St. A's Update
A 2010 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
Mission Statement  
St. Aloysius School is a community rooted in Catholic teachings and values, 
devoted to academic excellence, and committed to serving others.

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Important Dates

Important dates for the 2017-2018 School Year:

September 18th
After School Clubs Begin (8 weeks)

September 22nd 
PEP Rally at 10:45; Early Dismissal 11:30 am
Accreditation Prof. Development Day

September 23rd
Lobster Bake

September 29th
Band Begins 2:30 p.m.

October 6th
Faculty Retreat
No school for students

October 7th
Homecoming Parish Picnic

October 9th
Columbus Day
School will be closed

October 12
General HSA meeting - open to all parents
Stapleton Hall

October 13th
High School Fair - School Gymnasium

October 15
Public Open House

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St. Aloysius Catholic Church  
Click for: Parish Bulletin

SAVE THE DATE -  October 7, 2017
St. Aloysius Parish Fall Homecoming Fest
Starting at  5:30 pm
 
The HSA Board would like to inform you of a fun family event coming up at our parish, St. Aloysius Church. On Saturday, October 7th the church will be holding a Parish Fall Homecoming Fest.  The Fest will kick off with Mass at  5:30 followed by a Fest at  6:30 pm.    We will be sending more information out shortly, but wanted to provide you with the opportunity to hold this date on your calendar. 

During this family event, HSA Board would like to support the church's effort by coordinating a pumpkin decorating table for the children.  As a result, we are looking for donations from our giving families of sugar pumpkins, markers, glitter glue sticks, etc. to help the children to decorate the pumpkins.    

Donations will be collected October 3 to October 6th. 

If you are interested in donating some of these items, please contact:
Lindsay Pignataro,  [email protected] 


Faith, Fun & Friendship Fair
Would you like to be an example for your children?

Come to the Faith, Fun & Friendship Fair the weekend of Sept 30/ Oct 1st  in the gym. Find out all the wonderful ministries where you can share, and show your children that you give of your time and gifts. There are opportunities to volunteer as families, too! Wouldn't you like to be their inspiration?  Click HERE for more information.

"Hope for Houston" Thank You!

Please read a very thankful letter from the students who organized the Hope for Houston drive last week:

Dear Mr. G,
Thank you so much for all your help with Hope for Houston! It warmed our hearts to see the school community pull through in just two short days. We were successful in collecting canned goods, cleaning supplies, and school supplies. On Saturday September 9th, Gabriella and I went to Saint Matthew's Church to deliver our donations onto the third and final truck leaving for Texas. We were able to sort and box the donations with wonderful volunteers from the parish. Our efforts are going to help so many people affected by Hurricane Harvey! Thank you for letting our school participate in this project, we appreciate all your love and support!
Sincerely,
Julianna LaMagna and the 7th grade class


Admissions and Counseling News
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High School Fair - Friday, October 13

Dear 7th and 8th Grade Parents,

If you haven't already decided on a high school for your child, I encourage you to attend our  High School Fair on Friday, October 13th from 1:00 - 3:00 pm in the gymnasium for our 7th and 8th grade students and their parents! We currently have 15 high school Admission representatives scheduled to attend. Please do not hesitate to visit me with any questions you may have about the admission process. 
Even if you have already made your decision, this is a great opportunity to come and talk with your school's Admissions Rep. Face time is always valuable!!

If you have further questions, please contact me:  [email protected]

Sincerely,
Mrs Linnane

St. Aloysius School Open House - October 15th

Tell your friends about our October 15 Open House.  Or copy and share the registration link with them:  Link to Open House Registration
We know our teachers are great teachers, but here are some things you don't know.  
This week featuring Mrs. Moran and Ms. DeVito

Mrs. Moran (Kindergarten)
 
What is the best part about being a teacher?
The best part about being a teacher is the kids.  I know that seems really simple, but I am truly inspired by the amazing, unique potential in children of all ages, especially the Kindergarteners.  Being a part of and witnessing their growth and change is awesome, in the true meaning of the word!  Probably the most exciting part is when a student has an "a-ha moment" -- now THAT is the chocolate cake of teaching!
 
