Pre-Kindergarten

  ‘Those who trust in the Lord…

will soar on wings like eagles.”

Based on Isaiah 40:31

 

AUGUST 2023

Dear Families,

Welcome to Pre-Kindergarten at Blessed Trinity Catholic School!  We are looking forward to working with you and your child.  It will be an exciting school year, packed with fun-filled learning experiences and activities!

Throughout the school year, our class will focus upon learning to identify the letters of the alphabet and will learn  to produce the unique sound(s) of each individual letter.  Our literacy program will help the children develop phonological awareness (the ability to recognize and manipulate the spoken parts of sentences and words).  The program will also help expand vocabulary, and assist students in developing comprehension skills in reading.

During the school year, the Pre-K class will explore numbers from one to fifteen and learn to recognize a variety of colors and shapes.  Students will also learn about God’s everlasting love through Bible stories, songs, and various projects.

There will be a new classroom theme each month.  Together, we will explore many interesting topics.  During the first few weeks of school, we will be busy establishing our classroom routines.  The children will be learning about our rules and procedures in the classroom and around the school.  We will begin our alphabet study, starting with the letter Aa.  As September approaches, our first theme will be “All About Me/My Five Senses.”  Additionally in September, the color red, circles, and  letters Bb, Cc, and Dd, and the numbers zero and one will all be introduced.

In order to create a warm, caring and safe environment in the classroom, we will be asking the Pre-K students to follow five simple rules.  This will allow the children to know what is expected of them on a daily basis.  The five rules are as follows:

          1.  Use kind words – “Love other people and be kind.”
               Luke 6:27
          2.  Use your listening ears (follow directions) – “God gave us ears to hear… “
               Proverbs 20: 12
          3.  Use your walking feet (no running inside the classroom or school building).
          4.  Use helping hands – “Help one another.”  Galations 5:13
          5.  Do not hurt others – “Do to others as you want them to do to you.”  Luke 6:31

At the start of the school year, each student will be given a clear plastic folder.  Your child will be bringing it home every day.  You may see notes and updates from the teachers and from the school, as well as your child’s completed classwork assignments and art projects.  Since teacher and parent communication is very important, we ask that you please examine and empty the folder’s contents daily, and have your child return the folder to school on the following day.  Please feel free to drop a note in the folder, if you have any questions or concerns.

The Pre-K class has many resources (“specials”) each week.  P.E. class is scheduled for every Monday.  Please make sure your child wears his/her school uniform or PE uniform and tennis shoes.  No school shoes are required on this day.  Tennis shoes must be worn in order for your child to participate in P.E.  Girls are encouraged to wear shorts under their jumpers.  Music class is every Tuesday.  Library Day/Media is scheduled for every Wednesday.  Please remember to place your child’s library book in their folder or backpack, so they may be able to check out a new book.  The children go to the playground Tuesday through Friday.

As a reminder, we ask families to label all of your child’s outerwear (sweaters, jackets, vests, hats, scarves, etc.) and belongings (backpacks, water bottles, etc.)  Those children who plan to be here for lunch ( in Early Birds or Lunch Bunch), we also ask that their first and last names are written on their lunchboxes.

Each day students should bring in a full water bottle.  Please make sure it is one that your child can easily open and close, and that is no larger than 2 1/2″ in diameter.  Additionally, we ask that your child always has an extra change of clothing inside his/her backpack, since spills and accidents often occur in preschool.

If you have any questions or concerns, or need further information, you may place a note in your child’s folder or contact us via email:  clark@blessedtrinitycatholicschool.org

Welcome again to Blessed Trinity Catholic School and to the Pre-K program!

                                          May God Bless Our School Year Together!
                                            Mrs. Meg Clark & Mrs. Susan DeFreitas

Mrs. Susan and I send a very heart felt “Thank YOU!” for all the cards and chocolate we received for Valentine’s Day. We are very blessed to share part of our day with the Pre-Kindergarten children.  This week they learned all about the letter Vv and how Valentine’s let us share with our family and friends how much they mean to us all.

