Excellence In Academics
Grayslake • Since 1944
Stay Connected
Thursday Tidbits
April 23, 2024
Bricks of Hope: Honoring Carter H. (Children struggling w/cancer treatment)
Dear SGS Families,
Many of you attended the Prayer Service last evening for Carter. A special thank you to parent Brigid Martin for coordinating the lovely prayer service. She had some helpers in Deanna Riggs, and Melissa Soehl; parents of students in the 5th grade coming together to help their children process Carter's struggle, and draw on their faith community in prayer. Today Carter will undergo surgery to remove his leg. Keep him and his entire family in your thoughts today, the power of prayer can work miracles.
In hope,
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Honoring Carter with Bricks of Hope: Lego Drive
Saint Gilbert’s Student Council has partnered with Bricks of Hope, in honor of Carter. Bricks of Hope is a local charity building hope in sick kids during their hospital stays with the gift of LEGO®. Carter was a recipient of a donated Lego set, and we would like other children to have the same opportunity.
Details:
What: Any NEW Lego Set, any size set welcome!
When: Now until May31st
Where to donate: St. Gilbert School!
We have set up two different options for donating New LEGO sets:
* In person - bring any new Lego set to put in the collection boxes by the Main Office or in the Gym Lobby.
* Lego sets can also be purchased from and shipped directly to St. Gilbert through our dedicated Amazon wishlist; https://amzn.to/3W8wFXS
Both of these options provide LEGO sets and hope to a child who is in the hospital. There will be little cards, provided by Bricks Of Hope, at school that your child can fill out with a message of hope. If they need help, please reach out to Student Council Moderators Mrs. Dantzer and/or Mrs. Ziegler and we can arrange for your child to have a Student Council member help them.
No set is too small. Feel free to share the wish list with friends and family that would like to contribute to this charity of hope. Also, the wish list is a guide, you can pick a different set that is not on the list!
April 22, 2019
Prayer Service for Carter tonight!
This evening there will be a prayer service for Carter H. as he is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday 4/23.. We welcome all to join us in prayer in church at 6:30, and if unable to attend in person, the event will also be live-streamed. Carter's Prayer Service Details
Prayerfully,
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
April 19, 2022
Note from our nurse:
We are seeing a lot of illnesses in school right now, specifically strep throat and influenza.
Per school policy, your child may not return to school until fever, vomit or diarrhea free for 24 hours without medication. If prescribed antibiotics, your child may not return to school until he/she is on them for at least 24 hours.
Our goal is to keep our students and staff healthy. We want to see our students here for their last 30 DAYS of school!
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Herrmann, School Nurse
P.S. We are also noticing higher numbers of small ticks coming in on students from home. Please look over your child if they are playing in fields or are hiking in the forest preserves in the area.
April 18, 2024
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Friday, April 19th marks the mid-term of Trimester #3. To save paper and printing costs we discontinued sending home paper “Progress Reports” this year. I am asking parents to take a moment to check on the academic progress of their students by accessing the mid-term report through PowerSchool (students in grades 3-8). Teachers have been asked to also check in with parents if there are any grading or attendance issues that need to be addressed. We want all the students to finish their school year on a positive note, armed with the knowledge to be successful for the upcoming grade. If you have concerns or questions please reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher to discuss.
Next Monday we will celebrate “Earth Day” with a dress down for $1.00 or more. The proceeds will go towards perennial plantings to beautify the elementary playground area. Spring has sprung around SGS, and all the flowers and plants make us proud to go to such an attractive, environmentally friendly school.
Special Announcement! Parent volunteers are bringing back a fun event: “Talent Show”
Calling all Musicians, Dancers, Comedians, and Magicians!! We are excited to announce the return of the SGS Talent Show! Get your act ready and look for the sign up sheet in a few weeks. The Show will take place during the school day June 3. There will be a mandatory rehearsal after school May 31. It is open to K-7th grade.
Lastly, we are so excited for our second graders who will be making their 1st Communions over the next two weekends. Please keep them and Carter H. who is having surgery next week in your prayers.
Blessings,
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 4/19 - Spirit Wear Day, Kindergarten Signing Day (currently enrolled preschool students going into SGS Kindergarten), JH Dance (grades 6-8) 6:00-8:00 pm, gym
Saturday 4/20 - First Communion option #1: 1:00, church
Monday 4/22 - Earth Day Dress Down $1.00 or more!
Tuesday 4/23 - Virtual Board Meeting 6:30 pm
Thursday 4/25 - Music Kids Recital 6:00-7:30 pm MPR
Friday 4/26 - No School, Teacher PD
Fliers:
SGS Family Volunteer Opportunity-FMSC
Carmel Classes & Camps: Accelerated Math Class , Engineering Class , Sports Camps
83/120 Train Track Closure/Repairs
April 15, 2024
Tentative Calendar School Year 2024-2025
Parents/Guardians,
Here is our tentative calendar for school year 2024-25. Most things such as school start, holidays, Christmas Break, and Spring Break will not change. Sometimes there are changes to busing by the two districts that provide transportation, so be advised that this calendar does have a disclaimer to that effect. Tentative School Calendar 2024-2025 (revised 4/23/24)
Hope you are enjoying the sun!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
April 15, 2024
Payment Method Cancellation
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We have just been informed by our bank that payments by Zelle is no longer allowed to be used by businesses. As of today, we will no longer be able to receive payments in this manner. We are sorry for this inconvenience, until something else is determined to be usable, only checks and cash will be accepted.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
April 11, 2024
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Let me say a special thank you to everyone who supported our “Child Wellness Week” efforts through the American Heart Association, as of today we have over $5000 in donations registered for that cause. It was fun to see the students getting so excited about dressing in the daily themes, and exercising with the program in their gym classes. Friday is everyone’s favorite-pajama day! Kids Heart Challenge Thank you to Mrs. Bocox and Mrs. Herrmann for taking on coordination of this challenge. Mrs. Herrmann even taught CPR to our Junior High students, so they are ready to save a life!
Mrs. Carson took a small group of 8th grade students to the Holocaust Museum for a workshop on developing into student leaders. This group is now the “Student Leadership Committee” and they have a project that they are working on for the school grounds. They have applied for a small grant from the Holocaust Museum towards this project, but will need a bit more funds to bring their idea to fruition. We will be holding a dress down for $1.00 on Tuesday, April 16th for their efforts, and extra money will be given to the non-for-profit organization “Dion’s Chicago Dream” which helps to feed the homeless. https://dionschicagodream.com/
I would like to remind some of our male students (and the parents of) that our handbook allows hair lengths for males to the collar of a shirt, male student hair lengths beyond that need to be in a ponytail, braid or bun. As I looked around during mass today I noticed a few students that could use a spring trim. Our students represent our school to the community, and it is noticed when they look sharp and are well groomed in their uniforms. Thank you for helping them to look their best.
Enjoy the spring-like weather this weekend!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Items:
Thursday evening 4/11- Family Reading Night for students in K-4 and their families. 6:00-7:30 pm in the MPR. Family Reading Night Information
Friday 4/12 - K-1 Mini Cheer Clinic 2:00-3:15
Sunday 4/14 - Ladies Tea/Bingo 2:00-3:30 MPR Ladies Tea/Bingo
Tuesday 4/16 - Dress Down $1.00 for SGS Student Leadership Committee & Dion’s Chicago Dream
Wednesday 4/17 - No Woodland Buses (PM)
Thursday 4/18 - Rescheduled Spring Sports Pictures 5:00 pm (gym)
Friday 4/19 - Current preschoolers “Kindergarten Signing Day” 8:00-9:00 MPR, Spirit Wear Day, Junior High Dance (grades 6-8) 5:30-8:30 JH Dance Information
Fliers:
83/120 Train Track Closure/Repairs
April 5, 2024
Mother/Daughter Tea & Bingo
Please consider joining us for a Mother/Daughter Tea on Sunday April 14th. Mother/Daughter Tea & Bingo
This is a "community building event" sponsored by our Family School Association.
Save the date for S'mores & Sports Event for Dad's and sons coming April 28th from 5:00-6:30 in our Prayer Garden.
April 4, 2024
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Next week will kick off with the Solar Eclipse, on Monday 4/8. Viewing starts as early as 12:52, with the heart of the eclipse happening in our area around 2:07. We have purchased special glasses for the eclipse for all students in grades K-8 . Teachers will take their kids outside to have a look, and then they will be asked to wear their glasses for dismissal as well.
As I mentioned yesterday, we are supporting the wellness of our students by participating in the “Kids Heart Challenge” through the American Heart Association. Mrs. Bocox will be running activities in her gym classes this week around a wellness focus. We will have dress down days all week that follow the themes for this event. Wednesday is a mass day, so that will be the only day where students will be required to be in uniform wearing red polo shirts if they have them, and red accessories such as; socks, head-bands, scarves, etc. There is a fundraising component to this challenge that is completely voluntary. The American Heart Association provides education and awareness to schools and also helps fund research into heart health. There will be funds given to our gym program for equipment as a reward for reaching fundraising levels. Kids Heart Challenge / Kids Challenge Weekly Themes
On Thursday 4/11 we will be holding our first “in-person” Family Reading Night since the Pandemic hit. This evening is for families with students in grades K-4. There will be faculty guest readers, come and enjoy some reading time with your student(s) from 6:00-7:30 in the MPR. Family Reading Night Information
The last two days of the week will feature a Mini-Cheer Clinic for K-1 grade girls. Mrs. Herrmann & Mrs. Bocox are the hosts and instructors for this event. Registration has closed. Registered students will be receiving a t-shirt and are encouraged to wear it on
Friday for our PJ Day.
Hoping and praying for warm weather to return!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
Calendar Items:
Friday 4/5 - Spirit Wear Day
Monday 4/8 - Solar Eclipse Day, Disco Ball Theme Dress Down (Heart Challenge Week)
Tuesday 4/9 - Tye Dye Theme Dress Down (Hearth Challenge Week), Spring Sports Pictures 5:00 (gym)
Wednesday 4/10 - No Grayslake Buses (AM), 8:00 Mass, Red polos & accessories (Heart Challenge Week)
Thursday 4/11 - Decades Theme (Heart Challenge Week), Mini Cheer Camp K-1 2:00-3:30, Family Reading Night Grades K-4 6:00-7:30 (MPR).
Friday 4/12 - PJ Day Theme Dress Down (Heart Challenge Week) Mini Cheer Camp Grades K-1 2:00-3:30
Sunday 4/14 - Ladies Tea 2:00-3:30 MPR
Fliers:
Milwaukee Pretzel Orders , https://forms.gle/HGTJdCnHC67pmNHg7
Ladies Tea google.form to register:
April 2, 2024
Save the Date: Wellness Week
Kids Heart Challenge/American Heart Association
Dear SGS Families,
The weather for our first day back certainly was 'frightful' but our students seemed happy to see their friends and teachers after the long Spring & Easter Break. We are ready to get "down to business" for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year. Next up on the calendar is "Wellness Week" which is brought to you by Mrs. Bocox our gym teacher, with assistance from our nurse, Mrs. Herrmann, and the good people at the American Heart Association. Wellness Week Details/Save the Date
April 8-12 we will have a variety of dress down days that follow the activities for the day in our gym classes. There will be more details coming home in a paper version next week when we kick off the Kids Heart Challenge with a focus on wellness.
