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Thursday Tidbits
September 10, 2026
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are very close to meeting our fundraising target of $50,000. We are only $6,000 away. Even a small donation will go a long way to getting us to the finish line. Tomorrow, the Boosterthon Group will provide the set-up and running of our Fun Run final event. This will be set-up in the early morning in our West Parking Lot. Those of you who are car drivers, be prepared to see tents, a DJ booth, cones etc. They will not impede your progress, but will be a little bit of a distraction. Continue on your normal routes through the lot to your child’s drop off door.
If a parent or sponsor (donator) wishes to see their child run the laps for their pledges that will be allowed. Parents/visitors will not be allowed into the school building, we cannot accommodate all the background checking that would be required for that. If you do plan to attend, parking will be along 120 and in the East Parking Lot. Parents/Guests will stand on the perimeter of the running course. The schedule for grades going out to the run is as follows:
PK-2 (8:00-8:45)
3-5 (9:00-9:45)
6-8 (10:00-10:45)
Here is a special note from our fundraising group about the eligibility for Great Wolf Passes. I have been told that these can be used at
ANY Great Wolf Lodge:
“If St. Gilbert School reaches their goal, in order for the student to receive the Great Wolf Lodge pass they must be registered on the mybooster.com website. The pass will be emailed to the email address attached to the child's info. on the mybooster website. This also means that in order for each child of a family to receive their pass, they must each have their own booster account. The student just simply needs to be registered in the mybooster.com system, it does not matter if they have a donation or not, so even if you are not able to donate at this time, just registering at mybooster.com will get them a Great Wolf Lodge pass as long as the school goal is reached.”
Dear St Gilbert Catholic School Families,
The Rebel Fun Run is tomorrow, which means tonight is the LAST NIGHT FOR DONATIONS on MyBooster.com before our big event! We are SO CLOSE to reaching our goal. Can you help us? Every donation, no matter what size, makes a HUGE impact on our school!
So far, every share and donation has added up to $43,939. Small actions can make a big difference for our school.
Sign up on MyBooster.com, share your student’s page, and help us move closer to unlocking Great Wolf Lodge digital day passes for registered families. Time is running out!
REMINDER: Send your student to school wearing appropriate clothing and sneakers to be ready for tomorrow’s Rebel Fun Run.
Thank you for working hard to support our school. We truly appreciate you!
* As an added incentive I have told the children that if we meet our goal they can wear a “your choice dress down” for the Fun Run. It is supposed to be a very nice day, so athletic shorts, t-shirts, and running shoes are suggested. Students should have a water bottle with them already, and will be allowed to bring it outside for the run.
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
9/11 - Fun Run Event (during school day), dress down in appropriate attire (see above)
SGS Sports Central:
Saturday 9/12 - 5th Grade Girls Volleyball first match @ St. Joe’s Libertyville 10:00
Monday 9/14 - Boys Soccer @ St. Anastasia 4:30 & 5:30 games
Monday 9/14 - Girls Volleyball @ home vs. POP 6:00 (6A)/7:00 (7th)
Tuesday 9/15 - Cross Country Meet @ Allegheny 4:30
Other Bits:
Pizza & PJ Event (Grades 1-4 only) Pizza & PJ Night Gr 1-4
registration link: https://forms.gle/RSdKSVg1HafHztSe6
Gurnee Park District Happenings:
September 3, 2026
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Our major Fundraiser is underway, and I thank you in advance for your support of these efforts. We have it top of mind to make our school be as beautiful and enlightening as possible for our students, while also maintaining a budget that really has no extra funds for special projects. Tuition covers staff salaries, staff benefits, and basic building operations. With this fundraiser you can utilize “matching funds” from many of the companies that you work at such as; Abbott, Abbvie, Baxter and many more! We are a non-for-profit organization/charity. With everyone’s participation we can reach our goals!
REBEL Way Prize Cart:
Throughout the school year we focus on the positive, and kind actions of our students. Teachers and support staff hand out “tickets” to students that are going above and beyond. On Fridays, a prize cart comes around to all the classrooms. Students in the younger grades “bank” a certain number of their tickets for a trip to the cart. Older grades put their tickets into a jar to hopefully get pulled to earn a trip to the cart. Teachers have been promoting this and asking for donations to start our year off; trinkets, toys, fidgets, office supplies (pencils, notebooks, bookmarks), movie style candy and dress down passes are popular. Thank you to the following families for their donations: Hannan, Torres, Kotz, Kruse, and Casper.
