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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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Bussing:
If your family is within our bus service area and would like to receive bus service this school year, please contact Riteway Bus Company (germantowncharters@goriteway.com.) if you have not already done so. Riteway is in the process of creating bus routes and would like to complete the routes as soon as possible. If you do not notify them of your wishes, your family will not be added to the bus routes. Please list your child(ren)'s name and whether they will be riding AM, PM, or both. You can reach Riteway directly at 262-677-8739 and speak with Becky or AJ. Please also notify St. Gabriel School's office so we can plan accordingly.
Parent Meeting…Save the Date: Thursday, September 18 at 6:15 p.m.
Our mandatory parent meeting date has been set. This year, our parent meeting is for all school families, regardless of grade level. We will answer any remaining questions you may have about the school year. Our school committees will be available to answer questions about activities and volunteer opportunities. Representatives will be available to talk about fundraising, SCRIP, and volunteering. Our teachers will also be available to share more information regarding their classroom procedures and specific grade-level activities.
Business Office Update: EXTENSION DATES
St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School offers a prepayment discount for families who pay tuition in full by the first Monday of the school year. This option provides a cost savings while supporting the school with early funding for the year ahead.
We have extended the date for families who choose this plan. Please send a check to the school office by Friday, September 12, or pay online by Sunday, September 14, to receive the discount.
- $100 per K4 (per enrollment)
- $100 K5-8 One Child
- $175 K5-8 Two Children
- $250 K5-8 Three Children
- $325 K5-8 Four or More Children
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School Commission Openings:
Due to some member terms ending last year, we have some openings on the SAC (School Advisory Commission). Please see the link below for more information regarding our SAC committee. If you have any questions or are interested in joining the team, please contact our SAC at stgabrielsac@sgabriel.org.
SAC Roles & Responsibilities
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Get ready, Hawks! Formerly known as the Catholic Schools Walk, this year we are proud to introduce The March of the Hawks—a celebration designed and led by our School Commission. From October 6-10, our students and families will come together for events that blend faith, fellowship, and fun with plenty of physical activity and the natural beauty of our campus.
While this is a fundraiser to benefit our school, our greater goal is to strengthen the bonds of our St. Gabriel family and to joyfully live out our Catholic faith—side by side, step by step.
Please watch for more information to be shared with you soon, but in the meantime, mark your calendar for the March of the Hawks – Friday, October 10.
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Directory Spot:
We’re excited to share that our Directory Spot app has been updated and is ready to use. This easy-to-access resource makes it simple to connect with fellow school families and staff. Be sure to log in and explore the most up-to-date contact information for our school community!
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 2025-2026 school year.
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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. Contact Linda Schuh in the school office to sign up for this program.
If you are not able to commit to a shift each week, day-to-day volunteer opportunities may be available throughout the school year on iVolunteer. While these shifts are not a part of the tuition reduction program, it is still an opportunity to get involved.
Day-to-Day Lunchroom iVolunteer Link
Library Volunteers Needed!
A few more library volunteers are needed on Wednesdays for library day beginning on Wednesday, September 17.
We have two shifts every Wednesday that will help our volunteer Librarian, Katie Martinez.
- The morning shift (4K and Grade 1) goes from 8:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (It's OK if a volunteer needs to come later due to Mass attendance.)
- The afternoon shift (Grades 5K, 2, 3, 4, and 5) goes from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
We could have as many as three people sign up for any one shift, though technically two would work out fine. No experience is necessary, just a passion to help our school and students.
CLICK HERE to help!
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:
The parish also uses iVolunteer, so be sure to check the parish tab if you are looking for even more ways to give back. Currently, volunteers are needed for the Fish Fry on September 12, GIANT Flea Market on Saturday, Sept. 13, and helpers to sell $crip after Mass.
Did you know...
Research shows there are many benefits of volunteering, below are a few...
- Helps create a sense of community
- Get to know the teachers and staff
- Allows you to share your strengths or learn a new skill
Join us and get involved with the St. Gabriel School and Parish community! You'll be glad you did. iVolunteer Link
NOTE - Adults who work exclusively with other adults do not need to undergo safeguarding measures. However, if a minor is involved at any point, safeguarding protocols as outlined by the Archdiocese must be followed.
All volunteers who volunteer during school hours are required to be certified in the Archdiocese Safe Environment Education Class. Please visit this webpage for more details.
Below are dates for classes around the Archdiocese of Milwaukee:
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Part-Time Job Opportunities:
We are happy to announce that Ms. Lucy Rappis will be stepping in as the Assistant Director for our After-School Learning Program. She will be assisting Mrs. McAleer in managing our program.
We are still looking for an Early Childhood Aide to work with our K4 and K5 students 3 days a week (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday), 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Please contact Kim Lestina at klestina@sgabriel.org or call us at 262-628-1711 if you are interested.
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$crip (Raise Right) Certificates:
$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.
Volunteers are urgently needed to assist with the selling of $crip after weekend Masses. Please visit iVolunteer to sign up or contact Linda Schuh in the school office at (262) 628-1711 to help.
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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.
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.
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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 | | |
A Joyful First Day of School:
The first day of school at St. Gabriel was filled with joy and excitement! Teachers literally danced as they welcomed students and families back to campus, setting a tone of warmth and celebration. Together, we gathered in the gym for our beloved tradition—the annual Backpack Blessing—asking God’s grace upon each student for the year ahead. Watch the Video HERE.