Do you have any heroes?
I'm very inspired by strong women, and two of my heroes are the Blessed Mother, and Saint Mother Teresa.  My favorite Saint Mother Teresa quote is, "Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.  Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile." Now those are words to live by!
 
List 3 adjectives that describe yourself.
Patient, Fun and Smart! (I have to be smart to be a teacher, right?)
 
Favorite food?
I am a healthy eater, I really do like my fruits and vegetables but my one vice is anything Mexican--the cheesier the better! Oh and chocolate cake, of course!
 
Ms. DeVito (Kindergarten aide)
 
What is your favorite vacation spot?
My favorite spot to vacation is Disney World!
 
What inspired you to want to be a teacher?
In fourth grade, I remember my teacher Mrs. Crutz and she was able to change my entire perspective of school and learning as a whole, and make it fun and exciting for me rather than a chore or an obligation.  And I hope to be able to do that for as many kids as I can today!
 
What do you enjoy most when you are not at school?
I enjoy doing yoga, boxing classes, cooking and family gatherings! 

 

List 3 adjectives that describe yourself?

Cheerful, considerate and sincere. 


Angel Fund

Please make your 2017-18 Angel Fund donation today! 
Any questions, please contact:  [email protected] 


Or click HERE for our Annual Fund web page.

September 15, 2017

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Dear Parents,

Smiles on the faces of our St. A's students, faculty and parents said it all!

As we completed our first full week back at school, I am very proud and thankful to our entire school community for their faith and understanding that every decision we make is for the good of our children!

In keeping with our philosophy of Parents as Partners, we are grateful to the parents for dropping off their children by 8:10 am. The results are outstanding! It is touching to watch siblings walk into the building together. The students have more preparation time to begin their day. The significant drop in the number of tardy students from last year to this year is amazing! Our hallways are quiet during prayer, which ultimately ensures that the students begin their classes, ON TIME, and with a tone that sets the pace for their day! As a result, our morning drop off protocol where students walk to class on their own at 8:10 am will remain the same.

However, after taking feedback into consideration, if you still prefer to walk your child to the classroom, please email me your request at [email protected]. After receiving your request, I will notify our security guard, Mrs. Linnane, the main office and your child's teacher. Your request will be granted  with the understanding that you will exit the building promptly on or before the 8:10 am bell.

In addition, I want to thank those parents who spoke to their children about the importance of fire drills and following directions. Our 1st fire drill of the year was very successful! Outdoor recess has been a hit with the students and a security guard presence for the safety of our children a tremendous asset!

Another important reminder, o nce students are dismissed from the school building,  I ask that parents and caregivers monitor their children on and around the playground. Please note that faculty and staff do not monitor the playground after the dismissal. 

After School Clubs begin next week and the excitement is in the air! When picking up your children from After School Clubs, promptly at 3:30 pm, please use the gym door entrance. Religious Education (CCD) already began at 3:30 pm this past Monday.   We ask that you do your very best to promptly pick up your children at 3:30 pm. If they are in an After School Club classroom, please wait outside the classroom until the club is dismissed. We need the cooperation of all parents and children to exit the building at 3:30 pm by providing prompt pickup for After School Clubs.

If you have any questions and need to schedule a meeting with a teacher, please email the teacher directly and establish a mutually convenient time to meet. If there are any additional concerns, please contact Mr. Gjoka directly.

 
God Bless You!

Mr. Bardhyl Gjoka 
Principal
School Notes

Virtus Training Required for Volunteers

Training will be held right here at St. Aloysius on Tuesday, September 19th at 9:30 A.M. at Stapleton Hall.  Visit   https://www.virtus.org  to pre-register.

Paul Effman Music Lessons
Paul Effman Music visited with grades 3-8 to demonstrate various instruments this week. They demonstrated the flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, bells, drums and violin. Lessons begin September 29 after school. Click  HERE for more information and for the form to sign up.

