St. Matthew Elementary Jaguar Journal
November 15, 2019
St. Matthew Elementary
Jaguar Journal
This week's to-do list:
- Make your November SCRIP purchases for your student to get an extra dress down day in December!
- Take part in the Parent Association meeting on Monday night.
- Save the date for the Barnes & Noble Bookfair fundraiser on December 1st...more information to come next week!
"Paws"itive Students
Emmett Lyon Oliver BarrettQuinn Synder Abby Driscoll
Sophia Bates Avery Ohde
Owen Ireland Genna Haan
Charlotte Leuck Grace Kane
Nolan Larson Keegan Stastny
Caroline Smith Bella Miranda
Kiley Kauder Lindzey Jeffrey
Nicholas Larson Zizi Maybanks
Jacob Osterhaus Corin Guthrie
Nathan Bryant Riley Pence
Zoey Takes Chase Rust
Lily Moses Kyra Kauder
Ruby Maybanks Riley Fitzgerald
Wehtam Steel Hugo Ramirez
Charlotte Link Colin Kidd
Kinnik Neumann Mrs. Sitter's Class
Preston Dueher Aaron Thiel
Mason Fisher Brooklyn Braid
Fiona Hartman Henry Lammers
Sawyer Pompei Norah Richmond
Luke Riesenberg Evan Thuente
Kamryn Waddell Kaylee Wood
Important Upcoming Events
Mon, Nov 18 - Parent Association Meeting 5:30PM
Wed, Nov 20 - 8:35AM Mass - 1st Grade (Sitter)
Wed, Nov 27 - No Mass
Wed, Nov 27-Fri, Nov 29 - No School - Thanksgiving
Mon, Dec 1 - St. Matts Bookfair at Barnes & Noble
Wed, Dec 4 - 835AM Mass - Staff planned
Thur, Dec 5 - Christmas Concert (JK-2: 6:00-6:30 and 3-5: 7:00-8:00PM)
Wed, Dec 11 - 8:35AM Mass - 5th Grade (Wareham)
Wed, Dec 18 - 8:35AM Mass - 4th Grade (Smith)
Fri, Dec 20 - Early Dismissal at 12:05PM
Mon, Dec 23 - Jan 1 - No School - Christmas Break
Thur, Jan 2 - School Resumes
Threat Preparation
Please know that we will be holding a "mock" intruder/threat drill on Tuesday at 9AM. Students have been having classroom conversations already about what this looks like at St. Matthew and in their classrooms. In doing so we have reviewed expectations to ensure the safety of all who are in the building. Some of the key components to our plan are as follows:
Our model we follow is to run-hide-fight; however, as you know the running component can be a difficult one to use during a threat situation. Therefore, this is not one that we will practice, rather our focus will be on the hide response and talking through the fight option.
I encourage you to partner with us, at home, in these conversations. Most importantly you should know that the safety of your child(ren) is our most important responsibility and we do not take that role lightly. In a situation like this, we will do all that we can to not only ensure that the students are prepared but also that we provide the necessary guidance to keep them calm and safe. Thank you!
Please know that we will be holding a "mock" intruder/threat drill on Tuesday at 9AM. Students have been having classroom conversations already about what this looks like at St. Matthew and in their classrooms. In doing so we have reviewed expectations to ensure the safety of all who are in the building. Some of the key components to our plan are as follows:
- Students need to be in a safe hiding place and quiet
- If students are comfortable grabbing a device to use as a weapon should the intruder enter the classroom, this would be recommended
- Blinds need to be closed
- Classroom doors need to be locked
- Students need to follow the directions of the teacher
Our model we follow is to run-hide-fight; however, as you know the running component can be a difficult one to use during a threat situation. Therefore, this is not one that we will practice, rather our focus will be on the hide response and talking through the fight option.
I encourage you to partner with us, at home, in these conversations. Most importantly you should know that the safety of your child(ren) is our most important responsibility and we do not take that role lightly. In a situation like this, we will do all that we can to not only ensure that the students are prepared but also that we provide the necessary guidance to keep them calm and safe. Thank you!
Tuesday, November 19 | 7 - 8 p.m.
St. Joseph Catholic Church
All Xavier Catholic School parents are welcome to attend!
Xavier Catholic Schools Parenting Series: "Parents: The Primary Educators of a Child's Faith"
Presentation by Judy Ramsey,
Adolescent Faith Formation Coordinator,
St. Joseph Catholic Parish
- Families attending mass
- Providing resources to families
- Educating parents on faith topics that
they can talk to their children about
- Connecting social media and faith
As a way for our Cub Scouts to give back to our St. Matthew charter organization and as a service project, Pack 100 is hosting a RECESS TOY DRIVE. Attached is a flyer with our school's current recess needs. As Scout families, we will be providing new or gently-used toys for our elementary school and preschool students. The drive will run October 28 - November 15. Toys and/or monetary donations can be dropped off at the school office.
