MAY 2026 SPPS Pre-K NEWSLETTER

Can you believe how quickly this school year sped by? And every year, I marvel at the mad rush at the end. Well, this year is no different. We are busy, busy!

We are still working on our numbers recap (1-20) and counting skills. Our last letters of the alphabet to study are letters Qq and Zz. The shape is “crescent” and the color is blue.

The themes include insects, Ocean creatures, and plants.

We have been observing caterpillars this spring. They are currently chrysalises, as we wait for them to emerge as butterflies. We talk about “metamorphosis” in terms of the time they spend as pupae. Fun Fact; Did you know all chrysalises are pupae but not all pupae are chrysalises?

And they aren’t the only thing undergoing metamorphosis in our classroom! We are also lucky to observe tadpoles, thanks to Dr. Davidson. They are residing in a tank on our back counter. The students are very excited about them!

We will probably not have a scholastic book order this month due to the Book Fair happening in the library. But if you still want to look and order something, I will be notified by Scholastic and be sure to send it through. Here is the link- https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H

It will be the last order of the school year.

Here are some important dates~

May 1st - Parent's Night Out

May 8th - 11:00 am dismissal (professional development)

May 7th - Free Dress (first Thursday of the month)

May 13th - Progress Reports

May 25th - No School Memorial Day

May 27th - Spring Concert

June 10th - Last day of school/Pre-K graduation

Please continue to notify me with any questions or concerns.

mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org Sincerely, ❤ Mrs. Phillips

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it" ~ Ferris Bueller

APRIL 2026 Pre-K NEWSLETTER

I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Spring Break! I have such fond Spring Break memories of family time and the fun places we visited . This year I stayed close to home with day trips and hanging out with family.

Last month’s oral book reports were a hit! I really enjoyed the students’ enthusiasm and I loved their selections. They had so much to say and delighted in telling everyone about their favorite book. We will have more opportunities to practice public speaking in May.

April studies are Ww, Yy, and Xx, a recap of the numbers 1-20, the oval shape, and color purple. Our themes for April are Chickens and Bunnies, Earth Day, Insects, Seeds and plants.

We will have a Scholastic Book order due April 13th. I apologize that the flyer is hit-and-miss. They don’t always send one, and when they do it’s usually at the end of the month. You can still go to Scholastic online by clicking this link from the school website- https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H Our classroom code is included in that link.

Some important dates~

April 1st - Report Cards

April 3rd - Good Friday/10 AM Stations of the Cross/ 11 AM Dismissal

April 4th - Bake Sale/Egg Hunt

April 6th - No School (Easter Monday) / 2026-2027 Registration for new SPPS families begins

April 13th - Scholastic Book order due (Pre-K)

I really appreciate your support and communication. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

Happy Spring! ❤ Mrs. Phillips

MARCH 2026 SPPS PRE-K NEWSLETTER

Wishing you a blessed and holy Lenten journey.

The first week of March is “Read Across America” week, but Pre-K will be discussing books all month long! Watch for homework involving book reports. We will have 4-5 presentations per day until the whole class has had a turn. They should be prepared to discuss their book (what it’s about, why they like it, etc,) in front of the class.

We will be studying the letters Uu, Bb, and Ee, the numbers 18, 19, and 20, the diamond shape and color green. Our March themes are Read Across America, Spring Weather, Animal Builders.

If you are interested in ordering books, our due date is 3/12. Here is the link:

https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H It is easy to click and order from the school website. Go to current families tab and scroll down to Preschool Blog. This newsletter will be posted there along with the above link.

Important dates~

March 12th - Scholastic Book Orders due (Pre-K)

March 20th - 11 am dismissal/ End of 2nd Trimester

March 23rd - March 27th Spring Break

March 30th - 2026-2027 Registration for current SPPS families begins

April 1st - Report Cards

April 3rd - Good Friday/ 11 AM Dismissal

April 5th - Easter Sunday

April 6th - No School (Easter Monday) / 2026-2027 Registration for new SPPS families begins

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

❤ Mrs. Phillips

February Newsletter SPPS Pre-K

“Heavenly Father, as we prepare for the season of Lent, purify our hearts and draw us closer to You.”

The Pre-K Valentine’s Party is on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 10:00 a.m. We will have a light treat and exchange Valentines on that day. The hardcopy of this newsletter will have the class list included, and there will be a refreshment sign-up sheet posted outside the classroom.

This month, we will be studying the letters Jj, Mm, and Tt, the numbers 15, 16, and 17. The shape of the month is the heart, the color pink. Our themes are President’s Day, Black History month, and Dental Health. In religion, we will discuss Lent in simple terms such as preparation, positive acts of love, daily kindness, and with age appropriate stories of Jesus.

Scholastic book orders are due Tuesday, 2/10/26. https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H

Accessing the link is easier on the Pre-K blog which can be found on the school website.

Here are some important dates~

February 5th - Free Dress (first Thursday of the Month)

February 6th - 11 am dismissal (Prof. Dev.)

February 7th - SPPS Auction and Dinner Dance

February 9th - No School/Conferences as needed

February 10th- Pre-K Scholastic Book orders due

February 12th- Pre-K Valentine’s Party 10:00 a.m.

February 16th - No School (Presidents' Day)

February 18th - Ash Wednesday (Lent begins)

As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns at mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

❤ Mrs. Phillips

January 2026 Pre-K Newsletter

Happy New Year! Wishing you all a joyful and prosperous year! I hope your Christmas was filled with peace and cherished family moments. Christmas Break for me was a relaxing yet productive time away. It was very satisfying to tackle little projects around the house and I got a lot done.

We will be going after January studies with the same enthusiasm! Our studies this month include the letters Oo, Dd, and Kk, the numbers 12,13,14, rectangles and color blue. Our themes are Winter Olympics, Arctic Animals, Ice and Snow, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Catholic Schools Week is 1/26-1/30, so watch for more on that in the school weekly newsletter.

We don’t always get Scholastic book flyers anymore, but you may order books from Scholastic from this link which includes our classroom code-

https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H The link can be more easily accessed from the Preschool Blog on the school website. The deadline for classroom orders is 1/13/26.

Here are some important dates~

January 5 - School Resumes

January 13- Scholastic Book Order due (Pre-K only)

January 19- No School - MLK Jr. Day

January 26 thru 30 - Catholic Schools Week

January 30- No School, Faith Formation Day

February 6 - 11 a.m. Dismissal/ Teacher Prof. Dev.

February 7 - SPPS Dinner/Dance/Auction

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions. My email address is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

❤ Mrs. Phillips

DECEMBER 2025 Pre-K Newsletter

Happy Advent to all!

We have been practicing the song, “All Because Jesus is Born” for the Christmas Concert on Dec. 18. Lyrics were sent home but please let me know if you need another copy. Link; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmqw769qPos&list=RDHmqw769qPos&start_radio=1

I would also like to have a Christmas party that day during class time with our annual book exchange. Watch for more info on a later date.

If you would like to make a Scholastic book order for December, please have it in by Dec, 4th to ensure delivery by the 18th. Use this link; https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H

We will be studying the letters Hh, Gg, and Cc, the numbers 9,10,11, and star shape. Our themes are Hibernation, Penguins, Gingerbread, Winter Holidays and of course, Advent.

Did you know this newsletter can also be found on the school website? It is also easier to use the links from there.

Here are some important dates~

December 4th- Free Dress Day (Mismatch Day)

December 4th- Scholastic Book Order due (Pre-K)

December 5th - 11:00 am dismissal

December 9th - Auction Meeting 6 PM

December 18th- Preschool Christmas party/book exchange, 10:00a.m.

December 18th - Christmas Musical 6:00 pm

December 19th - 11:00 am dismissal

December 22nd-January 3- Winter Break

As always, please contact me if you have questions or concerns, or if your child will be out for any reason, or if pick-up plans have changed. mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and love.