Thank you also for those who have shared some spare change to fill our “Baby Bottle for Babies”. We have next week to continue the collection to help mothers and babies in need. We have also been presented with a challenge to collect as many Box Tops for Education we can. Please cut them out of the many products which support this program.

As a reminder there is no school on Monday, February 18th as we celebrate President’s Day. Enjoy the long weekend and we look forward to seeing the children on Tuesday.

Ms. Stahmer

Mrs. Haynes.

email: haynes@blessedtrinitycatholicschool.org

                                   “Those who trust in the Lord… will soar like eagles.”     Isaiah 40:31

Updated: November 19, 2023

Monday, November 20th is an early release day. Students will be dismissed at 12:15 PM. School will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Tuesday, November  21 through Friday, November 24. School will be back in session on Monday, November 27. I hope all of you have a Blessed and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

Fifth grade Help Session is on Thursdays immediately after school until 3:30 PM. Students not picked up by 3:35 PM will be sent to extended day at the parent’s expense. The purpose of Help Session is to assist students who are struggling in the classroom and earning a grade of D or F. It will also help those who have been absent and need to make up tests or a science activity. It is not intended for someone trying to make straight A’s or A/B Honor Roll.

Please remember that cell phones and Smart watches are NOT permitted in the classrooms. They are to be dropped off in the office immediately upon entering the building and retrieved at dismissal. This is a Blessed Trinity policy.  Any violation will result in a Behavior Notice to the Assistant Principal.

Important Dates to Remember:

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023 — Early Dismissal @ 12:15 PM

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21- FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 — SCHOOL CLOSED … Happy Thanksgiving!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2023 — Eagle  T-shirt w/blue jeans & sneakers

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 — Bishop Polhmier visits BTCS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 — Grades 5-8 Spelling Bee

— Eagle T-shirt w/blue jeans & sneakers

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 — 5th grade attends the Christmas Store

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 — Immaculate Conception Mass

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2023 — Christmas Program, K-8 in the church

MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2023 — End of 2nd Quarter

— 11:30 AM Dismissal, NO LUNCH SERVED, NO EXTENDED CARE

 

Tests, Quizzes, Projects:

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Spelling — List 9 TEST suffixes -ity, -tion, -ition, -ation    abbreviation, ambition, audition, composition, constellation, crystallization, disability, exception, expedition, humanity, ignition, inspection, intention, malnutrition, population, possibility, practicality, precipitation, regulation, resolution, similarity, sincerity, subscription

Social Studies — Chapter 2, Lessons 1 & 2 TEST

Reading — 2nd Quarter AR Project, Character ABC is due (This was assigned Oct.27)

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Vocabulary Workshop — Unit 8 TEST

Friday. December 1, 2023

Religion —Chapter 9 TEST

Science — Planets, Stars, & Constellations TEST

Monday, December 4, 2023

Reading — “A Year on Bowie Farm” TEST

English — First draft of Christmas narrative  due

 

 

Accelerated Reader: Students will be required to read and take 3 Accelerated Reader (AR) Tests and corresponding Vocabulary Quizzes (if available…not every book has one) within his/her assigned reading level range, striving for 80% accuracy, each Quarter. Your child’s range is written in the back of his/her Planner. Reading levels will be adjusted throughout the year.  Three AR Tests with a minimum score of 80% are due at the end of each quarter.  Please encourage your child NOT to wait until the last-minute! Be sure to check out `ARBookFind.com for book recommendations and AR levels.

Homework Policy:

— Neatly done and complete.

— If collected, the student’s name must be on the top right corner to receive full credit.

— If there is no name, there is no credit. Students are reminded to write their name before they turn anything in and it is the first direction given for tests.

— All homework, especially Math, is to be done in pencil, never in pen.

