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!

Tornado Safety Drill:

This afternoon (Thursday, April 16), we participated in the statewide tornado drill. This drill is designed to help students and staff practice the procedures we would follow in the event of severe weather. By routinely reviewing and rehearsing these safety protocols, we ensure that everyone is prepared to respond quickly, calmly, and effectively in an emergency situation. 

Please take a moment or two tonight and ask your student(s) about our drill. Take the opportunity to reinforce the importance of these drills and why we practice safety drills in school.

We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing the importance of safety and preparedness. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office.

Read-a-Thon:

HSA has planned and organized our Read-a-Thon activities. The Read-a-Thon begins this Friday, April 17. We are using a different platform this year, so things will look a little different. 

You may use the FUNdraising link below to share with family, friends, co-workers, etc.

https://givebutter.com/2026readathon

We are also so grateful to all the families who have already begun FUNdraising for this event! Thank you.

Tomorrow, Friday, April 17, students will be bringing home a BINGO card filled with reading activities, and on the back, a reading log. On the DEAR days at school, the reading log on the back of the bingo card will be used in the classroom. Please return it to school on Monday & Friday.

Once your student completes a BINGO on their card, they should bring it back to school to give to their teacher so their picture can be added to our Read-a-Thon wall. 😁

Families may record their student's reading minutes using the link below. www.sgabriel.org/HSAreadathon

Prizes will be awarded for the following...

• Top 3 Classes with the Highest Average Minutes Read: Ice Cream Truck
• Top Reader in each Grade: Gift Certificate to the Book Fair & Movie Theater Tickets
• Top FUNdraising Class: Pizza Party

The activities for the week are as follows...

• Friday, April 17: Read-a-Thon kick-off - Teacher Swap

• Monday, April 20: DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) activity

Don't forget, on the DEAR days at school, the reading log on the back of the bingo card will be used in the classroom. Please return it to school by Monday.

• Thursday, April 23: Reading Buddies

Don't forget, on the DEAR days at school, the reading log on the back of the bingo card will be used in the classroom. Please return it to school by Thursday.

• Friday, April 24: Cozy Clothes Day/DEAR - Out of Uniform Guidelines apply - No pajamas, please:)

Don't forget, on the DEAR days at school, the reading log on the back of the bingo card will be used in the classroom. Please return it to school by Friday.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our wonderful HSA team at hsa@sgabriel.org, your classroom teacher, or the school office.

Your generous contributions help cover essential educational tools like student planners, IXL subscriptions, & other curriculum resources that enhance learning in every grade.

Safe Environment Week:

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee recognizes April 19–April 25 as Safe Environment Awareness Week. Each year in the month of April, which is recognized around the country as Child Abuse Prevention Month, we dedicate a week to elevating the general awareness of the Church’s efforts to keep our children safe. We want people to know that we are committed to maintaining safe environments in our parishes and schools through adult child abuse prevention training; criminal background checks for all clergy, volunteers working with minors, and employees; safety training for children in each grade level; and adhering to all mandatory reporting requirement laws.  

Click HERE for the Archdiocese’s Safe Environment Week Proclamation

Resources:

• Keeping Kids Safe Online
• Warning Signs of Abuse
• 5 Ways to Protect Your Kids

News from the Business Office:

After 13 years of dedicated service, Laura Rogacki, our Finance Manager, has announced that she will be moving to a position with the Slinger Schol District. We are deeply grateful for Laura's steady presence and helpful nature in dealing with parishioners on financial matters through the years and wish her much success in her new role.

A note from Laura -

"St. Gabriel is a special place to work and worship. I would like to thank each and every parish member & school family for placing their trust in me over the past 13 years. I am very grateful for my time spent on the staff of St. Gabriel Congregation. I will continue to be a parish member, and look forward to seeing you at the fundraisers and at Mass. "

We also want to announce that Angela Hauert has accepted the position of Finance Manager. Angela has been our Accounts Payable/Payroll Clerk for the past year and has accepted the challenge to take on greater responsibilities within the parish. Angela has an accounting degree, a master's degree in business administration, has served in public accounting, and has procurement and software implementation experience. We are grateful for Angela's acceptance of greater responsibility to the Parish.

We wish Laura the best in her new assignment, and congratulate Angela on accepting this role. 

Additionally, we are pleased to announce that Abby Creedle will be taking the Accounts Payable/Payroll Clerk position beginning on Monday, April 27. For the last five years, she has been the Ministry & Finance Administrator at Bezalel Christian Church & School. Additionally, Abby has experience as a preschool administrator and 4K teacher. We believe that Abby will be a great addition to the St. Gabriel staff. Please extend a warm welcome to Abby as she joins the St. Gabriel family.