Sincerely,

❤ Mrs. Phillips

NOVEMBER 2025 Pre-K NEWSLETTER

Leaves are falling- Autumn is calling! It’s sweater weather. Please be sure to send your child to school with a jacket. We will be enjoying outside recess as long and as often as the weather permits!

This month, we will be studying the letters Vv, Ll, and Ii, the numbers 6,7,8, triangles and the color yellow. Our themes are Veterans, Native American Heritage, and Thanksgiving. We will also be mindful of gratitude, this month’s virtue. There will be a take-home gratitude project to fill out and return next week so watch for it!

If you would like to order Scholastic books, our due date is 11/12. Please use this link;

https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H (See also the attached flyer.)

Here are some important dates-

November 6th - Free Dress Day (1st Thursday of the Month) Theme: "Anything but a Backpack"

November 11th - No School - Veterans Day

November 12th- Scholastic book order due (Pre-K)

November 26th - 11:00 am dismissal

November 27 & 28th - No School Thanksgiving

December 4th- Free Dress Day

December 5th - 11:00 am dismissal

December 18th - Christmas Musical

December 19th - 11:00 am dismissal

I am so thankful for all of you; my wonderful students and their supportive families. I wish you a wonderful November and all the joy Fall brings.

As always, please feel free to contact me with concerns at mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

❤ Mrs. Phillips

October 2025 Pre-K Newsletter

Happy Fall to all!

We already have a field trip planned for Oct. 7 to French Prairie Gardens Pumpkin Patch. Permission slips went home a week or so ago. If you haven’t already turned in your child’s permission slip, please do so before then. I’m praying for nice weather!

I really enjoyed our “All About Me” presentations. We learned so much about each other. We discovered some differences as well as things we have in common. It was a good introduction to public speaking and the audience was engaged.

This month we will be studying the letters Ff, Nn, and Pp, the numbers 3,4,5 and the shape of the month is the Square. Our themes are Fire Safety, Pumpkins, Nocturnal Animals, and the Night Sky. I hope to have a Halloween party later this month, but it looks likely to be on the 30th of October (Thursday) so that everyone in the class can enjoy it. No solid plans yet so, stay tuned!!

We will have a Scholastic Book order this month. All orders are due Oct. 9th. See attached flyer. Link; https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H

Some important dates~

October 2nd - Free Dress (first Thursday of the month)

October 9th - Scholastic Book Order due ( Pre-K)

October 10th Inservice - No School

October 13th Holiday - No School

If your child’s daycare schedule changes for October, please be sure to let me know. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. My email address is

mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

❤ Mrs. Phillips

SEPTEMBER 2025 PRE-K NEWSLETTER

For my returning students and families, welcome back to school! For all new families, welcome to school and the beginning of your child's educational journey! I hope everyone had a fun summer making wonderful memories. My summer went by so fast! But I was able to go on some trips and see old friends.

The studies for September are; Circles, letters Ss, Aa, Rr and the numbers 0,1,2. Our themes are Welcome to School, Making Friends, Community, and Apple Science.

I do not have a September Scholastic catalogue, but I believe they are trying to go paperless. No biggie! You can still order books for your kiddos. If you head to Scholastic at https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H , you can go through age-appropriate online catalogues and even pay online. The link also includes our classroom code (GZX4H). When you buy books for your child, our classroom gets points to use towards other classroom resources. Sept. book orders are due 9/9/25.

Important Dates-

9/9 Scholastic book orders due

9/11 School Picture Day

I will send a paper copy of the Pre-K newsletter home each month but in case you misplace the hard copy you can also find it on the Preschool Blog. It can be found on the school website under the “Current Families” tab.

Please contact me with any questions at mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org . I will try to get back with you as soon as I’m able. Also please be sure to let me know if you have a change of daycare schedule or if your child will be absent from school.

I’m looking forward to a terrific school year!

Sincerely,

❤ Mrs. Phillips

JUNE 2025 Pre-K NEWSLETTER

It’s the home stretch! It’s been a wonderful year and I’ve truly enjoyed working with these kiddos throughout the school year. It could not have been possible without you, their first teacher. So, thank you sincerely for your support and for being an integral part of your child’s growth and education. I know summer plans can be hectic, but I recommend revisiting numbers and letters with them throughout the summer to prevent the summer slide. Not just letter/number recognition, but writing, too. Give them pencil and paper or their own notebook. For those emergent readers already proficient with letters, give them reading challenges (traffic signs, menus, even cake mix!) This builds confidence, and they’ll be prepared and eager to start school in the Fall.

Please help me congratulate our older group who are graduating Pre-K;

Arlo Charlotte Remi Grace

Sage B. Declan Kate Sage S.

Louis Lorene Rhys

Parents and younger siblings are welcome to join us for the graduation ceremony. The 3’s group will be present as part of the audience. It will be June 12th at 10:00 a.m. There will be light refreshments following to celebrate our graduates and the last day of school.

I’ll be sending home a lot of art and workbooks the last days so watch for that. I’ll also send our sad chive-heads☹. Despite going through several packets of seeds, they aren’t very full and lush. I do not know why! Still, they do thicken in time, or you may re-seed if you wish. Recently, I heard of a past student still using her chives in recipes! They can live for many years.

For June, our letters are Qq and Zz. We will review our alphabet and numbers, colors and shapes. Our themes are; the power of the Sun and summer safety.

Important dates~

June 2nd - Free Dress (Principal for the Day: Henry Vachter)

June 3rd - Art Show 7:30 AM

June 4th - Last day for Hot Lunch

June 5th - 8th Grade Graduation 6:30 PM

June 6th - No School - Conferences as Needed

June 10th - Talent Show

June 11th - Field Day

June 12th- Last Day (11 AM Dismissal) 10:00 Pre-K Graduation

I wish everyone a wonderful summer filled with joy and new experiences, adventures and happy memories. ❤ Mrs. Phillips

MAY 2025 Pre-K NEWSLETTER

I’m loving the warm weather and T-ball games, blooming flowers and baby birds! The Pre-K classroom got to watch caterpillars change into beautiful butterflies and we plan to release them within the week. This never gets old for me! And with the bee population in decline this year, it’s great to contribute with more pollinators.

April 30 was Ms. Marlie’s last day with us. We wish her well as she pursues her college education.

This month we will be studying the letters Nn, Oo, and Yy, the crescent shape, the color blue, and will continue to review numbers. Themes are Water Safety and Jellyfish.

Our last book order of the school year will be due May 12. The link for ordering is https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H .

We have been practicing a song for the Spring Musical on May 21st. The lyrics for “It’s A Beautiful Day” were sent home April 22. If you need another copy, please let me know. We traditionally open the show at 6:00 p.m. More info to follow as we get closer to May 21.

I’d like to continue show-and-share this month, with a twist. Your child has the choice of bringing in a photo(s) of their family pet(s) OR they may bring in a stuffed animal to talk about. We’ll use the same schedule;

5/6 - Charlotte, Declan, Maliah, Connor, Evelyn

5/8 - Sage B., Remi, Kason, Benjamin, Rhys, Grace

5/13 - Cole, Nolan, Kate, Adalynn, Lorene, Sage S.

5/15 - Audrey, Drewsey, Walker, Clark, Louis, Jack

5/20 - make-up day

Important Dates ~

May 12 - Pre-K Scholastic book orders due

May 21 - SPPS Musical

May 26 - Memorial Day, No School

Please continue to contact me if your child will be absent or has other pick-up plans. Or, if you have any concerns. My email is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org ❤ Mrs. Phillips

APRIL 2025 Pre-K NEWSLETTER

Happy Spring! To me, everything about Spring says “hope”. Spring reminds us that there’s brighter, longer days ahead, an abundance of new life, and second chances.

I hope everyone had a restorative, relaxing Spring Break.

