Giving thanks for our St. Rose School Family. We have been through so much together to make this a safe, strong and sustaining school year. I am very grateful to Monsignor Bob, Sister Thaddeus, Mrs. B, all faculty, parents and students for your ongoing love and support of St. Rose School. We are all in this together with Jesus the Good Shepard leading the way.
Dear St. Rose School Families,
You know what makes me smile? The simple things; students alighting from school buses and cars to enter our doors every morning; the sound of faculty members sharing stories from their classrooms; the echo of voices raised in prayer and song; the excitement of new discoveries; the happy voices of students at recess. There is so much joy at St. Rose School. I feel blessed to be a part of this wonderful community.
We are delighted to have come this far in such a unique school year. Our goal is to maintain the high standards we have set for safety so that we can continue on site learning without interruption. That said, I know you are aware that cases of Covid have increased in Newtown and surrounding areas. We are keeping a close eye on the situation and are in frequent contact with Dr. Cheeseman and Dr. Rodrigue. In the event that we have to switch to remote learning, a strong plan is in place and you will be notified as soon as we hear. At that point teachers will issue class specific directions. Our top priority remains the health and safety of faculty and students. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to contact me.
Wednesday November 25th there will be an early dismissal at 11:30 a.m. We will attend a mass of Thanksgiving, virtually, at 9:00 a.m. , we hope you can join us at St. Rose Calling.Thursday (11/26) and Friday (11/27) school is closed.
Advent begins on Sunday, November 29th. This is a beautiful season of reflection, service and anticipation of Jesus' birth. Sister Thaddeus has made a beautiful Advent calendarwe can use as a guide in our journey toward Christmas. I know that teachers have special activities planned for students as well.
Stay tuned for information about #Giving Tuesday, which is December 1st. As you know, fundraising is a critical component to the ongoing health of our school. We hope you will help us spread the word that "St. Rose School Shines through All Times" on that important day and the week that follows. I realize that not everyone is in the financial position to support all fundraisers but if means allow we would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, once again, to the families who have paid your GAP fee. This week I received another $4,000 which is an incredible boost to our bottom line. We have a rich history and a bright future because of our generous supporters.
There will not be a newsletter on Friday November 27th -- the next issue will arrive on Friday December 4th. If any important information arises during that time we will communicate via email.
Thanksgiving will look different for many of us this year. I pray that however you celebrate you will feel God's peace. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Relax, enjoy your feast, stay healthy and hopeful!
Don't miss your chance to shop to at the virtual book fair! There are many great titles and your purchases will also benefit St. Rose School. The Fair runs through November 22 (Sunday). All purchases will benefit our school directly (25% back in rewards!).
Prayers for a Healthy, Happy Thanksgiving. May God Bless our
St. Rose School Family!
STUDENT LIFE UPDATE by MRS. B
As Thanksgiving Day approaches,
Our blessings we recall;
The things we are most thankful for we recollect them all!
You are very special, in all you say and do.
You’ve made a difference in our lives;
We’re thankful now for you!
Thank you moms and dads!
From the children of St. Rose School
Dear St. Rose Families,
We made it! We had a wonderful celebration on Monday as we marked the 50th day of school! The hallways and classrooms were filled with children and teachers who made it look like a school day back in the 1950's! Here is a link to those guys and gals that will put a smile on your face!
This weekend finds us all busy with preparations for the Thanksgiving holiday; and I’m sure Christmas as well. As you begin preparing, I know this is a year that has an additional layer, of concern and stress, as you consider what your holiday will look like for 2020. I spent last weekend making those decisions with my grown children, so many things to think about to keep everyone safe. In the end, whether we can be around the table and tree together, or if we have to find creative ways to make that holiday connection; we know that we are together in heart and love of Christ, and God will see us through.
As the Thanksgiving draws nearer, I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to our families. Thank you for entrusting us, each day, with the most precious gift God has given you, your child. Thank you for your patience when it takes a little longer to get things just right. Thank you for your cooperation when we have to make those changes to our daily routine or calendar. Thank you for understanding that we are all a work in progress; as each year brings us a classroom different from the year before, filled with new challenges and goals, especially in light of the experience we are living through now. Yet a new school year always brings with it so much joy, as radiated from the smiles of our children as they embrace each day! Thank you for your dedication, support, and generosity to our school and our classrooms. Thank you for your tireless efforts in partnering with us to bring your child a rich and full academic life within the context of our faith and our many blessings from above. Thank you for your support with our fundraising and service projects. I am thankful, and realize each day, as I walk through our hallways, how blessed I am that God brought us together in this loving and strong community of faith and learning; that working as one, we can make a difference in the lives of His young followers and help them, as well as all of us, get through, even the toughest times to a place of peace and an abundance of joy!
The faculty and staff are most thankful for the children we are sharing this school year with, albeit a much different year. Their smiles, stories, laughter, accomplishments, and even
their struggles, that are overcome as we see them persevere and grow, warm our hearts. We are blessed with the joy, only a teacher can realize, from the many things that happen throughout the day; the ups and the downs, and in the teaching and learning that we share with each other. We are grateful to be surrounded by the pure hope and perspective only a child brings, to even the most trying times!
May God go with you during the holidays, and may He bless you this holiday season with health, peace, joy, and the love of family and friends, even from a distance.
This week we received another $555 in gift cards and monetary donations to the Thanksgiving Drive, bringing the total contributions from St. Rose School to $1,676!
Sister Thaddeus, Sister Mary Ellen and the Social Concerns Committee are deeply grateful for your generosity. Your kindness will bring joy to many people. God bless!
HELP US REACH 100 TUITION RAFFLE
TICKET SALES BY
THANKSGIVING BREAK!
We're almost there -- a few more tickets and we will hit the 100 mark! This means the prize is in place -- $10,000 tuition dollars to be used at any K-12 school, college/university accredited in the United States or to pay back student loans -- and we can proceed to our ultimate goal of 350 tickets. Thanks to everyone who has participated so far. The St. Rose School Advisory Board Chair, and alumni parent Mrs. Nancy Sedensky, is coming by on Tuesday to buy her ticket! Other Board members are buying theirs as well. Let's strive for 100 percent participation in this important fundraiser. Tickets will be on sale at car walk Tuesday afternoon (11/24). Mrs. Sweeting has them in the office weekdays during school hours; you can also email raffle@srles.com to arrange a time to purchase tickets. As the NY Lotto slogan goes "you've got to be in it to win it."