Week 16

Dear TK Parents & Family,

Thank you very much to all that were able to attend our Christmas concert last Friday. The students were proud to perform for you. And a big thank you to our room moms and their helpers. The decorations were wonderful and the snacks were yummy. I hope we were able to make your holidays a little brighter.
Did anyone film the performance? I was wanting to show it to the students. So if you did, would you please forward it to me?

This Thursday we will have buddy time with fifth grade. We will have the Polar Express read to us. Students may bring scarves & mittens to wear during the reading. So please send these items with your child on Thursday.

There are a few SLA/report card envelopes that have not been returned. Please do this as soon as possible. You keep the report card itself, just send back the signed envelope.

This Friday we will be sending home the set of emergency clothes that you provided at the beginning of the year. Please check to make sure these clothes (shirt, pants, underwear, socks) still fit your child or replace any that don't. Send back the check/replenished bag when we return from Christmas vacation on Monday, January 4th.

Amongst all the extra fun stuff, we are still learning and working in the classroom. This week are are working on:

• the letter "Ii"
• the Nativity/ Jesus is Born
• set of 0 - 5
• reviewing sight words
• counting to 13

My deepest gratitude to each and every one of you! Life is wonderful in TK.

In God's grace,
Mrs. Dorie Collins

Week 15

 Dear TK Parents & Family,

 Today we had a visit from St. Nicholas. We didn't actually see him, but we left our shoes outside of the classroom and he left candy canes in them. It was so much funny to receive the surprise. We also talked about how generous St. Nicholas was/is and how we now know him as Santa.

Your children are hard it work preparing for their performance on Friday. They are anxious to share their songs with you. I look forward to seeing you in the Parish Hall at 11:00. Please don't forget to sign in at the office first.

Last week we met our fifth grade buddies. Since there are so many of them, each TK student has 2 fifth grade buddies. We talked and played. We are hoping to make this a regular activity. It helps your children to not be intimidate by older students and it helps the 5th graders to mentor younger students. We are planning to read the Polar Express with our buddies next Thursday, the 17th. And I am needing help with this event. We would like to serve hot (actually warm) chocolate, mini marshmallows, and cookies after the reading. If you would be able to provide this that morning, around 9:30, I would greatly appreciate it. Please let me know if you can help.

These days of preparation for the Lord's birth are filled with many messages. We are discussing the difference between "wants" and "needs." We are also talking about how to honor Jesus and people. It is a very exciting time of year.

 Report cards (SLAs) will be in your child's folder this Wednesday. Please be sure to look for it. You will sign the envelope and return it with your child as soon as possible. You will keep the actual report card.

 Other things we are working on are:
* the letter "G", both upper case and lower case
* the number 13
* ordinal numbers, i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd
* Jesus's birthday 

Please remember that I am your partner in your child's education, feel free to contact me anytime.


 In God's grace,

 Mrs. Dorie Collins

Week 14

Dear TK Parents & Family,

I hope you have recovered from your wonderful Thanksgiving celebrations. Your children seemed to have enjoyed their time with family and friends, as well as time off from school.
We started our week with learning new songs and poems for our Christmas concert. Please plan to attend this event on Friday, December 11th at 11:00 a.m. It will be in the hall. You are welcome to invite extend family and bring younger siblings. There will be a small reception after the performance.
Our Christmas party will be the following Friday, December 18th. More information on this event will be going home later.
Last week book order forms went home in your child's folder. If you are wanting to order anything, please be sure to have it back to school by this Friday, December 4th.
There have been times when a spoon or fork, used for snacks or lunch, has been forgotten at home and our emergency stash is being depleted. If you have extra disposable spoons and forks to donate to this cause, we greatly appreciate it.
I could still use volunteers for Tuesdays. Please contact me if you can help.
This week we are working on:

• Advent
• St. Nicholas/Santa Claus
• the number "12"
• the letter "G"
• the sight word "is"
• Christmas program songs & poem

I am truly blessed to be able to work with your children, especially during this exciting season of Advent.

In God's grace,

Mrs. Dorie Collins

Week 13

Dear Parents,

Tomorrow we will be celebrating our Thanksgiving prayer service with the kindergarten classes. Please remember to send a piece of fruit or vegetable with your child in the morning.
If you will not be sending your child to school this week, please let me know as soon as possible. Each student has a role at the service and I need to know right away if there are any gaps I need to fill.
Tuesday is the last day in this trimester. We will be reviewing our letters, numbers, and sight words.
If you are needing to keep your child occupied during the break, have him/her practice counting objects, read letters & numbers, and play!
Thank you for sharing your child with me. I wish you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving.

In God's grace,

Mrs. Dorie Collins


p.s. I still can use volunteers on Tuesdays.

Dear TK Parents & Friends,

The students had a wonderful start to a Monday morning by being able to join the whole school community at morning assembly. They were able to see Mrs. Hayden dressed in her superhero outfit.
Congratulations family to a job well done.

Please be sure to check your child's folder each day. All papers should be removed and kept at home unless there is paperwork that needs to be returned to school.

We are still in need of volunteers to help the children at Atrium on Tuesdays. You do need to be fingerprinted and Safe Environment trained. Here are the opportunities to help:

Tues., Nov. 17th  8:45 - 9:30      
Tues., Nov. 24th  8:45 - 9:30     10:30 - 11:15
Tues., Dec. 1st     8:45 - 9:30     10:30 - 11:15
Tues., Dec. 8th   10:30 - 11:15
Tues., Dec. 15th   8:45 - 9:30

Please email me dcollins@stischoolcypress.org or send a note with your child if you can help with any of these dates.

On Monday, November 23rd we will be having a Thanksgiving prayer service with the kindergarten classes. We have been practicing songs for this special event. As part of the service the students will be offering up fresh vegetables and fruit to be given to the less fortunate. Please have your child bring one piece of fruit or vegetable to school on Monday.

This week TK will be learning about:

Thanksgiving Day
the number "11"
shapes
the letter "Ff"
the sight word "on"
Native Americans

Here is an informative article on pencil grip. Many of you and your children will benefit from this information. http://stayathomeeducator.com/pencil-grasp-development-2/

Thank you for this opportunity to work with your children.

In God's grace,

Mrs. Dorie Collins

Dear Parents,

Tomorrow is a non-uniform day. It is in appreciation for supporting the book fair. Please remember to follow the guidelines for non-uniform days. I did send home a flyer announcing this event, so please remember to check those folders. And please, clean out the folders. Any papers/student work sent home should stay home.

Thank you!

In God's grace,

Mrs. Dorie Collins

Meet Baby Calista

Hi TK Family and Friends!

My husband and I are so excited to introduce you to our new baby.

Calista Kara Paragas

Born: Tuesday, November 3 at 3:17 PM

Weight: 6lbs 7oz.

Length: 19 inches

Despite the lack of sleep, we are doing great!

I miss you all!

