Important Upcoming Dates

• 12/20 Christmas Concert 6-7:45 pm

• 12/22 Christmas Parties in Classroom 

• 12/23-1/2 No School Christmas Break 

• 1/3 Classes Resume

• 1/12 Second Friday Count Day

• 1/15 No School for Students- Siena Mission Day

• 1/19 Quarter 2 Ends

• 1/22 Quarter 3 Begins

• 1/28-2/2 Catholic Schools Week

• 1/30 St. Rita School Open House 5-7pm

GREETINGS!

Dear Parents,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits as we approach the festive season. As we near the end of the year, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on some exciting events and important information within our school community.

**Raffle Baskets at the Advent Breakfast:**

I am thrilled to share the success of our recent Advent Breakfast and Raffle Baskets. Thanks to the generosity of our parish and school parents, we raised an impressive $1,678. Of this amount, $500 has been contributed back to the Parish, and $1,178 will go to the RPSA to fund clubs and provide supplemental items for our dedicated teachers and classrooms. Special congratulations to Anthony R., the lucky winner of the 7th Grade sports basket. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and volunteered to make this event a resounding success. Please see the photos in the newsletter from Andrea Pierce, who was instrumental in organizing the baskets!

**Upcoming Events:**

As we approach the last week of school before Christmas, we are filled with excitement and anticipation. We will hold prayer services on Wednesday and Friday as we spiritually prepare for the joyous arrival of Christmas. The 8th grade class will act out Las Posadas on Friday morning next week, which is the story of Jesus and Mary looking for shelter before the birth of Jesus.

**School Concerts:**

Our school concerts are scheduled for Wednesday evening, December 20th. The Kindergarten through 2nd-grade students will perform at 6:00 p.m., followed by the 3rd through 8th-grade students at 7:00 p.m. We encourage all parents to attend and celebrate the talents of our students. Please look for information in Class Dojo from your child’s teacher about dress and specifics about seating or warm up spaces, etc. Please make every effort to attend the entire performance, as it is very disheartening for students to see the audience walking around/leaving and talking during their performances. There is also a combined song planned for the end of each performance. 

**Fun Dress-Up Days:**

To add to the festive spirit, the RPSA have planned fun dress-up days for the last week before the holiday break. Please refer to the schedule below:

- Monday: Merry Monday Morning - Wear your holiday pajamas or pink tops to commemorate the third week of Advent.

- Tuesday: Santa’s Workshop Imposters - Dress up like Santa, reindeer, elves, a tree, a toy, etc.

- Wednesday: Grinch Day - Dress like a character from the movie or wear as much green as you can.

- Thursday: Jingle Toes - Wear a red or green top with your uniform bottoms and your jazziest pair of holiday socks.

- Friday: Holiday From Head to Toe - Dress in all of your favorite Christmas attire.

**Shift in School Hours Next Year:**

I recently sent out a letter regarding a shift in school hours for the upcoming academic year. We will be starting and ending the school day 25 minutes earlier next school year to better align with other Siena schools. This adjustment aims to facilitate shared resources, including staff, transportation, and professional development opportunities among our Siena school community.

**Volunteer Opportunities:**

As we strive to create a positive and engaging learning environment, we are seeking volunteers for lunch/recess supervision and assistance with math facts. If you are interested and available, please contact the school office.

Once again, I express my gratitude for your ongoing support, and I look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you and your families.

Wishing you a joyous and peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Warm regards,

Beth Woodward

bwoodward@sienacatholicschools.org

Principal, St. Rita School

Here are a couple of repeat items from previous weeks:

ST RITA SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE

• St Rita Racine Parents | Facebook

• St. Rita Catholic School Racine | Facebook

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• We are in need of volunteers to help with lunch supervision between 11-12. Please email bwoodward@sienacatholicschools.org if you are interested in helping, even one day per week.

• Many helping hands build community and lightens the work load.  

• In addition to day-to-day activities, we are always open to new members and ideas for our Royal Parent Student Association.  This is a parent-led volunteer organization that organizes recognition and fun activities as well as supports the school’s need for extra hands in a variety of ways.

SAFEGUARDING ALL OF GOD’S FAMILY

• Safeguarding program and background check MUST be completed before you can volunteer at school or chaperone any school event or field trip.  

•  https://www.archmil.org/offices/safeguarding.htm 

Building Our Community-St. Rita School and Parish!

 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.

Siena's Mission

We ignite a spirit of excellence in faith, knowledge,
and service, inspiring students to be who God created them to be.