August 31, 2021
Dear St. Rose School Families and Faculty,
Today we welcomed our 5-8th graders, some who have been with us since Preschool and others who are joining us this year. Each and every one of them are a blessing to us. Our 8th graders beamed when we greeted them as the new leaders of the school. Monsignor Bob reminded all upper graders that they are role models to the younger students and they take that very seriously. We spoke about the importance of treating others as they would like to be treated, emphasizing that Jesus made each of us unique and wants us to be kind to each other. They are off to a wonderful start under the guidance of their dedicated, creative, faithful teachers. My heart is filled with hope.
Tomorrow all students in Kindergarten through 8th grade will come to school for a half day. Early dismissal is at 11:30 a.m. Please send them with a snack. The remainder of the week, Thursday (9/2) and Friday (9/3) will be full days of school. Please pack a lunch and snack for your children on these days. Our hot lunch program begins September 7th.
Overall, systems are running smoothly. I understand that there have been some issues with the buses. According to a letter from Newtown School Superintendent Dr. Rodrigue All-Star Transportation is experiencing staffing shortages that mirror what is happening at a national level. As a result, for a short period of time in September students from Frasier Woods and Housatonic Valley Waldorf School will be riding the bus with St. Rose School students. The transfer will take place on the St. Rose campus so that our students are not expected to ride to another school. If you have questions please contact All-Star Transportation, 203-304-9779 or Newtown Public Schools Office of the Superintendent, 203-426-7620
School Forms
In case you still need to complete forms, here they are. We kindly ask that you return them to Mrs. Sweeting by Tuesday September 7th.
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Media Opt Out Form -- To clarify, you only have to complete this form if you DO NOT want your child to be featured in media.
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Hot Lunch Form -- For questions about orders email Mrs. Thorne, hotlunch@yahoo.com. If you have technical questions regarding order placement email support@boonli.com. Important Note: the first day hot lunch will be served is Tuesday September 7th. Please send lunch with your children on Thursday (9/2) and Friday (9/3) this week.
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After School Care -- is available for grades K-8 Mondays-Fridays until 6:00 p.m. On half days, After School Care will run until 4:00 p.m.
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Student Handbook -- please familiarize yourself with the handbook which contains important information about school policies, conduct, uniforms, etc. We kindly ask that you sign off once you have read it. Thank you.
Important Dates
Wednesday, September 1st -- K-8th TOGETHER, Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, September 2nd -- K-8th, Full Day for ALL
Friday, September 3rd, -- K-8th, Full Day for ALL
Monday, September 6th -- Labor Day, School Closed
Tuesday, September 7th -- Preschool Meet the Teacher for parents and children, 9 a.m. (3's),
10 a.m. (4's), 11:00 a.m. (Transitional Kindergarten)
Wednesday, September 8th -- First Day of Preschool, 8:45 - 11:45 a.m. for all programs
Thursday, September 9th -- Back to School Night/HSA Meeting, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Next week our precious Preschoolers will come to campus -- we can't wait! They bring a lot of joy to our halls and classrooms. We are very blessed to be in a learning environment that spans from Preschool to 8th grade. Many studies show the benefits of this model, where young students look up to older students and older students take on the important role of mentor. Our Buddy program is a cherished highlight of the St. Rose School experience.
On Friday we will begin our weekly newsletter which contains all the news you need to know from the Principal's office about the school week, as well as features about students and teachers, updates and health news from Nurse Bonnie, News from the Home & School Association and Marketing/Fundraising matters. Mrs. B will be sending a Student Life Update periodically covering all student related activities and outreaches, as well as news about Athletics and Enrichment programs. As always, we are committed to keeping you well informed which means that from time to time you will receive emails about pertinent topics outside of the newsletter. All of this will be discussed at the HSA meeting next Thursday, September 9th.
We are very excited to gather together for Mass in the church on Friday morning, September 3rd. This is a beautiful school tradition and we always look forward to having family members join us.
Enjoy your evening.
God Bless,