Love,

Mrs. Paragas

Thank you TK parents & family for your warm welcome. The students and I are settling into a nice routine. This week being a regular 5 day one will help even more.
If you haven't heard already, Mrs. Paragas had her baby last week. It's a girl! She will be posting something soon with all the details.
This week we will be learning about:

• "We care for God's creation"
• the number 10
• shapes
• the letter E
• Thanksgiving: pilgrims
• sight words: and, I, see, a, the, in   

Please feel free to email me anytime: dcollins@stischoolcypress.org

In God's grace,

Mrs. Dorie Collins


 

Week 10 Update

Dear TK Family & Friends,

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Dorie Collins and I will be the long term substitute teacher while Mrs. Paragas is away on maternity leave.  I am blessed to have this opportunity to work with your children and look forward to getting to know all of you. With that being said, I ask your patience during dismissal as I get to know your faces, and please tell me your child’s name.

Thank you to all the parents and grandparents who volunteered with our Halloween festivities on Friday. The students seem to have enjoyed such a fun-filled morning. 

This week we will be learning about saints and what it means to act like a saint. I encourage you to talk to your child about saint-like actions. Other things we will be discovering are:

                the letter D

                Sight Word “in”

                the number 9

                and shapes, cone, cube, cylinder, and sphere

My school email address is up and ready. Please feel free to contact me at dcollins@stischoolcypress.org

In God’s grace,

Mrs. Dorie Collins

Mrs. Paragas' Update

Dear TK Parents,

I was planning to begin my maternity leave starting Monday, November 2.  However, starting today, I have been feeling a lot of discomfort.  I have decided to make today my last day.

Tomorrow, Ms. Cuellar will be subbing for me and will be aided by Mrs. Reyes.  Some of you know Mrs. Reyes as the TK Daycare teacher.  I am very comfortable with these 2 ladies and know they will have a successful day with the children.  

On Friday, Mrs. Dorie Collins, my long term sub, will be taking over until I return.  If you wish to e-mail her, this will be her work e-mail: dcollins@stischoolcypress.org  You are welcome to CC me in emails; however, please understand that Mrs. Collins will be in charge of responding.  Feel free to email her and introduce yourself and address any concerns and/or questions you may have.  Understand that she will not have access to her email until she begins work on Friday.   

Have a good rest of the week!

Mrs. Paragas

Week 9 Newsletter

Dear TK Family and Friends,

Happy Red Ribbon Week!  I like to focus on keeping a healthy body during Red Ribbon Week instead of focusing on the concept of 'say no to drugs'.

This week we will talk about / learn:

• Letter Cc
• Number 8
• Position Words (above, below, left, right, top, bottom, under, over....)
• Healthy Bodies
• Spiders
• God made all things good
• Halloween

I hope you all received the school newsletter that was sent Sunday morning in your e-mail.  If you are not receiving it, please subscribe by going to the school's main website and subscribing to the newsletter.  This past newsletter shared information regarding Red Ribbon Week activities.  They are the following:

Tuesday, October 27th - Theme: "Aloha Means Hello...But Good-Bye To Drugs" Students may add Hawaiian accessories to their uniform. 

Wednesday, October 28th - Theme: "Drugs Are Whack!" Students may wear crazy socks and shoes.

Thursday, October 29th - Theme: "Fly Away From Drugs" Students may add super hero items to their uniform. 

Friday, October 30th - Theme: "Scare Away Drugs" Students may dress in their Halloween costume to show they are "scaring" away drugs.

This Friday is Halloween.  Students may come to school in their costumes.  Please make sure costumes are appropriate - no blood or anything that promotes violence.  It is best that you send a change of play clothes to school that your child can get comfortable in.  After the parade, students can change out of their costumes to be more comfortable to play and participate in the Halloween activities.

We have Halloween Activities planned for Friday, if you can come help and volunteer on Friday, please send Mrs. Garma and myself an email to let us know.  You do need to be fingerprinted and cleared to volunteer.  I will need most help between 9am-10:30 am.

This is just a friendly reminder that if you are picking up your child before 2:30 PM and it's not between the TK dimissal period (11:20 to 11:45), please go straight to the office and they will call the classroom to have the gate opened for you.  PLEASE DO NOT USE THE DAYCARE DOOR (the modular outside the gated area) as during school hours, that is Mrs. Liljeberg's Kindergarten class. We do not want to disturb her while she is in the middle of teaching.  Thank you for your cooperation.

I have to thank you so much for the little surprise shower that you all threw me on Friday.  I have felt so loved and my baby is lucky to have you all in her life.  This Friday will be my last day before I go on my leave.  Please keep me and my family in your prayers.  I plan to return around February.  In the meantime, Mrs. Collins will take my place.  Any questions or concerns, please address them to her.  You are more than welcome to email me to say hello and I will pop in for a blog update to say hello when I get a chance to.

Thank you so much!

Mrs. Paragas

Fun Run Reminer

Reminders - Tomorrow is Fun Run Friday.

·       Students should wear their Fun Run shirt and comfortable shorts.  Students may wear superhero or fun socks. 

·       The Fun Run is after school, 3:30-4:30 pm.  If your child is attending the Fun Run, please return their permission slip Tomorrow, if you have not already.

·       Students are supervised in their classroom starting at 2:45 pm and are provided a snack before the Fun Run.  They are also provided water during the Fun Run.

·       Teachers will walk students to the field and from the field at the beginning and end, as well as supervise during the Fun Run.

·       All families are invited to watch students at the Fun Run from the perimeter.

·       Parents can pick up their student from their classroom after the Fun Run.

·       If you need to leave with your student before the end of the Fun Run, parents MUST speak to the teacher first.

·       Students will not play on the playground during the Fun Run.  Students not attending the Fun Run or leaving early are not permitted to play on the playground.

Fun Run Friday

Hi Parents,

The Fun Run is this Friday.  Unless your child is in daycare, students need to be picked up from school at 11:30 and return to join us for the Fun Run at by 3:15.  If you would like your child to have a snack before the run, I encourage students to return by 3:00 to allow them enough time to eat.  If your child attends TK Daycare and you filled out the permission slip, your child will go from Daycare to me and will be provided a snack prior to the Fun Run.  Your child may not participate if the permission slip has not been turned in.  There are a number of students who have not turned in their permission slip.  If you do not want your child to participate, please at least send me an email so that I can plan accordingly.

You are welcome to join us and watch the kids during the Fun Run.  If you would like to volunteer, please email me so I can verify your volunteer status.  If your volunteer status has not cleared, you are certainly still welcome to join us as a spectator around the perimeter of the TK/K track.

After the Fun Run, I do ask that you pick up your child from the classroom.  I will walk them back to the classroom and dismiss them from there.  Please do not take your child home directly from the field. This is your child's safety.

If you have any questions regarding the Fun Run, please do ask me.

Have a great evening!

Mrs. Paragas

TK Newsletter Week 8

Dear TK Family and Friends,

The next 2 weeks will be crazy but fun!

This week we will learn:

• The letter Bb
• The number 7
• We are Kind
• Position words - above, below, in and out, top, middle, bottom
• Bats
• Sight word: The
• Words that rhyme with "bat"

Thank you for taking the time to come see me last week during conferences.  I enjoyed speaking with you about your child.

This Friday is the Fun Run, a permission slip will go home today.  Please fill this out and return by Wednesday, Oct. 21.  The permission slip was made for the school so the dismissal time is 2:45; however, I have altered it to say 11:30 (general TK dismissal) and 2:45 (applies to enrolled daycare students only).  If this is not clear to you, please see me and I can further explain.  If your child will not be attending the Fun Run, please let me know on the form  so that I am aware that they will not be coming in the afternoon.

