Celebrating Over 55 Years of Excellence! NOVEMBER 1, 2018

St Rocco Weekly

THURSDAY PACKET School Sharing the Love of the Heart of Christ! Parent Notes

WINTER UNIFORM BEGAN TODAY!

PLEASE REFER TO THE STUDENT HANDBOOK ON OUR SCHOOL WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

St. Rocco School’s Fall Open House

“Discovery Today’s Catholic Schools” Family Mass will be held at 10:00am

Sunday, November 4th 11:00am-1:00pm

Tours available Monday through Friday 10:00 AM ~ 1:30 PM

Please call the school Office to schedule an appointment.

Please join us and tell your friends and family.

Meet the teachers, walk the school and enjoy refreshments!

Word of mouth is our best advertising. We hope to see everyone there!

A Note from the Principal…

A Catholic school is more than a place to gain academic knowledge. While a strong

educational program is essential, Catholic schools are special because they are communities

of faith as well as knowledge. Catholic schools operate in an environment that fosters the

development of the whole person. This is generally understood to be the “Catholic school

advantage” — all of the elements supporting your child’s education that are not available in public

schools.

Catholic School Advantages: A joyful and Gospel-centered environment enriches the minds, hearts and souls

of students and prepares them to grow in their faith and responsibility to live justly. All curriculum and

instruction in the Catholic school is permeated with religious and moral values promoted in the Gospels.

Students explore their faith through classes, participation in spiritual activities and in Christian service

programs. The catholic school environment and our mission to cultivate the religious, spiritual and moral

knowledge helps to prepare our students to succeed in this world and the next by serving God in others.

Proven Record of Academic Achievement: High expectations, rigorous

academic standards along with personalized attention and strong

motivation result in high academic outcomes and successful transitions to high school and college. Teachers

address the students’ needs and encourage them to discover their own gifts and talents and share them with

others. Catholic school students score significantly above the national average on standardized tests and have

a 99 percent graduation rate with more than 90 percent attending college.

Supportive Community: A Catholic school recognizes parents and families as a child’s

primary educators and joins with them to form a community of shared values in which each

person is unique and valuable. In a safe and disciplined environment, students and teachers

create a special bond of caring for one another. As a community rooted in the values of the

Gospel, students are encouraged to live their faith in communion with one another. The

Catholic school is a community where each child is accepted, respected and taught to practice

self-discipline, generosity, inclusion and cooperation with others. Activities to promote social and civic

engagement help students understand their roles in the church and society and their responsibility to

contribute to the common good of all.

Well-rounded Student Development: Catholic schools are committed to the development of the whole

person. Challenging academic subjects are balanced with additional instruction and activities that are

integral parts of the total educational experience. The arts, music, sports and community service projects

reflect the diversity of student interests. All students are encouraged to participate in appropriate social and

cultural activities. Through these opportunities, they develop skills including healthy competition, spirited

friendship, cooperation and strong leadership.

Smart Investment: A Catholic school education is a commitment to a child’s future that is well worth the

investment a family makes. In addition to a strong academic program, Catholic schools provide students

with the advantage of religious, moral and spiritual development that will influence the choices they make

throughout life. Research shows that Catholic school attendance leads to higher economic earnings. Catholic

school graduates are self-disciplined, self-motivated, responsible and creative citizens who will be

tomorrow’s leaders in church and society.

Many Blessings,

Mrs. Lorraine Moschella

Principal

Share the good news about Catholic education with your friends and neighbors!

**SPECIAL NOTE** Students are encouraged to make healthy choices for both snack and lunch at school. Please be sure to note that students are not allowed to bring candy to school.

Also- No food "treat bags" may be distributed to classmates for any holiday or celebration. (Halloween, Christmas, birthday, etc.) You may certainly send in items such as erasers, pencils, etc.

As a reminder- St. Rocco School is a NUT FREE SCHOOL. No nuts, peanut butter or the like are allowed to be consumed at snack or lunchtime. Please pay careful attention when packing your child's lunch.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Class of 2019 News…

Special Announcement: Our special Enthronement Mass will be celebrated on November 16th

at

9:00AM. Congratulations to Jack Mooradian who will crown the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and

Cooper Weir, who will be the crown bearer. The two boys were selected by their peers and faculty

members. All the eighth grade students will be participating in the mass. All are welcome to join

us for this memorable Mass.

BIG Thanks to our Halloween Volunteers! ~ Students in Grades PK3 – Grade

5 were treated to a Halloween Event in school on Friday, October 26th. The

children loved this fun event by participating in games, enjoyed treats with

of laughter and surprises--- especially TWISTER! Special thanks to Mrs.

