The Good News
e-Edition: July 2020
A Time of Change, Celebration, and Community
As the world and the nation adapted to a new way of life in the past several months, so did our students, teachers, and staff of Good Shepherd School. We shared with you all feelings of uncertainty, fear, and stress but we hope you did, as we did, experience moments of togetherness and unity... and we thank technology for bringing us together at a time we need it most.
8th Grade Graduation Ceremony
On Friday, June 12, 2020 the 94th graduating class of Good Shepherd School turned their tassels in a graduation ceremony like never before... the First Virtual Graduation.

It was a joy to see how each family set up balloons and banners in the background to celebrate their graduate.

View the video to the left to see the speeches by our staff, teachers, principal, and Valedictorian Shirley Fernandez and Salutatorian David Guzman.
Shirley Fernandez
Valedictorian of the Class of 2020

Shirley will be attending Marymount next year on full academic scholarship. She is looking forward to studying new languages in high school, French or Latin, and possibly study astronomy in college.

She loves ELA and Science, and has participated in many clubs at GSS: DEA Dance, Softball Club, Basketball Club, Theater Program, Student Council, Harry Potter Club, Choir, and has been an altar server. Shirley has earned the highest honors and made her way onto the Principal’s List multiple times.

Her favorite memory of GSS was when she performed in Seussical, Jr. in 7th grade. “I would like to say thank you to my teachers for teaching me, and contributing to my love of learning. Additionally, I would like to say thank you to all the people who aren't recognized enough, like Mr. Robert or the lunch ladies; the school wouldn't function correctly without them. Lastly, I would like to thank Mrs. Lavery, Mrs. Walsh, and Mrs. Kennedy for helping me with choosing a high school.”

Her time at GSS has taught her that “I can always go to God for help, and that He will always guide me on the right path.”
David Guzman
Salutatorian of the Class of 2020

David will be attending Cardinal Hayes High School next year on full scholarship. He is looking forward to meeting new people and advancing his education. He enjoys ELA, dodgeball, playing video games, and traveling.

He has earned his way onto the Principal’s List each year and has received the Damian Meehan Scholarship.

He would like to thank all his teachers for "their time and support, and for helping me to receive a good education. Even though some days were tough, I understand why we needed that to achieve the best education possible. I will be forever grateful. I would also like to thank those in the school office for their help when I needed it or my parents needed it. Without you the school year would not go as smoothly as possible and I really appreciate that as well. Thank you to Mrs. Lavery for helping me get all the information I needed to get into high school.”

David will leave with the lesson that it is good to challenge yourself, and that having a relationship with God is important: “God is present in everything I do and will continue to be with me throughout my entire life.”
Graduate Lucas Fernandez celebrates with his family
Graduate Gilvin Melo during the Commencement Ceremony
Graduate Samantha Cotes with her diploma
Graduate Lourdes Clase and her mother celebrating her accomplishments
8th Grade
Student Spotlight
Leading up to their graduation day, we put a spotlight on all of our 8th grade graduates. Click below to read about all of our graduates and newest GSS alum!
Kindergarten Graduation
Celebrating our Little Grads
Our Kindergartners celebrated their graduation from Kindergarten into First Grade in our First Virtual Kindergarten Graduation! Pictured here is when the Kindergarten families picked up cap and gown and their goodie bucket!

Remote Learning
Education looked quite different over the past several months! Our teachers and students quickly adapted to the new way of learning at home, and we got very creative! From a daily video of Morning Prayer and Mrs. Lavery's Morning Announcements to Fun Friday Field Trips... we made it work! We would like to thank our parents for all of their dedication to their children's education... we couldn't have done it without you.
2nd Grade Volcano Project
Ms. Miralle's 2nd Grade Class was busy in their Science class creating their exploding volcanoes! Click the video to the left to see the explosions!
A Video to Our Students
Click the image to the right to view the video message our teachers and principal made to our students.
Pennies for Patients
Giving Back as A School Community
Every year, we join together as a school community to make a difference in the fight for cancer.

Our students collected funds for the Pennies for Patients fundraiser on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Have you considered donating to our Annual Appeal?
Our Annual Appeal supports our students and school, and we are very grateful for our donors and supporters for making what we do possible. If you are interested in giving back to Good Shepherd School, donating through our Annual Appeal is the way to make a difference!

We are 80% of the way to our goal thanks to the generosity of our network, and we need YOU, our dedicated network of supporters, to support our school and our students at a time we need it most.

Have You Moved? Let Us Know!
Have you recently moved, or have a new phone number or e-mail address? Does your GSS mail still go to your parents' home? Let us know! The school is always looking to update and maintain accurate information in the alumni database. If you have any recent changes to report, e-mail meghanginley@gsschoolnyc.org or call (212) 567-5800.
Get Social with GSS!
Did you know GSS is on social media?
Follow us to see what we're up to!
Support Good Shepherd School
Did you know that many employers will match charitable gifts made by their employees to their favorite non-profits? Check with your human resources department to see if they will match your gift to Good Shepherd School, doubling or even tripling your support!
 
Join Friends of Good Shepherd (FoGSS)
Alumni of Good Shepherd School are invited to join the FoGSS alumni community!

Network with alumni, stay up-to-date with the latest school and alumni news, find out about upcoming events and collaborate with fellow alumni. 
Help Spread the Good News!
Please share this e-Edition with your friends and fellow alumni and encourage them to join our mailing list. With your help, we will be able to share our good news with even more friends!