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!

Early Childhood Enrollment Verification: (All K4 & New K5 Students)

Reminder: If you have not already done so, please stop by the school office and visit Linda Schuh with a valid Birth Certificate to confirm your child’s date of birth. We need this to confirm their enrollment status.

Substitute Teachers Needed:

St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School is looking for caring, dependable adults to join our substitute teacher team! If you enjoy working with children and would like to make a difference in the lives of our students, we would love to hear from you.

Substitute teachers help provide a positive, supportive learning environment for our students when their regular teachers are absent. Applicants must have either a current Wisconsin substitute teacher license or a bachelor’s degree and experience working with children. All adults working with students in our school building are also required to complete Safeguarding training through the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

If you are interested in becoming a substitute teacher or would like more information, please contact Linda in the school office at (262) 628-1711. We would be grateful for your consideration and for your willingness to support our students and our school community!

All-School Holy Hill Retreat: 

The entire school community of St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School will be taking a pilgrimage to the Holy Hill Basilica on Tuesday, September 29th, 2026. Students will participate in a variety of faith-filled activities throughout the day.

Grade Level Schedules

• K4, K5 & 1st Grade | 9:10 – 11:00 a.m.
• Morning activities at Holy Hill; returning to school for lunch.
• 2nd, 3rd & 4th Grade | 8:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
• Includes 11 a.m. Mass, lunch at Holy Hill, and teacher-led activities.
• 5th Grade & Middle School | 8:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Includes 11 a.m. Mass, lunch at Holy Hill, and teacher-led activities.

Parent Chaperones & Visitors: We would love to have parents join us! If you plan to attend, please notify your child’s teacher. If you have children in multiple grades, please specify which group (or groups) and times you will be joining.

• Safeguarding Requirement: All attending parents must complete Safeguarding training prior to the trip. If you are already Safeguarded, you do not need to retake the course. You can access the requirements and schedule via the Archdiocese Safeguarding Website.

• Transportation & Parking: Students will be shuttled from St. Gabriel, so bus capacity is reserved for students and staff. Please plan to meet us at Holy Hill in the upper parking lot near the Basilica.

Action Required by Friday, September 18

1. Permission Slips: Hard copies are coming home this week with all K4–8th grade students.
2. Lunch Forms (Grades 2–8): Please complete the lunch form for each student in grades 2–8.

• If your child is ordering a school lunch, the fee will be charged to their school lunch account.
• If your child is bringing a lunch from home, please mark this option on the form and return it so we have an accurate headcount. 
• Return Date: Please return all completed permission and lunch forms to your child's teacher by Friday, September 18th.

If you have any questions about the trip, please reach out directly to your child’s teacher.

Beginning-of-the-Year Procedure Reminders:

Absence/Tardy:

Supervision begins outside at 7:40 a.m. each morning. The doors open for students to go down to their classrooms at 7:50 a.m. All students are expected to be in their classrooms ready for the day by 8 a.m. If they are not, they are considered tardy. Any students entering the building after 8 a.m. need to stop in the office to order their lunch.  

• If you know your child will be late, please notify the school office ahead of time and order their lunch if necessary.
• In case of an absence, please try to contact the office prior to school starting. Remember, we have voicemail, so you can always leave a message on voicemail @ (262) 628-1711 or send an email to lschuh@sgabriel.org the evening prior or before school begins at 8 a.m. 

Morning Drop-Off:

When dropping your students off, please remember:

• Pull all the way up to the end of the sidewalk, or to the car in front of you, before your students exit the car. Students should only exit the vehicle at the front sidewalk. They should not get out of the vehicle before you reach the front sidewalk.
• They should exit on the passenger side of the vehicle. We do not want anyone walking between cars at any time.
• Please do not get out of your car. A staff member will be there to help little ones out of the car if necessary.

Afternoon Pick-Up:

We are off to a great start!! All things ran smoothly last week in both the drop-off and pick-up lines. Here are just a few reminders to keep everyone safe and the lines moving efficiently.

