July 2019

Dear St. Rita Family,

Our new school year is just around the corner and we are excited to welcome you home! If there is anything we can do for you to make your transition into this new school year better, please do not hesitate to ask. Below are important items that you should know as we prepare for the opening of school year.

Class Schedules : Sophomore through senior 1st Semester Schedules are now available on PlusPortals . Students should login to their account, click on the school tab and then select schedule. Freshman and transfer students should receive a printed copy of their schedule in the mail later this week. The schedules will aid you in purchasing textbooks and other materials for the start of the school year. The textbook list for 2019-20 along with downloading instructions are posted on our website at www.stritahs.com . See the “Purchase Textbooks" link. All students must have their textbooks and any required apps downloaded by Monday, August 19. All students will also receive a printed copy of their full year schedule on their first day of class.

Every effort is made to ensure students schedules are correct prior to distribution, however, we ask that all families carefully look over the schedule. Please check to be sure the schedule has 7 courses scheduled for each semester (at least 6 for seniors), a course is assigned to each period A through H and no course that has already been taken by the student is present on this schedule. Please note: all freshmen and sophomores are assigned to D Period Lunch and all juniors and seniors are assigned to E Period Lunch.

Schedule Changes: If you feel there is a need to make a change to the schedule please contact Director of Guidance Mrs. Jill Nagel at jnagel@stritahs.com . We will do our best to accommodate requests. However, class sizes are limited and not all changes are possible. Thanks for your understanding. All schedule changes must be completed by Thursday, August 29.

Required Summer Reading: Each student is expected to complete a summer reading assignment for his upcoming English course, and each student is expected to have completed the reading by the first day his English class meets. The reading is not optional, and the student will be given a formal assessment of the reading for a grade by his English teacher at the start of the school year. All of the texts for summer reading are listed on the textbook portal . If the student has any questions regarding the reading, he should immediately contact his English teacher.

iPads and Apps: Please be sure to check the website at www.stritahs.com for recommendations and requirements regarding iPads and apps for school work. If you have any questions regarding iPads and apps please contact Director of Technology Mr. Paul Harrington at pharrington@stritahs.com .

Revised Bell Schedule: We have made some revisions to the bell schedule for the coming school year. We will continue to have a rotating schedule, however lunch periods will now be 9 minutes shorter (32 minutes each) and the class day will end at 2:35 p.m. You can click here to view the 2019-20 Bell Schedule.

On the first day of classes we will guide the students through the adjustments to the schedule. In short, we overlapped D and E Period for freshmen/sophomores with that of junior/seniors. While one group of students is leaving lunch and beginning their next class, the other group of students will still be finishing their class before attending lunch. We will have distinct bells to assist with this overlap in time. With the exception of D and E Period classes which meet 5 times a week, all other periods, including F Period, will now only meet 4 times a week. Every class though, whether meeting 4 or 5 times a week will have the same number of instructional minutes per week. We will also now follow the same bell times each day and rather than having different times on Wednesdays, we will simply attend Mass/Assemblies in place of the Prayer/Activities Period and a class.

New Faculty/Staff: We are happy to welcome several new members of our Faculty and Staff.
  • Mr. John Anderson '12 – Assistant Director of Admissions
  • Mr. Austin Bilotto '10 – Science Teacher
  • Mr. Tom Bogucki – Spanish Teacher
  • Mr. Daniel Bowers – Mathematics Teacher
  • Mr. Merle Green – Mathematics/Science Teacher
  • Mr. Daniel Hernandez – Spanish Teacher
  • Bro. Emmanuel Isaac, O.S.A. – Campus Ministry Intern
  • Mr. Dave Letourneau '07 – Health Teacher
  • Mr. Marco Ordonez – Science Teacher  
  • Bro. Truyen Nguyen, O.F.M. Cap. – Campus Ministry Intern
  • Mr. John Perovich '78 – Theology Teacher

Class of 2023 Orientation: Freshman Orientation (The Augustinian Experience) will begin on Friday, August 16 promptly at 8:30 a.m. All freshmen are required to attend. The Augustinian Experience will conclude on Saturday, August 17 at 8:30 a.m. Freshmen parents will receive a detailed email regarding this special event from the Office of Student Life & Ministry later this week.