April 8-12 Wellness Week Schedule
Don't forget to order your Milwaukee Pretzels treats with the fundraiser FSA is hosting: Milwaukee Pretzel Order Form
Stay warm & dry!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
March 21, 2024
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Next week we will be on Spring Break, we hope everyone has a rejuvenating time off, and safe travels to those taking a vacation. School will resume on April 2nd.
*The FSA is excited to announce our new fundraising opportunity with The Milwaukee Pretzel Company!
When you order some of their delicious pretzels, they will generously donate 50% of each sale back to our school. The pretzels are made fresh without artificial flavors, colorings, preservatives or added sugar in a peanut and tree nut free facility. You can eat them fresh, or freeze them to enjoy later!
-
Orders and payment can be sent into the school office starting March 21, 2024 through April 16, 2024. No late orders can be accepted.
-
Please make checks payable to SGS FSA
-
Orders can be shipped for a $10 fee
-
Bulk orders will be delivered to St. Gilbert School on May 10, 2024 (please watch out for more information on distribution as it gets closer)
-
Email questions to fsa@stgilbertschool.org
-
Milwaukee Pretzel Company Information Sheet , Milwaukee Pretzel Order Form
*We are excited to hold our fourth annual all-school retreat on Friday, May 17th.
The theme of the retreat is inspired by the Student Council theme for the school year: Go Make A Difference! As part of the retreat, we will hold an all-school & family mass at 10:00am in the church. All are invited and encouraged to attend. Please save the date and join us!
The retreat planning team is in need of another 5-10 volunteers to help plan the event. The commitment includes 4-5 planning meetings that can be attended virtually or in-person, and a day-of commitment from about 7:30am to noon. However, the team is flexible. If you can help plan but are unavailable on the day of the retreat, that is fine. Conversely, if you can only be available on the day of the retreat but cannot commit to the pre-planning, that too is fine. Our goal is to provide parents and family members opportunities to be involved as their calendars and responsibilities allow. All day-of volunteers must be Virtus certified.
If you'd like to get involved, please reach out to Brigid Martin.
Planning will commence in April, following Spring Break/Easter.
May God bless you with faith and family this Easter!
The Faculty & Staff of St. Gilbert School
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 3/22 - No Woodland or Grayslake Buses (AM & PM)
Spring Break & Easter - 3/23-4/1
School Resumes 4/2
Fliers:
Mini Rebels Cheer Clinic , https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cTPo7PlvZyLuZTMLMjk_4bTF6FTdx06bU7JZLXlpj3I/edit
Ladies Tea Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnK2fMOcsctifXVp22so_sAg17bmdFORAxXXC5I045gcl5rw/viewform?usp=sf_link
March 20, 2024
Art, Pizza, Basketball & Hearts
SGS Art Reception: Stop by tonight to see our student art on display at the Grayslake Library from 6:30-7:30
Lou Malnati's Restaurant Night 3/20/24 (Pizza for dinner!)
Final hours to enter our March Madness Bracket Pool! Get in on the fun!
Parents, students, alumni, family, and friends are welcomed!
You must enter your bracket on the CBS sports website before Thurs, 3/21 at 11 am by clicking here. Password to join = rebels (all lowercase). If you have more than one family member playing, you will need to create CBS account for each player you register on the CBS website.
If your kids want take part, you can register minors as “offline players” by contacting the contest Coordinator - Tom Mottola
Cost - $30 per entry, with 70% of proceeds going to SGS, 25% to the winner, and 5% to the runner up. Payments via Zelle at school.office@stgilbertschool.org or dropped off at the school office.
Questions? Contact Tom Mottola
Coming after Spring Break: Heart Health Challenge for the American Heart Association-details coming soon
March 18, 2024
March Madness Bracket Pool
Teams have been selected for the Big Dance-join in the fun by filling out your bracket and helping SGS in the process!
*We are raising money towards a building and grounds project that has been talked about for years; a double-door, secure, and attractive main entry to our school. If we get enough support we could begin this project this summer instead of next!
SGS March Madness
Calling all March Madness fans! Get your picks ready and cheer on your favorite teams – please join our SGS pool to raise money for school improvements. You must enter your bracket on the CBS site before Thurs, 3/21 at 11 am!
All parents, students, alumni, family, and friends are welcome!
You must enter your bracket on the CBS sports website before Thurs, 3/21 at 11 am by clicking here. Password to join = rebels (all lowercase). If you have more than one family member playing, you will need to create CBS account for each player you register on the CBS website.
If your kids want take part, you can register minors as “offline players” by contacting the contest Coordinator - Tom Mottola
Cost - $30 per entry, with 70% of proceeds going to SGS, 25% to the winner, and 5% to the runner up. Payments via Zelle at school.office@ stgilbertschool.org or dropped off at the school office.
Questions? Contact Tom Mottola
March 15, 2024
SGS March Madness
Calling all March Madness fans! Get your picks ready and cheer on your favorite teams – please join our SGS pool to raise money for school improvements.
Parents, students, alumni, family, and friends are welcomed!
Please register by Mar 20 by clicking here. Password to join = rebels (all lowercase). The pool is managed through the CBS Sports App. If you have more than one family member playing, you will need to create CBS account for each player you register on the CBS website.
If your kids want take part, you can register minors as “offline players” by contacting the contest Coordinator - Tom Mottola
Cost - $30 per entry, with 70% of proceeds going to SGS, 25% to the winner, and 5% to the runner up. Payments via Zelle at school.office@stgilbertschool.org or dropped off at the school office.
Questions? Contact Tom Mottola
March 14, 2024
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
There are so many different activities planned for the last third of the school year-I will try to keep you informed about it all so that you are aware and can take part in things as they become available. Next week is our last full week before Spring Break & Easter. Here are plans for activities that week:
Monday 3/18 - Second Lenten Dress Down for $1.00 to benefit Lord of Glory’s Food Pantry, students can also wear Irish accessories if they so desire to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
Wednesday 3/20 - St. Gilbert’s dedicated Art Fair reception time at the Grayslake Library is 6:30-7:30, we have art on display that has been created by all the students in our school. Come check it out! This evening is also a FSA Restaurant Night @ Lou Malnati’s. Grab a pizza for dinner and help our school in the process.
Thursday 3/21- Our 8th Graders will be putting on a live reenactment of the Stations of the Cross for our school at 12:30 pm, if you are able to join us, we would be happy to have you. We will open the church doors at 12:15, please park along 120 or in the East Lot and enter through the main church doors.
May the road rise to greet you!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 3/15 - Spirit Wear Day
Monday 3/18 - $1.00 Dress Down Day (Lord of Glory Food Pantry Collection)
Wednesday 3/20 - GPL Art Fair-6:30-7:30, Restaurant Night/Lou Malnatis', No Woodland Bus (PM)
Thursday 3/21 - Stations of the Cross @ 12:30 in Church, No Woodland or Grayslake Buses (PM)
Friday 3/22 - No Woodland or Grayslake Buses (AM & PM)
Spring Break 3/23-4/1, School Resumes, Tuesday 4/2
Fliers & other bits....
Carmel Cheerleading Tryouts-8th Graders Only
March Restaurant Night-Lou Malnatis (Third Lake Location only)
Blue Devil's Swim Club:
Blue Devil Swim Club is a USA swim team with a family feel that swims at Warren HS pool. Registration for our Spring New Member Tryouts and Clinic is now open! Come swim with us!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE: https://teamunify.com/ilbdsc
St. Gilbert School Board:
School Board Information, School Board Application
March 7, 2024
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
A fun evening was had by all at our SGS Rocks Trivia event! A special thanks to FSA parent, Nichole Beshel for “chairing” the planning for this event. To her helpers; Dee Schneider, Brigid DelCarmen, Kelly Burke (baker #1), Pam White (Chajet), as well as cookie baker #2, Bennett Cunningham. We had adult alumni volunteers manning the bar from the following families; Ptasenski, McCue, and Bugaj. Current Carmel students helped with set-up and take-down. Our bar was stocked with donations from the; Rivera, Miglore, and Beshel families. Thanks to everyone who donated raffle items, sent in gift cards that were prizes for the “cookie-pull”, bid on items, sponsored, or attended the event. Our proceeds were approximately $15,000, and this money will go towards our new Catholic School Scholarship Fund. This fund helps families that need a bit of help, and whose income qualifies them for some financial assistance, in order to enroll their children at their school of choice, St. Gilbert School.
Our next school building improvement project will be the creation of a “Visitor/Welcome Entryway for the Main Office Door. This project has been talked about for some years, and we will be bringing in contractors to help us plan and bring about a change to the main entrance, that will make it appealing and more secure. Future fundraising of the White Deer Run Golf Outing, as well as our 80th School Anniversary Gala will be targeted towards this building & grounds enhancement. We thank all our families in advance for participating in fundraising events that help us complete and fund special projects not included in the main school budget.
For those of you who enjoy college basketball, we are trying a new fundraiser “March Madness Brackets” this year. Cost to participate is $30, winner will receive 25% of total entrance fees, runner-up 5%. 70% will return to SGS for the building enhancement project mentioned above. Details on how to participate are included here. Thanks to Mr. Mottola for coordinating our “Pig Skin Pick’em, Super Bowl Squares, and our newest “March Madness Brackets.”
SGS March Madness
Calling all March Madness fans! Get your picks ready and cheer on your favorite teams – please join our SGS pool to raise money for school improvements.
Parents, students, alumni, family, and friends are welcomed!
Please register by Mar 20 by clicking here. Password to join = rebels (all lowercase).
$30 per entry, with 70% of proceeds going to SGS, 25% to the winner, and 5% to the runner up. Payments via Zelle at school.office@stgilbertschool.org or at the school office.
Questions? Contact Tom Mottola (see email for contact information). Note: You will need a unique CBS account for each player you register on the CBS website, or you can register minors as “offline players” by contacting Tom.
Our first Lenten almsgiving for the hungry generated $380 for the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. Monday, March 18th will be our next $1.00 Dress Down for the Lord of Glory Food Pantry. The Student Council thanks everyone for their support of giving to community groups that help those in need.
Lastly, we need 3-4 more girls from our 5th & 6th grades to join our JV Soccer Team. If you are currently enrolled, invite a friend, encourage someone to try something new. Soccer is great exercise, and provides social interaction with school friends. The season is not too long either! We have our own practice field and host games on our school grounds. Two years ago we purchased official goals and a field striping machine. We are proud to offer the sports that we do, but we need our students involved to make a “full” team. Go Rebels!