I was able to visit the Oregon Zoo to see the new baby elephant Tula-Tu with her mom Rose-Tu, and Aunt Shine. What a cutie! Mr. Phillips and I can’t stop talking about how sweet she is. All of the animals looked happy and healthy. In all, our visit to the Zoo was delightful. We also went whale watching at the coast but didn’t spot any this time.

Our April studies are the letters Bb, Ee, and Ii, the oval shape, color purple, and numbers review. Our themes are Insects, Baby Animals, Earth Day, Plants and Seeds.

Let’s have show-and-share for April! I would like to adhere to a T/Th schedule much like the Favorite Book presentations we had in March. They may bring in one thing, perhaps their favorite toy or something they’d like to show, and be ready to talk about it!

4/8- Charlotte, Declan, Maliah, Connor, Evelyn

4/10- Sage B., Remi, Kason, Benjamin, Rhys, Grace

4/15- Cole, Nolan, Kate, Adalynn, Lorene, Sage S.

4/17- Audrey, Drewsey, Walker, Clark, Louis, Jack

4/22- make-up day

We will have a Scholastic Book order due April 8th. The link for ordering is https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H

Here are some important dates;

April 3rd - Dress Down Day

April 8th - Scholastic Book order due (Pre-K)

April 10th - Spring Pictures (Dress Down Day)

April 12th - Egg Hunt 10 AM

April 21st - No School - Easter Monday

As always, please contact me with your questions or concerns, or if your child will be out or will be picked up by someone other than yourself.

Sincerely, Mrs. Phillips ❤

-April showers bring May flowers.

March 2025 Pre-K Newsletter

"March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb"

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for Spring! I’m ready for warmer temps, flowers, baby animals and rainbows. We have a few weeks of winter left, but don’t forget to “spring forward” March 9 (at 2:00 a.m.). The actual first day of Spring is March 20, and we’ll enjoy our Spring Break March 24-28.

This month we will be studying the letters Uu, Rr, and Dd, the numbers 17, 18, 19, the color green and the diamond shape. Our themes are weather/clouds, books, St. Patrick’s Day, and animal defenses. We will have a scholastic book order due March 11. The link to place orders is https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H

To further instill an appreciation of books, I would like each student to bring their favorite book this month to talk about in front of the class. Think of it as a cross between show-and-share and a book report! I would like to adhere to this schedule;

3/6- Charlotte, Declan, Maliah, Connor, Evelyn

3/11- Sage B., Remi, Kason, Benjamin, Rhys, Grace

3/13- Cole, Nolan, Kate, Adalynn, Lorene, Sage S.

3/18- Audrey, Drewsey, Walker, Clark, Louis, Jack

3/20- make-up day

Important dates to remember~

March 5th - Ash Wednesday (Mass at 8:10)

March 6th - Dress Down Day

March 11th - Scholastic book order due (Pre-K)

March 12th - Report Cards

March 17th - St. Patrick’s Day

March 24th - 28th Spring Break

April 3rd - Dress Down Day

April 10th - Spring Pictures (Dress Down Day)

April 21st - No School - Easter Monday

As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns, or if your child will not be at school for any reason or is being picked up by someone else. My email address is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

Sincerely, 🎔 Mrs. Phillips

February 2025 Pre-K Newsletter

A big thank you to everyone who participated in the school’s auction, whether you donated time or bought something, thank you for supporting our school!

As you (probably) have already heard, Punxsatawney Phil did see his shadow this last weekend and so did Filbert the Beaver at the Oregon Zoo (The Branch Manager!). They both predicted 6 more weeks of Winter. 😊

The Preschool classroom will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a party and Valentine exchange on Thursday, Feb. 13th at 10:00 a.m. A party sign up sheet will be posted outside the classroom. I have also provided a class list on the backside of this newsletter (hardcopy only). Either store bought or homemade Valentines work. Or, if it’s easier, Candy Grams are available to purchase from the 5th and 6th graders at .25/ea. Proceeds go towards their outdoor school. Contact the office for more information.

A Scholastic book order will be due Feb. 11th. Flyer attached. Online ordering at https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H

This month we are studying the color pink, the shape; heart, numbers 15, 16. Letters Gg, Mm, Tt, Presidents Day, Black History Month, Dental Health and Valentines. We’ve had great weekly discussions from Mystery Science. Be sure to ask your child what they learn each week. This week we will learn about why chocolate is bad for dogs.

Here are some important dates~

February 1st - Dinner Dance/Auction

February 3rd- No School (Conferences As Needed)

February 11th- Pre-K Scholastic Book Order due

February 17th- No School, Presidents’ Day

March 24-28th- No School, Spring Break

If you have questions or concerns, you may contact me at mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

Thank you for continuing to notify me and the office of absences, tardies, or if someone other than you are picking up your child from school. Have a wonderful month.

Sincerely, Mrs. Phillips ❤

JANUARY 2025 SPPS Pre-K Newsletter

Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a wonderful year ahead filled with joy, peace, and prosperity. I hope your Break was filled with happiness and relaxation, good food and happy family time. Mine was all of the above plus a lot of sitting around!

This month we will be studying the letters Jj, Ww, rectangles, the color white, and numbers 12-14. Our themes are Winter weather and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week 1/27-1/30. The Scholastic book order is due 1/10/25. Did you know that you do not need a flyer to make an order? The following link will get you on the site and ensure credits are allocated to the classroom. https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H From there you can access flyers to shop from and the points from your book orders help provide resources and materials for our classroom.

Important Dates~

January 6th - School Resumes - No Hot Lunch

January 10th - Scholastic Book order due (Pre-K)
January 17th - 11:00 am Dismissal Teacher in Service

January 20th - No School MLK Jr Day

January 27th-30 Catholic Schools Week

January 31st - No School (Archdiocese Staff Faith Formation)

February 1st - Dinner Dance/Auction

February 3rd- No School (Conferences As Needed)

The Dinner/Dance/Auction is coming up next month. It’s such an important fundraiser for our school. It helps keep tuition down, provides our building with much needed updates, and funds ongoing projects. We are grateful for all of the hard working volunteers who make this possible!

As always, feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns at mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org , and don’t forget to include me in the email to the office if your child will be gone from school for any reason.

Sincerely, ❤ Mrs. Phillips

DECEMBER 2024 Pre-K Newsletter

Happy Advent to all! May we all use this time to reflect on the glory of our Savior.

I am excited for our Christmas Concert on Dec. 11, at 5:00 p.m.! We’ve been practicing every day. I sent lyrics home last month but if you need a copy, please let me know. It’s called Shine A Light For Peace and it can be found on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCEsJyha1Tc

We will have a Scholastic Book order due 12/5. https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H

As always, please help your child remember to bring a coat for outdoor recess. It’s been frosty out there, and we still try to run outside every day if it isn’t raining (or too cold!) Also, as a reminder, please be sure to notify me and the school if your child is out sick or has different pick up plans.

This month’s studies are the letters Hh, Cc, and numbers 10 & 11. The shape of the month is Star, and the color is yellow. The themes are Winter Holidays, Polar Animals, and Christmas!

Some important dates~

December 5th - Free Dress Festive sweaters or sweatshirts, Scholastic Book order due (Pre-School)

December 5th - Parish Penance Service at 6:30 pm

December 9th - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (A Holy Day of Obligation)

December 11th - Christmas Concert 5 PM

December 13th - Noon Dismissal (Professional Development)

December 21- Jan 5 - Christmas Break

We will have a classroom Christmas party on Dec. 19 at 10:00 a.m. I will have a sign-up sheet posted outside my classroom for party treats probably next week or so. I would like to do a gently used or new book (valued under $5.00) exchange. I’ll send more info closer to the date.

My email is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org if you have any concerns.

