From the Desk of Mrs. Tiezzi

Dear St. Rita Parents and Guardians,

Just a reminder that our Back-to-School Nights are scheduled for this Thursday, September 12, at 6:00 P.M. for parents of students in grades Prek3-Grade 3, and next Tuesday, September 17, at 6:00 P.M. for parents of students in grades 4-8. As our partner in educating your child/ren, I ask that you take some time over the next few days to review your expectations for your child/ren this year, as well as their teacher’s expectations. Daily, the teachers and I reinforce with students the need to be respectful to everyone we encounter, take responsibility for our words and deeds, and do our best with our learning at all times. Your support of these goals is appreciated.

As I mentioned last week, students in grades 1-8 will begin the NWEA MAP assessments next Tuesday. The skill areas assessed include reading and math for all grade levels and English/language arts only for students in grades 3-8. The results of these assessments will be used to determine which students are eligible for intervention services, as well as to assist teachers in planning instructional strategies to meet the needs of all their students. These assessments are technology based and the results will be shared with you during Parent-Teacher conferences in October.  

Our school-wide theme for the year is Hold On To Love - The St. Rita Way. Following the St. Rita Way, our students will make a positive difference in our school community, their family, and in our world. What is the St. Rita Way you ask? It is to be a respectful, responsible, kind, helpful, honest, loving, and faith-filled student. We expect all our students to follow the rules in the classroom, in the lunchroom, and out at recess. Working together (parents, teachers and students) we will continue to keep St. Rita School the place to be, where the love of Christ is lived and shared.

Please consider joining us at weekly Friday morning (9:00 A.M.) Mass at St. Rita Church. Our students, faculty, and parishioners gather in prayer to celebrate the Eucharist and thank God for all his blessings. Currently the students in grades 1-8 attend Mass. However, beginning in October, the kindergarten will be joining us.

Just a reminder, this Friday, September 13, is an Early Dismissal day for all students due to teacher professional development. Lunch will not be served. Aftercare is only open until 3:30 at a cost of $25.00 ($27.00 for PreK). Students must be pre-registered to attend aftercare.



Thank you for entrusting your child/ren to our care. Enjoy the late summer weather.

God Bless,

Mrs. Tiezzi

After Care Workers Needed

The ideal candidate must enjoy working with school-aged children, must be 18 or older, must complete a background check, fingerprinting, and Virtus training. Hours are 2:45 to 5:30 Tuesday - Friday when school is in session. $20 per hour.

Please contact Ms. McKay at lmckay.stritaschool@gmail.com or at 203-248-3114.

Please observe the “NO PARKING” signs on Gillies Road, Edgemere Road and Dessa Drive. Your willingness to observe the NO PARKING signs will ensure the safety of our students and school neighbors. Please share this with grandparents, caregivers, and anyone else who may pick up your child at dismissal. The Police Department has been issuing warnings and will be ticketing those drivers who disregard the no parking signs. Please see the provided map for no parking areas, and available parking lots. Areas marked in red are no parking areas.

UNIFORM INFORMATION

Lands' End is our new uniform vendor, however, this year is a transitional year for uniforms. Students may wear their Dennis uniform apparel as long as the clothing fits properly and is free of stains and wear and tear. No other brand names can be worn, especially khaki shorts, or khaki pants (Winter). Please note that the green fleece is no longer part of the school uniform and cannot be worn to school, even as a jacket. 

Students must be in SUMMER uniform attire now through September 30th. This includes khaki shorts and gym shorts only. No pants.

Other helpful reminders for Kindergarten to Grade 8:

• White crew socks must be worn with khaki shorts and gym shorts. No other colors are allowed.
• Boys' green polo shirts must be tucked in.
• A belt must be worn with khaki shorts (Kindergarten will wear belts in January).
• Skirts and skorts cannot be rolled.
• Skirts and skorts cannot be higher than 2" above the knee.
• Navy blue knee-high socks must be worn with jumpers, skorts, and skirts.
• White socks cannot be worn with jumpers, skirts, or skorts, and are not part of the uniform dress code.

The complete uniform dress code can be accessed using the button below.

 Click Here for Uniform Guidelines   (https://www.stritaschool.org/Uniforms)

HSA

(Home-School Association)

Nurse's Corner

COVID and respiratory virus policy change:

In conjunction with the health department, Hamden Public Schools and Saint Rita School will be adopting the new COVID policy.

If your child tests positive for COVID, they should stay home for 24 hours.

If they do not present with a fever , they can return to school after 24 hours. Wearing a mask for 5 days is advised as there is still a high transmission rate. 

If they develop a fever, they should stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicine. They can then return to school and it is advised that they wear a mask for 5 days. 



If during the 5 day mask period they develop a fever, the clock resets. They should remain home until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicine. Returning to school with a mask for 5 days is advised. 

Medication in school:

If your child requires medication in school, the medication must be brought in by a parent along with a Medication Administration in School   

completed by the pediatrician. 

Cough drops brought into school must stay in the nurse's office. 

Any OTC medication should not be sent into school with your child (Advil, Tylenol, midol, allergy medicine, etc...) If your child requires any OTC medicine while at school they can go to the nurses office and a parent will be called to bring the medicine into school and administer it to their child. 

PreSchool Flu Shots:

All Pre school students are required to get a flu vaccine before we leave for Christmas break. Please send in a note from the doctor after your child receives their flu shot.

7th Grade Physicals:

All students entering 7th grade must have a physical dated after May 31st of the 5th grade year. They are also required to have a tetanus booster and meningitis vaccine. If your child is in the 6th grade now, physicals for 7th grade can be sent into the health office at any time during this school year. Any physical dated after May 31, 2024 will be accepted.  

Nut allergies in the classroom:

If your child is in a classroom with a student with a severe nut allergy, your child's teacher will have informed you that any foods containing nuts should only be eaten in the cafeteria. Please do not send in a snack with nut ingredients. Thank you for helping us to keep all of our students safe.

Please reach out to me at any time during the school year with any health questions or concerns.

Please pray for all the deceased members of our

St. Rita Community.