Embedded Files
Important Upcoming Dates
Important Upcoming Dates
October 1 STAR ASSESSMENTS in reading and math went home with each student.
October 4 Culver's 4542 Douglas Ave. (across from St. Rita's) Fundraiser (4-9pm) *Must use St. Rita's name when ordering
October 5 Culver's 4542 Douglas Ave. (across from St. Rita's) Fundraiser (4-9pm) *Must use St. Rita's name when ordering
October 5 Siena Standard Based Grading Parent Virtual ZOOM Meeting (Please click the link to register: clicking this link)
October 6 No School for Students/Siena Professional Learning Day
October 7 No School for Students/Sustaining the Mission/ARCH Professional Learning
October 8 Hispanic Heritage Month-St. Catherine's High School
October 13 6th and 7th Grade Faith Based Retreat
October 15 Catholic Education Walk/ANNUAL FUNDRAISER/See Donation Notice in this newsletter
October 18 Fire Drill
October 19 Alternate Date for Fire Drill
October 20 Open House at St. Catherine's (5-7pm)
October 20 Possible Siena STEAM (Science, Technology Education, Art and Math) Night
At this time, we have not received any details of this event.
October 28 Halloween Day Parties
October 28 Halloween Evening Activities (5:30-7:30pm) sponsored by 8th graders
October 28 End of the First Quarter
October 31 8th Grade Faith Based Retreat
November 3 Parent Teacher Conferences
November 3 VIP Mass
November 4 No School for Staff or Students
GREETINGS
GREETINGS
We just turned the corner! Autumn is a favorite time of year for many. It is marked by the vibrant colors of turning leaves, the abundance of apples, pumpkins, and flowers and it prepares us for the winter season to come. We find in God’s word stunning imagery and metaphors about this time of year, which give us much to reflect on and learn from.
October brings on a child's favorite time of year–Halloween! We will be hosting our daytime Halloween party on October 28 from 2-3PM K-8; with a slight adjustment for 3K/4K. Please watch Class DOJO for specific information per class. Room parents are designated and will be reaching out to make this a fun party. Students are allowed to dress up; but may not bring any weapons or said such objects to school. If it is part of their costume, it needs to remain home. In addition, October 28 from 5:30-7:30PM, we invite you to our Halloween Carnival. Each year the 8th graders host the carnival. We will be charging a fee this year and utilizing a wristband system. Mark your calendar!
We are sending home your child's STAR Assessment. We kindly ask that you look through your child’s book bag and/or ask them for their assessment. We are very proud of everyone’s efforts. We use this Fall assessment as our baseline data to focus on learning needs for student growth by the winter. We will measure their growth with the winter assessment. Please at any time, if you have questions about this assessment or your child's general learning, reach out to your child’s teacher. We are happy to host meetings to discuss how we can provide the best learning experience for your child.
Progress monitoring is occurring throughout the year. In grades K-2, student progress reports were sent home this week. All students or those in need of "progressing" received a report. In our 3K and 4K program, reports are sent home in January and at the end of the year. In grades 3-8, checking into PowerSchool (PS) is another way to stay up to date. I do understand it may be difficult this year with the transition to SBG. Therefore, you are always welcome to contact your child’s teacher for progress updates at any time throughout the year.
Father Michael stopped by to visit with our 2nd graders! They were prepared and ask him very important questions about the Catholic Faith and what it means to be a Priest. Father Michael is addressing all of our classes throughout the year. We are excited to learn more from him.
A shout out to Ms. Kristen Dahlgren, Siena's Campus Ministry for her time, efforts and dedication to our middle school retreats. We just completed the on campus 6th grade retreat.
Key Reminders for this month:
To bring any coins or dollar bills for your child’s class! The money all goes towards our total for the Catholic Schools Education Walk.
First Place class wins a pizza party and extra recess!
Popcorn and Movie
Ice Cream Sundae
To order your spirit wear! The countdown is happening and the deadline is October 4 by 10PM. See link further down.
To stop by Culver’s on October 4 and 5 between 4-9PM. Please remember to say, “St. Rita’s” when ordering. The proceeds will go to offset the cost of our middle school faith based retreats.
Catholic Education Walk-Register and Donate! Please support our students by donating! This is St. Rita's largest fundraiser.
Blessings!
