540 Washington Avenue           Kenilworth, NJ 07033
                                                                                                                     908-276-7220    fax 908-709-1103


February 2, 2023

Dear Parents,
Catholic Schools Week 2023 has been a true celebration of the Faith, Excellence and Service that make Catholic Schools unique and vital for the future of society and of the Church. Thank you for your support and your commitment to Catholic education here at STS.

THANK YOU!
What a great turnout for our Opening Catholic Schools Week Mass! Thank you for witnessing to your children that we are more than an academic community, but that we are a community of faith as well.

CANDY SALE
We will be starting our traditional candy sale next week. This is a school fundraiser and not part of your HSA contract. All families are expected to participate. Please see the flyer for more information.

SMART/GIZMO/APPLE WATCHES
Since Christmas, we have seen an exponential increase in the number of Smart/Gizmo/Apple Watches, especially among younger children. Please remind your child of the school policy regarding cell phones, Smart Watches and other electronic devices. For your convenience, the policy from our Handbook (p. 25) is printed here:

Electronic Devices
No student is permitted to use a cell phone/Smartwatch or other electronic communication device during school hours. If cell phones and other electronic communication devices are brought to school, they must be turned off and kept in the backpack during the school day.
Electronic devices for educational purposes may be allowed at the discretion of the teacher. 
The school is not responsible for the loss or damage of any students’ personal property.
Failure to comply with these rules will result in the confiscation of the devices until a parent/guardian comes to school to retrieve it.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Tomorrow, our last day of Catholic Schools Week, is Pajamas, Pretzels, and a Movie, Students will be allowed to wear their pajamas, with sneakers please, and enjoy a pretzel and a movie with their classmates. Dismissal is at noon.

TRICKY TRAY 2023
Ticket order forms were sent home last week. Get your family and friends together for what will be a great event!  Tickets go on sale to the public starting today. We will not be selling as many tickets as we have in the past, but we do expect to sell out, so please reserve your spot!

FINANCIAL AID
The Scholarship for Inner City Children (SFIC) is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. The application is available on https://sficnj.org/parent-student-portal/. If you believe you might qualify for financial assistance, please read the attached flyer, or visit their website.

YOUTH GROUP
Fr. Roberto has begun a Youth Group in the Parish and is welcoming all 7^th and 8^th graders to attend. The group meets every other Friday night; the next meeting is Friday, February 10.
For more information, please contact Fr. Roberto at the Rectory.

FEBRUARY CALENDAR
Please note, because we haven’t used any of our snow days yet, we are extending our Presidents’ Day celebration, having no school on Friday, February 17, in addition to Monday, February 20.

God bless! 

Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA
Principal
 

                                                                           
                                                                                                   540 Washington Avenue           Kenilworth, NJ 07033
                                                                                                          908-276-7220    fax 908-709-1103


January 26, 2023

Dear Parents,
The national celebration of Catholic Schools Week here at St. Theresa School begins at our 5:30 PM Mass this Saturday, January 28. Join us in celebrating the treasure of Catholic education and the people who make STS so special – you, your children, and our dedicated faculty and staff.

THANK YOU!
Thank you so much for your support. We raised $770 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with last week’s Tag Day. I know many of you also donated directly online to this worthwhile cause. Thank you!

FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Another successful event run by our HSA! A special thank you to Megan Tripodi who spearheaded the event, and to all of you for participating. Our next Family Fun Night will take place in the Spring.

RE-REGISTRATION
Priority re-registration for the 2023-2024 school year ends tomorrow, January 27. After that date, we will open registration to new families.

OPEN HOUSE
We will be hosting an Open House for prospective families on Wednesday, February 1, 9:00-11:00AM or 7:00-8:30PM. Please encourage interested friends and family members to take a look at what St. Theresa School has to offer!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK MASS
We are requesting all our families to attend the Catholic Schools Week Opening Mass this Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 5:30PM. Children who attend should be in their school uniform. Light refreshments follow in the gym. The classrooms will be open if you’d like to “sneak a peek” at your child’s class. Your participation in this community event is greatly appreciated.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
The National celebration of Catholic Schools Week will take place January 28-February 4, 2023.
This year’s theme is Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service. Here are some of the things we’ll be doing to celebrate:
Saturday 1/28 – Opening Mass at 5:30PM. ALL encouraged to attend. School uniforms, please.
Monday 1/30 – Dress as a Superhero – Students will write thank you cards to our community superheroes.
Tuesday 1/31 – Sports Jersey Day – Feast of St. John Bosco – Prayer Service; Bosco Bingo and Gaga Ball Tournament Finals
Wednesday 2/1 – The Magic of Science Assembly (PK3-Gr.8); Open House for prospective families
Thursday 2/2 – Buddy Day Activities; Mass for the Feast of the Presentation
Friday 2/3 – Pajamas, Pretzels, and a Movie – Noon Dismissal
I’ve attached a schedule of activities for your convenience, as well as a letter from our Superintendent, Barbara Dolan.

TRICKY TRAY 2023
Ticket order forms were sent home yesterday. Start getting your family and friends together for what will be a great event!  Opportunities for volunteer hours before, during, and after the Tricky Tray will be available! If you haven’t already done so, please submit your prize basket as soon as possible.

DISMISSAL
For everyone’s safety, parents are reminded to leave promptly at dismissal. Children should not be running through the parking lot, neither should younger children (PK) be playing in the playground areas.

