Total Eclipse

Well that was amazing!  I had chills as I witnessed the eclipse but more so as I witnessed the students watching the eclipse.  All students followed directions perfectly and they were able to experience a once in a lifetime event.  As it got dark, the street lights came on, the birds went crazy, we all took a breath and were reminded of God's awesomeness!  What an experience this was and we can all say we were at St. Gabriel Catholic School when the 2017 Total Eclipse happened.  A remember when time for sure. 

 

Weekly Mass Time

One of my favorite parts about working at St. Gabriel is attending weekly mass as a learning community.  It is so special that we are able to learn together but most importantly pray together.  It was a joy to see our families and students participate in the Liturgy.  While it is a wonderful gift that our students receive, attending Mass weekly, it is a gift that should be received again each Sunday. 

I recently read an article that discussed wither or not parents should force their teens to go to Mass.  I have provided you a few paragraphs below but you may access the full article here. 
https://aleteia.org/2017/08/17/should-i-force-my-16-year-old-to-go-to-mass/

"Children may not love school, homework, chores, or even vegetables but we make them go to school, do their homework, clean their rooms, and eat their veggies.  Healthy food makes for a sound body and an education makes a sound mind.  Church, therefore, nourishes the soul." 

"So when a parent asks me if they should require that their child go to Mass, my answer is always "absolutely."  I have heard the argument that if you force a child to go to church they will grow up hating it, yet we refuse to apply that same logic to other areas of our children's lives.  If we force a child to go to school they will grow up hating learning, said no parent ever."  Katrina Fernandez, August 17, 2017

Giving our students the gift of the Liturgy is priceless.  St. Gabriel Catholic School gives our students that gift every Friday.  I am so excited to see how our students and staff grow in their faith this year through that gift. 

See you Sunday at Mass! 
Mrs. Hogan 

Welcome Back!

What a joy it was, during this raining morning, to welcome back our students to St. Gabriel.  I love this time of the year.  I love the fresh start that comes with a new school year.  Students had a quick first day but routines and procedures were taught, new faces were introduced and classroom supplies were organized and put away. 

I enjoyed visiting each classroom and reminding our students of our school rules
Be Christian
Be Safe
Work Hard
During the course of the year, I will be a familiar face in classrooms as I observe the amazing learning experiences our teachers will give the students. 

 As a reminder, students K-8th grade must bring a lunch during the month of August.  Our school lunch menu will be sent home on Monday.  Lunches will begin September 5. 
On Monday, August 21, our students will have a wonderful learning experience as it is the Total Solar Eclipse.  If you wish for your child NOT PARTICIAPTE in the viewing (using ISO certified glasses) please send an email to Mrs. Hogan at Amy.hogan@outlook.com . 

Also as you might have heard, this year our weekly all school mass will be on Fridays at 8:15.  We look forward to you sharing in our first one this Friday, August 18 at 8:15. 

Here we go, I am so glad you are here! 
Mrs. Hogan

Back to School Time

Happy August St. Gabriel Families! 

Are you ready for the first day of school?  In 14 days, the halls will be full of students, the classrooms will be bright and fresh, and the click clack of my high heels will be heard!  What a quick summer this has been.  I have truly enjoyed being mom this summer and have taken time to recharge my batteries.  I have said it before, but as educators, we are blessed with 2 fresh starts a year, August and January! 

This email/blog will hold some basic information.  More will be given at Back to School Night and through classroom communications from your teacher.  If you have additional questions, please reach out to Terri or myself.  We are back in the office from 8:00-3:00 Monday-Thursday. 

·         I am happy to announce that Spanish will continued to be offered to our preschool-5^th grade students and we will be adding middle school!  We will once again partner with The Language Project to provide Spanish education to our students and work with PTE to help offset the cost.  These classes will meet once a week and will be taught by teachers who work for the Language Project.  Once again, parent are asked to pay $11 for the workbook.  This fee is attached to the new One and Done.   

·         At Back to School Night you will be asked to pay a “One and Done” fee.  This fee will cover weekly publications, yearbook, Spanish Workbook and bus charge for school year field trips.  Our hope is that this will make your life easier, being able to write one check at one time!   

·         St. Gabriel is growing!  We are excited to welcome our new Kindergarten Class of 13 students!    

·         As stated in May, our new lunch program will begin after Labor Day.  With that, all families need to be prepared to send a COLD LUNCH with their students from August 17-September 1.  Milk will still be available for purchase.  There will be some growing pains associated with our new lunch program.  I ask for your patience and understanding as we move forward.  September lunch menu and ordering information will come home once school begins. 

·         Reminder!  Back to School Night Open House for ECLC and K-8^th Grade will be August 14 from 5:30-7:00.  Kindergarten families are invited to join us in the library at 6:00 for a special session. 

·         During these times, any tuition or fess can be paid to Terri who will be in the school office.  Remember to bring any medication at this time.  Don’t forget your doctor’s note. 

·         First day of School is Wednesday, August 16 and it will be a Half Day for K-8^th grade students and a normal day for our ECLC.  Angel Care will be provided. 

I am excited to welcome back familiar faces and new ones!  As one of my boys’ favorite characters say “See ya real soon!” 

Mrs. Hogan