St. Matthew Elementary

Jaguar Journal

October 24 , 2025

St. Matthew Elementary
Jaguar Journal

Important Dates:

October 27th-30th- Red Ribbon Week *See special dress days below*

October 28th- Parent/Teacher Conferences (3:30pm-7:00pm)

October 30th- Parent/Teacher Conferences (3:30pm-7:00pm)

October 30th- Halloween Parties

October 31st- No School (Staff Progress Reporting)

November 14 - No School (Staff Learning Day)

Teacher Conference Meals

Can you help us feed the staff for conference night? Thanks for considering!

Conference Donations

Free Cognitive Testing

Dear St. Matthew Families,

We have been selected to receive a FREE cognitive skills assessment for students at St. Pius. This online test which takes approximately 60 minutes to complete at home will assess your child’s seven core cognitive skills, will generate an IQ score, and an attention cluster score. This service is normally priced at $97 per student however we have worked with LearningRx of Cedar Rapids to providing the assessment to every child at our School at NO COST.

I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this FREE cognitive skills assessment to learn more about your child’s learning skills. To register your child you should visit the following link below.

Questions regarding registration or the testing process should be directed to:

Patrick Axline

319-393-0067

(p.axline@learningrx.net)

LearningRx Cedar Rapids

**Please add p.axline@learningrx.net to your preferred email to ensure all testing communications are received in your inbox.

The sign-up period will open on October 24th and will close on November 7th.

As a reminder this test is not being administered at St. Matthews. This test is intended to be taken at your home. If you have technology or internet concerns, please reach out so we can determine an alternative solution. When the testing registration has closed you will receive additional information on how to access the assessment.

LearningRx will be hosting a Parent Night on December 17th at 5:30pm at St. Matthews. This presentation is to provide families with a better understanding of cognitive skills, how to interpret their child’s results, and to provide general information on cognitive training. Families will receive their child’s personal test results at the Parent Night.

Please note that all test results are strictly confidential and will not be shared with anyone without your permission.

Full Details on the grant process as well as a sample report can be found here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pjGBXvQ2akPo-8RR69f_fXliqkn1aDU1?usp=sharing

Best regards

LearningRX Sign Up

Can you support our roller skating unit?

Volunteer Link

Transportation Reimbursement:

*It is transportation reimbursement time!*

First semester non-public transportation reimbursement forms for the area school districts are due by November 28th at 2:00pm. Click the district you live in to find the form you need to submit. Mileage requirement for Elementary & Middle school is 2 miles.
Mileage requirement for High School is 3 miles.

Remember Cedar Rapids school district forms need to be turned into the school office. If you have any questions, please let us know.

Cedar Rapids Community School District

College Community School District

Linn-Mar School District

Marion Community School District

LOOKING FOR PARENT VOLUNTEERS!

The Catholicity Committee is looking for parent volunteers to help during this year’s Gratitude Retreat on the morning of November 25th. Volunteers will assist with student activities, including card making, crafts, and helping during transition times.

If you’re interested in lending a hand, please contact Mrs. McConville or Mrs. Richard at:

We’d love your help in making this a special day for our students!

Reminders for arrival and dismissal procedures:

Important Times:

Doors will remain locked until 7:50am

Breakfast: 7:50am

Dismissal to Rooms: 8:05am

Tardy: 8:15am

Regular Dismissal: 3:15pm

Drop-Off Line Expectations for Parents

To keep our morning and afternoon drop-off/pick-up safe and efficient for all students and families, please follow these guidelines:

Stay in Your Vehicle
- Students should exit the car independently on the passenger side.
Pull All the Way Forward (past the entrance door)
- Follow the direction of staff and pull up as far as possible before letting your child out.
- This helps keep the line moving smoothly.
Have Backpacks and Supplies Ready
- Make sure your child is ready to exit quickly — backpack, lunch, and goodbye hugs done before entering the line.
No Parking or Idling in the Drop-Off Lane
- If you need extra time, please park in a designated spot and walk your child to the entrance.
Stay Off Your Phone
- Keep your attention on students and staff — safety first!
Be Kind and Patient
- A calm, courteous attitude helps everyone start the day on a positive note.

St. Matthew Hot Lunch

Meal Magic Family Portal

Xavier News:

Have You Considered What the Cost of Your Child’s Education Means to You?

Each day, your child benefits from the faith, care, and commitment of our Xavier Catholic Schools teachers and staff—people who pour their hearts into shaping students spiritually and academically. Has your family accepted the Generosity Challenge? Through the Generosity Challenge, we’re asking families to reflect on the true value of this Catholic education and join us in supporting those who make it possible.

