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Hello St. Gabriel Families,
Check out the following headlines and links to stay updated on everything happening at St. Gabriel Parish School.
The headlines that are highlighted are NEW or UPDATED for this Gazette.
As you scroll towards the bottom of the Gazette, there are various messages/events/needs from our parish and school committees like the HSA (Home and School Association), ATHLETICS, ADULT & YOUTH MINISTRY, etc. Please continue to scroll down to the end of this email to see all that is happening at our vibrant school and parish!
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March of the Hawks (Formerly the Catholic Schools Walk):
Thank YOU for making our first annual March of the Hawks a success! Total raised as of this morning, October 30, 2025: $13,797.
We’re in the home stretch of our March of the Hawks fundraiser — and we’re so close to reaching our goal! Every dollar raised helps our school continue to grow in faith, learning, and community.
There's still time to make an impact and help us reach our goal of $21,000!
Families can still register and help us reach our fundraising goal.
Contributions made by November 16, 2025, will help us finish strong and directly support the students and programs that make St. Gabriel so special.
Your generosity makes a difference — together, we can help our Hawks soar!
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Halloween Parade:
Tomorrow, Friday, October 31, our K4-5th-grade students will be participating in a school Halloween parade. This parade will be held in the gym. Students may change into their costumes in the afternoon.
The following are guidelines for costumes in school.
- No Face Paint
- Appropriate masks will be put on before the parade. They should not be worn in the classroom.
- Inappropriate/scary costumes will not be permitted (no blood, weapons, or adult-themed costumes).
Parents, if you would like to join in the fun and watch the parade, please be in the gym by 2:30 p.m. that afternoon. The parade will start at 2:40 p.m. The teachers and students would love to see you there!!!
All students may be out of uniform on this day. Fun Halloween-themed tops are encouraged but not required. The same guidelines as costumes apply: No inappropriate/scary tops will be permitted (no blood, weapons, or adult-themed messages). Jeans or athletic pants may be worn on Friday.
Fall MAP Test Results:
Please see the following Parents' Guide to MAP tests for explanations on what it is, how it works, and the new norms that have been implemented this year by NWEA.
Parents’ Guide to MAP tests
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How to get involved:
Volunteers help our school run smoothly and are greatly appreciated by our teachers and staff. Please check iVolunteer for various opportunities throughout the school year.
Current opportunities include:
Did you know...
Research shows there are many benefits of volunteering, below are a few...
- Helps create a sense of community😉
- Get to know the teachers and staff🙌
- Allows you to share your strengths or learn a new skill🎉
NOTE - Adults who work exclusively with other adults do not need to undergo safeguarding measures. However, if a minor is involved at any point, safeguarding protocols as outlined by the Archdiocese must be followed. All volunteers who volunteer during school hours are required to be certified in the Archdiocese Safe Environment Education Class. Please visit this webpage for more details.
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$crip (Raise Right) Certificates & Volunteer Need:
$crip cards make perfect gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or for use at your favorite retail shops, gas stations, or restaurants.
For your convenience, you may order online at https://www.raiseright.com/shop. Online orders with available inventory will be filled on Mondays for pickup after weekend Masses. Special order inventory will be filled within two weeks, when the cards arrive.
Interested in learning more about buying online certificates using the RAISE RIGHT app? Please contact Finance Manager, Laura Rogacki, in the Parish Business Office at (262) 628-1141 or lrogacki@stgabrielhubertus.org for the program code. Online orders will be filled on Mondays and available to pick up after the weekend Masses.
Volunteers are needed to help sell Scrip on weekends after Masses. It is a great way to volunteer within the school and parish, and it only takes approximately half an hour of your time per shift. If you are interested, please contact Linda Schuh at lschuh@sgabriel.org or (262)628-1711 for more information.
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Box Tops:
Box Tops are worth $.10 each, and they add up fast! Twice a year, our school receives a check to help pay for whatever we need - equipment, supplies, or experiences the kids love! Did you know you can now connect your Walmart account for even easier fundraising? You can earn cash for St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School without scanning receipts! See the app for more details to start earning easy money for the school.
Private Facebook Parent Group:
Your votes are in—and our private St. Gabriel Parent Facebook Group is now open for everyone to post and connect!
Have a question for other parents? Ask it here.
Want to share a proud moment, a helpful tip, or a favorite recipe? This is the place!
Let’s build community, share ideas, and show our St. Gabriel Spirit together!
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On the Calendar...
11/4 Mike McCoy - speaker for Spirit Groups
11/15 - Holiday Boutique Craft & Vendor Expo 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Volunteers & Bakers URGENTLY Needed & check out our student vendor section too when you attend!!
11/26 - Inservice Day - No School and End of Trimester
11/27-11/28 - Happy Thanksgiving Break - No School
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Peace and Blessings,
Mrs. Kimerly Lestina
Principal
| | We nurture academic excellence while we Proclaim the Word, Form Disciples, Live a Sacramental Life | | |
Safety is always a top priority at St. Gabriel Catholic Parish and School.
