We are looking forward to seeing everyone back at Saint James School in just a couple of weeks. Our full 2021-2022 handbook will be emailed out shortly, but as you prepare for the start of school, please remember the following standard SJS guidelines:
*No make up, nail polish, artificial nails, or artificial “tattoos” are allowed
*Boys’ hair must not touch their shirt collar and must not cover their ears or eyebrows
*Hairpieces, mohawk-style haircuts, designs cut into hair, and outlandish hairstyles are not allowed
*Hair cannot not be dyed, highlighted, or bleached (if your student has colored their hair over the summer it must be dyed back to their natural color before school)
*The following jewelry is allowed: one watch, one ring, one thin chain necklace with or without a cross. Smart watches are NOT allowed
*Girls are allowed one pair of post earrings worn in the earlobes (Boys are not allowed to wear earrings)
*Hair must be neat, clean, and well cut
*K-8 students must be in the proper uniform attire every day. All students should wear their regular uniform attire (not gym uniform) on the first day of school.
Additional notes:
*Class assignments for 1st-8th grade students will be emailed to parents sometime next week.
*There will be 4 separate areas for students to enter the building for the K-8 program again this year. Signs will be posted outside during the September 1st visit and also on the 1st day during the to help families identify each entrance area; Aides, staff members, and other helpers will be on site to assist with getting students to their classrooms if needed on the 1st few days of school. These areas are the same as last year and will be as follows:
*Front Door: Mrs Phelan’s 3rd Grade Class & both 4th Grade Classes
*Breezeway Entrance: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 6th Grade
*North Door Main Parking Lot (back area): 7th Grade, 8th Grade
*South Door Main Parking Lot (closer to street): Mrs. Moran’s 3rd Grade, Kindergarten, 5th Grade
As in years past, we strongly encourage you to park in the Saint James Church parking lot and walk up with your students (crossing guards will be out to help you cross at the crosswalks) if not using the Drop & Go option. Detailed drop-off & parking guidelines will be emailed out before school (these will be exactly the same as last year so returning grade k-8 families and returning pre-k families should already know exactly where they can park and how the drop & go protocol works).
Candy Bar Bingo Fun
Lots of smiles and fun at Saturday’s Candy Bar Bingo event sponsored by the SJS Home & School Association. Special thanks to our awesome 7th & 8th grade volunteers for helping us set-up and run the event and to Mrs. Poth for chairing.
1st Grade Prayer Towers
During their STREAM class, SJS 1st graders wrote (or drew a picture of) something they would like to pray for on a colored index card – then built the tallest tower possible out of 10 flat and 10 folded cards to help them lift that prayer up to God.
Otis Street Parking
As a reminder, parking on Otis Street is only permitted on ONE SIDE of the road. Please do not park on the wrong side of the road as it creates traffic congestion and inhibits the safe flow of traffic.
There is a no-parking sign posted, and that sign applies to that whole side of the street. Please share this with anyone who picks up your child/ren. Thank you again for your help.
Morning Drop & Go Reminder
A reminder for K – 8 families: the Drop & Go line in the morning should only be used when your student is fully ready to exit the car. If your child needs a few extra minutes to get their mask on, finish breakfast, organize their belongings, etc. please find a place to park until they are ready. Drop & Go should only be used for students ready to quickly exit the car and begin their day. Thank you for your understanding.
Last Call: Candy Bar Bingo RSVPs Due Today
The HSA invites all SJS families (PreK – Grade 8) to kick-off the school year at our first Family Fun Event! Please join us for Candy Bar BINGO on Saturday, September 18 at 3:00pm, outdoors in the school courtyard. In the case of inclement weather, we will be socially distanced in the school gym. If your family would like to attend, please complete the form below. The cost for admission is candy! Please bring one full-size candy bar per family member attending. Refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there!
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Staff Updates
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we excited to share the following staff updates:
1st Grade
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. DiFilippo as our new 1st grade teacher! Mrs. DiFilippo comes to us with previous experience at St. Christopher school in East Hartford where she taught Kindergarten and Pre-K. A product of Catholic education herself, having attended Holy Trinity Elementary/Middle School and Mercy High School, Mrs. DiFilippo holds degrees in Early Childhood Elementary Education and Psychology from Keene State College in New Hampshire. Mrs. DiFilippo is excited to join our school community, working alongside Mrs. Alexander in 1st grade (and also Mrs. Paradis whom she worked with at St. Chris).