LUNCH ORDERS
In addition to ordering your lunch online, you can now also pay for it online! You should have already received a link for next month’s lunches.

FEBRUARY CALENDAR
Our February calendar is included with this letter. Please note, we are extending our Presidents’ Day celebration, having no school on Friday, February 17, in addition to Monday, February 20.

God bless! 

Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA
Principal
 

                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                   540 Washington Avenue           Kenilworth, NJ 07033
                                                                                                                                            908-276-7220    fax 908-709-1103


January 19, 2023

Dear Parents,
One of our goals at STS is to help our students become responsible citizens, capable of helping others. We are happy to support alumna Abby Han (Class of ‘22) in her efforts to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Please see the attached flyer.

TAG DAY FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA FOUNDATION
Tomorrow, January 20, will be a special Tag Day to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Minimum donation is $2. We appreciate your support.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT
The HSA is looking forward to its Winter Family Fun Night at Union Sports Arena tomorrow, January 20. Click on the link Family Fun Night Sign Up for more information and to join us for a night of Ice Skating! After you register on our website, also click on the link to sign the waiver and reserve your skates directly with Union Sports Arena. This will ensure that you can spend as much time as possible on the ice!

RE-REGISTRATION
Priority re-registration for the 2023-2024 school year ends next Friday, January 27. After that date, we will open registration to new families.

OPEN HOUSE
We will be hosting an Open House for prospective families on Wednesday, February 1, 9:00-11:00AM or 7:00-8:30PM. Please encourage interested friends and family members to take a look at what St. Theresa School has to offer!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK MASS
We are requesting all our families to attend the Catholic Schools Week Opening Mass on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 5:30PM. Children who attend should be in their school uniform. Refreshments follow in the gym. Your participation in this community event is greatly appreciated.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
The National celebration of Catholic Schools Week will take place January 28-February 4, 2023.
This year’s theme is Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service. Here are some of the things we’ll be doing to celebrate:
Saturday 1/28 – Opening Mass at 5:30PM. ALL encouraged to attend. School uniforms, please.
Monday 1/30 – Dress as a Superhero – Students will write thank you cards to our community super heroes
Tuesday 1/31 – Sports Jersey Day – Feast of St. John Bosco – Prayer Service; Bosco Bingo and Gaga Ball Tournament Finals
Wednesday 2/1 – The Magic of Science Assembly (PK3-Gr.8); Open House for prospective families
Thursday 2/2 – Buddy Day Activities; Feast of the Presentation Mass
Friday 2/3 – Pajamas, Pretzels, and a Movie – Noon Dismissal; Appreciation Luncheon for Faculty and Staff

TRICKY TRAY 2023
Ticket order forms will be sent home next week. Start getting your family and friends together for what will be a great event!  Opportunities for volunteer hours before, during, and after the Tricky Tray will be available! If you haven’t already done so, please submit your prize basket.

God bless! 

Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA
Principal

                                   
 

               
    540 Washington Avenue           Kenilworth, NJ 07033
       908-276-7220    fax 908-709-1103
 

January 12, 2023

Dear Parents,
I hope 2023 is treating you well so far! We already find ourselves in the middle of January. Enjoy the long weekend!

RE-REGISTRATION
Re-registration for the 2023-2024 school year has begun. If you have not received the re-registration materials or if you need additional materials for younger children, please contact Maureen. This is a great time to invite your friends, neighbors, and family members to consider sending their children to STS. We will be hosting an Open House for prospective families on Wednesday, February 1, both during the day and in the evening.

NOON DISMISSAL - PRETZEL/TAG DAY
Tomorrow, January 13, is a noon dismissal. It is also a Pretzel/Tag Day. Please send in $2 if you would like your child to have a pretzel and wear his/her own clothes. This is a fundraiser for the Class of 2024. After Care is available for those students who need to attend. Just a reminder that there is no school on Monday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King.

COVID CASES

As expected after the holidays, we have seen an increase in the number of Covid cases in school. Please monitor your children for symptoms and take additional precautions for their health and safety, including keeping them home if they are not feeling well and testing for Covid. Please notify the school if results are positive. We continue to sanitize the classrooms and gathering areas.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT
The HSA is pleased to announce its Winter Family Fun Night to take place at Union Sports Arena next Friday, January 20. Click on the link Family Fun Night Sign Up for more information and to join us for a night of Ice Skating! 

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Catholic Schools Week at STS starts on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the 5:30PM Mass. Please make every effort to attend the Mass and join us for refreshments afterwards in the gym. More information and a full schedule of events will be sent home next week.

KINDNESS COUNTS CLUB
Students in grades K-2 can sign up for our Kindness Counts Club. The group will meet on several Thursdays from February to May. Please see the attachment for more information and to sign up.

HISTORY DETECTIVES CLUB
Students in grades 2-4 can participate in History Detectives the fourth Wednesday of each month. Please see the attachment for more details and to sign up.

TRICKY TRAY 2023
All Tricky Tray Basket donations are due tomorrow, January 13. Families who chose Option 1 or 3 on their Home School Parent Contract are required to donate a $125 retail value gift basket/prize item.  Opportunities for volunteer hours before, during, and after the Tricky Tray will be available! Tickets for this in-person event will go on sale soon.

God bless! 

Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA

Principal
                                                                    

I 

                  
    540 Washington Avenue           Kenilworth, NJ 07033
                                                                    908-276-7220    fax 908-709-1103


January 5, 2023

Dear Parents,
Happy New Year! I hope 2023 has gotten off to a happy and healthy start for all of you and your families. Thank you so much for your generous Christmas gifts. Your thoughtfulness and your kindness are greatly appreciated.

RE-REGISTRATION
It’s that time of year again! Re-registration for the 2023-2024 school year starts next week. You will receive all the re-registration materials next week. This is also a great time to invite your friends, neighbors, and family members to consider sending their children to STS.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT
The HSA is pleased to announce its Winter Family Fun Night to take place at Union Sports Arena on Friday, January 20. Click on the link Family Fun Night Sign Up for more information and to join us for a night of Ice Skating! 

WINTER NEWSLETTER
Please see the attached HSA Newsletter which follows up on past events and looks forward to our upcoming activities.

LAUDATO SI’ CLUB
Students in grades 3-8 can sign up for a new club, The Laudato Si’ Club. The group will meet every other Monday from 3:00-4:00PM. You can find information on our website.

HOMEWORK CLUB
The National Junior Honor Society is once again offering a Homework Club for students in grades 2-8, every other Wednesday. Please see the attached flyer for more information and to sign up. The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 11.

BASKETBALL SEASON

Girls’ and Boys’ basketball season starts this weekend. Good luck to all our athletes!

JANUARY CALENDAR
Just a reminder that we have a FULL day of school tomorrow and that our “half day faculty meeting” takes place on January 13 (the second Friday of the month).

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Catholic Schools Week at STS starts on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the 5:30PM Mass. Please make every effort to attend. More information and a full schedule of events will be sent home shortly.

TRICKY TRAY 2023
Our 2023 Tricky Tray will take place, in person, on Saturday, March 25, 2023! This is our largest fundraiser, and we count on your participation. Families who chose Option 1 or 3 on their Home School Parent Contract are required to donate a $125 retail value gift basket/prize item.  All prizes/donations are due next Friday, January 13. Opportunities for volunteer hours before, during, and after the Tricky Tray will be available!

AFTER CARE STUDENT PICK-UP
Thank you to those parents who have already complied with this request. We would like to remind parents who are picking up their children from After Care to please park on the side street or in the main lot and walk to the cafeteria to pick up their children. Our children consider the courtyard a “safe place” to play, so the presence of a car, especially now that it gets dark earlier, is dangerous for the children. It is also dangerous for our Day Care children who are dismissed from their classroom doors that face the courtyard.

Have a wonderful weekend!
God bless! 

Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA
Principal
               

                                                                                            
                                                                                                                        540 Washington Avenue           Kenilworth, NJ 07033
                                                                                                                                       908-276-7220    fax 908-709-1103


                                                                                                                                                                                                                      December 15, 2022

Dear Parents,
As we approach Christmas, I wish you all the joys and blessings that the birth of the Christ Child brings. Christmas is the feast of God’s love made visible! May our dealings with one another, our time spent with family and friends, make God’s love more visible in a world so much in need of the peace and joy that the Christ Child came to bring.

THANK YOU
Thank you to Megan Malone, Linda DaSilva, the Home School Association and the parents who volunteered at our Pictures with Santa event and our Christmas Shop. The children had a wonderful time and were able to experience the joy of belonging to the St. Theresa School family. A special thanks to Santa and Mrs. Claus!

A NEW STAR IS BORN
This evening, students in grades K-2 will be presenting their Christmas Show, A New Star is Born, at 7:00PM. Grade 2 students must arrive between 5:45-6:00PM; Kindergarten and Grade 1 students must arrive at 6:30 PM. All students are to enter through the cafeteria. Parents will need to enter through the main gym doors on Washington Avenue. All seats have been reserved so there is no need to “camp out” to get a good spot! Please review the guidelines that the teachers have already sent out regarding this evening.

TAG DAY
Student Council is sponsoring a “World Cup” themed Tag Day tomorrow, December 16. Students can wear a jersey from their favorite team (soccer, or other sport), or their favorite color. The price is $1. Please see the attached flyer.

LAUDATO SI’ CLUB
Students in grades 3-8 can sign up for a new club, The Laudato Si’ Club. The group will meet every other Monday from 3:00-4:00PM. Please see the flyer for more information and for the link to sign up.

NO AFTER CARE
Christmas vacation begins for everyone at 12:00 Noon next Wednesday, December 21. There is NO After Care that day.

CALLING ALL ANGELS AND SHEPHERDS
The Children's choir is looking for shepherds and angels to participate in the 4:00 PM Christmas Eve Children's Mass. Ms. Kaitlyn McCarthy is holding a rehearsal on Sunday, December 18, after the 12:00 PM mass in the church.  The rehearsal begins after the conclusion of the mass and will last until 2:30 PM.  Kindergarten through Grade 3 children are welcomed to participate.  There is no sign-up sheet, email to send or phone number to call.  If a child wishes to participate, they just show up in the church on December 18. The rehearsal is mandatory for participation.

SECOND INVITATION FOR CHILDREN’S CHOIR MEMBERS
Students in grades 2 and up are invited to participate in the Children’s Choir that sings at the 5:30PM Mass on Saturdays. They will also be singing at the 4:00PM Christmas Eve Mass. If interested, please sign the permission slip that was already sent home with the information flyer.