Dr. Sue
Counselor Corner- Coach Bodi
Counselor Corner- Coach Bodi
“Prioritize”
You can and should only tackle one task at a time. Which assignment is due first? Start there. Keep other tasks on a list so you do not have to think about them until you are ready. Order your tasks according to importance. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment as you cross them off.
SIENA CHIEF OF FINANCE CONTINUES TO ENLIGHTEN OUR GRADE 4!
SIENA CHIEF OF FINANCE CONTINUES TO ENLIGHTEN OUR GRADE 4!
We love listening to Mr. Craig Savage, Chief of Finance come read to us! Thank you Mr. Savage for making reading fun!
6th Grade Retreat
6th Grade Retreat
Read what our students shared:
Sarah- "It was helpful to learn how to tell others about the feelings that God gives us."
Josh-"We had a lot of fun doing activities and learning."
Carmine-"My favorite activity was a game we played with our shoes where we learned that we have a choice to be with God!"
Thursday, September 29, 6th grade class learned all about FROG. Not the animal! They learned to Fully Rely On God. We studied Bible lessons from Psalms, Proverbs, Genesis, Daniel, and Judges.
We acted out the story of the furnace in the book of Daniel. Read about Abram becoming Abraham. Watched Gideon go into battle against thousands with only 300 soldiers and no weapons. Reflecting on how each one of them truly relied fully on God.
We played games that ended up being like parables with lessons we can learn from, and snacks we could eat. We even had a moment to overcome our fears and put our hands into a box to find out what it was. Learning that we need to listen to our feelings because it is one way that God speaks to us and protects us.
We had so much fun and learned a lot about putting our trust in the Lord. We can’t wait for our next retreat.
MUSIC TIME
MUSIC TIME
Hello St. Rita Families,
My name is Mr. Scaffidi, and I am the music teacher here at St. Rita’s. I am also the music teacher for St. Joe’s in Racine.
Currently, all grade levels are working on standard #1, “Evaluate their own work, applying teacher-provided criteria such as application of selected elements of music.” The elements of music that we are applying are rhythm and pitch.
This month, students in grades 3 through 8 are focusing on knowing the letter names of the notes in the staff. We have performed simple melodic patterns primarily using the notes G, A, and B. Students in grades K, 1, and 2 are singing grade specific songs, and learning/ performing simple rhythmic patterns.
If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know via email or Class Dojo!
Nick Scaffidi
nscaffidi@sienacatholicschools.org
Father Michael talks to Ms. Wiemer's Class
Father Michael talks to Ms. Wiemer's Class
Robotics Club
Robotics Club
Tuesday was our first meeting of the robotics club. Building started immediately and will continue through our next meeting. THEN…we program! Students will begin coding programs and move the Lego machine around. The next couple of weeks should be interesting. We are super excited.
Fairy Tale Stem Club
Fairy Tale Stem Club
Students having fun at Fairy Tale STEM club building a table for Snow White and the 7 Dwarves.
DO NOT FORGET--MONEY WARS
DO NOT FORGET--MONEY WARS
LAST DAY--OCT. 3
LAST DAY--OCT. 3
Catholic Education Walk-Donations! Let's see who has the most school spirit!
Dates: September 26-the week of October 3.
Check this out--Class Prizes-classes that brings in the most money in order receive:
Prizes for Class by place
1st: Pizza Party and extra recess
2nd: Popcorn and Movie
3rd: Ice Cream Sundae
St. Rita Spirit Wear & Uniform Jackets
St. Rita Spirit Wear & Uniform Jackets
https://stores.inksoft.com/st_rita_royals/shop/home
We have some great new designs!
Just a reminder that this is SPIRIT WEAR to be worn in school on SPIRIT DAYS ONLY. The shirts and sweatshirts do not replace your child’s uniform.
The fleece and track jackets may be worn with your child’s uniform.
The orders will be done in time for the Catholic Schools Walk (October 15). So, order now! Hurry, do not delay!!! Last day to order is October 4th, 10PM.
Thursday Mass & Altar Servers
Thursday Mass & Altar Servers
Mass this week was led by the fourth grade class. Altar servers for this week, Madison and Henley.
FUNDRAISING-JOIN US!
FUNDRAISING-JOIN US!