If you received a letter from the Health Room regarding missing immunization or paperwork, please take care of that ASAP. If you have questions regarding this, please let Mrs. Aziz know.

Miss Cuellar and I do not always have time to look through your child's tote bags.  If you have a letter or note that needs to be seen, please place it in your child's folder.  Thank you :)

Scholastic Book Order is due by Oct. 30 if you plan to order.  You may order online or by writing a check to Scholastic Book Clubs.

Share this week is the letter Bb, please practice with your child by having them say "My name is...."  "I brought something (say clues)"  "Can you guess what it is?"

If you have any questions, let me know.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Paragas

Scholastic Book Order - November Catalog

Today we sent home the November book order catalog.

Orders must be placed by Friday, October 30.

Here's a link for more books to order from:
Mrs. Paragas' Scholastic Page

Thank you :)

Week 7 Newsletter

Dear TK Family and Friends,

This week we will:

• Begin with our letter of the week starting with the letter Aa. 
• Number 6
• Position and Directional Words - In, out, above, below
• Christopher Columbus
• The Good Shepherd
• Beginning, Middle, End of  a story
• The Banner Over Me is Love - Song
• Maps/Globes and Transportation

I hope your child enjoyed his or her extra day off.  We have been learning about the calendar and talked about Saturday and Sundays are no school days.  I told them they get to have an extra day off this week celebrating Christopher Columbus.  We will be discussing who he is, maps/globes, and transportation in relation to Christopher Columbus.

This week is Parent Teacher Conferences.  I will be discussing your child's progress reports with you at that time.  Please do your best to be on time as I have to try to stay on track as well.  I have many back to back appointments.  If you feel that 15 minute block was not enough, please let me know and we can try to schedule a second conference.

Wednesday is HOPE.  Your child's red bags will be sent home today.  If you can, please send a full bag of food for those in need.  If you are unable, please return the bag even if it is empty.  Thank you.

The Fun Run is fast approaching.  If you have a canopy that you would like to share, please let me know.  I would love for your child to have shade to rest under.  The Fun Run begins at 3:30 and ends at 4:30.  I ask that you do not pull your child out from the Fun Run without letting me know.  All students must check out from me before going home.  This is for the safety of all my students.

Picture Make-up Day is tomorrow.  If you would like your child to have his/her photo retaken, please email me so that I know to send them for pictures.

HOMEWORK ALERT!

We are beginning a letter a week.  Starting this week, students will be asked to bring an item to show the class.  The item must begin with the letter Aa.  The item can be a drawing, a picture cut out, and an actual item.  I ask that all items have your child's name labeled on it.  We will begin on Thursday with students numbers 1-9 and Friday with students 10 - 19.  I will ask each child to come up, say their name and tell us what item they brought.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Paragas

Class Work

No classwork will be sent home today due to conferences next week.

Have a great weekend!

Parent Teacher Conference / My Leave

Today I sent home a Parent Teacher Reminder of the time and date that you signed up.  If you were a family that did not sign up for a time, I assigned a date and time to meet with you.

During conferences, I will be distributing your child's Progress Reports and will be going over any areas of concerns or highlight areas that your child is doing well in.

I am limited to a 15 minute time slot with each family.  I ask that you come to your conference on time.  If you are more than 5 minutes late, we may need to reschedule.

Those parents who I have assigned a time and date, I ask that you try your best to keep that schedule as my work days are limited.  If it's a real need to change the time and date, I have a small window to do that. I expect to work until the end of the month and will be on my maternity leave.  However, I have had some complications recently and may need to take time off even sooner, if needed, which may make rescheduling conferences a bit more difficult.

A long term substitute has been selected and I have been working with her.  She has been teaching for many years in the Catholic schools.  Her name is Mrs. Dorie Collins and your children has already met her last Tuesday.  She will be returning this Tuesday to help and observe in the classroom.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Mrs. Paragas

Reminders

• School Picture Make-up Day will be Wednesday, October 14.  I apologize for any confusion.  Pictures were sent home today if you ordered.
• If you have not made your appointment for your conference, I will be scheduling your conference and will send home your time and date by Friday.  If the time and date does not work with your schedule, please send me an email during the weekend and I will do my best to accommodate your schedule.
• Fun Run Thursday is tomorrow.  Please have your child wear his/her yellow shirt to school and bring in your Fun Run envelope.
• Health Information was sent home with your child if you have not completed all the required immunization and health screening.  If you have any questions regarding this form, please contact Mrs. Aziz in the health office.  
• We are in search for a Pop-up or Easy Up canopies.  If you have any that you are willing to share/loan during the Fun Run, please email me.  We will be using this as an area for the children to sit down and rest in the shade.
• Just a heads up, next week is HOPE Wednesday.  Red bags will be sent home on Tuesday.
• Friday is special birthday snack day.  You are still welcome to send a snack with your child but just wanted to remind you in case your child does not finish all his/her snack; it was due to their special snack.

Week 6 Newsletter

Dear TK Family and Friends,

I would like to welcome Vincent and his family to the St. Irenaeus family!  Please take the time to give Vincent and his family a warm welcome to our school.

This week we will be learning:

• Recognize all letters of the alphabet Aa-Zz (This is just recognition, not sound identify or writing).
• Number recognition, counting, and writing up to 5.
• Sorting by attributes
• We are all special and unique.
• We are all God's favorites even if we are all different.
• Fire safety and Emergencies (use of 911). - Please discuss and remind your child that this number is only for real emergencies.  Go over what is and what is not considered a real emergency. 
• Pumpkins and pumpkin parts

Birthday Snack will be Friday, October 9.  If your child is having a birthday in the month of October, you should have been contacted by Mrs. Garma.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.

Atrium visits begin tomorrow.  If you are interested in volunteering, we need help on Tuesdays starting in November.  Please let me know if you can do some or all Tuesdays for the year.

The weather is changing and as with change in temperature, we tend to get sick.  This is just a friendly reminder that if your child has a fever, it is best that they stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours.  Usually fever free means without the aide of medication to lower temperature. Whenever your child is absent, please either call the office to let them know that you will keep your child home or send me an email.

If you have not signed up for Parent Teacher conferences, please do so.  You can sign up through Sycamore.  Otherwise, I will send you a designated time to come in to meet.  

This Wednesday, Oct. 7 is Picture Make-up Day.  If your child was absent or would like them to retake their photo, please send your child with a note to let me know that they will be retaking.  You may also email me, however, be sure the email reaches me before 7:30 AM.  Any emails sent after 7:30 AM, I cannot guarantee that I will see it before lunch.

Remember, Monday, October 12 is a No School Day in honor of Columbus Day.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Paragas

Week 5 Newsletter

Dear TK Family and Friends,

We made it to the end of September!

This week we will cover:

• More apples
• The biography of John Chapman
• Apple parts
• Sorting and classifying
• Jesus calls us to be his friend.
• Numbers 3 and 4
• Letters Aa to Tt (recognition)

We sent home the Yellow,Fun Run T-shirts on Monday.  This Thursday is the first Fun Run Collection.  Please send the envelope to school with your sponsors.  Your child is encouraged to wear their yellow Fun Run shirts as well.