Holiday Parties:
During the school year we will host (4) classroom party days around certain holidays. On these days room parents will work with the classroom teacher to plan an activity, and the menu. The first (3) parties will have pizza as the main food item, and for the final party of the school year classrooms will plan their main food item on their own. Included in every child’s tuition is $35 for classroom parties. Room Parents will work within this budget for food. Parents may be asked to donate other needed party supplies. Party days are the following; Halloween (Oct. 30), Christmas (Dec. 18), Valentine’s Day (Feb. 11), End of Year (May 24-27/Class Choice).
Grandparents or Special Guests:
Please add to your calendars our Grandparents & Special Guest Days this year. We are trying a new format that allows us to welcome grandparents on (3) different days this school year for various age groups. We are too big of a school to have another Grandparent Day like we did a few years ago, that accommodates all grades on one day.
Start planning with Grandparents & Special Guests:
October 23, 2026 - Grandparents & Special Guest visit grades (6-8)
January 29, 2026 - Grandparents & Special Guest visit grades (3-5)
April 23, 2026 - Grandparents or Special Guest visit grades (PK-2)
*Unique invitations will arrive prior to the dates. Know that the times will be approximately 9:00-10:45, and may include a lunch option for older grades. Details will be forthcoming as we head to our first visit in October. RSVP will be required once you receive the invitation.
Blessings on our school, students & staff as we embark on this new year!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Thursday 9/3 - Curriculum Night Grades (1-8) (parents only) in gym
Friday 9/4 - Picture Day/Dress Up
Monday 9/7 - No School, Labor Day
Tuesday 9/8 - PJ Dress Down (if earned, bring in purple/gray pass) (6-8) Art Club Begins (Registration Closed) Terrific Two’s Begin Attending (9:00-11:30)
Wednesday 9/9 - No (PM) Grayslake Buses
Friday 9/11 - Fundraiser Finale - Fun Run (grade schedule TBD)
Fliers & More:
26-27 Yearbook Photos
Please consider submitting photos for the 26-27 yearbook! Each event throughout the year will be showcased with its own yearbook page. We currently need photos for our Back to School page and SGS Block Party page. If you have photo(s) you'd like to see included please use the google form link below to upload your photo(s) or send them to sgsrebelsyearbook@gmail.com. Thank you!
Google Form:
https://forms.gle/k4RXqnPw4SJ5fBuv9
The NFL Season starts Wed Sept 9, get in on the SGS NFL Survivor Pool to help the school!
FOOTBALL AND FUNDRAISING
Like football? Like fun? Come join the SGS NFL Pick'em Survivor pool - get the whole family involved! Help SGS raise money to invest back into the school. Please share with family and friends - all are welcome!
The cost to participate is $30; use Zelle to pay the entry fee: zelle@stgilbertschool.org Fees must be received by Sept 9 or your entry may be disqualified. Winnings: 30% of the pot to the winner, and 70% to SGS.
The rules: Pick one game each week, survive and advance, lose and you're done. You can only choose a team once. BACK AGAIN THIS YEAR, MULLIGANS! You can buy back 1 extra chance once you're eliminated for another $30 entry fee. Please use your first/last name when signing up for ease of identification.
Sign-up using the free CBS app or on your computer here (no password required): https://bit.ly/4qO2Ucg
Go Roaring Rebels!
September 1, 2026
Boosterthon Kickoff Day
Sign Up for our Rebel Fun Run!
It’s time to rally together for our Rebel Fun Run fundraiser! Our goal is to raise $50,000 for outdoor area projects, which will enhance our school’s resources and provide our students with an even better educational experience.
To make things even more exciting, if we raise $50,000, we will not only enjoy the outdoor "Fun Run" but as a school, we will have an all school movie event!
Plus, Great Wolf Lodge is joining in the fun! When our school reaches our goal, every student earns a Great Wolf Lodge waterpark day pass. Make sure your family is registered on MyBooster.com so your student can receive this reward, then share your student’s donation page with friends and family to get there!
Here’s how you can help:
- Sign up at MyBooster.com
- Share your student’s donation page with friends and family
- Donate if you’re able
Thank you for your support!
September 1, 2026
Survivor Pool: SGS Athletics Fundraiser
The NFL Season starts Wed Sept 9, get in on the SGS NFL Survivor Pool to help the school!
FOOTBALL AND FUNDRAISING
Like football? Like fun? Come join the SGS NFL Pick'em Survivor pool - get the whole family involved! Help SGS raise money to invest back into the school. Please share with family and friends - all are welcome!
The cost to participate is $30; use Zelle to pay the entry fee: zelle@stgilbertschool.org Fees must be received by Sept 9 or your entry may be disqualified. Winnings: 30% of the pot to the winner, and 70% to SGS.
The rules: Pick one game each week, survive and advance, lose and you're done. You can only choose a team once. BACK AGAIN THIS YEAR, MULLIGANS! You can buy back 1 extra chance once you're eliminated for another $30 entry fee. Please use your first/last name when signing up for ease of identification.
