Principal's Corner

Dear Parents, I pray that this email finds you well! Just a few reminders as we approach the month of February.  God willing, the Groundhog will not see its shadow and it will feel like spring before you know it.  From my lips to God's ears!  However, the weather forecast is calling for a trace to 3" of participation for tomorrow:(   On Monday, February 8th, 2021 All parents will receive a link from TADS inviting you to re-register your child(ren).  Please click on the link in the email.  Parents will receive one email for EACH child.  The link will take you to the TADS homepage.  Please log into your TADS Account with the same email and password you used for this school year.  If you forgot your password, they will email you your password if you click "Forgot Password."  Please re-register your child(ren) before April 15th, 2021 at the reduced rate of $125 per child.  After April 15th, the cost will increase to $225 per child.  If you do not receive the email on February 8th, please check your spam folder, if not there, please contact the main office immediately and Mrs. Foley will resend you the welcome email.  I am happy to report that the tuition only went up $7.50 per month, per child.   All other fees remained the same. Once the tuition rate sheet is ready for publication, I will send it out to our school community. Monday, February 1st the Spring Fundraiser will begin.  Mr. Mojica will send an email out once the World's Finest Chocolate arrives.  Please come to the main office to SIGN OUT the boxes of chocolate.  If you opted for the $250 prepay  YOU DO NOT NEED TO SELL THE CHOCOLATE/CATALOG ITEMS as you have already met your fundraising obligation for this year.  Mr. Mojica is preparing to send home our annual St. Benedict School Raffle Tickets in about a week or so. Families already paid $100 fee in the January 2021 Smart Tuition Invoice.  Friday, February 5th is a Half of day.  Students in Cohort B are in school that Friday.  Dismissal is at 11:30 am.   Tuesday, February 2nd is "Touring Tuesday" for perspective families.  Please encourage your family and friends to take a "virtual tour" of our school (posted on our school webpage) and become a vital part of the St. Benedict's School Community.   Thursday, February 18th Report Cards for the second marking period will be ELECTRONICALLY RELEASED VIA TADS EDUCATE/TADS.  Please be sure that you are up-to-date with all of your financial obligations through January 31st.  These obligations include tuition, fundraising fees, and graduation fees.  Unfortunately, if all financial obligations have not been fulfilled, I will not be able to release your child's report card on the afternoon of February 18th.  Students will also be sent home with the MAP Parent Report.  This report will illustrate how your child did on the Winter 2021 Assessment compared to the Winter of 2020 (last January) Assessment.  Please also take a look at the MAP's projection for the student performance on this year's NYS ELA & MATH Exam.  Prociecency on those exams is a Level 3.   In light of the ongoing pandemic, we have placed a pause on Student of the Month and the Honor Roll for the second marking period.   Monday & Tuesday, February 15th and 16th, St. Benedict School will be CLOSED in observance of President's Day!  Classes will resume on Wednesday, February 17th.  Believe it or not, Lent officially begins today as it is Ash Wednesday.  I am sure that Fr. Norton and Fr. Christan will come to our school to distribute ashes to our students that are physically in school that day.   On Tuesday & Wednesday February 23rd and 24th our 8th graders will be taking their graduation pictures in our school auditorium. Students that are fully remote may report to the school auditorium on either day noted above to take their graduation picture.    Please be advised that St. Benedict School had it's bi-annual Asbestos Inspection on Tuesday, January 19th.     As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.   St. Benedict, Pray for Us! Our Lady Queen of Peace, Pray for Us! Cardinal Cooke Servant of God,  Pray for Us! Respectfully, Ray Vitiello Principal St. Benedict School  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear St. Benedict School Family, I pray that this third week of the Advent Season finds you well as we all await for the coming of Our Savior on Christmas Day! This Advent has been like no other.  In past years, St. Benedict School was adorned with Advent wreaths, Christmas Trees, lights and decorations.  This year, in light of the Pandemic, I decided to try to keep it simple yet joyful.  I am really going to miss our annual Christmas Concern however, in light of the social distancing limitations, we are not able to gather large crowds.  Typically we have standing room only!  Next year, God willing it will be bigger and better than ever, move over Radio City Music Hall! St. Benedict School welcomes a new member to our school community as Ms. Roman has taken a leave of absence due to personal reasons.  We welcome Ms. Caroline Chokwe to our 4th grade.  Ms. Chokwe comes to us with over 23 years of experience from St. Luke School.  St. Luke's closed its doors this past June and we are blessed to have Ms. Chokwe. Next week on Monday and Tuesday December 21st and 22nd at about 1:30 pm in the afternoon, homeroom teachers will select an age appropriate Christmas movie and the children will be able to enjoy it on those two afternoons.  Similar to what we did during Halloween.  The students that are hybrid may bring in a snack/drink to enjoy during the movie.   St. Benedict School will begin Christmas recess on Wednesday, December 23rd through Sunday, January 3rd.  Classes will resume on Monday, January 4th. 8th grade students will receive their Catholic High School responses beginning Wednesday, January 13th.  We will certainly be praying for each of you!   Please remember that your Smart Tuition Invoices will reflect a $100 fundraising charge on your January 15th statement.  This is the $100 charged  PER FAMILY, NOT CHILD.  Families have a chance in winning $10,000, $3,000, $1000 and $500 pre-tax.  Last year all four prizes were claimed by school families.  Remember, we open this up to the entire St. Benedict Parish Community.   The Archdiocese of New York has decided that there will be  NO MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS this January 2021.  Instead we will focus on the Winter MAP Online Assessments for students in grades kindergarten - 8th.  These online assessments will be administered the week of Tuesday, January 19th and will continue through Friday, January 29th.   Parents of students currently enrolled in Pre-K 4 with Mrs. Pricoli a reminder to those of you that have not applied for Kindergarten 2021-2022 to please do so asap.  Of the 19 currently enrolled students 11 have already applied and have been accepted. Because your child will be considered "new" you are eligible to apply for a TADS Financial Aid Scholarship.  However, please keep in mind that this is the ONLY WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY for you to do so.  TADS financial aid applications are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.  