St. Rita’s is participating in a fundraising activity with our neighbor-CULVER’S. We want to invite you all to stop by CULVER’S on October 4 and 5 between the hours of 4-9pm. Please remember to shout out…ST. RITA’S Elementary School as you order so that we receive the proceeds. We receive 15% of the proceeds each day of our Fundraiser. Please spread the word. The goal is to utilize the funds to offset any cost with the Off Campus Faith Based Retreats.
VIP MASS OPPORTUNITY
VIP MASS OPPORTUNITY
FIRST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH
St. Rita's parish and school would like to invite a family member to Mass on the first Thursday of each month. Mass begins promptly at 8:30AM. Therefore, if you would like to sit with your child(ren), please arrive no later than 8:25am so that you may find your child(ren) and sit in our VIP section of the church. As you enter the church this section is on your far right.
Class DOJO is another way to notify your child's teacher(s) of your attendance. It is not required to notify, but helpful. Hoping to see many of our families. Join us on November 3rd!
Middle School Faith Based Retreats-ON Campus and OFF Campus
Middle School Faith Based Retreats-ON Campus and OFF Campus
(UPDATED)
(UPDATED)
October 1, 2022
October 1, 2022
Greetings Families
St. Rita, under the direction of Ms. Kristen Dahlgren, Siena’s Coordinator of Campus ministry, is delighted to work with us on planning two retreats for your children. The first retreat will be on campus at St. Rita’s Church/Parish. The second retreat will be off campus. While we are working on the specific details for both retreats, the purpose of this communication is to provide early notice regarding our ON CAMPUS RETREAT.
There will be more communication regarding our OFF CAMPUS RETREATS SOON! OFF CAMPUS RETREATS will take place sometime in October 2022 for all three grades. Stay tuned.
A retreat refreshes and revitalizes, gives the opportunity for more time spent in prayer and contemplation, and rekindles and deepens one's relationship with God. One may take this opportunity to more clearly hear God's call and to seek God's healing grace and thereby attain a degree of spiritual renewal.
8th Grade: Our theme for the retreat is Commissioning. We will be learning what it means to be commissioned by God, learning not to judge others, hearing the story of how the apostles were commissioned, and connecting that to our own lives.
7th Grade: Our theme for the retreat is Leadership. We will be focusing on discussions of what makes a good leader, team building activities, and learning through stories/prayer how even doing small things for others can have a great impact.
6th Grade: Our theme for the retreat is FROG- Fully Rely On God. We will be focusing on building characteristics in ourselves that make us a better person, the person that God made us to be.
STANDARDS BASED GRADING
STANDARDS BASED GRADING
Siena released a parent communication this past week regarding Standards Based Learning. Here is a snippet of that communication; however, please know there is a virtual meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 5PM. If you would like to learn more or have questions, please click the link to register: clicking this link.
Dear Siena Parents/Guardians,
Siena Catholic Schools of Racine has transitioned in grades 1-8 to a Standards Based Grading system. For families with children in 3K, 4K, and 5K, we will continue to follow the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. Please see the link here for more information.
Standards Based Grading allows students to be more aware of what they are expected to learn and their progress through their grade level standards. It provides parents/guardians with a more detailed outline of their student’s growth and achievement. We believe that clear communication between school and home throughout the course of the year is vital to our students’ success. You can view the entire Siena Standards Based Grading guidebook here.
Page 5 of the above document outlines the “WHY.” Standards-based grading is based on the principle that grades should convey how well students have achieved standards. In other words, grades are not about what students earn; they are about what students learn. A traditional grading system reduces everything that a student does to a single letter grade, at the end of a grading term, making the grade neither timely nor actionable.
All of us at Siena Catholic Schools are committed to providing your child with an exceptional education by providing high standards for achievement and cultivating a genuine passion for learning. Last spring we hosted two parent nights on Standard Based Grading and are hosting another on Wednesday, October 5th at 5pm via Zoom. We welcome you to join us by clicking this link .Thank you for your continued partnership with Siena Catholic Schools of Racine.
COLD WEATHER: OUTERWEAR REQUIREMENTS
COLD WEATHER: OUTERWEAR REQUIREMENTS
Taken from the 2022-23 Handbook
Students should wear outerwear appropriate to weather conditions and must be labeled with the student's name. If the temperature is less than 40 degrees, students will be expected to wear a proper outdoor coat. Sweatshirts are not considered coats. Snow pants, boots, mittens/gloves, and hats are needed for below-freezing temperatures, and snowy days are required for students in 3K, 4K, and kindergarten through fourth grade.
