Living, Loving, and Learning Our Faith Through Jesus
Living as members of our Catholic Faith Community;
Loving God and all of His creation; and
Learning for our future on Earth and Heaven.
Embedded Files
Important Upcoming Dates
Important Upcoming Dates
December 15 Christmas Concert/St. Rita's Gym
3K-3 start time 6:00PM end time 6:45PM
4-8 Start time 7:00PM end time 7:45PM
December 20 Fire Drill
December 21 Alternate Date Fire Drill
December 23-January 2, 2023-Christmas Break-No students/no staff report
January 3 Classes Resume
January 5 VIP Mass
January 13 Q2 Ends and State Required Second Friday Count
January 16 Staff In-Service Day-Mission Day/No students report
January 17 Fire Drill
January 17 STAR Reading and Math Assessment Beings (Ends Jan. 27)
January 18 Alternate Date Fire Drill
January 31 Catholic Schools Week-OPEN HOUSE 5-7PM
February 2 VIP Mass
GREETINGS
GREETINGS
I just cannot believe how fast this month is flying by. Our beautiful students in Kindergarten, Grade 1 and 2 presented an amazing 2nd week Advent prayer service for the whole school Wednesday afternoon. They helped us remember to bring peace and to be the light to others.
I cannot share enough of how grateful I am for all of the “giving” that has occurred over the past couple of weeks. Just so much to be thankful for and seeing the students get excited when they are doing something for others, brings much joy!
In the spirit of Christmas, it was a perfect time to reflect on our Mission statement. Our wonderful parent association (RPSA) and staff noted the many wonderful ways we live out the mission. Please take a moment to read it and discuss as a family the significance and meaning in your lives.
St. Rita’s Mission
Living, Loving, and Learning our Faith, Together With Jesus.
LIVING as members of our Catholic Parish Faith Community,
LOVING God and all his creation, and
LEARNING for our future on earth and in heaven.
We are so excited for the Christmas Concert on Thursday December 15. The students have been singing beautifully. I am so blessed to have my office near the choir room. I can hear them signing with such joy. Please note the Christmas Concert attire is Christmas/Holiday attire. School uniforms are fine as well. We kindly ask, no jeans. We want the students to shine! Please see more details in this newsletter for proper concert performance etiquette and times.
Please remember with all of the hustle and bustle before Christmas and this Holiday Season, take time to pause and reflect on the real meaning!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Blessings,
Dr. Sue
St. Rita's Mission
Living Loving and Learning Our Faith: Living as members of our Catholic Faith Community; Loving God and all of His creation; Learning for our future on Earth and Heaven.
COACH BODI
COACH BODI
“Why” Resolutions
With the new year closely approaching, consider writing your New Year’s Resolutions differently. New York Times best selling author, M.D. and meditation expert, Deepak Chopra, suggests writing them in the form of a question as if they are already successful resolutions. “Why do I have good grades?” This puts your brain on a task to search for evidence. The brain (ego) likes to be right and will work hard to justify anything. Resist the temptation to answer the question. Let your subconscious do all the work. The evidence will make itself known and create an accomplished resolution. You will find you can not resist putting in the work to prove yourself correct in your resolution.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Important Details
December 15 Christmas Concert/St. Rita's Gym
3K-3 start time 6:00PM end time 6:45PM
4-8 Start time 7:00PM end time 7:45PM
Goals:
To respect all of the student and staff performers who worked very hard for this special day by remaining in your seat from the beginning to the end.
To respect all of the performers whose families and friends have come to watch.
To remain silent in between student songs as well as class transitions.
3K-3rd Grade and 4-8th Grade
3K-3rd Grade arrive by 5:50PM/4th-8th Grade arrive by 6:50PM
Drop your child off in his/her homeroom classroom
Find seats in the gym
Turn off all electronic devices-Nothing is more important than your child(ren) on stage.
Remain in your seat until the concert is over.
If you need to use the restroom, please wait until there is a break between songs
Your child will be in the care of his/her homeroom teacher until the concert is over.
Once the concert is over (3K-3/6:45pm and 4-8/7:45pm), you may exit to pick up your child(ren) in their respective homeroom.
Grade 2
Grade 2
Merry Christmas to all and a very blessed Advent Season!
Greetings from second grade. Many of the second grade students just completed their first Reconciliation! They seemed relieved that it wasn’t as scary as they thought. We continue to work on being more like Jesus while we all grow together as a team.
I am no Grinch but I do have very high expectations even at this time of year for ALL my students and they are rising to the challenge!
Here is what we are working on! We previously wrote informational paragraphs on an animal and now we completed a poem on a fictional creature each student created. The students even typed their papers!
In Science, we completed a create your own island project. We incorporated landforms that we learned about while writing about our uniquely created islands. Some islands are even 3 dimensional!
For the rest of this month, partners will research a country and how they celebrate Christmas. They will create a poster and present it to the class. Do I smell treats from other countries as a bonus?
Have a very blessed holiday from the Second Grade Class!