Blessings to you all!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 3/8 - 8th Grade Graduation Photos
Saturday 3/9 - Daddy Daughter Dance 1:00-4:00 in SGS Gym
Wednesday 3/13 - No Grayslake Bus (AM), FSA Meeting 6:30 Virtual (see email for meeting link)
Friday 3/15 - Spirit Wear Day
Other Bits:
"We would like to invite you to a special St. Gilbert Art Fair reception at the Grayslake Public Library on Wednesday, March 20th, from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. All the SGS artwork, along with Districts 127 & 46, will be on display at the Library throughout the entire month of March, in celebration of Youth Art Month.
March 6, 2024
SGS March Madness
Calling all March Madness fans! Get your picks ready and cheer on your favorite teams – please join our SGS pool to raise money for school improvements.
Parents, students, alumni, family, and friends are welcomed!
Please register by Mar 20 by clicking here. Password to join = rebels (all lowercase).
$30 per entry, with 70% of proceeds going to SGS, 25% to the winner, and 5% to the runner up. Payments via Zelle at school.office@stgilbertschool.org or at the school office.
Questions? Contact Tom Mottola (see email for contact information). Note: You will need a unique CBS account for each player you register on the CBS website, or you can register minors as “offline players” by contacting Tom.
March 4, 2024
2.29.24 Tidbit Revisions
Parents/Guardians,
Revision #1: If your student is a “Woodland Bus Rider”, the date for “No Afternoon” bussing is Wednesday March 6th.
Revision #2: The link to register for our Mini Cheer Camp for students going into K-1st is as follows:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cTPo7PlvZyLuZTMLMjk_4bTF6FTdx06bU7JZLXlpj3I/edit
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
March 3, 2024
SGS Rocks Online Auction
Dear families,
You can still help support our Scholarship Fund at St. Gilbert by bidding on items in our online auction! https://ibid.org/v/RGJJ7XV8PD The auction closes this evening at 8:00 pm. Some of the highlights are Bears tickets, Blackhawks tickets, and special car tags that allow (3) lucky bidders to pull right into the main school lot alongside the buses every day for a year!
Thank you to all the families that came out last night for a fun social evening of Trivia! For those of you unable to make it, the auction is a great way to show your support.
Enjoy the spring-like weather today-it is a gift from God!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
February 29, 2024
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Thank you to all the folks that supported our musical performances of Lion King Jr. by either coming to see the show, working behind the scenes on costuming, sets, sales of tickets, flowers, shout outs, or volunteering in any of the capacities that are needed to put on a show of this size. The performance was magnificent! Thanks to our staff directors (Mrs. Carson & Mr. Corcoran) that worked tirelessly with the students for months to prepare. We had over forty 6-8 grade students participating, and you all shined bright!
I hope to see many of you at SGS Rocks Trivia this Saturday. If you can’t make the event there is online bidding you can participate in to help us reach our goal of $25,000 for our Scholarship Program https://ibid.org/v/RGJJ7XV8PD. There are (3) special car tags up for bid to gain “first” entry into our parking lot at dismissal time for an entire year. Thank you to the following business sponsors for SGS Rocks Trivia : SGS Rocks Business Sponsors
March 20th is the Art Fair at the Grayslake Library, student artwork from grades PK-8 will be represented. Please stop in for our St. Gilbert timeslot....
"We would like to invite you to a special St. Gilbert Art Fair reception at the Grayslake Public Library on Wednesday, March 20th, from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. All the SGS artwork, along with Districts 127 & 46, will be on display at the Library throughout the entire month of March, in celebration of Youth Art Month. We will also have a whole school collaborative project on display for all to see"
This evening is also an FSA Restaurant Night at Lou Malnati’s-so grab a pizza to-go after checking out the art from our talented students! Lou Malnati's Restaurant Night
Watch this newsletter for details about major upcoming events, and mark your calendars for our; Annual St. Gilbert Golf Outing at White Deer Run on September 7th, 2024, and our 80th Anniversary Gala at Independence Grove on October 18th, 2024.
Praying Spring-like weather will be returning!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Donations: Thank you to the Kvass and Adams families for their donations of sports equipment for our recess area.
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 3/1 - No School -Teacher Professional Development
Saturday 3/2 - SGS Rocks Trivia-Doors open at 6:00 pm.
Tuesday 3/5 - No Woodland Bus (PM)
Saturday 3/9 - Daddy Daughter Dance
Other interesting bits:
There is still time to register for the “Daddy Daughter Dance” - Daddy Daughter Dance Tickets
Mini Rebels Cheer Camp for grades incoming K-1. Mini Rebels Cheer Camp Registration
Summer SGS Sports Camps Grades incoming 5th-8th (Volleyball & Basketball) Rebels Summer Sports Camp Registration
St. Gilbert Vacation Bible School-Save the Date VBS Save-the-Date 2024
Carmel Shadow Day Carmel Shadow Day
School Board Interest Forms School Board Information , SAB Application
Job Opportunities:
1. We are searching for an enthusiastic person of faith to become our parish Director of Music Ministry.
The Director will responsibly and effectively plan, coordinate and lead parish liturgical music with a vision for providing high quality music that encourages the full participation and engagement of our worshipers.
If interested, please send your resume to: music.teacher@stgilbertschool.org or business.office@stgilbert.org
2. Preschool Teacher: Full-time teaching position at St. Gilbert School working with 3 & 4 year olds in our dynamic "Little Roaring Rebels Preschool." Applicants must have Bachelor's Degree or have completed an Early Childhood Certificate. Please send your resume and interest letter to: school.office@stgilbertschool.org
February 26, 2024
Board Meeting Link & SGS Rocks Auction Link
There is a School Board Meeting Tuesday 2/27 @ 6:30 (virtual)
SAB Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 27 · 6:30 – 7:30pm
Please reference the email for the meeting link.
The SGS Rocks Auction:
SGS Rocks Online Auction is LIVE starting right now and goes until Sunday, March 3rd, 2024 at 8pm
Here's the link: https://ibid.org/v/RGJJ7XV8PD
February 23, 2024
Make a Difference Monday - Lenten Almsgiving
Dear Families,
During the season of Lent we will have two dress down for $1.00 days to help two Food Pantries in our local community. The first "Make a Difference Monday" will be February 26, 2024. Money raised will be given to St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. Make a Difference Monday
Thank you for supporting the needs of the hungry in our local area.
St. Gilbert Student Council
February 22, 2024
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parent/Guardians,
Thank you for participating in our “5 Minute Check-Ins” last week. The home/school partnership is vitally important towards student success in all areas; academic, social, faith, and physical growth. We value this partnership, and hope that our addition of this second conference has helped you to communicate needs, discuss progress towards goals, and provides a forum to inform us about what is going well for your child with their primary school contact; their homeroom teacher.
This weekend we are looking forward to shining a light on our thespians; all our 6th-8th grade singers, dancers, actors/actresses in their production of Lion King Jr. The show will be performed at Carmel Catholic High School’s Auditorium at 7:00 pm both Friday (2/23) and Saturday(2/24). You can walk-in and purchase a ticket. Enjoy the show!
Remember that our next adult social event is SGS Rocks Trivia Night, on March 2nd. This is a fundraiser where all the proceeds help with our SGS Catholic School Scholarship Fund. This event is a relaxed evening of fun with friends and family playing trivia together, and enjoying food and libations. You are encouraged and allowed to bring snacks and appetizers for your table, but bringing in alcohol is prohibited. There will be a bar available for the evening and drink tickets can be purchased for $5.00 each. Use the following link to register: Registration for SGS Rocks Trivia We are still hoping for donations of gift cards for our basket bidding for this event: Donations for Baskets/Gift Cards Etc. . A hot item of “ First-In Afternoon Parking Pass” will be returning this year! This allows the cardholder to enter the main lot and park next to the buses in the afternoon and then to be pulled in 1st in the car line. This pass will be valid for March 11, 2024-SGS Rocks 2025.
Just an update on Carter H.: He is still in the heart of his battle with cancer, but is so thankful for everyone’s overwhelming generosity, prayers, and compassionate gestures of support. He took the blanket to his recent week-long in-patient treatment, and he felt wrapped in the love and encouragement by the ribbons that were signed by all of his schoolmates and teachers. Picture w/blanket
Thank you to the following families for their donations to our Rebel Way Prize Cart: Cunningham, Budge, and Mason.
There’s a feeling of Spring in the air!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 2/23 - End of Trimester #2, Lion King Jr. 7:00 pm show
Saturday 2/24 - Lion King Jr. 7:00 pm show
Tuesday 2/27 - School Board Meeting 6:30 pm (virtual)
Thursday 2/29 - Report Cards Home
Friday 3/1 - No School - Teacher PD
Saturday 3/2 - SGS Rocks Trivia Event 6:30 doors open
Other Fliers:
Registration for Spring Chess Session
Art Show: "We would like to invite you to a special St. Gilbert Art Fair reception at the Grayslake Public Library on Wednesday, March 20th, from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. All the SGS artwork, along with Districts 127 & 46, will be on display at the Library throughout the entire month of March, in celebration of Youth Art Month. We will also have a whole school collaborative project on display for all to see"
February 15, 2024
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I want to thank all the room parents for their time, planning and creativity. The students enjoyed wonderful Valentine’s Day parties, even though it was a day early! Tomorrow we will have an early release with no buses from either district. If I can ask you to not all try to be the first one into the lot, that would help quite a bit. I am asking for some spacing out so that we do not block roads and driveways. I did receive an email from a neighbor across the street with complaints about cars blocking driveways, and ignoring posted “no parking” signs. In the afternoon we will start bringing cars in at 10:50, but students will not be loaded into the first groups until 11:00. Come a bit later, like 11:15 and you will be able to pull in easier. I expect we will load 5-6 groups of 24 cars. If you are able to form a carpool that would be excellent! Remember to designate that person as pick up approved for your child in PikMyKid. Things will move smoothly if you “announce” in the App, and have your car tag. The teachers look forward to checking in with families for this second conference. Thank you for choosing St. Gilbert School for your child’s education.
Blessings,
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 2/16 - Early Release 11:00, No Buses Grayslake or Woodland (AM/PM), Aftercare only provided to Preschoolers today.
Monday 2/19 - No School Presidents Day
Tuesday 2/20 - No Woodland buses (AM & PM)
Wednesday 2/21 - FSA Meeting @St. Gilbert MPR 6:30 pm
Friday 2/23 & Saturday 2/24 - Musical Performance of Lion King Jr. @ Carmel Auditorium 7:00 pm
Other Information:
February 8, 2024
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Our 6th through 8th grade students have been working very hard on learning their lines, songs, and dances in preparation for our musical presentation of “The Lion King Jr.” Our show will be performed at Carmel High School’s auditorium on Feb. 23rd & 24th. Let’s fill the seats with our school support, it is a show for all ages with lots of song and character favorites!