**A great place to find a number of these items at good prices is Five Below, Wal-Mart or Amazon.**
Email Amy Thuente at amythuente@gmail.com with any questions.
Thank you in advance for helping to update St. Matthew recess options!
The 2019 Knights of Columbus “Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest” is a great way to prepare children for the upcoming celebration of the birth of Christ. It will be instrumental in allowing the participating children to reflect on the significance of our Savior’s birth, as they participate in the season of Advent.
- 1st place winners in each age group; 5-7, 8-10, 11-14 will receive a $25 Target gift card.
- 2nd and 3rd place winners in each age group; 5-7, 8-10, 11-14 will receive a Knights of Columbus Council 909 Lenten Fish Fry meal voucher.
What’s this STO all about?
It’s about supporting Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Dubuque and making the most out of your charitable contribution. If you file an Iowa income tax return, your contributions to the Our Faith School Tuition Organization (STO) qualify for a 65% tax credit. That means for every $1000 you donate, you receive an Iowa income tax credit $650, which reduces your Iowa tax liability by $650. Seriously, a $1000 contribution reduces your Iowa tax liability by a whopping $650! Visit www.OurFaithSto.org or call 800-876-3546 ext. 219 or 307 to learn more.
It’s about supporting Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Dubuque and making the most out of your charitable contribution. If you file an Iowa income tax return, your contributions to the Our Faith School Tuition Organization (STO) qualify for a 65% tax credit. That means for every $1000 you donate, you receive an Iowa income tax credit $650, which reduces your Iowa tax liability by $650. Seriously, a $1000 contribution reduces your Iowa tax liability by a whopping $650! Visit www.OurFaithSto.org or call 800-876-3546 ext. 219 or 307 to learn more.
Regis Middle School News
Congratulations to the Regis 8th grade and 7th/8th grade Mock Trial teams who are headed to the State Mock Trial competition next Wednesday, November 20th.Food Service Help: The Regis Middle School Food Service department is looking for a person to work Monday through Friday, 10:30 am-12:30 pm; free lunch included. Please contact Nann Canfield at ncanfield@regisroyals.org or 363-1968.
Regis is also seeking to fill our Head of Maintenance position. Benefits are available with this position. Qualifications include, but are not limited to: high school diploma; effective leadership and problem-solving skills; knowledge of electrical, plumbing, basic carpentry, and HVAC (including steam boiler); basic computer skills. Please forward a resume and letter of interest to Dianne at dclarke@regisroyals.org or to Regis Middle School, 735 Prairie Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, 52402.
Xavier High School News
Fall Musical: Beauty and the Beast this weekend!Be our guest and experience the timeless classic, "Beauty and the Beast," presented by the Xavier High School Performing Arts November 15-17. This musical is sure to entertain audiences of all ages! Tickets are on sale in the XHS Activities Office during office hours and are $10 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens.
Message from the Principal
Thanksgiving is on the horizon, which means that Advent is just a short time away. As we begin our preparations for Thanksgiving, I also encourage us to begin conversations about the meaning of Advent and the reason for the season.
As a way of helping our community, we will be partnering with Metro Catholic Outreach in an Advent calendar endeavor to give of our time and some of our resources to help those less fortunate. Please stay tuned for details regarding this event next week!
In the meantime, snow snow go away, come again another day!
--Mrs. Conlon
As a way of helping our community, we will be partnering with Metro Catholic Outreach in an Advent calendar endeavor to give of our time and some of our resources to help those less fortunate. Please stay tuned for details regarding this event next week!
In the meantime, snow snow go away, come again another day!
--Mrs. Conlon
Essentials Team Highlight
PE - We are working on fitness, so make sure students have appropriate footwear. Grades 3-5 are fitness testing and have started off doing a great job! Even in the cold weather, find a way to keep on moving and don't get too comfy on that couch. As always keep on smiling and getting your sweat on.
Music - Check Seesaw and the note that came home with information about our concert! We are working hard to put on a good show.
Art - We rocked Art Club working on a Thanksgiving craft. We are looking for glass jars 3 to 4 inches tall. We appreciate any donation given.
--from your Essentials teachers
Music - Check Seesaw and the note that came home with information about our concert! We are working hard to put on a good show.
Art - We rocked Art Club working on a Thanksgiving craft. We are looking for glass jars 3 to 4 inches tall. We appreciate any donation given.
--from your Essentials teachers
Next Week's Birthdays
November 19--Seraphin Thomas
November 20--Samuel Gilliland
November 22--Kourtney Knapstad
Make sure to follow us on social media:
Twitter - @StMattsJags
Facebook - @StMatthewCedarRapids