I will be putting a volunteer sign up sheet.  For now, I am opening up Tuesdays only.  Please sign your name if you are interested in volunteering.  I will have to verify if you have been fingerprinted and Safe-Environment trained.  Tuesday volunteer hours are from 8:30 to 11:30 am (3 hours).

As part of the school's uniform policy, please make sure nail polish is removed before school.on Monday.  Also, just a reminder that hair accessories must be red, navy blue, and/or white.  Other colors are not part of the uniform.

Thank you to all the September Birthday parents for the snacks.  The kids really enjoyed it.  We will celebrate the October Birthdays on October 9.  A special snack will be provided for all the students.

{EDIT @7:15 AM}
I forgot to mention, Mrs. Roberts will head the photography for TK.  Please send any TK photos to: sticlassof2025@gmail.com and she will organize them for an end of the year keepsake.  

Have a good week!

Mrs. Paragas

Volunteer Needed

I am looking for an adult volunteer that can accompany TK to the Atrium of the Good Shepherd every Tuesdays from 8:30 am to 11:30 every week.  The volunteer with assist Mrs. Ruth Bradley on a weekly basis with the class. Let me know if you are available.

Volunteers need to be fingerprinted and safe-environment trained.

If you are able to volunteer, but cannot commit for an entire year, please let me know what your availability are so that I can try to fill in the gaps.  Mrs. Bradley prefers a consistent person so that the volunteer is aware of her expectations.

Thank you!

Gate Procedures / Pick up and Drop offs

The gates were added for additional security for our TK/K area.  With the gates being locked at certain times of the day, we wanted to give you some guidelines to follow in case you came to drop off or pick up when the gates are closed.

• If you are dropping of your child past 8:10 AM  - you will need to go to the office and pick up a tardy slip.  The office will call the classroom to inform us that you are on your way with your child.  A school employee will greet you at the gate.

• If you are picking up your child between 11:45 AM to 2:20 PM - you will need to go to the office and let the office staff know that you are picking up your child.  The office will call the classroom to inform us that you are on your way to pick up your child.  A school employee will open the gate for you.
  Due to the school's early dismissal on Tuesdays, the gate will be reopened at 1:30 PM.

Prior to 8:10 AM, the school gates will be open.  Please remember, no adult supervision will be available before 7:30 AM.  You are welcome to sit with your child prior to 7:30 AM, but please do not leave them unattended.  

The gates will be opened at about 11:20 AM for you to pick up your child.  After 11:45 AM, the gates will be closed.

The gates will be reopened at 2:20 PM for Kindergarten dismissal (or 1:30 PM on Tuesdays).  

If you have an appointment with me during the times the gates are closed, please go to the office first so that they can call me to let me know that you are on campus.  I will personally greet you at the gate. 

If you have questions, let me know.

Have a great day!

Mrs. Paragas

Week 4 Newsletter

Dear TK Family and Friends,

Yesterday, we joined the school in the Fun Run Assembly.  The theme this year is Super Heroes!  We are all super heroes in some way of helping each other.  The TK-ers are really excited about this year's Fun Run theme.  A Fun Run folder was sent home yesterday in your child's Take Home folder. The goal is for every child to raise at least $80.  I hope you will support the school and help bring in donations.  The envelopes are due every Thursday starting Oct. 1 up until the day before the Fun Run.  Every Thursday, your child can wear his or her Fun Run T-shirt when they turn in their envelope.  I have already placed orders for the t-shirts and should expect them to come in very soon!

This week, we will focus on the following:

• Friendships and how Jesus wants us to be friends
• Songs: Come Be My Friend and It's Story Time
• The legend of Johnny Appleseed
• Apples and their parts
• Matching Quantities
• Sorting
• Letters up to Mm
• Reading our Sight Word books - focus is the word "A"
• Number 4

We are having Birthday snacks this Friday to celebrate Sydney, Frances, Issa, and Jayden's 5th birthdays.  You are welcome to still send a snack with your child to school; however, please know they will be served a special snack (in case they come home on Friday with the snacked you packed untouched).  

Those children celebrating their birthdays in the month of October.  I have scheduled your birthday snack day to be Friday, October 9.  A note will go home with those children to remind you.

Our cubbies are here and have been assembled!  Your child has been placing their tote bags in their own cubbies.  I'm excited to see how fast your child is learning his/her class number.  Remind them of their number each morning and every so often show them that number to familiarize themselves with it.  They are getting the hang of it pretty quickly!  Because they each have their own cubbie, they are each asked to pull out their own snack from their tote bag.  If they are a daycare student, remind them of which bag or items are for snack and which is to be saved for lunch.

I am keeping this week's newsletter short.  If I am forgetting to address something, please send me an email to remind me.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Paragas

Did you get the E-mail regarding Eagle Shirts/Sweatshirts?

I hope you received the newsletter from St. I regarding the last day for ordering the Eagle Shirts or Sweatshirt.  If you did not receive it, please add yourself to receive the newsletter by going to the school website.

Here is the order form to order.

Scholastic Book Order

Don't forget, if you want to order books - all orders must be placed by tomorrow before 2:00 pm... If you plan to order books but can't place the order by 2pm, please email me ASAP.

Thanks!

Thank You for you HOPE participation!

I saw many of you bring in bag full of donations for our HOPE project.  TK and K filled an entire lunch bench full of food to share with those in need.  I can't imagine how much food the entire school brought in!

HOPE bags will be sent home on a monthly basis.  As a school, the bags are given to the children on Tuesday prior to the Wednesday they are due.  If you would like to know when HOPE is scheduled, please refer to your school calendar as it is already listed for the ENTIRE year.  This will give you ample time if you want to plan ahead on the weekend to purchase food to donate or to clear out your pantry.

You can either view the calendar from the school's website* OR simply look to the right column on this page.  A mini school calendar is posted for you to scroll.  All the important dates are already there.  Please check the calendar regularly to see any upcoming events.

I hope this helps!

Again, thank you for your help and donations :)

Mrs. Paragas

*You can even subscribe to the school calendar and merge it with your work/personal calendar.

Picture Day & HOPE Collection

Don't forget!!!

Tomorrow is Picture Day!  Send your children with a big smile and neat hair with their regular school uniform.  Say CHEESE!

If you want to order pictures, please have those ready first thing in the morning in your child's red (new) folder.

The HOPE bags were sent home today.  You can fill it up with as little or as much food as you'd like.  Remember, this is to help those in need.  St. I collects food once a month as one of our stewardship projects.

Have a great day!
Mrs. Paragas

Week 3 Newsletter

Dear TK Family and Friends,

We are in Week 3 of TK!  The children are settling in well and are getting the hang of the routine.  I have seen so much progress in just the last 2 weeks.

I just wanted to thank all the parents who have met with me for our Back to School Night Conference.  I appreciate the time and the valuable information that you have shared with me.  I can't wait to make a difference in your child's life!