Our school musical, Lion King Jr. tickets go on sale today.
It is a wonderful performance performed by our 6th-8th grade students. We can't wait to see it. Get your tickets now at sgsmusical2024.ticketleap.com/the-lion-king-jr/ . (If you want to pick your own seats visit the link from your computer. If you order from your phone it will pick the seats for you.)
I also want to feature 7th grade student Connor D. who was our school Spelling Bee winner and who will go on to Scripts Sectionals on 2/22. Congratulations and good luck!
Coming in March will be our SGS Rocks Trivia event and fundraiser. Enjoy an evening with friends and help our Catholic School Scholarship Fund. We can accommodate all sizes of groups, no pressure to form a whole table of 10, we will match smaller groups at tables and you can participate in a small or large group if you desire. There will be a bar on site, so no outside alcohol is allowed. You may however choose a theme, decorate your table, and bring snacks. Trivia Night Registration
Important schedule change; D46 has selected to not be in school on 2/16, so we will have no buses from either district that day. This is also an early release (11:00) for K-8 so that our teachers can do “5 Minute Check-in Conferences.” Preschool will remain in school, and aftercare will only be open for Preschool students due to staffing limits.
Enjoying the early spring-like weather!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
2/13 - Valentine’s Day Parties, Red tops & accessories w/uniform bottoms.
2/14 - Ash Wednesday - All school mass 8:00 am
2/16 - 11:00 Early Dismissal, No Woodland or Grayslake Buses (AM & PM), Preschoolers remain in school w/aftercare available only for them beginning at 2:00. Spirit Wear 1/2 Day!
Fliers:
Tuition Tax Statement Directions
February 1, 2024
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Today we celebrated our students, the reason we are all here! They were treated to a dress down day, a Sock-Hop, book fair shopping, and tonight a STEAM Night. The hours for the evening event are 5:00-7:00 pm in the gym. The Bookfair will be open this evening for shopping, and is located in the MPR. Students must be supervised by an adult unless they are older students who are volunteering for Mrs. Ziegler. We will have a dinner option of 2 slices of pizza + drink for $3.50. Might I also suggest bringing along a bag with handles to collect any “make + take” activities that the students create. There will be STEAM activities to try that span the age groups of PK-8th. Join us if you are able.
Tomorrow for Catholic Schools Week we celebrate the Military and other community helpers. We will have a panel of speakers from different branches of the Military for grades 5-8, and I have seen visitors around the building sharing their jobs with the younger students this week; we have had a Paramedic, and a Fireman visit so far! Everyone can dress in red, white, and blue tomorrow to show our patriotic spirit.
Let the light shine,
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
Reminders:
1. We will be burning palms 2.8.24, please send old palms into the office.
2. The deadline to register for Spring sports is Wednesday, February 21st. Please sign up using this link if your child is interested in playing soccer (girls), volleyball (boys), or track and field (boys and girls) for St. Gilbert School. If you sign up after the deadline, we can't guarantee there will be a spot on the team for your child. Please reach out with any questions.
3. Carmel is offering free admission to our students to their home basketball games this Thursday & Friday in honor of CSW. We do have (4) SGS grads playing on the Boys Varsity Team, and (1) on the Varsity Girls Team.
Below is a link to each game for tickets. Please note that students must be accompanied by an adult.
Girls vs. Marian Catholic on 2/1/24: https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/137cf96b-b48b-4700-8a52-62bc0741886a/events/0af8d657-5eac-4a43-86be-2005fba1429b
Boys vs. Nazareth Academy on 2/2/24: https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/137cf96b-b48b-4700-8a52-62bc0741886a/events/0dfe26af-170a-4e2d-a078-5061fba5f5eb
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 2/2 - No Woodland Bus (PM), Military/Vocations/Community Helper Day, Dress Down; Red, White, Blue
Saturday 2/3 - Family Robotic Day 11:00-2:00 (pre-registration required) (gym)
Fliers:
Lake Villa Lacrosse Program
Gladiator Travel Basketball Program
11th Annual STEM for Girls-CLC
January 31, 2024
Catholic Schools Week-Day 2 & 3
Dear School Families,
Tuesday was a day to thank Teachers & Staff for the hard work they do on a day to day basis. The Family School Association (FSA) which is made up of all parents/guardians sponsored a lovely “Breakfast/Brunch” and everyone was given a “charge up gift” to keep their phones working throughout the day. All staff want to extend a thank you for making them feel so special. I must say that I have very long standing and loyal staff, dedicated to the mission of Catholic Education. Making sure they are happy and fed is one of the most important ways to show love and appreciation! Our Student Council also presented all the staff with a nice note and gift card to Starbucks-they know refreshments keep the school energized. Thank you to both groups for their gifts.
Today we celebrated mass at 8:00am, and we all wore the color yellow in our shirts and accessories to spread the light of our prayers over Carter H. as he receives further treatments today. The love and concern that is being demonstrated by our school community is very moving to experience. A parent from a new family this year approached me with the idea of a “Care Blanket.” She would crochet the blanket and provide ribbons that each student and staff member of SGS would sign. This morning we blessed this beautiful blanket at mass, and we are wrapping Carter in our love and prayers for his health and healing. I want to thank Monica Gamalski (child in 7th) for her selfless offer, her talent, and her time. The blanket along with a special gift from Fr. Pawel, and a basket full of the entire community’s support for the family; gift cards and donations will be given to them. Your generosity in support of Carter has blown us all away-thank you for your prayers and gifts on their behalf.
In humble service,
Mrs. Kristine Buckley, Principal
January 29, 2024
Catholic Schools Week
Day #1: Parents & Supporters
Dear Parents/Guardians & other family supporters,
Today is our day to thank you for choosing St. Gilbert School! We know that you sacrifice other things to provide your child(ren) a Catholic education. Often grandparents and other family members support your choice as well. We thank all our families for valuing an education that is faith-based. Today your youngest and only student will be bringing home a gift from the school to show our appreciation. Ask them for it and/or check their backpacks. Students also wrote you some letters of thanks, and you might get those today or even later this week. We try to help our students understand that it is a sacrifice for their parents to choose a private school, and to show their gratitude for that opportunity.
From all of us here at SGS; teachers, aides, maintenance staff, pastors, and administration- THANK YOU!
January 25, 2024
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We sent a check to St. Bede’s for over $1600-thank you so much for your generosity to this special outreach. St. Bede’s did reach their goal to raise $400,000 and keep their school open for next school year. Cardinal Cupich gave his blessing this weekend on their community, and we wish them continued success in their ongoing strategic planning.
Throughout the majority of the school year we offer assistance to PADS Lake County. The Student Council leads these efforts and we rotate through our grades with specific food items that are donated weekly by our families. I have enclosed a thank you letter from PADS so that you can learn about their mission and how our school family is helping our local community. Thank you from PADS Lake County
This week Friday we will have a dress down day to support the Halloran family as their son is battling Ewing Sarcoma. Carter is in 5th grade here at St. Gilbert, and he started his cancer treatment right after Christmas. This past week he has finally felt strong enough to attend school for a couple of days. Please give as generously as you can to this dress down day, we intend to help them with gas cards, a monetary donation for hospital parking costs, as well as food delivery service gift cards. He is receiving treatments at Lurie Children’s in Chicago. You will see yellow ribbons all over our school campus, these were placed there by our Student Council, when you see the ribbons please say a prayer over Carter as he fights this tough battle.
This Sunday kicks off Catholic Schools Week, and our enrollment push for next school year. There will be tours for new and prospective students by appointment on Sunday 1/28/24 from 9:00-11:00. Each school day will have a specific focus to remind us that Catholic Schools hold a special place in our community. We will be thanking our parents, staff, students, military & community helpers, and offering a special blessing to Carter H. & family at mass on Wednesday. Please see the flier for more information on events that will take place over the week. We invite all families to join us on Thursday (2/1/24) evening for our STEAM Night and Scholastic Book Fair from 5:00-7:00. New this year, we will be offering a meal deal of pizza and a drink for $3.50, so come enjoy some fun experiments with your child, get a bite to eat, and browse new reading materials. This event is for all ages, teachers will be planning the activities from grades PK-8.
We will be burning old “palms” which will create our ashes for Ash Wednesday, please send any you have to the attention of the “office.”
Praying to see the sun soon!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 1/26 - $ Dress Down Day/Team Carter, Cheer Clinic 2-5 pm @ gym
Sunday 1/28 - Open House New/Prospective Families 9:00-11:00
Catholic Schools Week - 1/28-2/3 Catholic Schools Week 2024
Wednesday 1/31 - Wear yellow tops & accessories for special blessing at 8:00 mass for Carter H.
Thursday 2/1 - Celebrate our Students Day - students get to dress down, sock hop in the afternoon, STEAM Night & Bookfair 5:00-7:00 pm in the gym & multipurpose room.
Friday 2/2 - No Woodland Bus (PM)
Saturday 2/3 - Family Robotics Day 11:00-2:00 RSVP required
Informational Fliers:
SGS Rocks Trivia 2024-Save the Date
Knights of Columbus Blood Drive
January 23, 2024
SGS Rocks Trivia/Adult Event
"Save the Date"
Dear Families and Friends,
Take the doldrums out of winter and save the date to join us for a fun relaxed evening of trivia! Registration details to come.....
SGS Rocks Trivia 2024-Save the Date
January 18, 2024
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are getting back in the swing of school with our second full day in a week! Today the students will be able to go outside for recess as well. They are very excited to play in the huge piles of snow on the playground. This is a gentle reminder that if your child wants to play in the snow they need proper snow clothing; snow pants, jacket, boots, hat, and gloves in order to do so. Students that do not have all these items will remain on the blacktop area.
Thank you for supporting the St. Bede’s fundraiser today. I will inform you of the total amount collected after we take the money to the bank. Next week Friday 1/26/24 we will be having another dress down day to help the family of one of our 5th grade students as they work through their son’s struggle with cancer, and all the disruption to family, school, and jobs that this creates. Money brought in will be used to purchase DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Gas gift cards to help the family with meals and costs associated with getting back and forth to Lurie’s in the city for treatments. Due to allergies in their family they have declined a “meal train.”
I thank you for being a blessing to those around you!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
*(iReady testing missed during school closure will be 1/23/24)
Friday 1/19 - Spirit Wear Day
Wednesday 1/24 - GCHS Counselor Visits @ SGS for 8th graders (8:00-9:30 appointments)
Thursday 1/25/24 - School Spelling Bee during school hours, Cheer Clinic 2-5 (gym)
Friday 1/26/24 - $1.00 Dress Down Day (Cancer Support/Carter H.) Cheer Clinic 2-5 (gym)
Sunday 1/28/24 - Catholic Schools Week Begins-Open House for new/prospective families 9:00-11:00
Fliers:
January 16, 2024
Revision to Grayslake Busing Wednesday 1.17.24
Parents of Grayslake Bus Riders,
Tomorrow was already a no AM bus day for Grayslake D46, and this district has announced they will be eLearning again tomorrow. That means they will not bus our students in the afternoon either. Please make arrangements, if you need students to attend Aftercare please let us know.
