Thursday Tidbits

March 3, 2026

SGS Festival of the Arts!

Tidbit Correction:

Spirit Wear Day is Friday 3/6, not Thursday as stated in last week's issue!

Saint Gilbert School’s Festival of the Arts

All of the students will have artwork on display at the Festival being held on Thursday night, March 5th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM.

There will be live performances from our Kindergartners through 8th graders as well. Musical performances are in the gym.

TIME GRADES PERFORMING

5:45-6:00 PM Kindergarten and 7th grade

6:05 – 6:20 PM 1st and 8th grade

6:25- 6:40 PM 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade

6:45 – 7:00 PM 5th and 6th grade

Please join us for a special evening of recognition, read a-longs and fun!

Story-times in both sides of Multipurpose Room every 15 minutes.

Poetry books written by 8th Graders on display.

Hands on Art work in Art Room.

Student Art hanging in a school gallery in various hallways.

Snacks and refreshments located near the storytime room.

March 2, 2026

Afternoon Dismissal Observations from a Slusser St. Neighbor

Parents/Guardians,

I received a communication from a neighborhood resident on Slusser St. They were sharing their experience of St. Gilbert School drivers who use their street in the afternoons as dismissal is happening. This communication was very positive and friendly in nature. In the past I have gotten phone calls and letters from residents that are not so positive. The goal in my sharing this is for our families to be a part of the solution, so that we can have a positive impact on those in our community who do not have children and/or, do not have children attending this school. It is our reputation in the community that is threatened as people talk and spread negative experiences to others in the community, thereby potentially turning someone away from the faith and or/developing negative views of us as a neighborhood school. The neighbor explains below what is happening in the afternoon on Slusser St. At the end of their observations I am going to put suggestions to drivers that can alleviate a few of these issues. These pick up issues may not apply to all our families, but at some point there might be a “no bus” day that does pertain to you. It takes everyone to help society’s rules function so that we can feel respected and happy in our community.

“I am reaching out to offer a few suggestions with kindness and consideration for the parents picking up their loved ones and the residents of Slusser. I write this assuming we all want to do the best for our communities and are open to hearing how that can be achieved together. I ask that, should you find this information relevant, you share it broadly with your St. Gilbert community.

First, I would like to encourage drivers to turn at the light onto Lake Street and turn left onto Wicks and once more on South Slusser Street, instead of turning around in the driveways of the residents of the street. This allows for drivers to be facing the right way and provides consideration for those who live here.

Next, I would love to impose that drivers turn their cars off while they wait, rather than idle for any period of time. Based on my observations for some this period can be up to an hour. Idling increases emissions unnecessarily and contributes to all sorts of negative outcomes for all of us.

Finally, please be considerate of driveways, fire hydrants and others in general. It would be great if driveways could not be blocked or turned in, if fire hydrants can remain free and clear and lastly if we can all be a bit more aware of our impact on others and how we can be good neighbors to one another.

I appreciate your attention to this email and consideration. My intentions are to support providing solutions and kindness. If you have any questions please let me know.”

Requests from Mrs. Buckley, Principal, pertaining to the observations shared above:

1. Utilize the light at Lake Street to get into the neighborhood, there should be NO turning around in the resident’s driveways.

2. There should not be cars sitting on neighborhood streets idling in their cars for an extended period of time (more than 5 minutes). If you must arrive early please park at the Metra Train Station and/or the East Parking Lot at St. Gilbert.

3. At NO time should cars be blocking driveways of Grayslake residents and/or fire hydrants. Residents will be asked to call the police to address these issues if not immediately resolved.

4. On the St. Gilbert end, I adjusted the time we begin pulling in cars to start earlier (1:35) this year. This was to get our cars off of 120 as we were frequently backing up traffic. I was only able to do this because we had fewer buses to accommodate in the back, with Woodland not driving our students in the afternoon. It also involved a commitment by me and the other staff to get outside even earlier than ever before. We have limited helpers in the afternoon since teachers are teaching and monitoring the students in their classrooms until 1:45-2:00. Everyone does not need to be the first person to enter our lot. If you adjust your timing and come a bit later by 5-10 minutes you will not even need to pull onto Slusser St., you will get right into the parking lines and/or lot.

Special note: There are (3) families that bid money to get a special ticket for their car, that allows them to pull into St. Gilbert right at 1:30. We know who these families are, but I am frequently seeing other cars pulling in early. This is not allowed if you are not a special ticket holder. SGS Rocks is happening this weekend, and once again there will be the chance to bid on special car passes. A new group of winners will be installed beginning on Monday 3/9.