Sincerely, Mrs. Phillips ♡

NOVEMBER 2024 PRE-K NEWSLETTER

I don’t know who said, “Fall is my favorite color”, but I’ve noticed the changing leaves this year more so than previous years.The trees just seem more vibrant! It’s certainly due to October’s sunny days and cool nights. I think this change is what makes November the month of gratitude and reflection. We are so fortunate to live in the PNW!

Now that it’s cooler during the day, please help your child remember to bring a coat to school. We try to go outside for recess as much as possible unless it’s too wet or too cold to do so.

This month we will be learning about Veterans, leaves, indigenous people, Thanksgiving and hibernation. We will also study the letters Xx, Vv, and Ll, and the numbers 7,8,9, the shape- square and the color brown. We continue to work on correct pincer grip, especially while holding a writing instrument. My big ask is that you please help us enforce this at home. It’s easier to form correct habits than to correct them later.

We will have a Scholastic book order due 11/7. Our classroom code is GZX4H. You may place orders at https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H

Here are some important dates~

November 7th - Free Dress Day and Scholastic book order due (Pre-K)

November 11th - No School - Veterans Day

November 27th - 11 am dismissal

November 28th -29th No school - Thanksgiving break

December 11th - Christmas Concert 5 PM

December 13th - Noon Dismissal (Professional Development)

December 21- Jan 5 - Christmas Break

Don’t forget to “Fall back” November 3rd! Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. My email is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

❤ Mrs. Phillips

Pre-K NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2024

Hello Pre-K families! It’s hard to believe it’s October already! Fall is definitely in the air.

We’ve been so blessed with beautiful weather. I hope it holds out for most of October. Speaking of which, there is a grey jacket in my classroom that has been unclaimed for about 3 weeks. If your child came home without one, check with me! I also found a piece of jewelry. If your child lost it, I have it in my desk for safekeeping, just have them ask me or send me an email to claim it.

This month we are studying the letters Ff and Pp, and the numbers 3,4,5, and 6. The color is orange and the shape - triangle. Our themes are Spiders, Owls, Fire Safety, the Voting Process, and Pumpkins.

We will have a field trip on Oct. 22 to a Pumpkin Patch. Watch for permission slips to come home. Also, we will have another Scholastic Book Order due Thurs. Oct. 10. Our classroom code is GZX4H. Place orders at clubs.scholastic.com

I would like to have a Halloween Party on the 31st, and even though there are some students who do not join us on that day, I would like to welcome them to the festivities. I will be sending more out on that later in the month so watch for that, as well!

Here are some important dates~

October 3rd - Free Dress Day (refer to handbook for dress down day guidelines)

October 4th - Raffle Drawing 2:45/Blessing of the Animals 2:50

October 10th - Spirit Day - Students may wear their logo wear Mustang t-shirts with uniform pants/shorts/skirt, also Scholastic Book order due (Pre-K)

October 11th - No School (Statewide Teacher Inservice Day)

October 14th - No School for Conference Day

October 15th - Picture Retake Day

October 20th - Sunday Mass (SPPS Participation 1st-8th grade)

October 22nd - Pumpkin Patch Field trip

Thank you for keeping communications open by discussing your child’s needs with me. If you can’t catch me in the carline, send me an email. Or, if your child will be absent or is being picked up by somebody else, please include me in the email to the office to keep me in the loop. My email is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org .

Have a wonderful October!

Sincerely, ♡ Mrs. Phillips

Pre-K NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2024

Welcome all new and returning Pre-K students and families! I hope your summer break was full of joyful memory-making activities and plenty of recharging as well. I was able to get away for a few trips and spend some quality time with family and friends. For those of you who have been inquiring about Mr. Phillips- his stroke last Spring was scary and threw us into uncertainty, but his recovery has been remarkable and he’s back to his ornery self! Thank you for your prayers.

I’m excited to share our new strategy for optimizing learning time this year. Our 3’s group and 4’s group will be in separate rooms during small group rotations Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Our mornings will start and end together, but we hope this one difference will cut down on distractions. The 3’s group will be led by Tori Wolf and I will continue to teach the 4’s group. This is the only major change to our classroom routine.

The studies for September are the letters Kk, Ss, Aa -

The numbers 0,1,2 and the shape- Circle.

Our themes are school feelings, kindness, listening ears, Johnny Appleseed.

We will have a Scholastic book order due 9/12.

Important dates~

9/2 Labor Day - Holiday (No school)

9/3 First Day of School

9/5 Back to School Night/BBQ

9/12 Scholastic Book orders due (Pre-K) and school pictures

I hope you are as excited as I am for the new school year! Please note in addition to the hardcopy of the monthly newsletter, it can also be found on the school’s website. Go to the Saint Paul Parochial School site, touch the “current families” tab, drop down to “Preschool blog”.

My email address is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I also ask that if for any reason your child is not able to attend class, has a change in who picks them up, or has alternative plans of any kind, please let me know via email and include the office.

Sincerely, Mrs. Phillips ♡

Pre-K FAQs

Birthdays

If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday with the class, please let me know in advance. Just shoot me an email so I can schedule it. We can celebrate after learning centers and before recess, about 10:00 a.m. Treats can be a small cupcake, cookie, bag of goldfish, etc., and a small cup of juice.

Book orders

Scholastic book orders are a great way to both support your child’s love of books and give the classroom points to get resources. Our classroom code is GZX4H. I may not send a flyer home every month, but that doesn’t mean you cannot order. It might mean your order is sent with the next classroom order.

Drop-off

Arrival is 7:45 and assembly starts at 7:55. Occasionally we get tearful or sad at drop-off. This is normal and somewhat expected. To discourage prolonged crying, I recommend a quick drop-off when starting school. You may accompany them in to the building the first month or so to get them settled. If your child can find the classroom alone, even better! Our goal is to instill confidence and ownership of their space through familiar routines.

Newsletter

As I mentioned in the September newsletter, you will receive a hardcopy at the first of every month, and it can also be found on the school website. It will keep you briefed on our monthly activities.

Recess

We strive for outdoor recess every day from 10:30 to dismissal. If it’s rainy, too cold, or too hot (!) we have indoor recess in the classroom. Be sure to have your child bring coats or jackets in the event it’s cool and we do go outside.

Parent volunteers

We have wonderful Assistants in Pre-K; Ms. Halsey, Ms. Marlie, Mrs. Nicklous. We typically wouldn’t need extra help in the classroom unless it’s a big project or field trip. I will always let you know in advance.

JUNE 2024 Pre-K Newsletter

As the school year comes to a close I would like the pre-K parents to know what a privilege it has been to spend my mornings teaching your children. I’m proud of their accomplishments! For those returning to me next year, I love your enthusiasm and look forward to another fun year of skill building. And for those moving on to Kindergarten next year, I am confident they are prepared and eager to continue a lifetime journey of learning.

And speaking of moving on to Kinder- my 4’s group will have a brief graduation ceremony at 10:45 on Tuesday, June 11 in the classroom with treats. (Sign up sheet outside classroom.) Parents are welcome to join us! Let us congratulate them;

Gavin Everett Alithia

Treyton Enzo Sutton

Abigail Addison Harley

Fred Josephine Jocelyn

Parker Alexandra Adley

This month we are studying the letter Yy and doing a shape, number, alphabet review. Our theme is Summer Safety. Here are some important dates;

June 3rd- Dress Down Day: Mismatch Day

June 4th- Dress Down Day: Tie Dye/Tropical

June 5th- Dress Down Day: SuperHero

June 6th- Dress Down Day: Red White Blue

8th Grade Graduation 7 PM

June 7th - No School - Conferences as needed

June 10th- Kickball Tournament

June 11th - Preschool Graduation 10:45 AM

Field Day (1:00) and Talent Show (2:15)

June 12th - Last Day of School 11 AM Dismissal

Also, we have been enjoying some end of the year show-and-share time. The schedule was sent home last week. It can also be found on the blog. The remainder is as follows-

Tuesday June 4

Abigail

Parker

Alithia

Louis

Gavin

Wednesday June 5

Sage S.

