From the Desk of Mrs. Tiezzi
Dear St. Rita Parents/Guardians,
I hope you all had a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday weekend. Yesterday the faculty met with Msgr. Joe for our annual retreat at the Caritas Christi Center. Our day of prayer was spent learning more about the 33 Day Children’s Consecration Journey to Jesus through Mary and the Eucharist. As the first teachers of your child/ren, I hope you and your family have had the opportunity to begin this wonderful consecration journey and have listened to some of the leaders of our church pray with you. One of our school wide goals this year is to bring our teachers, students, and families closer to God. The best way to do that is through His Son, Jesus, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Thank you for journeying with us.
The Archdiocese of Hartford's Office of Education, Evangelization and Catechesis (OEEC) is pleased to announce its new name: Archdiocese of Hartford Center for Catholic Education & Formation (CCEF). With a new name comes the release of a brand new logo. The new name, focused around the word 'center', reflects how the organization works with and for all Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic schools and parishes. A central point; a welcoming home for all. The Center for Catholic Education & Formation supports and unites schools, parishes, and the communities around them by working collaboratively to fulfill its mission to inspire educational excellence and transformative lifelong faith formation.
Our central office (CCEF), under the leadership of our new superintendent, Mrs. Valerie Mara, is encouraging all our Catholic elementary schools to unplug from technology for the month of September. After last year when technology was used all day, every day because we had so many remote learners, this year we are focusing on teaching and learning strategies which will allow our students and teachers to reconnect with one another face-to-face. Teachers are so excited about being unplugged for the month but will still use technology strategically to ensure our students will be able to confidently utilize technology when it is needed. Please do not worry if your child does not bring home a Chromebook nightly. Instead, why not plan a few unplugged activities you can do as a family to support this endeavor?
I am looking forward to seeing our new and returning parents at the upcoming Back to School Nights, tomorrow for grades PreK4 through grade 2; next Monday for students in grades 3 through 5, and next Wednesday for students in grades 6 through 8. We ask that only one parent per child attend and ask that all attendees wear a mask. Please report directly to your child’s classroom at the time indicated below.
Please refer to our Nurse’s Corner below with COVID updates and reminders. I would strongly encourage any student who is eligible to receive the vaccine do so in order to avoid needing to quarantine should he/she be exposed to COVID. Based on our experience last year, students were exposed to COVID through family members, sports activities, or social interactions outside of school. Thank you to our parents who are still wearing masks when they drop-off or pick-up their child. Although mask wearing is not required outside, the positive example you are setting for your child by wearing your mask is priceless.
Thank you for entrusting your child/ren to our care. Take some time over the upcoming weekend to remember and honor all the men and women who were tragically lost on 9/11. Let us never forget to support the men and women in our military and in public service because heroes are everywhere. Stay safe and be well.
God Bless,
Mrs. Tiezzi
Principal
