Unprecedented times have inspired unprecedented actions. I am immensely grateful for the generosity of an anonymous donor within our school family who wrote a $20,000 check to the school this week and asked that it be applied toward our tuition Gap. Catholic schools are always dependent upon the time, talent and treasure of donors for successful operation and now more than ever -- given the increased expenditures surrounding Covid -- we are in need of help. May God bless our benefactors.
You can read more about the tuition gap below. Every gift makes a BIG difference, enabling us to provide a stellar academic and faith focused education for students in Preschool through 8th grade.
Dear St. Rose School Families,
This week we celebrated Monsignor Bob's 74th birthday. While we couldn't join together in person we did attend mass virtually so that everyone could be involved in the gift presentation. Students made heartfelt cards to express their love of and thanks to Monsignor. We are all very grateful for his generous heart and helping hands. May God bless him with continued health and happiness.
I am delighted to announce that Mrs. Valerie Petrillo, our Middle School Science teacher, will return to the classroom on Monday. October 5th. Mrs. Petrillo has been teaching remotely following a minor surgery; it will be wonderful to have her back on site. We are also bidding farewell to Mrs. Sharon Saunders who has been Mrs. Rahtelli's wonderful assistant in Kindergarten for many years. My sincere thanks to Mrs. Saunders for her service to St. Rose School. We wish her happiness as she begins a new chapter.
It is clear that your children are engaged during the school day. Socialization is critical at all ages; interacting with teachers and peers in person adds important dimension to learning. The fact that we are facile with distance learning is a plus for those students who are connecting with their classrooms virtually. We are fully invested in making this a safe, strong and sustaining school year. As we turn the calendar pages to October it is satisfying to note that St. Rose School is on solid ground.
The temperatures are starting to drop. Please send children to school with sweaters and jackets so they are warm while outdoors. Kindly refer to Mrs. B's Student Life Update for more uniform details. Mask breaks continue three times a day which is a wonderful way for students to burn off energy and breathe in fresh air.
As a reminder, there will be early dismissal at 11:30 a.m. on Friday October 9th for Teacher Professional Development. School is closed on October 12th for Columbus Day. Our goal is to send out progress reports on October 9th.
God is painting a beautiful landscape outside. I hope you find ways to take in nature's beauty this weekend. As a start, if you have pets, there will be a blessing of the animals on the field behind St. Rose church tomorrow morning at
Did you know it costs $8,538 to educate EVERY 1 student at St. Rose School? This means that $1,958 per student is not covered by tuition.
While we realize that tuition is a sacrifice for many, the TUITION GAP creates a portion of the school deficit every year. It is imperative that we find ways to CLOSE the GAP so that we can continue providing an academically stellar, faith focused education for children in Preschool - 8th grade.
We need your help! If means allow, please consider covering some or all of your child's GAP fee. It can be paid in one sum or over 12 months. The good news is -- it's tax deductible! If your employer provides matching gifts, perhaps you can split the GAP fee; if you can pay it in full, your matching gift will be an additional contribution to closing the GAP which will make a tremendous impact on our school.
We are all in this together! Thank you and God bless!
CARRY ALL CADDY Fundraiser
Organize your trips to the grocery store, beach and more with the SRS Carry All Caddy! It's sturdy and handy to place in a cart, in the trunk, carry over your shoulder and collapse down for easy storage! The logo was designed by St. Rose School alumna Carolyn Del Rossi (Class of 2012).
Every family needs one -- it also makes a great gift. Best of all proceeds go to the St. Rose School Blooms Fund. Interested? Please complete the attached order formand send to the attention of Laura Moulder. Bags will be sent home via students. Thanks!
PRESCHOOL CORNER
Light, learning and love...that's what children in the 3-, 4 and 5- (Transitional Kindergarten)- year-old programs find at St. Rose School. Our dedicated, experienced teachers offer dynamic lessons in a nurturing environment. This year we started a Peek-A-Boo 2's program for parents who would like to acclimate children to Preschool in small doses. All programs are off to a safe, strong start.
Enrollment is open. Please spread the word about our Preschool Open House Wednesday October 14th, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. (rain date Friday October 16th, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.) For questions or to register email [email protected]; visit https://www.stroseschool.com/preschool
STUDENT LIFE UPDATE by MRS. B
Dear St. Rose School Families,
Did we really just turn a calendar page and begin a new month? It doesn’t seem possible that we have been in school over a month already! It has been a month of getting used to being back in the habit of being in-person at school; but, our children and staff adapted quickly and with the new protocols and safety measures in place, we are off and running. The smiling students of St. Rose are a testament to the joy of learning happening in our classrooms! Click here to read the complete Student Life Update.
Important dismissal information from the office
Please note that both teacher and secretary should be informed in writing or via email about any changes in dismissal by 1 pm. SCHOOL PASS pads are available for $1 and can be sent home with your child.
Mask request
Please send students to school with an extra mask -- there has been an increase in mask requests. Thank you.
We are looking forward to our first ever sidewalk chalk competition, Chalk It Up, which will take place on Sunday, October 18th from 2-4pm. We will conduct this event in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines for outdoor events, so there will be a capacity limit. Advanced registration is required by Thursday, October 14th, with payment by Friday, October 15th, including the number of people who will attend. Please use this link to register: https://forms.gle/7EdUwBhNSiUGBfsp8 and send a check to school made out to "St. Rose HSA."
Additionally, we are looking forward to Trunk R Treat on Friday, October 30th. This event will be capped at 150 people in line with the CT reopening plans, so advanced registration will be necessary. We need a few parent volunteers to help us plan it out. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to contact us at [email protected].
We are working a Mom's Night Out and a Dad's Night Out. These will be separate events to help connect you to other parents. Both will be outdoors so we are aiming for the next few weeks before it gets too cold. We will update you as soon as dates are confirmed.
Stay tuned for a request to help assemble, sand and paint the new picnic tables as soon as they arrive at school. Thanks in advance for pitching in to help us with this!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Your HSA Board
NURSE NEWS
Nurse Bonnie is on site Monday-Friday during school hours. If you have health questions or concerns you can reach her at [email protected] or 203-426-5102 ext 104. Here's some helpful information and important forms
40 students participated in our after school clinics this week. Clinics are run by Team DIG and Dan Pelletier Tuesdays (Soccer), Wednesdays (Chess) and Thursdays (Track), 3:15-4:15 for $20 per student per session. Registration opens Friday at 4:00 p.m. through Monday at 11:59 p.m. Click here for details.
Stay tuned for information about exciting Late Fall/Early Winter after school activities!