Lastly, ASLP statements were emailed to families on Thursday, April 9. Please remember that this program is a sign-up and pay-in-advance each month. 

Reminder from the School Office:

In case of an absence or appointment, it is pertinent that you email or call the school office prior to the start of the day to inform the school of your child’s absence. You can email and/or leave a message at any time, which will be retrieved at the start of the school day. Please email

lschuh@sgabriel.org or call (262)628-1711. We appreciate your help and understanding, as this alleviates the extra calls and time to contact the parents after the fact.

Dress Code:

2026/2027 Dress Code Policy (Including Out of Uniform Day 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

2026-2027 School Calendar:

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

REVISED: New Holiday Boutique Date

2026-2027 School Calendar

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:

• Lunch and Playground Helpers
• Library Helpers
• $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 Need:

$crip cards make perfect gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or for use at your favorite retail shops, gas stations, or restaurants. You may buy your certificates in the school office during office hours, online order form, or after the weekend Masses.

Double your rebates 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 in the Parish Business Office at (262) 628-1141 or ahauert@stgabrielhubertus.org for the program code. 

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.



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...

4/17 - 4/24 - HSA Read-a-Thon

5/18 - 5/21 - Scholastic Book Fair - Volunteer Opportunities will be published soon!

5/20 - Grandparents Mass

5/25 - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL

5/27 - 8th-Grade Mass and last day for 8th Grade

5/28 - 8th-Grade Graduation at 6:30 p.m.

6/3 - Spirit Groups and last day of school - HALF DAY 8 -11 a.m.

6/22-26 - Vacation Bible School - Register HERE

Peace and Blessings,

Mrs. Kimberly Lestina

Principal

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

PLEASE KEEP SCROLLING

IN THE CLASSROOMS!

6th Grade!

Our 6th graders are diving into Earth science.

Students are exploring how water salinity and temperature drive ocean currents—impacting upwelling, surface currents, and even climate patterns around the world. It’s incredible to see how interconnected God’s creation truly is!

K4!

Our K4 scholars had a splash-tastic time during their PLTW “Sink and Float” unit! With lots of curiosity and excitement, they explored shapes, tested what floats and sinks, and discovered what happens when oil and water mix. A highlight was shaking heavy cream to make butter—watching it change from a liquid to a thicker treat right before their eyes!

Through playful, hands-on learning, students explored solids, liquids, and gases while practicing early scientific skills. They carefully used pipettes to control drops of water—sometimes just one drop, sometimes a full squeeze—to complete fun experiments. One favorite activity was melting ice with pipettes to rescue tiny treasures frozen inside. Up next, these young scientists will design creative contraptions to safely send a message across water! Great job!

Alumni News:

The St. Gabriel Christian Women are happy to announce the 2026 Scholarship winners….

1. Alumna Rachel Kohls
2. Alumnus Matthew Mans
3. Ashlyn Rogacki
4. Alumna Ava Strauss

Please join them at Fellowship Sunday this weekend at 9 a.m. for a brief presentation of the scholarship awards in the Parish Hall. Watch our Facebook page for pictures!

Congratulations to the winners and best wishes to all of the 2026 graduates. We have reason to be proud of them all for their achievements.

FUNdraising

Auction Success:

Our 2026 Parish and School Auction was a wonderful success, and it’s all thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and the unwavering support of our parish community, families, and friends. Every contribution — big or small — helped make this event meaningful. We are deeply grateful and blessed.

The Bids for Kids raised $51,000, and the auction raised $133,000 - the BEST ever!!!!

To view the fun pictures from the event, visit www.frophoto.com/stgabrieldauction26

Your generosity strengthens our mission and continues to uplift Catholic education

for our students and families. We are truly grateful for your support!

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.

The S.A.C. is looking for 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.

SAC Roles & Responsibilities

Please reach out to the members below to get further information:

2025/2026 School Advisory Commission Members:

• Chairperson: Heidi Woelfel
• Vice Chair: Matt Marcellis
• Secretary: Jessica Ditscheit
• Members: Meghan Berndt, Amber Chycinski, Jake Lechusz, & Ryan Lusher
• Parish Council Liaison: Rebecca Hartzel

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.

STARTING NOW!

Visit the link below to begin FUNdraising

https://givebutter.com/2026readathon

• Once on the giving page, scroll down to “CLASS TEAMS”
• CLICK on a class team to find your reader(s)
• Then SCROLL down to find the list of that class's readers
• CLICK the reader’s circle to be directed to their own fundraising page
• THEN use the “Support Readers” button at the top of the page to donate.

Send that link to family, friends, & co-workers today!!