Our 2025-26 school theme, “Shine Bright; Show the Way,” echoes the words of the hymn Shine, Jesus, Shine as we pray for the light of Christ to guide us, set our hearts on fire, and fill our school community with God’s love and mercy. It is a beautiful way to begin the year together!
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8th Grade Math:
Our 8th-grade math students put their heads together to create anchor charts as they learned about mathematical standards! These colorful charts will stay posted in the classroom as helpful references all year long.
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8th Grade Commissioning Mass:
This school year marks a significant milestone for our 8th-grade students as they step into their role as leaders here at St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School. During the recent Commissioning Mass, they received a simple wooden cross which Fr. Tim blessed. This cross is a reminder for them to lead the school with strength, humility, and love as they will be models of Jesus for the entire school community.
Please keep our 8th-grade students in your prayers as they navigate this important year, embracing their responsibilities with faith, courage, and a commitment to serve.
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8th Grade Science:
Our 8th graders made science sweet! They used candy layers to explore the Law of Superposition, learning how scientists study rock layers, relative dating, and uniformities in sediment. Hands-on (and tasty!) learning at its best!
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4th Grade:
Our 4th graders are diving into Scripture with a fun Bible Scavenger Hunt! They’re learning how to look up verses while growing in faith and knowledge. So much learning (and joy!) is happening this week in 4th grade!
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K4
Our K4 students have been busy this week, strengthening their fine motor skills by shaping the letter B with play dough!
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They also enjoyed lots of smiles and imagination during storytime.
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2025 Cash Calendar Raffle is NOW ON SALE!
64 Chances to WIN
$6,750 in Prizes
Did you know that last year we sold almost 1,200 Cash Calendar Raffle tickets and raised over $22,000 for our parish! Can you help us beat that number this year?
This year’s raffle is bigger AND better:
$ More prize money
$ More chances to win
$ NEW $750 prize drawing on September 29, 2026 — the Feast of St. Gabriel!
Did you also know, parent Matt Lauersdorf, dad to Charlie and Chase, has WON 4 TIMES!!!!
Don’t wait—grab some tickets to take home, to work, sell them to your friends and neighbors, and help us spread the joy.
| | #onceyouwinitsbackinthebin | | |
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.
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.
2025/2026 School Advisory Commission Members:
- Chairperson: Heidi Woelfel
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Vice Chair: Matt Marcellis
- Secretary: Jessica Ditscheit
- Members: Meghan Berndt, and Jake Lechusz
- TWO POSITIONS ARE OPEN
Representatives from the S.A.C. will be at Parents' Night on Thursday, September 18, to answer questions.
If you are interested in joining this committee, please send them an email at
stgabrielSAC@sgabriel.org or visit with them on September 18.
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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
| | Thank you very much to those parents who have signed up to be room parents. We are grateful for your help! | | 🎉🌟 Stay tuned for more information about their fun events 🌟🎉 | | |
The wait is over—volleyball season kicks off this weekend!
We have partnered with four other schools to form our robust volleyball program this year. Also, the Archdiocese is now including 4th grade in athletics, so for the first time ever, we have TWO fourth-grade volleyball teams. This will continue for basketball season as well.
Games start tomorrow, Friday evening, September 5! Doors open at 6 p.m. and Saturday morning, September 6. Doors open at 8 a.m.
Our student-athletes are ready to bring the energy. Come cheer them on and show your Hawk pride!
We have a total of EIGHT volleyball teams, and our gym will be an exciting place to be on Friday nights and Saturday mornings.
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As we gear up for a great season, we’re also looking ahead.
This will be Peggy Senglaub's final year as our incredible volleyball coordinator, so we are looking for someone to step into that role next season.
In addition, we’re seeking a basketball coordinator and a concessions coordinator to help keep things running smoothly during basketball season.
If you’ve been looking for a fun and rewarding way to get involved, this is your chance to make a big impact for our student-athletes and families!
Contact Athletic Director Jeff Poff if you are interested in helping!!!
Just do it - for the kids! :)
| | ATTENTION: MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENTS | | |
Celebrate 20 Years with Us:
Our famous Fish Fry is back—and this year it’s extra special!!
St. Gabriel is celebrating 20 years in our beautiful church, and we want YOU to be part of the fun. Mark your calendars for next Friday, September 12, and come hungry for our delicious fish fry, fellowship, and festivities.
| | Don’t miss this milestone celebration—it’s the perfect time to gather, reminisce, and make new memories together. See you at the party! | | |
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
| | TWO NEW PROGRAMS ARE FORMING FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS & GIRLS CHECK IT OUT! | | |
Our parish’s annual GIANT Flea Market is NEXT WEEK, and we urgently need help setting up beginning this weekend, on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 11 & 12, AND parking volunteers on the day of the flea market on Saturday, Sept. 13.
Can you spare a couple of hours? Pretty please.:)
Any questions, please reach out to the volunteer coordinator, Peggy Senglaub.
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You did it!
Thanks for reading to the end.
😁
Who doesn’t love a good laugh?
That’s why we’re adding a fun little joke of the week to the end of each Gazette.
Check out this week’s joke below and get ready to giggle.
😄
| | Why did the M&M go to school? | | |
🎉Congratulations to Last Month's Winner🎉
Eric Gitter
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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