Policy about Animals on Campus
Please note that we follow the public school policy regarding animals on campus.  We thank you for your support in following the policy:  

No animals, including dogs or other pets are permitted in school buildings or on school grounds. Exceptions: service animals trained to assist a human, such as a seeing-eye dogs or animals used for NCPS sponsored programs. Dogs may not be brought through school corridors or into other rooms. Anyone bringing an animal onto school property such as a playing field must have the animal on a leash at all times and must clean up after animals. 
 
Please Note Our New School Email Addresses
We are transitioning to a new email address for all staff and students.  Please use the following naming protocol when emailing teachers:   "[email protected]"
Example: [email protected].  Thank you for your support as we make this change.

Do you have news to share?
Please email pictures and information to us at [email protected] by noon on Thursday to be included in that week's newsletter.  Thank you! 



Class Notes
Kindergarten
Click HERE for a copy of the Kindergarten Newsletter

Sixth through Eighth Grade - SLAM! Program *NEW*
St. Aloysius Upper School has a new program and it's a slam dunk!  Applications located HERE are due on Monday, September 18th.
 
 S.L.A.M. ( Student Leadership and Mentorship) is a newly created program  implemented to improve school climate and to engage upper school students in the spirit of "paying forward" while promoting youth voice. 

 S.L.A.M.engages a select number of students to become active participants in leading and mentoring fellow peers while providing a positive contribution benefiting the St Aloysius School community as a whole. In partnership with  faculty and administration, S.L.A.M. participants will serve as peer role models and mentors while actively contributing to school functions, activities and decision-making including serving as tour guides, tutors, publicity and public relations and athletic assistants to name a few! S.L.A.M. participants will receive leadership training and develop skills so that they may  effectively engage in leading and mentoring fellow students. Leadership training sessions center on a variety of topics including understanding leadership, peer mentorship, management and goal attainment, esteem building, etiquette, teamwork, problem solving, ethics and values, and effective communication. These essential skills will benefit students as they continue their academic growth and development.

Students in grades 6-8 are invited to complete an application (available from Ms. Nisco) due by Monday, September 18. Interviews will follow to complete the selection process. Please email Mrs. Nisco with any questions  [email protected]


Stay tuned as the names of S.L.A.M. participants will be announced by the end of September!!

-Marybeth Gioffre Nisco, S.L.A.M. Faculty Advisor


HSA Happenings          


The Helping Hands Team needs your help!
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The St. A's Helping Hands Team is planning to do school beautification projects and to decorate the exterior of the school throughout the year.  The Team will work to create a warm and welcoming environment with seasonal and holiday decorations.  Now, the Team is collecting unwanted holiday decorations to be reworked/reused at St. A's.  Will you help us?  Perhaps you have a bag of jumbled Christmas lights?  Or Grandma has some plastic pumpkins she is not using? Please bring unwanted decorations to the big blue bin in the Parents' Corner by September 29th!  Thank you. 

PARENT-TO-PARENT UPDATE
 
Here is a new way to have your kids earn their community service hours or just lend their time to brighten someone else's day:
The Adopt a Grandparent Program is a wonderful opportunity to help our community and enrich the life of senior citizens.
Please see attached flyer HERE for details.
 
 
PLEASE also continue to send your business cards and information so we can build a business directory for our school community.


Important Events
9/23 from 6:00pm-11:00pm (parents only)  
Lobster Bake - Click  HERE for more information.

9/30 & 10/1 - Family Portrait - Click HERE for more information.

10/21 - Father/Son Event - Join us for a great day!
Click  HERE for sign-up form.

11/4 - Sound Tigers Family Fun Day - Click  HERE  for flyer


Athletics Corner                     

PEP RALLY!!
Join us as we salute our Fall Sports athlete's at the St. Aloysius Fall Pep Rally on Friday, September 22nd, at 10:45 in the Gym.  It will be a "School Spirit Dress Day." Wear your school colors, blue and gold, and come on out to support our athletes on the Volleyball and Cross Country teams!

GO BULLDOGS!



COMING SOON! Basketball!  Click HERE for more information.

Visit  https://www.sasncct.org/athletics for more sports information.

We are looking forward to a great season!
Debbie Moran, Athletic Director

2017-2018 Calendar

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St. Aloysius School | www.sasncct.org
33 South Ave
New Canaan, CT 06840