— All work must be shown on Math homework to receive full credit. NO WORK, NO CREDIT.

— A student will complete a Homework Notice/ Sour Note, for any assignment that receives a zero. This notice explains why the assignment received a zero and must be signed by a parent and returned the next day.  If the assignment is attached with the situation corrected, the student will receive 50% credit on that assignment instead of a zero.

Class Rules:

— Have all needed books, notebooks, spirals, and supplies at your desk for the portion of day because you will not be allowed to return to the cubby to get something.

— Respect all adults, faculty, staff, volunteers, and students. Speak kindly and treat each other as you want to be treated.

— Raise your hand to ask or answer a question.

— Pencils are to be sharpened at the beginning of the day OR during classwork time.

— Transition quietly from one subject to the next.

—- Remain in your sit. If you need to use the bathroom or get up for another reason, raise your hand to ask for permission.

Class Rules Violations:

— Verbal Warning

— Name in book

— Lose recess minutes

— Inform the assistant principal: a consequence may result

Resource Schedule:

Monday————- Art

Tuesday ———— PE……..Students come to school dressed in their PE uniform 

               ———— Spanish

Wednesday ——— Music

Thursday ———– PE ……….Students come to school dressed in their PE uniform 

Friday————— Media/Research …….This is taught as one class period block of time.

 


“Those who trust in the Lord …will soar on wings like eagles.”

 Based on Isaiah 40:31

“Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”  BTCS Celebrating 25 years.

Nov. 17, 2023

Dear Families,

This year Blessed Trinity Catholic School is participating in the iGiveCatholic campaign. Our goal this year is $5,000.00. These much-needed funds will go towards new lockers and flooring in the middle school building. Please prayerfully consider donating to our school and sharing the link below with your family and friends, too!  Your generosity is very much appreciated!

https://staugustine.igivecatholic.org/organizations/blessed-trinity-catholic-school

School will be dismissed on Monday, Nov. 20 at 12:15. My Best Wishes for a Blessed & Happy Thanksgiving!

Grade 4 will visit BT’s Christmas Store on Friday, Dec. 8. Please place your child’s money in an envelope or baggie if you would like them to do some shopping.

BT’s Annual Christmas Program will be on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7:00 in the church. Please arrive by 6:45. Please let me know if your child will not be participating so I can take them out of the line-up.

Our Classroom Breakfast and Game Day Christmas Party will be on Monday, Dec. 18. More information will follow.

EAGLE T-Shirt Days: Jan. 5, Jan. 11, Jan. 26 & Feb. 1

Grade 4 Help Session is held on Wednesdays. Students struggling with Reading and/or Math concepts are invited to participate. Please email me or write a note in the Planner if you would like your child to attend. Students will be signed into Extended Day if not picked up at 3:30.

EAGLE T-Shirt Days: Jan. 5, Jan. 11, Jan. 26 & Feb. 1

ACCELERATED READER (AR):

Students are required to read and take a minimum of 3 Accelerated Reader (AR) Tests and corresponding Vocabulary Quizzes (if available…not every book as one) within his/her assigned reading level range, striving for 80% accuracy, by Friday, Dec. 8. Your student’s new Reading Level Range will be written in the back of the Planner upon completion of the STAR Assessment and is adjusted throughout the school year. Please encourage your student NOT to wait until the last minute to complete this AR requirement. Be sure to check out arbookfind.com for book recommendations and AR levels.

Fourth Graders can check out books from the Media Center every Friday. Students are required to have one AR Book at his/her desk EVERY DAY, or they are not prepared for our day.

Please encourage children to read, read, read….every day! The AR Grade each Quarter is the average of the top 3 test scores.

