St. Peter School exists to provide a nurturing environment where students become Disciples of Jesus Christ, embrace the love of lifelong learning, and believe in the dignity of all people.
Dear Parents,
We had a peaceful transition from end-of-summer to start-of-school. The first couple of weeks have allowed new routines to be established for all of our students. It is nice to have the hallways full with the laughter and chatter of children once again.
Thank you to the parents who were able to attend our recent Open House events. I hope you had a chance to learn a little bit more about what your children will be learning this school year.
Thank you for your assistance and patience as we all get back into arrival and dismissal routines.
A few notes from the past newsletter remain as we continue to get back into routines.
Morning Procedures:
We will begin receiving students at 8:00 AM unless prior arrangements have been for Before Care.
Note well: It is more important than ever for students to be dropped off on time as we had a high number of student tardies last year. If a student is tardy, the parent will need to park in the playground area, walk their child to the front door and remain until someone is able to greet the student. School officially begins at 8:20 for PK-8 students. Students are considered tardy after that time. No adults are allowed to enter the building and walk their child(ren) to the classroom. Staff members will ensure that they safely reach their destination.
- Pre-K families will continue to enter St. Peter School through the Playground Door where an adult will bring them to the classroom. Pre K families are asked to pull out of the car line, park in the designated areas and walk their child to the Playground Door where they will be greeted by an adult who will escort them to the PK classroom.
- Students who are dropped off by a parent/guardian will enter via the Playground Door. Parents are reminded to use the Rectory driveway to enter the St. Peter School playground lot for drop off and pick up. K-8 parents must remain in the car to keep the line moving. Staff members will be on hand to assist students.
- Students who arrive via bus will enter the building using the side door across from the Rectory.
- Morning Prayer/Pledge/Announcements will begin precisely at 8:25 daily.
Afternoon Procedures:
Students are dismissed at 2:40 PM each day. Early dismissal time is at 11:50 AM. Please stagger your arrival times to ensure there is not a back-up on Main Street especially on early dismissal days. Afternoon Prayer occurs about five minutes before dismissal.
If any changes need to be made for your child's pick-up, please inform the office or teacher before Noon.
Students who are picked up after school will be dismissed from their classroom to the playground parking lot. Upon arrival, the staff member in the lot will radio the names of the student(s) being picked up. A staff member will be waiting near the playground doorway to ensure students get into the correct car. Be mindful about driving carefully around the children by taking/making your cell phone calls at a later time, and staying in line. The car line is a NO CELL PHONE ZONE.
NOTE WELL: DO NOT PARK IN THE CIFC LOT - IT IS PRIVATE PROPERTY AND CARS MAY BE TOWED. DO NOT PARK IN THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL AS THAT IS WHERE THE BUSES PARK. DO NOT PASS A SCHOOL BUS WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE FLASHING AS THERE IS A $450 OR MORE FINE.
Students who take the bus home will be called by bus to meet a staff member at the Rectory side door. They will then be walked to the bus by a staff member.
Students who are walkers will need to bring in a note for the office. They will be dismissed by their classroom teacher at 2:40. They will exit through the front door and let the secretary/office staff know they are leaving the building. NO STUDENT WILL BE ALLOWED TO WALK UNLESS A NOTE IS ON FILE. Be sure your child has a note to be a walker on the first day of school if they are going to walk home.
Before Care/After-Care:
Parents of students who are participating in this program will receive specific instructions in the next week. This will be by reservation ONLY. Before Care begins on September 3. After Care begins on September 16, 2024. If past bills for Before/After Care are outstanding, they must be cleared before we can accept students into the Before/After Care Program.
School Handbook Reminder:
It is mandatory that the Signature Pages located in the packet which will be sent home with the youngest student be completed and returned to your child’s homeroom teacher no later than September 13, 2024. Please know that students will not be able to use devices until the Acceptable Use Policy has been signed and returned to the school.
Athletic Association:
If you are able to get involved with any sports (basketball, track, cross country), please let me know as soon as possible - (mtorre@spsdanbury.org). Thank you in advance for your consideration! We want to be able to offer our students extracurricular opportunites, but we need approved coaches in order to offer any programs.
Home School Association:
Our Home School Association Officers are as follows:
Pedro Medeiros - President
Shirley Ricart Underhill - Vice President
Secretary - Mabel Martinez
We already have a busy schedule underway for the school year! It will be an exciting year, to be sure!
This is the HSA e-mail to use if you have questions: hsa@spsdanbury.org.
Please consider attending and participating in our Home School Association. We are trying to get some new events organized and we need your help to do so! Thanks!!
In Summary:
School Hours are as follows:
PK - 8 Full Days - 8:20 - 2:40
PK - 8 Early Dismissal Days - 8:20 - 11:50
Students are expected to be in St. Peter School uniforms EVERY DAY unless it is a dress down day or the student's birthday.
All students will be attending Friday School Mass with their class in addition to any other Masses happening during the school day throughout the school year. We walk to St. Peter Church from St. Peter School.
If your child is going to be picked up by someone other than a parent or guardian, send in a note for the teacher or call the office. The person picking up your child will be required to show identification before your child is released. Your child's teacher will be in touch with you regarding this procedure as well for students in the primary grades.
Be sure to send your child to school with a water bottle every day. We are in the process of getting Water Bottle Filling Stations, but they are not yet installed.
Closing Thoughts:
Thank you for your continued kind attention to the many details associated with beginning this new school year. Please know that you will continue to be updated as the year progresses via The Messenger and other communication methods, including messages from your child's classroom teacher. Our primary objective is to provide a safe environment for all as we continue to grow as a school community in Christ.
Blessings,
Mary Lou Torre, Principal
