If you ever have any questions or concerns please e-mail me @ [email protected]
February 20, 2026
(please read thoroughly, lots of information)
Hi everyone! I wanted to pop on here and catch you up on 1B's happenings. On the top of our list is that it is Lent and we have begun our journey in following Jesus and trying to be more like him. On Wednesday we received ashes and had to come up with a way to do better during this season. The kids had many great ideas. We also began following our Lenten Journey in the purple trifold you will find in their purple folders. Everyday we will start our day singing a song about Lent and watch a meditation/prayer to start our day. Also in the purple folder you find Flat Jesus and a Lenten Journal. The kids are asked to bring Jesus along to any function, even dinner or a movie at home and write about how they spent their time with Flat Jesus. It is a fun way to remind them that Jesus is always with them. Feel free to take pictures and glue them into the pages. The kids will share their journals weekly. Feel free to click on the Flat Jesus link for an in depth explanation.
This season is when we begin teaching the kids about Jesus' journey to the cross which included his performing miracles. We will learn about a number of them in class. The kids will then need to make a diorama of one of Jesus' miracles and include a written index card that they can read explaining the miracle they chose, why they chose it and be able to tell the class what happened in the miracle. It is a great way to teach them comfront in front of the class as well as how an audience should behave (clapping after the presentation and asking positive questions.) Please click on the left hand link entitled miracle boxes for an in depth explanation as well as photos.
Finally, we took a new kind of reading test today and I was pleasantly surprised. The kids knew their stuff! The pink notebooks and taking big kid notes really did help them in learning the vocabulary. Going forward we will also work on comprehension story questions in there as well. The kids will take these notebooks home on Thursdays to help them prepare for the test. During the test the kids will be allowed to use their readers to help find any answers they may be stuck on. The weekly stories as well as the grammar and skills games wil be posted Monday-Friday and can be viewed and worked on anytime. The goal is to prepare our first graders for second grade work and to build their confidence in their abilities. As always if you have any questions, I am available :-).
Today I sent home the yellow folders with the spelling tests as well as the reading tests. I also sent home a packet with Monday's work in it just in case we have a snow day and go Virtual. I will make sure I include detailed instructions in case that happens.
February 10, 2026
Just a reminder that Thursday, February 12th is now our 100th celebration due to the 2 added snow days.
Also, beginning next week our Reading tests will change. The first page will still be recognizing sounds, the second page will still be vocabulary words but now the children will have to know what the vocabulary word means. This information can be found on the back of the refrigerator copy. The next page will be a comprehension page based on the story we read in the reader. This story will be available to you online. There will be one written answer but we will discuss it in class. Finally the last page will still be grammar. There will be games posted to help with these skills online.
Initially, we will be reading the tests to the kids. They will also have the book on their desks for the comprehension part.
February 1, 2026
Febuary 4th- Half Day
February 6th- Souper" Bowl Friday/Dress Down
February 12- 100th Day Celebration
February 16th- School Closed
January 26, 2026
Hi everyone, we have gained access to an online resource for our Math program. The program is called waggle and provides resources for the lessons we are learning. Feel free to log in and check it out. Looks like it will be fun for the kids.
MATH Log in Information:
1. Please use this link:
https://www.hmhco.com/ui/login/?connection=00686939/
2. District: Diocese of Trenton
3. Login using your child's first initial followed by their last name @stleoedu.com (example: John Smith would be [email protected]) All passwords are: Leothelion1!
4. Complete optional assignments!
January 8, 2026
It is an exciting day for first grade! We are finally getting access to our Open Court reading program online. The program features the stories we read in the classroom and shortly, the stories the kids reading tests will be based on. There are also sound cards and games to learn the phonics skills as well as the grammar skills. Your log in will be you child's first initial followed by their last name @stleoedu.com their password will be Leothelion1! and the class code to join our class is: Sr9aHcFr
Please go to https://my.mheducation.com/login?logout=true
Log in, then click on Student Edition. You will then have to hit START (it is already set to the unit we are currently on)
You will be able to see all of Unit 5 Week 2 work, however, the assigned work will be at the bottom of the page in a box named assignments. Please click on it to see the full assignment.
If you have any problems please email or chat me on Teams.
January 7, 2026
The 100th day of school is February 11th. Typically, as Kindergartners the kids get to dress up as 100 year olds on this day which makes the day fun and memorable for them. This year we focus more on the number aspect of the hundred days. In class we count using dots and filling ten frames. We were thinking it would be fun for the kids to create their own 100 day shirts. If you google 100 day shirts you will find a plethora of ideas. A t shirt, long sleeve, or sweatshirt, in any color works for the project. You are free to be as creative as you would like in creating it. Of course we have to be mindful of weapons and such not being allowed in school. The kids must have 100 of something on the shirt. Also, if you’re glueing to it, be sure to use fabric glue or they will lose things all day. The plan is to wear these to school on the 100th day with their uniform bottoms. Have a great time creating these with your kids and we cannot wait for the photo op!