Let’s all show that we can be respectful and rule following drivers. We provide a wonderful service and a faith-filled education at St. Gilbert, we want everyone in our community to see our kindness and value.

Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal

February 26, 2026

Thursday Tidbits

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are excited to announce that our “Book Blast” delivery came this week (3 pallets stacked with boxes!) and we will have the “Big Reveal” of books this Friday morning (2/27). To celebrate reading and literacy I am giving the school a pajama dress down day tomorrow (2/27). I do my daily reading right as I am heading to bed for the night, so PJ’s are a good reminder that you can always fit a bit of reading into even the busiest of days! Put down those screens before sleep, and head off into a relaxed slumber after reading a favorite book/novel. For the little ones, read a picture book together and get some 1:1 time with your child as they settle down after a busy day. Reading supports life experiences, different perspectives, cultural exploration and activates imagination. Developing reading skills is a pillar of lifelong learning, and success in school.

Thank you again to all our donors that made it possible for every student to get at least (1) book during our celebration of the importance of literacy! A special thanks to Chloe Bustos (FSA) who said “yes!” when I asked her to help me with our school’s efforts with this program. She delivered prize boxes during the 10 day event, and also put together a team of helpers to deliver and sort boxes of books to each classroom. Our helpers were; Mrs. Soehl, and Mrs. Cervantes, along with Mr. Juan who unloaded all the boxes from the pallets and brought them into the school. It takes a village......

Happy Reading,

Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal

Calendar Reminders:

Friday 2/27 - Pajama Day, Book Blast Celebration, Stations of the Cross (K-4), End of Trimester #2

Sunday 3/1 - Mother & Son Bowling 2026 ; https://forms.gle/dKpjFnTpgHRHCz1a6

Tuesday 3/3 - Fire Drill w/Grayslake Fire Dept.

Thursday 3/5 - Fine Arts Festival 5:15-7:00 pm

Friday 3/6 - Spirit Wear Day, 8th Grade Graduation Pictures, Stations of the Cross (5-8), Junior High Spring Dance (Grades 6-8) 6:00-8:00 pm

Saturday 3/7 - SGS Rocks Bingo 2026 http://www.givebutter.com/sgsrocks2026

SGS Sports Central

Tuesday 3/3 - Boys Volleyball Home games vs. St. Pat’s 6:00/7:00

Thursday 3/5 - 8th Grade Boys Volleyball away vs. Frassati 6:00

Other Bits:

Junior High Spring Dance

Milk Order Form/3rd Trimester-Last Call!

Family Mass: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

School Survey/5 Essentials: Link for parents to take the survey: http://survey.5-essentials.org/archchicago/survey/parent/

Parish Survey

Warren Township Recreational Girls Softball: https://www.warrengirlssoftball.com/msg?t=2J2w1sBdP3vrzBas0nymy2

February 20, 2026

SGS Festival of the Arts: Details & Schedule

We are thrilled to invite you to our School-Wide SGS Fine Arts Festival on Thursday, March 5th from 5:30pm–7:00pm at St. Gilbert School!

This year we are hosting a school-wide art festival with all our students' work on display, rather than displaying a select few at the Grayslake Public Library art show.

This special evening will celebrate the creativity and talents of our students across the arts. Students and families will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of experiences throughout the building:

Art Walk – Stroll through the halls and view your child’s artwork proudly displayed, and take their portfolio home with you.

Storytime – Beginning at 5:45pm in the multipurpose room, enjoy a special read-aloud together and a sweet treat.

Music Show – Visit the gym to experience a lively student music performance (your child should arrive at the gym 5 minutes prior to their performance time).

TIME & GRADES PERFORMING

5:45pm - 6pm Kindergarten & 7th grade

6:05pm - 6:20pm 1st & 8th grade

6:25pm - 6:40pm 2nd, 3rd, & 4th grade

6:45pm - 7:00pm 5th & 6th grade

Craft Activity – Stop by the art room for a fun, hands-on creative project and an ART SCAVENGER HUNT!

This will be a wonderful evening to celebrate imagination, expression, and the incredible talents of our students. We hope you can join us for this memorable first festival!

We look forward to seeing you there!

February 20, 2026

Last Spirit Wear Shop Now Open

Our final Spirit wear Shop is officially OPEN! Don’t miss out on our brand-new St. Patrick’s Day designs and our new embroidered items. The shop closes on February 26th, so be sure to get your orders in ASAP! All orders will arrive the week of March 9th. Just in time for the Grayslake St. Patrick's Day parade.