This week we will learn:

• How are you a friend? How are you a friend to Jesus?
• Learn the Sign of the Cross
•  5 Senses
• Apples
• Letters Ii - Ll (Review all previous letters)
• Attributes: Shapes, Size, Matching Quantities and Problem Solving Strategies
• Grandparents

TK Website/School Newsletter
I really do hope all parents are reading the newsletter/blog on a regular basis.  Please check at least once in the evening in case I post something in the afternoon.  Any feedback is appreciated.  Please know that I will not be sending home paper newsletters or notices unless it's a last minute important message (rarely!).  I do expect (and will assume) parents and guardians will take the time to read this website as there are a lot of very important information being shared.

The School also have a newsletter that is emailed directly to you every Sunday morning.  If you are not receiving that, please go to the school website and subscribe.  Here is the link: http://stischoolcypress.org/subscribe/

Future Events are listed in the School Newsletter.  For example, the Fun Run, Trunk or Treat and the Parish Craft Fair has already been discussed in the newsletter.  If you are unaware of that, please subscribe!

Tote Bags

At this point in the year, everyone has purchased a tote bag.  Please make sure your child's bag has his/her name permanently visible on the outside of the bag.  You may either embroider, iron on, or paint your child's name on the outside of the bag or you can simple attach a luggage tag.  Please take care of this by the end of the week.  Thank you.

Snacks

I have noticed a couple families have been sending glass containers with their child to hold their snack.  Please use non-breakable containers as even the Pyrex glass has shattered.  Consider using plastic, aluminum, or a Thermos to contain your child's snack.

Uniform

This pertains to the girls.  Please refrain from using other colors other than red, navy blue, white (or a combination of those colors),  No pink, purple or other colors other than those stated may be allowed to be worn at school.
   

To read more about the Uniform, please download the St. I Handbook p. 23-24 (PDF page 25 - 26).

HOPE Food Drive
Stewardship is an important aspect at St. I.  We take pride in helping others, both in and outside our community.  This Wednesday is the first HOPE Food Drive.  As a school, we collect non-perishable food items that will be donated to those people who are in financial need.  Please send a grocery bag to school with food items you'd like to donate by Wednesday morning.  I highly encourage your child to help pick out something to bring... every can counts!

Picture Day
This Wednesday is Picture Day.  Students are to come in their uniform.  If you plan to order pictures, you must have the money and order form ready first thing in the morning on Wednesday (you can turn them in earlier if you'd like).  Purchasing pictures is optional; but all students will have their photos taken.

Scholastic Book Order
If you plan to order books from Scholastic, please make sure to have your orders in by this Friday.
Click here to get more information regarding the book order.

Homework 
The homework I am about to post will be grouped by month.  Please download the month and work on the assignments accordingly.  The assignments in the packet can be challenging or easy depending on your child's level.  I ask that you supplement as you see fit.  Again, homework in TK is optional. The best kind of homework is the kind your child enjoys - consider having more "play-like homework" such as playing in sand, helping with cooking, doing chores (teaching responsibility), playing at the park, riding a bike, giving directions (such as giving steps - first, second, next, then, last) and so forth.

Please Note:  I also ask that when you download the homework, that you do not share the file outside our classroom.  I only purchased one license for the homework to share only with my students. Sharing the digital file outside of my class will violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

FISH Hours
I remember a parent asking me about FISH Hours.  I verified it with Mrs. Maxon and here is what she said:

• If you have a TK student but no other children in the school, you DO NOT have to do FISH hours.
• If you have a TK students AND another student or students in the school in grades K to 8, you DO have to complete your FISH Hours.  

Let me know if this does not make sense to you.  I can help clarify. 

If you have any questions, let me know.  Have a great week!

Mrs. Paragas

Book Order Due Date

Dear Parents,

I sent home 3 Scholastic Book Club order forms.  If you plan to order, please make sure to submit your order by Friday, September 18.

Thank you,
Mrs. Paragas

How to Navigate the TK Website Tutorial

Hi Parents,

I hope you are comfortable viewing the website.  If you are having trouble finding a section, you are always welcome to ask me.

I created a PDF tutorial of how to get onto the "Current TK Families" link (also known as the password protected section of the website).

Click on Image to download the PDF

Steps:
1.  Find the Current TK Families link.
2.  A prompt will appear on your screen and ask you to enter your password.  If you forgot the password, please email me.

*If you are having problems viewing the site, please make sure you are NOT using Safari or Internet Explorer.  The best browser to use to view this website is Google Chrome or Firefox.

**If you need me to walk you through how to view the website, come by in the morning or see me after school.

I am hoping this website makes it easier for you to access class related information.

Have a great day!
Mrs. Paragas

Week 2 Newsletter

Dear TK Family and Friends,

I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend.  Even though school just started, I enjoyed that extra day off.

This week, TK will be working on the following:

• Jesus has special friends called apostles.
• Practice the Sign of the Cross.  
• The numbers 0 and 1.
• Letter recognition Aa-Hh.  
• Attributes is a fancy word to help us sort.
• Colors - Primary Colors make more colors
• Introduction to shapes
• Introduction to reading (I, see, a)
• We are all special and unique.
• The U.S. flag
• How to read a book (left to right; top to bottom)
• Parts of a book (front, back, cover, spine, title, author, illustrator)
• Introduction to the 5 senses (sight)

We are learning the routine and I can see how comfortable your child is becoming.  I can see their enthusiasm for learning and can't wait to feed them with so much knowledge.

During the month of September, I will be conducting a lot of assessments to get a feel of where each student is a the beginning of the school year.  I will send some work home this week, but it will not be as much since I will be keeping the assessments to share with you during our conference in October.

Some things to note:

• Scholastic Book Order
  I sent home 3 Scholastic Book Order catalogs today.  It is optional to purchase books, but I highly recommended starting a home library to encourage reading.  I do try to send a catalog on a monthly basis but will not during some short months.
  
  There are 2 ways to order:
1. Online -  click here to get instructions.  You can pay by credit card by ordering online.
2. By check - fill out the catalog form and send a check made payable to Scholastic Book Clubs
   
   Should you have any questions with how to order, please email me and I'll be happy to walk you though it.

• Birthday Celebrations
We will celebrate your child's birthday during a special day each month.  Parents of those children have the option to participate by preparing a special snack for the class.  The snack should be "healthy" and appropriate for the 9:00 am hour.  No cake or cupcakes, please.

FOOD:

Suggested snacks would be fruit, veggie sticks with dip, pretzels, yogurt.... additional food suggestions can be found here.

We do have children with food allergies.

ALLERGY ALERT:
Please do not bring the following items during class celebrations:
NO PEANUTS or NUTS.

It may be difficult to avoid these other food items, I do ask that if the food you do bring contains the following items, that you alert the teacher ASAP before setting the table for snack. Food with dairy or milk products, eggs, pears, beef, pork, or seafood.


GOODY BAGS and PARTY FAVORS:
Please refrain from bringing goody bags in the classroom for the student or teachers to pass out to the class.  I ask that if you do plan to pass out goody bags that you do so at pick-up outside the gates.  It is too difficult for me to keep track of what is inside the bags.  With all the allergies and possible choking hazards, it is best to hand the bags out with the child's guardian under their supervision so they can monitor what they can or can't have.


PARTY INVITATIONS:
As much as you'd like to invite the entire class, I do understand the cost and restrictions of having a birthday celebration and the need to cut back on the guest list.  If you plan to invite specific people from the class, you are welcome to do so, but please hand out the invitations outside the TK/K Gates.  This is to avoid other children from feeling left out.  However, if you plan to invite the entire class, you are welcome to give Miss Cuellar or myself the invitation and we will gladly insert them in the folders.  Please do not write specific children's names on the invitation to make it easier for us to distribute.  


