The Messenger
St. Peter School News
January 2021
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.
“Catholic education is above all a question of communicating Christ, of helping to form Christ in the lives of others…” Pope John Paul II
The year 2021 is certainly making its mark with unrest all around us. Yet, amidst the trauma, our Catholic faith unites us and gives us hope. For that we can be truly grateful.
The month of January is often a time for setting resolutions and turning to a new chapter in our book. This year, perhaps we can focus on the positive things that surround us - the love of family, hope for the future, daily unexpected blessings, the smile of a child... What if we wrote down one thing that made us smile every day and tucked it away in a safe place to review at the end of the year 2021? I have started this tradition and I know when I open the box on New Year's Eve, I will be in for a wave of positive memories from this year.
Catholic Schools Week will be upon us before we know it! Preparations are already underway to make the week as fun as possible given the COVID - 19 restrictions. Once plans are more fully finalized, we will share them with you. For now, be sure to check out the flyer below which indicates our Dress Down Days for the week. We will be doing virtual tours with families during Catholic Schools Week which will be followed up with in-person tours in early Spring. Please share this information with friends or family who might be interested in learning more about St. Peter School.
Catholic Schools Week is a time when current families re-register for the next school year. We know this year has been difficult for so many and we are grateful for your partnership. We look forward to having your child continue learning, thriving, and growing both spiritually and academically with us in the coming year.
Have a blessed January. Stay healthy, stay strong. Keep praying...
“Jesus does not demand great action from us but simply surrender and gratitude.”
St. Therèse of Lisieux
Blessings,
Mary Lou
Grade Level Teacher E-Mails
Mrs. Lazzara: tlazzara@spsdanbury.org (1)
Ms. Pantaleo: apantaleo@spsdanbury.org (2)
Ms. Escudero: mescudero@spsdanbury.org (3)
Ms. Marchese: amarchese@spsdanbury.org (4)
Mrs. Galante: scapone@spsdanbury.org (5)
Mrs. Puglisi: spuglisi@spsdanbury.org (6) - MS Science
Mr. Asaro: sasaro@spsdanbury.org (7) - MS ELA
Mrs. Hanrahan: mhanrahan@spsdanbury.org (8) - MS Math
Ms. Vill: cvill@spsdanbury.org (MS SS/Tech)
Important Dates
January 15 - Early Dismissal - 12:30 - Teachers will be engaged in PD starting at 12:30
January 18 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No school
January 19 - School scheduled to resume
January 29 - End of Quarter 2
January 31 - February 6 - Catholic Schools Week
February 15 - NO School
February 19 - Early Dismissal for Students/PD for Teachers
Community Safety - Reminders we can not forget even now...
I want to take a moment to share some reminders which we have all heard over the past months, but which bear repeating once again.
1) Traveling at this time isn't recommended. Remember that CT has a Travel Advisory.
You can find the information below.
- Can travelers be tested for COVID-19 instead of self-quarantine? Yes, an Affected Traveler is exempt from the self-quarantine requirement if the Affected Traveler (1) has had a test for COVID-19 in the seventy-two (72) hours prior to arrival in Connecticut or at any time following arrival in Connecticut, (2) the result of such COVID-19 test is negative, and (3) he or she has provided written proof of such negative test result to the Commissioner of Public Health via email to: DPH.COVID-Travel@ct.gov or via facsimile to: (860) 326-0529. Nucleic acid tests such as reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests are the only acceptable testing option. If a test was obtained in the seventy-two (72) hours prior to arrival in Connecticut, or following arrival in Connecticut, and such Affected Traveler has not yet received his or her test results, such traveler shall remain in self-quarantine in Connecticut until a negative test result is submitted to the Commissioner. If the test result is positive and the traveler is asymptomatic, he or she shall self-isolate for ten (10) days from the date of the test; if symptomatic, he or she should seek medical assistance. Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 prior to traveling to Connecticut should delay such travel and consult with a medical professional. All Affected Travelers are required to complete the Travel Health Form.
- Please note that during the time your child is out of school for either travel or in quarantine our teachers will provide work using the platforms of Seesaw (PK-2) or Google Classroom (3-8). However, we will not be offering the option of distance learning via live, online classroom instruction to those who travel to restricted areas by choice unless prior arrangements have been made with the principal.