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
January 15, 2024
eLearning Weather Day Notification
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Tuesday January 16th will be an eLearning Weather Day for St. Gilbert School. The buses for Grayslake D46 have just announced they will not be transporting students due to severe weather predictions. Students should watch for emails from teachers, and see work posted on the platforms of SeeSaw for grades PK-2, and Google Classroom for grades 3-8.
Our Dress Down Day to Support St. Bede will be moved to Thursday, 1/18/24. Thank you for supporting this endeavor.
Our Winter Diagnostic testing will begin on Wednesday, 1/17/24. Please make sure your student's device is fully charged and brought to school, a good night's sleep and give them a good breakfast. Talk with them about the importance of this testing, and how you will be looking forward to seeing the progress they have made since the beginning of the school year. Keep your tone positive and supportive. They will do their best to show you that they have been doing the hard work of learning!
Be safe, and we will see everyone back on Wednesday, January 17th.
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
January 14, 2024
Rescheduled Dress Down Fundraiser for St. Bede's
Dear Families, Students & Staff,
The dress down day fundraiser to help St. Bede's school will be rescheduled to Tuesday, January 16th. I have been really moved by the responses from families who asked about how they can help if the fundraiser was not rescheduled. Thank you so much for your self-less support of others, may your rewards be great in heaven!
Reminder that Tuesday also begins our iReady Winter Diagnostic for grades K-8. These standardized tests are important for all
stakeholders since it is a measurement that determines student growth since the start of the school year. We use the data to determine which students have support needs, and to assess curriculum materials and teaching plans across and between grades. We continue to strive to have high reading and math growth for all our students, as these are markers for future success with other core subjects, as well as overall academic progress over time.
Stay warm and safe out there!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
January 12, 2024
eLearning Snow Day Notification
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Friday January 12th will be an eLearning Snow Day for St. Gilbert School. The buses for Grayslake D46 have just announced they will not be transporting students due to severe weather predictions. Students were asked to take home what would be needed for learning if it came to that. Watch for emails from teachers, and see work posting on the platforms of SeeSaw for grades PK-2, and Google Classroom for grades 3-8.
Be safe, and we will see everyone back on Tuesday, January 16th.
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
January 11, 2024
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Happy New Year to you all! The second half of the school year is upon us and next week we will begin what I call our “Assessment Period” of the school year. We will be administering our iReady Winter Diagnostic beginning Tuesday, January 16th. Diagnostic testing is scheduled for the morning periods of school for grades K-8. Please help your child get a good night's sleep and give them a good breakfast. Talk with them about the importance of this testing, and how you will be looking forward to seeing the progress they have made since the beginning of the school year. Keep your tone positive and supportive. They will do their best to show you that they have been doing the hard work of learning!
Here are the instructions for how to access tuition statements for tax purposes: tax summary directions
Re-enrollment for the school year 2024-2025 will begin January 22nd. You will get a notification in your FACTS account that your student(s) have been listed into the new grade for next year. A non-refundable Enrollment Fee of $150.00 per family will be applied to all accounts as of 2.12.24. Notify school.office@stgilbertschool.org if you will not be enrolling for 2024-25. We will have an Open House for prospective new families that will kick off “Catholic Schools Week” on Sunday, January 28th from 9:00-11:00. Tours are by appointment. We will be accepting new applications for classroom spots as of Open House on 1/28/24.
Weather notice: We are once again hearing of a potential storm for Friday 1/12. Teachers have told the students to be prepared with their chromebooks and materials. If we cancel school due to snow, it will be an eLearning Day. Classwork will be posted in the learning management systems of SeeSaw for grades PreK-2, and Google.Classroom for grades 3-8.
Peace,
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 1/12 - $$ Dress Down Day to benefit St. Bede Catholic School
Monday 1/15 - No School-Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday 1/16 - iReady Winter Diagnostic begins for grades K-8 (will go on for 4 mornings this week)
Wednesday 1/17 - No Grayslake Bus (AM), Noodles (Grayslake location) Restaurant Night, FSA Meeting in person at Center Cut @ 6:30 pm.
Thursday 1/18 - Preschool Fair 6:00-7:30 Grayslake Library, GCHS Class of 2028 Night 6:30-8:00 pm.
Informational Fliers:
Art Club Grades 3-5-Registration Form
Art Club Grades 1-2 Registration Form
FSA Restaurant Night - Noodles, Grayslake
FSA Meeting (in-person) @ Center Cut
SGS Yearbook Orders 2023-24 , Yearbook Picture Upload Directions
January 9, 2024
Helping our neighbor/St. Bede’s
Dear Families,
We will have a $3.00-$5.00 Dress Down Day this Friday 1/12/24, with the proceeds all being donated to our neighboring Catholic School in Ingleside; St. Bede’s. You may have heard through the grapevine, or on the local news, that they have been told by the Archdiocese last month that they need to raise $400,000 to stay open for the 2024-25 school year. This struggle is mainly due to the loss of the Empower Illinois Scholarship program for next year. Catholic Schools are stronger together, so please help us to give them a bit of aid during this difficult time. They are only about $45,000 short of their goal!
There are a couple other fundraisers for this cause that may be of interest to you, and I am enclosing their information. St. Bede’s is holding one, and Bella’s Skate on Grand is also, if you are looking for something fun to do in the coming winter weeds with the kids.
Thank you for being part of our wonderful school community, and caring for our neighbors!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
Bella's Skate on Grand/Proceed for St. Bede's
January 8, 2024
Weather Watch Tidbit
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope that you all have had a wonderful Christmas break with your children and are ready to start the new year with new focus and energy. Unfortunately, with the start of January we are looking at some coming weather and potential snow storms. I want to communicate that you will be notified of any potential school closure by email and phone message. These notifications go out through Power School using the email addresses and phone numbers we have on record. It is best to have a plan in place, as parents, for the event of a school closure.
Determining a school closure due to weather involves conversations with the two districts that provide us busing (Grayslake & Woodland). At this moment the weather is unpredictable with a wide-range of possibilities. Safety of our students is always the first priority, so even if a decision may not be made to close school, you still have the right to keep your child home especially if you drive them to school on a daily basis. Due to the fact that Tuesday 1/9/24 will be our first day back after break, a school closure will not result in an eLearning day, simply because students and teachers may not have the materials needed to plan or participate in such a day. That means that if we do close school due to inclement weather this day will have to be made up in June.
I will be watching the weather closely, and getting updates from the busing districts most likely late into this evening. I will communicate as soon as any decisions come down from the transportation coordinators.
Stay warm and get your shovels ready!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
December 21, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The entire staff and I wish you a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year! Enjoy time with your family and friends, relax, and refresh. We are so grateful that you have chosen St. Gilbert for your child(ren)! Providing a faith-based education, academic excellence, service to others, and a close community for close to 80 years.
Peace,
Mrs. Kristine Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
12/22 - No Woodland Buses (AM/PM), Christmas Sweater Day, last day of school before break!
Christmas Break - 12/25/23-1/8/24
1/9/24 - School Resumes
Other Bits:
Art Club (Grades 3-5) SGS Art Club Winter Session (Grades 3,4,5)
Spring Sports Registration-Register Now! https://www.registermyathlete.com/
Knights of Columbus Burger Bash
December 14, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Christmas time is here.....the next holiday events will be next week, Tuesday & Wednesday, please see the calendar reminders for the schedule. Our student designed Christmas Ornament will be sold at these two events, but you can also order one through the office. Ornaments are $6.00, and supplies are limited.
Families that use our Aftercare Program; this is a reminder that due to our all-staff Christmas Party on December 21st we will be closing the program at 4:30 so our staff can attend the last half of the party.
If you placed Spirit Wear Orders they will arrive mid-week, and definitely before we leave for break!
A Christmas Spirit Week has been planned, see flier from Student Council for details: Christmas Spirit Week Details
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 12/15 - Santa’s Secret Shop (during school hours), Spirit Wear Day
Monday 12/18 - Board Meeting 6:00 @ First Draft (Christmas Wrap Up)
Tuesday 12/19 - Grades 1-5 Christmas Pageant @ 6:00 in church
Wednesday 12/20 - PK & K Christmas Concerts starting at 9:30 am in church, please park in the East lot or off 120-enter through main church doors.
Thursday 12/21 - No Woodland Bus (PM), Classroom Christmas Parties (pizza lunch/no Kiddos), Aftercare closes @ 4:30 (Staff Christmas Party)
Friday 12/22 - Last day of school before break, No Woodland Buses (AM/PM) Advent Service (Student Lead) 8:30 am church, Christmas in the Round Sing-Along 9:30 am.
Other Bits:
Burger Bash 2023 - Knights of Columbus
December 11, 2023
Annual School Christmas Ornament Sale
Dear Families,
We will be selling our student designed 2023 Christmas Ornament at all our celebratory events. Ornaments will be cash only, at $6.00 per ornament.
Sales at the following events:
Tuesday, December 12th Winter Band Concert @ 6:00 (outside the gym)
Tuesday, December 19th Grades 1-5 Christmas Pageant (in the back of church)
Wednesday, December 20th PK & K Christmas Concert @ 9:30 (in the back of church)
Happy Holidays!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
December 7, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
To recap our first Christmas Bazaar- we made almost $4000 for our Scholarship Program. We had tons of donations, many volunteers, and lots of fun catching up with current and past families who came to shop. A very special thank you to our early childhood Art Teacher (parent), Mary Farrell, for bringing this idea to me over the summer, and for her dedication of many hours to bring the event to a successful debut. I had never heard of such an idea before, and with very little outlay of costs we had great success. If we run this over an entire weekend we might reach our goal of $10,000 next year! Thank you to our raffle donors: Jandee Salon (Miranda Baczek), Polished Salon & Boutique (Nicole Beshel), Crate & Barrel (Elisa Steinlage), Original Quilt (Bonnie Repp).
Thanks to all the adult volunteers that helped plan, organize, run, and clean up this event; Heidi Metz, Melissa Soehl, Rachel Roscoe, Mary Hoernemann, Niki Case, Morgan Hamilton, Maria Williams, Santa, Cindy Reed, SGS Maintenance Crew, Dori Greffly, Pat Murphy, Kathleen Karrigan, Meaghen Dahm. Lastly, thank you to the many St. Gilbert & Carmel students that volunteered to help throughout the day.
Upcoming holiday events (week at a glance)
Junior High (Grades 6-8) Winter Dance, December 8th from 6:30-8:30 JH Dance Information. Cost is $10.00, drop off by gym doors, dress code is “smart festive.”
