GREETINGS!

Dear St. Rita Families,    

As we traverse through the season of Lent, I am filled with gratitude for the spiritual journey we are undertaking together as a school community. Our students had the opportunity to experience the sacrament of reconciliation this week, thanks to the support of Father Pat. His guidance and presence during this sacred time have undoubtedly deepened the spiritual connection of our students with their faith.

In other uplifting news, I am thrilled to announce that our recent accreditation visit was a success! This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of our exceptional faculty and the commitment of our wonderful students. We continue to strive for excellence in providing an enriching faith-based education that aligns with our values.

On the academic front, I want to extend a congratulations to our middle school math students and their exceptional teacher, Mrs. Maraccini, for their outstanding performance in the Siena Math Competition and Math Hoops at the Fiserv Forum. Their achievements exemplify the high standards of academic excellence we uphold at St. Rita’s. Well done to each participant for their hard work and commitment to excellence!

As we move forward, please be reminded that students are required to wear athletic shoes to school for full participation in physical education classes and recess. Proper footwear not only ensures the safety of our students but also enhances their overall experience during these activities.

Additionally, I would like to emphasize the importance of responsible technology use among our students. As technology is integrated into most curricula, it is crucial that our students take great care of their Chromebooks. Encourage them to handle these devices with mindfulness, safeguarding them against any accidental damage. Remind your children to charge their Chromebooks regularly and to report any technical issues promptly. Responsible technology use not only ensures the longevity of these valuable educational tools but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among our students. Thank you for your cooperation in instilling these habits at home, reinforcing our commitment to a successful and enriching academic experience for every student at St.Rita’s.

Lastly, I would like to inform you that we will be conducting a lockdown drill next week. This precautionary measure is a part of our ongoing commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our students and staff. The drill will be conducted in a calm and organized manner, ensuring that everyone is familiar with the procedures in the unlikely event of an emergency. 

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in creating a nurturing environment for our students to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. May the remainder of Lent bring moments of reflection, growth, and grace to each of you and your families.

Blessings,

Beth Woodward

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 

Uniform/Dress Code Reminders

Per Section 11 in the Handbook:

Students and their families are bound by the following uniform and appearance code. Parents are responsible to see that the child(ren) conform to policies. If you have questions about a uniform item, bring the item to school or call. In cases of repeated violations, we reserve the right to have the parent bring appropriate clothing items from home, or we would provide used items to wear. 

UNIFORM-DRESS CODE AND APPEARANCE 

Students and their families are bound by the following uniform and appearance code for all students in grades 4K-8. 

3K students are not required to wear uniforms; however, they are required to wear tennis shoes. No other shoes/boots are permitted as a “day type” shoe. 3K students should bring winter boots in appropriate weather with a change of tennis shoes.

Parents are responsible to see that the child(ren) conform to this required policy. If you have questions about a uniform item, bring the item to school. In cases where a child may simply forget, we reserve the right at any time to have the parent bring appropriate clothing items from home while the child waits in the main office. Students will not be allowed to return to class until the proper uniform is worn. In addition, (pending size) we may provide used uniform items for the student to wear so that we do not disrupt their learning environment waiting for proper clothes. 

The administration reserves the right to administer progressive discipline. Violations will result in disciplinary action including detention, suspension, and up to expulsion for repeated offenders. 

GENERAL STUDENT APPEARANCE 

-Perfume/cologne in any form is not allowed. Students should not have artificial nails or nail coloring. Clear polish is acceptable.

-Hair: Noticeable coloring, highlighting, or streaking of hair is not allowed and must be returned to the original color within 24 hours. Simple hair bands or barrettes in modest style and color may be worn. 

-Jewelry, Accessories, Etc.: Earrings must be smaller than a dime in circumference or length and limited to one per ear (no ear gauges or other types of piercings can be permitted). Modest necklaces and bracelets are allowed but no large medallions or noisy charms. Wallets, belt chains, keys, and purses are not permitted in class. No visible permanent or temporary tattoos can be permitted. 

Spiritwear 

St. Rita Spiritwear (separate from the uniform jacket) is purchased for outerwear or casual dress and may not be worn to class except on out-of-uniform days. 

