St. Matthew Elementary

Jaguar Journal

October 31 , 2025

St. Matthew Elementary
Jaguar Journal

Important Dates:

October 31st- No School (Staff Progress Reporting)

November 14 - No School (Staff Learning Day)

November 24 - Turkey Trot

November 25 - Gratitude Retreat

November 26-28 - No School Thanksgiving Break

What a busy week!

Conferences, roller skating, Red Ribbon Week, Apple Cider, inflatable, tons of Halloween fun—it’s been full of excitement and learning!

Thank you to all the parents who took the time to attend conferences. We are truly grateful for the partnership we share in supporting your child’s growth, both academically and spiritually.

A special thank you to the parents who volunteered for Halloween parties, donated supplies, or provided food for teachers during conferences. Your generosity reflects the spirit of Christian service and brings joy and community to our school.

We also extend a heartfelt shout-out to our amazing Parent Teacher Association for organizing the meals, and to Capriotti’s and Zio Johno’s for their generous food donations. Your support is a blessing to our staff!

May God bless all our families with a safe, joyful, and faith-filled Halloween, and as we celebrate All Saints’ Day, may the saints inspire us to live with love, kindness, and gratitude.

Sincerely,

Brianna Richard

Principal

Thank you Parent Teacher Organization for sponsoring our fun obstacle course!

(H & H Fun Rides)

The Roller Skating Unit is always a hit! Thanks Coach M!

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!

St. Matthew Hot Lunch

Meal Magic Family Portal

PARISHIONER FEEDBACK IS NEEDED: JOURNEY IN FAITH INPUT SESSIONS

The Archdiocese of Dubuque continues its Journey in Faith, an invitation to renewal and growth for parish life. Based on survey responses from more than 22,000 parishioners and additional parish data, proposed pastorate models have been prepared to encourage prayer, listening, and dialogue. You can view these proposed models at dbqjourneyinfaith.org.

Parishes are hosting local input sessions for parishioners about theJourney in Faithprocess and proposed models for their parish. These meetings are a follow up to the information released on September 2nd and the regional meeting which was held in 34 locations throughout the archdiocese in September.

The November input meeting invites parishioners to look ahead and reflect on “where do we feel called to belong in a pastorate”, creating space to consider the proposed models, share new ideas and models, and discern together the future of our parish communities. For the dates of your parish’s next meeting, please consult your parish website or bulletin.

How can I prepare for these meetings?

Spend time in prayer, especially invoking the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom.
Review the FAQs, maps, and other resources found atdbqjourneyinfaith.org.
Consider what your thoughtful verbal feedback will be at the meetings concerning the proposed pastorate models and other other ideas/suggestions you want to share.
Submit feedback and questions via the feedback form on the website through November 21st or take written letters to your parish office to be uploaded for you.

Why should I attend?

Journey in Faithis about setting forth a course to have vibrant and sustainable parishes focused on evangelization for the next 25+ years. This is your opportunity to be engaged and offer valuable feedback and information which will be considered prior to decisions being made by Archbishop Zinkula in the Spring of 2026.

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!

Annual Greenery & Poinsettia Sale

From Saturday, November 1, through Friday, November 14, at 9:00 AM, Xavier Performing Arts will be selling beautiful holiday greenery and vibrant poinsettias. All proceeds directly benefit our Band and Choral programs, helping students grow in their musical gifts.

Ordering is easy!

Scan the QR code below or visit our online order form to select your items.

https://forms.gle/RfAoLJUb2LfhavNG6

All greenery and poinsettias will arrive before Thanksgiving.

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.

PAWSITIVE STUDENTS:

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

Adeline Nord
Althea Cook
Anna Kaefring
Axel Lamos
Beckett Lambert
Brady Heying
Braxlynn Batie
Calla Freeman
Collins Ahlberg
Dean Jerkins
Ella Mohwinkle
Gabby McElroy
Gavin Wilderman
Hayden Strong
Henry Powers
Holland Keomanivong
Hunter Jensen
Jason Wood
Jax Katwali
Juno Mooney
Lewis Katwali
Liam Welzien
Light Mikunga-Kamango
Lincoln Woodbury
Madelyn Kula
Mateo Torres
Max Casella
Mia BorjaMonroe Visser
Myla Ellard
Noah CainOscar Ireland
Penelope Kowalsky
Rylee Frieden
Shepherd Paul
Third Graders
Walter Kenney
Will Wagner
Wyatt Welzein
Zélie Bakas

Happy Birthday!

October 31 - Olivia Lamos

November 1-Stella Melton

November 5- Althea Cook

November 7- Chloe Brown

November 8- Sayer McGrath

November 8- William Libayjubu

November 9- Aurora Rutherford

November 9- Brex McCall

November 10- Roman Weber

November 13- John Herman

November 15- Luke Garlisch

November 17- Bryce Johnson

November 19- Jackson Gansen

November 20- Dominic Ramirez

November 23- Serah Thomas

November 27- Stephen William

November 29- Dani Albaugh

Make sure to follow us on social media:

Facebook - St Matthew XCS

& Jaguar Connection