Wednesday Herald

October 9, 2024

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on the following dates:

• Preschool: October 15th, 3-7:30 pm
• KDG-5th Grade & Specials: November 20th & 21st
• 6th-8th Grade: October 15th & 16th, 3-7:30 pm
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All conferences will be scheduled using the PickATime website. The website is open for scheduling. 

Preschool

If you have a Preschool child, conferences will only take place on October 15th. Conferences will take place in the individual teacher’s classroom and last 15 minutes.

Grades 6-8

If you have a child in grades 6-8, parents should schedule a conference with each teacher that they wish to speak to. You do not need to meet with every teacher. Conferences will take place on October 15th and 16th. You will need to click on each individual teacher’s schedule to book your 10-minute meetings. 

Grades K-5 and Specials Teachers

Mrs. Cohen will offer conferences on October 15th and 16th. Please stop by her room if you need to meet with her.

K-5 teachers and specials teachers will host conferences in November. 

How to Access PickATime

Access to the Parent Teacher Conference Schedule click here. 

To Sign In

If you have previously registered for conferences through this site, all you need to do is enter your email and password. If not, you will need to create a new account. We do not have access to reset passwords for you.

Once logged in, the schedule screen will appear.

- First, choose a date.

- Select a teacher’s schedule.

- Then, select the time slot on the calendar color that corresponds with the teacher you want to meet with. (If you select multiple teachers at a time, their names will be color-coded to correspond with their calendars.)

- Enter the student’s name and click Create Appointment.

- A confirmation page will be generated.

- Click Return to schedule the next session if needed.



If you have any questions about scheduling, please contact Mrs. Katie Jacobs at kjacobs@gaschool.org

Update on Lunch Service and Parent Feedback

Dear Parents,

We appreciate the feedback we've received from many families regarding students’ lunch purchases. I’d like to address two main areas: healthier options and portion management.

Healthier Options: We aim to offer a variety of nutritious choices each day, including fresh vegetables like carrots and cucumbers, along with a daily featured hot vegetable such as carrots, corn, green beans, or baked beans. Seasonal fresh fruits like apples, oranges, grapes, and watermelon are also available, as well as fruit sides like applesauce and Mandarin oranges. We are reintroducing salads and a basic meal option (daily entrée, hot vegetable side, and fruit side) if parents pre-order them in advance. Look for this option coming in November!

Purchasing Concerns: We have always encouraged students to start with smaller portions and come back for more if they have time. However, with the increase in participation this year, lines can become long, leading to some students to purchase more at once.

To help manage both concerns, we recommend the following: Parents can pre-order meals through the EZ-parent portal. Additionally, you can create a message to convey to our staff, specifying any limits or suggestions for your students’ accounts. Please email us your message at GA@kaldiscatering.com. 

Examples of such messages: “Sally can only have one entrée with two sides and a beverage daily” or “Charlie cannot have any chips or snacks during lunch.”

We hope this information helps you better manage your students’ lunch choices.

Please feel free to reach out with questions and suggestions. 

Thank you for your support!

Best regards,

Jeremy Thompson

Kaldi’s Catering

iReady Results

Student’s iReady Diagnostic results are now available to view in your student’s profile.  On Friday, students will bring home a guide on how to view these results. Teachers may touch on these results during conferences. If you have any log in questions, please contact Mrs. Katie Jacobs at kjacobs@gaschool.org

Updated Handbook

The 2024-2025 Guardian Angels Handbook has been updated. Please visit the website here to review the updated document.

Preschool Open House

A Preschool Open House will be held Monday, November 11th from 5-7 pm. This event is specifically for anyone considering enrolling their child(ren) in the preschool and/or pre-k program for the 2025-2026 school year. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP through the link below.

Upcoming Admissions Events

This year, we are hosting two Informational Coffee Sessions in place of a traditional Open House. These small group sessions create the opportunity for those interested in Guardian Angels to meet Corey, have their questions answered on a personal level, and see the school in action! These are for anyone considering enrolling their child(ren) in kindergarten through eighth grade for the 2025-2026 school year. Please RSVP through the appropriate link below and share it with anyone who is interested in learning more about Guardian Angels School.