Snow pants are required for any grade-level student who would like to play in the snow. In the fall, students may wear their uniform shorts and/or skirts/skorts from August through November 15. Tights, leggings, fleece-type leggings, and/or black or navy sweatpants must be worn under the girls' skirts/skorts from November 15-March 30. Long pants are acceptable at any time. In the Spring, students may wear their uniform shorts starting April 1 through the end of the school year. Students wearing uniform skirts or skorts do not require legging/sweatpant undergarments for warmth starting from April 1 until the end of the school year.
Family Faith Opportunities this Weekend
Come Pray for Peace
The Catholic Church dedicates October as the Month of the Holy Rosary. In honor of this, on Saturday, October 1 at 4:00 we will be saying a rosary on our beautiful parish grounds to pray for peace in our world. We will meet at the Mary statue in the boulevard and process to the shrines as we pray. If the weather is uncooperative, we will pray in the church. Rosaries will be provided, if needed, or you can use your own special rosary. Prayer booklets will be provided as well as assistance in praying the rosary, if needed. Be sure to bring your friends and family. All are welcome! You can pray with us and then attend 4:45 mass.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
It was wonderful to see so many families at the Welcome Mass! Children's Liturgy of the Word will be offered again during the 10:30 Mass this weekend. Children are invited to come hear the readings in a small group setting. Please join us every first and third Sunday of the month!
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WALK
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WALK
Join us for the 10th annual Catholic Schools Walk held at Siena Center on Saturday October 15th.
Soles for Catholic Education Walk is now simply, Catholic Schools Walk. Our Catholic school’s walk will continue the tradition of celebrating Catholic education, building community, and raising much-needed funds that will benefit St. Rita’s classrooms and students.
St. Rita School is forming a Catholic Schools Walk team to raise $15,000 for efforts beyond the regular school budget such as clubs, field trips, teacher appreciation, classroom enrichment, and much more! Register today, and help us reach our goal by asking family, friends, and neighbors to make a donation.
Is there a registration fee, and how do I register? There is no fee to register for the 10th annual Catholic Schools Walk. Please go to catholicschoolswalk.org and click “Teams,” in the search box next to “Go” type “St. Rita” and click “Go” or click https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/SCHOOLSWALK/team/StRita, click “View,” then click “Register to Walk” and complete the form.
Where will St. Rita walk? Siena Center: 5637 Erie St, Racine, WI 53402
How can I raise money to help St. Rita School meet its fundraising goal? It’s easy; all you have to do is become a Catholic Schools Walk fundraiser. You can create your own fundraising page at catholicschoolswalk.org, and ask your family, friends, and neighbors to help you raise money. Use and share your school’s text-to-give number. People can text SCHOOLSWALK90 to 71777, give online via catholicschoolswalk.org or bring cash or check donations directly to the school office.
Remember, 100% of donations raised will directly benefit students at St. Rita School!
If I’m unable to walk at the event, can I still donate? Yes! Text SCHOOLSWALK90 to 71777, give online via catholicschoolswalk.org or bring a cash or check donation directly to the school office. Checks are made out to St. Rita’s School.
Questions? Contact your Team Walk Captain, Hilary Lowman, at lowmanh@outlook.com.
Thank you for supporting St. Rita School and Catholic education!
CHOIR at St Rita Parish
CHOIR at St Rita Parish
“Those Who Sing Pray Twice,” St. Augustine
The words of our hymns are prayers and when we sing them, we add a further dimension of honor and praise to the Lord!
Consider joining us on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 pm in the church and sing a new song unto the Lord!! We invite you to come share your voice and see if this is where the Lord is leading you. If you
are unable to make a weekly commitment, come join us when you can. For more information, contact
Jessica Knierim at knierim@stritaracine.org
*You will need to email Jessica regarding age levels for this choir.
St. Catherine's Open House- SAVE THE DATE!
St. Catherine's Open House- SAVE THE DATE!
St. Catherine's Open House - Thursday, October 20, 2022 from 5-7 pm.
Join us for a special tour of St. Catherine's, including the new STEM labs! We will be scheduling tours for families that are interested in learning more about St. Catherine's and seeing the school. RSVP now to reserve your tour time during the open house.
If you are interested in a private tour of St. Catherine’s, please call (262)833-5517 or email admissions@sienacatholicschools.org to schedule a time to visit.
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!
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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