Weekly THURSDAY PACKET Parent Notes February 25, 2016

Just a reminder, tomorrow evening, Friday, Feb. 26th there will be a PA Meeting in Café Rocco at 6:30PM to make the classroom baskets for the Gala

A Note from the Principal…

Meet a Sister. Be Inspired!

March 8th -14th National Catholic Sisters Week

Thank you, Sisters, for all you do

in support of Catholic Education and St. Rocco School!

A special thank you…

To the many parents who remember to call in their child’s absences. This greatly helps with

attendance.

To the many parents who follow our parking lot rules. We need you to help keep our children safe.

To all the parent volunteers who come out to assist us in helping your children.

A school cannot function without its many parent volunteers. We need you to help us so we can give that

“extra” to the children.

During March, we find ourselves deep in the season of Lent. As parents and teachers, we try to

teach our children that penance, reflection and fasting prepares us for Christ’s Resurrection on

Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption. We try to encourage not only

giving up something (like candy) during Lent, but to make more of an effort to live

our lives by following Jesus’ example.

Our monthly virtues and religious teachings encourage our students to be kind, gentle,

responsible and respectful. Lent is truly a time to remind ourselves that God loves us so much –He

gave His only son.

We continue to come together for Stations of the Cross each Wednesday during Lent. Grades

K-4 are scheduled at 9:00am and grades 5-8 at 1:40pm. We as a school community will

always work together and at this time prepare our hearts for Easter.

Blessings to you and your family this Lenten Season.

Mrs. Lorraine S. Moschella

Principal

TO ALL STUDENTS WHO PURCHASED THE FEB. MONTHLY MONDAY DRESS DOWN PASSES,

YOU MAY DRESS DOWN TOMORROW DUE TO THE SNOW DAY ON Monday Feb.8th

. IF YOU

BRING IN YOUR PASS.

Celebrating Over 50 Years of Excellence!

Saint Rocco School Sharing the Love of the Heart of Christ!

931 Atwood Ave. • Johnston, RI 02919

Tel: (401) 944-2993 • Fax: (401) 944-3019 www.stroccoschool.org A ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL

RECYCLE - Please continue to send in any size plastic shopping bags, newspaper plastic sleeves, etc. We are collecting these bags until April 22nd. This program is a challenge to celebrate Earth Day. We are competing against other schools to collect the most plastic bags every month. The winners receive a free Trex bench or picnic table for the school. Last year, we were the regional winner; we are hoping to win for the FOURTH year in a row! GO GREEN !!!

Classroom News…Mrs. Sweeney ~ Grade 1 As we are half way through the school year already, the children are progressing well with learning the skills and

content of the first grade curriculum. Here are a few highlights of what we are studying currently in class:

In religion, the children are learning about the ways Jesus showed us God's love: Jesus performed miracles, he fed

the hungry, he healed the sick and he forgave the sinners. Also, Jesus taught us to love God. Throughout this

Lenten season, our class will recite and reflect on Jesus' passion through participating in the Stations of the Cross.

We will focus, too, on the three Holy Days and the gifts which Jesus gave us of Himself and the Holy Spirit filled

with faith, hope and love.

Throughout the school year we explore and practice writing a variety of genres. Currently, we are working on

persuasive writing. With this genre, the writer needs to state facts and 'good reasons' about the topic in order to

convince the reader of his/her opinion. The first graders will work very hard on this challenge to be able to

persuade their peers to agree with their opinions!

In science, our current topic of study is 'Air'. The children enjoy participating in hands-on science experiments in

order to explore 'air' in different ways: One way we do this is through observing that air takes up space, even

under water. Another way focuses on air pressure in which we use plungers, vials and tubing to control air pressure

and to feel and observe compression. Also, we use a balloon 'rocket' which is powered by air to see how far it

travels across a line. Last, we observe how air surrounding a parachute causes it to float to the ground.

The first graders are very eager to learn! They love to participate in lessons that are hands-on, creative and fun!