• Homework/Extra Practice Work
  I will begin to add practice work in the Current TK Families link.  Please visit it some time this week.  I will upload it sometime today.

• Back to School Night is tomorrow at 6:30pm.  Since you have already met with me, there will not be a meeting specific to TK, however, I encourage you to attend the first part of the whole school meeting as Mrs. Hayden will address school-wide information.  This meeting will take place in the hall.
• Parent Conferences this week will be inside the Ed Building.  Feel free to wait by the TK room and I will greet you there.  Remember, this meeting is for you to tell me about your child.  I will not be giving you a report of how your child is doing at this time.  If you misplaced your "green sheet" and need a guide to help with the conference, you can download it here.
• St. Irenaeus Parish School Newsletter - if you are not receiving this very, very important newsletter, please make sure to sign up.  you can find it on the school website or by clicking on this link.  This is a must have newsletter by all parents and those involved in your child's education.

Lots of information is being shared as you are trying to familiarize yourself with the school.  If you are having trouble finding information, please let me know.  I am here to help you.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Paragas

Labor Day / Conferences

• This is just a reminder that we have no school on Monday.  Enjoy your long weekend :)
• Conferences are next week.  I can't wait to meet with you!  If you forgot you scheduled time, feel free to email me.

Birthday Celebrations

We will celebrate birthdays by doing a special snack once a month.  We will not celebrate September birthdays until the end of the month (after conferences) once I have discussed any food allergies in the class.

I will schedule birthday celebrations for Friday, September 25 during snack time.  

Here is an example of appropriate Birthday Snacks:

Approrpiate Birthday/Holiday Snacks * String cheese or individual cheese snacks * Crackers * Fruit - grapes, sliced, apples, oranges, etc * Lunch meat slices/rolls - turkey or ham * Vegetables with dipping sauce (example mushrooms/carrots with ranch) For those who want to bring in something sweet, I will allow ONE sweet treat from this list: * Jello (gelatin or pudding) individual cups/student * 1 cookie (per student) * Rice Crispy treat * Apple Sauce Appropriate Drinks: * water * milk  * chocolate milk * juice boxes

**Food Allergies have not yet been considered.  I will make a list of food that we must avoid.**

Week 1 Newsletter

Dear TK Family and Friends,

Our first week of school is running smoothly.  I appreciate all of you and your commitment to your child's education.

This week we will be learning about:

• Prayer and Love
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Calendar Skills - Days of the Week, Months of the Year, Numbers on the calendar
• Emergency Procedures
• How to be a good student
• Classroom rules and apply them
• We are all different and special
• Zero is a number
• We all can "read"

We are busy this week with learning how to be a student.  Remind your child of the 5 class rules and the importance of following those rules (safety and to learn).

1. Looking Eyes
2. Listening Ears
3. Quiet Mouths
4. Helping Hands
5. Walking Feet

Just a few reminders to help make the classroom run smoothly:

Morning Procedure

• Please do not leave your child unattended within the gated area at morning drop off until 7:30am (please wait for the bell).
• Have your child place his or her tote bag in the appropriate bin.  There are labels on the bin to guide you.
• Remove their daily folder (currently the blue folder) and place it in the tray labeled "FOLDERS".
• I will lead the class into the classroom at about 7:45 am.  Please have your child lined up and ready to go.

Tote Bags

• All tote bags must have your child's name clearly visible at all times.  If we placed a temporary sticker, we asked that you replace it with a luggage tag, iron sticker, or have it embroidered. Placing your child's initials inside the bag makes it really difficult for us to efficiently sort the bags.
• You are welcome to personalize the tote bag by decorating it.  Remember, your child will use the same tote bag in Kindergarten.

Snack Bags and Lunches

• If your child goes to Daycare, please separate snacks from the lunch by placing the snack in its own bag.  This makes it easier on your child to distinguish what you expect them to eat for lunch.  You may place the snack in a gallon size ZipLoc and the lunch can be placed in a lunch box/bag.

Emergency clothes

• If you have not done so yet, I have sent a gallon size plastic zip bag with your child's name.  Place the following items inside the bag:  t-shirt, shorts, socks, and underwear.  The purpose of these clothes is if your child has an accident, he or she can change themselves right away.  
• If your child does have an accident, we that you replace the clothes the following day.
• Half way through the school year, we will send home the emergency clothes to be checked for size.  If your child has outgrown the outfit, place the new appropriate size in the bag.  I will remind you of this in a couple months.

Labeling

• Be sure to label all your child's personal belongings - uniforms, snack/lunch bags, tote bags

After School Pick-up Procedure

• We will try to have the gates open before 11:30.  You are welcome to come in quietly and wait at the benches.  Please be mindful that Kindergarten will still be in session and to keep the volume to a minimum.
• We exit only using one door - the classroom door furthest from the gates.
• I will call your child to the door one at a time.  This will take a while especially while I try to get familiar with the grown-up faces.  I am starting to recognize you, but am still having trouble matching with the children.  I appreciate your continued patience.
• You must pick up your child before 11:45, otherwise, they will be part of the Daycare group.  
• I welcome parents to gather and chat, but I do ask that you take the conversation outside the gates as the Daycare children need the lunch tables to eat.  
• If you are running late, phone the office and let them know.  They will page me in the classroom.  This allows me to tell your child that you are on your way and not to worry.  

Current TK Family Link

• The link to this section of the website is now working.  I will upload photos, videos, practice work and other TK information to this section of the website.  I ask that you do not share the password.  I do use YouTube to upload some videos.  My settings on YouTube is strictly private and can only be accessed with a specific link.  I ask that you refrain from sharing the link on social media.

Conferences

• If you have not yet schedule a TK Conference, I still have some slots available.  As much as this conference is optional, it is a good way for you to tell me about your child.  
• This conference is not for me to tell you what I have assessed or have noticed, it is for you to tell me what your child's strength and areas of improvement are; medical conditions; family situations, and so forth.

I have provided you with tons of information in this week's newsletter.  I regularly try not to over-do the post, but this week was filled with information.  

If anything is confusing or you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Paragas

Happy First Day of School

Dear TK Parents,

We had a successful and happy First Day of School!  I can already see that we will be having a wonderful year.  I appreciate your cooperation this morning during drop off as tears were very little to none!  Wow!  That is amazing!  Great job Parents!

I will be sending home a gallon size plastic bag.  Please put emergency clothes in the bag (play clothes is fine).  These clothes will be used in case there is a spill, a potty accident, or an unforeseen reason to change clothes.  Include the following items: shirt, shorts, underwear, and socks.  Label all items with your child’s names.

The school has ordered the TK folders, but they have not arrived.  We will be using the blue folder as a temporary folder until the TK folders come in.  Use this folder as a way to communicate notes and paperwork.  

The TK website is up and running, however, the Current TK Family page has not yet been created has been created.  Please check to make sure you are able to get on.    I will continue to work on that section this week.  Just for your information, the password to enter this section will be ********* (please read your hard copy for the password).  Please keep this password handy, but refrain from sharing.  There will not be any “homework” packets available this week since it is the first week of school.  Remember, homework is also optional unless stated.

