From the Desk of Mrs. Tiezzi
Dear St. Rita Parents/Guardians,
We are all so excited that the start of the 2021-2022 school year is only days away!
Over the next few days, our teachers will be meeting for professional development and training in order to be ready for the upcoming school year. On Friday afternoon, we will be sending out our updated COVID plan, updated Family handbook, parent portal access codes and finally, the much awaited classroom assignments. We ask that you spend some time over the weekend reviewing the plan, handbook, and updating your emergency information on the family portal.
Our enrollment for this year currently stands at 335 students which is 12 students less than we had last year. Although our PreK enrollment is very robust this year, our kindergarten enrollment is not and we have made the decision to close kindergarten enrollment at 24 students, thereby having only one classroom.
Below is the list of changes for our school year 2021-2022:
- Mrs. McKeon will be the kindergarten teacher with Mrs. Affinito and Mr. Lewis serving as the teacher paraprofessionals within the class.
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Mrs. Fortuna will be returning to 5th grade and joining Mrs. Soliwoda.
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Mrs. Grossomanides will become the new science teacher for students in grades 5-7, as well as the second 6th grade homeroom teacher.
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Mrs. Robinson will continue to teach 8th grade science, in addition to her duties as Dean of Student Life.
- Mrs. Rourke and Ms. Paglia will serve as the seventh grade homeroom teachers.
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Mr. Banas will be the 8th grade homeroom teacher.
Due to the smaller class size, 8th grade will remain as a single class for homeroom, Religion and specials in order to build and strengthen their community, but the students will be leveled for most major subjects in order to ensure they have the solid foundation needed for high school.
Finally, late last week, Ms. Artaiz, our 4th grade teacher, accepted a job in the New Haven public school system. Therefore, for the next few weeks, until a replacement can be hired, our librarian, Mrs. Schreck, will be serving as the long-term substitute. If you know of a teacher who is qualified, certified to teach, and might be interested in teaching at St. Rita School, please have them contact me.
Also, based on our current enrollment, at this time, the counselor, advancement and remedial positions have not been filled. However, should we pick up additional students, those positions may be filled during the year.
Our new Catholic Schools superintendent, Mrs. Valerie Mara, was recently interviewed by WFSB-TV. Please follow the link here to view her interview and share this link with your family and friends to find out how Catholic schools are excelling in this pandemic. It is through positive parent sharing of all the great things happening at St. Rita School that we will continue to grow and prosper.
Dennis Uniform is currently experiencing delays in delivery due to production shortages. If your uniform delivery has been delayed, please stop by our uniform exchange to see if there is something you can use. Your child will not be penalized if he/she is not in proper uniform due to delays with delivery. However, it is expected that all students will have the proper haircuts, hair styles, hair colors and appropriate footwear.
After care/Before care, and lunch menu sign-ups have been sent out to all families. In order to have your child receive milk, hot lunches, or participate in the before and after care programs, registration is necessary. Link - www.stritaschool.hotlunches.net. Click on “Click Here to Register”. Enter Access Code “SRS”
I am so looking forward to seeing everyone on Monday for our soft opening — remember no uniforms, bring all your child’s supplies, masks please, and try to adhere to your assigned time frame. You do not need to stay the entire hour, but it is important that your child locate his/her classroom and meet his/her teacher. Doors open at 8:00 A.M. Tuesday morning. Please be sure your child is at his/her bus stop early but be aware that our bus runs are usually delayed the first few weeks of school. Your patience is appreciated. Looking forward to partnering with you during this 2021-2022 school year. Thank you for entrusting your child/ren to our care.
God Bless,
Mrs. Tiezzi
Principal