• The spot in front of flag #1 in the car line is for our “skip the line” auction winner. Please do not stop in this spot unless directed by a staff member. Only stop at the numbered cones.
• Please do not exit your vehicles. There will be a staff member present to help students exit/enter cars on the passenger side. We do not want anyone walking between cars at any time.
• Please pull around to the church parking lot to buckle your children in their car seats. Do not do this while still in the car line. In the morning, there will be a staff member present to assist students in unbuckling car seats.
• If your child will not be going home their usual way (e.g., either going to a friend's house, someone else picking them up, not taking a bus that they normally take home), a note or phone call from a parent is required with these special instructions. If it is a last-minute change, please make sure you call and speak to someone by 2:30 p.m. since an email may not be seen in time if sent at the end of the day. We must have parent confirmation of any change in student pick-up at the end of the school day, either via email or a phone conversation with the school office staff.
• Teachers will not keep a student after school without making arrangements with parents first. Students are to leave school grounds promptly after dismissal. The school assumes no responsibility for children who do not go directly home or who stay on the school grounds without proper supervision after school. 

Picture Retake Day:

If your student did not get their school picture taken last Monday at our Meet & Greet, the photographers will be here for retakes on Friday, September 25 from 9 -10 a.m. 

They will be taking orders for yearbooks in January. You will not be able to order them until then. The link will be sent out as soon as we get it.

Any questions regarding picture day, please contact info@networkphoto.net or call (262) 677-8662.

Calendar Raffle Tickets:

Don't forget to drop off your calendar raffle tickets and money to the school office. We appreciate your help selling these tickets! If you need more tickets, please send an email to Mary Gilmeister, and she can send some home via backpack mail.

Business Office:

Thank you to all the families who promptly paid and/or entered into payment plans for their 2026-2027 tuition. Timely payments help our school operations run smoothly. They allow us to support our teachers, maintain our classrooms, and provide great learning activities for all our students. We truly appreciate your continued partnership with St. Gabriel Catholic School. 

If you have not yet made payment or completed a payment plan, please reach out to Angela Hauert, Finance Manager, at ahauert@stgabrielhubertus.org, in the Parish Office. For families who elected payment plans for 2026-2027, the first payment will be drawn in early September.

All families will receive their September tuition statement via backpack mail next week. Please keep an eye out for the envelope and reach out with any questions.

Playground/Lunchroom Volunteer Program:

Interested in earning a tuition rebate? It’s Simple! We still need a Friday lunchroom volunteer and substitutes! You can earn up to $1,000 toward your tuition just by volunteering to help on the playground or in the lunchroom during the 2026-2027 school year.

• Commit to a specific shift each week (ex., every Monday) for the school year
• Complete a short training session
• Earn $500 toward your school tuition (per shift: maximum of 2 shifts per family)
• Grandparents of enrolled students are welcome to apply. Tuition discounts will be applied to the grandchildren’s account.

 Shifts are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

2026-2027 School Calendar:

Please see the link below for the calendar for the 2026-2027 school year.

2026-2027 School Calendar

Dress Code:

2026/2027 Dress Code Policy (Including Out-of-Uniform Day & Phy. Ed./Athletics Guidelines)

Our Lands End school account has been updated with new items that comply with our school dress code. Our school number is 900129099.

Lands End School Account Info

Lands End Website

Uniform Exchange: Due to a high quantity of uniforms on hand, we are only able to accept size 8 or smaller uniform bottoms, smaller jumpers or dresses, and any St Gabriel branded tops or attire.

Get involved; VOLUNTEER - Enrich your life by giving back

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:

• Playground/Lunchroom helpers (see above)
• Room Parents
• Athletics
• Library Helpers
• Become an HSA committee member (see below for more info.)
• Become a S.A.C committee member (see below for more info.)
• $crip Volunteers after weekend Masses

Did you know...

Research shows there are many benefits of volunteering, below are a few...

1. Helps create a sense of community😉
2. Get to know the teachers and staff🙌
3. 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.

$crip (Raise Right) Certificates & Volunteer Needs:

$crip cards make perfect gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or for use at your favorite retail shops, gas stations, or restaurants.

You may buy your $crip cards in the parish office (Monday - Thursday, 8 - 3:30 p.m.), using this online order form, or after the weekend Masses.

