OUR MISSION:
St. Rita School inspires students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade eight to achieve academic excellence in a safe, nurturing and faith-filled Catholic environment.
We prepare students to be morally responsible, innovative thinkers who, in today’s technology-guided global community, live and share the Love of Christ.
FROM THE DESK OF MRS. TIEZZI

Dear SRS Parents,

The liturgical season of Advent is a time of "waiting" and preparing for the coming of Jesus. We often miss Advent's power because these weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are full of secular Christmas events and preparations for Christmas. Each year, the busyness of this season serves to distract us from having an Advent season that truly prepares us for the celebration of Christmas, with all its meaning.

I would like to share this email post I received which seems to sum up the true spirit of the season. I hope you catch the "Advent Virus" and you become part of the epidemic. 

The Advent Virus

WARNING……WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:

A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
A loss of interest in judging other people.
A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
A loss of interest in conflict.
A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
Frequent attacks of smiling.
An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many systems. Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it.

As role models for our children, let us all try to emulate the virus symptoms and spread Hope, Peace, Joy and Love throughout our world today and every day. Thank you for entrusting your children to our care.

God Bless,

Mrs. Tiezzi

School News 
A friendly reminder from your school nurse
   
Cold and flu season has arrived! As a result, we are seeing more and more students in the health office. Below is Hamden’s Health and St. Rita’s School policy regarding exclusion periods for sick children as well as preventative tips. Please adhere to these guidelines and take notes of the suggested habits. Let’s work together to keep our school community and our homes as healthy as possible.

Exclusion Periods:
 
Please do not send your student to school if he/she has or has had:

1. Fever over 100 F within the last 24 hours (must be fever free without medication)
2. Vomiting or Diarrhea within the last 24 hours
3. Continuous coughing not relieved with cough medicine
4. Strep throat. They may return after being on an antibiotic for 24 hours.
5. Please check with the school nurse or your doctor about other illnesses.
6. Please remember to notify the school nurse or front office if your child has a contagious illness.
7. If your child is sent home from school with a fever, vomiting or diarrhea they can not return to school for 24 hours or until they are symptom free for 24 hours.


Helpful Tips for Staying Healthy
 
1. Frequent hand washing is the BEST way to prevent and combat the spread of germs! Wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer. ( Sing the happy birthday song twice to wash long enough)
2. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use an elbow or arm if no tissue is available.
3. Do not share drinks, food or unwashed utensils.
4. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, and drink lots of water and healthy drinks ( soda doesn’t count).
5. Avoid people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
6. Disinfect surfaces that are prone to germs (ex. Phones, keyboards, door knobs, toothbrushes).
7. Get your immunizations like the flu mist or shot.

For more information about the flu visit www.flu.gov
 
PJ DAY FOR THE KIDS
DECEMBER 13TH 2018
In Support of Kids at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center!

Students and staff are invited to wear their PJs to school in honor of kids at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Thousands of children each year spend days, weeks or longer in PJs at the hospital while receiving care. PJ Day for the Kids will help us show our support for these brave kids!
Wear your PJs and make an donation of $1 or more.
Donations will be collected at school on Thursday, December 13th.
For more information give.connecticutchildrens.org/pjday.
Checks can be made to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Foundation.
All proceeds benefit the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
Appropriate attire for school/weather. No slippers for safety, please.
Sibling Registration

Registration for the
2019-2020 school year is now available to our SRS siblings. Please contact
Carissa Civitello for more information.
Our Pre-K classes fill up quickly- please apply soon to guarantee a spot!
Christmas head wear information:
Please do not have your child wear Christmas head wear during the month of December. They will be allowed to wear their festive accessories starting
December 20th. Thank you
SAVE THE DATE:
December 11
Christmas Play K-3 at 1:15 in Church
December 11
Band and choir and gr. 4 and 5 concert at 6:30 in Church
Divine Mercy Parish - St. Stephen Church
Christmas Eve 4:30 PM
Family Mass
"She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn."  Luke 2:7
 
When :       Monday, December 24 at 4:30 PM at St. Stephen Church
Rehearsal : Sunday, December 23 at 10:00 AM following 9:00 AM Mass
 at St. Stephen Church
St. Rita Celebrates Our Cultures
We want to celebrate all of the wonderful cultures that make St. Rita School a wonderful place to be, all year long! 
Each month we would like to recognize and feature one culture of our St. Rita families. We ask that families share pictures, stories, artifacts, religious beliefs, influential Saints and more that represent their most special traditions. All items will be returned at the end of the month. (please label all items)
Cultures will be displayed on a hallway bulletin board .

All items are due 1 week prior to the beginning of the month.
Latino Culture due December 17th

SAVE THE DATE: ANNUAL MULTI-CULTURAL NIGHT: MARCH 21, 2019
St. Rita School NEW Scrip Program is here!

Get your shopping on with Scrips!

Our SCRIPS program is in full swing. 