Your gift directly supports our staff and teachers, helping us to recognize and retain the exceptional educators who make such a difference in our schools. Parent Bonus: Once you make your donation, you’ll be removed from any further fundraising asks for the remainder of the school year.

Give today atcrxcs.org/Give, via PayPal, Venmo: @XavierCatholicSchools, or send in a check —and accept the Generosity Challenge!

Lebeda Mattress Factory

We’re excited to announce a new partnership this year with Lebeda Mattress Factory! This will take the place of our traditional mattress fundraiser previously held in the Xavier gym. From October 15 through November 30, simply stop by any Lebeda store location and mention the Xavier fundraiser at checkout. Ten percent of all sales will directly support Xavier’s band, show choir, robotics, and BPA programs. Thank you for supporting our students while shopping local!

Xavier Youth Wrestling

Interested in keeping your child active while learning some great life lessons? Join Xavier Wrestling Club! Practice schedule is as follows:

SEASON:

PK-1st/Developmental: Nov. 4^th– Mar. 2^nd
2-8/Beginners & Competitive: Nov. 3^rd– Feb. 2^nd

PRACTICES:

·Open to all wrestlers, grades PK-8, from any of the Cedar Rapids/Marion Private Schools or Parishes. Practice days will be as follows:

·Developmental (PK-1^st Grade) 7:00-8:00pm on Tues @ Xavier High School

·Beginners & Competitive (2^nd -8^th Grade) 7:00-8:30pm on Mon @ Xavier High School

Register online at: https://saintsyouthsportsassociation.sportngin.com/wrestling

For additional info contact Ben Hoover at bhoover@holmesmurphy.com or319-929-5575.

St. Matthew Church News:

Congratulations to our Pumpkin contest winners!

Thank you to all those that participated.

Nepola - Elin Wright
Kane - Adeline Nord
McConville - Zelie Bakas
Rael - Kaiden Lyga
VanBerkum - Crew Collins
Harriott - Grace Gravert
Ohde - Cami Kowalsky
Adams - Madison Richard
Collins - Audra Thuente
Gehrke - Hendrik Schroder
Snell - Olivia Lamos
Renner - Eloise Nord
Searls - John Herman

PAWSITIVE STUDENTS:

These students were caught being positive this week and showing the Jaguar Way by being safe, respectful and responsible. Great job Jaguars!

Althea Cook
Andy Garza
Audra Thuente
Bennett Bohnstengel
Bodey Bateman
Bryn Funke
Cash Caviness
Clara Scherrer
Collins Ahlberg
Dean Jerkins
Dominic Ramierz
Edenn Moen
Elin Wright
Ella Mohwinkle
Evan Garlisch
Evelyn Negro
Fifth grade football boys

First grade
Grace Pewu
Haedyn Olson
Harlow Hines
Hayden Strong
Hunter Jensen
Imogen Nord
Ingrid Nord
Jack Eichhorn
Jason Wood
Jax Katwali
Juno Mooney
Kensley Moen
Kohen Kidd
Ky'mier Lane
Lewis Katwali
Maddy Alger
Madison Richard
Mateo Torres
Monroe Visser
Mrs. Gehrke's class
Myla Ellard
Nash Becker
Noah Cain
Oakley Tillman
Oscar Ireland
Owen Guthrie
Paxton Frieden
Rylee Frieden
Shepherd Paul
Silas Parlet
Sydney Swenson
Taggert Richmond
Talis Joseph
Victoria Gansen
Walter Kenney

Happy Birthday!

October 2 - Theodore Ellard

October 3 - Letty Johnson-Keesy

October 5 - Isabelle Mercil

October 7 - Lydia Pruden

October 8 - Alex Wery

October 9 - Myles Kidd

October 13 - Adrian Halverson

October 14 - Nolan Sitter

October 14 - Frank Ireland

October 15 - Colton Lyga

October 20 - Ophelia Shatzer

October 20 - Rory Duggan

October 21 - Nevan Foss

October 21 - Penelope Kowalsky

October 22 - Rambo Vedepo

October 22 - Roman Vedepo

October 23 - Hayden Langfitt

October 24 - Braden Funke

October 27 - Cash Caviness

October 28 - Jack Eichhorn

October 30 - Oscar Ireland

October 31 - Olivia Lamos

Make sure to follow us on social media:

Facebook - St Matthew XCS

& Jaguar Connection