THE FRIDAY REVIEW

St. Rose School

September 1, 2023

"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"

-Psalm 133:1

Greetings from Dr. G

The halls are alive with the joyful sounds of your children as they settle into their new classes and set forth on an exciting learning adventure. These first days for K-8 have been uplifting; Monsignor reminded us at Mass this morning to cherish the pearl that is this most precious Christ centered education and our St. Rose School family. We are truly blessed.

The Home & School Association has been hard at work creating a grand float for the Labor Day parade. I hope to see many of you there on Monday, marching in our school colors with the wonderful spirit that sets our school apart. Monsignor is the Grand Marshall making this a most special event so let's come out and cheer him on! If you would like to help decorate the float tomorrow, contact [email protected].

I trust that you have completed all necessary forms for the new school year including the ones required by Nurse Kim. Please check your school Admin account to ensure that all of these are in order. Thank you.

Our after school enrichment and athletic programs are getting underway. You can find information about these programs in the newsletter or by reaching out to Mrs. Sweeting, [email protected]. Athletics News will be shared in Mrs. B's Adventures in Student Life.

The first issue came out yesterday and is full of wonderful photos of students in the halls and classrooms.

Earlier this week I sent a Welcome email in which Mr. Chris Fournier was introduced as our Preschool-8th grade Physical Education and Spanish teacher. He is a dynamic addition to our faculty and is looking forward to meeting you in the days to come. Click here to read more.

We are eagerly anticipating Back to School Night and the first HSA meeting on the year on Thursday, September 7th, 6:30 p.m. This is an important meeting at which you will get to visit your child(ren)'s classrooms and meet their teachers as well as hear about plans for the 2023-2024 school year.

Here are some upcoming dates to note:

September 4th -- Labor Day, school closed but come march with us in the Labor Day parade with your school colors and spirit!

September 5th -- Meet the Preschool Teachers Drop in for Parents and Students, 9:00 -

11:00 a.m.

September 6th -- First day of Preschool; early dismissal 11:15 a.m.

September 7th -- Back to School Night/First HSA Meeting, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

We look forward to seeing parents and family members in our halls for various events during the school year. If you are interested in helping at lunch duty and other school events, it is essential that you:

-are Virtus trained (click here for course information) and

- attended a parent safety training course.

Once these two steps are completed teachers will contact you when they need help with classroom duties and activities.

Mrs. B and I will be offering Safety Training for new parents and guardians on the following dates:

September 7th -- 5:50 - 6:20 p.m. (prior to the HSA meeting)

September 14th -- 1:15 - 1:45 p.m.

Please email Mrs. Sweeting, [email protected] to indicate which session you will attend. If you were already trained last year, I will provide a brief update at the HSA meeting. Thank you.

God has blessed us with beautiful weather for the long weekend. Enjoy your family time and I hope to see you at the parade. We can't wait to greet or Preschoolers next week and see everyone back in the halls Tuesday September 5th.

God bless,

Dr. G

First days of school photos

NURSE NEWS

Nurse Kim is on site every school day, keeping your children healthy and safe. As the new year begins, please note:

Nut Free School! Please read labels regarding ingredients and where food or snack is processed.

Preschool requires an annual physical to be submitted to the SRS Health Office or uploaded to SRS admissions enrollment. 

Preschoolers under the age of five require a flu vaccination to be given August 1st through December 31st (per CT State Health Department). Students who do not receive this will not return to school after the winter holiday break. 

All students trying out / participating in school sports require an annual physical which is valid for 13 months. Physicals should be sent to SRS Health Office or uploaded to SRS admissions School Admin.

All prescription and over the counter medications must have a doctor's order and are to be kept in the Health Office. The only exception is a student with a self carry order for emergency medication for seizure, epi pen or inhaler. Medications must be delivered to Nurse Kim via an adult; children are not allowed to transport medicine,

If your student is out ill, please notify the Health Office via phone or email including the REASON for absence e.g., mental health day, strep throat, fever, flu, covid ,and refer to the student handbook under illness guidelines. If you have seen a healthcare provider, PLEASE obtain a note so your absence may be excused.

Change of clothes (spare t-shirt, pants, socks, etc.) should be kept in the locker for all students. Even big kids have spills and get muddy on the playground.

Questions? Email [email protected].

SAVE THE DATE!

BLOOMS BENEFIT

November 10, 2023

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING IN PARIS

TO HONOR MONSIGNOR BOB FOR HIS

LOVE & SUPPORT OF ST. ROSE SCHOOL

We are excited to combine our love for Monsignor Bob with a fun night out to raise money for the St. Rose School Blooms Fund.

For 23 years, Monsignor has helped students in this school BLOOM in mind, heart and soul. In fact, he is the HEART of our school and a major reason why our doors have remained open through the years. He is a strong advocate for Catholic education whose homilies at school Masses, presence during the sacraments as well as at times of joy and sorrow, trips to the Ice Cream Shop and frequent visits to the classrooms have made a lasting impact on young minds and souls. Monsignor is also a great cheerleader for Faculty and Staff, always showing his appreciation for their vocation.