Please note: All items are spirit wear apparel only and may not be worn as part of your child's school uniform.

https://sgs2026.itemorder.com/

February 19, 2026

Thursday Tidbits

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This lovely spring-like weather makes us all so happy and energetic! We hope it will continue, but understand what a blessing it is mid February. Yesterday, we began the season of Lent with an all-school mass where the students received ashes. They were given some “spiritual homework” by Fr. Mario; to pray, to abstain, and to think about what they can do for others (even small things). These (3) actions will build their faith strength/muscles in the “gym of Jesus.” Our students (K-4) & (5-8) will be attending Stations of the Cross lead by Fr. Mario or a Deacon on alternating Fridays during Lent. This will occur during the school day. Each grade level will also select a charity to assist over the Lenten season. We will end with a school prayer service where all the charities will be presented and information about them shared with the student body. The Lenten project is being led by our Student Council.

Good luck to all our actors, singers, dancers, and back stage crew in their performances this weekend! We know how long and hard you have been working, and we can’t wait to see you shine on stage!

My prayers for you,

Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal

Calendar Reminders:

Friday 2/20 - Spirit Wear Day, Grade (5-8) attend Stations of the Cross, Willy Wonka Performance @ 7:00 pm/Carmel High School Auditorium

Saturday 2/21 - Willy Wonka Performance @ 7:00 pm/CCHS Auditorium

Monday 2/23 - Yearbook Club Pictures (during the school day)

SGS Sports Central:

* Reminder to turn in basketball uniforms to the school office; washed, and labeled with student name and grade please.

* If you missed the basketball sports pictures you will need to schedule a time with Total Image and go into their studio across from Jewel in Grayslake for your picture. Team pictures are “photoshopped” from individual shots.

Our First Boys Volleyball home game is next week on 2/24 at 6:00 & 7:00 vs. St. Annie’s

Fliers & Other Bits:

SGS Festival of the Arts

SGS Rocks Bingo

SGS Rocks tickets are now on sale! Get your tickets now and be part of the action!

http://www.givebutter.com/sgsrocks2026

Daddy Daughter Dance 2026

Chess Club Spring Session

Church Survey 2026

Tax Summary Directions: School Tuition

Marion Exhibit

February 18, 2026

Daddy Daughter Dance Date Change

Dear Families (especially the fathers and daughters),

Due to the school's participation in the Grayslake St. Patrick's Day Parade at 1:00 on March 14th, we have decided to move the Daddy Daughter Dance to Sunday March 15th at 2:00 pm. Please make a note of this, and hopefully everyone who has registered already will be able to attend as planned.

Mrs. Buckley, Principal

February 12, 2026

Thursday Tidbits

Dear Parent/Guardians,

This week student test score reports will be coming home for the winter iReady Diagnostic (Grades K-8). Take a minute to look at your child’s progress so far this school year. Are they on target in their learning for this time of the year? Praise them for any gains they have made from the last testing period. Encourage them to continue to work hard each day, and to complete their practice weekly on their learning paths for reading and math. This path is individualized specifically for their needs, and this is what makes this program so beneficial for students and teachers alike.

Book Blast Round Up!

I had a wrap-up meeting with the Book Blast coordinator and I have the following statistics to report:

$24,950 was pledged by family and friends towards books for students

Our students will ALL receive a minimum of (3) books on delivery day/many will receive all 10 from their grade bundle.

100% of the money pledged comes back to the school in the form of books for all students

After providing books for all students the school will get a $272 shopping spree + a $200 bonus for being a first time participant. All this

money will be given to the library to purchase books.

(6) teachers earned $100 shopping sprees for their classroom

155 students received the prize box for sending out email blasts to family and friends.

48 students received their prize boxes in the first days, the rest (107) will receive that on book delivery day.

The Epic Treasure Check winner will be announced on book delivery day!

We will have a huge all school celebration of literacy on book delivery day-stay tuned for details and the delivery date reveal (should be before Spring Break).

We love reading-Happy Valentine’s Day,

Mrs. Buckley, Principal

P.S. Send in old palms to the school office for burning by 8 AM on 2/17/2026.

