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School Updates
March 23, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Spring Break is approaching and it seems like we all need a little break and some time for rejuvenation! Enjoy the week off, and when we return to school we will be in “Holy Week.” Our 8th graders will be acting out the Stations of the Cross for the entire school on Thursday 4/6 at 12:30, and again on Good Friday at 3:00 for parishioners. You are welcome to attend either of these performances.
Lent is a time for forgiveness, repentance, and almsgiving. Our school Lenten project is to bring in change and/or dollars that will benefit a local charity, Lambs Farm. Lambs Farm serves adults with developmental disabilities by providing work opportunities and residential living. We are hoping to raise enough money to help pay for some recreational fun for the residents. We would love to sponsor one of their dances, and/or help with an outing of bowling. Dancing and bowling are by far the residents most sought after activities. Please give as generously as you can to this charitable cause. Lenten School Service Project
We are planning our 3rd annual all school retreat for May 5th. Our theme is “Beautifully and Wonderfully Made.” The retreat will run from 8:00-9:45, and conclude with mass for our students and parents at 10:00 am. Retreats are a time to grow closer to God, see how he works in our lives, and focus on how special we are as human beings; made in the image and likeness of God. If you are virtus trained and interested in volunteering please contact our retreat coordinator and Board Member, Brigid Martin; brigidmartin611@gmail.com. All School Retreat 2023
The Office of Catholic Schools has extended the time frame to complete the 5 Essential Survey. To date 97% of students have taken the survey, 84% of staff, and 27% of parents. Responses guide school planning for the future, we hope for data from a wider representation to guide our efforts. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes of your time. http://survey.5-essentials.org/archchicago/survey/parent/
Stay safe and be well during break!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 3/24 - No Woodland or Grayslake buses (am & pm)
Spring Break 3/27-3/31
Fundraisers for FSA & School:
Cookie order link: https://sugarsageco.com/store/fundraisers
Graduation Photos Fundraiser (SGS Family Owned) , Photo Image
Community Flyers:
FC Lake County Try Out Information (Soccer)
March 16, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I want to thank our school community for its support of the student artwork display at the Grayslake Area Library this Tuesday night. We had so many people visit on our reception night that you would think we were as big of a school as some of the public schools in the area! Here is a note from Mrs. Baynes:
Dear SGS Community -
I just want to thank everyone for coming to the Art Fair at the Grayslake Library. We had over 250 people come to support and recognize the talent and creativity of our students. The incredible turnout and all of your support exemplifies what makes Saint Gilbert such a special place. It's why I sent my daughter here, and why I love teaching here! - Thank you so much!
"(P.S. The art will be on display throughout March - any artwork with a silver dot on the label was created by SGS students)"
Meme Baynes - SGS Art
Student Council is sponsoring a Lenten fundraiser to help Lambs Farm. Lambs Farm serves over 175 individuals with Developmental Disabilities. One of the resident’s favorite things to do is enjoy music and have a dance. We would like to raise enough money to sponsor one of their monthly dances. Funds raised will help with the cost of a DJ, decorations, and refreshments. Our students selected this organization and are excited to help with something that they also enjoy! Student Council Lenten Service Project
Family School Association is sponsoring an Easter Cookie Kit Fundraiser. For the past few years we have done this fundraiser at Valentine’s Day, and this year we are switching it up for Easter. By purchasing cookie kits you will help FSA raise funds to continue to sponsor and organize many of their family events; such as Mother & Son Bowling and the Daddy Daughter Dance which were both successful events held recently.
On another note, I am looking for a Junior High Math teacher for next school year. If you or anyone you know might be interested in this full-time teaching position please contact me at kris.buckley@stgilbertschool.org. Experience in a related field that uses math would be a substitute for a PEL, however a Bachelor’s degree is a requirement.