I truly hope that you decide to remain a vital part of our SBS Family for many years to come. Parents of currently enrolled PK3, Kindergarten- Grade 7 will receive their child's re-registration link in late January early February of 2021.  Please stay tuned. Please pray for no snow this Wednesday, we have enough going on. On behalf of myself, Fr. Norton, the faculty and staff please accept our warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy 2021.  St. Benedict, Pray for us! Our Lady Queen of Peace, Pray for us! Cardinal Cooke Servant of God, Pray for us! Respectfully, Ray Vitiello Principal St. Benedict School   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear Parents,   Happy Advent!  Yes, this past Sunday was the first Sunday of the Advent Season.     For those of you that know me, you know that Christmas certainly is the most wonderful time of the year!    A few highlights below for the month of December 2020.      The first "Touring Tuesday" of the year is scheduled for tomorrow December 1st.  Please encourage family and friends to visit the St. Benedict School webpage at https://www.stbenedictschoolbx.org and take a virtual tour of our school.  In past years, perspective families were encouraged to come and visit our school in person.  However, due to the current Pandemic, as a precautionary safety measure, we are not able to allow visitors into our school building.   TADS Registration & Financial Aid Applications for incoming Kindergarten Students for the 2021-2022 School Year will open up Tomorrow Tuesday, December 1st, 2020.  I am encouraging ALL OF MY PK4 PARENTS THAT HAVE CHILDREN CURRENTLY IN PK4 WITH MRS. PRICOLI TO RESERVE THEIR CHILD'S SEAT FOR NEXT YEAR & APPLY FOR A TADS FINANCIAL AID SCHOLARSHIP BEGINNING TOMORROW MORNING.  Please remember the scholarships are granted on a first-come, first- serve basis. Re-registration for all other students will open up at the end of January/early February 2021.    Friday, December 4th is a half day.  Dismissal for all students is at 11:30 am.   Tuesday, December 8th the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day of Obligation.) In person learning resumes for all those students that originally signed up for the hybrid learning model.  Students in Grades 6-8 that have books at school may stop by today to pick up those books needed for this week.  The office will be open until 3:30 pm.   Student Progress Reports for the Second Marking Period will be sent home with the children on Friday, December 18th.    Tuesday, December 22nd will be our last day of school before the Christmas Break!  St. Benedict School will be closed for Christmas break from Wednesday, December 23 through Friday, January 1st.  Classes will resume on Monday, January 4, 2021.  ADNY MAP Testing will begin on Tuesday, January 19th.      Please be advised that I was made aware of two additional Covid-19 cases over the Holiday Break.  I have already notified all of the parents of those students affected, the Archdiocese of New York and the NYCDOHMH.  ​​​​​​​ May this Advent Season prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.     As always, if you have any questions, concerns, please feel free to contact me at your convenience, or simply stop by the main office.     Respectfully,   Ray Vitiello Principal St. Benedict School  ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear Parents, I pray this email finds you well. Please join me in congratulating our November Students of the Month.  This month we are honoring students in cohorts. The value of the month is "Goodness."  This month is a hard value to choose among our children, as all of our children are good, in fact, they are remarkable!  Next month we will honor fully remote students.  We will flip-flop each month between hybrid students and fully remote students.   Please remember to pray for our 8th graders tomorrow as they will be taking their TACHS Exam.  We are all praying for you!   Next Wednesday, November 11th we will be closed for Veteran's Day. Next Thursday 11/12 & Friday 11/13 are $2.00 dress down days for Thanksgiving.  All proceeds will help offset purchases of supermarket gift cards. This will take place in lieu of our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, due to the current pandemic.  If you wish to donate a supermarket gift card instead, you are free to do so.  Student of the Month November 2020 Grade Value of the Month "Goodness" PreK-3 Emma Higginbotham PreK-4 Avellina Fiore Kindergarten Elianna Vasquez Grade 1 Daniel Lamorgese Grade 2 Isabelle Sampson Grade 3 Jianna Almanzar Grade 4 Tyler Thomas Grade 5 Isabella Santiago Grade 6-32 Emily Sampson Grade 6-38 Jianna Arguinzoni Grade 7-31 Skyla Fred Grade 7-35 Jorge Bello Grade 8-36 Logan Schorr Grade 8-39 Domenic Cozzi Have a blessed day! Respectfully, Ray Vitiello Principal St. Benedict School  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear Parents, I pray this email finds you well. A big Thank You for all your support and your continued generosity with the two Breast Cancer Dress Down Days.  We raised  $1,042 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.   Just a few reminders as we head into the third month of school, yes, the third month can you believe it! Sunday, November 1st is All Saints Day.   Sunday, November 1st please remember to "fall back" ONE HOUR as daylight savings time comes to an end:( Monday, November 2nd fall fundraiser ends!  Students will have the option of wearing the St. Benedict School  Winter Uniform or Gym Uniform to school.  Spring uniform is  no longer an option at this time due to the cold weather approaching.   Friday, November 6th  Please keep our 8th-grade students in your thoughts and prayers as they will be taking the TACHS (Test for Acceptance into Catholic High Schools) Exam. This year, due to the Pandemic, our students will be taking the TACHS Exam REMOTELY from his/her home this year.   The first marking period also officially ends on Friday, November 6th.   In light of the uptick of positive Covid-19 cases within our area, the ADNY has decided that we will continue to offer the hybrid learning and/or fully remote learning option for the second marking period.  Students that were in either Cohort A or B will continue to remain within that cohort until further notice from myself.   St. Benedict School will be  CLOSED for Veteran's Day on Wednesday, November 11th.   Report Cards for the first marking period will be available to parents  ELECTRONICALLY (Via Tads/Educate ) beginning Monday, November 23rd.  Please be sure that  ALL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS ARE UP-TO-DATE through your November 15th Smart Tuition Invoice, so that I may be able to release your child(ren) report card by the end of the school day on November 23rd.  Due to the current Covid-19 Pandemic and various learning options available to our students, St. Benedict School WILL NOT indicate honors for the first quarter. We will revisit honors at the end of the first semester January 2021.  Parent-Teacher Report Card Conferences are scheduled for  Tuesday, November 24th from 3-5 pm and 6-8 pm.  Each homeroom teacher will be sending you a Zoom Link for the hours noted above.  