Wednesday Herald

November 13, 2024

As we have experienced such strong growth in our enrollment over the past 4-5 years, our class sizes have increased. This is mostly evident in our primary grades but can be felt throughout the entire school. The impact of increased enrollment is substantial. First, it provides a GA educational experience for more students and helps them grow in their faith and academics. Additionally, this increase affords us the ability to pay our teachers at a higher archdiocesan tier and provide students with additional supports, such as aides, a school counselor, school security officer (to start soon), and other support services to help every student grow. It also allows us to maintain a beautiful campus! 

Please know that we take the admissions process very seriously. We are mindful of class sizes in every grade level and focus on the philosophy of prioritizing positive educational outcomes for our students. For the 2024-2025 school year, several parishioner families were not accepted in PS, PK, and even KDG as we did not want to push our class sizes above their current number. While it is hard to turn away interested parishioner families, we will continue to promote positive educational experiences. Additionally, many students in older grades were not accepted due to potential academic concerns. When evaluating a prospective student, we assess previous report cards, standardized testing results, and behavior records, and require the student to spend a day shadowing at GA. We then look at the needs present in our current grade, along with the needs of the interested student to make an acceptance decision. 

Much time and effort are spent on the enrollment process every year. From the admissions activities (over 100 tours, Informational Coffees, Open House), to the time spent evaluating individual records, we try to achieve a balance of providing a GA experience for as many students as we can while also providing a positive educational experience for every student. If you ever have any questions about our process, please reach out! I look forward to partnering with you as your children grow and develop at GA! Thank you for choosing our parish school!

God bless,

Corey 

Join Us in Funding Future Angels This Giving Tuesday

Guardian Angels is Family. We, as parishioners of Guardian Angels Parish, grow together through the community that is unique only to GA. This community is deeply committed to growing our legacy through the next generation of Catholics devoted to living their faith. One way we do this is through our parish’s largest ministry, Guardian Angels School.  

Our school has provided our Angels a magnificent place to grow for more than 120 years. Students leave our school with a strong Catholic core and are ready to compete with the top learners in a competitive academic world. Every year, we strive to provide a top-notch education for all of our families. 

Guardian Angels is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our students to flourish. We are determined to continue Funding Future Angels. Our plan to accomplish this in the coming years includes enhancing our STEM makerspace and making improvements to our school campus and facilities.

We are asking for your help to make these projects happen. This will be our school’s single largest fundraiser for the year.

Consider supporting Guardian Angels School on Giving Tuesday! 

Giving Tuesday is the week after Thanksgiving; it’s a movement to encourage people to give back to their own community. This year, we hope you give back to our Guardian Angels community as we participate in this Giving Tuesday Campaign on December 3rd.  

Be on the lookout for an email on December 3rd with a specific link to donate to this one-day fundraising campaign. Donations made on December 3rd, through our online platform, will not be assessed by the Archdiocese, meaning your entire donation stays with Guardian Angels. Offline donations (cash or checks) or donations made on a different day are not included in this assessment waiver. 

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.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

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

• KDG-5th Grade & Specials: November 20th & 21st
• Specials Teachers: November 20th

All conferences will be scheduled using the PickATime website. The website will open on November 6th to schedule grades K-5. Appointments will close on November 20th at 7 am. 

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

Holiday Performances

Mark your calendars! Students are busy making beautiful music here at GA, and several performances are scheduled for this school year.

GA Christmas Concert: Thursday, December 12th (GA Parish Center Gym)

• 6:30 pm (Grades 1, 2, 3 classes & 5th grade Band)
• 7:30 pm (Grades 6-8 Bands & Chorus)

GA Preschool/Pre-K Program: Friday, December 13th (GA Parish Center Gym)

• 10 am (Preschool and Pre-K classes)

GA Kindergarten Pageant: Friday, December 13th (Guardian Angels Church)

• 1:30 pm (Kindergarten classes)

8th-Grade Fundraiser Poinsettia Sale

Don't forget to order your holiday poinsettias! 4.5, 6.5, 8.5, and 10 inch poinsettias are available. Order here.

Orders are due Tuesday, November 21st. 

Orders can be picked up Friday, December 6th, or delivery can be arranged for a donation.

Aubrey Badell at groveraubrey@hotmail.com with questions.

