Dear Parents and Guardians:
It’s that time of the year again. The days are getting a bit shorter. The heat and humidity have begun to drop (slightly). The suntan from the beach trip has just about faded. Talk of football and baseball playoffs begins. And the most tell-tale sign of all-that which awakens every child from their summer slumber-ads for Back-to-School sales appear on every form of media known to man. It is time to begin the 2008-2009 school year.
My name is William Beliveau. I have the honor and privilege of serving our school community as principal of Saint Elizabeth Elementary School. Since this is just one of many papers contained in this packet, I will spare you the tedium of having to read my autobiography. Instead, I hope you will come to know me using the most effective and these days rarely used form of communication-just meeting and talking. Our monthly e-newsletter will also provide insight into who I am and my vision for our school.
Every school has its own unique culture and community. It holds dear its traditions and history, I have found that one of the most important responsibilities of an administrator is to serve as trustee of these elements while working diligently to ensure that they are transferred to each child that I serve. Foremost of these is Saint Elizabeth's commitment to academic excellence and to the Rule of Saint Benedict. Since I first set foot in this building, these virtues have enveloped me. They are not merely words or pronouncements; here they are living, breathing entities. Saint Benedict’s writings address so many of the ills of today’s society as well as those which challenge us inwardly. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to pass on his wisdom to our students.
St. Elizabeth Parish has the honor of hosting the installation of Bishop Francis Malooley. When I was principal of St. Mary Catholic School in Hagerstown, MD he would visit each spring to meet our eighth grade students who were preparing for Confirmation. In my conversations with him, it was quite evident that he understood the important part that a Catholic education plays in the spiritual and moral development of young people. Considering the many challenges facing Catholic Schools, we are truly fortunate that he was selected as our new Bishop. Since the installation is taking place here, it will necessitate some changes in our opening schedule. We will be closing at noon on Friday, September 5 and all diocesan Catholic Schools will be closed on Monday, September 8.
Our time schedule will remain the same as last year. Our official start time will be 8:00 am and dismissal will be at 2:55 pm. Children may arrive at school beginning at 7:00 am. These children will go to the gym. However, for this service a small fee will be charged. For this before school care, a family will be charged $1.00 per child per day for any student who arrives between 7:00-7:30 am. Families should pay in advance or pay on the day that the child uses this service. If I need to send out a bill after the fact, the payment will increase to $1.50 a child per day. Any children who arrive at school between 7:30 and 7:45 am will also go to the gym to be supervised, but there is no charge for students who arrive at this time. Any child who arrives at school after 7:45 am should go directly to their classroom. When dropping off or picking up your children, it is imperative that you pull your cars to the curb. It is far too dangerous to double-park and have our students dodging cars coming or leaving school. Make sure that your child crosses safely at the corners with crossing guards even when you are crossing with your child. Please take the few extra minutes required so that our children are safe.
Our first Home and School Association meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the auditorium. Teachers (except for Pre-K and Kindergarten) will also be meeting you in the classroom before the general meeting. For parents with more than one child, session one will begin at 6:00 pm. Session two will begin in classrooms at 6:30 pm. At least one parent is expected to be present.
Calendars for each month are sent home with the children during the last week of the previous month. Ask your child for the calendar every month so that you are aware of events and special schedules. Again this year we will be sending out a monthly electronic newsletter to all families. If you have not yet sent your email address, please send them to bbeliveau@sainteliz.org. Please include your name and your children’s names and grades. This will also ensure that you can be contacted through School Reach.
As we begin this school year, I ask you to welcome some new teachers to our community. Mrs. Stephanie Jeffery is returning to our faculty to serve as our Resource teacher for grades K-4. Mrs. Mary Catherine Russo is our new Spanish teacher for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade.
Our school motto is “That in All Things, God May Be Glorified." I have no doubt that with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and your prayers; we will continue to build a community of peace and a school which promotes academic and personal excellence.

May the Peace of Christ be with you!
William Beliveau, Principal

Important Dates:
September 2 School opens for grades 1-8. Dismissal at 12:00
September 3 Full day for grades 1-8
September 4 School opens for grades PreK and K
Dismissal at noon for PreK and K only
September 5 1/2 day for all students. Dismissal at 12:00
September 8 All Catholic Schools closed for installation of Bishop Francis Malooley
September 9 Band demonstration for students in grades 4-6
September 10 Opening School liturgy 8:30 am.
Meet the Teachers night 6:00 pm-7:00 pm.
Home and School Meeting for all parents at 7:00 pm in the school auditorium
September 11 Band demonstration for parents 7:00 pm in Room 105
September 23 8th Grade visits Saint Elizabeth High School 11:30 am-2:20 pm
September 24 School Pictures
Confirmation Meeting 7:00 pm
October 30 School Picture retakes 8:30 am-10:00 am