St. Matthew School
August 2020 Newsletter
First newsletter of the year!
These procedures are taking a little bit of time to put in place, but our students are responsive and respectful.
A huge THANK YOU to Mr. Brian Carney and his maintenance staff for all they did this summer to prepare our buildings, and for all their help every day to keep our school clean, sanitized and safe. He has also been instrumental in helping with our parking lot procedures.
Another thank you to our parents for your preparation for this school year. Your children were well-prepared and are showing such great efforts and behaviors!
To everyone who has been keeping our school community in your prayers, we are so blessed. Know that you are also in ours.
As we focus on our school theme this year, "Jesus, We Trust in You!", let us always remember God's love for us- He is always there supporting us along the way.
Let's have a great year!
Angie Palmer
Principal

First days of school
Supply drop off August 18 students got a sneak peek of their classrooms and dropped off their supplies. Even Red the Cardinal came (and even wore his mask!) | First day August 19 was the first day of school. Students were greeted by the teachers and friends after such a long time away from each other! | First day It was so great to see everyone that first day and get the 2020-21 school year off to a great start- even if things are a little "different". We are still together as one community, supporting each other. |
Supply drop off
First day
The Cardinal Way
PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support)
Students can be recognized for showing respect, responsibility, and safety. They will receive a Cardinal Card (image below) stating what they did to earn the Cardinal Card, and it will be displayed on our Cardinal Pride wall outside the school office. At the end of each month, we will also have prize drawings for those students. One student a month will be selected as our Cardinal Student of the month. Our first one will be selected at the end of September (since August was a very short month). Cardinal student of the month will be given a yard sign to proudly display at home for the month they were selected.
School adjustments because of COVID
Desks socially distanced Students desks have been spread apart to provide 6 feet distance between them. Students also wear masks to help control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. | Eating in the classroom We are trying to limit the amount of time in shared spaces. By not using the cafeteria, we limit the amount of people in that shared space. | Outdoor classrooms Teachers have been trying to utilize the outdoors as a space for learning. It allows them to be spread apart, get fresh air, and take a break from wearing their masks! |
Desks socially distanced
Eating in the classroom
Playground Each class is in a cohort and is designated an area to play in at recess. The idea of a cohort is to not intermingle students so that if there is a positive case in school, we can more easily do contact tracing. Another added procedure is the maintenance crew is cleaning the equipment after every use to help control the spread. | Technology Students began using technology from the beginning of school. They are learning the programs and apps they would use if we had to go into a remote learning situation. Many teachers spent time this summer learning these new apps as a way to enhance learning, even in the classroom. It has been great to see some new and creative uses of technology to enhance their education. | All School Mass On August 25 we had our first school mass. It looked a little different than usual; students watched the online live stream from their classrooms. On October 6, we will celebrate our first in person all school mass in our new church! We will be able to spread out easily in there, and we are so excited for the day to come! |
Playground
Another added procedure is the maintenance crew is cleaning the equipment after every use to help control the spread.
Technology
All School Mass
Class spotlight- Kindergarten
Plexiglass Students are working on their fine motor skills using scissors. | Blended Learning Students use their devices to log into Lexia Reading accounts. The program helps students with reading development and tailors their learning to their needs. | Daily Picnics Students are getting used to spending lunch in their rooms- they even bring in towels to make an indoor picnic area for themselves! |
Blended Learning
Welcome to our new students

Welcome new Staff
Mrs. Lindsey Bohaty- 1st grade teacher
Ms. Ashley Handzlik- 3rd grade teacher
Mrs. Melissa Wagner- 1st grade para
Mrs. Katie Combs- PK para
Mrs. Katherine Hamm- K/2 para
Mrs. Mary Kay Mueller- Director of Food Services
We are so happy to have all of these amazing women with us at St. Matthew!