The parent will be admitted into the zoom meeting on a  first come, first serve basis (the host will admit each parent one by one).  Obviously, if your child is doing well, the conference will be optional for you.  If your child is not doing well, I strongly encourage you to meet with your child's teacher(s) virtually on November 24th through Zoom.  Teachers of grades 5-8 will send out separate Zoom invites (one for each subject area) so that you may meet with them virtually between the hours noted above.  Additional information will be forthcoming. Wednesday, November 25th is a half-day with dismissal at 11:30 am. (COHORT A)  St. Benedict School will be  CLOSED ON Thursday & Friday, November 26th and 27th for Thanksgiving Recess.  Classes will resume on Monday, November 30th. Remember that  Advent begins on Sunday, November 25th  Typically St. Benedict School hosts a Thanksgiving Food Drive at this time of the year.  In light of the current situation, we will host a dress down day where students may dress down for a donation of $2 or more and we will purchase gift cards at  local supermarkets to help those parish families in need.  This way these families may be able to go to the supermarket and purchase food & beverage items for their Thanksgiving dinner.  If you wish to purchase a gift card in lieu of the $2 donation, you may send it in on the day of the dress down.  The Thanksgiving Dress down days will take place on  Thursday, November 12th (cohort b)  & Friday, November 13th (cohort a). To reiterate once again, students learning from home should be in their ST. BENEDICT SCHOOL UNIFORM (or at the very least the top part of it).  The teachers and I have observed students in other clothing such as bathrobes and pajamas!  I would not expect my teachers to virtually meet with their students in their pajamas or bathrobes.  At the very least I expect the same from our students.  As always, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me at your convenience.  Wishing you and your loved ones a very Blessed Thanksgiving Season! St. Benedict, Pray for Us, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Pray for Us, Cardinal Cooke Servant of God, Pray for Us Ray Vitiello Principal St. Benedict School  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear Parents, Happy Monday! Please join me in congratulating the Students of the Month for September and October.  In fairness to the two types of learning options we have, we have decided to honor in person students one month and remote students the following.   Student of the Month September 2020 Grade Value of the Month "Cooperation" PreK-3 Stephen Olasode PreK-4 Zander Colon Kindergarten Sophia Johnson Grade 1 Miguel Tirado Grade 2 James Gubernot Grade 3 Sabria Sepulveda Grade 4 Emily Echevarria Grade 5 Julian Febres Grade 6-32 Jaden Medenilla Grade 6-38 Winston Lopez Grade 7-31 Jacob Pagan Grade 7-35 Scott Pricolli Grade 8-36 Genesis Zumba Grade 8-39 Nicole Puma-Duran   Student of the Month October 2020   Grade Value of the Month "Respect" PreK-3 James Clarke PreK-4 Samantha Martinez Kindergarten Mason Lisboa Grade 1 Eva Benson Grade 2 Nevaeh Roman Grade 3 Trayvon Jean-Francois Grade 4 Peyton McPartland Grade 5 Olivia Tuccillo Grade 6-32 Enrico Diana Grade 6-38 Mallory Ventola Grade 7-31 Leila Gerena Grade 7-35 Emily Aristy Grade 8-36 John Avellino Grade 8-39 Trintity Jackson As a follow up to my October Newsletter here are the final details for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Halloween Festivities 2020. Each year St. Benedict School sponsors a $2 dress down day of which all of the proceeds are sent to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  Last year we raised over $1000.   In fairness to the different student cohorts, we will sponsor  two pink and white dress down days.   Students in Cohort A may dress down for a donation of $2 or more on Friday, October 16th. Students in Cohort B may dress down for a donation of $2 or more on Friday, October 23rd.   Students are encouraged to wear pink and/or white.   Parents PLEASE DO NOT GO OUT AND BUY ANYTHING SPECIAL.  Anything pink or white will do.  Halloween Festivities: On Thursday, October 29th & Friday, October 30th students in pre-kindergarten - grade 4 may come to school in their HALLOWEEN COSTUMES (PLEASE NO PROPS SUCH AS KNIFES/SWORDS).  If your child does not want to wear their Halloween Costume to school they may simply dress down in orange/black on that day.  The children will enjoy an age appropriate Halloween movie on their assigned cohort day beginning at about 1:15 pm.  The students may bring a snack/drink from home to enjoy during the movie.   Students in grade 5-8th grade may dress down in Halloween Colors and also enjoy an age appropriate Halloween movie on their assigned cohort day beginning at 1:15 pm.  The students may bring a snack/drink from home to enjoy during the movie.   Typically I invite parents to send in Halloween treats for the children, but in light of the current situation, I would prefer the children bring in their own treat from home so parents know where the treat came from.   As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. Respectfully, Ray Vitiello Principal +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear Parents, We made it through the first month of school!  Although hectic, thank God all of our planning paid off. A big thank you for all your continued patience as we endeavor this new way of teaching during this pandemic.    Below are some highlights for the month of October. Friday, October 2nd is a half day for students in Cohort A.  Dismissal is 11:30 am. St. Benedict School will be  closed on Monday, October 12th for Columbus Day.   First Holy Communion Practice for last year's St. Benedict Grade 2 students (currently in grade 3 or above) is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13th at 5:00 pm at St. Benedict Church.   Progress reports for students in grades 1-8 will be sent home with the students on Tuesday, October 13th. Please note in reviewing the teacher gradebooks, I have observed many student assignments not be handed in/submitted through Google Classroom.  It is  too early in the year for this to be happening.  Please be sure to log on to EDUCATE and review your child's progress.  First Holy Communion for last year's St. Benedict Grade 2 students (currently in grade 3 or above) is scheduled for Saturday, October 17th at 9:30 am at St. Benedict Church.  This mass is only open to the communion candidate and TWO family members.  The communion mass will, however, be "live streamed" via the St. Benedict Church Webpage.   8th Grade TACHS (Test for Acceptance into Catholic High School) online registration deadline is Monday, October 19th.  Please visit  www.tachsinfo.com for further information.   Dante school pictures will be at St. Benedict School on Tuesday and Wednesday October 20th & 21st respectively for students in Cohort A or B.  Please note that Dante will only be taking individual student pictures in their school uniform (gym or spring uniform is fine).  Group/class pictures will NOT be taken this year.   8th graders will NOT be taking their picture at this time.  