Saint Gabriel School Weekly Newsletter for Parents
Saint Gabriel School Weekly Newsletter for Parents
*Due to the snow day on January 19, this edition is being published on January 22.
Winter MAP testing began January 9. Please make an extra effort to ensure your child arrives on time, eats breakfast, and has a snack on testing days. While MAP is only one snapshot of how your child is doing, it does provide valuable data to help teachers plan instruction to meet your child's learning needs.
Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, January 28 – February 3. The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2024 is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” Catholic schools offer an education that combines Catholic faith and teachings with academic excellence and instilling the value of service to others, preparing students to be productive citizens and future leaders.
We love our families! Current parents/ guardians are invited to visit the classrooms on Thursday, February 1st from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Come see the amazing things your children are learning! Pottery will also be on display to view this day.
Back by popular demand- Catholic Schools Week auction will feature class pottery and teacher experiences. Bidding will be through GiveSmart and end Friday, February 2 at 8 p.m. Pottery will be displayed at Open Classrooms on February 1. Proceeds will benefit tuition assistance.
Come join and watch Kindergarten perform their annual Valentine’s Love Program!
When: Monday, February 12th
Doors open at 9:30 am, show begins at 10:00 am
Where: St. Gabriel Church
Who: All parishioners, widows and widowers
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Caught in a rut with the winter blues? Don’t forget to take care of yourself! Self-care is always important, especially during these cold winter days. Self-care means that you are taking care of your body, your mind, and your spirit. By practicing self-care, you can reduce stress levels, increase your happiness, sleep better, and improve your focus.
You may be wondering what are some strategies for self-care that you could use in your everyday life? Below are some strategies that you can easily implement:
Exercise, on your own, and as a family
Pray or meditate each morning and evening
Eat healthy
Go for a walk outdoors, but bundle up while it’s cold
Spend time alone each day
Read
Find things that make you laugh
Listen to music, audio books, or podcasts
Identify a project that would be challenging and rewarding
Return to an old hobby that brought you joy
Write in a journal
The list above is not exhaustive of all of the self-care activities possible. Find what makes you happy! Choose 2-3 self-care activities, and make them a priority to do daily or weekly. Developing a routine for self-care practices will help you make your happiness and health a priority.
Have a great weekend! Stay warm!
Sincerely,
Denise Chancellor
Learning Coordinator
Since Friday was a snow day, distance learning will begin on the next snow day! Click here for more information about distance learning.
When weather conditions cause school openings to be questionable, one of the following announcements will be made for the Catholic Elementary Schools in Jefferson County.
“All Catholic Elementary Schools in Jefferson County are open” – Saint Gabriel is open.
“Catholic Elementary Schools in Jefferson County will be open, but on a delayed schedule.” Saint Gabriel will be on a two-hour delay. Buses will run two hours late. Doors will open at 9:25 a.m. for student arrival. Students are not allowed in before this time. Classes will start at 10:00 a.m. Dismissal will be at regular time – 2:45 p.m.
“All Catholic Schools in Jefferson County are closed.” – Saint Gabriel is closed. In the case that Saint Gabriel is closed, Saint Gabriel Preschool will make every effort to offer full-day care for registered participants. Notification will be sent separately.
All morning activities, including detention, are cancelled for that day. Detention will be served the following scheduled day. You will also be notified via the Saint Gabriel Reach Alert program. It is the parent’s responsibility to sign up for Reach Alert and to make any changes to their account.
We will have 1 regular snow day before Distance Learning days start. You will be notified via the Saint Gabriel Reach Alert program.
NEW: Updates on campus closures and delays can be found here: www.gabrielweather.com
Bingo is one of our largest fundraisers. Funds are used to offer tuition assistance and capital projects. A schedule for this year has been created to assist with staffing volunteers. Please sign up using NEW LINK: Sign Up Genius
Jan. 24, 25- 2AS
Jan. 31, Feb. 1- 2FM
Feb. 7, 8- 2WV
Field Trip chaperones and special event volunteers need to have a background check on file and have attended the Safe Environment Training. For more information, visit https://www.stgabriel.net/background. Not sure if we have your information? Contact background@stgabriel.net. To view upcoming Honor Thy Child trainings, visit https://www.archlou.org/about-the-archdiocese/archdiocesan-policies-guidelines-and-handbooks/restoringtrust/safe/. Background checks and safe environment training refresher must be completed every five years.
January 8-February 1- MAP Testing
January 29-February 2- Celebrate Catholic Schools Week
January 26- February 2- Catholic Schools Week Auction- Pottery and Teacher Experiences
March 8- Eat Lunch With Your Child Day
April 11- Grandparents Day (8th)
April 13- Confirmation
May 14- 8th Grade Graduation
Let the games begin. Register your Trivia Team today. First come, first serve. Up to forty tables will be sold. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 16th.