Calendar Reminders:

Friday 2/13 - 11:00 Early Release, 2nd Conference (phone/google.meet), No Woodland Bus (PM), No Grayslake Bus (AM & PM), Aftercare only open to Preschool users

Monday 2/16 - No School - President’s Day

Tuesday 2/17 - Fire Drill w/Grayslake Fire Dept., Board Meeting 6:30 (Virtual)

Wednesday 2/18 - 8:00 am Ash Wednesday Mass (all school)

Thursday 2/19 - Musical Preview for students

Friday 2/20 - Spirit Wear Day, Willy Wonka Musical 7:00 pm @ Carmel High School

Saturday 2/21 - Willy Wonka Musical 7:00 pm @ Carmel High School

Little Bits:

Join us for our 1st ever "Festival of the Arts" There is no charge for this event, it is a school sponsored activity to showcase our students, art, music, and writing creativity. There will be staggered sessions of "read-alouds", musical performances, hands-on art, along with a gallery walk. Hot chocolate & cookies will be served. SGS Festival of the Arts

SGS Rocks will see a twist this year with the addition of "Bingo". Dave Wohl will be our DJ./MC for the night, and we are excited to present an evening for adults to socialize, play various games, and have some fun together. There will be a chance to decorate your table, bring some appetizers, enjoy libations from "Bar Rory", play some bingo, play some trivia, purchase raffle tickets, and bid on auction items. Help us support St. Gilbert Tuition Assistance while enjoying a social night out with your adult friends. SGS Rocks 2026 , ticket link:

SGS Rocks tickets are now on sale! Get your tickets now and be part of the action!

http://www.givebutter.com/sgsrocks2026

Third Trimester Milk Order Form

Spring Chess Registration

Our SGS's Annual Daddy Daughter Dance that will take place Saturday March 14th from 2-4 PM in the SGS Gym - $30 per Daddy/Daughter, $5 for each additional daughter. Payment by check or Zelle. Please add a note with DDD for Zelle:

Daddy Daughter Dance 2026: QR Code

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeUz-bcCDYpji2sJM6byt9NMJRKvS7qLpZBiX9IgiRBc-43Q/viewform

February 11, 2026

Valentine's Party Day Dress Down & Friday 11:00 Early Release Bus Reminders

Dear Families,

All the Valentine's Day Parties will be held tomorrow during the student's lunch times. I am giving the school a Valentine's Dress Down Day (wear Red, Pink & White) tomorrow to celebration this holiday.

Bussing situation on our early release day for conference check-ins:

Woodland Buses (No PM bussing)

Grayslake Buses (No AM or PM)

We will start pulling cars in for dismissal on Friday at 10:35, please space out by time and last names; A-G (10-:35-10:50), H-O (10:50-11:05), P-Z (11:05-11:15). Aftercare only available for Preschool students that regularly use this service.

Mrs. Buckley, Principal

February 5, 2026

Thursday Tidbits

Dear Parents/Guardians,

February is upon us, and next week we will host classroom Valentine’s Day parties on Thursday 2/12 over the lunch periods, due to being out at 11:00 on Friday for our second check in conference. This Conference is designed to be a short 5 minute check in with the teacher either by a phone call or google.meet. Reach out to your child’s teacher if you need a different day for your check in. They will accommodate according to their schedules. We are halfway through the school year if you can believe it! Today our Kindergartener’s are celebrating 100 days of school-happy 100 days everyone!

Book Blast ends this Friday! Get your final pledges in so that your students will receive many books on delivery day. Every student is guaranteed at least one book, as this fundraiser promotes literacy. The percentage of students who participate per classroom helps their homeroom teachers to earn $100 shopping sprees of books and other classroom items. 60% participation in the class, qualifies them for the $100 spree. As of right now these teachers will receive spending $; Beagles, Furlong, Dolan, Jacobson, Khosla, and Spradlin. The “Epic Treasure Chest” winner will be announced on Tuesday 2/10.

On Friday 2/13 we will start pulling cars in for dismissal around 10:35. We have no buses on this day, so there will be many cars pulling in. In order to avoid a huge back-up on 120, I am asking for families to arrive spaced out by time and last names; A-G (10-:35-10:50), H-O (10:50-11:05), P-Z (11:05-11:15). The only students that we will be serving in our Aftercare Program are preschoolers who regularly attend aftercare.

Love & Blessings,

Mrs. Kris Buckley, Principal

Calendar Reminders:

Thursday 2/12 - Valentine’s Day Parties

Friday 2/13 - (11:00) Half day, Check-in Conferences, Aftercare only open for regular preschool users

Monday 2/16 - No School-President’s Day

Tuesday 2/17 - Fire Drill w/Grayslake Fire Dept., School Board Meeting (virtual) 6:30 pm

SGS Sports Central:

Thursday 2/5 - 5:00 Basketball Pictures taken (gym entrance)

Thursday 2/11 - Boys Volleyball away @ St. Joe’s 5:30/6:30

Other Bits:

SGS Presents Festival of the Arts!