Finding Nemo KIDS Tickets Are On Sale Now!

Welcome Aboard Explorers! Finding Nemo KIDS takes you on a journey under the deep blue sea with Marlin, Dory, Nemo, and all their friends. Tickets are on sale now for this exciting theatrical journey. Show dates are November 15th 6:30 pm and November 16th 11am. All shows will be in the PC Gym. Purchase tickets here.

8th Grade Fundraiser: Uniform Approved Sweatpants

Purchase your GA uniform-approved sweatpants and help support the GA Class of 2025. Pants come in either navy or gray and have both youth and adult sizes available. To purchase, click here.

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.

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."

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.

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!

Father/Daughter Dance Save the Date

The 8th-grade girls have voted, and we have a Father/Daughter dance theme to share. Get ready for USA - Red, White, and Boogie.  

February 8th, 7 pm - 10 pm in the undercroft. Ticket purchasing and additional details to be provided as we get closer to the date.

Teacher and Staff Gifts

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.

Do You Have Any GA Uniform Items You Are Looking to Rehome?

Do you have any cold-weather uniform items you are looking to rehome?

Specifically, pants, sweatshirts, or fleece. We are currently accepting any uniform shirts, fleece, sweatshirts, skirts, jumpers and pants that are in good condition. We are not accepting shorts at this time.

Donations can be placed in the box in the Gathering Space November 8th through the 10th. There is also a collection box in the hallway across from the school office.

Shopping will be in the PTA room during conferences November 20th & 21st. The PTA Room is located in the hallway outside the cafeteria near the elevator.

We ask that donated items not be overly-faded, pilled, torn, stained or dirty. We also request that items have the current GA logo only. We are only collecting GA uniform items and spiritwear.

Any questions? Contact Becky at becky.tiefenbach@gmail.com

After-School Enrichment

GA Spirit Bracelets

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.

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.

Advent Wreath Making

Join us for a joyful Advent Wreath Making event as we prepare our hearts and homes for the celebration of Jesus' birth! On November 24th after the 10 am Mass, come together in the undercroft for a festive and creative experience as we craft beautiful wreaths that symbolize the light and hope of the Advent season. This event is perfect for families and a wonderful way to kick off our spiritual journey toward Christmas.

What to Expect:

• Supplies Provided: We will supply everything you need to make a beautiful Advent wreath that you can display at home as a reminder of this special season of anticipation.
• Lunch: Enjoy LaRosa’s pizza and snacks as you work!
• Together Sunday: This event coincides with Together Sunday, so take a moment to grab coffee and donuts before we begin.
• Cost: There is no cost for this event, but donations are welcome and will go to the parish.

Please sign up HERE by Sunday, November 17th to let us know you’re coming! We want to ensure we have enough supplies and food for everyone.

St. Nick is Visiting GA on December 1st

Children of all ages are invited to join us for a visit from St. Nicholas on Sunday, December 1st after 10 am Mass. Except goodies for the children, refreshments, and the opportunity to learn about this generous Saint!

St. Gregory the Great Youth Group Friendsgiving

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. 

High School Youth Group

When: Mondays from 6:30-8:30 pm.

What: "Question Everything"

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 held on the third Sunday of every month during 10 am Mass. This program is for kids ages 3-7. If you are interested in learning more or volunteering to help, please email alisonr@sggparish.org.

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 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 7th grade classes are responsible for the next donation on Monday, November 18th. 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

St. Xavier High School

Grade school boys are invited to learn about St. Xavier and how they form men into leaders and Men for Others!

• Shadow Days: Click here to schedule.
• Open House: November 17th. Click here to register.
• HSPT: November 23rd

Mount Notre Dame

We are thrilled to invite prospective students to join our vibrant community, where faith, sisterhood, and academic success come together to create an extraordinary high school experience.

• Shadow Days: November 15th, and 21st, December 3rd, 5th, and 6th, January 13th and 14th

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: November 22nd, 26th, December 5th, 12th, and January 10th. Click here
• 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.
• Theater Preview Night: November 20th
• HSPT: November 23rd
• Application Deadline: November 26th
• Showcase Night: December 5th
• Winter Wellness Day: December 7th. 8th-grade girls are invited to join us for a fun-filled morning where we focus on self-care and relaxation during the winter months. Register here.

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.
• 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