Lucky to be Principal of such a great school!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
Calendar Items:
Friday 3/17 - Dress down w/green clothing & accessories for St. Patrick’s Day
Wednesday 3/22 - No Woodland Bus (PM)
Thursday 3/23 - No Woodland Bus (PM), No Grayslake Bus (PM), Stem Fair 7th/8th Grades (12:15-1:15)
Friday 3/24 - No Woodland or Grayslake Buses (AM/PM)
Spring Break 3/27-3/31
Additional Bits (Informational Fliers):
Knight of Columbus Blood Drive
March 15, 2023
Luck o' the Irish
Dear students, (and parents)
This Friday is St. Patrick's Day, and to put all your minds and questions to me at ease, this will be a dress down day and a wearin o' the green!
May you all be blessed with a bit of luck on this day and always!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
March 13, 2023
Volunteers Needed
3rd Annual All-School Retreat
Calling Volunteers for the SGS 3rd Annual All-School Retreat!!
Students, teachers, and parents have come to enjoy this day of renewal focused on growing in our Catholic identity and building a strong community of love and support. We’re excited to bring it back once again. But we need your help!
This retreat is planned and led by parents under the direction of the School Advisory Board Mission Effectiveness Committee. The event will take place on Friday, May 5th.
There are roles to play in the planning, preparation, and day-of execution of this event. As such, all levels of time and talent can be leveraged. All in-person volunteers on the day of the event MUST be compliant with Archdiocesan volunteer regulations.
If you or a family member are interested in assisting with this year’s event, please contact Brigid Martin at brigidmartin611@gmail.com learn more.
March 9, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Thank you parents for all the ways you supported our major fundraiser SGS Rocks Trivia-I believe a great time was had by all who attended. Many of you supported our online auction for baskets and other goodies, and the evening of, participated in a very successful 50/50 raffle that raised over $1,400 dollars. The profits are still being calculated, and I will share results in the coming days. Donations go to support our Rebel Reserve which is used to provide financial assistance to families that qualify through FACTS.
On the scholarship front, due to generous donors we reached our matching donation amount for the Tax Credit Scholarships program; Empower Illinois. With $75,000 in donations directed towards St. Gilbert School, we will receive an additional $75,000 in matching funds from large corporate donors to the Empower Illinois Program. These scholarships are income need based and do allow us to serve over 25 families that may not have otherwise been able to afford Catholic education.
Both these causes support our families in choosing Catholic education, they bolster our enrollment numbers, which keeps our school vital, and able to be creative with our services and offerings.
If you have not yet taken the 5 Essentials Survey as parents, I encourage you to do so. Currently we are at 14% participation from parents. The survey should take a minimum of (10) minutes to complete and provides us with feedback about supported environment, collaboration, parent involvement and more. Link: https://survey.5-essentials.org/archchicago/survey/parent/. Our students will all take a survey in grades 4-8, as well as all our teachers. We want information from all our stakeholders to provide a thorough lens through which to enact initiatives and improvements.
I want to congratulate our 8th grade writers who participated in the VFW Post “Patriot’s Pen Essay” contest! 1st place: Mannat K., 2nd place: Makayla L, and 3rd Place: Lauren A. Each writer received a cash prize for their writing efforts and were recognized after mass by representatives from the local VFW.
Our student’s artistic talents will be on display at the Grayslake Area Library with a special reception night this coming Tuesday from 6:30-7:30- we have individual as well as group artwork in this showcase. Enjoy a walk around the library gallery to see your child’s artwork.
Blessed with talented students!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Items:
3/11 - Daddy/Daughter Dance 2:00-4:00 SGS Gym
3/14 - St. Gilbert Art Night/Grayslake Area Library 6:30-7:30
3/17 - Spirit Wear Day
Other Bits:
Last call for registration for the SGS Annual Daddy Daughter Dance will take place this Saturday March 11th from 2-4 PM in the SGS Gym - $25 per Daddy/Daughter, $5 for each additional daughter. Please print attached registration form and send it to the school with payment by tomorrow morning. Please consider helping with donations for the Dance. The donation list can be accessed by scanning the QR code below and included on the flyer.