Living Rosary 

Thank you to our 5th grade students and teachers who beautifully led our school in a special prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mother. Our students created a Living Rosary using candles around the sanctuary as we prayed the rosary together. Congratulations on a job well done! 

Library Volunteers Needed!

Mrs. Leach needs volunteers several times during the week to check in and shelve books in our school library. Please sign up to help here.

HSPT Prep Classes

The High School Placement Test is scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd. Emily Gaul (7th Grade E/LA Teacher) and Colleen Selzer (7 & 8 Grade Math Teacher) will offer preparatory classes for the assessment after school on the following dates. Please reserve these dates on your calendars now; additional details will be shared at a later date.

• Thursday, October 17th
• Thursday, October 24th
• Thursday, November 7th
• Thursday, November 14th

Scholastic Book Fair is October 7th-11th

Guardian Angels is pleased to sponsor our fall Scholastic Book Fair again this year, held in the GA library. Make today the day you read something new just for fun! The lineup of titles is fantastic, so look for the flyers coming home soon!

Please mark your calendars to visit our Book Fair and discover your child's next favorite book!

Save the Dates!

Book Fair Dates: October 7th-11th

Shopping Hours: During school hours each class will be assigned their own shopping time. Lunchtime open shopping hours are available as well!

Location: GA Library

Online Shopping Dates: October 4th-17th

Electronic payment is highly encouraged, so there is no better time to take advantage of the Book Fair eWallet. Let your child shop the fair cash-free with our digital payment option. Click here to create an eWallet. Please note that Ohio sales tax will be added to all purchases at a rate of 7.8% this year. Please discuss this with your child and take into consideration when budgeting book fair funds. 

See our Book Fair webpage for more information.

As always, volunteers are essential to the success of the fair. Volunteers are invited to sign up here.

8th Grade Currito Fundraiser

Help support the graduating class of 2025 and visit Currito on Tuesday, October 15th! Guests should announce that they are with our GA fundraiser prior to ordering. For more details, click here to view the flyer.

Great News for Anyone Who Pays Ohio Income Tax and Supports Guardian Angels

We have many students at Guardian Angels who benefit from scholarships provided by the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF). Ohio taxpayers who donate to the CEF may be able to claim a dollar-for-dollar, non-refundable tax credit on their state income tax return, up to $750 per donor. For more information, click here.

We hope you consider a donation before the end of the year and choose "Guardian Angels School (Cincinnati)(C00160)" from the drop-down when prompted.

Parishioner and tax expert, Brien Dulle, is donating. Here's what he had to say. "Supporting the CEF is a no-brainer for me for two reasons. As a graduate of GA that is also sending my daughters to the school, I want to invest in the education that our children receive. Secondly, there's no extra money out of pocket since I can claim a dollar-for-dollar Ohio tax credit."

Safe Snack List

The Safe Snack List has been updated and is posted on the website, ready for immediate use. Please remember to refer to this list when providing snacks for classroom treats. We appreciate the time and immense effort spent compiling this list.

Chess Club 

Guardian Angels School is excited to be selected to participate again in the Cris Collinsworth Proscan Fund Chess in School program this school year. 

The Chess Club meets on Mondays from 2:45-4 p.m. throughout the school year beginning on October 14th. The club is designed for students in grades 3-8 who know how to play chess, are interested in learning chess strategy, and enjoy some friendly competition. It is limited to a handful of students chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no fee for this club, but participants' parents are asked to volunteer periodically at club meetings. 



Contact Jessica Hansen with questions. 

Boy Scout Wreath Sale

Support Troop 445 and adorn your door with a beautiful fresh pine wreath or Candlelit centerpiece. All proceeds go to scout events, campouts, and expenses. Delivery the week before Thanksgiving.