AFTER CARE STUDENT PICK-UP
Parents picking up their children from After Care are asked to please park on the side street or in the main lot and walk to pick their children up in the cafeteria. Our children consider the courtyard a “safe place” to play, so the presence of a car, especially now that it gets dark earlier, is dangerous for the children. It is also dangerous for our Day Care children who are dismissed from their classroom doors that face the courtyard.

JANUARY CALENDAR
The January calendar is included in this week’s mailing. Please note that our “half day faculty meeting” takes place on January 13 (the second Friday of the month).

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Catholic Schools Week at STS starts on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the 5:30PM Mass. Please make every effort to attend. More information and a full schedule of events will be sent home after the New Year.

TRICKY TRAY 2023
Plans for our 2023 Tricky Tray are underway! This is our largest fundraiser, and we count on your participation. Families who chose Option 1 or 3 on their Home School Parent Contract are required to donate a $125 retail value gift basket/prize item.  The Tricky Tray will take place, in person, on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Please call Maureen if you have any questions.

FINAL REMINDER: PK PARENTS
Nurse Lisa would like to remind parents of PK students that children up to 60 months old must receive the flu shot before December 31. Children who do not receive the shot are not eligible to return to school after the Christmas break. Please realize that these vaccines are required by the State of NJ and that we are mandated by the State and the Archdiocese of Newark to ensure all students are in compliance. No school operated by the Archdiocese of Newark may accept religious exemptions. Thank you for your understanding and your cooperation.


Have a wonderful weekend!
God bless! 

Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA
Principal

 

                                                                                      
                                                                                                                        540 Washington Avenue           Kenilworth, NJ 07033
                                                                                                                                  908-276-7220    fax 908-709-1103

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  December 8, 2022

Dear Parents,
Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Today we had the opportunity to go to Mass as a School to pray for each of our families. We also congratulate our 7^th graders, the Class of 2024, as they received their school rings today.

THANK YOU
Thank you to the parents who came to decorate the school last Friday night. The school was transformed and it seems like you all had a great time decorating!

PICTURES WITH SANTA
Santa will be here on Sunday, December 11, to have his picture taken with your child! Avoid the crowds and help our Food Pantry at the same time Families must be pre-registered to participate. Please sign up on our website; there are only a few spots left!

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT STS
Children, both young and old, will have the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping here at school, December 11-13. The shop will be open on Sunday during the Pictures with Santa event, if parents would like to shop with their children. It will also remain open until 4:00 PM on Monday, December 12. Children will have the opportunity to shop at their assigned time on those days as well.

A NEW STAR IS BORN
Students in grades K-2 are proud to announce their Christmas Show, A New Star is Born, will take place next Thursday, December 15, at 7:00PM. Due to space limitations, families with children in these grades will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets (limit 4 per family). IF there is room in the gym, we will open sales to the rest of the school. A ticket order form is attached.

SECOND INVITATION FOR CHILDREN’S CHOIR MEMBERS
Students in grades 2 and up are invited to participate in the Children’s Choir that sings at the 5:30PM Mass on Saturdays. They will also be singing at the 4:00PM Christmas Eve Mass. Please see the attached flyer for details.

CALLING ALL ANGELS AND SHEPHERDS
The Children's choir is looking for shepherds and angels to participate in the 4:00 PM Christmas Eve Children's Mass. Ms. Kaitlyn McCarthy is holding a rehearsal on Sunday, December 18, after the 12:00 PM mass in the church.  The rehearsal begins after the conclusion of the mass and will last until 2:30 PM.  Kindergarten through Grade 3 children are welcomed to participate.  There is no sign-up sheet, email to send or phone number to call.  If a child wishes to participate, they just show up in the church on December 18.

BUFFALO WILD WINGS
The Class of 2023 is asking for your support at their Restaurant Give Back Night taking place tomorrow at Buffalo Wild Wings (Linden), December 9.

TRICKY TRAY 2023
Believe it or not, plans for our 2023 Tricky Tray are underway! This is our largest fundraiser, and we count on your participation. Families who chose Option 1 or 3 on their Home School Parent Contract are required to donate a $125 retail value gift basket/prize item.  The Tricky Tray will take place, in person, on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Please call Maureen if you have any questions.

REMINDER: PK PARENTS
Nurse Lisa would like to remind parents of PK students that children up to 60 months old must receive the flu shot before December 31. Children who do not receive the shot are not eligible to return to school after the Christmas break. Please realize that these vaccines are required by the State of NJ and that we are mandated by the State and the Archdiocese of Newark to ensure all students are in compliance. No school operated by the Archdiocese of Newark may accept religious exemptions. Thank you for your understanding and your cooperation.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
The Home School will be sponsoring a Family Fun Night Skate Party on Friday, January 20, at the Union Sports Arena. More information will be coming.

Have a wonderful weekend!
God bless! 

Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA
Principal
 

                 
    540 Washington Avenue           Kenilworth, NJ 07033
                      908-276-7220    fax 908-709-1103

                                                                                                                                                                                              November 17, 2022

Dear Parents,
This is the last “regular” Thursday folder before Thanksgiving. As I count my blessings this year, please know that you and your families are high on my list of people I thank God for! May you have a blessed Thanksgiving.

TURKEY TROT
We are at the end of our Turkey Trot and the competition has been fierce! Vote for your favorite STS Turkey! The Faculty/Staff member who “earns” the most money, will wear a turkey costume during the school day. The contest ends tomorrow, November 18, with the great reveal on Wednesday, November 23!

