GREETINGS!

Greetings Families,

Yesterday we celebrated the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, Mary’s Birthday. During Mass on Sept. 8 led by Father Michael and Mr. Scaffidi, we sang Happy Birthday to Mary and closed with the Hail Mary prayer. If you are interested in learning more about our Blessed Virgin Mother, here are some resources that you and your child(ren) may look into:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71UjuXs3A3E. 

Read a little on what Saint Augustine said when talking about the birth of Mary: 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/the-birth-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-357

Nativity of Mary coloring page: https://www.catholicplayground.com/nativity-blessed-virgin-mary-coloring-page-september-8th/

Worksheets on Mary:

https://www.sadlier.com/religion/blog/the-month-of-mary-catholic-free-printable-mary-mother-of-god-activities-devotions-to-mother-mary-may-crowning-of-mary

Games and prayer videos: 

https://www.thereligionteacher.com/hail-mary-activities/ 

Loyola Press: https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/saints/saints-stories-for-all-ages/birth-of-mary/

We begin our first formal assessments in reading and math on September 12 for students in grades 1-8. These are known as the STAR assessment. The link below will provide you the information you may need if you are interested in learning more about this assessment. Overall, we utilize this assessment to better understand where each student is at in reading and math in order to determine each child's appropriate instructional level. Teachers may differentiate instruction in order to meet students where they are at and to help them grow in skills they need to increase their learning.

Parent's Guide to STAR Assessments

We are also excited to be intentional about celebrating cultures across the globe. We have certain months that are designated to celebrate specific groups of people and culture, and while we should be learning and celebrating people and groups throughout the year, these months might also cause us to reflect more on our intentionality.

This month is Hispanic Heritage Month! This allows us to reflect, recognize, and support our Hispanic population and amazing contributions. Hispanic Heritage Month runs September 15 through October 15. Here are a few stats from the Pew Research Center.

It’s important for students to see their own ethnicity in education to add relevance and value. Here are a few different questions and resources even as a family to consider (and a coloring contest) during Hispanic Heritage month.

Grades 1-8 attend Mass everything Thursday. It is a beautiful walk over to the Church. Mass starts at 8:30am. I am so very proud of the grade levels who have served during the Mass for altar serving, to reading, highlighting the intentions and singing as cantors. Our older students in selected grades have already become buddies to the younger students supporting and teaching them the parts of the Mass. 

Please check out our STUDENT CLUBS SECTION in this newsletter. 

God Bless, 

Dr. Sue

ART CLUB!

If your child is in grades 4-8 and is interested in joining St. Rita's ART Club, please have your child come see Ms. Lopez or Dr. Sue for the permission slip. 

There are limited seats so first come first serve. 12 seats available. 

Ms. Maggie Rogan, St. Rita's amazing art teacher is running the club on 

Thursdays from 3:30-4:30PM. 

Dates of the club are:

Sept. 22, 29, October 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3

If your child is not picked up by 4:30, they will be brought to the after school program.