To purchase, just complete the attached form or place your order online here. Orders are due Wednesday, October 30th. Pick-up is November 23rd and 24th at the GA Scout House. 

Knights of Columbus Scholarship Application for 8th Graders

This Knights of Columbus Scholarship is for students currently in the 8th Grade and entering Grade 9 at a Catholic High School for the 2025-2026 school year. One scholarship recipient will receive a $500 check made payable to a Catholic High School on behalf of the student to be applied to the student’s high school tuition. This application must be completed by the student and represent the student’s qualities and accomplishments. All applications must be emailed to ram8607@yahoo.com, subject line: KofC High School Scholarship by November 22nd, or turned into the GA or IHM School Office. For more information, click here.

Lunch Service

Kaldi's Catering Services provides GA students with lunch offerings each day. Parents need to set up and pre-order lunches through the EZ Schools Apps platform. Limited lunch items are available for students who have active accounts with available funds on the day of service. Please create an account if you don't already have one. 

Monster Mash Tickets Are Available!

All families are invited to this Halloween Bash on Saturday, October 19th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the GA Upper Lot (PC Gym in case of bad weather).

Join us for a family-friendly Halloween party! Enjoy games for the kids, tractor rides, face painting, free pizza, snacks, drinks, adult beverages for sale, a photo booth, DJ and more!

To purchase tickets, click here. If you prefer to purchase using a check, an order form is attached.

Volunteers and donations needed! Please click here to sign up. Thank you so much for your time and help.

Please reach out to Jennifer Allgier with questions.

Cafeteria Volunteers Needed

We are always in need of helpful hands to keep an eye on our students in grades K-8 during lunch. Please consider sharing a small part of your day to assist. All volunteers must be SafeParish trained. If you are interested, please sign up!

Boosters and PTA Dues

Guardian Angels has three major parent-led organizations that provide services to our students: PTA, Athletic Boosters, and Music Boosters. This $75 fee covers all three programs (PTA facilitates the collection).

The PTA is a critical link between the teachers and the parents. The money that the PTA receives from its portion of the dues, along with fundraising throughout the year, allows the PTA to put on events like the Penny Fair, manage the used uniform exchange, provide teacher appreciation events, and invest in capital improvements at the school. Last year, the PTA was able to fund renovations to the reading garden, play area upgrades, recess equipment for all grades, and are currently in the process of a library remodel, including a new room for Angels on Air. In addition, the portion of the fees that the PTA receives is used to provide financial resources to the teachers for their classroom needs.

The classroom party fee is $15 a child. This money is used by PTA classroom coordinators to plan and put on parties for each homeroom. Grades preschool - 4th grade will have themed parties for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. Grades 5th - 8th grade will enjoy pizza parties for Halloween, Christmas, and the end of the year. Click here to pay dues and party fees.

The PTA facilitates the collection of monetary gifts for the teachers at Christmas and the end of the year. This is not mandatory but provides an opportunity for parents and families to celebrate teachers and staff with a monetary gift. Please use this link if you would like to contribute to teacher and staff gifts.

Shop For a Cause and Support GA

Save the Date for Parents' Night Out!

Send Photos for Boosters to Share on Social Media

If you have any team photos or stories you'd like featured on the GA Boosters Facebook page, please send them to marcom@gaboosters.org.

Boys' Basketball Registration is Now Open

Guardian Angels boys' basketball registration is now open to all families of Guardian Angels Church and School for 3rd-8th grade students.

Registration Details:

• Registration Period: September 18th – October 18th
• Fee: $120 per player
• Register Here

Boys Evaluations (Located in PC Gym):

• 8th Grade:
• Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, 8:00-9:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024, 7:00-8:15 p.m. (Both dates required)
• 7th Grade:
• Monday, October 14th, 2024
• Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, 6:30-7:45 p.m. (Both dates required)
• 6th Grade:
• Monday, October 14th, 2024
• Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, 5:00-6:15 p.m. (Both dates required)
• 5th Grade:
• Monday, October 21st, 2024, 8:00-9:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024, 5:30-6:45 p.m. (Both dates required)
• 4th Grade:
• Monday, October 21st, 2024, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
• 3rd Grade:
• Monday, October 21st, 2024, 5:00-6:15 p.m.