Graduates will have their picture taken in cap and gown in February 2021.   The fall fundraiser ends on Monday, October 26th.  Please remember if you chose the PRE-PAY OPTION OF $250 YOU HAVE MET YOUR YEARLY FUNDRAISING OBLIGATION FOR THEY YEAR, the $250 will be billed in your  November Smart Tuition Invoice.  As always, this fee is  PER FAMILY NOT PER CHILD.  If you chose to sell chocolate and/or catalog sales please do NOT send in any money to the school.  You will be billed directly through Smart Tuition.  Mr. Mojica will notify Smart Tuition of the number of chocolate boxes that have been signed out by each family.   As we draw closer to Halloween I will send out an update regarding possible Halloween festivities.  Obviously, we will not be able to have our annual Halloween Parade or Junior High School Dance due to social distancing requirements.   Let us continue to pray to the patron Saint of our school to continue to bless us all with good health. St. Benedict- Pray for us! Our Lady Queen of Peace - Pray for us!. Cardinal Cooke Servant of God - Pray for us! Respectfully, Ray Vitiello Principal +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear Parents, I pray this email finds you well! We made it through the first couple of days of school! Thank You, thank you, thank you for a very smooth start.  God threw us a curveball today, with all of the rain and humidity, however, we made it through! I am especially impressed with my 3 and 4 year old children. We had some tears (both students and parents) but for the most part the children enjoyed their first experience of school life! A warm welcome to all of the new families of the St. Benedict School Community! Thank you for entrusting your children in our care.  There is a lot going on this first month of school. Please see below some important updates.   By now you should have received your child's daily schedule and classroom expectations directly from your child's homeroom teacher via email. Parents of PK3, PK4, Kindergarten and First Grade have already met with their child's homeroom teachers either in person or via Zoom. Tomorrow there is NO SCHOOL for our students. The teachers and I have a scheduled professional development day. Breakfast and lunch programs will begin on Monday, September 14th. Please remember that all students will eat in their respective homeroom classes and that students are permitted to bring a bottle of water to school as the water fountains are not available at this time. Grade 4 Parents will meet with Ms. Roman on Tuesday, September 15th at 6:00 pm via ZOOM.  Ms. Roman will send you a Zoom invite shortly.     5th & 6th Grade Parents will meet on Wednesday, September 16th at 6:00 pm in the schoolyard to the right of the main entrance of our school. Being that the 5th and 6th grade homeroom teachers teach both sets of students, we are doing it together on the same evening so that you may meet all three teachers (Mrs. Siciliano, Mrs. Geisler & Ms. Wilson) at one given time. If it rains, we will meet via Zoom.   7th & 8th Grade Parents will meet on Wednesday, September 16th at 6:45 pm in the rear schoolyard. Being that the 7th and 8th grade homeroom teachers teach both sets of students, we are doing it together on the same evening so you may meet all four teachers (Ms. Gunther, Ms. Sanchez, Mrs. Villani & Mr. Piacquadio) at one given time. Mr. Vitiello will speak about the TACHS Exam at the end of the meeting with our 8th grade parents. If it rains, we will meet via Zoom.   Grade 2 Parents will meet with Mrs. Serafin on Thursday, September 17th at 6:00 pm in the rear schoolyard. If it rains, we will meet via Zoom.   Grade 3 Parents will meet with Mrs. Berardini on Thursday, September 17th for grades 3 at 6:45 pm in the schoolyard to the right of the main entrance of our school. If it rains, we will meet via Zoom.   Please be sure to return the following forms to your child's homeroom teacher by Friday, September 18th.  1. Emergency Cards,  2. Parent/Student Handbook sign-off sheet, 3. Media Release sign-off sheet, 4. Telecommunications sign-off sheet, 5. Pre-pay Fundraiser Option form, 6. Medical Needs form,  7. ADNY Income Survey, and 8. Home Language Survey. I have also attached these forms to this email for your review as well. Please note that the 2020-2021 Parent-Student Handbook/Calendar has been sent home with your YOUNGEST CHILD if you have multiple children within the school.   Students in Grades K-8 will be taking MAP testing beginning Monday, September 28th not the 21st as indicated on the parent/student handbook. The Archdiocese of New York has changed the administration dates.   Our fall fundraiser will begin on Monday, September 28th. Once World's Finest Chocolate has been delivered to our school, Mr. Mojica will send out an email to all parents. Please remember we DO NOT COLLECT any money at school. Parents sign out the boxes of chocolate, Mr. Mojica will notify Smart Tuition the number of boxes signed out by parents and the invoice will appear on your next Smart Tuition Statement.   As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at your convenience.  Wishing all of us a very successful and productive school year filled with learning, laughter and spiritual growth.  St. Benedict, Pray for us, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Pray for us, Cardinal Cooke- Servant of God, Pray for us! Respectfully, Ray Vitiello Principal St. Benedict School  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ August 7, 2020 Dear Parents and Students, I pray that this letter finds you well and that you have had an opportunity to relax and enjoy your summer break with family and friends in the midst of this Covid-19 Pandemic.  I am excited to embrace and finally welcome back our students and families to the 2020-2021 academic year.  Although this year is not going to be a typical start to our school year, we will make the best of it with the cards we have been dealt.  We have closely followed the recommended guidelines as set forth by the Archdiocese of New York to safeguard all teachers, staff, students and parents that enter our school building.    This year we will welcome many new faces to the St. Benedict Family.  First and foremost, we welcome nearly 75 students from Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School!  We are most blessed that these families have decided to join our St. Benedict School Family.  I have had the pleasure of speaking with most of the parents and students alike, what an amazing group of individuals.  This fall, we also welcome three new faculty members to our SBS School Community.  First, Mrs. Carmela Geisler comes to us with a wealth of experience as a Catholic School Educator within the Archdiocese of New York beginning her 25th year!  Secondly, we welcome Ms. Karen Wilson.  Ms. Wilson is no stranger to Catholic education as she will begin her 22nd year within the Archdiocese of New York.  Lastly, we welcome an alum of St. Benedict School,  Ms. Deana Gunther.  Ms. Gunther is not only a graduate of our beloved school she is also a parishioner of St. Benedict’s Church and her son Daniel attends our school as well.  Ms. Gunther will begin her  21st year this September!  