Next chess session will begin 3/20/23, please use the following link to register: www.chessutopia.org
March 5, 2023
SGS Rocks Trivia Online Auction
Dear Families, Staff, and Supporters,
If you were able to attend our SGS Rocks Trivia event last night, it was wonderful to see so many new and old faces coming out for an evening of fun with friends to support St. Gilbert School and our "Rebel Reserve" parish/school financial aid scholarship program! In addition to the Trivia portion we also have an online auction site where wonderful baskets and other special items are available for bid, even if you were not able to attend the in-person event.
Please use this link to see what is available: https://ibid.org/v/KKKP5NQADE
This auction will close at 8:00 pm tonight!
Special thank you to our FSA Event Coordinator, Nicole Beschel, along with her committee helpers of; Lisa Judd, Dee Schneider, Bridget DelCarmen, and Catrina Corn.
Enjoy this beautiful day!
Mrs. Buckley
March 2, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
This weekend we are hosting our largest adult fundraiser; SGS Rocks Trivia on Saturday, March 4th. Doors open at 6:00 pm. You can come set up your table decorations, bring your snacks, socialize with friends, get a libation at the bar. Trivia rounds will begin at 7:00 pm. There are wonderful baskets and other items to bid on as well as a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds from this event provide funds for parish/school tuition support for families who qualify through FACTS. Bidding for auction items is currently open using the following link: https://ibid.org/v/KKKP5NQADE
If you are unable to attend, you can still support our efforts by placing a bid on a basket or other items. One auction item to feature is a “PikMyKid” car tag that allows you to always be the first car pulled in behind the buses at dismissal!
We are still in the process of participating in the UChicago: 5Essentials Survey, across three areas of our stakeholders; teachers, students, and parents. Students will take their survey over the next two weeks in their homeroom class. Parents can access the survey by using this link: http://survey.5-essentials.org/archchicago/survey/parent/ The survey results will be used to determine Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP) focus areas for our school. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey, we hope to get input from all our stakeholders as we plan for the future.
Peace,
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
Calendar Items:
Friday 3/3 - No Woodland Bus (PM), Spirit Wear Day, Report Cards Home, FSA Meeting 10:00 (Zoom)
Saturday 3/4 - Mother & Son Bowling (Lakes Bowl), SGS Rocks Trivia 6:00 pm (gym)
Wednesday 3/8 - No Grayslake Bus (AM), Portillo’s Restaurant Night, Patriot’s Pen Awards (JH/after Mass)
Other fliers:
Grayslake Library Art Fair/SGS Night
Windy City Bulls Game/March 5th 5:00 , event flyer
February 26, 2023
SGS Rocks Trivia! Fundraiser
SGS Rocks Trivia Night is less than one week away, this evening is a relaxed time with friends to benefit a great cause! Doors open at 6:00 pm, come decorate your table, bring some appetizers and snacks to share with your team. Carry-in alcohol is not allowed, we will have a bar available onsite. Trivia begins at 7:00 pm. No cell phones are allowed while playing, please respect these rules, and use teamwork! Drink tickets & 50/50 raffle available at the door.
Access to the online auction items opens tomorrow, Monday 2/27/23. Use the following link to see what wonderful baskets and items are available.https://ibid.org/v/KKKP5NQADE
Bidding on these items helps us to raise needed funds to assist with partial tuition assistance for families that need a bit of help.
There is still room for teams to register even though the deadline is past. If you don't have a team email: sgsrocks@stgilbertschool.org and they can set you up with a team.
Registration link:
February 24, 2023
5 Essentials Survey
Dear Parent or Guardian,
We are writing to inform you about a student survey that will be administered at your child’s school called the 5Essentials Survey. This survey, developed by the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research, asks students about their experiences in school. Having direct information from students is critical for developing plans to improve schools.