The First Days of Classes:
  • The first full day of classes for freshmen and sophomores only will be Monday, August 19. Classes will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 2:35 p.m., following the Monday Schedule. Freshmen and sophomores do not have classes on Tuesday, August 20.
  • The first full day of classes for juniors and seniors only will be Tuesday, August 20. Classes will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 2:35 p.m., following the Tuesday Schedule.

First Day of Classes for All Students: The first day with all students in attendance is Wednesday, August 21. Students must report to their A Period class by 8:30 a.m. In lieu of Mass that morning, we gather together in the Shrine Chapel at 10:15 a.m. for our Academic Convocation which will officially kick off our new school year. All students are required to wear their Chapel shirt and tie. Freshman will be given their St. Rita tie during the Convocation ceremony; they do not need to buy one. We invite parents to join us for our Convocation which will conclude by 11:30 a.m.

Dress Code: The student dress code will be enforced beginning Monday, August 19. Please be aware of the complete student dress code which can be found by clicking here . We ask that all students arrive to school clean shaven in proper attire with a proper haircut.

Student Handbook: By August 1 the complete 2019-20 St. Rita Student Handbook will be found on the St. Rita website.  

Student Parking Permits: Parking permits must be purchased by all students who drive to St. Rita through the Dean of Students Mr. Andrew DiMarco. Spaces will be assigned on a first come first serve basis starting on Monday, August 5. All students driving must have a pass by Friday, August 23. The permit costs $25. Students must also submit a Parking Permit Contract signed by a parent. The contract can be obtained from the Dean of Students or by clicking here .

St. Rita Bus Service: If you have questions about the St. Rita Bus Service please contact Mrs. Sharon Smolik at ssmolik@stritahs.com .

School Drop-Off/Pick-Up: Students being dropped off and picked up from school will primarily utilize the 77th Street Circle Drive and Shrine Chapel entrance. Drop-off on the Circle Drive is between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.; pick-up is between 2:35 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Outside these times, please drive carefully and use the rear parking lot and entrances. Please use the light at 77th & Western to access the Circle Drive for drop-off and pick-up.

2019-20 Calendar: The 2019-20 School & Athletic Calendars are posted on the school website. You can also click here to access them. We do not anticipate major changes to the school calendar so we ask that you please begin to consult it when planning doctor appointments, family trips, etc. The athletic calendar is updated regularly based upon individual sport schedules.

School Vacations/Final Exams: It is extremely important that all families check the school calendar regarding school vacations. Final exams for the 1st Semester will be held on December 18-20. All students are required to be in attendance for their exams. Please make certain that you do not schedule vacation travel when classes or exams are in session.

2019-20 Tuition Payments: Tuition payments for the 2019-20 School Year begin in July. If you are not set up for automatic payments, now is the time to do it! Please contact Mrs. Sandy Somrek at ssomrek@stritahs.com if you have any questions.

Mustang Store Summer Sale: School uniform items can be purchased during the Mustang Store Summer Sale taking place Tuesday, August 6 & Wednesday, August 7 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Any parent who has a special uniform size request (tall sizes/youth sizes) should contact Mrs. Maureen Larkin Revers at mlarkin-revers@stritahs.com now so we can special order in time for August.

Class of 2023 Physical & Dental Exams: Per Illinois law, freshman students are required to turn in a current, completed physical exam, with current vaccination records, to the school prior to October 15. If you have not already done so, please turn it in as soon as possible. You can access a copy of the form here . Please note that the IHSA athletic physical does not fulfill this requirement. Freshmen who do not have the proper physical forms completed and submitted by October 15 will not be eligible to participate in any sports or activities, and will be kept out of school, until this requirement has been met.

Per Illinois law, all freshmen students are also required to submit a current, completed dental exam form. You can access the form here .