Don't delay
Enroll now!

Remember to create your PrestoPay account first and then start shopping. Physical gift cards will ship to school. Digital gift cards or codes, will be sent through your personal email.

More details can be found on the Scrips flyer going home today, or learn more below.


Happy Shopping!

Crusaders Corner Store
Crusaders Corner will be open every Thursday during all lunch periods. Please send your child with cash or check to purchase items!

We are still seeking volunteers to help run the store. If you are interested please contact Mrs. Civitello.
Home and School Association
NUT COUPONS are back just in time for the holidays!
 A perfect stocking stuffer for your little one(s).

We will have fun themed days from January through May where students can dress the part without putting on their SRS uniform
5 Coupons for $25 - ORDER NOW!!! 

Your SMART TUITION will be charged.
Please click on the link below to order:

The coupons will be distributed before Christmas break.
Please note that deadline to order is  Fri, Dec 14th
Last call for wreath orders!
Please send orders in now!
Wreaths will be delivered and available for pickup Friday December 7th.
Calling for volunteers! We’ve got some shoes to fill.
NEW LINK TO SIGN UP!!!!
 
The St. Rita School HSA would love to have you as a Parent Volunteer this year! There are various events and activities planned for this year that cannot happen without your support.

Your time and talents are needed for the continued success of our school. Even just one hour of volunteer time makes a great difference to the school community.
 
Please access the link below to view the events scheduled this year and sign up for any of the volunteer positions that are open.
 
Thank you for your continued support of our school!
  
HSA Executive Board
 
 
Athlete's Corner
Winter Sports Information
  League Games start this week!
2018-2019 Basketball Calendar
*subject to change/weather permitting
 
Parent volunteers will be needed at each game that is
being hosted at St. Rita School and Sacred Heart
Academy. We will need volunteers to run the scoreboard
and fill out the scorebook. Each parent should volunteer
for at least one game during the season, or we will not
be able to host games in the future. Please help
support the athletes!
 
To volunteer please email:
Trisha and Mike D’Errico
 
Reminder:
If your child is absent from school, they will not be
permitted to participate in any athletic
events (games or practice)
 
Check back here for all Athletic News
ASCS Christmas Classic Tournament
Please come out to support the JV Girls playing
in the Championship Game on Sunday at noon!!
Games are played at All Saints
Catholic School in Norwalk.
 
**SAVE THE DATE**
Pep Rally is scheduled
for Thursday December 20 th  at 2:00.
All are invited
 
PICTURES WANTED! If you love taking pictures at our SRS sporting events, please share them with us! Please send to [email protected]
Student Spotlight
CONGRATULATIONS to Kristina Ponzio, who won the MVP at the Thanksgiving Weekend Holy Trinity Basketball tournament.
as well as the Girl's Varsity Basketball team for taking home 1st place in the tournament!
Did your child/ren do something amazing? Share with us!
Please send submissions to
Please be patient as we receive many wonderful stories of our SRS students and Alumni!
Prayer Corner
Please keep the following SRS community
members in your thoughts and prayers






If you have a special intention that you would like to share in our prayer corner, please email Carissa Civitello
Support SRS
Visit  amazonsmile.com , and anytime you purchase an eligible item, Amazon will donate a portion of the profit to our school! Select “Divine Mercy Parish
Corporation” as your charity, and St. Rita School will benefit every time you shop.


Link your Stop & Shop Card to St. Rita School, and we’ll earn CASH when you buy groceries! Click  here  and use School ID: 06434.
Link your ShopRite Price Plus card to St. Rita School, and help us earn school supplies! Click  here  and use School ID: 50073, or send your PricePlus card number to Alice Kuether,  [email protected] .
Rewards Program

Click HERE for a flyer with all of our rewards programs.

Does Your Company Offer Volunteer Grants? 
Volunteer grant programs, also known as “Dollars for Doers” programs, are corporate giving programs created to encourage volunteerism in communities where employees live and work.
Through these programs, companies provide monetary grants to organizations where employees volunteer regularly. 

Please take a moment and ask if your employer participates in a Volunteer Grants Program. Your time and talent at St. Rita School could turn into dollars for our school! Questions? Feel free to contact Joanne Bruno at  [email protected] .
Caritas Christi Center
UPCOMING DATES - 
December 5- Picture Re-Take & Sibling Pictures
December 7- First Friday Mass 8:45am
December 11- Band and Chorus concert & Christmas Play
December 20- Pep Rally 2pm
December 21- 12:15 Dismissal (No After Care)
December 24- January 1- Winter Break
January 2- Classes Resume
January 4- 1st Friday Mass 8:45am
January 18- 12:15 Dismissal
January 21- No School
January 27- Tuition Raffle Begins
January 27-Feb. 1- Catholic Schools Week


St. Rita School
1601 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06517
Phone: (203) 248.3114
Fax: (203) 248.1016