PAJAMA DAY
The Class of 2023 is sponsoring a Pajama Tag Day tomorrow, November 18. Students can pay $2 to come to school in their PJ’s. All students must wear shoes or sneakers with their PJ’s (no slippers).

VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
Congratulations to both our Varsity and JV Girls’ Volleyball Teams! Both teams went deep into the playoffs, and our JV team won the Union County Championship on Sunday! Special thanks to the Coaches and Parents who made many sacrifices along the way to ensure that our girls had a great season! 

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
Christmas is full of surprises for young (and not so young) children. Help surprise your child by decorating the school and participating in Parents’ Night Out, December 2, from 5:00pm-8:00pm. We all love to see the decorations, but we can’t do it without your help! Please see the attached flyer for more information and to sign-up. If you can’t make it on December 2, we look forward to seeing you on January 6 when we will be taking down all the decorations we put up!
All participants will receive volunteer hours.

LUNCH ORDERS
Lunches must be ordered by Thursday of each week for the following week. The increasing number of lunches served has made it imperative to order in advance. Thank you for your attention and your cooperation in this matter. If you need to contact Angry Bees directly, please email them at lunch@mysts.org.

TRICKY TRAY 2023
Believe it or not, plans for our 2023 Tricky Tray are underway! This is our largest fundraiser, and we count on your participation. Please see the attached flyer regarding Family Basket donations. The Tricky Tray will take place, in person, on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

MORNING DROP-OFF
Please have children exit on the passenger side of the car. If that is not possible, kindly alert the parents who are volunteering so that they walk to the driver’s side of the car to assist your child. Please keep in mind that these are your fellow parents who are volunteering their time to ensure your child’s safety. It has come to my attention that they have been yelled at and not always treated respectfully. Thank you for your consideration in this matter, and feel free to join the volunteer line! 

REMINDER: PK PARENTS
Nurse Lisa would like to remind parents of PK students that children up to 60 months old must receive the flu shot before December 31. Children who do not receive the shot are not eligible to return to school after the Christmas break. Please realize that these vaccines are required by the State of NJ and that we are mandated by the State and the Archdiocese of Newark to ensure all students are in compliance. No school operated by the Archdiocese of Newark may accept religious exemptions. Thank you for your understanding and your cooperation.

DECEMBER CALENDAR
The December calendar is attached. This is the most up to date calendar; please take note of the changes from the yearly tentative calendar that was sent out during the summer.

Have a wonderful weekend!
God bless! 

Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA
Principal

                  
    540 Washington Avenue           Kenilworth, NJ 07033
               908-276-7220    fax 908-709-1103

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    November 3, 2022


Dear Parents,

Welcome to November! May this be a month steeped in gratitude for all God has given us. And may we use those gifts for the good of others.

THANK YOU, PARENTS!
Thank you to all of you who decorated your trunks or helped at our Mission Fair to make sure we had a great time this Halloween, enjoying ourselves and helping others who are less fortunate than we.

FULL DAY OF SCHOOL
Tomorrow, November 4, is a FULL day of school. We will have Pretzel Tag Day in addition to our regular Pizza Friday lunch.

DISMISSAL DISASTER!
Perhaps the title of this section is a bit dramatic, but we are headed for a disaster if we continue to allow the children to run around and play in the parking lot at dismissal time. PLEASE for your child’s safety, PLEASE leave the parking lot as soon as you have your child. Groups of parents talking while children are running around moving cars is a recipe for disaster! If the situation does not improve, I will have to consider changes to our dismissal procedures. Thank you for your understanding and your cooperation.

LUNCH ORDERS
Lunches must be ordered by Thursday of each week for the following week. The increasing number of lunches served has made it imperative to order in advance. Thank you for your attention and your cooperation in this matter. If you need to contact Angry Bees directly, please email them at lunch@mysts.org.

TURKEY TROT
Vote for your favorite STS Turkey! 16 Faculty and Staff members are joining in the fun, as children will have the opportunity to use their spare change to vote for their favorite turkey during the month of November. The Faculty/Staff member who “earns” the most money, will wear a turkey costume during the school day. The contest takes place November 7-18, with the great reveal on Wednesday, November 23! Please see attached flyer.

SOCK AND FOOD COLLECTION
In this season of giving thanks, we would like to reach out to those less fortunate than we. There will be two opportunities to give back to the community during the month of November. The first one is a sock collection (preferably adult socks) for St. Francis Ministries St. Francis Inn Ministries | We serve our guests with dignity and help rebuild one life at a time... (stfrancisinn.org) . The second is a food drive for our parish food pantry. Click on the link to see what items are most needed. Welcome to Saint Theresa (thechurchofsttheresa.org)
Donations will be accepted until Thursday, November 17. Thank you for your generosity.

Have a wonderful weekend!
God bless! 

Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA
Principal

           
    540 Washington Avenue           Kenilworth, NJ 07033
             908-276-7220    fax 908-709-1103


                                                                                                                                                                                      October 27, 2022

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your patience and understanding this week as we have tried to safely dismiss our students while construction was happening on N. 22 Street. Unfortunately, their concept of “no disruption” is quite a bit different than ours!
 

THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS!

Thank you to all of you who volunteered at our various events – the Glow Party, Pumpkin Sale, Pizza Lunch – as well as those of you who volunteer at our Morning Drop Off. We can’t do it without all of you!