Scotti & Mrs. Healey for planning this event! Also, big thanks to all our

“Helping Hands” Volunteers: Mrs. Joan Fontaine, Mrs. Alberta Caracciolo, Alicia Broccoli, Chalice Branch, Natalia Arboleda, Stephanie Ramos, Tyler

Weir, Karin Sabetta and Michelle Chester

All Saints Day Mass ~ Today, our All Saints Day Mass included a presentation from Miss Califano’s ~ Kindergarten Class, Mrs. Sweeney ~ First Grade Class and Sr. Daisy’s ~ Second Grade Class for All Saints Day. Each student dressed up as one of the “Saints”. The First Graders did all the readings and prayers at the Mass. A number of parents, family and friends joined us at this special Mass. Also, following the Mass, students from Mr. Macksoud’s Seventh Grade Homeroom shared their thoughts in regard to the October

monthly virtue “Perseverance”. It was a wonderful presentation of “Don’t Give Up”!

STUCO Annual Wreath Sale ~ A flyer is included in your child’s packet. Please see for all the

details. Delivery will be during the week of November 19th

. Cost $15.00 each (20” outside

diameter) All proceeds to benefit the St. Rocco Student Council.

Fantastic 50 Fundraiser ~ Don’t forget to sell your 25 tickets to help support our school. As always, your

help is greatly appreciated and needed for this Major Fundraiser to be a GREAT success!

Meadow Farms (Pie Fundraiser) ~ The delivery date for the PIES is Monday, November 19th! Estimated time of delivery is 1:30PM. St. Rocco School does NOT have ample space to store these items, please plan accordingly for pickup. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

MONTHLY PASSES ~ Monthly passes for DECEMBER are available to purchase ~ Mondays only for the cost of $5.00. Please place the money in a clearly labeled envelope with your child’s name, grade, along with your payment and required form (online) for December passes are due by November 20th. (Checks ONLY) Passes will be sent home in the Thursday Packet on November 29th.

PICTURE RETAKE DAY

Lifetouch Studios will be at St. Rocco School on 11/05/2018,

for retakes and for those that missed original picture day.

If you wish to have your child's picture retaken,

please send the original package with your child on retake day.

To place an order, order envelopes are available in the school office.

To order at mylifetouch.com, enter Picture Day ID PC038232Q1.

If there is a problem with the package from original picture day or wish to request a refund,

please call Lifetouch at 401-828-5220. Please do not return the package to the school.

Classroom News… Mrs. Ciunci Fourth Grade

The fourth graders here at St. Rocco School are busy learning and growing every day. They have all adjusted well to the routine and are flourishing academically as well as spiritually. Students are reading a variety of materials, including narrative and informational texts. We have recently completed a unit using Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing which students enjoyed. In Math, students have been practicing their computation skills, solving for variables,

estimating and using a variety of problem solving skills. Currently, Science is focusing on the ecosystem and how important it is for us to live in harmony with nature.

In social studies, students have learned about our world and will soon be learning about each of the 50 states in the USA. They will be writing letters to Chambers of Commerce and gathering information on various states. There will be a State Fair in March to showcase individual state projects. The Ten Commandments and The Beatitudes are the focus of fourth grade religion. The children will perform the Living Stations of the Cross, also in March.

Fourth grade is such an amazing year of growth and discovery for students. They are learning to become more independent and stretching their wings. They are part of choir, band, and basketball teams and are always excited for the next challenge. We look forward to an exciting year! ~ Mrs. Ciunci

Spread your blessings to others!

As you decorate your home for Christmas, please consider donating any religious items that you no longer need or use to the St. Rocco Religious Items booth. To donate, please leave items in the box marked “Religious Items for St. Rocco Feast” in the vestibule at Church.

We are very grateful for every donation we receive! Thank you! Sr. Donna

Middle School Social Studies

Elections, Elections, Elections

All of our Middle School Students have been researching the three main

gubernatorial candidates by exploring the candidates’ websites in our technology

lab. While researching, the students were recording the main issues of the election. Not only were the

students noting the positive information that was stated about the candidates, but they were also noting the

negative comments that were listed on a candidate’s website about their opponent. This election is being

discussed in the classroom, and positive and negative mailings are hung in the classroom for the students to

observe. The fifth grade class also created posters that have been placed in different locations throughout

the building. On Monday, November 5th, the middle school students, faculty, and staff will be voting on their

“St. Rocco’s School Official Gubernatorial Ballot” for their choice for governor. We will compare our results

with the results from the general election.