2) A COVID - 19 Home Screening checklist is attached for your reference. Please print and use it every morning before leaving the house.
3) Wearing a mask continues to be a regular part of the routine at St. Peter School. Be sure that your child wears a mask to school and carries an extra one "just in case." Mask wearing on the bus is also required. Some grades have had to work with students about the importance of wearing the mask properly. Thank you for reinforcing this safety procedure with your children. Please know that we also have extra masks on hand in the case of an emergency. Grown-ups: By wearing your own mask, you are modeling for our students and keeping those around you safe.
4) Maintain great hand-washing habits!
5) Maintain social distance (6 ft.) whenever possible. Avoiding large gatherings is another way to prevent the spread of the virus.
This pandemic weighs heavily on ALL of us and wreaks havoc with our minds and bodies, but not our soul. We need to call upon divine strength to keep fighting this virus and more than ever, we need to remember to always trust in Jesus during these challenging times.
Staying healthy, positive, prayerful, strong and hopeful is a job for all of us~
St. Peter School News
Personnel Update:
We have hired a music teacher who will begin the week of January 19th!
Rachel Campbell is 23 and earned her Masters degree in Teaching in May 2020 from Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York. Rachel has a year of experience teaching part time for grades Pre-K to seventh at the Unitarian Church in Westport, Connecticut. When she was 7, she picked up the guitar and fell in love. Sixteen years later, she developed a taste for jazz, folk, pop, and many more musical styles. In college, she studied three years of classical piano. Her passion for teaching music began when she took a mission trip to Chepsaita, Kenya, to build irrigation systems with a group from her church called United with Kenya. Rachel volunteered to share her passion for music with the students of the village. Since then, her passion for teaching music has grown. She is also training to become a part time teacher in a preschool music program called Music Together of Fairfield County. Rachel believes that music is universal and connects us all. By using instruments, the voice, and movement anyone can be musical. Rachel's main goal, and responsibility as a music educator, is to provide a safe, respectful, enriching, and fun classroom environment for learning and music making. She is thrilled to be part of the Diocese of Bridgeport community and cannot wait to start.
We have hired an ELA teacher, Mr. Asaro He has earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Syracuse University and a Master of Education Degree in Administration and Supervision from Fordham University.
Mr. Asaro has recently worked as an English teacher at Mount Saint Michael Academy in Bronx, NY. He brings with him several years of experience teaching English to students in grades 6-12. In addition, he brings with him a passion for coaching basketball, a solid skill set in teaching English, and a love of children.
We continue to look for an Early Childhood Director and a Spanish teacher. We have put our search for a PE teacher on hold for the time being. Please be aware that with the COVID - 19 restrictions, music and movement opportunities will be modified in accordance with regulations.
Before and After Care:
Be reminded that "Before and After Care" is by reservation only this year. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate drop-ins due to COVID-19 restrictions. Contact the office to reserve your spot or to be placed on a waiting list. We are sorry for the inconvenience this year.
World's Finest Chocolate Fundraiser:
The fundraiser is moving along. If you need another box of chocolates to sell, contact the school office.
Website:
Please be sure to check out our website for up to the minute information: stpeterschooldanbury.org
Snow Days:
The third snow day, and snow days beyond, will be remote learning days and teachers will provide specific information by class at that time.
News from the Nurse
Sickness Protocol
Dear Parents and Families,
Our goal at St Peters School is to provide students with a safe and healthy learning environment. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, our nursing office is monitoring sickness related absences. Please see information regarding calling your student out sick and when your student requires a doctor's note to cover their sickness.
When do I need to call the school? ANYTIME your child is out sick. Please call and state the date and reason for absence.
When is a doctor's note required ? If your child is absent for 3 or more days please obtain a doctor's note to cover the absence
If your family is planning to travel please refer to the State of Connecticut travel advisory:
portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/travel
Please also see attachments for additional information regarding Covid-19 at home self screening and sick day guidelines.
Stay healthy!
Mrs. Benbow
Schedule a Virtual Tour
Contact Us
Email: stpeterschool@spsdanbury.org
Website: stpeterschooldanbury.org
Location: 98 Main Street, Danbury, CT, USA
Phone: (203)748-2895
Facebook: facebook.com/StPeterSchoolDanbury/
Twitter: @spsdanbury