A warm welcome to each of you!  We wish Ms. Adriana Diaz, former junior high school teacher, all the best as she embarks on a new journey.  Ms. Diaz has accepted a concentrated coaching position with Catapult Learning and she will not be returning to St. Benedict’s this fall.  We will certainly miss her very much. Her care, compassion and concern for her students will be greatly missed.   As we prepare for the opening week of school, please see below important information regarding the first week of school, uniform code, immunization requirements and tuition & fees. A look ahead: Students in Cohort A will report back to school on Wednesday, September 9th.   Students in Cohort B will report back to school on Thursday, September 10th.   If you have not submitted your Google Options Form, please do so by August 11th.  Students will be notified which cohort they have been assigned to shortly thereafter.   Friday, September 11th is a Teacher Professional Development Day, students do not have classes.  This date may change, as I am awaiting further information from the Archdiocese of New York.   Respective students should report to the locations below: Grades 6, 7 & 8 report to the rear schoolyard located on Logan Avenue at 8:00 am.  Please note we will have two classes each for the 6, 7 & 8 grades.   Grades 1-5 report to the rear schoolyard located on Logan Avenue at 8:45 am. Pre-K-3, Pre-K-4, and Kg report to the schoolyard on the right hand side of the main entrance of the school at 9:15 am. In the event of inclement weather, ALL STUDENTS WILL ENTER THROUGH THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF OUR SCHOOL AT THE DESIGNATED TIMES ABOVE.   As the students enter the school building their temperature will be taken before they are admitted to class.  I would encourage parents to do the same before they send their child to school.  Any student that has a temperature of 100.0 or greater will be brought to our “Guardian Angel Room” and parents will be notified to pick up their child immediately.   Students in Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten will be dismissed at 11:00 am, students in grades 1-8 will be dismissed at 11:30 am.  Dismissal will take place at the same morning drop off locations indicated above, with the exception of grades 6-8 students they will be dismissed via the main entrance of our school.   Monday, September 14th (Full Day of School for students in COHORT A). Our breakfast & lunch programs will begin.  Once again all students will remain with their homogeneous cohort of student grouping for the ENTIRE SCHOOL DAY.  Breakfast & lunch will be served in the classroom and special subject teachers will “push into” each classroom. Students may bring their own bottle of water to school as our water fountains will not be available per the CDC Guidelines.    Our classrooms have been arranged to provide for the rules and regulations of proper social distancing.  Each classroom will be equipped with hand sanitizers and touchless paper towel dispensers.   Our morning and aftercare programs will NOT be available at this time per the directives of the Archdiocese of New York.  Please make every effort to pick up your child on time each day.   NYC Title I, SETTS, Speech, OT, PT will be offered remotely to eligible students.   Back to School Night ZOOM Meetings In late August  you will receive a personalized Zoom Meeting invitation by your child’s homeroom teacher via email.  I will join in on each of those Zoom Meetings to answer any questions you may have.  I believe this will work best per grade level so that the number of individuals on that virtual meeting is more personable; rather than having one meeting with 370 people at one given time.   School Uniforms  All Students are expected to report to school in their Summer Uniform or St. Benedict Gym Uniform.  I am allowing for this flexibility during our first quarter so that parents may easily wash the gym uniform on a daily basis if needed.  Students are encouraged to wear school apparel/SBS sportswear ie. spirit day shirts, during remote learning from home. *** All students from Kindergarten - grade 8 must wear a face mask to enter our school building.  Rest assured, we will provide periodic breaks throughout the day that the children may remove their mask and sit quietly.    Boys: Pre-kindergarten & Kindergarten: Navy Blue Nylon Gym Shorts with Silk Screen & Navy Gym Tee Shirt with Silk Screen & Sneakers (non light up please). Grades 1-8: Navy Boy’s Twill Walking Shorts, OR Grey Twill Pants & Ash Short Sleeve Polo Shirt with Logo, belt, black crew socks and black tie up shoe. Girls: Pre-kindergarten & Kindergarten: Navy Blue Nylon Gym Shorts with Silk Screen & Navy Gym Tee Shirt with Silk Screen & Sneakers (non light up please). Grades 1-5: Navy Plaid Split Front Jumper with Emblem and White Short Sleeve Peter Pan Collar Blouse, OR Navy Girls Twill Walking Shorts/Navy Skort with Ash Short Sleeve Polo Shirt with logo, Navy Orlon Knee-hi with flat black/blue tie up shoes. Grades 6-8: Charcoal Grey Triblend Girls Slacks with White Short Sleeve Collar Blouse, OR Navy Girls Twill Walking Shorts with Ash Short Sleeve Polo Shirt, belt with black/blue tie up shoes. *** Please be sure that all hair highlights & nail polish is removed before the first day of school! Summer Reading and Math Please be sure all students in grades 1-8 complete their required summer Reading and Math Assignments.  Students received a copy of their summer reading list, and Math Dreambox assignment along with their final report card that was picked up in June.   All new students were emailed the summer assignments by Mrs. Foley.   Students will be evaluated on the Summer Reading Assignment during the week of September 14th. Any new student that is transferring into SBS may not have Math Dreambox and/or Read Theory accounts, please do not worry about this at the moment.  New students will be set up with those respective accounts in September.    Updated Physical and Medical Forms and Immunizations BEFORE the first day of school all PRE-K 3, PRE-K 4, KINDERGARTEN & NEW STUDENTS TO ST. BENEDICT SCHOOL MUST PROVIDE a completed Medical Form to Mrs. Foley.  Any new student that does not have a medical form on file MAY NOT REPORT TO SCHOOL ON SEPTEMBER 9th or 10th.  Students transferring from OLA your child's medical records have been sent to St. Benedict School. All students are REQUIRED to have ALL vaccinations as mandated by the Department of Health BEFORE admission to school.  Attached, please find the NYCDOH Required Immunization Chart.   Tuition/Fees/Lunch/Aftercare/Fundraising/ Graduation Fees By now you should have received your Smart Tuition schedule of payments.  Please be up-to-date with tuition payments. Tuition is due the 15th of each month.  ALL tuition, fees, fundraising, breakfast, lunch, aftercare & graduation fees payments  MUST be paid directly to SMART TUITION NOT THE SCHOOL. Many of the scholarships and/or teacher discounts have NOT been applied as of yet.  Smart Tuition is updating family accounts on a daily basis.  Unfortunately, if any family falls two months behind with their Smart Tuition payments, students will be excluded from in-person or remote learning sessions from home.   