Sign-up using the free CBS app or on your computer here (no password required): https://bit.ly/4qO2Ucg
Go Roaring Rebels!
August 27, 2026
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
This Tidbit will be dedicated to all things extracurricular, and gentle reminders about transportation (specifically afternoon car pick-up).
School is getting started, and along with that are all the clubs, music lessons, chess, etc. In today' s issue there will be information about both our outside music companies that provide lessons during the school day. These lessons do have a fee, but offer you the convenience of the lesson happening during the school day.
Music and Arts: Band instrument instruction for grades 4-8 Band Registration Information
Music Kids: Lessons in Piano, Guitar, Violin for students in PK-8:
Hello St. Gilbert Families,
We are thrilled to announce that the Music Kids Program will be returning to our school this year.
For those unfamiliar with our program, we offer weekly 30-minute small group instrumental lessons in piano, violin, and guitar. We offer these lessons for every grade. We provide rental instruments for all students and send bi-weekly progress updates. Lessons start at $160 a month, and tuition assistance is available. Our year concludes with an End of the Year Recital, where students can showcase everything they have learned.
To be added to our contact list for fall registration, please fill out this form:
https://forms.gle/idEsQJEouK1snWH5A
The first session of Art Club is for grades 6-8, this meets after school for students who love exploring different mediums and more involved projects. Grades 6-8 Art Club
Families that use our Aftercare, please read over this information from Mrs. Beagles, Aftercare Moderator:
A Note from the Afterschool Moderator:
Dear Families,
Welcome back to After School Care! We were so happy to welcome our students back to After School Care last week, and we are especially excited to welcome the many new students joining our program this week.
As the After School Care Moderator, my role is to oversee the general operation of the program, including staffing, student behavior, procedures, and communication with families. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns throughout the school year.
Here are a few reminders to help our program run smoothly:
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Afterschool Handbook- Please see the attached handbook for information regarding program policies and procedures. Our afterschool program is an extension of our school day and the same expectations should continue to After school Care. Aftercare Handbook
*. Pick-up Times:Please be mindful of our closing time. Late pick-ups will be charged with a late fee.
-
PikMyKid:Use pikmykid to announce when you are on your way. This gives our staff time to get your child ready for dismissal. Students may be on the playground or in another area, so a little notice is very helpful.
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Pick-Up PIN Number: Your personal pin can be found in your Procare App. Please make sure you know your pin for pick up.
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Pick-up Conversations: Our staff members are very busy supervising students and managing dismissals during pick-up. For safety reasons, they may not be able to have extended conversations with families at that time. If there is a concern a staff member or I will reach out to you.
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Communication- At this time, we are not using the messaging feature in Procare. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at dawn.beagles@stgilbertschool.org
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Homework: We provide our older students with an opportunity to complete homework at the beginning of After School Care and encourage them to take advantage of this time. Keep in mind that our stuff members do not always know what has been assigned in each classroom or grade level. Students are expected to be responsible for knowing what homework they need to complete and having the necessary material with them.
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After-School Sports and Activities: If your child needs to leave After School Care to attend a sport, practice, or other activity in the building, please send a note with your child. A staff member will make sure your child gets to the gym or designated meeting location.
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Outdoor Time: We believe outdoor play is an important part of our After School program. We go outside throughout the entire school year, weather permitting. As the weather changes , please make sure your child has appropriate outerwear. Our staff logs the amount of time students spend outdoors each day. This helps us monitor outdoor time and make sure students are not outside for too long based on the temperature and weather conditions.
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After School Care Rooms: This year, we have four rooms to better meet the needs of our different age groups. Preschool, K-1, Grades 2-3, Grades 4-8.
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Donations Welcome: If you have gently used games, toys, or other age-appropriate activities that your family no longer needs, we are grateful to accept donations.
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Snacks: Students typically eat snacks brought from home or left over lunch from lunchtime. We also have snacks available for purchase for .75 each. Please send exact change or smaller bills.
Thank you for your support. Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable place for our students to spend their time after school.
Ms. Beagles
After School Care Moderator
Important Reminders re: Afternoon Car Dismissal
* Cars are not allowed to pull into the lot until waved in by a staff member (approximately 1:40)
* There are (5) families with special passes that they won in a raffle who are allowed in prior to 1:40, everyone else needs to wait until told to enter.
* Staff that is out in this area will guide you to a line. We have a fair system of counting based upon arrival.
* Cars may not park and then try to join the lines by backing up into them.
* Everyone does not need to be first in the lot. If you wait a bit and plan to arrive around 1:55 you will have an easier time getting through and off of 120.
* Our East church lot is a great place to park and wait until you see traffic is moving into our entrance. You can make right turns going out and around through the back neighborhood to join our line of cars coming in from the west off 120.