Double your rebates and apply them to your tuition with RaiseRight.com/Shop-Online.

• Download the RaiseRight App today and select “Shop Now” on a brand’s page.
• Use your gift card from RaiseRight as payment to earn extra on your purchase.

Interested in learning more about buying online certificates using the RAISE RIGHT app? Please contact Finance Manager, Angela Hauert, or Abby Creedle in the Parish Business Office at (262) 628-1141 or ahauert@stgabrielhubertus.org for the program code. 

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.



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:

Our private St. Gabriel Parent Facebook Group is open for everyone (parents and teachers alike) 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!

On the Calendar...

9/18 - Boys Volleyball - See more info in the Athletics section below.

• 6:30 p.m. — 8th Grade Boys
• 8:30 p.m. — 8th Grade Boys

9/19 - Girls Volleyball - See more info in the Athletics section below.

• 8:30 & 9:30 a.m. — 7th Grade Girls
• 10:30 a.m. — 5th Grade Girls
• 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. — 5th Grade Girls

9/22 - Safe Environment Training from 6 - 9 p.m. REGISTER HERE

9/25 - Picture Retake Day from 9 - 10 a.m.

9/29 - Holy Hill Retreat Day

10/2 - No School

10/7 - Muffins with Mom from 7 - 7:45 a.m. - RSVP HERE

Peace and Blessings,

Mrs. Kimberly Lestina

Principal

klestina@sgabriel.org

We nurture academic excellence while we Proclaim the Word, Form Disciples, Live a Sacramental Life

PLEASE KEEP SCROLLING...

Around Our School:

Learning, Faith, & Joy

Middle School Science

Our 6th graders have been super busy exploring the fascinating world of cells! Last week, they took a closer look at cell structures and functions using their very own cheek cells—and got hands-on with chicken eggs to explore the major parts of both plant and animal cells.

From microscopic discoveries to hands-on experiments, our students are learning that science is best experienced by asking questions, investigating, and discovering for themselves!

Our 8th graders built DNA and replicated DNA using candy in their science class this week. What a sweet way to learn!

Teaching Mass

Today, our middle school students participated in a special Teaching Mass with Fr. Tim.

It was an opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the traditions of the Catholic Mass—including what we do, why we do it, and the meaning behind our traditions.

Taking time to understand our faith helps our students not only participate in the Mass, but also enter into it more fully and prayerfully.

What a beautiful way to grow in faith together!

Safe Environment Training

The goal of the archdiocesan Safe Environment Program is to protect our children and all in the church family from all forms of abuse and neglect. 

The program is required for all of our priests, school & parish staff, and adult volunteers who have contact with children or youth.

This includes, but is not limited to, volunteers at our school and in our Christian Formation program, classroom helpers, room moms and dads, lunch and playground helpers, library helpers, athletics volunteers and coaches, Boy & Girl Scout leaders, chaperone for field trips and retreats.

We invite all Moms, Grandmas, or Aunties, and kids to join us for our annual Muffins with Mom event as we celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7, 2026, from 7 to 7:45 a.m.

Please RSVP by Monday, September 28, so we have enough muffins for everyone. We will also have gluten-free options available.

FUNdraising

Stay tuned for more information in the next Gazette about the

March of the Hawks!

Volunteer opportunities coming out soon!

Buongiorno!

Our 2027 Auction is going to Italy. Thank you to those who have already RSVP’d.

Visit our new auction website using the button below for all of the event details and to RSVP!!

St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School

Parent Groups

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.

2026/27 School Advisory Commission members:

• Principal, Kim Lestina
• Parish Council Liaison - Rebecca Hartzel
• Meghan Berndt
• Amber Chycinski
• Jake Lechusz
• Ryan Lusher
• Matt Marcellis
• Kenneth Perriello

The S.A.C. is still looking for 2-3 new members for the 2026/27 school year. Joining the S.A.C. provides exciting opportunities to engage with our dedicated community. By volunteering with us, you can contribute to the legacy of Catholic education and help shape the future of generations to come. Let's come together to support our students, teachers, and the values we hold dear.



