3/23/25

Dear School Families,

When reflecting on this week’s Gospel (Luke 13:1-9), I listened to Fr. Walter Modrys’ and BJ Brown’s podcast Believe, Teach, Practice. In the podcast, Fr. Walter notes that the essential message of the parable is one of patience. May this reminder encourage us all to embrace a week filled with hope, love, and patience toward one another.

The Richmond University Medical Center Foundation is hosting a 5K run in memory of Rory DeCristoforo and Arnold Obey. The funds that are raised will be used for the Wayne Zenna Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the hospital. The run will take place on Saturday, April 12th at Silver Lake Park. Please visit www.rumcsi.org/5k or contact Gina Ferreri (718.818.2106 [email protected]) for more information.

Congratulations to our incredible cheerleaders on their outstanding performance at the CYO State Championships! All of our teams proudly placed at the state event — our Biddies earned 3rd place, our Debs took 2nd place, and both our JV and Varsity teams brought home 1st place titles, making them Island and State Champions! A special shoutout to our Varsity team, who were also honored with the Overall Champion Award. We are so proud of each of you!

All St. Clare sports team members may dress in their warm-ups/jerseys on Monday, March 24th in celebration of their hard work this past season. Congratulations to all!

This week we look forward to our Fashion Show on Thursday, March 27th and Mass with the Cardinal celebrating the 100th year anniversary of our parish on Saturday, March 29th at 5:00 p.m. We ask all school students attending the Mass to wear their school uniform.

School will be closed on Friday, March 28th for a teacher conference day.

A special thank you to Deacon Salhaney for the wonderful idea of adding a canopy to the side door of our PreK. We appreciate your leadership in overseeing its design and installation. 

For the last few weeks, I have mentioned the importance of arriving at school on time. During one of my observations this week, one of the students arrived 20 minutes late for class. By the time he unpacked his bag and hung up his jacket, he had missed an important math lesson. Please make every effort to have students arrive on time and remain in school for the duration of the school day.

Confirmation parents, please be sure to complete the Confirmation Form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfBgUTwEEqaDEyUtFcBzCd0vw0Trfvz9U_MXEyw4pFgDIfwA/viewform) as soon as possible as it is important that we have this information as we prepare for the sacrament.

Catapult Learning, in conjunction with the Archdiocese of NY, is offering a virtual parent workshop on Monday, March 31st from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. The topic of the workshop is Screen Time and Educational Applications. It will offer parents practical strategies for managing screen time while maximizing the benefits of educational tools to support student learning. A Flocknote with additional information and a QR code for registration was sent out on Friday.

Students may begin wearing spring uniforms (including gym shorts for gym) on Tuesday, April 1st.

We are looking forward to the 6th Grade presentation of Godspell on April 1st, the PreK Easter Hat Parade on April 4th, and the Mother - Daughter Event on April 12th.

Our next pretzel day is  April 16th. Orders are due April 10th. Orders are to be placed using this google form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpfGDKpHUl9VWkXGemT10tK-XRYckpFvxOyAy_WmM6LsO8mg/viewform?usp=sharing). Please note that orders are not complete until payment has been sent to the school office.

Parents can shop for gently used uniforms at discounted prices at Clare’s Closet on April 4th from 12:30 to 2:00 PM in the school gym. Please note that dismissal on April 4th will be at 12:00 PM due to a faculty meeting.

Our students in grades 3 - 8 are working hard and preparing for the upcoming state test. We’re so proud of their dedication and effort. You can support your child by encouraging good study habits, ensuring plenty of rest, and keeping a positive mindset. Together, we can help them feel confident and ready to do their best. 

A list of upcoming events follows.

Have a blessed week!

Mrs. Olsen

Upcoming Events

Thursday, 3/27/25 Fashion Show

Friday, 3/28/25 School Closed Faculty Conference Day

Saturday, 3/29/25 Mass with the Cardinal 5:00 p.m.

Monday, 3/31/25 Whole School Reconciliation

Tuesday, 4/1/25 6th Grade Godspell 8:30 School Auditorium

Tuesday, 4/1/25 Spring Uniforms may be worn

Friday, 4/4/25 PreK Easter Hat Parade

Friday, 4/4/25 12:00 Dismissal Faculty Mtg/Dress Down Day

Friday, 4/4/25 12:30 - 2:00 Clare's Closet School Auditorium

Tuesday, 4/8/25 6th, 7th, 8th Grade ELA State Test

Wednesday, 4/9/25 6th, 7th, 8th Grade ELA State Test

Wednesday, 4/9/25 Report Cards Distributed (Grades K - 8)

Saturday, 4/12/25 Mother - Daughter Party

Monday, 4/14/25 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade ELA State Test

Tuesday, 4/15/25 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade ELA State Test

Easter Break Thursday, 4/17/25 - 4/25/25 Easter Break

Monday, 4/28/25 Return to School 8:30 Mass

Tuesday, 4/29/25 Kindergarten/8th Grade Graduation Photos