Grace

Rhys

Sutton

Thursday June 6

Remi

Lorene

Everett

Treyton

*RESCHEDULED- LAST CHANCE!

Tuesday June 11

Harley

Kate

Addison

Sage B.

I ask that you please encourage fine motor development with your child over the summer by doing any tracing, handwriting practice, coloring, play-doh, etc,. I hope your summer is also filled with the kind of events and occasions that build happy memories. I look forward to hearing all about them next Fall!

Sincerely, 💚 Mrs. Phillips

Show-and-Share Schedule

Wednesday May 29

Enzo
Fred

Harley -------------------------> Make-up day June 11

Jocelyn

Thursday May 30

Treyton ----------------------> Make-up day June 6

Addison -----------------------> Make up day June 11

Adley
Charlotte
Arlo

Tuesday June 4

Abigail

Parker

Alithia

Louis

Gavin

Wednesday June 5

Sage S.

Grace

Rhys

Sutton

Thursday June 6

Remi

Lorene

Sage B.-----------> Make up day June 11

Everett

Kate--------------> Make up day June 11

MAY 2024 Newsletter SPPS Pre-K

It’s a busy wrap-up to a busy year, but we’re almost there! Pre-K has been practicing a song for the spring concert (May 23rd). Lyrics went home the last part of April for “What I Am”. Please let me know if you need another copy. It can be found on Youtube (look for muppets!).

We have been raising caterpillars in the classroom for the last 3 weeks. They are chrysalids, currently undergoing metamorphosis, and about to emerge as Painted Lady butterflies. When they are ready, we will set them outside and wish them well. This is one of my favorite Pre-K activities. The classroom as a whole is pretty excited for them! Ask your child to explain the process!

We will have the final Scholastic book order of the year this month. Orders due by 5/14. The link to order with classroom code is https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H

Or, to shop by flyers https://clubs.scholastic.com/all-flyers

May studies include letters Ii, Ff, Oo and a 1-20 number review. Shape; crescent and color; blue. Our themes are insects, Ocean animals and National symbols.

IMPORTANT DATES~

May 14th - Scholastic Book Order due (Pre-K)

May 21st - Kinder visits 9:00-9:30, Pre-K open house 3-4:00

May 23rd - Spring Concert

May 27th - No School Memorial Day

June 12th - Last day of school

Please contact me with questions or concerns. My email is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org Don’t forget this newsletter can also be found on the Preschool blog at the school’s website.

Sincerely, ❤ Mrs. Phillips

APRIL 2024 Pre-K Newsletter

“Spring: A reminder of how beautiful change can really be.”- Unknown

Welcome back from Spring Break! I hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxing break spent with family and friends. I wish you all the blessings of the Easter season.

Don’t forget to have your child redeem their Spring Break Homework for a prize. They can bring them in on any weekday this month.

This month in Pre-K will be busy. We will learn about the coming Solar Eclipse, Animal babies, Plants, & Earth Day. We will study the color purple, diamond or rhombus, the letters Uu, Gg, Xx, Zz, and numbers 19 & 20.

We will have a Scholastic book order due April 9.

https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H click on Books and Resources and shop by age/grade. Or shop by flyers https://clubs.scholastic.com/all-flyers

Here are some important dates~

April 8th - Solar Eclipse from 10:30-12:15 (only 26% in Oregon)

April 9th - Scholastic Book Orders due (Pre-K)

April 12th - 11 AM Dismissal (Archdiocesan Inservice)

April 25th - Spring Photos

As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns, or if your child will be out for any reason.

My email is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org.

Happy Spring! ❤ Mrs. Phillips

MARCH 2024 SPPS Pre-K Newsletter

It looks like March is coming in like a lion - or maybe I’m just tired of the cold and wet weather! But Spring will begin later this month and I LOVE Spring! Rainbows, baby animals, Spring flowers… “Each time a flower blooms, the world is reminded that there is beauty in new beginnings.” (regards to M. Dhliwayo)

This month we will be talking about Reading Across America, Spring Weather, Women’s History Month, Hedgehogs, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter.

Our March studies will include the letter Bb, and the numbers 16, 17, 18. Our shape of the month is ovals, and the color green.

We will have a Scholastic Book Club order due March 7. Please see attached flyer. You can go to https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H to view other flyers and to place your order. I will automatically be notified by Scholastic via email to submit our classroom orders. Your book orders give our classroom points to use for new classroom books and various other resources.

~Important Dates~

March 1st - 11 AM Dismissal - SPPS Professional Development

March 3rd- SPPS Sunday Mass 9 AM

March 6th - Report Cards sent home

March 7th - Free Dress - First Thursday of the month & Pre-K book order due

March 25-29 - No School - Spring Break

April 1st - School Resumes

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

Have a wonderful March! ☘❤ Mrs. Phillips

February 2024 Pre-K Newsletter

Happy Heart month! I’m really excited about February for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, the field trip to the Oregon Children’s Theatre’s production of “Goodnight Moon” on Tuesday, February 6th at 10:15 a.m. I can’t wait!

Next, we will have a Valentines party on Tuesday,Feb.13 at 10:00 a.m. instead of the 14th. This was a school-wide decision because Ash Wednesday falls on the 14th this year. We will have a Valentine exchange so I’ve provided a class list (with newsletter hardcopy). The valentines can be homemade, store bought, or purchase candygrams from the 5th & 6th graders. If you buy candygrams, you buy them at school in advance, take them home to fill them out, and return them to the 5&6th graders to add a piece of candy, then they deliver them to the classroom. I will have a sign-up sheet outside the classroom for party food (drinks and cupcake or cookie).

There will be a Scholastic Book order due Feb. 8th. Site; https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H

Our February studies are the letters Mm, Ee,Tt, Dd and the numbers 13, 14, 15, 16.

The color- pink, the shape- heart. Themes are Black History Month, Lunar New Year, President’s Day and Dental Health.

Important dates~

February 2nd - No School - Staff Faith Formation Day

February 3rd - Auction

February 5th - Conferences as Needed

February 8th - Dress Down Day (for 1st Thursday of the month)

February 19th - No School - Presidents' Day

February 20th - No School - Professional Development

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. My email is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

♡ Mrs. Phillips

January 2024 Pre-K Newsletter

First, I’d like to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year! As busy as I was on Break, I still missed everyone and hope they had a wonderful, magical Christmas.

The Pre-K basket for the school auction is coming along. Our theme is “Games”. We have until January 10th to complete our basket. We still need some small games for any age group and I was thinking there would be many sales after Christmas to make it easier. Thank you in advance for supporting the school auction.

This month’s studies are the letters Qq, Ww, and Jj. Numbers 11,12,13. The shape is rectangle, and the color white. Themes for January include Penguins, Winter (hibernation), and Dr. MLK Jr. We will have a Scholastic book order Jan. 9. Please use this address when ordering online- (you can also access catalogs there)

https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H

Here are some important dates~

January 9th - Scholastic Book orders due (Pre-K)

January 12th - 11 AM Dismissal (Professional Development Day)

January 15th - No School (Martin Luther King Jr Day)

January 17th - Progress Reports

January 30-February 3rd - Catholic Schools Week (watch school’s weekly newsletter for schedule of events)

February 4th - SPPS Dinner Dance Auction

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. My email address is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

Sincerely, Mrs. Phillips

DECEMBER 2023 SPPS Pre-K NEWSLETTER

Happy Advent season. May His light shine on our hearts to prepare us for His birth. The first Sunday of Advent is Dec. 3.

The Christmas Musical is Dec. 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Hall. We have been practicing the song “What Christmas Is About” and lyrics were sent home the week after Halloween.

Pre-K will sing first, so please drop your child with me at 5:50 downstairs before going upstairs to find a seat. When we are finished singing, your child will join you in the audience.

There will be no December Scholastic book order.