* Treat our neighbors on Slusser with respect; do not drive on their lawns, block their driveways, or idle your car for a long period of time in front of their homes. (Students do not even leave our building until around 1:48)
With the help of everyone we can continue our progress towards learning great dismissal habits. You have been doing a wonderful job learning the routines. Announcing with your PikMyKid App prior to arrival will help very much when you reach Mrs. Reed. It takes more time to look up names and codes if this has not been done and set up ahead of time, holding the lines up and wasting precious loading minutes for the people that come after you.
We are excited to partner with Boosterthon Fundraising for our start of the year BIG Fundraiser. It is important that we get the participation of all families. The funds raised will go to help purchase items that your students will benefit from. Some things on the list are; gym mats behind basketball hoops, volleyball net for recess area, baseball/kickball diamond, new piece of playground equipment that involves climbing features, bike rack, and soccer benches for our field. Many of your employers have matching programs, and our school is a non-for-profit that qualifies. Please consider taking the extra step to match your donations. Those amounts come to us and do not get touched by the fundraiser fee percentage. This year we selected the “Fun Run” as our cumulative event on September 11th. If our school meets its’ goal of $50,000 we will also do an “All-School Movie."
We’re less than ONE week away from kicking off our Rebel Fun Run fundraiser We’re excited to have fun, build community, and work toward our goal. It all starts by signing up at MyBooster.com!
Important Dates and Details:
Goal: $50,000
Supports: outdoor area projects
Kickoff Date (in school): 09/01/2026
Event Date: 09/11/2026
Get Started on MyBooster.com TODAY:
1) Sign Up
2) Search for “St Gilbert Catholic School”
3) Create your student’s page
Once you're signed up, share your student's page by email, text, and social media.
Biggest Tip for Success: Share, share, share using the easy online tools at MyBooster.com!
Thanks for your support! Find a fundraiser overview video HERE.
Thank you for your support of St. Gilbert School,
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Tuesday 9/1- Boosterthon Kick Off, Band Demo 4th/5th Graders (7:45 am/students only)
Wednesday 9/2 - Student Council Installation Ceremony 1:00, STEM Club JH Robotics starts
Thursday 9/3 - Bonus “Spirit Wear Day”, Curriculum Night Grades (1-8) 6:00-8:00 pm (parents only, no students please)
Friday 9/4 - Picture Day - Dress Up!
Special thank you, for STEM Lab Donation:
Thank you to the Lesinski-Roscoe Family for the donation of the board games Gravity Maze & Monkey Palace. I am sure the students will love these STEM inspired games. Also a huge thank you for the box of cookie treats. Students appreciate when they get a prize. :)
External Fliers:
Carmel Feeder/Boys Basketball: Fall Clinics
Free Clinic:
Tuesday, September 15th, 2026
-7:00-8:30pm
-5th-8th grade boys
-Info link
Feeder Prep Clinics:
-Tuesday, September 22nd and Tuesday, October 6th
-7:00-8:30pm
-6th-8th graders
-Fee: $20
Grayslake North Football Game Rules for Middle Schoolers
August 20, 2026
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I love the first day of school for the following reasons; students are awake and excited to come see their new teacher, classroom, and friends after the summer away, students look sharp in their clean and new uniforms, all the school supplies are new and waiting to be used as students learn! There was palpable excitement during supply drop off and the first day of school. Today we embark on day two, class learning is starting, and students will be attending their specials. I hope the excitement continues, because we have a whole school year filled with learning, new experiences, and fun activities awaiting them.
St. Gilbert School is part of the schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and we have our own Superintendent that guides all the Principals with a Vision & Goals. Goals are in place for a period of 5 years. This is year one under a new vision and goal structure. As an individual school the Principal selects which Goal(s) to focus their staff on for the upcoming school year. This school year we will be focusing on the Archdiocese Goal of “Belonging.” I have attached a graphic that describes the Archdiocese’s Vision and Goals Archdiocese of Chicago Vision & Goals . To go along with our school goal the Student Council has set our theme for the year as “All Are Welcome!”
Yesterday, I was in the lunchroom (K-8) when students were hearing the rules and procedures. Mrs. Syverud along with various other aides help make sure the lunchroom runs smoothly. Students are expected to stay seated until dismissed, to clean up their eating area, and to eat only their lunch. St. Gilbert is an “Allergy Aware” school, and as such, we ask that blatant nut products not be sent in lunches for the safety of all students. Students are not to share food due to potential contaminants that foods might contain from factories and restaurants that cannot control all nut variables. To state this clearly; peanut butter, and any other products with obvious nuts in them are not to be sent in student lunches. Students with allergies have their epi pens sent down to the lunchroom everyday in case of an emergency. We know that students have other allergies; to eggs, gluten, fish etc. This is why we do not allow the sharing of food items between students. An allergy list will be compiled and given to the homeroom teachers. When planning classroom parties teachers will communicate with Room Parents in regards to allergies and how to accommodate all the students in the classroom with food that is safe to eat. Thank you for your cooperation in helping to keep our school community safe during lunch.
