St. Matthew Elementary Jaguar Journal:
Final 2020-2021 Summer Edition
June 25, 2021
St. Matthew Elementary
Jaguar Journal
This week's to-do list:
- If you are missing end of the year report cards, or items from your child's locker, please call the school at 319-362-3021 to arrangement a pick-up time.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Aug 12: 2021-2022 school registration
- Aug 23: 1st day of school
- Aug 23: Early dismissal at 12:05PM
Final 2020-2021 Summer Jaguar Journal
July 1st means the start of the new fiscal year, which also signifies that our 2020-2021 school year has come to a culmination. Beginning July 1st we will include all new families in our communications as we gear up for an awesome (and hopefully normal) 2021-2022 school year.
But before we do that, I just wanted to take this opportunity to provide a sincere THANK YOU to all of you. As I have had some time, over the last few weeks to reflect, this past school year was like none other, yet the storm was weathered with grace and kindness, thanks to all of you. The situations COVID presented where like nothing we have ever seen before and together, we came together as a faith community to continue the strong reputation of St. Matthew and do that through 170+ days of in-person learning.
We saw any gaps in test scores diminished by the end of the year, we saw a level of engagement from students that created a solid learning environment, we saw teachers working countless hours to adjust and create meaningful lessons that met both students in the classroom and those at home and we saw the support of you.
While I never wish to have a school year like we endured, I think we can all agree it taught us many lessons and reminded us of what is truly important in life. We have many awesome things planned for 2021-2022, I can't wait to share those with you in the coming communications.
For those of you receiving your last St. Matthew communication, please do not be a stranger. Always know that the doors are open and you are welcome to enter them. We will miss you and your students.
Good-bye 2020-2021 and welcome to 2021-2022.
~Mrs. Conlon
2020-2021 FAST Assessment Results
One of the things that I value most is transparency in all things we do at St. Matthew, including assessment results. This is no surprise to most as I have shared this information at various meetings and through a number of communications to ensure you have a solid understanding of where we are and what my intentions and goals are moving forward.
The FAST (Formative Assessment System for Teachers) assessments are administered three times a year and measure literacy and mathematical progress based on a single test or series of tests (for the younger grades). We use this data as a school and within classrooms to ensure we are providing students with the best instruction possible and meeting needs individually.
Included below are the results for both of these content areas over the last four years for literacy and two years for math. Some important literacy highlights:
- The 2020-2021 numbers are outstanding!
- Goal for each administration is a school-wide proficiency of 80%, we are so close!
- This year was the most consistent year yet, we maintained proficiency as students grew in understanding.
- 77% is the highest spring score in all four years!
- 1st grade's proficiency grew by 29% from fall to spring!
- 3rd grade has the highest proficiency at 90%.
Some important math highlights:
- St. Matthew students excel in the area of math.
- The school-wide proficiencies for all administrations were well above the 80% proficiency threshold
- St. Matthew proficiency this spring was the highest yet, 86%
Thanks to you for your partnership at home through our new reading initiative, as well as as to the teachers who have continuing refined teaching practices to create the best learning environment. I look forward to taking these numbers over 80% for 2021-2022.
~Mrs. Conlon
Summer Reading Program with the Kernels
The Kernels Summer Reading Program is designed to help encourage students in Pre-K – 5th grade stay engaged in reading this summer. Usually Mr. Schucks comes by to tell us all about it. Since he is unable to visit this year, he sent us the link to and electronic program scorecard to your students. Check it out and get reading!
Especially For You Race
St. Matthew School will once again have a team for the annual Especially For You Race Against Breast Cancer. If you'd like to be part of the team, please follow the link below to sign up. This year's race will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2021. We'd love to have our biggest team yet, so please consider joining us!
2021-2022 CR Bulldogs Registration is Now Open!
Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2021-2022 CR Bulldogs season
To register go to:
Over the summer there will be communication on rosters, uniforms, schedules and getting everything ready to start in September! Any questions please reach out to Bulldogs President Dale Emerson atdemerson@coe.edu.
CR SAINTS GIRLS SOFTBALL
CR Saints Softball will be holding tryouts for the 2021 fall through 2022 spring/summer seasons for 8U-12U teams. Join our organization for some FUN and COMPETITIVE softball!!! Online registration begins on June 30, 2021. www.crsaintssoftball.com
Tryout dates: July 26-30
● 8U: born on or after January 1, 2013; birth years 2013 or after
● 10U: born on or after January 1, 2011; birth years 2011-12
● 12U: born on or after January 1, 2009; birth years 2009-10
Visit us on Facebook: Cedar Rapids Saints Softball @crsaintssoftball
Contact us with questions: crsaintssoftball@hotmail.com
***Make-up dates will be set-up on an as-needed basis, July 19-22. Please email after June 30 to schedule an individual time.
Regis Middle School News
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