From the Desk of Mrs. Tiezzi
Dear St. Rita Parents/Guardians,
Seven days and counting until the 2021-2022 school year begins. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone back in person for the upcoming school year. Although this summer has been much less stressful than last, we are still dealing with COVID-19 and implementing protocols to keep all our students and faculty members safe and healthy. We will be returning to school at 100% capacity with all students present on campus daily. Below please find some of the updated protocols we will be following this year:
- As per Executive Order - students, staff, and visitors will be required to wear a mask within the school building until September 30. Should the Governor continue the mask wearing executive order St. Rita School will follow suit. Should the decision to wear a mask be left up to each individual school district, the Archdiocese of Hartford school district will make the determination for its schools;
- Students will be seated a minimum of 3 feet apart within the classroom;
- Cohorting and reduced classroom capacity is no longer warranted;
- Masks are not required to be worn outside;
- Mask breaks will take place throughout the school day especially when students are working quietly at their desk;
- Desk shields may be used when students/teachers cannot maintain a 3 ft. distance;
- Hand sanitizing /washing will continue to occur when entering the building, before and after eating , and at other times as needed;
- Students in grades kindergarten through grade 8 will eat lunch in the cafeteria seated 3 feet apart from their peers. Additional lunch waves will be added to accommodate the students;
- Students will switch classrooms for specials and middle school students will switch classes throughout the day;
- Parent volunteers will be required to show proof of vaccination in order to serve in any capacity within the school setting;
- The school hallways and stairwells will use directional signage in order to assist students with social distancing;
- Remote learning is not an option this year and will only be available for students who are out of school due to COVID related quarantine;
- It is strongly recommended that any student who is eligible for the COVID vaccine be vaccinated in order to avoid being quarantined. If your child is vaccinated he/she will not need to quarantine should a case of COVID present itself within your child’s classroom;
- Cleaning and sanitizing the school building will continue to be a priority;
- The use of shared recess and gym equipment will commence;
- Air purifiers will be in use in all classrooms and offices. Windows will be kept open to assist with air circulation;
- Water fountains will be open to refill water bottles only;
- Parents are encouraged to keep their child home if he/she exhibits symptoms of any illness. Please notify the school nurse of your child’s symptoms if he/she is ill;
- Sports, clubs, and activities will be held with the health and safety of our students and teachers as our top priority;
- MS students will utilize lockers this year to store books and belongings.
An updated version of the St. Rita School COVID-19 Plan will be sent out to all families next week.
All volunteers at St. Rita School must complete the safe environments training available online at Virtus.org and complete a back ground check. Please contact Sr. Anne D’Alessio for further details. If you have already attended the Virtus training you are all set and will be required to present your COVID vaccination card before you are allowed to volunteer.
The classroom teachers have been in school over the past few days preparing their classrooms for the upcoming school year. Class assignments are still being worked on and will be sent out at the end of next week. At the same time you will be able to access your family information page to update your emergency contact information.
We are all looking forward to seeing you and your child/ren on Monday, August 30, our soft opening day. Thank you for entrusting your child/ren to our care. Have a great last few days of summer vacation.
God Bless,
Mrs. Tiezzi
Principal