Ms. Wiemer
Busier than Elves
Busier than Elves
If you think elves have it rough, you should meet the St. Rita’s Royal Ambassadors. They have been working since September, planning, creating, soliciting a volunteer carpenter and funding, drawing and painting the buddy bench to reach a dream for St. Rita’s. They want no one to feel excluded. Their message on the bench and for the world, “Holding One Another Up”. Ambassador Elias F. explains, “... instead of putting each other down.”
Not able to miss academics, they worked after school and during study hall. The paint time was far less than the patience required for drying time between steps. Additionally, they wrote and performed a skit to show fellow students how to use a buddy bench. The moment someone is looking for a friend connection and sits on the bench, use your eagle eye, soar over swiftly and invite them to play.
St. Rita’s Royal Ambassadors: Ella P., Alina U., Elias F., Zoe S., Ruby F., Sophia U.
Spirit Assembly & Pie Throwing-OH MY!
Spirit Assembly & Pie Throwing-OH MY!
Thursday Mass & Altar Servers
Thursday Mass & Altar Servers
Mass this week was led by 6th graders. Altar servers were Javier A & Lily L.
THANK YOU MR. SAVAGE!
THANK YOU MR. SAVAGE!
Special Guest-Mr. Craig Savage, Siena's Chief Financial Officer has been reading in our 4th grade classroom. He started last year and continues to spend time with us. We enjoy listening and learning. We are very grateful for his time; despite his busy Siena schedule.
We learned that Mr. Savage comes to Siena with over 25 years of experience in finance, most recently as the controller at Christian Community Health Centers, Inc. in Chicago. His experiences with preparing budgets, executing strategic financial initiatives, policy analysis and cleanup, and mentoring/leadership. Previously he worked at 387 Olympians Group in Pennsylvania, Sun Life Family Health Center, Savage and Co., and Deloitte & Touche, all out of Arizona. He earned his Master's Degree in Business Administration and holds his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Mr. Savage and his family currently reside in Illinois. We are thrilled that he comes to St. Rita's to read!
OOU- Friday, December 16-Thursday, December 22
OOU- Friday, December 16-Thursday, December 22
Sugar Cookies
Sugar Cookies
Playing in the Snow
Playing in the Snow
IMG-1473 (1).MOVIMG-1469.MOVRube Goldberg
Rube Goldberg
Check out 8th grade's Rube Goldberg creation!
RG is a machine that does something very simple... like clsoing a book!
IMG-1475.MOVIMG-1466.MOV2nd Grade Decorates Cookies Donated To Their Classroom
2nd Grade Decorates Cookies Donated To Their Classroom
MITTEN TREE
MITTEN TREE
Christmas is coming. Children in our area need cold weather gear. The 6th grade is sponsoring a hat, scarf and mitten tree. Please bring hats, scarves and mittens to hang on the tree that will be by the front office. We will be collecting from November 28-December 20. All items will be donated to HALO in Racine.
FAITH FAIR PROJECTS
FAITH FAIR PROJECTS
Faith Fair Projects have been a tradition at St. Rita’s. Each grade level is responsible for coming up with a Faith project that each student is required to do. Details coming home via class DOJO. Be on the watch. Students learning will be displayed in the hallways on Tuesday, January 31 during our Catholic Schools Open House from 5-7PM.
LABEL, LABEL, LABEL
LABEL, LABEL, LABEL
Please remember to label all of your child's outwear! The lost and found box is unfortunately growing with beautiful fleece jackets and other such outwear. Please label each item so that we are able to go through the box periodically and return those lost items to your child.
2023-24 School Year Early Bird Enrollment for K3, K4, and K5 (Siena Catholic Schools)
2023-24 School Year Early Bird Enrollment for K3, K4, and K5 (Siena Catholic Schools)
Early Bird Enrollment for children entering K3, K4, or K5 for the 2023-24 school year kicks off on December 1, 2022. To begin the process please fill out the short survey below and someone from the Siena Admissions Office will reach out to you. Siblings of current Siena students have priority for a seat in the K3, K4, and K5 classrooms.
Please note: to enroll for K3, K4, or K5, your child must turn 3, 4, or 5 (respectively) on or before September 1, 2023.
If you have any questions about enrollment, the admissions team can be reached at (262) 812-0155 or by email at admissions@sienacatholicschools.org.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29UKLYdXN3j0TCbEuHDkEt17RpJdprEFCBFt12PNEQdAuRw/viewform
Girls Varsity Basketball Pizza Party at SCHS
Girls Varsity Basketball Pizza Party at SCHS
Girls Varsity Basketball Pizza Party
Girls Varsity Basketball Pizza Party
When: Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Time: Dinner at 6 p.m., Varsity game starts at 7 p.m.
Location: St. Catherine's High School cafeteria - enter school using Door #2 (southeast corner of school)
Cost: None
Activity Supervisor: Cintia Sanchez, Siena Admissions Coordinator, csanchez@sienacatholicschools.org or (262)753-1471.
Catch some SCHS school spirit! Cheer on the Girls Varsity Basketball teams as we host Shoreland Lutheran! You don’t need to be on a South Shore Athletic Parochial League (SSPL) basketball team to attend but if you wear your team jersey you will be entered into a special raffle.