(Boys in 5th-8th must attend both evaluations to be considered for a competitive team)

Important Dates:

• November 1st: Practice May Begin
• December 1st: Season Begins
• February 9th: Regular Season Ends
• February 12th-16th: End of Season Tournament

Please email any questions you may have to boysbasketball@gaboosters.org. 

Red & White Passes

Red & White Passes are now available for purchase on the Athletic Boosters website. A Red & White Pass provides admission to all GA home sporting events for the 2024-2025 school year. Cost is $75 for a family pass and $40 for a grandparent pass. Please click here to purchase your pass.

Did you know?

Masses were said in Latin until the 1960s.

For many of us this is when our grandparents or parents were growing up. We may have heard stories from them about how nuns and priests were their teachers or how strict they were, especially about Mass.

However, their "strict" outlook instilled the understanding that the Mass is the most intimate encounter we have with Christ in this world, even if they couldn’t understand the language. They knew that they were in God’s house.

At St. Gregory the Great Family of Parishes, we want everyone to always feel welcome with the genuine hospitality we extend. Hospitality is a two-way street. When we invite guests into our homes, we expect them to be respectful of our dwelling, in turn, we offer an enjoyable experience to our guests.

So too, must we respect God’s dwelling in what we say and what we do. If our Masses are to be an enjoyable and enriching experience, let us remember that we are in the presence of Almighty God, and while we have been welcomed into His home, we must treat it with the greatest care and respect by watching the way we behave in the sacred space, such as entering quietly, silencing our phones and our voices, taking time to pray in quiet, and getting our hearts and minds in a place where we can celebrate the Mass with reverence and joy.

Help Wanted for “Help Your Neighbor Day”

We need volunteers to help our neighbors who need our assistance for our annual “Help Your Neighbor Day”.

On Sunday afternoon on November 10th, members of St. Gregory the Great’s three churches will gather to be assigned the yard of an elderly or disabled neighbor who needs help with exterior clean-up before winter. Volunteers can be of all ages: adults, families, students, fathers, mothers, and grandparents.

Under the sponsorship of American Landscape and outreach teams from St. John Fisher, Guardian Angels, and Immaculate Heart of Mary, volunteers will spend the afternoon doing yard work for a neighbor in need. We need your help and don’t worry: the Bengals play on Thursday night that week!

Please email Lauri Zahumensky at mamazahu1@gmail.com to volunteer and/or recommend a neighbor’s yard. 

GA Faith Formation Board is Seeking New Members

Our Faith Formation Board is seeking new members and also a new chairperson. The Faith Formation Board was formed in 2021 and helps plan and support parish events designed to form youth and adults in the Catholic faith more fully. The board also helps grow the parish community through outreach to former Catholics, non-Catholic Christians, and others interested in learning about life in the Catholic Church. We meet once a month throughout the year except in June and July. This is a great chance to get involved at Guardian Angels and meet other parishioners outside of Mass! If you’re interested in joining, have questions, or want more information, contact Lisa Myers at (513) 325-4571 or Kevin Carter at (703) 981-6591.

Adult Help Wanted – for “Youthful” Volunteer Opportunities

Middle School Youth Ministry

We are re-launching the Middle School Youth Ministry programs with two groups: a 5th & 6th grade group and a 7th & 8th grade group. We need adults who have a passion for developing the faith and fellowship lives of these young people in a fun, supportive, and nurturing environment. We’re hoping to hold two meetings each month for each group. 

High School Youth Ministry Leadership Team 

We are looking to add to the current High School Youth Ministry leadership team. Alison Richert is the current Lead Coordinator for the HS Youth Ministry. For SafeParish reasons, and because the kids would benefit from a second “regular” minister, we’re looking for another “youthful” person who would enjoy partnering with her weekly. Ideally, we’re looking for a male so that any immediate personal issues can be handled appropriately. You can be someone who “just shows up ready to help” each week, or you can get involved in planning the weekly sessions. 

