School Year 2026–2027
Dear Second Grade Families,
Welcome to a new school year at St. Mary's Catholic School!
It is both a joy and a privilege to welcome your family to our Second Grade classroom. Thank you for entrusting me with one of God's greatest gifts—your child. I look forward to walking alongside you throughout this school year as we nurture each student's academic growth, spiritual formation, and personal development.
At St. Mary's, we believe education is a partnership between school and family, always centered on Christ. Together, we will strive to create a classroom where every child feels safe, valued, challenged, and inspired to grow in wisdom, faith, kindness, and responsibility.
I am truly excited about the wonderful year ahead!
My name is Alexandra Muñoz Pagán, and I am honored to serve as your child's Second Grade teacher.
I am a Consecrated Woman of the Secular Institute for Women Heart of Jesus (Cor Unum Family). Originally from Puerto Rico, I also lived in Spain for over fifteen years, where I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Education at the University of Valencia (Spain).
My educational journey has also included master studies in Religious Sciences, Pastoral Ministry, Spirituality, and Theology. Throughout my teaching career, I have had the privilege of working with students from elementary through high school, including children with hearing disabilities.
Teaching is not simply my profession—it is my ministerial calling.
I believe every child is uniquely created by God with beautiful gifts and unlimited potential. My goal is to cultivate a classroom where students develop curiosity, confidence, compassion, perseverance, and a love of learning while growing closer to Christ each day.
One of the greatest blessings of Catholic education is that parents and teachers work together. Open communication and mutual support are essential for every child's success, so please know that my classroom door is always open.
I promise to keep your family in my prayers throughout this school year.
My name is Mrs. Gina Osorio. I am very excited to be your child's 2nd grade teacher this year! I have 15 years of teaching experience both in Florida and Texas. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Administration.
It is very important for me to have a strong parent-teacher communication. Please, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns that you have regarding your child's progress.
I am very family oriented. I have two beautiful daughters: Ashley and Katie. I love to be outdoors, cooking, and enjoying God’s blessings!
Clear communication between home and school is one of the keys to a successful year.
Each Monday, lesson plans, weekly objectives, homework, and important announcements will be available through FACTS (RenWeb).
If you ever have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Email: [email protected] / Email: [email protected]
Students should bring their Take-Home Folder back to school every day.
Homework, unfinished assignments, school notices, and important information will be sent home in this folder and posted in FACTS when applicable.
I encourage families to review the folder together each afternoon. This simple routine helps students develop responsibility and organizational skills.
Our classroom is built upon respect, kindness, responsibility, and Christian values.
Each day we will encourage students to:
Respect God, themselves, and others.
Listen attentively.
Follow directions promptly.
Work diligently.
Show kindness in both words and actions.
Positive choices will be celebrated and encouraged throughout the year.
St. Mary's also uses the Merit/Demerit System through FACTS. Parents will automatically receive notifications regarding behavior updates. Our goal is always to help students grow through encouragement, accountability, and opportunities to make positive choices.
Students enjoy outdoor recess each day, weather permitting.
Please send:
A labeled plastic water bottle every day.
Appropriate outerwear during colder months.
Students may arrive beginning at 7:00 a.m.
Classes begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Arriving on time allows students to begin the day peacefully and prepared to learn.
Dismissal begins at 3:20 p.m.
Students will be released through the PikMyKid system unless picked up directly from the classroom.
Second Grade students receive instruction in:
Daily:
Religion
Language Arts (ELA)
Mathematics
Spanish
Physical Education (P.E.)
Two or Three days a week:
Science
History
Art
Music
Academic instruction follows the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) while Religion follows the curriculum established by the Diocese of Austin.
Students will also participate in:
Accelerated Reader (AR)
IXL Math Practice
These programs provide additional opportunities for academic growth and individualized learning.
One of the most meaningful experiences of Second Grade is preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
Additional information regarding required documents, parent meetings, and preparation schedules will be provided by the parish throughout the school year.
We look forward to accompanying your family during this beautiful milestone of faith.
Birthdays are special moments to celebrate God's gift of life.
Families are welcome to send cupcakes or cookies to celebrate with the class. Please notify me in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Field trip information will be shared as opportunities arise throughout the year.
Parents who wish to volunteer or drive on field trips must complete all required Diocese of Austin EIM requirements before participating.
Please, access to learn more: https://www.austindiocese.org/eim
Children thrive when parents and teachers work together.
I encourage open communication, mutual respect, and ongoing collaboration throughout the year. Whether celebrating successes or addressing challenges, we are partners in helping each child become the person God created them to be.
Please never hesitate to reach out.
Thank you once again for your trust, encouragement, and partnership.
I am deeply grateful to become part of your child's educational and faith journey this year.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus watch over your family, bless your home with peace, and fill this school year with joy, learning, friendship, and abundant grace.
With gratitude and prayers,
Alexandra Muñoz Pagán, ISFCJ and Mrs. Gina Osorio
Second Grade Teachers
St. Mary's Catholic School
Temple, Texas
Family Questionnaire
Parent’s name(s):________________________________________
Child’s
Name: ___________________________________________________ Birthday____________________
Best phone number(s) to call:__________________________
Email address:_________________________________________
My child attends ______________________________________(Name of Church)
It is my desire for my child to celebrate the sacraments of 1 st Reconciliation and 1 st Communion at __________________ (Name of Parish)
Do you have any special skills or abilities you would like to share with the class? _____________________________________________________________________________
What are your goals for your child this year in second grade? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Is there anything else you would like me to know about your child? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I have read the classroom policies: ________________________________________ (Parent’s signature)