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.

“Actions speak louder than words. Let your words teach and your actions speak.”
Anthony of Padua

October is going by so quickly! Here is some news you need to know now.

Fall Pictures:

We will not have Fall pictures this year through Lifetouch. We are hoping to do this in the Spring.

Personnel Update:

We continue to look for a Building Substitute. Please be aware that with the COVID - 19 restrictions, Music and PE opportunities will be modified in accordance with regulations.

Announcement - New Staff Members

Our new school counselor, Ms. Yvonne Mora, has begun working with students and introducing herself to teachers and students through a virtual means. She will be meeting virtually with students/teachers on Monday and Wednesday, and her hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. If you would like more information or if you would like to make a referral, please reach out to me at mtorre@spsdanbury.org.

Ms. Amy Pantaleo will be assuming the position of second grade teacher this school year. You may recall that Amy was a fifth grade teacher last year and was slated to be our Spanish/EL teacher this year.

Mrs. Elizabeth Tedesco has joined the St. Peter School team as our K-8 music teacher. Elizabeth is a classically trained violinist and certified Kindermusik teacher. She earned a BS degree in Psychology with a concentration in Music from Concordia College. Her love for music started in Kindergarten. She began the violin at age 5. Elizabeth has been teaching the violin for over 18 years, and has instructed both private lessons and group lessons for ages 3-adult. She has been teaching Kindermusik classes for the ages of birth - 7. We welcome her to the St. Peter School family. She will be here on Monday and Thursday each week and is excited to impart music to our students!

A Note From the Nurse:

If you have not already done so, please send in physicals to the nurse for Kindergarteners and sixth graders. Thank you.

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.

Bus App:

Please download the My Stop Versa trans app for live view of the buses to and from school, contact Ms. Solis to obtain the student ID.

Wreath Fundraiser:

Please see the attached flyer for the upcoming holiday wreath sale. If you are able to purchase a wreath, please send the completed flyer to your child's classroom teacher.

Thank you in advance for your kind support!

In closing, please know that you can call our office and speak to a secretary or me if you have any questions during these most unusual days.. You can also email zsolis@spsdanbury.org, mcorrea@spsdanbury.org, or mtorre@spsdanbury.org.

Have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Mary Lou Torre, St. Peter School Principal

Mrs. Lazzara: tlazzara@spsdanbury.org (1)

Ms. Amy Pantaleo: apantaleo@spsdanbury.org (2) (Temporary Substitute Teacher)

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. Rendich: brendich@spsdanbury.org (7) - MS ELA

Mrs. Hanrahan: mhanrahan@spsdanbury.org (8) - MS Math

Ms. Vill: cvill@spsdanbury.org (MS SS/Tech)

October 22 - Dress Down Day - $2 - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 23 - IHS meets with 8th graders for a Virtual Conversation - 10:30 - 11:15

October 29 - Henry Abbott Technical School meets with 8th graders - Virtual Chat - 9:00 a.m.

November 1 - All Saints' Day is a solemn Holy day of the Catholic Church...

November 3 - Teacher PD - No School for Students

November 5 and November 6 - Early Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 6 - End of Quarter 1

November 13 - Report Cards distributed

November 15 - 21 - Discover New England Catholic Schools Week

November 25 - Early Dismissal - 12:30 p.m.

November 26 & 27 - Thanksgiving Holiday

• • Parent-Student Handbook 2020-2021

• • 2020-21 Handbook- COVID Addendum

“In trial or difficulty I have recourse to Mother Mary, whose glance alone is enough to dissipate every fear.”

- Saint Therese of Lisieux

I want to take a moment of your time to talk about community safety as it relates to St. Peter School. We all know that downtown Danbury is a hot spot for the virus right now. In our efforts to keep our little school open, I want to remind everyone about some simple things we can all do to protect ourselves and each other during this pandemic to keep the virus from spreading. A COVID - 19 Home Screening checklist, which I have shared before, is attached for your reference.

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. We also have extra ones on hand in the case of an emergency. Grown-ups are reminded that by wearing your own mask, you are modeling for our students and keeping those around you safe.

Hand washing is another safety measure which has far reaching effects. Did you know that hand washing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related sicknesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu? By making hand washing a part of your routine, you are setting a great example for your children to follow. Building hand washing skills with children takes time but it is a habit for life!

Maintain social distance (6ft) whenever possible. Help your children understand that about two arm's length is a good way to practice social distancing. Avoiding large gatherings is another way to prevent the spread of the virus.

We know that the pandemic weighs heavily on ALL of our minds. 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. I have attached a Coronavirus Prayer for your reference as we continue to battle this virus.

Stay healthy, strong, and hopeful.

1. For the safety of all children please drive slowly through the pickup area and refrain from using your cellphone while in line.
2. Please pull all the way up to the white line by the exit if you are the first car in line.
3. If you are going to get out of your car, please use the spaces within the drop off area. This is for safety as well as for traffic flow.
4. Parking is not allowed in the CIFC parking lot or at the bank. They will be towing cars.
5. Only PK parents may pickup at the side door. K-8 parents must use the drive through pickup. If you walk from your house to pick up your child, please call the office.
   
6. For safety reasons, do not call children to your car. The staff will direct the children to the car when it is safe to do so.

• Saturday, Oct. 31

• Virtual Parent Information Session @ 9 a.m. – register in Ravenna

• HSPT at Immaculate at 8 a.m. (including online, at-home option must register in Ravenna and then contact Ms. Soltes at @ asoltes@myimmaculatehs.org or (203) 744-1510 x163 to schedule the online version)

• Sunday, Nov. 1

• Virtual Open House @2-4 p.m. – register at www.immaculatehs.org/visit

• Saturday, Nov. 14

• Virtual Parent Information Session @ 8 a.m. – register in Ravenna

• HSPT @ Immaculate - 8 a.m. (last testing date before 11/21 application deadline)

**no online, at-home option available this date

• Saturday, Nov. 21

Admission, Financial Aid and Scholarship Application Deadline

• All applications submitted in Ravenna

• Earlier scholarship application deadline this year which ties in with admission application

• Common Scholarship Application announced this week (singular form and essay for all scholarships)

Ravenna

• Our admissions platform

• All families must create an account via www.ravenna-hub.com

• Principal, Math and English teachers receive email notifications from their families via Ravenna requesting uploads of necessary documents:

• Transcripts, standardized test scores, IEP/504 plans.

• Principal or Counselor Recommendation Form

• English Teacher Recommendation Form

• Math Teacher Recommendation Form

https://sites.google.com/cttech.org/henry-abbott-recruiting-2020 - Check out this presentation if you are interested in HATS.

There will be a Virtual Open House on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at 5:45 p.m. The Open House will give students and families the opportunity to meet and interact with the Trade Instructors.