School leaders look ahead to new year – Georgia Bulletin

Schools around the Archdiocese of Atlanta opened their doors beginning Aug. 7 for students, from the youngest starting their education in pre-K to seniors relishing their final year of high school.

The Georgia Bulletin reached out to three schools—two elementary and one high school—to get a sense of preparations for the school year. Principals responded by email. 

Saint Mary’s School starts year with a new Mass

Jenny Rittgers, principal

ROME—Jenny Rittgers is the principal of the Rome school. There are approximately 200 students from pre-K3 through 8th grade. Rittgers is starting her seventh year at Saint Mary’s and beginning her fourth year as principal.

What’s an exciting change or improvement parents and students can look forward to this school year? And how do you expect it to impact the overall school experience?

We are constantly striving to celebrate our Catholic identity, and this year we are strengthening it by adding school-wide Mass to our weekly schedule. All our students attend monthly eucharistic adoration, study a virtue each month with corresponding saints, and have the faith integrated into the curriculum, but being able to experience the “source and summit” of our faith in the Eucharist every week is something we are ecstatic to incorporate into our schedule.

Parents often wonder about ways to stay involved in their child’s education. What opportunities will parents have to participate in their child’s school life? What do you recommend?

As the church teaches, we believe parents are the primary educators of their children, and we’re here to support them. We value strong communication between the classroom and home, ensuring parents are engaged in their child’s education. Our amazing PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) provides numerous involvement opportunities, from “Back to School” breakfasts and…