Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may have questions about our school. To help you out, we've assembled a list of our most frequently asked questions, so you can find the answers all in one place. If you still don't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.
How do I enroll my child at St. Rita?
We welcome new students at St. Rita School. To enroll, please take the following steps:
- Complete an online inquiry form
- Visit our school and fill out an application form
- Pay the $25 non-refundable application fee
- Receive a satisfactory performance on the placement test administered to new students for the appropriate grade
- Submit records from previous school
To learn more about the process and to get started, please visit our Enrollment page.
Back to TopStudents in kindergarten through 8th grade attend school from 8:15 a.m. until 2:50 p.m. on regular school days. Please visit the Our School and History page for pre-kindergarten times.
Back to TopDoes St. Rita School have a before and after school program?
We have both a before and an after school program on site.
Before School
The before school program begins at 7:00 a.m., including days with a delay due to inclement weather. Students enter the school using the gym doors. For more information on times and fees visit our Before and After School Care page.
After School
We provide supervision in the after school program from dismissal until 5:30 p.m. We also make the after school program available on half days, unless designated otherwise. For more information on times and fees visit our Before and After School Care page. To participate in this program, parents or guardians must complete our online registration for Before & After School Care/Lunch Programs along with payment the week prior to the week they request after care.
Back to TopWhat is the school dress code?
Boys and girls in grades kindergarten through 8th grade wear a school uniform daily. We require students to purchase all uniforms from the Dennis Uniform Store. Here are the requirements:
Pre-K Uniform-Girls and boys must wear the gym uniform. As an option, the girls may wear the green jersey jumper or the uniform shorts or pants with the green knit shirt with the St. Rita logo. Boys may also wear the uniform khaki shorts or pants with the green knit uniform shirt. Sneakers and socks are to be worn.
Girls Grades K–3:
- White turtleneck or white peter-pan collar long or short-sleeve shirt
- Green cardigan sweater (optional)
- Navy or green tights or navy, green knee-high socks or white crew or quarter socks
- Khaki pants (optional in the winter) worn with a belt
Girls Grades 4 and 5:
- Uniform skort *
- Uniform shirt with band bottom (blue)
- Uniform green pullover or cardigan sweater (optional)
- Navy or green knee-high socks or white crew or quarter socks
- Khaki pants (optional in the winter) worn with a belt
*Girls in grades 4 and 5 who still fit in their jumper, may continue to wear it for this year.
Boys Grades K–5:
- Khaki pants with a brown belt
- Green turtleneck with St. Rita logo
- Green knit long or short-sleeved shirt with St.Rita logo
- Uniform green pullover or cardigan sweater (optional)
- Navy, green, or white crew or quarter socks
Boys Grades 6–8:
- Khaki pants with a brown belt
- Green knit shirt with St. Rita logo (long or short-sleeved)
- Uniform green pullover or cardigan sweater (optional)
- Navy, green, or white crew or quarter socks
Girls Grades 6–8:
- Uniform skort
- Uniform shirt with band bottom
- Uniform green pullover or cardigan sweater (optional)
- Navy or green knee-high socks or white crew or quarter socks
- Khaki pants (optional in the winter) worn with a belt
St. Rita fleeces are acceptable for all grade levels.
The length for the girls’ jumper, skort, and all shorts must be no shorter than two (2) inches above the knee. Girls and boys wear a black, brown, or maroon penny loafer, tassel loafer, or oxford style shoe. Bo Sandals, chunk style, stack, or platform shoes are not permitted. Heels may be no more than one inch. All shoes must have backs.
Summer Uniform
K–8 for everyone:
- Khaki shorts
- Green shirt with St. Rita logo
- Crew or quarter white or khaki socks
- Gym sneakers or school shoes
- Brown belt
The summer uniform may be worn during the months of August, September, May, and June.
What if my child must be absent from school?
A parent or guardian must call our office by 9:00 a.m. to report a child's absence. Students or their parents/guardians must make arrangements with their teachers regarding assignments. Any student who is absent from school may not participate in any extracurricular activities on that day.
Back to TopWhat if my child needs to take medication while at school?
Connecticut state law requires us to receive a written order from a licensed physician and written authorization from the parent or guardian in order for the school nurse or a teacher to administer any medication, prescription or non-prescription, to a child while at school. No student may carry his or her medication.
Back to TopDoes St. Rita’s allow electronics on campus?
We allow students to bring cell phones to school, but they must keep them off and in a backpack; students may not use or handle the phone at any time during the school day without the permission of his or her teacher. We do not allow any other electronic devices on campus such as iPods, music devices, toys, etc.
Back to TopIs bus transportation available to St. Rita’s student?
Yes, all students who live in Hamden more than one mile from the school may ride a bus to school. Students must ride on the bus assigned to them and follow all bus rules. The Town of Hamden and the Hamden Board of Education compile the bus regulations. You can find the bus schedule on the Hamden Public Schools website.
Back to TopDo you allow students to ride bicycles to and from school?
Students in grades five through eight may ride bicycles to school. They must walk their bicycles on school property, wear a helmet, and park and lock the bike in the designated bike rack.
Back to TopIs there a parking area for parents?
We have created designated areas for parents to use during school drop off and dismissal times. Parents may also park on streets adjacent to St. Rita School; however, all no parking signs must be recognized.
Morning
The morning drop off area has a one-way entrance from Gillies Road and exits onto Edgemere Road.
Dismissal
Families should park in the space provided in the church lot on the west side of Whitney Avenue. Parents and guardians should then walk to the school yard to meet their children. Cars may not enter the school lot via Gillies Road.
Does St. Rita’s allow visitors at school?
We welcome visitors to our school. All visitors must sign in and out at the office. Throughout the year, we welcome parents into their child’s classrooms for various events and happenings. If parents or guardians wish to visit a classroom, they must first make an appointment through the principal in advance of the visit. All volunteers must complete VIRTUS training and a background check for the safety of our students.
Back to Top