Tomorrow is our first “Spirit Wear Day.” For those new to wearing uniforms (K), and our new students, we have Spirit Wear Days the 1st & 3rd Friday of each month. There is a new Spirit Wear Shop Open for all families to take advantage of, with some new styles and designs.
THE SPIRITWEAR STORE IS OPEN! The 2026–27 school year is here, and we’re ready to show our Roaring Rebel Pride! Check out some of our NEW gear for this year and help us celebrate what makes St. Gilbert so special:
- Celebrate Our Traditions
- Make History
- Create a Legacy
We are SGS Strong! Don’t wait and grab your favorite gear soon! The SpiritWear Store closes September 2nd!
https://sgsgear26.itemorder.com/
Keep bringing the excitement students!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 8/21 - Spirit Wear Day
Sunday 8/23 - Back to School Block Party 1-4 (outside gym doors/west lot)
Fliers:
Participate in our upcoming Rebel Fun Run!
It’s time! You can sign up your student for our Rebel Fun Run! Our goal is to raise $50,000 for outdoor area projects. Signing up is easy and comes with a fun prize for your student!
️
Sign Up On MyBooster.com ️
Thank you for being a part of our St Gilbert Catholic School community and helping us make a difference for our students. We are grateful for your support! Follow our social pages for fun progress updates in the coming weeks.
Our school is working toward a BIG goal and Great Wolf Lodge wants to celebrate with us! If St Gilbert reaches our goal this year, every registered student will receive a FREE Water Park Day Pass! Registered families will also have the chance to earn some awesome rewards. Log in to mybooster.com today and share your student’s donation page with your whole pack. Just for receiving their first donation, students can earn their very own Wolf Ears!
Key Dates to Remember:
Fundraiser Kickoff in school – 09/01/2026
Event Day – 09/11/2026
*Need help signing up? View video instructions.
Junior Corsairs Tryouts (Girls Feeder Basketball)
August 18, 2026
Pick Up Line Request
Dear Parents/Guardians,
It was so great to see all the families at Supply Drop Off, so much excitement and happiness filled our quiet summer school building. We are looking forward to starting our school year tomorrow. We will be starting our first day with No Grayslake buses for our PM dismissal. In order to keep the number of cars trying to pull in to a lesser number, we are asking for families to try to adhere to this Alphabetical guideline. These directions apply to car riders in grades K-8.
Last names:
A-G (1:40)
H-O (1:50)
P-Z (2:00)
We know this first day, and generally the first week is a learning process for all of you, having no buses adds to the stress and number of cars. Be patient, have your PikMyKid tags in your car, download the App, and announce before pulling in, so that all Mrs. Reed has to do is push you over to arrived once your car gets up to her for checking in.
Blessings and safe travels to you all!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
August 13, 2026
Thursday Thursday Tidbits
One week to go!
St. Gilbert School
Dear Students & Families,
Back to school is a week away! The staff and I are excited to welcome everyone to a new school year. School Supply Drop Off is 8/18 from 3:00-5:00. I just heard from American Outfitters that our gym orders might not be here in time for Tuesday night. So don’t be worried if the clothes are not in your child’s classroom. They are set to arrive the first week of school and we will pivot to sending home with the students when they do get here.
School starts with a full day schedule on August 19th. Our school hours are 7:20-1:50.
Aftercare will be available starting on the first day of school. This program’s hours are M-Th 2:00-5:30, and Friday 2:00-5:00. See Details below regarding registration to use Aftercare and other billing details.
We are welcoming 28 new families this school year. Please make them feel welcome when you see them at events. Our first social event will be the new “Back-to-School Block Party” on Sunday August 23rd from 1:00-4:00. There will be games for the kids, food, a bounce house and time to catch up with friends. Please use this google form to rsvp so FSA has an idea of how much food to purchase. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHss_fZZ4UQOjGOv0PVDXAmcBEgTEXu0iwOAV9sPM2qGGfUA/viewform
School Picture Day is scheduled for September 4th. All orders get placed online. Please use this form to access Color Portraits. Picture Ordering
School Uniforms by Tommy Hilfiger, our school's uniform provider, is running a Buy More, Save More sale on school uniforms August 11 through August 17. The more you buy, the more you'll save. 10% off orders up to $249.99, 15% off orders $250 to $349.99, and 20% off orders of $350 or more.
The promo code at checkout: AUG26BMSME. Please note that the promo code will ONLY work during these days of the promotion: August 11 through August 17.