Community News

Members of the community theater group J-DAPA, based at Johnston High School, have been working extremely hard to perform in their upcoming musical; Honk Jr.

This is a musical based on the story of the Ugly Duckling and touches on the subject of anti-bullying. Tickets are $10.00, however a discounted ticket of $7.00 will be available to all Johnston students.

J-DAPA strives to keep the arts alive in our community for our youth and their families.

Community Partnership Upcoming Events

St. Rocco School Annual Food Drive ~ St. Rocco School Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive has begun! The list of specific food items is listed below. All food items collected will be donated to families in need within our community as well as The Emmanuel House. See the flyer in the Thursday Packet.

Pre-K3 Mac & Cheese Pre-K4 Jelly KA Tuna 1A Instant Mashed Potatoes 2A Cereal 3A Canned Fruit 4A Boxed/Bag Stuffing Mix

5A Canned Potatoes (White, Sweet, Yams, etc.) 6A Canned Soup 7A Canned Vegetables (Corn, Peas, Carrots, etc.) 8A Men’s Deodorant, Body Soap, Shaving Cream, Shampoo

Thank you for your generous and selfless giving.

Coat Drive ~ Our “Annual Coat Drive” will be held November 1st – 30th. All coats collected will be distributed to a local shelter. Please remember all coats are to be clean and may be brought to school and placed on the stage in Café Rocco. Many thanks!

Thank you in advance for helping us live out our mission. .

Extra, Extra Read All About It! ~ Throughout the year, SRS will acknowledge accomplishments of its’ students so that they can be recognized by our school community! Please feel free at any time to notify the school office so that we can share the good news of our students! Class of 2019 News…

Class Video - Eighth graders are required to send to school three pictures: one baby, one from elementary school years and a current photo. These photos will be used for their class video to be shown at the Awards Celebration. If you could send in the baby photo now and the other two photos by the November Thanksgiving break, it would be greatly appreciated. Please be sure to

LABEL back of your photos, preferably with an Address Label. Writing directly on the back of photo may cause damage to it. All photos will be returned.

Yearbook Baby Photo - Each eighth grade student needs a baby photo for the yearbook. You may use the same baby photo submitted for the video or you may submit a different one. This photo is due by Friday, November 2nd. Your cooperation is needed so that deadline dates can be met. Thank you, Mrs. Okolowitcz

St. Rocco Church Youth Group

Are you 12+ years old and looking for an opportunity to make friends, have fun, and expand your Catholic

Faith? Then the newly formed St. Rocco Youth Group is just for you. Some of the planned activities

include Apple Picking, Car Wash, Ultimate Frisbee, visiting LaSalette Shrine, and Community Service

Projects, just to name a few. Since we launched this program at our feast, we have been adding new

members every week. For more details on how you can join the team, please contact either:

Sue Mooradian (401-864-7811) Tyler Weir (228-326-0436)

Friday, November 2nd Grades 5-8 Field Trip to BayView ~Peter Pan Production

Scriptzone Due 9:00am

Sunday, November 4th Family Mass 10:00 AM

Open House - Discover Catholic Schools Week Begins

Art Showcase to follow.

Monday, November 5th Picture Re-Take Day

Tuesday, November 6th NO BUSING AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS

Friday, November 9th Grades 7 & 8 DOP Catholic School Youth Conference

Friday, November 9th Middle School Bowling Night

CW Lanes in Lincoln Mall Lincoln, RI

Friday, November 16th Mass & Enthronement 9:00AM

Monday, November 19th PIE DELIVERY~ Please PLAN

Wednesday, November 22nd Early Dismissal –11:30am

(NO LUNCH OR AFTERSCHOOL EXTENDED CARE)

Thurs. & Fri, Nov. 22 & 23rd Thanksgiving Recess

Monday, December 3rd CHOIR Holiday Concert State House 10:30am All are welcome!

Wednesday, December 19th Annual Christmas Pageant 6:30 PM- St. Rocco Church

Sat., March 9, 2019 St. Rocco School Annual Winter Gala

November Virtue of the Month ~Gratitude

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

931 Atwood Ave • Johns ton, RI 02919 • Tel . 401 .944 .2993 • www.s troccoschool .org

A ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL RAO Doc. Thursday Packet 18-19

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;

Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, And a great King above all gods.

Be glad in the LORD, you righteous ones, and give thanks to His holy name.

Psalm 95:1