NOTE - The landing page graphics don't change when you go to a class or individual's fundraising page, so a quick tip to see if you are on the right reader's fundraising page is to check the URL at the top. Once on your readers' page, use the “Support Readers” button to donate to their personal page. :)

STARTING TOMORROW, Friday, April 17.

Log your readers' minutes by using the link below.

www.sgabriel.org/HSAreadathon

Complete the BINGO card and send it back to get your child/ren's picture on the Read-a-Thon wall. On the DEAR days at school, the reading log on the back of the bingo card will be used in the classroom.

Prizes for...

Top 3 Classes with the Highest Average Minutes Read: Ice Cream Truck

Top Reader in each Grade: Gift Certificate to the Book Fair & Movie Theater Tickets

Top FUNdraising Class: Pizza Party

The activities for the week are as follows:

• Friday, April 17: Read-a-Thon kick-off - Teacher Swap

• Monday, April 20: DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) activity

Don't forget, on the DEAR days at school, the reading log on the back of the bingo card will be used in the classroom. Please return it to school.

• Thursday, April 23: Reading Buddies

• Friday, April 24: Cozy Clothes Day/DEAR - Out of Uniform Guidelines apply - No pajamas, please:)

Don't forget, on the DEAR days at school, the reading log on the back of the bingo card will be used in the classroom. Please return it to school.

Your generous contributions help cover essential educational tools like student planners, IXL subscriptions, & other curriculum resources that enhance learning in every grade.

PARENTING with LOVE AND LOGIC INTEREST?

Parents,

HSA would like to know.....PLEASE RESPOND TO THE QUESTION BELOW!

Would you be interested in a 5–6 week Parenting with Love and Logic course offered at school?

This program provides practical tools to help build respectful relationships, set loving boundaries, and raise accountable children—while reducing daily parenting frustrations.

Sessions would be held weekly, with the total cost shared among participants.

Any questions, please reach out to Kristen Burg at hsa@sgabriel.org.

PARISH NEWS

Vacation Bible School at St. Gabriel!

Our VSB will be in the morning, the week of June 22-26, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Through worship and drama, Bible study, art projects, and active games, children learn that there are many opportunities and ways to live as peacemakers. Passport to Peace invites children to see every person as part of God’s family, and every interaction as an opportunity for peacemaking.

In a world that is too often divided by race, class, ethnicity, and country of origin, Passport to Peace is a reminder that the love of God and the way of peace transcend all borders and divisions. All are welcome in the family of God. Led by God’s Spirit, we can all participate in creating a more peaceful world.

Open to all school and parish incoming K5 - 5th-grade students.

Wear comfortable clothes and bring a snack.

Led by St. Gabriel Parish School Teachers, Mrs. Erdmann and Mrs. Kohls, and Mrs. Rosenberg from our parish formation program.

Sign up now - limited spaces available!

Congratulations!

As the St. Gabriel community celebrated the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 4, the assembly welcomed school parent, Ashley Lauersdorf, fully into the Catholic faith.

Ashley, along with her husband and sponsor, Matt, journeyed through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults to profess her belief in the Catholic faith and receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Congratulations to our newest member!

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!!!!

In your Baptism and Confirmation, you received gifts that our world needs. Do you know yours?

These gifts of the Holy Spirit, called charisms, enable you to be a channel of God’s love, truth,

beauty, mercy, healing, and provision for others.

St. Gabriel will offer two 4-hour workshops for you to Discover YOUR CHARISM.

Attend both!

Monday, April 20, 5:30 - 9 p.m.

&

Monday, April 27, 5:30 - 9 p.m.

The $60 Workshop Fee covers materials & food.

As you uncover your gifts, you discover that they are important clues to the particular mission God has for you.

Altar Servers – New and Seasoned!

New Altar Servers: Is child/ren interested in Altar Serving? Are they 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.

We have updated 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

Area High Schools & Parishes

Washington County Catholic High School:

Permission has been granted by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to proceed with a Catholic High School in Washington County. We need to get the process going as soon as possible. Please plan on attending two meetings to be held in the next month.

The dates are:

• Thursday, April 23 – 7 p.m
• Wednesday, May 13 at 7 p.m.

Both meetings will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Slinger (enter north side (carport) in the lower level. If you are unable to attend or need further information, please contact Deacon Bob Derks at (414) 313-5184.

Social Media Presentation:

St. Kilian Home & School Association is presenting Social Media Safety for Families on April 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Church Gathering Space.

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

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.

😄

Why is the letter A like a flower?

🎉Congratulations to the last Gazette Winner🎉

Dawn Jorgensen

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 bi-weekly Gazette. Please mark these emails as "safe" so you receive important updates and news from St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School.