VOUCHER FOR DRESS DOWN DAY
Anyone who purchased a pumpkin received a voucher for a dress down day tomorrow, October 28; all other students should be in uniform.

TRUNK OR TREAT
We are still in need of candy for our Trunk or Treat event, taking place on Monday, October 31. Attached is a list of FAQ’s for those parents participating in Trunk or Treat. There are still a few spots left, if any of you would like to sign up. If you would like to participate, please fill out the form that was emailed to you last week.

HALLOWEEN 2022
This year, children are allowed to wear their Halloween costumes on Monday, October 31. We will have our costume parade at 8:30AM so that those of you who have to work can also attend. Our day will continue with Trunk or Treat organized by HSA and our Mission Fair organized by our 8^th Grade. We are asking for a $2 admission fee per child, with all proceeds going to the Missions. This is a great way for your child to help other children in need while enjoying games in the gym. Please remember there is a Noon dismissal with NO After Care. 

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES – GUIDELINES
Please make sure that the costume is appropriate for Catholic School.  We want to work together to pass on the proper values to our children.  No diabolical costumes or costumes of a violent nature may be worn.  No handheld swords or weapons may be used, even if they are part of the costume.

LUNCH ORDERS
Lunches must be ordered by Thursday of each week for the following week. The increasing number of lunches served has made it imperative to order in advance. Thank you for your attention and your cooperation in this matter.

NOVEMBER CALENDAR
Please note that the first Friday of November (11/4) is a FULL DAY of school. There is still, however, a Pretzel Tag Day!

Have a wonderful weekend!
God bless! 

Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA
Principal
 

                                 
    540 Washington Avenue           Kenilworth, NJ 07033
                    908-276-7220    fax 908-709-1103


                                                                                                                                                                            October 13, 2022

Dear Parents,

It’s hard to believe that it’s already mid-October!

PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN
All volunteers, who have not already done so, must attend a Protecting God’s Children Workshop as one of the requirements of the Archdiocese of Newark. We will host a workshop here on Tuesday, October 18, at 7:00PM. Please use this link to register for the workshop. https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/reg_list2.cfm?theOrgID=16839&theme=0

CALENDAR RAFFLES
Calendar Raffles are to be returned to school tomorrow, October 14. If you would like to sell more tickets, please contact Maureen.

HANDBOOK
Attached is the 2022-2023 PK-8 Parent-Student Handbook. Please review our policies and sign off that you have read the handbook. All families must send in the signed copy of Handbook page 28. Thank you.
 
WINTER UNIFORMS
As of Monday, October 17, all students must be wearing their winter uniforms. Shorts and sneakers are no longer permitted until the warm weather returns (April). Please make sure your child has the all the proper uniform pieces, including black shoes. You can find our uniform policy in the attached Handbook. Thank you.

CLASS OF 2023 FUNDRAISERS
Stop by the Vendor Fair sponsored by the Class of 2023 this Saturday, October 15, in the school parking lot. They are also having a Give Back Night at Blaze Pizza, Clark, NJ, on Thursday, October 20. Please support them.

OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN VOLUNTEER HOURS
The Home School Association will be selling Calendar Raffles at the Vendor Fair on Saturday, October 15. If anyone would like to volunteer to man this table, please use sign up using the link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E4FAEAA2FA3FE3-stsvendor. Volunteers for this table do not have to be 8^th grade parents, and proceeds of the Calendar Raffle directly benefit STS.




FALL PICTURES
Lifetouch will be here next Thursday, October 20, to photograph our students. All students must be in their regular uniform; classes that have PE that day should wear their regular uniform with sneakers. All pictures must be pre-paid; an information flyer went home today.

PUMPKIN SALE
The “great pumpkin sale” will take place on the school’s front lawn on Friday, October 21. Children will be allowed to purchase a pumpkin for $3. All children purchasing pumpkins will get a voucher for a Tag Day on Friday, October 28.

UPCOMING HSA-SPONSORED EVENTS
Our Home School Association is sponsoring two different events in the coming weeks:
Friday, October 21 will be our Let’s Glow Dance and Monday, October 31, will be our Trunk or Treat event (during the school day). Please see our website for more information on these two family-friendly events.

HALLOWEEN 2022
This year, children are allowed to wear their Halloween costumes on Monday, October 31. We will have our costume parade at 8:30AM so that those of you who have to work can also attend. Our day will continue with Trunk or Treat organized by HSA and our Mission Fair organized by our 8^th Grade. We are asking for a $2 admission fee per child, with all proceeds going to the Missions. This is a great way for your child to help other children in need while enjoying games in the gym. Please remember there is a Noon dismissal with NO After Care. 

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES – GUIDELINES
Please make sure that the costume is appropriate for Catholic School.  We want to work together to pass on the proper values to our children.  No diabolical costumes or costumes of a violent nature may be worn.  No handheld swords or weapons may be used, even if they are part of the costume.

SCHOOL MESSENGER
There will be a test of the School Messenger System on Wednesday, October 19.  Please make sure that the school has your current contact information, as School Messenger is our main source of communication in case of school closings, etc. Anyone not receiving a phone call should contact the office on Thursday. 

LUNCH ORDERS
Lunches must be ordered by Thursday of each week for the following week. The increasing number of lunches served has made it imperative to order in advance. Thank you for your attention and your cooperation in this matter.