2025-2026 School Yearbooks are in! 2025-2026 Yearbooks will be available for pickup in the gym from 3:00-5:00 during School Supply Drop Off. Please stop by the yearbook table! Yearbooks that are not picked up will be sent home with students or can be picked up from the school office. Interested in a yearbook but forgot to order? We have extras! Reach out to sgsyearbooks@gmail for more information." - pick your order up at Supply Drop Off - table will be in the gym, along with scouting and Aftercare information tables.
We use an App called PikMyKid for dismissal for grades K-8. Here is an informational sheet regarding how to download the app and set it up for your family. Please input the dismissal route your child will use most often ex. “Bus rider” to help with dismissal changes that might occur later every once in a while. PikMyKid App Directions
Lastly here is a note about ordering from Kiddo if you wish your child to get hot lunch the week of August 24th.
If you haven't had a chance to check out Kiddos Lunches yet, there's still time!
Ordering for the first week of lunches closes on: August 19, 2026
Click here to view menus and place your order: www.kiddoscatering.com/gilbert
Any lunch questions? Kiddos is happy to help at support@kiddoscatering.com
Prayers for all of us as we start a new school year!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
A Note from our Kindergarten Teachers:
Ms. Beagles and Mrs. Soudan are so excited to welcome our kindergarten students and families to a new school year! We are looking forward to getting to know your children and beginning a wonderful year together.
Please see below for information about our upcoming kindergarten events.
Popsicles on the Playground- Student and Family Meet and Greet
Who: Preschool, Jr. K, and Kindergarten students and families
When: Sunday, August 16, 1:00-2:00
Where: Saint Gilbert playground
Kindergarten Parent Night - In-Person Parent Information Night
Who: Parents only. Only one parent is required to attend. No children should attend.
When: Monday, August 17 at 6:00 pm
Where: St. Gilbert Gym
Supply Check-in Day- Student and Family Day
Who: Students and Parents
When: Tuesday, August 18, 3:00-5:00
Where: Your child’s classroom
Stop by to drop off and organize school supplies, ask any last-minute questions, and help your child become familiar with their kindergarten classroom before the first day!
Kindergarten Requirements:
Please remember to turn in your child’s required physical, dental, and vision examination forms.
We look forward to a great school year together!
Aftercare Program
We utilize a Program called Procare Solutions for Afterschool Management. Procare Solutions helps us manage attendance and billing. Students, including PreK with Aftercare, must register every year in order to use the Afterschool Program, even if it is for occasional use. Payments for the Aftercare Program are still made through our F.A.C.T.S. tuition system and billed for 2 weeks time of attendance, beginning the first week we start school.
The fee to use Aftercare is $8 per student, per hour and is calculated to round up to the nearest .5 hour. For example: 2:00 - 2:15 rounds up to .5 hours of attendance, 2:00 - 2:45 rounds up to 1.0 hour of attendance. A Registration fee is $25 per family and will be added to your F.A.C.T.S. account the next billing cycle after you register your student, this includes the PreK students with Aftercare. The first billing will be sent via email the week of 8/31/26 - 8/28/26 for the prior 2 weeks of attendance (8/19/26 - 8/28/26).
If you wish to use the Aftercare Program in August or September, you must complete the Registration form through the link on the bottom of this email by Monday, August 17th 2026. This will help us plan our staffing accordingly.
https://schools.procareconnect.com/form/ab6a6a71-a92f-4163-a92c-9705049b8cc3
Please contact Lisa Kleber at lisa.kleber@stgilbertschool.org if you need any assistance. Thank you for your help.
Calendar Reminders:
8/15 - Grayslake Summerfest Parade 2:00
8/16 - Used Uniform Sale (gym) 9:00-11:00
8/16 - Popsicles on the playground welcome PK, Junior K, and Kindergarten 1:00-2:00
8/17 - Preschool Parent Night 5:00 (enter through door #24), Kindergarten Parent Night 6:00 (gym)
8/18 - Supply Drop Off 3:00-5:00
8/19 - First Day of School, no Grayslake Bus (PM)
8/23 - Back to School Block Party 1:00-4:00 (outside/west parking lot)
August 6, 2026
Thursday Tidbits
Two Week Countdown!
Hello Families,
I am going to keep this short and sweet! Keep enjoying what remains of your summer plans and activities.....here are some updates as we get closer to “Opening Day” on August 19th.
Gym clothes ordering is going on through the end of today. If you need gym clothes this is a great way to save on shipping costs. This bulk order to start the school year will be shipped directly to school, and you will be able to pick them up in your child’s homeroom at Supply Drop off on August 18th from 3:00-5:00 pm.
https://sgsgym26.itemorder.com/
*NEW GYM UNIFORM ORDER LINK 8/12: https://stgilbertgym.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Kiddos hot lunch ordering is now open for this school year. Here are the details:
Hi Parents,
Kiddos lunch ordering is now open!