There were some topics we didn’t get to in November, so we will cover them in December. We will be studying Indiginous People and Winter Holidays, the letter Ll, and numbers 9, 10.

We will have a Christmas Party and book exchange on December 14th at 10:00 a.m. Please bring a wrapped, new or gently used book (valued under $5.00) to exchange. I will have a sign up sheet for party treats posted outside the classroom. I hope everyone can join us even if it isn’t their regular school day.

Important Dates~

December 6th - SPPS Musical at the City Hall 6:00 pm

December 18th - January 1st Christmas Break

January 2nd - School Resumes

Please contact me with concerns or questions at mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

May the Christmas spirit be with you the whole month through.

♥️ Mrs. Phillips

November 2023 Pre-K Newsletter

What a beautiful Fall it’s been with all the sunshine and colorful trees. My least favorite part is the rain and frost, of course, but I am thankful for Autumn and I remember how lucky we are to have the varied seasons as some places on Earth do not experience it the same.

It’s getting cold out there! A quick reminder to send your child to school with a

coat or jacket so they may enjoy outdoor recess!

The November schoolwide service project is to collect canned food for a local food bank. Each classroom will focus on contributing specific things. They’ve asked Pre-K students to bring in peanut butter and jelly/jam up to Nov. 22. Let’s do our part to make it a success!

November themes are; Veterans, Indigenous Peoples, Giving Thanks

November studies are; The letters Vv and Ll, numbers 6,7,8, the color brown, and squares.

Scholastic Book orders will be due Nov. 8. (Classroom code GZX4H)

Important Dates~

October 30th - No School - Accreditation Day

November 1st - All Saints Day Mass 2 PM

November 8th - Scholastic Book orders due (Pre-K)

November 10th - No School (Veterans Day)

November 22nd - Report Cards go out/ 11 AM dismissal/last day of canned food drive

November 23rd-24th - No School for Thanksgiving

As always, please notify me if you have questions or concerns. My email is

mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

Also please be sure to include me in emails to the office when your child will be absent.

Have a beautiful November!

Sincerely, Mrs. Phillips

October 2023 SPPS Pre-K Newsletter

Happy Autumn! September flew by so fast! As my Dad used to say, “Time flies like an arrow but fruit flies like a banana!” Corny, I know, but my Dad was the King of Dad Jokes.

The Pre-K classroom has settled into learning groups and daily routines. I am not surprised to learn that their favorite subject is recess! But hopefully they will never lose the curiosity it takes to become a life-long learner. I strive to make that process fun and engaging for them.

We have already planned our first field trip to the Pumpkin Patch, (Oct. 10) and permission slips will be coming home soon. Watch for them in your child’s backpack.

This month’s studies are;

The letters Aa, Rr, Cc, Pp and the numbers 3,4,5. The color is orange, the shape of the month is triangle. This month’s themes are apples, pumpkins, nocturnal animals, and robots.

Here are some important dates~

October 2nd CASE Training for Volunteers 6 PM

October 8th SPPS Sunday Mass

October 12th Picture Retakes

October 13th No School - Professional Development Day

October 16th Conferences (No School)

October 20th Blessing of the Animals

October 25-27th SPPS Accreditation Visit

October 27th - 11 AM Dismissal -Accreditation Presentation

October 30th - No School - Accreditation Day

October 31st - Halloween parties in classrooms

The Pre-K Halloween party will be on Tues. Oct. 31 at 10:00 a.m. Students may bring a costume to change into for the party. We will have fun activities like cookie decorating, games and a craft. A sign-up sheet for drinks, sugar cookies, frosting, etc will be posted outside the classroom. If you are able to provide any of these items, please sign up.

Scholastic Book clubs are now digital. If you would like to order books through Scholastic, use this address- https://orders.scholastic.com/GZX4H . Orders are due 10/11/23 and I will place the orders no later than 10/16/23. Points earned by your orders provide free books for the classroom. Please contact me with any questions or concerns at mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org , ❤️ Mrs. Phillips

P.S. - Pre-K Parents!

Pre-K will celebrate Halloween on Tuesday Oct 31 at 10:00 a.m.! Have them bring a costume that is easy to change into! We will have drinks and treats, thanks to some generous families. (There will be more opportunities to sign up for treats later in the year.) A reminder of the list;

Frosting - Rebekah Goldman (rec’d, thank you!)

Frosting - Parker Reed

2 doz plain sugar cookies to decorate Halloween themed - Dayl Hazenberg

Pumpkin pie bites - Heather Trotter

Jug of juice - Alex Wells

I have all the rest. You are welcome to join us. This is going to be FUN!

Pre-K SEPTEMBER 2023 Newsletter

WELCOME all new and returning Pre-K families! I hope everyone had a spectacular Summer! I’m excited to start the school year and hope you are, too. I have been at St. Paul Parochial for 17 years and teaching Pre-K for 16 of those years. I like to keep everyone informed with a Monthly newsletter which is also posted on the Preschool Blog. It can be found on the school website under “Current Families”.

Here are the September Studies; Virtue of the month;

Letters Ss, Kk, Nn, Hh Kindness

Numbers 0, 1,2,3

Shape -Circle, Color -Red

Our September Themes;

School, Kindness, Neighborhoods, and How Animals Say “Hello”

~Important Dates~

9/4 - Labor Day (No School)

9/5 - First Day of School

9/12 - School Picture Day

9/13 - Back to school night/BBQ

Drop-off can feel scary at first for some children. It is ok to drop your child off at the classroom for the first few days as your child becomes familiar with the classroom. After the first few days, parents usually drop their children off at the door and let them travel through the hallway to the classroom independently. This helps the students gain confidence and establish a healthy love for school through familiar routines.

Our approximate daily schedule is as follows;

7:55 Assembly

8:00 Return to classroom for Circle Time, Calendar

8:20 Rotations (Reading, Writing, Computer, Puzzle/Games, Potty breaks)

10:00 Story/Singing time, Mystery Science, or Weekly Reader Movie

10:30 Recess

11:00 Dismissal. Please notify me in advance if your child will be going to the Early Learning Center or Car line, or will be picked up by someone other than yourself.

Please feel free to contact me with concerns or questions, or change in pick-up plans, or if your child will be out due to illness, family trips, etc,. My email address is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

Sincerely, Mrs. Phillips

JUNE 2023 NEWSLETTER SPPS Pre-K

And just like that…we find ourselves at the end of the school year! The students, Mrs. Gray, Mrs. Nicklous and I have shared a lot of memories and have had fun learning and growing.Thank you for a rewarding year, and know that memories of your children will always be with me.

I’d also like to express how pleased I am with their performance at the Spring Concert last week. Their teamwork skills were tested and they did a great job!

We will have a Graduation ceremony at 8:00 a.m. on 6/12 during morning prayer for the 4’s group. Parents are welcome to join us! Those students advancing to Kindergarten next Fall are;

Adelaide Callen Charlie Cruz Elijah Kieran Lonnie

Lynnly Nataleigh Orion Royce Samuel Stella Stetson Xavien

The last few days left will be spent reviewing and wrapping up. Your child is welcome to come and join in our field day activities on June 13th at 2:00. Please email the office to let them know they will attend, so they can be placed on a team.

DATES TO REMEMBER

May 31 - June 2 - 5th/6th grade Outdoor School

June 1st - First Thursday of the month free dress

June 7th - Talent Show 2:15 pm

June 8th - 8th grade graduation 7 pm

June 9th - No School (Conferences as needed)

June 12th - Pre-K Graduation during morning assembly 8 am

June 13th - Field Day 2:00 PM

June 14th- Last Day (11 am Dismissal)

As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns. My email address is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org Have a wonderful summer.

~ Mrs. Phillips

SPPS Pre-K MAY 2023 NEWSLETTER

Happy, Happy May! The trees have finally leafed-out and the flowers are bursting! It seems everything is a little later this year but, better late than never! I hope you’re enjoying Spring.