Their learning is a reward for themselves as well as for me. Once their projects are complete, the children show

pride in their work as they excitedly show and tell all that they have explored, learned and created!

Special Dress Down Passes ~ Plan ahead for the month of March! For $5.00, you may purchase (3) Dress Down Passes for the Month of March to be used on Mondays ONLY, beginning March 7th unless otherwise noted. Deadline to purchase these passes is FEBRUARY 26TH. Passes cannot be purchased after this date- NO EXCEPTIONS. Also, students can receive a pass for recycling 5 ink cartridges, bringing in 50 Box Tops or 50 Campbell Soup labels. Clearly label with your child’s name and homeroom.

Class of 2016 News… Eighth Graders – Yearbook Ads ~ Just a reminder, ads are due to the school office by TOMORROW, FRIDAY February 26th. After that date, ads will be offered to the entire school community. An e-mail was sent with all information. Any questions, please contact Nancy Levesque.

NJHS News…On Wednesday, March 2nd students in Grades 1-5 during their snack time will participate in a short prayer service followed by each student receiving a small serving size of rice; symbolizing the “Meager Meal” many Catholics have during this Lenten season and the sacrifices we make. The members of the NJHS will be coordinating this project under the

supervision of their advisors. Rice is provided by the Food Service Company ~ Aramark. See flyer. ALSO, THIS IS A $1.00.DRESS DOWN DAY, STUDENTS MAY DRESS IN PURPLE FOR THE LENTEN SEASON.

Open House and Art Exhibition ~ Please join us on Wednesday, March 16th from 4:00-7:00PM at our Open House and Third Annual Art Exhibit. Invite your family and friends to tour our school and registrations for the upcoming school year will be accepted. Also, come and view the art work of the students here at St. Rocco School. We are very excited to showcase their talent and works of art!

Sports News … Special Congratulations to our Boys Junior (Grades 3&4) Basketball Team!

They finished their season with a 10-1 record with their 1 loss by only 2 points. The team

was led by their top scorer Darius Ajakaiye followed by David Zambrano, Domenic DiMattia

and Nathan Lewis. Third graders Roman Mostecky, Nathan George, David Sabetta and David

Hanson also scored to help the Raptors to a great season. Also contributing to the team was AJ Zuena,

Brendan Case, Braden Healey, Jim Ismee, Ryan Little, Landen McCarty, Brady Thoren and Aiden Williams.

Many thanks to the Coach Lewis and Coach Ajakaiye for a great season!!! The boys will be playing in the

upcoming Diocesan Tournament Championship. We wish you well!

SRS Parent Association News… “Where our Children always come First!”

All auction items and donations of any kind are to be sent to the school office.

Listed below are more details regarding the Gala: FYI……. All donations including Grade Level Gala Basket items are due by tomorrow, February 26th. Baskets will be assembled tomorrow evening, Friday, February 26th in Café Rocco at 6:30pm. All parent volunteers are welcome!! If you would like to donate any empty baskets, please send them into school with your child prior to this date.

Any student that brings in an item for their assigned class room basket will receive a Dress Down Pass. Date to be determined at a later time. The class with the highest participation will receive a Pizza Party! For Grade Level Basket themes:

PreK 3&4 Arts & Crafts Basket Kindergarten Family Fun Basket Grade 1 Movie Basket Grade 2 Summer Fun Grade 3 Rhode Island Basket Grade 4 Date Night Grade 5 Italian Basket Grade 6 Spa Basket Grade 7 Athletic Basket Grade 8 Outdoor Basket

Gala Solicitation/Donation Letter ~ A donation letter was sent home. Feel free to make copies or if in need of additional copies, contact the school office. Please remember to sign your name on the line provided labeled committee member.

Suggestions of donations: your hair stylist, manicurist, lawn care company, mechanic, or any stores that you frequent would be greatly appreciated. The donation may be a monetary one or a certificate for services full or partial. If everyone does a little, we can accomplish a lot. All proceeds go directly to our children at the school.