I would like to request parents to place a luggage tag or some type of permanent label (iron on labels, etc.) on your child’s tote bag.  This will make sorting 17 bags much easier.

If your child will be attending daycare, please send a separate bag for their nap items.  I suggest the reusable grocery bags such as the Target red bags.  Again, place your child’s name on the bag and all the nap items.  These items will stay at school for the duration of the week.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask.  I welcome you to St. Irenaeus School!  Great communication and teamwork between families and teachers will provide a successful school year!

Have a great start of the year!

Mrs. Paragas and Miss Cuellar

Welcome TK Families!

I just wanted l to do a quick post to welcome all of you to the 2015-16 school year! I am very excited to work with you and your children. Within the next few days, I'll be updating this website to add some reminders for the beginning weeks.  I will be providing a password during the first week of school for you to access the "Current TK Families" page.  As for right now, the current information on that page pertains to last years class.

To best view the site, please consider using using the following internet browsers: Firefox or Chrome.  Sometimes using Internet Explorer or Safari distorts the site and makes it much more difficult to view.

Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns. I am here and can't wait to work beside you.

Take care,
Mrs. Paragas :)

Sharing My News...

Dear Former TK Parents and Family,

On the last day of school, many of you wanted to know if I knew if I was having a boy or a girl.  My ultrasound appointment was a couple days after school ended so I didn't know.  The long wait has finally ended.  We shared our  news with our family during our Gender Reveal Party this past weekend.  I wanted to take the time to share this video with you (as promised!). :)

I hope you are all doing well.  I miss you all and think of your children ALL THE TIME.

See you in a couple of weeks!

Mrs. Paragas

TK Picnic is TOMORROW!

Just a reminder, the TK/K Picnic is tomorrow at 9:00 to 11:30.

The Room Parents have placed a pot luck sheet (this is for the adults, not the children).  If you would like to be a part of the pot luck, please sign up or email me and I can list your name/dish.  This is optional.

For the picnic, I ask that all the children wear non-uniform dress.  They will be out playing so I highly suggest play clothes.

If you have any questions, please send me an email.

Mrs. Paragas

Reminders

Hi TK Family,

I sent home the yearbook in your child's bag; be sure to check their bags today.  Also, today was the last HOPE collection for the school year.  If you forgot to return the red bag, be sure to bring it back to school before the year ends so that they may be reused.

If you have any games, activities, or bubbles to share with us on our picnic, please let me know ASAP.

Thank you!
Mrs. Paragas

TK Newsletter

Dear Family and Friends,

This is our last full week of school.  I just have to keep reminding you that I am SO proud of each of your kids.  I have watched them grow and mature these last few months.

This week we are focusing on:

• God gave us animals
• Farm Animals/Farm
• Animal Features 
• Number Review
• Letter Review
• Sight Word Review

This week is going by so fast!  We have a our picnic this Friday.  If you have game or activity suggestions, please email me.  We are looking for more activities for the kids to enjoy.  

A couple reminders...

Wednesday, June 10 - The Little Red Hen/HOPE

• We will be watching "The Little Red Hen" performed by our very own First Grade Class.  This is perfect because we are learning about farm animals and the different types of chicken. 
• HOPE bags are due tomorrow.  If you have food donations, please send it to school tomorrow.

Thursday, June 11 -  Inside the Outdoors

• Inside the Outdoors (on campus field trip) will be at 10:00.  Permission slips were due TODAY.  If you forgot, please fill one out first thing at drop off tomorrow morning.  Thanks!!

Friday, June 12 - TK/K Picnic

• Picnic will begin at 9:00 am
• Parents are welcome to set up a canopy or umbrella, bring beach towels and/or lawn chairs, etc.
• Parents are welcome to bring food to share.
• TK and K will have snack and lunch provided (pizza, snack, and drink).
• TK will end their picnic at 11:30, however, if you wish to stay longer, you may.  I will have TK line up and you may pick up your child from me and continue your picnic at 11:30.
• If you wish to volunteer for the picnic, please e-mail me.  Volunteers will help with games, serve food, and general supervision of all children.
• Who may attend?  All family may attend the picnic.  Only those that volunteer to assist with the children must be fingerprint cleared and safe-environment trained.

Wednesday, June 17 - Last Day of School

• TK will attend their first All School Mass at 8:30 am
• Attire:  I do ask that a clean school shirt and clean school bottoms be worn.  I do encourage your child to wear the formal uniform, but it is optional.
• Students will be dismissed at 11:30.

Finally, a big congratulations to Joshua and his family.  A new little bundle of joy was added to their family last week.  Congratulations on having your new little boy!  :)

Please check back on this blog this week.  There are a lot of things happening and I will try to send an e-mail blast if I do have something big to remind all of you.

Again, THANK YOU for making this year a successful first year of TK!

Mrs. Paragas

Wow! Field Day was a BLAST!

We had so much fun and showed a lot of energy and enthusiasm today during Field Day.  We attempted to watch The Magic School Bus - Take a Dive, but the volume was too low to watch as a class.. I am sharing the link with you in case your child asks about this video.

I also sent the HOPE bags home today.  They are not due until Wednesday.

Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Paragas

Birthday Snacks - Correction

Hi Parents,

With all the festivities, I incorrectly stated that birthday snacks will be next Thursday, June 11.  That is the incorrect date.  Birthday Snacks will be TOMORROW, June 4 at 9:45.  If you are setting up birthday snacks, please have the tables ready to go by 9:40.  Thank you!

Sorry for the wrong information.

Mrs. Paragas

TK Newsletter

THIS WAS UPDATED ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 - Regarding Birthday Snacks.

Dear Family and Friends,

We've made it to June!  This week we will:

• Review all letters (sounds, writing it, words associated with it, recognition)
• Numbers 0 to 30 (count)
• Number 0 to 10 (recognize)
• Numbers 0 to 100 (by tens)
• Adding and subtracting up to 5.
• All TK sight words
• Prayer Review (Sign of the Cross, Glory Be, Hail Mary, Our Father)
• Joseph, Jesus' Step-father
• Ocean animals, habitat, food chain, levels of the ocean
• People and taking care of the ocean
• Song: God Bless America
• Skipping/Hopping/Galloping

These last few weeks are going to go by fast, especially with all our festivities.  Let me highlight some of those activities.

Friday, June 5 - Field Day

• All TK students are to wear a sports-related t-shirt.  If your child does not own a sports-related t-shirt, a plain t-shirt will work.  Also, you are welcome to wear the Fun Run or St. I T-shirt.  It will more than likely be a warm day, so I ask that your child wears shorts with comfortable tennis shoes.  We will be doing a lot of movement activities and exercises.  Shoes that fit perfectly will be the safest.
• Field Day will begin at 9:00 am and end by 10:30 am
• TK will be split into 2 groups.  We are combining TK and K.  Half of TK will be with Mrs. Cierley, while half of Mrs. Cierly's class will be with me.
• Snack will be at 10:30 - please provide your child with a normal snack.  In addition to the normal snack, there will be a snack bar available.  I will provide you with an envelope for you to put your child's money for the snack cart.  I ask that you send no more than $2.
• I do have a couple volunteers already signed up for field day.  If you are a volunteer, I ask that you meet in front of the classroom by 9:00 am.  Volunteers will assist with all activities including snack.

