy.com/rs/EducationExpress# . Create an account using your Big Y card and choose St. Rose in Newtown.

Many thanks for your support!
St. Rose School | 40 Church Hill Road Newtown CT 06470| 203-426-5102 [email protected] | www.stroseschool.com