Students’ identities will be completely confidential. Teachers or administrators will never see individual responses to survey questions only summary level responses, such as the percentage of students’ who agree homework assignments help them learn the course material.
Please be aware that under the Protection of Pupil Rights Act. 20 U.S.C. Section 1232(c) (1) (A), you have the right to review a copy of the questions asked of your student(s). Survey questions can be requested of your school or district.
If you DO NOT want your daughter or son to participate, fill out the information below and ask your child to return this sheet to his or her teacher.
Thank you for your cooperation,
UChicago Impact
School Name: _______________________________________ Room #___________
(Please Print)
I DO NOT want my child, ________________________, to take part in the 5Essentials Survey.
CHILD’S NAME (PLEASE PRINT). ________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN DATE. _________________________________
UChicago Impact is a non-for-profit organization located at the University of Chicago. Our purpose is to provide tools and supporting services that create reliably excellent schooling for students in urban America.
February 23, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Thank you for your support of SGS Rocks Trivia, and our online items for bid, we appreciate all your donations of Amazon wish list items, gifts of cash, and other donated items for basket creation. We hope you will join us on March 4th for a fun evening of trivia with friends. Proceeds assist with school and parish-based financial aid.
Register with the link below:
Please return your re-enrollment forms that were sent to you by personal email. The deadline to re-enroll with only a $100 charge is March 1st, after that date, re-enrollment is $200. March 15th new families that are waiting to hear if we will have the space to accept them will be notified that they are accepted. Current spots are only reserved up to March 15th. For your convenience you can use doc u sign to send the form back, print and send in with your child, or email the office at school.office@stgilbertschool.org of your intent, we can accept payments of re-enrollment fees over the phone as well (847) 223-8600.
Peace,
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
Calendar Items:
Friday 2/24 - Club Photo Day, End of Trimester #2
Friday 3/3 - No Woodland Bus (PM), Spirit Wear Day, FSA Meeting 10:00 (Zoom)
Saturday 3/4 - Mother & Son Bowling, SGS Rocks Trivia 6:00 (SGS Gym)
Other important bits....
New School Board Members Needed!
February 16, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Valentine’s Day was quite the celebration around the school with class parties, bright happy colors, and well wishes shared between friends. Thank you to our room parents for making the student parties such fun events!
Update from the SGS Lunchroom: One of our lunchroom helpers came to me the other day to say that she is noticing that students are throwing away quite a bit of uneaten food from their lunches. We are going to be asking students to put uneaten food back into their lunchboxes to take home. Have a conversation with your child about the amount of food that they can handle eating, and or/foods that they dislike. It is extremely wasteful in a world where some kids have food insecurity, and also costly for you the parents, to be providing food that they just throw away in the trash. Hot lunch items ordered through Kiddos will not be coming home since they are served in disposable containers, just talk with your child about these orders to make sure they want and like the entree you are paying for. I have been notified that additional restaurants will be added to the Kiddos options later this school year, they strive to have a good variety for our students.
Art Fair Notice: March is Youth Art Month and Saint Gilbert has been invited to display our students' creations at the Grayslake Public Library Art Fair! Kindergarten through 8th grade artwork will be displayed at the library throughout the entire month of March, and Saint Gilbert will also have a special reception night on Thursday, March 14th from 6:30 - 7:30. Come out and see all the wonderful work they've created! Art Fair Invitation
Enjoy the time with your family this long weekend!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 2/17 - No School (Teacher learning day), SGS Musical Annie 7:00 pm @ CCHS
Saturday 2/18 - SGS Musical Annie 7:00 pm @ CCHS
Monday 2/20 - No School Presidents Day
Tuesday 2/21 - School Board Meeting 6:30 via Google.Meet
Wednesday 2/22 - Ash Wednesday all school mass 8:00 am.