Thursday, June 11 -  Inside the Outdoors

• Inside the Outdoors (on campus field trip) will be at 10:00.  I will be sending home a permission slip that states that you give your child permission to be part of the presentation.  Please be sure I have this back by no later than next Tuesday, June 9.

Friday, June 12 - TK/K Picnic

• Picnic will begin at 9:00 am
• Parents are welcome to set up a canopy or umbrella, bring beach towels and/or lawn chairs, etc.
• Parents are welcome to bring food to share.
• TK and K will have snack and lunch provided (pizza, snack, and drink).
• TK will end their picnic at 11:30, however, if you wish to stay longer, you may.  I will have TK line up and you may pick up your child from me and continue your picnic at 11:30.
• If you wish to volunteer for the picnic, please e-mail me.  Volunteers will help with games, serve food, and general supervision of all children.
• Who may attend?  All family may attend the picnic.  Only those that volunteer to assist with the children must be fingerprint cleared and safe-environment trained.

Wednesday, June 17 - Last Day of School

• TK will attend their first All School Mass.
• Students will be dismissed at 11:30.

I have posted a lot of information in this week's newsletter.  If anything is unclear, please email me and I will try to clarify as best as I can.

I will no longer be posting homework for the rest of the school year.  I ask that you continue to review all TK skills in these last 2 weeks.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Paragas

TK Newsletter

Dear TK Family and Friends,

I woke up this morning and checked my calendar and WOAH!  We have less than a month of school left.  The kids are really excited about being in Kindergarten and I keep hyping up the idea of them being the bigger kids next year.  As I watch them each day, I can help but feel proud of how much they have grown academically, but even more so, socially and spiritually.  They entered TK unaware of most of their peers and now, we have become family that will journey on together to 8th grade.  I am so excited for them and honored to have been their first teacher at St. Irenaeus!

This week we will focus on:

• Letters Xx and Zz - Yes, we made it!!
• Number 29, but we will be including 30 too.
• Mary, Our Mother/Hail Mary/Rosary
• Insects:  Life Cycles, body parts, and the importance of their existence
• Patriotism: Honoring those men and women who worked so hard for our freedom and are now in heaven; singing songs about America
• Sight Words - all of the TK List

Don't forget this week is our Hail Mary Presentation.  All students are asked to recite the Hail Mary in front of their peers.  So far, all of the kids are doing great!  I can see they have practiced REALLY hard!  Great job!

Events for your calendar:

• Field Day will be on Friday, June 5.  (Field day will end at 10:30am for TK/K)
• TK students are to wear sports theme related T-shirts/jerseys.  If they do not own a sports theme shirt, the St. I T-shirt, Fun Run shirt, or an every day T-shirt will work.  Please pair it with shorts and tennis shoes that are the right size for your child.
• Please send a snack to school like usual, however, students can purchase additional treat at the Snack Bar.  
• Thursday, June 11 - TK (on campus) Field Trip with Inside the Outdoors @10:15am
• Friday, June 12 - TK/K Picnic (on campus) - you are more than welcome to join us.  However, I do need a couple parents to volunteer to help set up and supervise.  If you are interested, please let me know.
• Last Day of School - Wednesday, June 17 - 11:30 am dismissal

I did not create a homework packet this week.  I suggest that you focus on the letters, numbers, Hail Mary, and Sight Words this week.  

Have a great week!

Mrs. Paragas

TK Newsletter

Dear TK Family and Friends,

We are in the 35th week of school!  The year is truly going by fast.  This week we will be covering the following:

• Letter Xx and Yy - write, letter recognition, and sound
• Number 28 but we are pushing up to 30.  
• We ended our Seeds unit with flower blooms that bees love.
• We began our Insect unit with Bees.
• Insects have 3 body parts, 6 legs, and 2 feelers
• We are still focusing on Mother Mary this week.
• We are reciting Hail Mary and singing Gentle Women
• We are learning patriotic songs this entire month - this week's song is Grand Ol' Flag.
• All TK Sight words are being reviewed this week until the end of the year

Thank you for your response with the Yearbook Question.  It looks like almost all of you would like to purchase a yearbook.  This was just for the office to know how many to order.  The office will send home an official order form for the yearbook.  At that time, you can submit your payment.  Thanks again for your input.

The 8th Grade class will be selling Smencils (scented pencils) for $1.00 outside our class on Wednesday. If your child goes to daycare and you would like them to purchase a Smencil, please send money in an envelope and mark it "Smencil" and place it in your child's folder (please don't just drop it in the tote bag as these don't always get checked).

There are lots of TK and school events coming up.  

• This coming Friday and Monday, we will have no school for a long Memorial Day Celebration/Remembrance.  Please keep all the men and women who have served and/or are currently serving our country.  Let's keep them always in our prayers. 
• Field Day will be on Friday, June 5.  I will give more details regarding this, but if you'd like to volunteer to help, please let me know.
• Thursday, June 11 - TK (on campus) Field Trip with Inside the Outdoors @10:15am
• Friday, June 12 - TK/K Picnic (on campus) - you are more than welcome to join us.  However, I do need a couple parents to volunteer to help set up and supervise.  If you are interested, please let me know.
• Last Day of School - Wednesday, June 17 - 11:30 am dismissal

Before I conclude this week's newsletter, I'd like to share with you some personal news.  My husband and I are expecting our first child this coming November.  I'm currently in my second trimester and thought I'd share the news before my wardrobe begins to change.  It's been an exciting (and tiring) journey thus far.  I ask that you keep my soon-to-be little family of 3 in your prayers.

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Paragas

TK Newsletter

Dear TK Parents and Friends,

This week we are learning the following:

• The letter Xx - recognition, sound, and writing
• Adding by counting pictures or objects
• We are on the number 27, but my focus is to review all numbers to 30.  
• Maps - introducing the words north, south, east, west, vs. left, right, top, bottom
• We are finishing up our plants and seeds unit this week.
• We are learning more about Mary and songs about Mary, including Gentle Woman.
• Reviewing all sight words from the TK Sight Words List

I forgot to send home the HOPE bags today.  If you do remember, please send some canned/boxed food to school tomorrow.  If you forget, I'll send the red bags home tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the Talent Show.  TK will be watching it tomorrow at 10:15am, but I do encourage all families to attend the night show at 6:30pm in the Hall.

Don't forget, if you are interested in purchasing summer books for your child, I have extended the Scholastic Book Club Order until Friday, May 15.

Just a friendly reminder, during morning drop offs, please wait for the school bell to ring.  Mrs. Herrera and I are usually meeting in the morning to discuss the day's plan and other important things to make the class run smoothly.  Please refrain from knocking/banging on the door.  If the door is not open, this may mean I have a meeting or conference with a grown up.  Thank you for your understanding.

A couple events to put on your calendar:

• Field Day - Friday, June 5
• TK on campus field trip with Inside the Outdoors - Thursday, June 11
• TK/K End of the Year Picnic - Friday, June 12
• Last Day of School - Wednesday, June 17

The end is near, but there is still lots of learning to be done!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Paragas