We have a couple of staffing changes taking place for the upcoming school year. First, one of our 4^th grade teachers – Mrs. Kulinski – will not be returning to Saint James School, having recently decided to pursue other endeavors. Mrs. Kanute has already interviewed several excellent candidates to fill the 4^th grade teacher position and we look forward to having the new teacher in place prior to the start of school.

Also, Mrs. Sabatella has decided to leave her position as the elementary Art teacher at SJS to pursue other artistic endeavors. She will, however, continue to be a substitute teacher for our school and we are excited that she has chosen to remain part of our school family in this capacity. A new art teacher for grades K-3 is being hired and Ms. Boutot will be teaching art for grades 4-8.

We wish Mrs. Kulinski and Mrs. Sabatella the best of luck in their new endeavors!

In addition, we have a new priest – Rev. Michael A. Carlson – assigned to the Saint James family, replacing Father Casey, who was given a new assignment in June.

Fr. Carlson was ordained on July 7, 2007 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. He grew up in Prospect, CT where he attended Region 16 schools and graduated from Wolcott High School in 1998. Fr. Carlson then earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Catholic University of America where he studied Music History and Composition. Father was active as a symphonic performer and composer in Washington DC before entering seminary for the Archdiocese of Hartford after graduating college in 2002.

His philosophy studies were completed at St. John’s Seminary and Boston College. He was then appointed to the pontifical North American College in Rome where he studied theology and earned a license in dogmatic theology from the Gregorian University.

Father Carlson has enjoyed a number of varied parochial assignments including serving communities in Torrington, Newington, Waterbury and most recently Hamden. He is very excited to discover the new territory of Manchester.

In his spare time, father enjoys golf, lifting, running, reading and of course music. His greatest passion is the Metropolitan Opera.

We have several parents who are still parking in the no parking areas at drop-off and pick-up.  This hinders traffic and causes issues for the buses in the afternoon.  We have received a complaint from the bus company and we need to remedy this issue.  Please remember to obey the no parking signs at all times:  no parking in front of the white house across from the school, no parking in front of the breezeway between 1pm and 3pm, do not park in front of the main school between 1pm and 3pm, do not park in the no parking spaces on Otis Street, and do not block the entrance to the parking lot between the school and the Pre-Kindergarten at pickup time.  Our children’s safety must come first.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Mrs. Kanute

Just a reminder that anyone who wishes to order SJS Soccer Spiritwear must do so by this Wednesday, May 13th.  The order form with pictures and prices is attached.

SJS Soccer Gear Order Form

We are still in need of at least 2 chaperones for tomorrow night’s middle school dance.  If you can help, please contact Nicole this evening at ncg76@aol.com or 860.573.0324.

Also, as the hosting school, Saint James 6th grade attendees are asked to each bring a gallon of water and 7th & 8th grade attendees are asked to bring a package of individually wrapped snacks.

Other reminders:

• Phones and/or other electronic devices are not allowed at the dance.  If your child brings one, they will be required to leave it with the check-in volunteers.

• All students must bring their signed Middle School Dance Permission Slip with them to the dance.

• There is a $5.00 per student admission fee.

• Parents must sign their child(ren) in and out of the dance.