The school office will be open during the month of August on Mondays - Thursdays from 8:30-1:30 pm.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or drop by the office. Looking forward to a very productive and successful school year! St. Benedict, Pray for Us, Our Lady, Pray for Us, Cardinal Cooke-Servant of God, Pray for Us! Respectfully, Ray Vitiello Principal St. Benedict School   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear St. Benedict Family, I pray this email finds you well in the midst of this heat wave and pandemic.  I have a few updates I would like to share with you.  This coming Thursday, you will receive from Michael Deegan, superintendent of school for the Archdiocese of New York, " The Catholic Schools Opening - Moving Forward Plan."  Within that official communication, you will receive a parent YouTube Video that will highlight a sample school and protocols that have been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our entire school community.   Below are some highlights:   Parents will have the option of choosing full remote learning from home or hybrid model that will consist of a combination of live in school instruction and synchronous learning from home during the course of the week.   Morning care & aftercare programs will not be available at the start of the school year.  Once we receive the green light to offer those programs again, we will surely offer both programs.  When the programs resume early drop off is as early as 7:00 am and late pick up as late as 6:00 pm.    All special subjects such as computer, art and music will be pushed into the classrooms.  Physical education will take place either outdoors or in our school gymnasium.  Our goal is to limit student movement and encourage cohorts of students to remain homogenous.   For our little angels PK3, PK4 and KG students will place their belongings in individual cubbies.    NYC Title I, SETTS, OT, PT will be offered remotely to eligible students.   Breakfast & lunch will be served in the classrooms.  We will offer the ADNY School Food Program and of course if you choose, your child may bring in his/her lunch from home.  Students may bring in a water bottle from home as the water fountains will not be available to students at this time.  We will keep our students well hydrated. We always have water bottles on hand at the school.   Our classrooms can accommodate 16 students at one time and the teacher/aide following NYCDOH guidelines regarding social distancing of 6X6 feet per student.  Each classroom will be equipped with hand sanitizers and touchless paper towel dispensers.    We have purchased box fans to place in each classroom to allow for additional air ventilation/circulation.    We have already placed our PPE order through the ADNY.  We will be receiving theroscan temperature scanners, non-contact infrared digital thermometers, face shields, disposable face masks & gloves, floor stand hand sanitizer dispensers, wipes and signage as highlighted below.     Students and staff will practice frequent hand washing with hand soap and water upon arrival at school, before meals and snacks, after using restrooms, periodically throughout the day and other times that require such hand hygiene.     Students and staff that have the following symptoms may not report to school: fever, chough, stuffy nose, chills, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle/body ache, sore throat or headache.  The students will have their temperature checked upon arrival at school.    Our maintenance crew will be sanitizing & disinfecting door handles, doorknobs, light switches, sink faucets, bathroom surfaces, countertops, tables, desks, chairs, computers, chromebooks, laptops, and toys.    I have already purchased appropriate signage to indicate direction in which individuals travel in the hallways and stairways.     We have welcomed many families from our neighboring Catholic School OLA and due to that increase in student enrollment some classes will be split in addition to our current 8th graders.  I will not be able to do so until I have a clear picture of what our enrollment will look like by mid August. I can confidently say that I will have two 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes at this time.  Of course this may change if families withdraw their child from our school.     I know the question of tuition has surfaced being that most of you have already received your first Smart Tuition Invoice.  The last I was informed was that regardless if a child is going to be in school every day or not, our teachers will be synchronous teaching on those days that the child will be working from his/her home.  I know that is not the answer you are looking for, but that was the latest directive I received from the ADNY.  Please do not kill the messenger.  Please be on the lookout for the official ADNY Plan coming to you via constant contact this Thursday. That is all for now, please stay safe, cool and most of all positive! Respectfully, Ray Vitiello Principal ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear St. Benedict Family, I pray this email finds you well on our last official day of school! Educate is now open to parents to download and print your child's final report card for this school year.  If you are not able to download it, please feel free to contact Mrs. Foley at the school office and she will be more than happy to email it for you if you did not receive a copy when you dropped off your child's textbooks.   Pre-kindergarten & Kindergarten parents, a copy of the final report card has been placed in your child's end of the year bag, along with his/her diploma which you may pick up next Wednesday, June 24th between 9-1 pm.   Attached, please find the link to my End of the School Year YouTube video highlighting all of our students that have achieved the honor roll for the 4th Marking Period & perfect attendance for the year.   Click Here for Video Parents please visit the link below to place your order for an official St. Benedict School face mask if you would like to purchase one.  Mr. Piacquadio is always thinking ahead!   St. Benedict Face Mask For those families that have registered for the Remote Extended Year Program you will receive an email a few days prior to the official start date of July 6th.  Please be sure to check your inbox. Let me take this opportunity to wish all of our students and families that are graduating, transferring or moving, the best of luck!  We will certainly miss you all.   Our school office will remain open during the course of the summer break between the hours of 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday-Thursday.  Our school office will be CLOSED on Fridays.    Wishing you all a very peaceful, joyful and restful summer break and a very Happy Father's Day to all of our dads! Through the intercession of the Patron Saint of all Fathers, St. Joseph, Make us gentle, yet firm, considerate and watchful.  Grant that, by his word and example, we may lead our children to heavenly grace.   Love and prayers, Ray Vitiello Principal 2020 End of Year Honors ReplyForward