4 CENTURIES IN A WEEKEND
Please see the attached flyer about this weekend’s activities from the Kenilworth Historical Society.

Have a wonderful weekend!
God bless! 

Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA

Principal

                               
    540 Washington Avenue           Kenilworth, NJ 07033
       908-276-7220    fax 908-709-1103

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               September 29, 2022

Dear Parents,

Greetings from Rome!  We have a few exciting events happening next week!

MAPGROWTH TESTING
Testing will take place between October 3-21, for grades 2-8. This important assessment gives teachers a clear picture of each student’s strengths, as well as his/her areas of academic need. This data helps teachers choose instructional content and methods to best serve your children. It assists in differentiating instruction within a classroom, as well as indicating those students who qualify for additional assistance with basic skills.

BLESSING OF PETS
Weather permitting, we will have our blessing of pets, led by grades 1 and 4, on Tuesday, October 4, at 2:15PM. Students may not bring their pets to school during the day, but parents are invited to bring their pets to the front lawn of the school for a blessing in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.

JENKINSON’S AQUARIUM
We are pleased to welcome Jenkinson’s Aquarium Educational Outreach Program to STS again this year. On Monday, October 3, grades 6-8 will participate in “Penguin Pointers”, and on Wednesday, October 5, Grades PK-4 will “enjoy” Outrageous Reptiles!

WELCOME SR. JOANNE
Each year the Provincial Superior of the Salesian Sisters visits every community in the Eastern US and Canada. We are pleased to welcome Sr. Joanne here at St. Theresa October 6 and 7.

NOON DISMISSAL/PRETZEL TAG DAY

Our first noon dismissal and pretzel tag day of the year will take place on Friday, October 7. Teachers will send home more information.

PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN
All volunteers, who have not already done so, must attend a Protecting God’s Children Workshop as one of the requirements of the Archdiocese of Newark. We will host a workshop here on Tuesday, October 18, at 7:00PM. Please use this link to register for the workshop. https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/reg_list2.cfm?theOrgID=16839&theme=0
Attached is the application packet all new volunteers must complete, as well as the Code of Conduct.




CALENDAR RAFFLES
Calendar Raffles are to be returned to school by October 14. If you would like to sell more tickets, please contact Maureen.

Have a wonderful weekend!
God bless! 



Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA
Principal

                 
    540 Washington Avenue           Kenilworth, NJ 07033
                   908-276-7220    fax 908-709-1103

September 9, 2022

Dear Parents,

What a great first week! Today our PK students joined us for their first day of school. Lots of smiles, a few tears, and friendly greetings marked each day as students and staff were happy to be together again.

This Monday, September 12, will be our first full day of school for all students, PK3-Grade 8. If you have not ordered hot lunch, please remember to pack a lunch for your child, and healthy snacks (for those younger students who still snack in class, or who attend After School Care). Our Morning Care and After School Care Programs also begin for those students who have registered for those services.

Students have done a good job being on time, and they have looked great in their uniforms. I would remind you that all students are to be in their classrooms or the gym (Gr. 1-8) by 8:00 AM. The entire Parent-Student Handbook will be sent home to you next week for your signature; however, I thought it would be a good idea to send you the information from our Handbook that we reviewed at the New Parent Meeting. The arrival/dismissal procedures, and the uniform policy are particularly important so that all students, grades PK3-8, are in compliance, including the length of the boys’ hair.

Morning Drop-off and Afternoon Dismissal are running relatively smoothly. Please use extreme caution in the parking lot when dropping off or picking up your children. Cars must enter on 22nd Street ONLY and exit on 23rd Street. Please be attentive and patient, so that our “safe” path remains safe for both children and adults. Once again, I would ask parents not to allow their children to play in the parking lot at dismissal.   

Calendar Raffles will be going home next week to all families. Only families who chose Home School Options 1 or 3 are required to sell a minimum of 20 tickets.

Anyone who would like to volunteer at Morning Drop Off is asked to call Maureen. You will also find a link to our Sign-Up Genius on our website.

Also on our website is a link to order pizza for next Friday, September 16; please order by Wednesday. You can also sign up for our Welcome Back Ice Cream Party on our website.

Our Parish is seeking new altar servers. If your child(ren), grades 4-8, are interested, please sign and return the flyer that went home today. I am attaching a copy for your convenience. The altar server training will take place Saturday, September 24, from 10:00AM-1:00PM.

Each year we ask for Class Parents to assist the teachers and to be a liaison between the parents in that particular grade and the HSA parent community at-large. Any parent in Grades PK3 through 7 who would like to be considered for this position, must attend a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, September 14, at 7:00 PM. The role and responsibilities of the class parent will be discussed and there will be an opportunity for questions and answers. Please email me at marisa.derose@mysts.org if you are interested and I will send you the link for the meeting. Class Parents for the 2022-2023 school year will be chosen after that meeting.


Have a wonderful weekend!
God bless! 


Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA
Principal
 

 

                
    540 Washington Avenue           Kenilworth, NJ 07033
                    908-276-7220    fax 908-709-1103

July 28, 2022

Dear Parents,

I hope this summer has been a wonderful time of rest and relaxation for you and your family. While we have had time here at STS to slow down a bit, we have also been busy preparing for the 2022-2023 school year. I look forward to working with each of you, and with our dedicated faculty and staff as we are privileged to undertake the incredible journey of educating your children in our Salesian Catholic tradition.