A free pizza dinner and free admission to the game will be provided. Each student will get a goody bag and be entered into raffles. Boys and girls are welcome! Open to grades 3-8!
For planning purposes, pre-registration is required. Please RSVP before Friday, December 9, 2022.
All students need to be accompanied by an adult.
St. Catherine's High School News
St. Catherine's High School News
SCHS Scholarship Deadline Approaching
Students that wish to submit any SCHS scholarships for the 23-24 school year have a deadline of Tuesday, January 17, 2023. For a full listing of available scholarships, please visit the Tuition & Tuition Assistance Page on the St. Catherine's website. Completed packets may be dropped off in the main office or emailed to tuitionassistance@sienacatholicschools.org on or before the January 17, 2023 deadline. Questions? Stop by the Admissions & Financial Aid Office located at 1220 Villa St. (across from the school parking lot) after school or email Kory Borek at kborek@sienacatholicschools.org.
We Need You!
Do you know any non-Siena families with a current 8th grader that is thinking about St. Catherine's for high school? The admissions team would be more than happy to reach out to the family with information about SCHS, including scholarships, tuition costs, setting up a tour and more! Email Kory Borek at kborek@sienacatholicschools.org with the parent name and email or phone number and the team will take it from there! For every family you recommend you will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Drawing will take place Friday, January 27, 2023.
Shadow Visits Start Again January 25, 2023
For families with current 8th graders wanting to shadow at St. Catherine's there are dates on the calendar for after the new year starting January 25, 2023. Visits are taking a quick pause for the Christmas break and the end of the second term. To learn more about the Shadow Program, please visit Shadow Visits & Tours on the SCHS website.
St. Rita Parish Religious Education
St. Rita Parish Religious Education
December 11th. (A note was sent home) Reservations will be required for this.
All information can be found on the St. Rita Parish website or in the bulletin.
JOIN US
JOIN US
Building Our Community-St. Rita School and Parish!
Building Our Community-St. Rita School and Parish!
St. Rita's Parish website is: https://www.st-ritas.org/
The "News & Events" menu has the events scheduled for the parish.
The "Welcome" page also has an "Upcoming Events" list with a link to the "News & Events" page.
The link to the bulletins is on the "Welcome" page as well.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
ALL ARE WELCOME!
‘Tis the Season for Christmas Caroling!
Help us share the joy of the season on Saturday, December 10. We will meet at 1:00 in the parking lot of St. Rita Church. We plan to drive to the homes of several residents in the area ending in the neighborhood next to St. Rita. Then, we’ll go to the school gym for cocoa and cookies. Please contact Jenny Weisensel (jennifer@weisensel.com) if you plan to join us (in case we need to change plans) or with any questions. Be sure to dress for the weather as we will be outdoors for much of the time. Festive clothes are not necessary, but would add to the fun. The more the merrier!
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Come to Mass with your family at 10:30 before you head over to the Advent Breakfast!
Children's Liturgy will be offered this Sunday (12/11) and next Sunday (12/18).
Step away from the hustle and bustle with your children and focus on "The Reason for the Season."
Inclement weather on school days
Inclement weather on school days
In rainy or subzero weather, students need appropriate outerwear. Students are outdoors several times a day. A hooded sweatshirt for example is not as adequate as a winter jacket. If the outdoor temperature is 10 degrees or below, wind chill factor of “zero” degrees or below, hard rain or blizzard like conditions, recess is most likely to be indoors. The decision is up to the Principal and at times in collaboration with supervisory staff. While outside, if any playground supervisor determines that the weather is too severe for outdoor recess (as our weather changes often), the outdoor supervisor is authorized to bring the students inside.
Weather Related School Closing
Weather Related School Closing
As we approach the cooler weather, we know in WI things can change quickly, in the event RUSD closes schools for weather, Siena follows suit. No one with the possible exception of maintenance is expected to report to work. Staff will receive an all users communication from Siena/Ms. Kimberly Gardner.
Current Handbook Language we will follow:
The school will be closed including CARES supervision, on days when Racine Unified School District is closed. Closings are announced over local radio (WISN 1130, WTMJ 620 / 94.5, WRJN 1400), television (FOX 6, TMJ4, CBS58, WISN 12), and their media websites. Parents will not hear our school name announced on public media unless there are specific circumstances affecting only our school or only all Catholic schools.
School closings will be announced in the media as Siena Catholic Schools of Racine. Staff will receive an email from Ms. Kimberly Gardner. Rarely used, but if a delayed start is announced for Racine Unified School District, St. Rita will follow the same schedule and delay the start to the day.
Parents may use their own discretion to decide whether to keep their children at home for safety. This absence will be recorded as an excused absence.
SAVE THE DATE
SAVE THE DATE
Upcoming Safe Environment Classes
Upcoming Safe Environment Classes
Safe Environment: How to sign up: Instructions.
Family Resources
Family Resources
Facebook
Facebook
Be sure to check out our Facebook page and all the great videos we post! We need you to "LIKE" us and share with family, friends and future St. Rita Royals!
Siena's Mission
Siena's Mission
We ignite a spirit of excellence in faith, knowledge,
and service, inspiring students to be who God created them to be.
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