Get ready for an easy, flexible lunch option featuring lots of freshly prepared, restaurant-quality lunch choices every day.
We've attached the St Gilbert Grayslake Lunch Ordering Guide with everything you need to get started, including the direct ordering link for our school.
*Returning families and new families need to create a new account so Kiddos has your family's most up-to-date information, including grades.
Lunch service begins: August 24, 2026
Order by: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at midnight, for the first week's lunches.
Ready to order now? Here's the direct link to our school's ordering page:
www.kiddoscatering.com/gilbert
Have lunch questions?
Kiddos is happy to help at support@kiddoscatering.com
Chess Club Registration: This club is afterschool and is available to students in grades K-8. Chess Club Registration Flier
Our Aftercare program is in need of gently used puzzles, games, card games. We serve PK-8 in Aftercare. Please drop off at the school
if you have any you would be willing to donate.
A note from our Preschool Teachers:
Popsicles on the Playground!
Preschool, Junior Kindergarten & Kindergarten
Sunday, August 16 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Join us for a sweet start to the school year! Come meet your teacher, meet families, and reconnect with classmates while enjoying a popsicle on the playground.
Preschool and Junior Kindergarten Parent Meeting
Monday, August 17 | 5:00 PM
We're excited to welcome our preschool families for an in-person Parent Meeting! This is a great opportunity to learn about the upcoming school year and ask any questions you may have before school begins.
A few important reminders:
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Only one parent/guardian is required to attend.
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Please do not bring children to the meeting. They will have their special opportunity to visit the classroom during our Supply Drop-Off event!
We can't wait to partner with you for a wonderful preschool year!
Looking forward to seeing everyone in a week,
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
July 24, 2026
Revision to Gym Clothes Bulk Order & Grayslake Parade Flyer
The picture link on the Gym Order from American Outfitters is not easy to use.
Please use this link to place orders:
https://sgsgym26.itemorder.com/
Here is a new flyer for the Grayslake Summer Days Parade- times for parade start are now the same as I wrote in my note. Parade starts at 2:00, get to location if you are walking in the parade by 1:40.
Grayslake Summer Days Parade 2026
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
July 23, 2026
Summer Tidbits (July)
Dear Families,
I hope you are enjoying summer break! Here are some events that are coming during the month of August as you prepare for the start of school on August 19th.
We are going to do a “bulk order” of gym clothes for the start of school. As of today, the website link is closed. Please use the following link to order gym clothes. Bulk Order Gym Clothes Doing it this way will eliminate the need for shipping costs to your homes. The order will be delivered to school before Supply Drop off, and we will have them in your child’s homeroom for pick up that night. They will be packaged similarly to a Spirit Wear order, saving us all time and money.
Classroom placement will come out on August 7th. Any considerations for placement needed to be communicated to me mid-March. Before the end of the school year teachers created promotion lists for any of our previously enrolled students. Teachers use their knowledge of students, learning styles, academic needs such as IEP/504 accommodations, males and females, and classroom number balances to create a promotion list for the new grade. Much time and thought has been put into the class lists. All have been reviewed by Administration, and are now entered into PowerSchool which enrolls them in classes, online textbooks, iReady, and more. Changes will not be made at this time.
Students (5-8 grade) that were registered for the sports of girls volleyball, boys soccer, and cross country- thank you for registering so I had an idea of what teams we would be fielding. Now it is time to pay for participation in the sport. I am tossing around the possibility of a JV Boys Soccer team, if any 5th/6th grade parent would be willing to coach please contact me. kris.buckley@stgilbertschool.org.
* St. Gilbert Golf Outing, August 8th: use the following links to register (ASAP due to food and tee time counts)
* St. Gilbert school will be participating in the Grayslake Summerfest Parade on Saturday August 15th at 2:00: Grayslake Summer Days Parade 2026
* Used Uniform Sale will be held in the gym on August 16th from 9:00-11:00. Used Uniform Sale 2026
* Popsicles on the Playground for incoming Preschoolers and Kindergarteners will be held on August 16th from 1:00-2:30.
* Student Supply Drop Off: August 18th from 3:00-5:00
* August 19th, school starts for 2026-2027. Full day, 7:20-1:50, no afternoon Grayslake buses.
* Back-to-School Block Party- Sunday, August 23rd 1:00-4:00 Back-to-School Block Party 2026
I am heading out on my vacation next week, so I hope all of you make the most of the rest of the summer with your kids!
See you mid-August!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal & Athletic Dir.
