January Cougar Chronicle
Dear Parents,
Happy New Year! 
January marks the beginning of Catholic Schools Week. The theme for 2022 is Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Excellence, and Service. The theme focuses on concepts that are at the heart of a Catholic education. Corpus Christi School exemplifies the 2022 theme. Corpus Christi School epitomizes a strong sense of community. Each day I witness students and families building relationships. Christ calls us to build communities in which Christian love and charity is emulated. Relationship building in community lends itself to deepening of faith, strengthening of family, and caring for our neighbor, characteristics present at Corpus Christi School.

One important activity this month is the school’s Open House for new students. The Open House is scheduled for January 30. As parents, you are Corpus Christi School’s biggest advocate and ambassador. I am asking for your help. I need you to speak to prospective families (families with children in Grades PreK-8) telling them the benefits they will receive at Corpus Christi School based on your experience as a parent. Speak about our strong community and our authentic concern for each other. I would appreciate it if you could invite two potential families to the Open House. In addition, would you please consider placing a lawn sign at your home? This is another opportunity to promote enthusiasm for Corpus Christi School. 

I truly appreciate your assistance in the enrollment effort. As parents who have made the decision to send their children to Corpus Christi School, there is no one better than you to talk about the vibrant learning environment that exists at Corpus Christi School!!!!

I look forward to an exciting 2022! Please feel free to call or email me to chat or share ideas so we can continue to make Corpus Christi School the best it can be!!
Peace,
Mrs. Ann T. Sarpu
Important Dates
January 3
School Resumes
January 7
First Friday Mass: 9:00 A.M.
January 12
Birthday Dress Down
January 14
Early Dismissal 12:07 P.M.
January 17
No School- Martin Luther King Day
January 21
Rosary Prayed
January 26
HSA Dress Down $2.00
January 30
Catholic Schools Week
Mass 10:15 A.M. - Open House Immediately Following
Important News - 60th Anniversary Celebration
We wanted to share with you that we’ve decided to postpone the 60th Anniversary Gala Celebration until early Fall. Both the number of COVID cases and the infection rate continue to rise across Connecticut. It is projected that cases will continue to climb throughout the winter months. While the majority of cases are occurring among the unvaccinated, there are a substantial number of breakthrough cases occurring in vaccinated individuals. Hence, large, in person, indoor gatherings are discouraged at this time. As you know, ensuring the health and safety of our community has always been our first priority.
Planning for the event is still in full swing and we would love to welcome more volunteers to join us! There are a wide variety of tasks that we could use help with. If you are interested in lending a hand or learning more about the various jobs, please email Coleen Antico at cantico@corpuschristischoolct.org or call her at 860-529-5487. This is a very significant milestone and we look forward to celebrating it together in a safe and joyous way!
Mrs. Sarpu and the Corpus Christi School staff would like to thank you all for the many gifts and cards!! Your kindness is very much appreciated.
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Snow Days
In case of inclement weather please
tune into WFSB for school closings and delays.
Summer Extension
We're excited to share that Corpus Christi School will be offering the Summer Extension this year! Stay tuned for more information.
Weather Watch and Dressing for the Cold Weather




Winter is upon us and it’s important to properly dress for the conditions. Coats, hats and gloves/mittens are a must for students and adults to be outside especially when the temperatures dip below freezing. Remember that the wind-chill also affects the temperature. For example, although it maybe 20 degrees outside, if the wind speed is 10mph, it will feel like 9 degrees out! Not covering up exposed skin can lead to frostbite. Frostbite is an injury to the skin and the underlying layers of the skin that are exposed to temperatures below freezing. The most common areas at risk are the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin.

There are three different stages of frost bite:

1. Frost nip. A mild form of frost bite that causes the skin to pale or turn red and the skin will feel very cold. If the skin continues to be exposed, if will begin to feel prickly and numb. When the skin is warmed, it may be painful. During this stage the skin is not permanently damaged.

2. Superficial frostbite. The skin appears red and turns white or pale. If you warm up the skin during this stage, the surface of the skin can turn blue or purple. Sensations such as stinging, burning and swelling can occur during the rewarming of the skin. Even some blisters can form during this stage.

3. Severe (deep)frostbite. As frostbite progresses, it affects all layers of the skin. Numbness, loss of all sensations to the cold and pain usually occur. Large blisters form 24 to 48 hours after rewarming and these blisters then turn black and hard resulting in tissue death.
Wearing layers allows us to adjust to varying temperatures when going from the outdoors to inside and will help to keep us comfortable all day long. So protect yourself and your family by covering up any bare skin during the cold temperatures
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IMPORTANT SAFETY NEWS 
Your child’s safety is important to us, if you choose to drop off your child via Cotwell Street please abide by the following rules:
 
  • Cars should utilize ONE LANE ONLY.
  • DO NOT PASS cars in the drop off lane.
  • Follow the one-way traffic and exit onto the Silas Deane Highway.
  • Pull up as far as possible before dropping off
  • Make sure your child exits the car on the curbside
  • Your child needs to be ready to exit your vehicle when you pull up
  • Backpacks and other items need to be readily available
 
If your child needs more time, please park in the lower parking lot and walk your child to the school. These rules are imperative to keep everyone safe!! Failure to abide by these rules can result in suspension of drop off privileges.

As always, the safety and well-being of your children is our top priority. If you have any questions, please call the School Office.
VIRTUS Training for Parent Volunteers

VIRTUS is the brand name that identifies best practices programs designed to help prevent wrongdoing and promote "right doing" within religious organizations. The VIRTUS programs empower organizations and people to better control risk and improve the lives of all those who interact with the Church.

Any parent who would like to volunteer for any event or activity at Corpus Christi School needs to attend VIRTUS training. Certificate of Completion needs to be forwarded to aspina@corpuschristischoolct.org The Archdiocese of Hartford is providing the training online.

Directions for online training:
Click "First Time Registrant"
Click "Begin the Registration Process".  
Registration should be completed under “Hartford” as in the Archdiocese. 
The program is about 1 ½ hours long. It is a series of 10 videos and questions after each video.

Certificate of Completion needs to be forwarded to aspina@corpuschristischoolct.org






Dear Parents/Guardians,
 
Here are a few reminders:
If you have not already done so, please do not forget to get your preschooler vaccinated for the Flu by 12/31/21. Anyone that returns without a flu shot will not be permitted to attend school without documentation per State immunization requirements.
 
If your child has received both COVID vaccinations, please send the documentation to me for your child’s records. Otherwise, you will have to quarantine if an exposure occurs.
 
Please stay healthy and safe this Holiday Season!
 
Mrs. Cowan RN BS
Corpus Christi School Nurse