Winter Band Concert for students who play band instruments in grades 3-8 on Tuesday, December 12th at 6:00 in the gym. Please park by the gym entrance. Winter Band Concert Information
Our Annual Santa’s Secret Shop will be taking place next week, Thursday, December 14th and Friday, December 15th, where students can purchase gifts for family members.
Envelopes and flyers will be sent home on Monday. Envelopes should be completed and returned by Wednesday. You can find more information on the event, and pre-shop online at the following link: https://2130080.holidaytreasures.com/.
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 12/8 - Holy Day/All School Mass 8:00, JH Dance 6:30-8:30 pm (gym)
Tuesday 12/12 - Winter Band Concert 6:00 pm (gym)
Thursday 12/14 - Santa’s Secret Shop (MPR/School Day)
Friday 12/15 - Santa’s Secret Shop (MPR/School Day), Spirit Wear Day
Other Bits:
New gym clothing offering for grades 6-8-jogger pants Jogger Style Gym Sweats (6-8 Only) $22.00 each, order through the school office.
Spring Sports Registration is open now: https://www.stgilbertschool.org/athletics-registration
Christmas Eve 3:00 mass is looking for some singers to join the children’s choir. If you are planning to attend this mass and your child
would like to sing, please email kay.karrigan@stgilbertschool.org.
Student Council has planned a Christmas Spirit Week for the last week of school, please see daily themes on the flier: Christmas Spirit Week Details
December 4, 2023
Aftercare Early Closure Date & Other Reminders
Early Aftercare Closure 12/21/23 @ 4:30
This message is for families that use Aftercare either on a regular basis or just once in a while. On Thursday, December 21st Fr. John celebrates Christmas with the entire staff in the form of a party at Center Cut from 3:00-6:00. On this date, we will be closing Aftercare early at 4:30 to allow those staff members to attend the last half of the party. Please make a note on your calendars and plan accordingly for an early Aftercare closure on 12/21/23 at 4:30.
Dress Down Passes for Sale
St. Nick’s Day is right around the corner, we are still selling dress down passes at the office for $5.00 each with a limit of 10. These also make good Christmas gifts/stocking stuffers, so get yours now before Christmas arrives.
Woodland Bus Change Reminder
About a month ago Woodland notified us that their teacher planning (early release) switched from Fridays to Wednesdays....this means that this Wednesday 12/6/23 there are no afternoon Woodland buses, please make carpool arrangements accordingly. Our online school calendar was update at the time of the change.
Hope you are having a good start to the week!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
November 30, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Today we say goodbye to November and welcome the festive month of December. I am hoping to see many of you bargain shoppers at our Christmas Bazaar this Saturday 12/2/23 from 9:00-2:00. Parking and entrance by the gym doors. This event is open to the public, so bring a friend! We are accepting gently used Christmas decorations through Friday evening at 9:00 pm. Drop what you have during the day in the bins located by the main entrance, and Friday night drop off will be by the gym door entrance. Teachers and parents have baked their favorite cookie recipes and we have assortments of “Gilbert’s Goodies” available for purchase ($5.00 per box). We also compiled the cutest “Heavenly Cookie Book” with all the recipes, also for sale ($3.00). A bonus bundle will be available for $10.00 (2 boxes of cookies + recipe book.) You don’t want to miss this, supplies are limited!
We have a beautiful handmade Christmas Quilt that we are selling raffle tickets for, along with some wonderful gift basket donations from Jandee Salon and Crate & Barrel- purchase raffle tickets to win these lovely items. Hot chocolate and coffee ($1.00) will be available from our Student Council students, and there are some personal craft tables as well. Most items in the Bazaar are “free-will” donations, some larger items will have a suggested donation price. Profits from all of these items will go directly to our new St. Gilbert Scholarship Fund.
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas....”
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Hold the presses!
Our gym teacher and our nurse have teamed up to be staff sponsors of a “Cheer Clinic” for grades 2-8. They have also secured the help of the Carmel Cheer Team. More details are on this flier Rebels Cheer Clinic if you are interested use this link to sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgIx2Ysy-6ulL-CBb_nE06ZxqJywA3EklEw4k6R6SpqRKpkA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Registration for Spring Sports will open 12/1/23, sports include Boys Volleyball, Girls Soccer & Track and Field. Payment and required documents must be completed at time of registration.
Calendar Items:
Friday 12/1 - Spirit Wear, Christmas Donations Door #1 7:00-3:00, & 5:00-9:00pm gym door
Saturday 12/2 - St. Gilbert Christmas Bazaar 9:00-2:00 (enter and park by gym doors), Carmel Entrance Exam (8th graders)
Wednesday 12/6 - No Woodland Bus (PM), Portillo's Restaurant Night
Friday 12/8 - Junior High Winter Dance (Grades 6-8)
Fliers:
SGS 2023 Christmas Keepsake Ornament
Poinsettia Fundraiser/Youth Ministry
November 27, 2023
Catholic School Scholarship Program (New)
Dear Parents/Guardians & Catholic School Supporters,
With the sunset of the Invest in Kids, Tax Credit Scholarship in the state of Illinois, the Archdiocese of Chicago has redesigned what was formerly called "Caritas Scholarship" to a new easy to use program called; Catholic Schools Scholarship Program. Within this new program, donors can select their parish school for their donation dollars. All donations are tax-deductible. Last year we were able to assist 23 students with the TCS program, please help us to be able to offer some financial assistance to these students for the next year with your donation. The need is greater than ever to help families select Catholic Education. Details on donating located in this flier: Catholic Schools Scholarship Program
Respectfully,
Mrs. Kristine Buckley, Principal
November 21, 2023
Thanksgiving Tidbit
St. Gilbert School
Special thanks from STEM for donation blessings:
In this season of thanks, the Elementary STEM Lab would like to thank the many families who donated to our materials request. I am sure I am missing some of you, as a few bags were dropped off with no names, but please know that your donation is greatly appreciated.
The Cauwels family for fulfilling our wish list every April. We are thankful beyond words for your continued generosity and priority of STEM related activities.
The Czyzewski Family, The Swindell Family, The Mason Family, Ms Vole and Viviana, Joe Morris family, The Strachan family, The Engelmann Family, The Sebastian Gonzalez Family, The Khosla Family, The Halm Family, The Roscoe & Lesinski Families who keep us filled up on paper towel and toilet tissue rolls and Mrs. Carson, The Chebny family and the Case Family for the donation of LEGO's that they were no longer using.
Your donations make our projects possible.
Thankfully,
Lisa Kleber, K-8 STEM
Ongoing Christmas events & gifts:
*Christmas Dress Down Passes-
In preparation for the coming of St. Nicolas, we are again selling Christmas Dress Down Passes in the office: Passes are $5.00 each, with a limit of (10) per child. Please send money by cash/check to the school office in an envelope labeled w/family name and “Dress Down Passes.” We will try to keep this on the down low since we know these are Christmas gifts for students, passes will be sent home in a sealed envelope. Passes available for purchase up until Christmas break.
*SGS 2023 Christmas Ornament- SGS Christmas Ornament Order Form
*Christmas Quilt Raffle Tickets-
As a part of our Old Time Christmas Bazaar one of our retired Kindergarten teachers was asked if they would make our school a Christmas Quilt that we could raffle off during this event. Bonnie Repp said yes! It is 65 X 72 and you can see the detail below. Raffle tickets for you chance to win this beautiful quilt are:
(1) for $5.00/ (5) for $20.00
We are accepting orders for raffle tickets in the office at this time. There will be sales after certain weekend masses and at the event on Saturday, December 2nd. Payment can be made by cash, check or Zelle: school.office@stgilbertschool.org Please provide your name, phone, and email, a confirmation email will be sent to you confirming your purchase.
*Old Time Christmas Bazaar Volunteers Needed- Old Time Christmas Bazaar
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F49ABAE2EA7F49-45810426-oldfashion#/
We are in need of adult volunteers to help move donations into the building, and out of the building for our Christmas Bazaar. All leftover items will be transported to Good Will or St. Vincent DePaul right after the end of the event. We need help with driving that over in trucks or vans!
We also want to let parents know that there will be an area for children to select ornaments as free gifts for family members, along with a wrapping craft. Adults will be able to browse for treasures as the small ones are engaged in a holiday craft. The big guy might also make an appearance :) Christmas Bazaar for all ages!
Remember that drop off of gently used Christmas decorations is Thursday 11/30 from 8:00-1:00, and Friday 12/1 from 8:00-1:00, and 5:00-9:00 pm.
*SGS Spirit Wear Shop (orders placed will be delivered by Christmas break!) Winter Spirit Wear Shop
Calendar Reminder:
Thanksgiving Break 11/22-11/24
November 20, 2023
Spirit Wear Store Open
St. Gilbert School
Get your holiday shopping done! SGS Spirit Wear Store open for one week only, with delivery before Christmas break!
November 16, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
One of the wonderful things about being part of a small community that has service to others as one of its basic values, is to see how quickly students and families respond to calls to help others. Over this week we have been collecting food items for Thanksgiving meals that will be given to needy families in our area. We have boxes of items just waiting to be sorted, and cash donations that will be used to purchase turkeys. Thank you so much for your generosity towards others in need. We received an urgent call from our sharing parish in the city, St. Benedict the African; asking for donations of gently used children’s coats. If you can help with donations to this cause it would be greatly appreciated. Details on this flier: Children's Coat Drive
Don’t forget to sort out Christmas decorations that are no longer used in your household for our Christmas Bazaar; we added another day for drop-offs (8:00-1:00, Thursday 11/30). Place donations on the cart outside the main entrance. We will bring them in as time and staff allows. Other donation times are 12/1 from 8:00-1:00 (door #1), and 5:00-9:00 pm (gym doors).
Cookie bakers, please drop off your baked goods to school by 11/30 so we can pack our boxes of “Gilbert Goodies.” Recipes are due 11/27 due to printing constraints. You can type your recipe directly into an email and send it to: school.office@stgilbertschool.org.
If you are looking for some Christmas Decorations at a great price, and/or are a “treasure hunter” please plan to attend our Christmas Bazaar from 9:00-2:00, Saturday, December 2nd. So many different treasures are making their way into our Christmas rummage; ornaments, ribbon, dishes, wreaths, garlands, trees and so much more. All proceeds will go towards the Tuition Scholarship Program for St. Gilbert School.
As you can tell, the holidays are approaching. Here is a listing of the events that are currently on the calendar, along with grades that will be participating in that event, so you can begin planning.