January 4, 2026
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Monday, January 5th-Friday, January 9th is Stocking Stuffer Dress Down week
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Monday, January 19th SCHOOL CLOSED for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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Thursday, January 22sn BNL Pictures for 8th grade graduation shots and any faculty or student doing retakes
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Monday, January 26th Start of Catholic Schools Week/ Mass at 9:00AM
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Tuesday, January 27th Teacher Appreciation Day
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Friday, January 30th Student Appreciation Day
I want to take a moment to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your extreme kindness and generosity during Christmas. I was absolutely blown away by the beautiful cards, words of kindness and immense generosity. I cannot wait to feast at Il Coloseo and workout after in my new lululemon garb. It was so nice to be thought of and remembered by my 1B family. My heart is so full and I am beyond grateful.
December 16, 2025
Thursday, December 18th @ 7PM is our Christmas show in the AAC. Please drop your kids off to the classroom between 6:15-6:30. Please don't overdress your kids, the angel gowns keep them very warm so anything heavy underneath makes them overheat that day (No one can see what they are wearing undeneath anyhow). The kids will also wear halo headbands so please refrain from including hair bows in their hair. Also, please have them wear regular rubber souled shoes so they don't slip while climbing up and down the stairs on the stage. (NO HEALS)
Friday is Polar Express Day. Kids are allowed to wear pajamas. Please refrain from one pieces if the kids cannot use the bathroom with ease. Also a normal sized stuffy or elf pet is allowed in for the movie.
Our Prayer Service is on Monday, December 22nd at 10AM. It is also Sunday-best Christmas dress up day. Please don't send the girls in with heals, we do not want them to fall in the church. Please note that the parents section is reserved for 2 parents per child. Any additional family members that attend will be asked to sit on the side of the church. This is meant to accomodate all of the first grade parents.
November 20, 2025
Wednesday, November 26th to Friday, November 28th SCHOOL CLOSED for Thanksgiving Break
Wednesday, December 3rd Children's Corner @11:30
Tuesday, December 2nd Giving Tuesday
Friday, December 5th Half Day Dismissal for PTA to prepare for our Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, December 6th PTA sponsored Christmas Bazaar from 9:00AM to 3:00PM
Monday, December 8th Mass at 9:00AM in recognition of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Tuesday. December 9th Vocal Ensemble Showcase at 4:00PM in the AAC
Thursday, December 18th Annual Christmas Play at 7:00PM in the AAC
Friday, December 19th Polar Express Day
Monday, December 22nd Half Day Dismissal at 12:30PM/ First Grade Prayer Service at 10:00AM in the Church/ Dress up Day for all Faculty and Students/ Last Day of School before the Christmas Break
Tuesday, December 23rd through Friday, January 2nd SCHOOL CLOSED for Christmas Break
November 13, 20205
The Thankful plate project is due early next week (Monday-Wednesday) 
. It will adorn our hallways during our season of thanks. Feel free to decorate it and fill it with pictures of loved ones, pets, family and all the things that the kids are thankful for. Thank you kindly and sorry for the date typo 😵💫
November 10, 2025
Scholastic Book Fair
Our time to go to the book fair is Thursday @ 9:30am.
You are all welcome to attend and help your children shop.
November 3, 2025
Thursday, November 6th BNL Picture Makeup Day
Monday, November 10th -Thursday, November 13th "Scholastic Book Fair"
Friday, November 14th Mass at 9:00AM in recognition of Saint Leo the Great/ Schoolwide Thanksgiving Feast
Wednesday, November 26th to Friday, November 28th SCHOOL CLOSED for Thanksgiving Break
October 27, 2025
October 29: Half day for Parent Teacher Conferences
October 31: Parade is at 1:30!
Children may wear their costumes to school on Halloween. Please be sure your child is able to manage their costume and using the bathroom without help. Sneakers or regular shoes only. No heels, slippers, plastic shoes, etc. Also, fake weapons that may be part of your child's costume are not allowed in school. Thank you for help with this!
We certainly look forward to our class treat and craft and the parade on Halloween.
Children are welcome to bring in goody bags for the class but please remember that candy/food is not allowed.
October 6, 2025
Monday, October 6th – Respect Our Maintenance & Custodial Staff
Students will write thank-you notes and messages of gratitude for our maintenance and custodial team. These unsung heroes work tirelessly to keep our school safe, clean, and organized.
**In addition, the Student Council will be coordinating a “SOCKTOBER” Fundraiser for the Mercy Center in Asbury Park to support homeless families. We are asking each student to donate a pair of socks for men, women, or children in support of our Week of Respect for the homeless. Donations will be collected from Monday, October 6th through Thursday, October 9th.
Tuesday, October 7th – Mismatch Uniform Day: Celebrating Differences
Students are invited to wear mismatched uniforms to represent our uniqueness and celebrate the differences that make our school community so special.
Wednesday, October 8th – Respect Ourselves & Others: Affirmation Wall
Students will help create an Affirmation Wall in the cafeteria. Each student will write a message of respect, kindness, or encouragement for themselves and their peers.