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Dear Parents,

I pray this email finds you and your family well! 

Before you know it, June will begin this coming Monday and this school year will come to an end:(  Below is the game plan for each grade level to return their   HARDCOVER TEXTBOOKS AND/OR BORROWED CHROMEBOOKS WITH CHARGERS.  Students keep all of their soft covered consumable workbooks.

Monday, June 15th

• 9:00 am GRADE 1 (Science Textbook and/or borrowed chromebook with chargers)
• 12:00 pm GRADE 7 (Science, Social Studies, English Textbooks and/or borrowed chromebooks with chargers)  A reminder to the 7th grade students that they must KEEP THEIR SOCIAL STUDIES WORKBOOK AS IT COVERS THE CURRICULUM FOR THE 8th GRADE AS WELL.  Please DO NOT THROW IT OUT!

Our Pre-kindergarten 3 students will have their virtual stepping-up ceremony at  3:00 pm on Monday, June 15th!  I ordered the student diplomas with their picture that they took in the beginning of the year in their school uniform.  Those pictures will be placed on their diplomas.  Once Dante Pictures delivers them to the school, I will invite parents to pick up their child's final report card, diploma and student belongings at a later date:)  

Tuesday, June 16th

• 9:00 am GRADE 2 (Science Textbook and/or borrowed chromebook with chargers)
• 12:00 pm GRADE 6 (Science, Social Studies English Textbooks, The Circle of Elephants Novel and/or borrowed chromebooks with chargers)

Our Pre-kindergarten 4 students will have their virtual stepping-up ceremony at  3:00 pm on Tuesday, June 16th! I have ordered the student diplomas with their picture that they took in the beginning of the year in their school uniform.  Those pictures will be placed on their diplomas.  Once Dante Pictures delivers them to the school, I will invite parents to pick up their child's final report card, diploma and student belongings at a later date:) 
 
  Wednesday, June 17th

• 9:00 am GRADE 3 (English Textbook, My Father's Dragon Novel, ReadyGen small readers and/or borrowed chromebooks with chargers)
• 12:00 pm GRADE 5 (Science, Social Studies and English Textbooks and/or borrowed chromebooks with chargers)

Our Kindergarten students will have their virtual stepping-up ceremony at  3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 17th!  I have ordered the student diplomas with their picture that they took in the beginning of the year in their school uniform.  Those pictures will be placed on their diplomas.  Once Dante Pictures delivers them to the school, I will invite parents to pick up their child's final report card, diploma and student belongings at a later date:) 
    

Thursday, June 18th

• 9:00 am GRADE 4  (Science, Social Studies Textbooks, The One and Only Ivan Novel, The Chriquette in Times Square Novel, and/or borrowed chromebook with chargers)

For all of our safety and well-being,  either the student or one parent will be permitted to come into the school with a face mask and/or face covering to drop off the above items.  Students/parents will report directly to the school auditorium on the designated date and time indicated above to drop off their  textbooks and/or Chromebooks with chargers. 

Students that left behind any items in their desks or lockers (junior high school students) will be able to retrieve those items directly from the  school auditorium on the same day they drop off their textbooks and/or Chromebooks with chargers.  Those items have been packed in a clear plastic bag with the student name written on top of each bag for easy retrieval.  

Today is the last date to register for the Virtual Summer Journey Extended Year Program.  NYC Resident Students in grades K-7 are eligible to participate.  Please register online at  https://catapultlearning.com/summer-adny-enroll

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.

Respectfully,


Ray Vitiello
Principal
St. Benedict School 

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Dear St. Benedict Family,

I pray this email finds you well, safe and most of all sound!

Today I write to you with important updates for all fourth quarter academics. Since Remote Learning began in March, we have worked to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students while simultaneously maintaining the spirit of academic excellence that makes St. Benedict's so vibrant. Now that the remainder of the school year will be completed remotely, please note the following updates to our schools’ grading policies across grade levels:

 

	Grades 1-5 (Core Subjects)	Grades 3-5 (Religion)	Grades 6-8 (All Subjects)
First Quarter (Q1)	28.3%	25%	25%
Second Quarter (Q2)	28.3%	25%	25%
Midterm Exam (E)	(NA)	10%	10%
Third Quarter (Q3)	28.3%	25%	25%
Fourth Quarter (Q4)	15%	15%	15%

 

• 4th Quarter has been uniformly assigned a 15% weight, with the outstanding weight distributed evenly across earlier marking periods (1, 2, 3).

• There will be no final exams given this year, and its 10% weight has also been redistributed for applicable grade levels.

• There is no MAP testing for this Spring 2020.

• Our Pre-K and Kindergarten students will be receiving a detailed narrative summary of their progress.