Core Team Volunteers

If you’re looking for a more flexible option, we are also forming a Core Team for the Middle School and High School Youth Ministry groups. These teams will help advise on the structure of the program, as well as be available to assist from time to time with chaperoning events, leading activities, helping with marketing, etc. 

If this sounds like something God may be calling you to, please reach out to Steve Von Hoene, the Associate Director of Youth Evangelization at stevevh@sggparish.org. 

Rosary Rally

Please join St. Gregory the Great Family of Parishes in praying for our nation on Saturday, October 12th from noon-1 pm at a local Public Square Rosary Rally. This will take place at Guardian Angels Church in front of Main Entrance on Beechmont Ave. Rain or shine. Be sure to bring your chairs, and an extra if you can, as no chairs will be provided.



Please contact Nick Carpinello at 513-289-7143 ncarpinello@gmail.com for more information.

Angels on Call is Here to Help

Do you know of someone in our parish experiencing a loss or hardship? Fellow GA parishioners are ready to lend a hand year-round with acts of service, meals or material items. Simply reach out to the email below. Please note, we will use discretion in all matters brought to our attention. GA is Family.

If you're interested in helping with Angels on Call, we'd love to hear from you. You can email us at aoc@gaparish.org.

High School Youth Group

When: Sundays from 6:30-8:30 pm. Upcoming meeting is 10/13. Meetings will move to Mondays beginning 10/21 for our next topic.

What: "Who is Jesus Really...?"

Where: IHM Youth Room (7826 Beechmont Ave.)

Why: A chance for students in grades 9-12 to play games, discuss various topics, and grow in faith and fellowship.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is back at Guardian Angels Parish 10 a.m. Mass on the third Sunday of every month. This ministry relies on the support of volunteers to serve our parish. Two adults and four teenage volunteers are needed each month. To sign up, click here.

Greeters and Gift Bearers Needed

Greeters and gift bearers are needed for all 3 weekend Masses. Please consider helping out in these important ministries! This helps the ushers prepare for Mass and not have to scramble to find gift bearers at the last minute. To sign up, click here. 

Young Men's Faith and Fellowship

Young Women's Faith and Fellowship

When: 2nd and 4th Wednesday every month from 8-9 pm. Upcoming dates are 10/9, 10/23, 11/13, and 12/11

Where: Guardian Angels Church in Room B in the undercroft

Age: 20s - 40s

Join together with other women to expand your Catholic faith and build meaningful relationships as we dive into various faith studies from the Blessed is She, Rooted devotional. No prior knowledge or materials needed; come as you are! Contact the group at womensfaith@gaparish.org for more information.  

Fathers Team

Every Friday, GA Fathers meet at 6:05 am to discuss various topics of interest and importance to our roles as dads, husbands, and “brothers”. Each week is a different topic, with outside speakers occasionally. All GA fathers are invited to join in person in Room B (downstairs) or via Zoom. Contact us at GAfathersteam@gmail.com for the Zoom link and for any other info on the group.

St. Gregory the Great Bible Study for Women

We are thrilled to announce that our parish family will offer Discovering our Dignity, a Bible study which will show you how the power of God worked in the lives of women in the Old and New Testaments. Some of the women were as flawed and broken as we can be, and their stories provide us with modern day advice. We hope you can join us, even if you are not a Bible scholar! The Bible study will begin on September 6, at 9:30 am in the St. Matthew room in the IHM Welcome Center. For more information about this study, or to register, contact Sheri May at sherimay76@gmail.com or Christy Hiltz at christyhiltz@gmail.com

School Masses

You can find a full schedule of school Masses on the calendar in Rediker. We will be livestreaming all of the All-School Masses through GA’s YouTube channel. 