During our recent teacher in-service day, our school and parish staff—along with dedicated volunteers—took part in a Safety Protocol Review led by local law enforcement. A total of 26 participants joined in this important training to ensure the continued safety and well-being of our students, parishioners, and community.
We are grateful for everyone’s commitment to keeping St. Gabriel a safe and welcoming place to learn, worship, and grow together.
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BOOK FAIR THANK YOU!
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who supported our Book Fair!
Thanks to your generosity, we earned over $1,400 to benefit our school library!
An extra-special shoutout to our amazing volunteers — Ashley Lauersdorf, Meghan Berndt, Shari Wagoneer, Lea Rosenberg, and Carrie Kastenek — for all their time and hard work in making the event a success!
With gratitude,
Your Book Fair Team,
Jessica Ditscheit & Rebecca Hartzel
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First Grade
The first graders were busy today in math class, graphing Witches’ Brew. Learning is always fun here! Great job, kids!!!
| | | | They are also getting into the Halloween spirit with some spooky fun—creating their very own Frankenstein masks for the classroom! | | |
7th Grade Science
Our 7th graders put their science skills to the test! They explored whether mixing certain substances would cause chemical reactions, then wrote full lab reports to see if their hypotheses were correct.
| | | | Hands-on learning at its best—observing, analyzing, and drawing real scientific conclusions! | | |
Saint Wax Museum
Our Saint’s Wax Museum was a beautiful success on Wednesday. Students brought the saints to life—sharing their stories, virtues, and inspiring examples of faith. A special thank-you to our 8th graders, who did a wonderful job assisting with Mass as their chosen saints.
This cherished tradition is such a meaningful way to prepare our hearts for All Saints’ Day. Terrific job, everyone!
Due to the number of pictures, please view all of the Saint Wax Museum, HERE 😉
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Sweet Treat!
Students had a delicious time taste-testing the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Strawberry Pancake Yogurt Parfait recipe! They gave it a big thumbs-up and even suggested adding blueberries, bananas, or your favorite fruits.
Find this recipe—and many more—on the School Lunch page of our website.
https://www.sgabriel.org/lunch-program
Here are a few snapshots from the taste test!
Thanks, Mrs. Weyer!
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October is National Principals Month, and last Wednesday, we honored Mrs. Lestina with a special blessing from Fr. Tim after Mass.
Our students and teachers showed their appreciation with a giant card of thanks and beautiful flowers. We are so grateful for her tireless dedication to guiding our young scholars in both academic excellence and spiritual growth.
God bless you, Mrs. Lestina!
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Join Us for a K4 & K5 mini Open House!
Help us spread the word - Share our Facebook Event with your network!!!
Families with young learners are invited to visit St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School on Sunday, November 16, from 9 a.m. to noon during Fellowship Sunday. Meet our new K4 teacher, Mrs. Roloff, and our new K5 teacher, Mrs. Hummel.
Enjoy a doughnut, and explore how our faith-filled, academically strong classes help young minds and hearts shine.
Come see why St. Gabriel is the perfect place for your child to learn, grow, and shine.
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St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School
Parent Groups
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Our School Advisory Commission (S.A.C.) team is a representative parent group of the entire school, from K4 through 8th grade, including the principal and a representative from the Pastoral Council. We work closely with the principal, teachers, and staff to support our renowned programs and curriculum.
S.A.C. is happy to assist parents and families with any concerns or questions they have during the school year. Email them at stgabrielSAC@sgabriel.org.
2025/2026 School Advisory Commission Members:
- Chairperson: Heidi Woelfel
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Vice Chair: Matt Marcellis
- Secretary: Jessica Ditscheit
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Members: Meghan Berndt, (NEW MEMBER) Amber Chycinski, Jake Lechusz, & (NEW MEMBER) Ryan Lusher
- Parish Council Liaison: Rebecca Hartzel
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HSA NEWS & EVENTS
2024-2025 Board Members
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President: Jenny Fenzl & Kristen Burg
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Co-Vice Presidents: Brooke Marcellis & Kelsey Berger
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Secretary: Ashley Long
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Treasurer: Shari Waggoner & Lisa White
Email us: hsa@sgabriel.org
READ THE MONTHLY MINUTES HERE
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Trunk or Treat was a ghoulish success - Thank you so much to everyone who came out and had some fun with us!
Due to the number of pictures, check out the Private Facebook Parent Page to view them - It's pinned to the top of the page. 😉 Thanks to everyone who posted!
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🏐SETON UPDATE🏐
The boys remain undefeated. They went 8-0 in their pool play on Monday night and earned a first-round bye in bracket play. Their next game will be tomorrow, Friday, October 31, at 7:30 p.m., at the Milwaukee Sting Center.
The girls played hard and went 3-3 on Tuesday. They’ll enter bracket play as the #2 seed from their pool and will face off against St. Monica tonight, Thursday, October 30, at 5:30 p.m. If they beat St. Monica, they will play again at 7:30 p.m. against Lumen Christi or St. Josaphat.
Let’s go, Hawks!!!
🏀 Be the Heart of Our Basketball Program!
We are still in need of a Basketball Coordinator (and Assistant) to help run our thriving basketball program.