Pre-Kindergarten News
As previously announced, Mrs. Fitzgerald (former SJS 1st grade teacher) has taken on the role of Pre-Kindergarten Program Director/Pre-K4 Teacher this year. We are excited to announce that Mrs. Carpenter (our former SJS Librarian) will be joining Mrs. Fitzgerald as a Pre-Kindergarten Aide; Mrs. Tierney (who was our Librarian last year) has accepted the Saint James School Librarian role on a permanent basis.
Also in Pre-Kindergarten news, we are sad to report that Pre-K Aide Mrs. LaChance will not be returning this year. And, Mrs. Mauldin will be moving over to the big school to work as a Kindergarten Aide in Mrs. Vassallo’s classroom.
Lastly, we are pleased to report that Mr. Lucey will be returning to us as our General Music Teacher.
We will be updating the staff directory on the App and our school website shortly.
Back to School Readiness Reminders
We are looking forward to seeing everyone back at Saint James School in just a couple of weeks. Our full 2021-2022 handbook will be emailed out shortly, but as you prepare for the start of school, please remember the following standard SJS guidelines:
*No make up, nail polish, artificial nails, or artificial “tattoos” are allowed
*Boys’ hair must not touch their shirt collar and must not cover their ears or eyebrows
*Hairpieces, mohawk-style haircuts, designs cut into hair, and outlandish hairstyles are not allowed
*Hair cannot not be dyed, highlighted, or bleached (if your student has colored their hair over the summer it must be dyed back to their natural color before school)
*The following jewelry is allowed: one watch, one ring, one thin chain necklace with or without a cross. Smart watches are NOT allowed
*Girls are allowed one pair of post earrings worn in the earlobes (Boys are not allowed to wear earrings)
*Hair must be neat, clean, and well cut
*K-8 students must be in the proper uniform attire every day. All students should wear their regular uniform attire (not gym uniform) on the first day of school.
Additional notes:
*Class assignments for 1st-8th grade students will be emailed to parents sometime next week.
*There will be 4 separate areas for students to enter the building for the K-8 program again this year. Signs will be posted outside during the September 1st visit and also on the 1st day during the to help families identify each entrance area; Aides, staff members, and other helpers will be on site to assist with getting students to their classrooms if needed on the 1st few days of school. These areas are the same as last year and will be as follows:
*Front Door: Mrs Phelan’s 3rd Grade Class & both 4th Grade Classes
*Breezeway Entrance: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 6th Grade
*North Door Main Parking Lot (back area): 7th Grade, 8th Grade
*South Door Main Parking Lot (closer to street): Mrs. Moran’s 3rd Grade, Kindergarten, 5th Grade
As in years past, we strongly encourage you to park in the Saint James Church parking lot and walk up with your students (crossing guards will be out to help you cross at the crosswalks) if not using the Drop & Go option. Detailed drop-off & parking guidelines will be emailed out before school (these will be exactly the same as last year so returning grade k-8 families and returning pre-k families should already know exactly where they can park and how the drop & go protocol works).
Staffing Update
In case our current families didn’t get a chance to watch the last day of school wrap-up video from Mrs. Zorger (and to inform our new SJS families as well), we are excited to announce that Mrs. Jessica Fitzgerald has accepted the position of Pre-Kindergarten Director/4-Year-Old Program Teacher here at Saint James School for the upcoming school year. Mrs. Fitzgerald has taught 1st grade at Saint James for the past 5 years and prior to that, served as the head teacher for another preschool program in town.
Mrs. Fitzgerald is a graduate of Assumption Elementary/Middle School, East Catholic High School, and the University of Connecticut – where she received her degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a specialization in Early Childhood Development and Education. Mrs. Fitzgerald also holds a Master’s of Education Degree from the University of Hartford and is certified through the State of Connecticut to teach Integrated Early Childhood in addition to the lower Elementary Grades. Please join us on congratulating Mrs. Fitzgerald on her new role of working with our littlest Sabers.
Mrs. St. Jean, who has been graciously doing double duty this year as a 2nd Grade teacher along with her Pre-K Director duties, has enjoyed being back in her former 2nd grade classroom and will continue to teach 2nd grade alongside Mrs. LaMarche for the upcoming year.
We are currently interviewing to fill the 1st grade teacher position and will share updates as the summer progresses.
In addition, Mr. Lucey (our general music teacher) has decided to pursue an opportunity outside of SJS. Mr. Corcoran (of Future Musicians, Inc.) is currently interviewing to fill that role.
7th Graders Design HiveHauses
The CT Chapter of The American Institute of Architects recently put together an educational video series called “Architecture in Our Community” which highlights five local projects led by local architectural firms. Throughout the series…
Wednesday: Christmas-Themed Dress Down Day
Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 23rd will be a (free) Red & Green/Christmas-themed dress down day for students and staff. All standard dress down guidelines apply.