Class of 2023 & New Student ID Pictures:   On Tuesday, August 6 & Wednesday, August 7 all freshmen and new students will be required to come with a parent between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to take their student ID picture. Please contact Mr. Josh Blaszak '02 at jblaszak@stritahs.com if you have questions.

R.O.S.E. Hours & Caritas Projects: A reminder that any student who has past due R.O.S.E. Hours must complete those hours in order to start the new school year. The Class of 2020 is also reminded that their Caritas Projects are due Monday, September 9. Rising seniors should be in regular communication with Mr. McIntosh throughout the summer regarding the status of their projects. If any student or parent has questions regarding the R.O.S.E. Hour Program or the Caritas Project please contact Mr. Andy McIntosh at amcintosh@stritahs.com .

Band Camp: Any students taking Band this fall should plan for Band Camp which will take place Monday, July 29 through Thursday, August 1. Please contact Band Director Mr. KC Perlberg at kcperlberg@stritahs.com with any questions.

Fall Athletic Tryouts: Information regarding Fall athletic tryouts can be found by clicking here . If you have any questions regarding participation in any Fall sports please contact the coaches listed or Athletic Director Mr. Roshawn Russell '08 at rrussell@stritahs.com .

Fathers’ Club Meeting/Fathers’ Club Raffle: The St. Rita Fathers’ Club meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month with dinner available prior to the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Every St. Rita Dad, past and present, is a member of the Fathers’ Club!

The next meeting is Wednesday, August 14 at the concession stand of the stadium, and we especially invite all of our dads from the Class of 2023 to attend with their sons for a special welcome event. Dinner will be offered at 6:30 p.m. and we will have activities for the freshman boys during the meeting. Following a brief meeting a Freshman Father/Son Bags Tournament will take place.

The Fathers’ Club is also once again holding it's Annual Tuition Assistance Raffle. Information is being mailed to all parents later this week but can also be found by clicking here . Tickets are $50 each or two for $75. The drawing will take place at the Freshman Parent Reception on Friday, August 16. The Grand Prize winner will receive a $4,000 cash prize with a 2nd place winner of $2,000 and 3rd place winner of $1,000. The raffle is open to all St. Rita families.

Mothers’ Club: The St. Rita Mothers’ Club meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month in the McCarthy Center. This year's first meeting will be on Thursday, September 12. All St. Rita Moms are welcome!

Wednesday All School Masses/Assemblies: Parents are always welcome to join us for weekly All School Masses/Assemblies which take place most Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. beginning with our Academic Convocation on Wednesday, August 21. We ask that all parents who join us park in the rear parking lot and enter through the Main Entrance (Door 15) unless otherwise indicated.

Mini-Schedule Night: All parents are encouraged to save-the-date for Parent Mini-Schedule Night on Thursday, August 29 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Shrine Chapel. This evening allows parents an excellent opportunity to meet their son's teachers and receive an overview of the school year ahead.

2019 Scholarship Golf Outing: All alumni, parents and friends are invited to take part in our 44th Annual Scholarship Golf Outing. This is a great event that helps support our current Ritamen. Please consider participating as a golfer or sponsor. This year we have a new $100 Family Sponsorship opportunity. More details can be found on our website by clicking here .

Family Contact Information: If your home address, email address or cell phone number has changed within the last year, please send your updated information to Mrs. Noreen Kelliher at nkelliher@stritahs.com . Always include your son’s name in this communication. Correct email addresses and cell phones are critical for full communication with you.

Summer Office Hours: A reminder that Summer Office Hours through the week of August 5 are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. If you are looking to meet with a particular administrator or staff member it is also encouraged that you call/email that individual in advance of your visit.
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Our partnership is crucial for your son’s happiness and success. Together with him we can make great strides in his personal, intellectual and spiritual growth. We look forward to a successful school year and are honored to serve you as St. Rita's Senior Administrative Team.

Enjoy the rest of summer & see you soon!
Mr. Wes Benak '81, Interim CEO & Vice President of Academics
Mr. Josh Blaszak '02, Vice President of Student Life
Ms. Eileen Spulak, Vice President of Finance