Thursday, October 9th – School Spirit: Respecting Our Community
Students may dress down in their gym uniform or spirit wear to showcase their pride in being part of our school community. Together, we show that respect includes teamwork, unity, and celebrating the Lion Strong spirit.
Friday, October 10th – Respect the Earth: Care for Creation Day
To close the week, students will focus on respecting our environment. Each class will participate in an appropriate age activity, such as: Writing pledges to help care for the Earth (e.g., recycle, conserve water, avoid littering). Creating posters reminding others to respect nature. A “Respect the Earth” challenge: keeping classrooms and hallways extra clean all day. This shows that respect extends beyond ourselves — it also includes caring for the world we live in.
October 5, 2025
Here are some important dates:
Thursday, October 9th Half Day Dismissal with afternoon/evening conferences
Monday, October 13th NO SCHOOL in recognition of Columbus Day
Friday, October 24th SCHOOL CLOSED for students. Diocesean PD for all teachers
Wednesday, October 29th Half Day Dismissal with afternoon conferences
Friday, October 31st Halloween Parade at 1:15PM
Monday, November 10th -Thursday, November 13th "Scholastic Book Fair"
Tuesday, November 11th BNL Picture Makeup Day
Friday, November 14th Mass at 9:00AM in recognition of Saint Leo the Great/ Schoolwide Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November 26th to Friday, November 28th SCHOOL CLOSED for Thanksgiving Break
October 3, 2025
Good evening 1B. My apologies for the late notice. Today we celebrated the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi with a beautiful mass. In the afternoon, we had guidance with our new guidance counselor and then the blessing of the animals. With all the celebrations, I was unable to grade the tests and will be sure to send them home on Monday. Thank you for your patience and have a wonderful weekend!
September 30, 2025
Message from Administration
We hope this message finds you well. Recently, we have noticed an increase in students adding hanging items, such as keychains and Laboubous, to their backpacks. While we understand these items can be fun and expressive, they have become a distraction and, unfortunately, a source of unkind comments among students regarding their authenticity or value.
To help keep backpacks manageable, safe, and focused on their purpose, we are asking that students remove and refrain from attaching any hanging objects to their backpacks moving forward.
We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a positive and respectful environment for all students.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Important Dates:
October 4: Mass at 9:00; Blessing of the Animals at 1:15
October 9: Half day for Parent Teacher Conferences
October 13: School Closed
October 24: School Closed
October 29: Half day for Parent Teacher Conferences
October 31: Half Day; Parade at 11:30; no PM Care
September 17, 2025
Our picture day has been changed to Monday, September 22, 2025. As of now our gym day is still Thursday. If anything changes I will let you know.
September 15, 2025
Please look out for the yellow Test folder. Please Sign and Return your child's Reading test and Spelling test as well as sign the test log. We need the yellow folders back tomorrow. Please be sure to praise your children and please don't expect perfection. I tell the kids that mistakes help us to learn and grow. We also do not want to cause the kids to become overly anxious about test taking. We are always looking for progress not perfection.
September 10. 2025
Good afternoon everyone. For this week our GYM day has been chnaged to Thursday. Please come dressed for Gym tomorrow.
Thank you!
September 8, 2025
Happy Monday 1B and welcome to a full week of first grade and first grade homework. Each week the kids will have homework M-TH. The spelling homework is laid out in the inside cover of the kids' H books. When doing spelling homework please do not have your kids memorize the spelling of the words, it will only hurt them in the long run. Please sound out the words and have your kids write a letter for each sound they hear. Doing things this way helps kids to learn to spell, write and also read.
Each day the kids will also have a page of math homework. They will come home with a packet completed in class. Please always review the packet and complete the homework in the same fashion.
Finally, our daily reading homework will be a short decodable based on the phonetic sounds we are working on during the week. You will see your kids highlighting the sounds within these books and circling the sight words of the week.
I hope this information is helpful. I will explain further at back to school night. Please always know I am available if you need my help :-). Teamwork makes the dream work.
Important Dates to Remember:
September 10: Back to School Night 6:00PM
September 12: Welcome Back Mass
September 23: School Photo Day
August 18, 2025
Welcome back to school SLG first graders and more importantly welcome to 1B!
Our first day of school is Tuesday, September 2nd and it is a half day. On the first day, please send in a note on how your child will be getting home so that we are aware. On half days, the kids will only eat lunch at 9:30 AM. The cafeteria will NOT be available for ordering on half days nor will the kids have snack. On full days, we will have lunch at 10:40 AM in the cafeteria and snack at 1:30PM in the classroom. Snack time must be nut free (that includes nutella) and only water is allowed in the classroom. Please also ensure that the kid's waterbottles are filled with water only.
If you've prepurchased school supplies, they will be deliverd to our classrooms and given out. If you have chosen to purchase your own, please glance at the supply list and ensure you have gotten all the items on the list. Please make sure you label all of the items with your child's name.
Prior to the first day of school, please label all of your child's school supplies, including their backpack, lunchbox, waterbottle and fleece.
Please click on the New School Year link, in the menu, for important information about transportation, food, our specials schedule and classroom procedures. Feel free to check out the website. Enjoy the rest of your summer and see you real soon!