TESTS:

Religion: Thursday, Nov. 30, Chapter 8

English: Thursday, Nov. 30, Types of Sentences

Reading: Friday, Dec. 1, The Unbreakable Code

Spelling: Friday, Dec. 1

LOOKING AHEAD:

Monday, Nov. 20: Dismissal @ 12:15

Friday, Dec. 8: Immaculate Conception Mass 8:30

Tuesday, Dec. 12: BT’s Christmas program in the church 7:00 pm

Monday, Dec. 18: End of 2nd Quarter

Monday, Dec. 18: Dismissal @ 11:30; No Lunch. No Extended Day.

Gentle Reminder… Per BT Policy, unless medically necessary, all cell phones,  Smart Watches, and other electronic devices MUST be dropped off to the Office every morning upon arriving to school and picked up at dismissal. They may not be brought into the classroom or kept in backpacks. Thank you for your cooperation.

The following websites are available for additional practice:

Religion: religion.sadlierconnect.com  *click on We Believe Grade 4

Math: www.sadlierconnect.com  *scroll to “Student & Family Resources”; *click “Let’s Go!” in the purple box; *click Sadlier Math Grades K-6; *click Sadlier Math Grade 4 (orange text)

Vocabulary Workshop: www.sadlierconnect.com  **scroll to “Student & Family Resources;” *click “Let’s Go” in the purple box; *click Vocabulary Workshop Grades 1-12; *click Vocabulary Workshop “orange”. No usernames or passwords needed!

Everything: www.khanacademy.org

ARBookFind.com

2023-2024 Schedule

Third Grade


Mrs. Renee Bascon

email: bascon@blessedtrinitycatholicschool.org

 “Those who hope in the Lord… will soar on wings like eagles.” Isaiah 40:31

Updated: Nov. 17, 2023

Hello 3rd grade families,

School will be dismissed this Monday, November 20 at 12:15. I pray you and your family have a blessed, happy Thanksgiving.

Look through the Friday Folder today for a printout of your student’s AR tests taken in the second quarter as of Wed., 11/15. Please encourage your student to read books daily on their AR reading level and take the AR tests. Last day to take an AR test is Tuesday, 12/12!

Please DO NOT put any forms or money for the office into the Friday Folders! The only papers in there should be graded work. Most Mondays I do not have time to go through them until later in the day and I can’t have money sitting around in the classroom.

Use the green folder that goes home every night for forms or money.

Grade 3 will visit the Christmas Store on Tuesday, December 5. If you would like your student to shop, please place their money in an envelope or plastic bag with their name on it.

Here’s our 3rd grade wish list if you’d like to contribute:

-plain colored Band-Aids- assorted sizes

-sharpened yellow pencils

-pink rectangular erasers

Thank you for your generosity!😊

 

Tests/ Assessments the week after Thanksgiving:

Wed., Nov. 29:

  • Ch. 5 Less. 1-3 Math Multiplication Quiz

Thurs. Nov. 30:

  • Social Studies Test- Early People of Florida (p. 96-99) Study Guide Attached

Fri., Dec. 1:

  • Spelling, Reading, English Tests on Un. 2 Less. 5 “Hot Enough to Fry an Egg”

 

Upcoming School Information:

Friday, Nov. 17: Annual Thanksgiving Feast

Monday, Nov. 20: Dismissal at 12:15- We will have lunch. Extended day available.

Tuesday- Friday, Nov. 21-24: Thanksgiving Break

Tuesday, Dec. 5: 3rd grade visits Christmas Store

Friday, Dec. 8: Immaculate Conception Mass 8:30am

Tuesday, Dec. 12: BT’s Christmas program in the church at 7pm

Mon., Dec. 18: End of 2nd Quarter

Mon., Dec. 18 Dismissal at 11:30- NO LUNCH and NO EXTENDED DAY

 

Eagle T-Shirt Days: Jan. 5, Jan. 11, Jan. 26, Feb. 1

 

AR (Accelerated Reading)-

Students are required to read and take a minimum of 3 accelerated reader tests per quarter within his/ her reading level, striving for 80% accuracy. Your student’s reading level will be listed at the back of their planner. Please encourage your child to read 25 minutes daily!