Holiday Calendar of Events
Saturday, December 2nd - Christmas Bazaar 9:00-2:00 (Multi-purpose room)
Tuesday, December 12th - Winter Band Concert 6:00 pm (gym, grades 3-8 band members)
Tuesday, December 19th - Christmas Pageant 6:00 pm (church, grades 1-5 only)
Wednesday, December 20th - Christmas Show 9:30 am (church, grades PK & K only)
Lastly, I would like to announce the design winner of our annual school Christmas Ornament; Natalie A. from 7th Grade! Each year we hold an ornament design contest and send the winner’s design off to be made into a unique/collectable ornament for our school. Ornaments are available now for purchase through the main office, and will be sold at the various events above until the limited supply is sold. Get your keepsake ornament today! SGS Christmas Ornament Order Form
Counting all my blessings,
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Items:
11/17 - Spirit Wear, Pep Rally 12:30, Trimester #1 Report Cards Home
11/18 - Mother/Son Bowling 12:30 (Lakes Bowl)
11/20 - School Intruder Drill 8:30 am (grades 4-8 only/active practice), JH Musical Auditions 2-4:30, multi-purpose room.
11/21 - No Band Lessons or After-school Band Today
11/22 - No School-Teacher Retreat
11/23-11/24 - No School Thanksgiving
Other Bits:
Youth Ministry Pointsettia Sale
November 15, 2023
Archdiocese of Chicago Scholarship Fund
Dear Donors & Supporters,
Please read the following letter regarding the end of the Tax Credit Scholarships and a transition to a new fund organized by the Archdiocese Of Chicago: Office of Catholic Schools. Catholic Schools Scholarship Fund Letter We will not be deterred from our efforts to assist families who wish to provide their children with a Catholic education. We are calling on all the supporters of Catholic education, and we know there are many, to step up to ensure our schools remain strong and vibrant for another 150 years.
Prayerfully,
Mrs. Kristine Buckley, Principal
November 9, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Last week Thursday we welcomed over 300 grandparents and/or special adults into the building for a wonderful social event between students and the supportive adults in their lives. It took many hands to organize this event. I want to thank my teacher committee of; Mrs. Spradlin, Mrs. O’Brien, and Mrs. Patula for all their planning & shopping. All the teachers had roles to play, and I thank them all for their willingness to adapt, step in to help, and lead with positive attitudes. Mr. Juan & Mr. Rivera for their help with the physical building and parking lot. Mrs. Murphy deserves a planning medal for her part in keeping track of registrations, developing schedules, and working with me on the counts and how we were going to get all the visitors in and moving around the building with their grandchildren. Special thanks to Melissa Soehl (parent & Board Member) for coordinating the parent volunteers that we brought in to help. We put out a call and are so thankful for so many of our parents that were able to come lend a helping hand; Nikki Case, Christina Christenson, Tiffany Vole, Rebecca Norton, Kathleen Booher, Krista Kritenbrink, April Pernat, Sherry Hannan, Holly Kruse, Katie Miglore, Morgan Hamilton, Kelly Burke, Michelle Francis, Dee Schneider, Michelle Anderson, Emily Mendez, JoAnn Chebny, Susan Tschanz, Kasey Worklan, Clare Mottola, Brigid Martin and Emily Webber. Such competent helpers.....stay tuned for a request for a Gala Committee to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of St. Gilbert School next year!
Not getting ahead of myself in any way....the next event is our “Old Fashioned Christmas Bazaar” on Saturday, December 2nd from 9:00-2:00. Here are some ways you can get involved in this new fundraising event.....
Old Fashioned Christmas Bazaar
1. Start digging out any Christmas decorations that you no longer use, drop off at school on December 1st during the school day, or in the evening from 5:00-9:00 pm by the gym entrance. Christmas Decoration Donations
2. We are now selling raffle tickets for the Christmas Quilt that was made and donated by Mrs. Bonnie Repp, our Kindergarten teacher from 1985-2015. The quilt is 65 X 72, with a beautiful snowflake swirl stitching amongst a forest of trees. Tickets are (1) for $5.00 or (5) for $20.00. You can purchase tickets by sending cash or a check to the office in an envelope with your name, phone, & email, or by using Zelle: school.office@stgilbertschool.org. We will be selling tickets after two masses in the coming weeks, as well as at the event. Winners need not be present to win.
3. If you are a baker or have a favorite family “cookie recipe” consider joining in on the fun as we create “St. Gilbert Goodies” to sell at the bazaar. We will be packing up boxes of 15-18 Christmas cookie assortments, baked with love by; teachers, staff, parents, and grandparents of St. Gilbert! Cookies will sell for $5.00 per box. Pat & I also had the genius idea to create a “St. Gilbert Goodies Cookbook” with all the recipes from our heavenly bakers! Please send me an email if you would be willing to bake a batch of cookies: kris.buckley@stgilbertschool.org. We will send you a template for the format for the recipe so we can easily bind the book. There are no restrictions on ingredients as this will be sold to the public on a Saturday.
4. Sign up to volunteer at this event: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F49ABAE2EA7F49-45810426-oldfashion
5. Put this event on your calendar, especially if you are looking for some reasonably priced decorations for your home. We will have hot chocolate served by the Student Council, our cookie boxes for sale, the quilt raffle, and other crafters selling Christmas themed items as you enter our winter wonderland of gently used Christmas decorations.
All the proceeds from this event will go to the SGS Tuition Assistance Fund which gives a little bit of support to families wanting to send their children to St. Gilbert.
SGS Spirit Week
Next week we celebrate our SGS School Spirit Week. The Student Council has planned many daily themes and we will end the week with our Pep Rally on Friday at 12:30. SGS Spirit Week 2023
Christmas Dress Down Passes
In preparation for the coming of St. Nicolas, we are again selling Christmas Dress Down Passes in the office: Passes are $5.00 each, with a limit of (10) per child. Please send money by cash/check to the school office in an envelope labeled w/family name and “Dress Down Passes.” We will try to keep this on the down low since we know these are Christmas gifts for students, passes will be sent home in a sealed envelope.
Filling up with holiday cheer....
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Items:
11/10 - No School (Staff PD Day)
11/13-11/17 - Spirit Week SGS Spirit Week 2023
11/17 - Spirit Wear, Pep Rally 12:30, Trimester #1 Reports Cards go home
11/18 - Mother/Son Bowling 12:30 @ Lakes Bowl Mother & Son Bowling Registration Form
Fliers:
Old Fashioned Christmas Bazaar
Thanksgiving Food Drive (School wide/Student Council)
Chess Club/Winter Session Registration
November 2, 2023
Spirit Wear Day
Special Announcement: It is a "Spirit Wear Day" on Friday Nov. 3rd!
Go Rebels!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
November 2, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We will see the end of our first Trimester of School on November 9th. A formal report card will come home with your student(s) November 17th. Time is sure passing by quickly...please check in with your student about how school is going. This might be a good time to look at Power School for grades 3-8 and have a discussion and/or give some positive encouragement about their progress this year. Our school has been selected by our Superintendent to represent private schools across the nation, through our participation in the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Data collected from both public and private schools across the country is used to inform the Nation’s Report Card. Our current 8th graders will be participating in this nationwide assessment in the New Year.
We are trying a new fundraising event for our St. Gilbert Tuition Assistance Fund, and we are calling it an “Old Time Christmas Bazaar.” This is a rummage sale of sorts for Christmas items. At this time in our planning stages we are looking for our families to be aware that we will be looking for donations of gently used Christmas items of all kinds; trees, wreaths, garlands, lights, ornaments, dishware, etc. When you start decorating your houses around Thanksgiving, pull out anything that you no longer use and keep it somewhere safe until “drop off day”-Friday, December 1st. We are also looking for volunteers who are willing to work in shifts to help receive donations, sort them into categories by area, work the refreshment table, sell quilt raffle tickets, make Christmas cookies for a “St. Gilbert Heavenly Goody Box,” load heavy items into shoppers' cars, and help Mary Farrell (our art teacher and sponsor of this event) with anything she might need! Please sign up if you are an adult willing to work with Mrs. Farrell on the overall planning of this event. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F49ABAE2EA7F49-45817982-oldfashion
The date of this event is Saturday, December 2nd from 9:00-2:00. Stay tuned for more details and reminders, we hope to make this event a successful tradition!
St. Gilbert pray for us!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Donation Thanks: Metz family for teacher treats, Burke family for prize cart donation, Tiffany Vole for Grandparents Day Snack Refills, and Mrs. Chebney for Grandparents Day Coffee restock!
Family School News:
Topic: FSA Monthly Meetings
Time: Central Time (US and Canada)
* Nov 8, 2023 06:30 PM *
Dec 13, 2023 06:30 PM
Jan 10, 2024 06:30 PM
Feb 14, 2024 06:30 PM
Mar 13, 2024 06:30 PM
Apr 10, 2024 06:30 PM
May 8, 2024 06:30 PM
Please contact FSA for meeting details and access codes.
Calendar Items:
11/3 - Woodland busing available both ways (revision)
11/5 - International Fest 12:00-2:30
11/8 - Chipotle Restaurant Night, FSA Meeting 6:30pm (Zoom)
11/9 - Trimester #1 End
11/10 - No School-Teacher Professional Development
Fliers:
St. Gilbert Church/Giving Trees
St. Gilbert/PADS Christmas Wish List
St. Gilbert School's Old Fashioned Christmas Bazaar
Mother & Son Bowling Registration
October 26, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We have enjoyed seeing the students participate in all the themes for “Red Ribbon Week.” Each day our Student Council starts the day with prayer, pledge, and morning announcements....they have been giving suggestions to the students on how they can stay on the right track and utilize their talents towards the path of a good, safe, life. Next week we will be celebrating Halloween, and there will be class parties on Tuesday for everyone, pizza will be served as the main food item. Your room parent(s) will contact you for other party needs. Grades PK-5 can wear Halloween costumes (no weapons or excessive face paint allowed). Grades 6-8 can wear the colors of Halloween (orange, black, brown). It will be an out of uniform day.
We will be welcoming approximately 270 grandparents to St. Gilbert School on November 2nd. Please say a prayer for us as we embark on our first ever whole school Grandparents Day celebration.
We were notified yesterday of a change in the calendar for Woodland School District in Gurnee. This will impact some students who ride those buses; on Wednesday, November 1st there will be no (pm) bus service, however on Friday, November 3rd there WILL be busing in both directions (am & pm).
Mrs. Farrell, our early childhood art teacher, will be decorating our tree at the Grayslake Heritage Center. She is in need of donations of toilet paper rolls and/or paper towel rolls. Students will be creating ornaments that follow the theme of “lions” for our Roaring Rebels.
We will also be hosting our first ever “Old Fashioned Christmas Bazaar”. Mrs. Farrell brought this idea before me last summer, we are going to have a rummage sale of sorts for Christmas decorations. All the proceeds will go towards our St. Gilbert Tuition Assistance Program. We are hoping that as you begin decorating your homes that you will donate any items you no longer use to our Bazaar. We will also have a quilt raffle; the quilt has been created by Bonnie Repp who is a retired Kindergarten teacher from SGS. Please see our flier for more information and make a mental note to save any old, or no longer used decorations for our Bazaar. Old Fashioned Christmas Bazaar Information
Enjoy some family fall leaf raking this weekend!