Friday 2/24 - Club Photo Day, End of Trimester #2
Upcoming Events:
February 25th: Light the Night @ Carmel 7-8 graders 6:00-9:00 pm Light the Night Event
March 4th: Girls in STEM @ Carmel 9:00-2:30 Carmel Girls in STEM Event
March 4th: Mother/Son Bowling Lake Lanes 12:00 Mother & Son Bowling Ticket Order Form
March 4th: SGS Rocks, gym doors open 6:00 pm
Please come and enjoy a night of Trivia and fun at SGS Rocks on Saturday, March 4th, 2023 held in the SGS Gym, doors open at 6pm and Trivia starts at 7pm!! Register with the link below:
SGS Rocks Wishlist:
The online auction will run 2/27-3/5. Items need to be purchased in time for delivery to the school by 2/21.
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/VDNUF4212IG2?ref_=wl_share
Monetary donations can be made via Zelle ID: school.office@stgilbertschool.org or by cash/check through the school office. Please indicate SGS Rocks Donation on memo line of your Zelle transaction or check/envelope.
March 11th: Daddy Daughter Dance SGS Gym 2:00-4:00 Daddy Daughter Dance Tickets
February & March St. Gilbert Church Events:
February 15, 2023
School Closed/eLearning Day
Dear Families,
Due to the weather forecast, District 46 in Grayslake has decided to do an eLearning day tomorrow 2.16.23. This means that the buses will not run for our school, and we will also have an eLearning Day. This day will NOT involve "live/synchronous learning." It has been some time since our students and teachers have done "Zoom" school, so instead teachers will assign work in the core subjects and you will check what that is on SeeSaw or Google Classroom. As I mentioned before, we are aiming for no more than 2.5-4 hours of actual classwork, with lower grades having the lower time. If you have questions please direct them to your teachers, they will be available by email beginning at 8:30 am. All programs will be closed including Preschool. Stay safe everyone, and enjoy the long weekend!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
February 10, 2023
SGS Rocks Trivia!
Please come and enjoy a night of Trivia and fun at SGS Rocks on Saturday, March 4th, 2023 held in the SGS Gym, doors open at 6pm and Trivia starts at 7pm!! Register with the link below:
All the info is on the Registration Form but if you have any questions please contact Nicole Beshel at sgsrocks@stgilbertschool.org.
February 9, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We have filled our Super Bowl Square grid, thank you to all the families who supported this fundraiser. When the weather gets nicer we will be getting a quote for new basketball backboards for the five recess hoops. Good luck to everyone during the Big Game!
Next week our Junior High will be putting on the musical “Annie.” We hope everyone in the school will come out with their families to see the show! Performances are on Friday 2/17 & Saturday 2/18 @ 7:00 pm, in Carmel Catholic High School’s auditorium. Link to ticket orders: anniethemusical.ticketleap.com/annie/
We are very close to our Empower Illinois Matching goal of $75,000, currently we have $66,000 in donations to this program and an additional $9000 of donations will help us reach our goal. If we reach this goal the Archdiocese will match the entire amount, so potentially we will have $150,000 to assist students with tuition for St. Gilbert. Please consider even a smaller donation, 75% of your donation can be claimed on your Illinois State taxes when you file for 2023 in April of next year. As an example; a donation of $500 will provide you with a tax credit of $375. Information about this program can be found on our website as well as through this link: https://empowerillinois.org/
Thank you to the following families for their donations of supplies to our Aftercare Program: Cauwell, LaMora, Mason
With appreciation for all your support!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
Upcoming events are as follows:
Mother & Son Bowling- March 4, 2023 Sign Up & Information
SGS Rocks - March 4, 2023 Ticket Orders will be released soon! We need help with basket item donations:
Here is the link to the wishlist. The online auction will run 2/27-3/5. Items need to be purchased in time for delivery to the school by 2/20. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/VDNUF4212IG2?ref_=wl_share
Monetary donations can be made via Zelle ID: school.office@stgilbertschool.org or by cash/check through the school office. Please indicate SGS Rocks Donation on the memo line of your Zelle transaction or check/envelope.
