April 11, 2012
I hope everyone had a Blessed and Happy Easter. Having a few days off from
school was certainly refreshing. Now that we are back, please remind your
child of the importance of working hard in school. Many of them are
developing spring fever and I completely understand their excitement.
However, we still have a lot to accomplish before the end of the school
year. So let's make a conscious effort to keep education a priority in our
children's lives. Thank you for all you do and I appreciate your support as
we finish up this school year.
February 17, 2012
By now everyone has probably heard the good news. Saint Matthew's School has
won their appeal and will remain a parish school. Many people were
instrumental in making this happen and we thank them from the bottom of our
hearts. In particular, Sr. Kathleen and Msgr. McGroarty, deserve our thanks
and gratitude. They have worked tirelessly to secure the future of Saint
Matthew Parish School. We are so lucky to have them. Let's be sure to
continue to do our part to keep this Saint Matthew spirit alive and well for
many years to come. WE ARE SAINT MATTS! WE ARE FAMILY!
February 10, 2012
On Monday we will be celebrating our 100th day of school. Only 80 more
school days until summer vacation! Your child was sent home with a bag to
fill with special items, please return it by Monday. In addition, we will be
celebrating Valentine's Day on Tuesday. If your child would like to bring in
card or special treats for their classmates, they may do so. They must be
brought in on Tuesday and please be sure to have them bring in enough for the
class (27 children).
Just a reminder about homework. Your children are in charge of packing up
their own belongings at the end of the day. I have taught them how to look
at their H copybook and check each subject to see what needs to be brought
home. Some children are being very forgetful. We have had many instances
these past two weeks with missed homework. Homework is an important part of
the learning process so it is essential that it be completed neatly and
accurately. Also, being responsible for bringing home the required books and
completing homework is a life lesson that your child must learn. They are not
permitted to return to class for forgotten books; however, they may get a
copy from a classmate. Please give me your support as we teach your child
things that will be helpful to them throughout life. There will be
consequences for incomplete or missing homework. Hopefully, lessons will be
learned and consequences will be few. Thank you for your cooperation.
February 8, 2012
The night for our First Reconciliation will be upon us shortly. Please
continue practicing the Form for Confession with your child. Also, please
help them to do a good examination of conscience to make them aware of the
loving and unloving choices they make daily. They need your guidance and
support to help make this sacrament an important part of their life, not just
a one night celebration.
A few questions have arised concerning the actual night of
Reconciliation that I will try to answer for you. First and foremost, the
date is on February 29th at 7:00PM in the Upper Church. We will meet in
church at 6:45PM so that we are ready to begin on time. The children are to
dress up for the occasion by wearing their Sunday best. This means no
sneakers, sweatpants, or jeans. Boys are not required to wear a suit. A
nice pair of dress slacks with a nice shirt is appropriate. Girls may wear a
dress, skirt, or slacks with a nice shirt. Again, this is a celebration of a
sacrament, so please dress accordingly. Once your child has completed their
First Penance and all of the family members have gone to confession, then you
are permitted to leave. Usually, we are finished at approximately 7:45PM.
Because some families like to have a small celebration after church, your
child will be permitted to sleep in the following day. They do not report to
school until 10:30 AM on Thursday. Further information on this will be sent
home. Thank you for your cooperation and I look forward to seeing you onj
Leap Day.
Just a few notes from Room 2
-We will begin selling pizza every Friday to raise money for the missions.
The cost is $1.50 a slice and it must be paid each Thursday since that is
when the order is placed. Please do not feel obligated to purchase the
pizza. It is optional.
-Our First Penance is quickly approaching. We will be receiving our Penance
on Wednesday, February 29th. Please be sure to practice with your child for
this important night. They are excited, so join them in that excitement and
make this a special evening for your family.
-Details for Catholic Schools Week will be forthcoming.
-We are beginning to learn cursive. We are learning the Palmer method so be
sure to check the text for proper letter formation.
-Continue to check homework for completeness, accuracy, and neatness before
signing.
-Remind your children of the procedure that you have put into place for early
dismissal due to snow. I have these papers on hand that you filled out at the
beginning of the year. I will follow the directions that you had given to
me. However, please be assured that I will not leave school until each child
has been picked up by a family member or trusted neighbor. Also, please know
that I find out the information the same way you do...KYW. We do not receive
advance notice so we listen for early closings just as you do.
-We are running short on a few supplies so if you are able to send them in,
it will be much appreciated.
January 10, 2012
Dear Parents,
As you are aware, there are many changes happening in the Archdiocese of
Philadelphia Catholic Schools. Please be assured that Sr. Kathleen and Msgr.
McGroarty are doing everything possible to ensure the future of Saint Matthew
School. Please give them your support and your prayers as they go through
this process.
October 4, 2011
Dear Parents,
Please be mindful of checking your child's work for neatness and accuracy. I
am spending too much valuable time checking homework each day. There have
been many mistakes and too much sloppy work. My job becomes much easier and
more productive when these issues are addressed at home. Thank you!!!
In addition, please continue encouraging your child to memorize those math
facts. It is so important that your child is able to know these facts at a
flash. Also, quite a few children have done poorly on recent spelling
tests. This can be remedied by practicing orally and in writing their
spelling words each night.
Thank you for your cooperation through the month of September. Please keep
your child on track throughout October, even with the excitement of Halloween
approaching.
September 27, 2011
Parents please be patient because the internet has been down and homework
may not be posted on a daily basis. Thank you for your understanding.
September 23, 2011
The children enjoyed learning about Johnny Appleseed today. They looked
so cute wearing their pots on their head!
We had such a busy Friday that we did not have time for all of the
things that needed to be done, like the calendars and the bookmarks. Look
for them to come home next week.
September 19, 2011
Happy Monday!
Today your child began their second full week of school. Many of them came
to school prepared for the day. However, there were quite a few with missing
supplies (rulers, red pencils) and unsharpened pencils. In addition, many
calendars were unsigned. Please remember it is important to check your
child's folder and H copybook each and every Friday for important information
and signatures that are needed. Also, I am still missing quite a few papers
that need to be returned and the $15.00 art fee. Please send these in as soon
as possible.
It is important that are children get a good night's rest since the school
days are long and tiring. So be sure to establish a good bedtime routine
that your child can be at their best for school each day.
Have a wonderful week and thank you for your continued cooperation.
September 7,2011
WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!
Today was your child's first day of school. My name is Maryellen Stauble and
I am your child's second grade teacher. They will be in room 2 for the 2011-
2012 school year. This website will be updated with homework announcements
daily and other information on a monthly basis. Please use this site as a
secondary means of receiving information. All important information will be
written in their H copybook each night or sent home in their H folders. I am
looking forward to working with your child and you this coming school year.
I will see you on the 14th for an important back to school meeting.