Providing a holistic education in a safe and healthy environment has always been our priority, and it continues to be so during this upcoming school year. We will see the return of many “normal” events and activities; however, your child’s well-being is always our top priority and we will always make decisions that we believe are in their best interest.

If you have not already returned your summer information packet, please do so as soon as possible.

The following information on a variety of topics will be of help to you as you prepare for the beginning of the school year.

UNIFORM SALE
Gently used uniforms are available for purchase Tuesday-Thursday mornings during the month of August. If you need an alternate time or more information, please contact Maureen at Maureen.scheuermann@mysts.org.

NEW PARENT ORIENTATION

Families new to St. Theresa School should have received an invitation to a New Parent Orientation on September 1. Families are asked to RSVP.

PK3 AND PK4 MEET AND GREET
PK children and their parents are invited to schedule their 10-minute Meet and Greet/Orientation Session on Thursday, September 8, beginning at 8:00 AM. Please contact Maureen in the school office to sign up.

FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL
K-8 students will begin on Wednesday, September 7. Dismissal is at 12:00 Noon, Wednesday-Friday, September 7-9. There is no After School Care on these days.
PK3 and PK 4 students come for a scheduled Meet and Greet on Thursday, and begin classes on Friday, September 9. This is a 12:00 Noon dismissal for all PK students; there is no After School Care.

Monday, September 12, is the first full-day of school for all students, PK-8. After School Care begins.

Students are expected to be in the complete uniform starting on the first day of school; this also includes ensuring that died hair or “summer haircuts” (mohawks, or those with letters, numbers, designs shaven into your child’s head) have grown out in time for school.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
Students registered for Morning Care are to be dropped off by the main Gym door on Washington Avenue after 7:00 AM.

School doors open for all students at 7:40 AM.
We will return to using our Morning Drop Off procedures for ALL students, PK-8. Parents are to pull into the back parking lot via the N. 22^nd Street entrance and pull forward to a parent volunteer who will open their car door to let the student out. Please make sure that your child has all his/her belongings readily available to ensure that he/she can exit the vehicle safely and quickly. Cars are to exit via N. 23^rd Street.

Parents who do not wish to participate in drop-off must park their cars on the side streets and walk their child to the back door (Door F).

Once inside the building, students grades 1-8 are to report directly to the gym, and students PK and K are to report to their classroom. Older students will be by the doors to assist the younger ones. Please remember that it is essential that students (even our youngest) arrive on time. Students must be seated in the gym (or their classroom for PK/K) by 8:00AM.

To facilitate the smooth dismissal of all students, the following procedures are to be followed:

PK 3 students will be dismissed from the Door I (Cafeteria) at 2:40 PM.
PK 4 students will be dismissed from Door H at 2:40 PM.
K students will be dismissed from Door G at 2:40 PM.
Grades 1 and 2B will be dismissed from the Main Office door at 2:45 PM.
Grade 2A will be dismissed from Door B (N.22^nd St.) at 2:45 PM
Grades 3-8 will be dismissed from Doors E and F at 2:50 PM.

Parents should pick up multiple children in the order of youngest to oldest; all children must be picked up from their assigned dismissal area. For everyone’s safety, please leave the property as soon as you have your children. It is very dangerous to allow the children to run and play in the parking lot and/or the front of school.

Children who are not picked up by 3:00 PM will be sent to the school’s extended care program, and parents will be charged for this service.

Our After School Care program runs from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM. Students who participate in this program should be picked up from the Cafeteria door.

LUNCH
We are pleased to announce that we will once again be offering a full lunch program. Hot lunch can be ordered Monday-Thursday using the monthly lunch calendar that will go home. We will continue to offer “Pizza Friday’s”. Pizza can be ordered from our website. A lunch menu has been included with this mailing.

HSA (HOME SCHOOL ASSOCIATION)

You have already received a Home School Contract and I am sure you noticed the volunteer hours requirement. While this may seem like “another thing to do”, we rely on all of you to assist us in creating that warm, welcoming, family environment in which our students thrive. We cannot do it without you and we look forward to the many activities that will keep our school family vibrant.
Please remember that all volunteers must attend (or have attended within the last 5 years) a Protecting God’s Children session. We hope to host one here at STS in the fall, but if you’d like to attend elsewhere you can find a list of scheduled sessions on www.virtusonline.org.

CLASS PARENTS
Each year we ask for Class Parents to assist the teachers and be the liaison between the Home School Association and the parents in their child’s particular grade. We would ask anyone interested in volunteering for this service to attend a Zoom session on Wednesday, September 14, at 7:00PM. The link for the meeting will be sent out once school begins.

COVID CONSIDERATIONS
We will continue to follow the guidelines given us by the CDC, the State of New Jersey, the Archdiocese of Newark, and any local directives that might be given. Classrooms and common areas will continue to be sanitized appropriately. At this time, masks are optional for both students and staff.
Parents are responsible for checking their children for symptoms each day and for keeping them home when not feeling well, or when suspecting possible exposure to COVID.

I am sure that 20122-2023 will be a year of great growth spiritually, academically and socially for all of us. I look forward to continuing our journey together and of welcoming all our new students and their parents who have joined our school family this year!

Thank you for your continued support and for your commitment to Catholic education.
God bless all of you, your children and families! 

Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA
Principal

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