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.

“On that blessed night the sweet infant Jesus, scarcely an hour old, filled the darkness of my soul with floods of light. By becoming weak and little, for love of me, He made me strong and brave: He put His own weapons into my hands so that I went on from strength to strength, beginning, if I may say so, ‘to run as a giant."" Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

It is hard to believe that we are in the middle of November! Despite the challenging times, the months are swiftly passing. I want to thank all of you for doing your part to keep your family safe during these unpredictable days. When you keep your family safe, you are keeping the entire St. Peter School family safe.

Personnel Update:

We continue to look for a Building Substitute 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.

New Staff Members:

We welcome Ms. Taisha Rosario to St. Peter School. She will be working in the Pre K classroom. Everyone is excited that she is joining the St. Peter School community.

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:

Students should have all received one box of chocolates for the fundraiser. If your family sells the box and brings in the proceeds, your child is welcome to take another box to sell until all the boxes are sold.

Thanksgiving:

Thanksgiving is upon us! May you and your family have a blessed and safe holiday season. While gatherings will be small this year, make memories and share them with family members when it is safe for everyone to gather together once again.

Please take a moment to read Dr. Cheeseman's letter which is attached.

Website:

Please be sure to check out our website for up to the minute information: stpeterschooldanbury.org

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.

May peace and hope be yours...

In Christ,

Mary Lou Torre, St. Peter School Principal

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

Ms. Pantaleo: apantaleo@spsdanbury.org

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)

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

November 26 & 27 - Thanksgiving Holiday

November 29 - 1st Sunday of Advent

December 6 - 2nd Sunday of Advent

December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception - No School

December 13 - 3rd Sunday of Advent

December 20 - 4th Sunday of Advent

December 23 - Early Dismissal - 12:30 - Grab and Go Lunch

December 24 - January 1 - No School

As the holidays swiftly approach, I want to take a moment to share some reminders which we have all heard over the past months, but which bear repeating.

1) Traveling during the holidays is not recommended. With that being said, please let us know if you are planning to travel and remember that CT has a Travel Advisory. You can find the information as noted below.

• http://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/travel
  

• 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.

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~

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.

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.

An Advent calendar is attached for your perusal in English and Spanish.