 

PE-

PE is on Mondays and Thursdays. Please send your child to school on those days in their PE Uniform with sneakers. No jewelry except small post- style earrings on PE days!

 

Opportunity (Help) Sessions for 3rd graders are held on Thursday afternoons from 2:50-3:30 for students needing extra help with Math or Reading. Please email me or send a note in the green folder if you’d like your child to attend.

 

Your child will learn so much this year- spelling, vocabulary, grammar, writing, reading, handwriting, math, social studies, science, and religion.

The most important lessons I hope they learn, and I aim to teach are:

  1. Be responsible, organized, and prepared.
  2. Always try your best even when it’s difficult.
  3. Love learning, especially reading (which is at the core of all academic subjects).
  4. Love of our Lord and our Catholic Faith.

I am excited to have your child in my class and look forward to a fun and successful year with them! Please feel free to contact me with any questions, issues, or concerns throughout the year. I will update the BTCS 3rd grade website page weekly with important class information, as well as sending emails.

** Please send me a note if you are not receiving my emails!

Ms. Behrend

Email: behrend@blessedtrinitycatholicschool.org

 

In addition to checking this website, please sign up for our Class Dojo so you don’t miss any reminders

Spelling Homework Directions 

How to Use the Spelling Choice Board

  1. Pick one of the options to practice your words.
  2. Complete the directions for that option
  3. Put an X on the box that you choose
  4. Repeat on another day for the second practice option
  5. On Thursday night, combine the choice board with your two practice pages (stapled or paper clipped would be preferred)
  6. Student turns in on Friday

SACRAMENTS: IMPORTANT DATES 

Reconciliation Retreat: November 5th at 9am

Reconciliation: December 3rd 11am

First Communion Retreat: March 4th at 9am

First Communion Practice: May 4th at 6pm

First Holy Communion: May 6th at 11am

Class Schedule

Monday: P.E (wear P.E uniform)

Tuesday: Music and Media/Research

Wednesday: Art

Thursday: P.E (wear P.E uniforms)

Friday: Spanish

Please make sure you send your child to school each morning with:

-a full belly (breakfast every day!)

-a full sized water bottle filled with water

-a balanced lunch

-their take home folder

Ms. Molly Carlson

Email: carlson@blessedtrinitycatholicschool.org

“Serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful song.” Psalm 100:2

 

Hello First Grade Families!

Welcome to a new year at Blessed Trinity. In first grade, we will grow our love of learning, focus on our reading skills, and share our Catholic faith. In this classroom, your children are valued, respected, challenged, and loved. See below for my class expectations, discipline, schedule, and helpful reminders. I look forward to working with you for a successful, dynamic year of learning and teaching!

~May God Bless Our School Year~

Warmly,

Ms. Carlson

 

Gentle Reminder…attendance and being on time is extremely important. Please make sure that your child comes to school ready to learn, in clean, proper uniform attire, and has had a good breakfast to start their day strong!

**Please check binders nightly for homework and any school/classroom information.**

Please encourage your children to read, read, read….EVERY DAY! First grade is a reading year, fine tuning the phonics and comprehension skills necessary for children to become fluent readers. First graders should be reading a minimum of 15 minutes at home daily; this can be alongside an adult, taking turns with pages, listening to a fluent reader, or reading on their own with a parent checking in on their reading.

Accelerated Reader (AR):

Students will use the Accelerated Reader program at school to take comprehension quizzes on the books that they read to help track their understanding and reading progress during the year. First graders are expected to take one, passing AR quiz per week. A passing score is 80% or better, on books that are in the students suggested reading range. Students will complete a STAR assessment during the first week of school, and will receive their first reading range. Families can use these levels to find books for home reading practice; please use the website below to search for books.