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Items:
Tuesday 10/31- Class Halloween Parties, PK-5 (Halloween Costumes), 6-8 (Halloween colors) dress down
Wednesday 11/1 - No Woodland bus (pm)
Thursday 11/2 - Grandparents Day 8:00-9:30
Friday 11/3 - Woodland will be busing both (am & pm) this day
Sunday 11/5 - Carmel Open House, St. Gilbert International Fest
Fliers:
School Milk Order Form-2nd Trimester
Mother/Son Bowling Registration Form
November Chipotle Restaurant Night
October 24, 2023
Mother/Son Bowling Registration
Mother/Son Bowling Registration Form
October 19, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope to see many of you at our 3rd Annual Harvest Fest tomorrow evening from 4:00-7:00. There will be games for the children, trunks for trick or treating, a bounce house and obstacle course, bonfire with s'more packets for purchase ($1.00), face painting, balloon artist, four food trucks (bring cash/credit to pay for food), pumpkin decorating contest, 50/50 raffle, water, pop, and bar area for parents. Advance ticket sales are closed, but you can pay at the admission table day of the event. This event is mainly outside in the parking lot by the gym, admission table will be near the main school entrance. Please park in the East Lot or along 120 in front of the church. There are so many people to thank; from planners, volunteers, donors etc. I will dedicate next week to naming everyone who helped to make this the success that I know it will be!
Next week begins the national celebration of “Red Ribbon Week” which is a time to focus on healthy habits and staying away from drugs and alcohol. Our Student Council has planned many activities and positive incentives for students this week. Please see the flier for daily themes: Red Ribbon Week 2023
Thank you to the following families for donations to the Rebel Way Prize Cart: Herubin, Liakonis and Banbury. The preschool wants to thank Mr. Hargreaves for his cash donation toward the purchase of individual pumpkins for our students.
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 10/20 - Spirit Wear Dress Down Day, PK Dad’s Day, SGS Harvest Fest (main parking lot by the gym) 4:00-7:00.
10/23-10/27 - Red Ribbon Week 2023
Additional Bits:
Carmel Wrestling Feeder Information
October 17, 2023
Grandparents Day Volunteer Helpers
Dear Families,
We are excited to be planning our 1st ever all-school Grandparents Day Event. We have approximately 250 grandparents planning on attending. We are looking for some parent (Virtus trained) volunteers to help in various “station” areas.
Morning Coffee & Snack Area - 3 volunteers
Photobooth - 2 volunteers
Grandparent Interview Area/table clean up - 1 volunteer
Stem Labs - 3 volunteers 1 (PK & K), 2 (1-8)
Book Fair Help (checking out, straightening) - 4 volunteers
Reading Area - 1 volunteer
Craft Runner - 1 volunteer
The Volunteer Coordinator for this event is Melissa Soehl (Parent & Board Member) please reach out to her if you are able to help. The time for this event will be 7:30-10:00 for volunteers. All volunteers must be current in their Virtus training!
Thank you for your consideration, it should be a fun event seeing the children with their significant “elders.”
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
October 12, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are all praying for nice weather to arrive next week, just in time for our 3rd Annual Harvest Fest. Save time at the check in table by purchasing your tickets for entry, drinks, and the 50/50 raffle ahead of time! We will be having a “Pumpkin Decorating Contest” with prizes for 1st-3rd places. Bring your carved and decorated pumpkins to the event and we will direct you to the table where they will be voted on. We are also looking for a few more “Trunk” volunteers. This is one of the main attractions for this event, the students come in their costumes and go from trunk to trunk “trick or treating.” I will add the link for trunk volunteering below. There is also a contest with prizes for the best themed trunks!
The Student Council will be sponsoring “S'mores” as a fundraiser for their school extracurricular group. You can purchase s’mores kits by the fire pit for $1.00 (cash only). We will have food trucks at this event, so bring cash/credit to purchase dinner items for your family. We will have water, pop, wine, beer, and seltzers available at our refreshment area. These items will be accessible by ticket only. There will be games in the gym, two bounce houses, face painting, balloon artist, and musical entertainment for all. It is a fabulous fall evening (4:00-7:00) event to gather as a community of St. Gilbert families.
We are still looking for donations of pop, water, and candy. This is a fundraising event for our Family School Association.
To host & decorate a Trunk: email: gab.brown26@outlook.com
Event Ticket Purchase Link: https://forms.gle/stwobBLoKX5cnmRQ6
Payment can be made by cash, check, or Zelle. Very important to provide a family name when paying by cash or through Zelle.
Use school.office@stgilbertschool.org for Zelle payments.
Harvest Fest Volunteering Link: https://signup.com/go/dDDURRh
Remember that our Grandparents Day Event is coming November 2nd, the deadline to register Grandparents to attend is October 15! Registration Link: https://forms.gle/NTC4pxHtVpY8EEUR6
Lastly, in preparation for the Christmas season our art teacher Mrs. Baynes is sponsoring our annual Christmas Ornament Contest: "Attention 6th, 7th and 8th Grade students! It's time to submit your ideas for the annual St. Gilbert Christmas Ornament! The forms for submission are in the Art Room. Pick one up and submit your Christmas drawing by Monday, October 23rd! Your design will live forever on the Christmas trees of SGS families!" Ornaments will be available for purchase during all our many Christmas festivities.
Stay warm & dry,
Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Monday 10/16 - Bully Awareness/Dress w/blue shirts (uniform bottoms as normal)
Tuesday 10/17 - After School Band (Beginning Band) begins, School Board Meeting 6:30 (virtual)
Thursday 10/19 - School Picture Retakes, cut off for pre-orders of Harvest Fest tickets.
Friday 10/20 - Spirit Wear Day, SGS Harvest Fest 4:00-7:00 pm
*Special Thanks: We want to thank the Kozack family (Michelle, Greg, Madeline & Matthew) for the set-up of our new greenhouse! It looks amazing, and is such a wonderful addition to our outdoor education program as well as our garden area. This is our first purchase with funds raised from this year’s Fun Run Fundraiser. We will feature a picture on social media!
We also thank the Starzec family for their donation to the Rebel Way Positive Behavior Prize Cart! Students earn tickets for good/helpful behavior and the prize cart comes around every Friday.
Carmel High School students will be collecting no longer used Halloween costumes, we will have a donation box by our front office. Donations will be given to needy families.
October 5, 2023
Thursday Tidbits
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are looking forward to partnering with you to review your child’s progress so far this school year. We are hoping they are getting adjusted to their new grade, classmates, teachers, and schoolwork. This first conference is a chance to talk about successes and to work through challenges that may be present. If caught early, and with the added help of parents, we can right their educational path. Later in the year we will have a second conference by phone, to touch base. As always, the teachers are here to help, please reach out to them if you have questions or concerns at any time.
Next week Wednesday (October 11th) we will celebrate our all-school mass in honor of our Athletic Director, Victor Rivera’s grandson (Joseph Jordan Luna) who passed away at the age of (7) from childhood cancer. Joseph’s two favorite sports teams were the San Francisco 49ers, and the Cincinnati Bengals. Students and staff are asked to wear tops that follow the colors of these two teams. Uniform bottoms will still be worn as usual on this day.
Thank you for your donations to the prize cart; Swindell family, and to the Farrell Family for their donation of (5) umbrella stands for the tables in the garden area.
Sweater Weather is coming.....have a great long weekend!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
Calendar Reminders:
Friday 10/6 - Conferences Cont./No School
Monday 10/9 - No School
Wednesday 10/11 - 8:00 am Mass (colored shirts: red, gold, orange, black) *Memorial
Thursday 10/12 - After School Band-(Advanced Band) begins
Friday 10/13 - PK Field Trip-Grayslake Fire Station 8:45, Carmel High School presentation for 7th/8th graders @12:15
Deadline to register for Grandparents Day is 10/15/23.
Harvest Fest Informational Flier
To host & decorate a Trunk: email: gab.brown26@outlook.com
Harvest Fest Event Ticket Purchase Link: https://forms.gle/stwobBLoKX5cnmRQ6
Payment can be made by cash, check, or Zelle. Very important to provide a family name when paying by cash or through Zelle.
Use school.office@stgilbertschool.org for Zelle payments.
Harvest Fest Volunteering Link: https://signup.com/go/dDDURRh
October 3, 2023
Annual Asbestos Letter
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Please read over our Annual Asbestos Notification Letter at your convenience: St. Gilbert School Asbestos Letter 2023
This is the time of year where we check off all our compliance related boxes. Our first fire drill was held on Monday, and the students did very well.
Best regards,
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
October 3, 2023
Grandparents Day 2023
There is so much happening at St. Gilbert School this year! A wonderful teacher committee has formulated a plan for our 1st ever official "Grandparents Day. " This event will occur Thursday, November 2nd from 8:00 -9:30. Due to the size of our school, and the potential number of additional people in the building, we will be sticking to a firm RSVP deadline. This is necessary since we will be creating schedules for the families as they move through the "stations" we will have in the building with activities for the day. There will be a Scholastic Book Fair going on during this special day, and grandparents will have the chance to purchase books for their grandchildren and/or classroom teachers.
Please use this link to register grandparents and/or special aunt or uncle as guests.
https://forms.gle/NTC4pxHtVpY8EEUR6
Warm wishes!
Mrs. Buckley, Principal
October 3, 2023
Volunteer Sign Up/Harvest Fest 2023
SGS Harvest Fest 2023 - Friday, October 20, 2023 from 4PM to 7PM
Our annual St Gilbert School Harvest Fest is in the works, and we need your help making this a memorable event for the kids. We need volunteers to hand out candy at the trunks, to set-up and clean up for the event, to run games and more. Please review the sign-up sheet and see where you can give us a hand.. Your generosity in offering your time in support of this event is appreciated. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 2023 SGS Harvest Fest!
We're using SignUp.com to coordinate volunteers for this event. Please sign-up on the link below to help :
High School students will get credit for volunteer hours.
1. Click this link to see the volunteering SignUp page:
2. Review the slots available for volunteer and choose the one(s) that fit your schedule best.
3. You will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com
If you have trouble registering, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.
Ally Veres
October 2, 2023
St. Gilbert School Directory 23-24
Our school directory is complete. If you wish to receive a printed/paper copy of the directory, please send in $5.00 to the school office with an envelope labeled “school directory” and include your “family name” please.
October 2, 2023
Harvest Fest 2023
The countdown is on......three weeks until Harvest Fest 2023! Save time at the event check-in by placing and paying for your entrance fee, drink tickets, and 50/50 raffle ahead of time. Use the following link: https://forms.gle/stwobBLoKX5cnmRQ6 Payment can be made by cash, check, or Zelle.
The event will include "Trunk or Treat", Games, Pumpkin Decorating Contest, Food Trucks, Bouncy Houses, Face Painting, Balloon Artist, Smore's by SGS Student Council, DJ musical entertainment, and libations for adults 21 and over. We can't wait to see everyone at this family event!
Mrs. Buckley & FSA Volunteers
Thursday Tidbits Archive