July 9, 2026
SGS Golf Outing
Dear Families,
I would like to invite you to participate in our annual SGS Golf Outing. The format is a scramble, so even beginners can enjoy a day with family and friends, having fun together and supporting our Athletic Program. This summer we painted our entire gym, so proceeds will go towards helping offset the cost of that! The day includes 18 holes of golf at a very nice local course (Steeple Chase in Mundelein) BBQ lunch on hole #9, two drink tickets, and a mulligan included. We are hoping for 75 golfers, please consider joining the fun to make this a successful day! If you are unable to golf, please consider sponsoring a hole. Details on registration and sponsorship are attached.
I will be out there with my family.....looking forward to seeing many of you!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal & AD
June, 25, 2026
Summer Tidbits (June)
Dear Families,
I hope you are enjoying your summer so far! This communication is to keep you updated on work that is happening as we prepare for the next school year, and to share some fun happenings that are going on throughout the summer.
Thanks to the students and families who participated in our Earth Day $1.00 dress down day & Dairy Days we were able to purchase and plant (3) new trees on the property. Two Blue Spruce by the small swingset, and a Birch by the Preschool Playground.
This summer we are putting a fresh coat of paint in the gym, a portion of our Boosterthon profits was used to help with this refresh.
The parish is repairing sections of the asphalt parking lot, and sealcoating the area in the West Lot.
Three classrooms are getting new flooring (4A, 6B & KA).
The Multi-Purpose Room is being repainted and will get new flooring and decor.
Our roof over the first through third grade hallway has reached the end of its life, it has served us faithfully for 60 years, we are looking to replace that as well, hopefully this summer.
Over the years, participation in our school milk program has declined significantly, and the paperwork required has increased, since this was federally subsidized. We have decided to discontinue offering milk for the school year 2026-2027.
As of today, the summer Volleyball Camp is now closed for enrollees. We look forward to seeing everyone at camp beginning July 13th. If you have registered you will receive a reminder about the camp days hours, and drop off instructions. Asphalt work will be occurring in front of the gym at the same time, so we will use the entry behind the rectory.
Parents of students entering 5th grade next year......sport eligibility starts in 5th grade, fall sports are; Girls Volleyball, Boys Soccer & Cross Country. As the Athletic Director I will be going to a scheduling meeting for these sports with the other conference schools in July. I only have a couple girls registered for 5th grade volleyball, so please consider playing. I am looking for a volunteer coach for this team, if we can get the numbers needed. Volleyball needs at least (8) players. Please email me if you are interested. kris.buckley@stgilbertschool.org. Register through this link for sports: https://www.stgilbertschool.org/athletics-registration
Summer work for students is now available on the website at the following link: Summer Math and Reading Assignments 2026
2026-2027 AfterCare:
We utilize a Program called Procare Solutions for Afterschool Management. Procare Solutions helps us manage attendance and billing. Students, including PreK with Aftercare, must register every year in order to use the Afterschool Program, even if it is for occasional use. Payments for the Aftercare Program are still made through our F.A.C.T.S. tuition system and billed for 2 weeks time of attendance, beginning the first week we start school.
The fee to use Aftercare is $8 per student, per hour and is calculated to round up to the nearest .5 hour. For example: 2:00 - 2:15 rounds up to .5 hours of attendance, 2:00 - 2:45 rounds up to 1.0 hour of attendance. A Registration fee is $25 per family and will be added to your F.A.C.T.S. account the next billing cycle after you register your student, this includes the PreK students with Aftercare. The first billing will be sent via email the week of 8/31/26 - 8/28/26 for the prior 2 weeks of attendance (8/19/26 - 8/28/26).
If you wish to use the Aftercare Program in August or September, you must complete the Registration form through the link on the bottom of this email by Monday, August 17th 2026. This will help us plan our staffing accordingly.
https://schools.procareconnect.com/form/ab6a6a71-a92f-4163-a92c-9705049b8cc3
Please contact Lisa Kleber at lisa.kleber@stgilbertschool.org if you need any assistance. Thank you for your help.
Job Opening:
I was notified yesterday that Mrs. Galuska (Junior High Math Teacher) will not be returning. I am now looking for a full-time math teacher. If there are any parents looking to get back into the classroom, we can offer a great “JH Team” and smart, positive students to work with! There is a tuition discount for teachers with students enrolled at our school. Talk to your friends and neighbors, and send any interested parties my contact information. kris.buckley@stgilbertschool.org
Fun SGS Summer Happenings
SGS Golf Outing:
We will be holding our 2026 SGS Golf Outing on August 8th at Steeple Chase in Mundelein. We hope you can get a foursome together, and join us for a day of golf, tasty food, and good fun. There will be tee times assigned and the golf format is a scramble
https://www.givecentral.org/customizable-online-giving/378/event/9814
Text to play: 12242190357
Enter: Golf26