Monsignor Bob knows that it takes a lot of heart, soul and funds to keep a Catholic School running. In honoring him we are also honoring the Catholic School tradition and ensuring that children continue to have the opportunity for a stellar academic, faith focused education. The Blooms Benefit is our major fundraiser of the year through which we hope to put a big dent in the $150,000 needed to bridge the gap between the cost of tuition and the actual cost of educating each student in order to balance the budget.

A dynamic fundraising committee is already at work making this a night to remember. They are seeking dontions of items for the silent and live auction as well as advertisements for the program and table sponsorships Please talk it up among friends and family -- we want to pack the room to toast Monsignor and the ongoing vitality of St. Rose School. Contact Laura, [email protected] if you can help. Thanks.

PRESCHOOL CORNER

A world of light, learning and love is discovered when 2, 3, 4 and 5 year olds enter the halls and classrooms of St. Rose Preschool. Under the guidance of nurturing, credentialed, creative teachers our littlest learners make daily discoveries that bring joy to their hearts and smiles to their faces. We look forward to another year of BLOOMING!

Dates to remember:

September 5th -- Meet the PreK Teachers, Parent/Child Drop In, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

September 6th -- First day of school, early dismissal at 11:15 a.m.

Preschool Soccer Club registration

Important Health Notes

Preschool requires an annual physical to be submitted to SRS Health Office or uploaded to SRS School Admin.

Preschoolers under the age of five require a flu vaccination to be given between dates August 1st through December 31st (per Ct State Health Department). Students who do not receive this will not return to school after the winter holiday break. 

Please refer to Nurse News Above for other health related information.

HSA NEWS

We hope this note finds everyone well after a lovely summer spent making fun memories. We'd like to give a special welcome to all the new school families joining St. Rose!

Teacher Appreciation

The HSA would like to extend a "thank you" to Kate O'Connor. As the Teacher Appreciation Chair, one of her first tasks was to stock the teacher break room fridge. The annual HSA fees are used to restock the fridge, and will continue every 6-8 weeks, filled with goodies requested by the staff.  

We would also like to say "thank you" to Michelle McRuiz, for putting together these 'First Day of School' gifts for the teachers and staff. They were all given a Starbucks gift card from the HSA to express our gratitude for all they do for our children and school!

Labor Day Parade

Please join us in the parking lot behind the church, on September 2nd at 9:00 am to help assemble the float. Activities and crafts are planned to keep the children busy, flower headbands for girls and large rosary necklaces for the boys, to be worn at the parade. We will also have field games available, soccer, basketball and corn hole!

September 4th Labor Day, meet at 9:30am. Thank you to those who have purchased roses to help our garden bloom with love for Monsignor, we will have 400 roses "rooted" in our float.  ALL students who march with the SRS Labor Day parade float will get a free dress down day! There will be a special treat awarded for the class with the most participants marching with the float!  Please wear your St. Rose School spiritwear, cheer, basketball, track uniform, or red and/or white clothing.

If you are not able to march or if you would like to join us for the rest of the parade, we have a spot reserved at Newtown Middle School. You can put out your chairs the night before, behind the “Thank you Monsignor Bob” poster.  Light refreshments will be provided.

Back to School Night- First HSA Meeting

Our annual Back to School Night and the first HSA meeting is on Thursday, September 7th at 6:30 pm and will take place, in person, in the Gathering Hall. 

For new families joining the St. Rose Community, The Home & School Association hosts several community building events throughout the school year, as well as raising money to provide essential items for the school. All parents are welcome to join. Your dues are used to offset costs for events such as Trunk or Treat, The Sweetheart Dance, Mom & Son Event, Teacher Appreciation Week, and much, much more!!! We encourage your attendance at the meeting to learn more and find additional ways to help our school.

Here is the corrected link to register for the 2023-2024 school year:  https://forms.gle/QZ3SZsw5YLVQNLpLA

The HSA looks forward to our continued partnership in support of SRS. We welcome suggestions and ideas so please always feel free to reach out!

Carrie Sirois, Michelle McRuiz, Co-Presidents

Mike Anstett, Vice President

Lisa Jackson, Secretary

Karen Walauskas, Treasurer

Important Dates

September 4th -- Labor Day, no school. March with St. Rose in the Labor Day Parade!

September 5th -- Preschool Meet the Teacher Student/parent Drop in, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

September 7th -- Back to School Night/First HSA meeting, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Important Forms

AM/PM Bus Routes

Car Walk Map -- see how to navigate the car walk lanes

Car Walk procedures -- please read to ensure safe/smooth drop off/pick up of students

Hot Lunch order form

After School Care:

Kids Club – Newtown Community Center

Kids-Club-Registration-Form.pdf (newtowncommunitycenter.org)

if you would like to volunteer at the school must be Virtus trained. Click here for details.

Please visit School Admin to complete all forms by the first day of school.

AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

Culinary Club

Guitar Club

Art Club