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!

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 8:00. 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.

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 some volunteers!! You can earn up to $1,000 towards 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

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 graduations, 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...

9/7 - Labor Day - No School

9/11 - St. Gabriel Famous Friday Fish Fry from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Join Us!!!!

9/12 - St. Gabriel GIANT Flea Market from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. - A few more VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

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

The First Day of School

We began the school year with our annual Backpack Blessing, as students and parents gathered in the gym while Father blessed the backpacks, our students, and the year ahead.

Our theme this year is J.O.Y.—Jesus, Others, Yourself, reminding us to keep Christ at the center of all we do.

It was a wonderful way to begin a new school year together!

Keep scrolling to check out the video from the backpack blessing.

8th Grade Commissioning

Yesterday, our 8th grade class assisted Father Tim with morning Mass. We also celebrated them with the annual 8th Grade Commissioning. They did a wonderful job!

These students are stepping into a pivotal year as leaders of our school, ready to inspire, guide, and shine with the light of our faith.

Let's keep them in our prayers as they embark on this journey, making this year one of growth, service, and faith-filled accomplishments.

5th Grade

Our 5th graders explored a variety of genres during their Starbooks Book Tasting! They sampled new books, discovered different genres, and enjoyed a special treat along the way.

A big thank you to Hartford Starbucks for donating supplies to help make this fun reading experience possible!

What a great way to celebrate the joy of reading!

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

We are so pleased to share our new lockers and cubbies, made possible through Bids for Kids at the 2026 St. Gabriel Parish & School Auction!

These new lockers and cubbies provide much-needed organization while creating a welcoming space where every student can feel that they belong.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported our 2026 Auction. Your generosity makes a real and lasting difference in the lives of our students. This is what happens when our community comes together!

Thank you for investing in the future of St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School.

Buongiorno!

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

If you missed the Flash Sale on Tuesday, you can still save.

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

Student Vendors Wanted!

There is now only 1 spot left, and it is first-come, first-served. 



• We are collecting $25 (upfront) to hold your spot. The price will be adjusted based on 10% of your sales, not to exceed $25.
• Please send a check or cash to the parish office; we will hold your payment until after the event, when you provide us with your sales number.
• Parent MUST stay with their child and must stay at your booth during the event (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

Any questions, reach out to Betty Miller or Nikki Packee at stgabrielholidayboutique@gmail.com

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.

Thank you to the 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. Their first meeting in September.

S.A.C. Roles & Responsibilities

Please reach out to them at stgabrielSAC@sgabriel.org to get more information.



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 has 1 position open for the 2026/27 school year. The Secretary position. 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.

Board Members:

1. President: Brooke Marcellis & Kelsey Berger
2. Lindsey Perriello & Kim Franzen, Co-Vice Presidents
3. Secretary: OPEN
4. Co-Treasurers: Lisa White & Kourtney Viste

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

Room parents play a vital role in supporting classroom activities throughout the school year. They serve as a liaison between the teacher, classroom families, and the Home & School Association.

Primary responsibilities include spearheading each class’s auction basket and coordinating teacher's gift.

Additional responsibilities may include coordinating classroom celebrations, organizing volunteers for events, and sharing important updates.

It's a fun and meaningful way to stay engaged in your child's education and help create a connected, supportive school environment.

FROM THE HAWKS NEST!

by Athletic Director, Jeff Poff

School: 262-628-1711

Direct: 414-750-6966

We are excited to welcome 66 young student-athletes playing volleyball this year across eight teams!

Games start on 9/11, and we are hosting 40 games this season!!! Volunteers are always needed, and you don't need to have a student in the program to volunteer.

Come cheer on our Hawks and Lady Hawks and help out at the same time!

PARISH NEWS

We are only 1 week away from our Famous Fish Fry and GIANT Flea Market!

Join us for a delicious fish fry, great food, and, most importantly, wonderful St. Gabriel fellowship.

Bring the whole family, invite your friends and neighbors, and come enjoy one of our favorite St. Gabriel traditions. We can’t wait to see you there!

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

You did it!

Thanks for reading to the end.

😁

Why does a music teacher need a ladder?

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.