Any questions, feel free to contact Tara Zuena at tarazuena@gmail.com, Karin Sabetta at kas1126@cox.net or Linda Monello at lmonello@hotmail.com

Wine/Liquor Surprise ~ We are still in need of a few more Wine or Liquor donations for the Gala! We will utilize your donation for surprise bags which will include an additional gift certificate or small gift item with a “Bottle”.

Classroom Basket themes are listed below. Please be sure to notify your room parent with your donation.

NEW THIS YEAR BIDDING NUMBERS – Each program will have a number posted on the front cover. This will be your assigned number to use to bid on an item. No names on bid sheets will be allowed.

St. Rocco School Parent Association Annual Gala Dinner Dance and Silent Auction.

We would love for you to join us for this special night. We are also taking reservations for table of 10!

Save The Date

ST. ROCCO SCHOOL PARENT ASSOCIATION

An Enchanted Evening

You are invited to join us for a FUN-FILLED NIGHT….

SILENT AUCTION, DINNER AND DANCING! SATURDAY, MARCH 5th

Providence Marriot Begin making plans for your table of 10!

Confirmation News Lenten Requirements ~ Eighth grade students received a letter last week regarding requirements needed to be fulfilled during Lent and Holy Week. Any questions please call Sr. Mary Antoinette at the CCD office 401-944-6040. No exceptions!!! Retreat ~ Eighth grade students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation are to

attend a mandatory retreat. The retreat will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at St. Rocco School. Students are to report by 9:20am and the day will end at 3:00PM. Please mark your calendar. Failure to attend will exempt you from making the sacrament.

Saint Rocco School Mission Statement

“Sharing the Love of the Heart of Christ” is the foundation of the St. Rocco School community.

We are dedicated to creating an environment that instills Catholic values and nourishes the development of the whole person.

We are committed to excellence in academic standards that prepare students to reach their full potential and meet the global challenges of the future.

~Special Dates~

Saturday, March 5th Annual Winter Gala All are invited!

Silent and live auction, great food, dancing!

Help support our school by attending this fun event!

Wednesday, March 16th Art Show/Open House 4-7PM

Thursday, March 17th Grade 2 First Reconciliation 8:45AM

Friday, March 18th Living Stations of the Cross 7:00PM St. Rocco Church

Thursday, March 24th Holy Thursday Early Dismissal 11:30AM

Friday, March 25th No School

Monday, March 28th No School/Faculty Retreat

Friday, April 1st No School

Friday evening , April 1st Father/Daughter Dance

April 10th Sr. Daisy’s 25th Jubilee Celebration Mass 12:00PM Coffee And following

April 11th – 15th Reading Week/Week of the Young Child

April 18th – 22nd Spring Recess

Saturday, April 30th Grade 2 First Communion

Sunday, May 1st Family Mass 10:00AM

May Breakfast follows

Friday, May 6th Mother/Son Dance

May 16th Annual Student Performance ~ Cranston High School West

May 20th May Crowning 9:00AM

Middle School Dance 6:30PM

May 23rd Gr. 5 & 7 Transition Meeting for Parents & Students

May 30th Memorial Day – No School

June 1st Athletic Celebration

June 2nd 8TH Grade Awards Night 6:30PM

June 5th Graduation Mass & Commencement Exercises

June 10th Last Day of School Dismissal 11:30AM

~ Mark your calendars! ~

Coming this Spring!!!

MAY 14, 2016

Our Spring Performance

Cranston West High School

February Virtue of the Month

Friendliness

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Greater love has no one than this,

that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:12-15

"Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or

husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the

living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile,

kindness in your warm greeting." Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

CHRIST is the reason for this school. ~in our minds, on our lips, and always in our hearts~

931 Atwood Ave. • Johnston, RI 02919 • Tel: (401) 944-2993 • Fax: (401) 944-3019 • www.stroccoschool.org RAO Doc. Thursday Packet 15-16