Last month we learned so much about ways to keep our Earth healthy, including recycling, planting, and composting. We also learned about habitats, food chains, and endangered animals. They seemed very engaged and interested. Ask them what they learned or found interesting!

We have been practicing The Kindness Song for the concert May 24. We abbreviated it to the chorus, one verse, and the chorus again. If you need a copy of the lyrics please let me know.

I really loved hearing about our pets! For the month of May I would like each student to bring one (1) favorite toy for show and share. I expect them to really talk about it, though, with little to no prompting. To make this work, I will assign when they may participate, (see below). Students may bring a toy to talk about during their assigned week on any day except Fridays . If you need to switch, let me know! If they miss their week, then they may try again on the 30th or 31st of May for a “make-up” show and share.

Show And Share Schedule

May 1-4 - Charlie, Xavien, Adelaide, Royce, Stetson

May 8-11 - Kieran, Harley, Lonnie, Stella, Callen, Treyton,

May 15-18 - Elijah, Lynnly, Samuel, Jocelyn, Cruz, Gavin

May 22-25 - Addison, Orion, Frederick, Nataleigh, Sutton

May 30, 31 - Make-ups

This month, we will be studying the crescent shape, the color blue, the letters Oo, Qq, and Zz. There will be more review of our numbers and math concepts like symmetry. We will also learn about hermit crabs and bubble science. We will have a ‘last chance’ to order books through Scholastic. Due date on final orders of the school year is May 11. I will not do a June order.

DATES TO REMEMBER

April 27th - CASE training 3 pm

May 4th - Free Dress (first Thursday of the month)

May 24th - Spring Musical 4:30 pm at the St Paul Community Hall

May 26th - Noon Dismissal

May 26th - Art Show (Muffins for Moms/Donuts for Dads) 7:30-8:15 AM

May 29th - No school (Memorial Day)

Please contact me if you have questions, concerns, or changes in plans for your child’s pick-up at mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org ♡ Mrs. Phillips

Name Leprecauns

Friday Group

Favorite book presentations

Callen really likes this book!

SPPS Preschool Newsletter ~ April, 2023

Welcome back from Break! I hope everyone is refreshed and ready for the home stretch. I had a “staycation” this year. Sometimes just relaxing at home with no expectations feels good, too. It also seems to suit my INFJ personality well.

I really loved seeing the children present their favorite books in March! There was a lot of enthusiasm and knowledge being shared. So on that note...

The students are always sharing cute stories with me about the animals in their lives and they have so much to say. So, for the month of April, I would like to continue with the classroom presentations by sharing a photo of your pet or pets (April 11 is National Pet Day and April 26 is National Kids and Pets Day). If you have no pets, a grandparent’s pet (or other family member) would also work! The students should be able to identify the pet and really talk about their pet(s) with their fellow classmates. What is it? What is it’s name? What cute behaviors does it have? What does it eat? Does it do any tricks? What fun activities do you do with your pet? There are so many things to discuss. We will cover a few per day on every Tue-Wed-Thurs starting April 4 for the remainder of the month.

In April, we will study the letters Ee, Ii, Nn, the oval shape, the color purple. Our themes will be the hatching of baby chicks, Easter, plants, insects, & Earth Day, (April 22). If your child finished the Spring Break homework packet, be sure to have them return it for a prize. Also, this month we will forego the Scholastic book orders in lieu of the Book Fair.

IMPORTANT DATES~

April 3rd - 2023-2024 Registration Begins for Current SPPS Families

April 6th - Free Dress Day (First Thursday of the Month)

April 7th - Good Friday (Noon Dismissal) Stations of the Cross 11:15

April 8th - Egg Hunt 10:00 am/Bake Sale 9:30 am

April 16th - SPPS Sunday Mass participation

April 17th - Registration Begins for New SPPS Families

April 21st - Noon Dismissal (Archdiocesan Teacher Inservice)

May 24th - Spring Musical

May 26th - Art Show (Muffins for Moms/Donuts for Dads) 7:30-8:15 AM

As always, be sure to let me know if there are questions or concerns, or if your child will be out or has other pick up plans. My email mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org -Mrs. Phillips

March 2023 SPPS Pre-K Newsletter

I really enjoyed our Stuffed Toy Presentations and I think the students had fun with it, too! This month, in honor of Read Across America Day (March 2) I would like to continue reinforcing our presentation skills with books. Preferably an age-appropriate picture book. It can be a book they love, a book they recommend, their favorite nighttime book, a book that was a favorite gift, etc. The idea is to talk about it, give a brief synopsis, tell what they like, why they like it, and in general be ready to give information. Kind of like an oral book report (shhh! don’t tell them that!!). They do not need to be fluent readers to participate in this presentation. They may bring their book to present to the classroom any M-W-Th during the month of March.

Pre-K Scholastic Book orders are due 3/7.

This month we will be studying the Diamond (shape), the color green, numbers 19 & 20, and the letters Mm, Rr, and Xx. Our themes are Reading, Weather, St. Patrick’s Day, and we will be learning about beavers.

Important Dates~

March 2nd - Spring Pictures -Free Dress Day

March 7th - Pre-K Scholastic Book orders due

March 27th - 31st - Spring Break

Please be sure to notify me directly regarding absences, change in pick-up plans, or any other concerns. My email is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

February 2023 SPPS Pre-K Newsletter

Happy February to All!

Our “New Year’s Goals” presentation went well. I like setting attainable goals with my students and I really think they enjoyed sharing their goals with their peers. The same with the “Families” presentations. Recognizing the similarities and differences of families is a big part of inclusion and acceptance. We learned that our families work together, have fun together, help one another and love each other in similar ways!

For February I would like each student to bring in and celebrate their favorite stuffed animal with presentations Feb. 7, 8, and 9. The guidelines are as follows-

One presentation/stuffy per student
Be prepared to discuss who gave you/where you got your stuffy
Be ready to talk about activities you do with your stuffy
Share it’s name, how it makes you feel, etc,.

A Scholastic book flier is being sent home Jan. 31. Please have orders in by Feb. 7.

Our February studies include the color pink, the heart shape, letters D, G, V and the numbers 16, 17, 18. Themes for the month are Groundhog’s Day, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Black History and Dental Health.

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, let’s exchange Valentines and have a special classroom treat Tuesday Feb. 14! Here is a classroom list-

Enzo Gavin Frederick Harley Jocelyn Treyton Addison Sutton Callen Charlie Cruz Elijah Lonnie Lynnly Adelaide Nataleigh Kieran Royce Samuel Stella Stetson Xavien Mrs. Gray Mrs. Nicklous Mrs. Phillips

Please have your child make a Valentine for each student. Store-bought or homemade Valentines are great! I treasure a homemade Valentine I received a few years ago from a student. It’s still on my refrigerator at home! Reminder, the school will also be selling candygrams beginning Feb 7 for 25￠/ea.

Important Dates-

Jan 30- Feb 3 Catholic Schools Week

1 Progress Reports

3 No School – Faith Formation Day

4 SPPS Dinner Dance Auction

6 No School - Conferences

7 Pre-K Scholastic book orders due

17 Random Acts of Kindness Day

20 No School–Presidents Day

21 No school - Archdiocese Prof Dev

As always, please let me know if you have concerns or questions. My email is;

mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

Sincerely, Mrs. Phillips

~Let us welcome February and take every chance to show love to all we meet.~

January 2023 SPPS Pre-K Newsletter

Welcome back and Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a pleasant and safe Christmas and New Year’s with family and friends. I also hope the icy weather didn’t ruin any of your plans. Now that Winter is in full swing- (brrr !) I have so much planned for January! And just a reminder to all parents and caregivers, this newsletter is also found on the school website https://www.saintpaulparochial.org under the Current Families tab. I like the idea of going paperless and I don’t usually send monthly hardcopies of the newsletter home with the students although I am this month as a reminder to all.