Uniform and Appearance Violations 

If students are not wearing the correct uniform, they shall be given available items from the used uniform collection to wear or a parent/guardian will be required to deliver proper attire upon notification if there is not correct sizing in the used uniform collection. 

Uniform Requirements 

Students and their families are bound by the uniform information noted in this communication. If questions arise about a purchased uniform item, bring it into school to check before wearing it. 

-If an undershirt is needed, students may wear a plain white T-shirt style only, and the sleeves may not show. Bras, as needed, are to be white or nude only. 

-Navy short/long-sleeve polo. Logo on the shirt is not a requirement. 

-Lloyd plaid or Plaid 49 skirts or jumpers (old and new patterns); Tan pants, shorts or pleated skirts (any style of pleat, no embellishments). Shorts, skirts, and jumpers should be no more than two inches above the knee. Cargo or athletic shorts are not acceptable. 

-White, navy, or black ankle/shin-height socks; White, navy, or black tights, or navy or black leggings worn under skirts. Fleece black or navy leggings are permitted for the winter months. Sweatpants are not allowed at any time. ALL leggings must be PLAIN. No logos, designs, or writings on any leggings. Any type/color of athletic or Tennis shoe with laces or Velcro and a rubber sole. *Crocs, flip flops, or sandals of any kind are NOT PERMITTED AT ANY TIME (which includes OOU days).

-Nylon/fleece spirit wear or plain knitted white or navy cardigan/pullover sweater may be worn over the uniform for warmth. 

OUTERWEAR REQUIREMENTS 

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. 

-In the fall, students may wear their uniform shorts and/or skirts/skorts from August through November 15. Black or navy tights, leggings, fleece-type leggings, must be worn under the girls' skirts/skorts while outside 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/tights undergarments for warmth starting from April 1 until the end of the school year. 

OUT OF UNIFORM DAY REQUIREMENTS 

Out of Uniform Days (OOU) are communicated by the school office through handouts, the weekly newsletter, and/or KSwift messaging and/or the classroom teacher. OOU clothing must be modest and appropriate and follow the rules as outlined in the communication sent home. 

The following are not allowed on OOU days: 

● No tank, crop, low cut, midriffs or sleeveless tops 

○ Shirts must fully cover the belly 

○ No spaghetti straps, straps less than one inch 

● No shorts during the winter months noted above in the previous section 

● No holes, tears or repairs in any tops or bottoms or tops 

● No midriffs even with a shirt beneath pulled down 

● No inappropriate slogans or symbols on clothing 

● Sheer fabrics require a sleeved dark shirt underneath so that no skin color is shown

 ● No caps or hats are allowed during the day; unless deemed as part of the OOU fun day. 

● If a hooded sweatshirt is worn, the hood must remain down at all times; unless deemed as part of the OOU fun day. 

● No crocs, flip flops, or sandals will be allowed 

● For certain OOU days and for Halloween costumes, other special restrictions, allowances, or color limitations (as for Valentine’s) will be provided in school communications. 

● If a student elects not to participate in the OOU day, their school uniform is required. 

● Violation of OOU policies/restrictions may result in exclusion from future OOU days and/or other progressive disciplinary actions from detention to possible expulsion. 

SHORTS/ATHLETIC SHORTS REQUIREMENTS (UNIFORM AND FOR OOU DAYS) ● 3K-3rd Grade 

○ 4-inch inseam 

● 4-8th grade 

○ 6-inch inseam 

Failure to comply will result in the student being removed from the classroom until proper clothing is brought from home. Or, if the correct size is available students will wear selected uniform clothing from school. Repeated violations will result in disciplinary action including detention, suspension and up to expulsion. 

COSMETICS 

Only cosmetics used to treat or conceal acne, allergic condition, or skin condition are allowed. Non-colored lip balm to treat chapped lips is acceptable. All other cosmetics worn are treated as uniform infractions and subject to consequence. Any student coming to school wearing makeup will be asked to wipe it off. 

Middle School had a successful and fun-filled week!!

Family Resources