This role is the key connection between our coaches, the league, our school, and the athletic director. You’ll help with uniforms, practice schedules, gym availability, and coordinating volunteers for home games. Without a coordinator, our program simply can’t run at its best—this is a chance to make a HUGE impact!
Whether you’re passionate about basketball or just want to give back in a meaningful way, this role is central to our athletes’ success.
🍿 Join the Team Behind the Scenes: Concessions Assistant
Love being part of the game-day atmosphere? We’re looking for a Concessions Assistant (Basketball Season Only) to support our Concessions Coordinator.
You’ll help with setup and cleanup for home games while our coordinator continues to manage supplies and inventory. It’s a short-term, season-only role that directly supports the fun and energy of basketball season!
This is a perfect way to get involved without a big-time commitment.
👉 Interested or curious to learn more......Reach out to Athletic Director Jeff Poff for more information.
A huge shout-out to Mrs. Zupke, our new Assistant Volleyball Coordinator. Thank you for stepping up and helping our volleyball program continue to thrive!
| | NEWS FROM AREA HIGH SCHOOLS | | |
It’s almost showtime! Join us for Elf Jr., Living Word’s festive fall musical filled with music, laughter, and Christmas cheer — featuring special performances by “Jr. Elves” from our area middle schools!
Friday, Nov. 7 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8 – 1 & 7 p.m.
Tickets: $5 (sold at the door)
Location: Living Word Lutheran High School Gymnasium
Bring the whole family and kick off the Christmas season with Elf Jr.
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Visit Catholic Memorial!
Experience the Excellence at Catholic Memorial High School by
Scheduling a Shadow Day or Private Tour!
SHADOW DAY
Experience Catholic Memorial High School firsthand by scheduling a shadow day. On a shadow day, 8th grade students are matched with a current CMH student and will spend the school day together. Visiting shadows will attend classes, meet faculty and staff, tour the facilities and receive free lunch!
PRIVATE TOUR
There is no better way to get a feel for the experience of a school day at Catholic Memorial High School than to see it for yourself. During a private tour, parents will have the opportunity to walk through Catholic Memorial’s welcoming facilities, meet faculty and staff, and observe classes. Learn about CMH’s philosophy that will help students achieve more and rise higher than they ever thought possible. Private tours typically last around one hour.
Schedule your Visit to Catholic Memorial at:
www.catholicmemorial.net/admissions/visit-or-shadow/
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Pius XI Catholic High School
invites you to share this information with families of students who are
preparing to take the next step in their educational journey.
8th Grade Shadow Days
For 2025, Pius XI will be offering four special interest shadow days:
STEM (November 5)
Performing Arts (November 13)
Visual Art (November 14)
Registration is required.
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All Saints Day
This year, the Solemnity of All Saints, November 1, falls on a Saturday, with the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) taking place on the following day, Sunday, November 2.
As a reminder, All Saints Day is not a holy day of obligation this year because of the 1992 decision of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops removing the obligation to attend Mass when November 1 falls on a Saturday or Monday. As a result, St. Gabriel will only have ONE Mass for All Saints Day on Friday, October 31, at 7 p.m.
The regular weekend Masses on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., and Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. will be celebrated for the Feast of All Souls Day.
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Announcement: Retirement of Parish Secretary
After seven years of dedicated service, Jill Sheehan, our Parish secretary, has announced her retirement. We are deeply grateful for Jill’s welcoming nature and serving as an ambassador for St. Gabriel as the first person you see or hear when you contact St. Gabriel.
As we celebrate Jill’s retirement, we are also beginning the search for a new Parish Secretary to continue that ambassador role and the many other important duties that the Parish Secretary performs to keep the organization running smoothly every day.
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Altar Servers – New and Seasoned!
New Altar Servers: Are you interested in Altar Serving? Are you feeling called to assist Father at Mass? St. Gabriel is welcoming NEW Altar Servers, 5th grade through high school, to join this ministry.
Seasoned Servers: Thank you for your dedicated service to St. Gabriel as an Altar Server.
As we start another school year, we are updating all the training and procedures for our seasoned servers. This year, ALL seasoned servers are required to go through re-training to remain active in this ministry.
If you have not received information through the school or Christian Formation, please reach out to the parish office. Maryrose Wolf, Director of Liturgy, will contact you for re-training or connect with you to learn more about this ministry and set up a training session for you.
If you are in need of service hours, this ministry is an option for you to consider.
Maryrose Wolf - Director of Liturgy
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TWO NEW PROGRAMS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
BOYS & GIRLS CHECK IT OUT!
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You did it!
Thanks for reading to the end.
😁
Who doesn’t love a good laugh?
Check out this week’s joke below and get ready to giggle.
😄
| | What kind of music do mummies listen to at Halloween parties? | | |
🎉Congratulations to the last Gazette Winner🎉
LIZ POFF
Don't forget, if you click to read the punchline, your name will be put into the hopper for a cool
prize as a thank you for reading all the way to the end of the Gazette!
If you want to submit a joke, awesome, email nikki.packee@stgabrielhubertus.org.
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