Our Studies this month are shape; Rectangles, color; White, letters; Ss, Kk, Ww, and the numbers 13, 14, 15. Our Themes are penguins, Dr. King, Scientists, and snow.

Dates to Remember-

January 13th - No School (Accreditation Work Day)

January 16th - No School (Holiday)

January 30- February 3 - Catholic Schools Week*

*Please watch the school weekly newsletter for updates on how we will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week.

I am sending two worksheets home to be completed and returned to present to the classroom.

The first one is “New Year New Goals” due by Jan. 10. Have your child color the page and help them fill in the goals. We will discuss them in class.

The second worksheet is “My family” due by Jan 17. I originally intended to send this in December but the month got away from me. Have your child draw your family and help them complete the sentence “My family likes to…” Your child will also present these to the class.

Also remember to have your child return the homework I sent home prior to break for a prize.

As always I can be reached by email at mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org should you have any questions, change in schedules, or concerns. Thank you for your continued support at home and have a blessed New Year.

- Mrs. Phillips

DECEMBER 2022 SPPS Pre-K NEWSLETTER

‘Tis the Season! Wishing all of our SPPS families hope, peace, love and joy this Advent Season.

Pre-K has been practicing “Baby Jesus, We Love You” for the Christmas Concert on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7:00 pm. I sent the lyrics home two weeks ago. There are hand motions that go along with this song, ask your child if they know them. Pre-K performs first at 7:00 sharp, so meet me on the 2nd floor of the Community Hall at about 6:45, 15 min. prior to our performance. Drop your child with me and have a seat. After we sing, Pre-K students disperse to the audience to sit with their families.

I would like to have a book exchange with the kiddos on Thurs. Dec 15th at about 10:00 am. Please bring a wrapped book before that date. It can be any age-appropriate book, new or gently used, valued under $5.00. It will be a surprise to see what they’ll end up with, and hopefully a “new” book to keep and enjoy.

I will be sending each student homework to work on during Winter Break. It involves their name and numbers to trace. We have been working on correct pincer grip while sitting at a desk or table. Have them say the letters/numbers as they trace. When they complete all pages and return them to me after the Break, they may choose a prize from the prize box.

The December Studies are the color yellow, Star shape, the letters Cc and Jj, numbers 10, 11, & 12. We are also learning about the Nativity and Reindeer.

DATES TO REMEMBER

December 1st Free Dress

December 2nd Free Dress

December 2nd Noon Dismissal - Archdiocesan Inservice and poinsettia pick up

December 14th Christmas Concert 7 pm

December 16th Free Dress (Christmas theme)

December 24th Christmas Eve Mass 5 PM

December 19th - Jan 2nd Christmas Break (School resumes January 3rd)

Please let me know if you have questions or concerns by contacting me via email mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

NOVEMBER 2022 SPPS Pre-K NEWSLETTER

The weather has finally started acting like its season so I’d like to remind everyone to be sure to send your child to school with a jacket or coat. Unless it’s wet or raining, or freezing, we will enjoy an outdoor recess. On those days when we have indoor recess, we enjoy dancing to GoNoodle, coloring pages, games, puzzles, or playing with the toys in the bins.

This month we will be learning about Veterans Day, Native American traditions, and Thanksgiving. We will also cover the letters Ll, Tt, Uu, and numbers 7,8, & 9. The shape of the month is the square, and the color of the month is brown.

The Scholastic Book Order is due Nov 7. I will not be doing an order for December.

Some important dates to remember-

Nov 7- Scholastic Book Orders due (Pre-K)

Nov 11- No school, Veterans Day

Nov 24 & 25 - No School, Thanksgiving Holiday

Thank you to everyone who chaperoned the Pumpkin Patch Field Trip. We always have more fun when things go smoothly, and you definitely helped with that.

I would also like to give my heartfelt thanks to the whole Pre-K class and their families for the prayers, beautiful bouquet, and gift on my brother’s passing. Your kindness and thoughtfulness means so much.

Please contact me with questions or concerns at mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

Sincerely, Mrs. Phillips

OCTOBER 2022 Pre-K NEWSLETTER

🍂 Happy Fall! 🍁It’s hard to believe we flew through September and are heading into October already! One thing I’m looking forward to is a Pumpkin Patch Field Trip on Oct. 20. Watch for a permission slip in your child’s backpack about 2 weeks prior to the trip. We’ll have more details at that time.

I will try to send a Scholastic Book Club pamphlet home with your child every month. Of course, ordering is optional, and you don’t really need the flyer to order books. Just use our classroom code GZX4H. I’m such a fan of Scholastic book clubs because I remember them when I was a child. (I just looked it up and they’ve been around for 102 years!) I also love books and I enjoy sharing my love of books with my students. Story time is always popular because it’s the moment of the day everyone is paying very close attention to see what happens next! Your purchases also help us earn points which can be spent on more books, puzzles, or other learning aids for the classroom.

October studies; shape- triangle, color- orange, letters Bb, Ff, Pp Numbers 4,5,6

October themes are Bats, Fire Safety, Autumn, Pumpkins

Some important dates to remember;

October 6th Free Dress Day (may wear non-uniform clothing), Pre-K book orders due

October 7th No School (Archdiocesan Curriculum Inservice)

October 10th Conference Day - No School

October 13th Spirit Day

October 14th Picture Day (all Pre-K students are welcome to join us that day)

October 20th Spirit Day & Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

October 27th Spirit Day

October 28th Pre-K Halloween Party 10:00 a.m. (All Pre-K welcome to join that day)

October 31st Halloween

We will celebrate Halloween on October 28th at 10:00 a.m. Even if you do not usually come on Fridays, please join us if you can! Bring your Halloween costume and get ready for games and activities! Feel free to contact me with questions or concerns. My email is mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org

Autumn is God’s way of showing us how beautiful change can be.

SEPTEMBER 2022 Pre-K NEWSLETTER

Greetings New and Returning Pre-K Families!

I enjoyed seeing you at our Supply Day last Thursday! For those who couldn’t make it, no worries! I’ll try to catch you up and if I don’t answer your questions in this newsletter, please feel free to contact me at mphillips@saintpaulparochial.org We will have a classroom blog up and running soon! It will be linked to the school website homepage.

Mrs. Davidson and Mrs. McCarthy will continue to greet all students by the front door each morning. You are welcome to drop your children off at the classroom for the first few days as the students become familiar with the classroom. After the first few days of school, parents usually drop their children off at the front of the building and allow them to travel the hallways to the classroom independently. This independence helps the students gain confidence and establish a healthy love for school through familiar routines.

We will join the school for Assembly each morning at 7:55 a.m.

Here is an approximate daily schedule;

7:55 Assembly

8:00 Return to classroom, warm-up activity or free play

8:30 Circle Time, Calendar

8:45 Group Potty Break

9:00 Rotations (Reading, Writing, Computer, Puzzle/Games)

10:00 Story/Singing Time, or Mystery Science/Weekly Reader movie

10:30 Recess

11:00 Car line (pick-up) Please notify me in advance if your child will be going to the early learning center or will be picked up by someone other than yourself.

September studies; Circle, the color red, numbers 1,2,3, letters Aa, Ff, Gg

September themes; You Are Special, Handwashing, 5 Senses, Trying Our Best

DATES TO REMEMBER

September 6th First Day of School (a reminder that arrival begins at 7:45 am each day with the school day beginning at 8:00)

September 7th Back to School BBQ 5:00 pm

September 23rd No School (Teacher Inservice)

If you would like to celebrate your child’s Birthday in class with a small treat, please give me advance notice so we can plan for it in our schedule. Feel free to email me and I’ll try to get back with you as soon as possible. I’m really looking forward to the 2022-23 school year, and I hope you are too!!!

Sincerely, Mrs. Phillips