YOUR GIFT OF TIME: one monthly meeting, 1-2 hours in length, special projects as needed.

S.A.C. Roles & Responsibilities Please reach out to them at stgabrielSAC@sgabriel.org to get more information if you are interested in joining the committee.



S.A.C. is happy to assist parents and families with any concerns or questions you have during the school year. Email them at stgabrielSAC@sgabriel.org.

READ THE MONTHLY MINUTES HERE

HSA Open Position:

The secretary position is still open. 

The next meeting is Monday, 9/21 @ 7 p.m.

Anyone is welcome to come and listen with no commitment.

The meetings are virtual, so you don't even need to leave your house.

Get involved with this fun committee! Meet new parents and have fun planning events throughout the year for our students, families, and teachers.

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to any of the members by using the email above.

We need Room Parents!!! (Grades 1, 4, 5, 7, & 8)

Room Parents play an important role in helping build a strong connection between our teachers, students, and families with minimal time commitment. The goal is simply to help keep families connected and support the classroom throughout the year.

For more information or to sign up, visit iVolunteer.

https://stgabrielhubertus.ivolunteer.com/roomparent_2026

Snack Shack:

8th Grade Families -It's your turn to stock the Snack Shack!

Help the HSA shower our teachers and staff with snacks and energy to get them through the busy school days!

We’re asking 8th grade families to donate individual, grab-and-go snacks that teachers and staff can easily enjoy throughout the day. Individually packaged items are preferred for convenience and easy sharing.

Please sign up in iVolunteer and send in your donation before the end of the month.

https://stgabrielhubertus.ivolunteer.com/snackshack8

Trunk or Treat - SAVE THE DATE:

*Safeguarding is required to hand out candy (Class @ St. Gabriel is on September 22)

Register for Safeguarding HERE

FROM THE HAWKS NEST!

by Athletic Director, Jeff Poff

School: 262-628-1711

Direct: 414-750-6966

🏐 Home Volleyball Starts This Weekend — Come Cheer on the Hawks! 🦅

Our first weekend of home volleyball is here! St. Gabriel will be hosting games Friday night and throughout Saturday, and we’d love to see our families pack the gym and support our student-athletes.

Friday, September 18

• 6:30 PM — 8th Grade Boys
• 8:30 PM — 8th Grade Boys

Saturday, September 19

• 8:30 & 9:30 AM — 7th Grade Girls
• 10:30 AM — 5th Grade Girls
• 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM — 5th Grade Girls



Whether your player is on the court this weekend or not, come out, make some noise, and help us create a great home-court atmosphere for our Hawks!

🏐 Bring the family. Fill the gym. Cheer loud. GO HAWKS! 🦅

🏀 Hawks Basketball Is Coming Soon! 🦅

Winter basketball season will be here before we know it!

Keep an eye out for St. Gabriel Hawks Basketball registration opening soon. We’ll share sign-up details shortly for families interested in joining us this winter.

Get ready to hit the court-GO HAWKS! 🦅🏀

🏐🦅🏀 St. Gabriel Volleyball & Basketball Spirit Wear

There’s still time to grab your St. Gabriel Volleyball and Basketball spirit wear and cheer on our Hawks this season!

⏰ FINAL DAY TO ORDER — the store closes Friday, September 18 at midnight!

📦 Orders are expected to arrive around the halfway point of the volleyball season.

🛍️ Shop here:

https://alphacustomapparel.chipply.com/StGabriels2026/store.html?eid=629987&action=viewall



Grab your gear, show your St. Gabriel pride, and come ready to cheer on our Hawks!

PARISH NEWS

Both "Pizza with Purpose" and "Youth Group Fun Nights"

are for Middle School Students, 6^th-8^th grades.

Visit this link every Tuesday to view the Calendar Raffle winners.

You did it!

Thanks for reading to the end.

😁

What is a calendar’s favorite food?

🎉Congratulations to the last Gazette Winner🎉

Ashley Lauersdorf

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.

We are utilizing Constant Contact for our biweekly Gazette. Please mark these emails as "safe" so you receive important updates and news from St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School.