Cookie Ministry

Guardian Angels School Cookie Ministry teams up with the Parish Peanut Butter group to feed families in need. The Peanut Butter group makes 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. GA students donate cookies. St. Francis Seraph Church in Over-the-Rhine gives the food to families in need. 

Students are asked to bring in two dozen cookies, brownies, or rice krispie bars on their classroom's designated day. Treats need to be bagged, with two treats per bag. Donations of juice boxes and prepackaged snacks are also needed. All 1st grade classes are responsible for the next donation on Monday, October 14th. A complete schedule for the school year is attached. 

Attendance Line

If your child will be absent or late to school, please call the main school office by 8:00 a.m. each morning. All parents needing to report their child absent or late to school should call using the main school phone number (513) 624-3141.

Box Tops For Education

The Guardian Angels PTA collects Box Tops and uses the funds earned to purchase indoor recess games and outdoor recess equipment. Box Tops is now on a digital platform. To participate, you’ll need to download the Box Tops App and scan your grocery receipt within 14 days of purchase. You’ll find more information here.

Kroger Community Rewards

Have you signed up for Kroger Community Rewards and designated GA as your beneficiary? The more families who register, the more money our school receives through the program. Kroger Community Rewards offers a great way for you to support our school's technology fund and you don't have to spend a penny. You can search for GA or use our NPO number, 80200. The amount Guardian Angels receives depends on the points our supporters rack up while grocery shopping.

Bulletin Advertising Available

Our bulletin publisher is looking for new advertisers and sponsors. Thanks to our sponsors, the bulletin is published weekly at no cost to our parish. Please consider purchasing an ad. Your ad and participation make the bulletin successful, and you attract customers! If interested, please email Sherry Montel or call/text her at 614-301-7444.

Advertisements and sponsorships can be purchased for a business, family, charity, in Honor or in Memory of a Loved One, or to support the church or a community service organization, such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters. We appreciate your support.

Community News

Elder High School

Grade school boys are invited to visit Elder High School and see how they offer a place for students to express their individuality and make their high school experience unique!

• Shadow Days: October 11th, 25th, 30th, November 22nd, 26th, December 5th, 12th, and January 10th. Click here
• Financial Aid & Scholarship Information Night: October 1st. Click here to RSVP.
• Open House: November 14th. Register here.

St. Ursula

St. Ursula invites grade school girls to visit and experience all the reasons why they were awarded "Best of Cincinnati" in the school category by the Cincinnati Award Program.

• Shadow Days: Through December 5th. Spend a day at SUA and shadow a current student through classes, breaks, lunch, and activities. Meet current students and teachers and see the authentic sisterhood in person.
• Open House: October 27th
• HSPT Prep Session: November 2nd
• Theater Preview Night: November 20th
• HSPT: November 23rd
• Application Deadline: November 26th
• Showcase Night: December 5th

McNicholas High School

Explore McNicholas High School this fall and learn more about how you can Find Your Brilliance as a Rocket! Click here to view our admissions calendar, list of events, and steps to apply. To register for a shadow day, Information Night, Open House, HSPT, and more, click here. We can’t wait to meet you!

• SHADOW DAYS – Explore McNicholas High School’s campus, meet our faculty and students, and experience our signature, close-knit community firsthand.
• APPLY – Applications are open from now through November 15th.
• HSPT REGISTRATION – Now through November 20th. Test is on November 23rd. Register for the HSPT or Prep Course today.
• INFORMATION NIGHTS – October 10th. SAIL Program information night is October 10th prior to the general session.
• OPEN HOUSE – October 20th 1-4 pm & October 21st 5-7 pm.
• FUTURE ROCKET SPORTS NIGHTS – Football October 11th at 7pm. 
• PARENT COFFEE – November 7th and December 9th

Stay connected to GA through the following social media platforms:

Helpful Links

If you have news to share with our community, please send it in through the link above labeled Send In News For The Herald. Information is due on Friday; the week before you would like the news to be included in our newsletter.

GUARDIAN ANGELS SCHOOL

513.624.3141

GASCHOOL.ORG