From the very beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, our teachers have been working to meet the needs of our students as whole persons, and have maintained the same high expectations for instruction in accordance with the Parent/Student Handbook received at the beginning of the school year. The figures and decisions above are measurable, concrete actions we have taken to meet our students with the Christ-centered compassion necessary during this unique, unprecedented time.

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the school office.

Please stay safe and positive.

Respectfully,

Ray Vitiello
Principal
St. Benedict School

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Dear Parents,

Again, Happy School Spirit Day!

I apologize that I did not forward this information to you sooner, as I was on a video conference call with my superintendent.  I am sure that you already received this information through the superintendent's office regarding Governor Cuomo's executive order that  all schools remain closed through June 2020:(

I have inserted Mr. Deegan's email to the bottom of this communication for your review and consideration.

As I receive further directives regarding graduation ceremonies and summer school I will keep you informed.  

I am now completely devastated that we are not returning this year, but I do agree that the safety and well-being all of all is first and foremost.

Stay tuned...

Respectfully,
Ray Vitiello
Principal
St. Benedict School 

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May 1, 2020 Feast of St. Joseph the Worker
 
Dear Catholic School Community,
 
Our Catholic schools have successfully adapted and overcome every obstacle the coronavirus crisis has put in our path.  Staying true to our faith based and future focused education, we strive to provide each student entrusted to our care an academically excellent program. Teachers have been teaching, and students have been learning, coming together each day to pray, study, laugh and love. Our parents have contributed immeasurably to the success. Each of us is indeed blessed to be part of this larger family of faith, and we will continue to support one other as we continue to walk through this struggle together.

 As directed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s executive order, our Catholic schools will remain closed through the end of June, thus making home-based learning our format as we close the academic year. The Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent of Schools will remain proactive, we continue to adapt, and we will absolutely overcome this challenge. We along with our principals and teachers will ensure for those celebrating stepping up milestones, graduations, and other achievements are honored and recognized.  We continue to assemble resources for our families as we all confront this challenge:
 • Offering our counseling program, ADAPP, which continues to be available to you and our students. You will be hearing more from them directly in the coming week with many additional resources. We must ensure we take advantage of these resources. • Ensuring all students have access to meals, linked here are distribution sites throughout theArchdiocese.  • Expanding extended year summer learning options, both remote and in person, if feasible, will continue to be explored and offered to the widest audience possible.  • Working to ensure that if a family needs a device for learning and cannot afford one we secure one through loan by the school, donors or through government resources.  • Partnering with Catholic Charities NY myriad of offerings, download its FindHelp App today!

As always, we will continue to update our website CatholicSchoolsNY.org with additional information, resources and updates. We join our Holy Father, Cardinal Dolan, and the Bishops of the United States, placing our trust in our Mary our Mother.  We know that by entrusting ourselves to her maternal care we will feel the solace of her embrace. We remain inspired by the fact that as each day passes, we are closer to a resolution and better, happier days, united, in our schools, our churches, and our community, to teach, to learn and to pray together once more.  
 
Sincerely,
 
Mr. Michael J. Deegan Superintendent of Schools Archdiocese of New York                                                                                  WWW.CATHOLICSCHOOLSNY.ORG

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Dear St. Benedict Family,

I pray that you had a blessed and peaceful Easter!  May the peace of Our risen Christ shine upon us all during this most difficult time.  

Below, please find the latest information that I have received from our superintendent of schools, Mr. Michael Deegan.  Highlighted in his letter is a new tentative date of school closures through May 22nd and the approval of Zoom video conferencing with our student body.  Please click on the link below regarding the implementation of Zoom within our school communities.  

By now kindergarten-grade 8 students should have been able to download their third marking period report card.  If you were not able to download it, please feel free to send me an email or contact the school and I will send you a copy via email.  

As I become aware of additional information I will relay the messsage to each of you. 

Our teachers will continue teaching via online remote learning during this extended school closure peroiod and all grades will be counted towards the last marking period of this school year.  

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me a the school office.


Please stay safe and possitive!  

Respectfully,

Mr. V
Principal
St. Benedict School 



April 20, 2020   Dear Catholic School Community,   Joy is what the Easter season is all about! Given the context of the COVID-19 crisis, we are assured the Light of the Risen Christ erases the gloom of sadness. This Light has never been more tangible in our lifetime. After four decades as a Catholic educator, I have never been prouder of our extended Catholic school community. We are bound by our shared faith and commitment to our mission of educating each child. Together we have adapted and will continue to overcome the obstacles placed in front of us by this global pandemic.   As we return from Easter break and resume home-based learning, I am providing several important updates below:  Following recommendations of the Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent, Catholic Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of New York will remain closed through Friday, May 22, 2020, since the well-being of our children and teachers is our preeminent responsibility.   There has been a lot of information in the news about Zoom, a tool we use to teach your children digitally. Before we adopted any tool, the Office of the Superintendent of Schools worked with our Safe Environment Office and the Office of Legal Affairs. We had proactively recommended many if not all of the education security measures which were then adopted by Zoom for educator accounts. We strongly encourage you to also review the internet safety materials posted on our website, continue to monitor your children's online activities and have an open dialogue with them about internet safety. Click here to view updated and additional information about Zoom on our website.   For all of us, these times remain challenging, please know that our counselors and mental health professionals are an email or phone call away. I have linked my letter from March 25, 2020 which has all of the contact information. I have also posted new resources on our website.   Last week, Cardinal Dolan and I participated in a call with Senator Charles Schumer (NY) to thank the senator for his support as well as to advocate for additional relief for our families and our schools. We remain engaged in working to ensure local, city, state and federal government deliver all the support and services our students are entitled to and deserve. Our website CatholicSchoolsNY.org continues to be the best source for timely updates and information about home-based learning, as well as parent and family resources including additional materials helpful to your loved ones going forward. With prayers for your continued health and happiness,   Mr. Michael J. Deegan Superintendent of Schools Archdiocese of New York