First graders can check out 1-2 books from the library each week. Books are due back to the library every Thursday. Students can also borrow books from the classroom library whenever they need.

arbookfind.com

 

Our resource schedule:

Monday: P.E (wear sneakers)

Tuesday: P.E (wear sneakers), Music

Wednesday: Art, Playground

Thursday: Library/Media, Playground

Friday: Spanish, Playground

 

*We attend Mass every Wednesday at 8:30am. 

**We have playground/recess time on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

 

In order to create a loving, safe, academic environment, students are expected to follow our classroom and school rules. Please ensure your child understands what is expected of them, and arrives prepared for learning. Daily uniform checks are included as part of school expectations.

Classroom Expectations:

  • We follow directions and transitions quickly.
  • We use our hand signals and communicate clearly.
  • We stay on task and always try to do our best.
  • We use active listening when a speaker is talking.
  • We keep our hands, feet, and belongings to ourselves.
  • We show respect to our classroom, teacher, students, and selves.
  • We make smart, thoughtful choices.

Classroom Behavior Management:

  1. Redirect (warning)
  2. Sideline (think time)
  3. Skills coaching (Student meets with teacher)
  4. Note home (signed by parent)

 

Kindergarten

Ms. Shea

email: shea@blessedtrinitycatholicschool.org

                                                                                                           “Those who trust in the Lord …will soar on wings like eagles.”  – Isaiah 40:31 

 

 Dear Kindergarten families,  

 Welcome to the 2023-24 school year. I am so happy to be your child’s teacher this year. Ms. Ashley (our Kindergarten teacher’s assistant) and I are preparing for the arrival of our new class.  

My name is Ms. Shea and I recently moved back to Florida after teaching in Denver and Chicago. I have taught Preschool, Kindergarten and First grade. My favorite has always been Kindergarten.  I attended Catholic school from kindergarten to college and have taught in four different Catholic schools. I strongly believe in Catholic Education and admire you for sending your children to Blessed Trinity Catholic school. Kindergarten is such a pivotal year for students, it always amazes me how much they grow and learn. 

More information regarding academics, behavior policies, snack week, homework and procedures will be provided to you within the first week of the school year. I would like to emphasize the value I place on parent communication. Please feel free to email me regarding any questions or concerns at shea@blessedtrinitycatholicschool.org. Please make sure the school always has your current email address. This is how I will contact and communicate with you. 

 I look forward to a wonderful start to this school year. I feel blessed to share this special year with you and your children. I thank you in advance for your partnership in your child’s education. 

  God Bless, 

 Ms. Shea 

  As you may already know, Kindergarten is a time to learn social/emotional skills, but it has also become very academic due to most children attending Preschool.

Social/Emotional skills: can separate from caregiver, shares, takes turns, plays cooperatively with peers, responds with empathy to others in distress, adapts to new situations. Can follow 3 step directions, communicates clearly to be understood by people outside the family.

Our Language Arts/Emergent Literacy goals by the end of the year are: to write first and last name, know all letter sounds,  identify first, middle, and ending sounds, recognize and produce rhyming words, read 100 sight words, CVC words, write a sentence, identify short/long vowel sounds listen and retell stories, can draw a self-portrait and label, comprehends, who, what, why, and when questions, can differentiate between a statement/comment and a question.

 Math goals: understand positional words, recognize and extend patterns, identify 2D and 3d shapes, count to 100 by 1’s,10’s, and 5’s, solve addition and subtraction problems 1-10, learn to make 10 frames, measurement, write numbers 1-100.

We will also learn about the world in social studies and science, and about our savior Jesus and bible stories in religion class.

Kindergarten Enrichment schedule is as follows:

 P.E.-Mondays and Tuesdays @ 8:15 in the morning. (the students may wear their “P.E.” uniforms these two days all day.)

Music-Tuesday

School Mass/Art class-Wednesday

Library/Media-Thursday

Spanish-Friday