Daddy Daughter Dance - Saturday, March 11, 2023 2:00-4:00 Ticket Orders & Information
Calendar Items:
Tuesday 2/14 - Valentine’s Day Parties, Dress up in pink, red & white!
Friday 2/17 - No School -Teacher Learning Day, Musical “Annie” 7:00 pm CCHS Auditorium
Saturday 2/18 - Musical “Annie” 7:00 pm CCHS Auditorium
Monday 2/20 - No School-President’s Day
Forms:
February 7, 2023
Bakers Dozen Superbowl Squares-buy today!
The Super bowl is coming this Sunday, and we have a baker's dozen squares left! Get em' while they are hot! Get in on the action and help SGS get new basketball backboards for the recess area!
Sign up using this link: https://bit.ly/3iOVw1P. Squares are $50.00 per, you can turn in your payment in person at the school office, or send a Zelle payment to: school.office@stgilbertschool.org.
We are so grateful for your support of our first ever Super Bowl Square fundraiser! Good luck & enjoy the big game.
PAYOUTS - are as follows:
Q1, Q2, Q3 winners get $350, reverse numbers win $150
Q4 (or end of game if OT) wins $700, reverse numbers win $300
February 4, 2023
Musical Production of Annie
Dear Families,
We are excited to bring you our student production of the musical "Annie"! Consider bringing the family to our show which will be put on at Carmel Catholic's Auditorium in two weeks- February 17th & 18th at 7:00 pm. Here is a link to online ticket orders: anniethemusical.ticketleap.com/annie/
The show is sure to delight and amaze you-it makes for a wonderful family evening out during the cold of February!
See you there!
Cast & Crew of "Annie"
February 2, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
What does an Engineer, a Nurse, a Lawyer, a Doctor, a Pilot, a Public Works Director, a Manager, a Scientist, and a Police Officer have in common? They all use math in their line of work! Thank you to our parents for taking time out of their busy schedules to come and speak to our students today about a variety of jobs, and how math is a life skill that we all need. Today we focus on vocations, and helping our students to set goals for themselves. Education is a journey that will lead them to the work world one day. Our role as teachers is to help our students with the foundation to achieve success in their lives. By the way, another job that uses math is Teacher!
“Life is a word problem”
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
2/3 - Dress like a teacher or spirit wear, No Woodland bus (PM), FSA Meeting 10:00-Zoom.
2/8 - No Grayslake bus (AM)
Little Bits:
Please send in old palms in a bag, they will be burned to make ashes for Ash Wednesday mass.
February 1, 2023
Thank you Parents/Guardians! -CSW
Dear Parents/Guardians & Family School Association,
Yesterday FSA provided a lovely continental breakfast for the school staff, along with gifts of appreciation for Catholic Schools Week. The staff and I extend a warm thank you to Jackie Griffin, the chair of hospitality, for the efforts it took to bring food in before school as a surprise! One of our values as a Catholic school is our community feel. Family School is made up of all our school families, your support of events throughout the school year generates the funds for the FSA budget and allows us to host events that appeal to all ages and that foster a sense of community. It is this sense of community that attracts our teachers and staff, and helps to retain them from year to year, helping to continuing our fine tradition of educating children in their Catholic faith.
This morning some of these dedicated teachers greeted our parents with coffee and a breakfast treat when they dropped off their children in the morning car line. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for choosing our school, and for all the ways you help to support your child's education. On Friday the students will be bringing home their iReady Diagnostic Results (K-8) along with a special baggie that contains a car decal. This is a family gift in honor of Catholic Schools Week. There is one decal per family, please check your youngest/only child’s backpack for this item.
Thank you so much parents, you are fantastic!
Mrs. Buckley, Teachers, and Staff
Archived Thursday Tidbits:
Thursday Tidbits November 2022 through January 2023