Weekend ... Virtual Backpack
St. Gabriel School ............. March 20, 2016
Developing our God-given souls, minds, talents and gifts .......................................... as servant leaders .......................................... in the community of the Body of Christ.
That's the St. Gabriel Advantage ...
WEEKLY LITURGICAL READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion
Sacred Scripture LK 23:42
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Message of Mercy
Servant of Mercy
God forgives every man in his sovereign mercy, but he himself willed that those who belong to Christ and to the Church receive forgiveness by means of the ministers of the community. Through the apostolic ministry the mercy of God reaches me, my faults are forgiven and joy is bestowed on me…
The Church, who is holy and at the same time in need of penitence, accompanies us on the journey of conversion throughout our life. The Church is not mistress of power or the keys, but a servant of the ministry of mercy and rejoices every time she can offer this divine gift.
— General Audience, November 20, 2013
Reflection
Jesus established the Sacrament of Reconciliation through the Church so that the Church could accompany us in our journey of conversion.
This message of mercy and reflection material is generously provided by Our Sunday Visitor, publisher of A Year of Mercy With Pope Francis: Daily Reflections.
All School LIving Stations Prayer Service Wednesday Afternoon
Dear Parents and Families,
In a recent Religion Cohort class, our instructor presented the image below of Jesus as the lamb of God, a lamb to be sacrificed, a lamb being led to slaughter, bound and immoblized to be slain and die for our sins, for our salvation. It moved us all very deeply, and we all wanted to share with everyone we knew.
I hope this week, from the joy today of Palm Sunday, to the tragedy of the Holy Triduum of the Pachal mystery of Jesus' passion and death, and then ultimately to the great hope and joy of his resurrection, will lead us all deeper than ever into experiencing the great love and mercy of our God. I hope you have a chance with your families to take part this week in any of our church's liturgies and rituals, prayers and celebrations, It can only bring great blessings.
God bless and keep everyone safe and resting in love this Easter season. I will keep you in my heart and prayers during this special time of grace, and look forward to the new life and days of spring in store for us just around the corner!
Peace and love,
Mrs. Saladino
St. Gabriel NJHS Blankets for patients project
The nurses in the pediatric unit love to giv blankets to patients, and the children love to receive them. Supplies have run out, and at present the only blankets they have are provided by the nurses themselves.
A "Comfort for Kids" donation form was sent home last week with all students. Please send your donation and completed form to the school office.
St. Gabriel NJHS volunteers serve in "Read Across America"
Grade 1 Lenten Work of Mercy, 2 more days
Support Birthright Lake, Inc.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 through Tuesday, March 22, 2016
The first graders are inviting all students to perform a Lenten Work of Mercy by joining our campaign to support Birthright of Lake County. Birthright provides free help and guidance to pregnant women and their families who are struggling due to personal and/or financial difficulties. Our local chapter of Birthright was so excited when we called to what their needs might be a this time:
- socks up to 5 years old
- boys underwear (size 5)
- baby wash
- baby wet wipes
- diapers (all sizes)
In addition to what is listed above, Birthright will accept any baby items. Acceptable clothing items must be new or gently used. Monetary donations are always welcome. Checks payable to Birthright Lake, Inc.
Put your spare change in the plastic baby bottles located in the cafeteria. It all adds up!
Students may bring these items to any first grade classroom before 8:00 am each day.
Let's make a difference!
Thanks A Million,
The First Grade
Principal Parent Circle, this Tuesday, March 22nd, GLD
- 5:00-6:30pm
- Grizzly Learning Den
- Come to hear the real story ...
- Come to share your story ...
- What do we mean by STEM, or STEAM?
- What is this Maker Space thing, anyway?
- What are your hopes and aspirations and expectations for your child ...
- Come to get to know ... and be community ...
- The funds granted will enable SP students at St. Gabriel to receive additional time with specialists as needed, and in many cases additional services such as OT (occupational therapy) as needed. (Note: Not Tuition)
- The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program provides scholarships to students who are eligible to attend kindergarten through 12th grade and have an IEP from their district of residence (SP from ST. Gabriel).
- Importantly, scholarship funds will also open doors to obtain other additional student service offerings for even more students in other areas in the regular classrooms.
If you are interested but were not able to make the Parent Information meeting, please call the Office or Mrs. Saladino as soon as possible. The deadline for application for next school year is April 15.
WALKATHON - FULL STEAM AHEAD !!
Help support 2016, 10th Annual Walkathon!
We are excited to report back early returns for our Walkathon, moving Full STEAM ahead! We have so far reached a total of almost $25,000, which is 1/3 of the way to our goal of $75,000!! Thank you Grizzlies!!! Keep getting the word out, share our needs and our goal with whoever you can! Your sharing words make a huge difference!
As we move closer toward our STEM Designation credential from the Ohio Department of Education, the Walkathon will greatly help us raise the funds for resources and equipment to enhance student's project-based learning and collaboration.
These include such things as robotics, 3D printers, other technology and programmable devices and Maker Space supplies, and collaborative student desk furniture. We are also going to upgrade the stage area lighting, which will increase stage usage for integrating performing arts into STEAM projects.
Thank you for your support!
Last day for Malley's PTU fund raiser-- Monday, March 21st
St . Gabriel School is so close to having full participation in our Malley's Easter Candy fundraiser
Orders may still be placed on the Internet until Monday, March 21st.
Each student per family will receive an ice cream treat for ALL orders over $100!
Internet orders can be placed up until Monday, March 21st.
***Follow the instructions on the paper catalog to set-up a personalized website. Malley’s offers free shipping for orders over $60, so it is helpful to combine a few orders and have them delivered to one address.
QUESTIONS: We can be reached at Deanna Macioce- 440-867-1924 or dlleskovec@yahoo.com or Kim Janezic- 440-339-6494 or kimjanezic@roadrunner.com
The St. Gabriel School Performing Arts Proudly Presents: CINDERELLA
To help off-set some of this year’s expenses, the cast is offering a Magic Wand Fundraiser. The cost of the Magic Wand is $6. If you would like to order one, please fill out the attached order form and send in with $6 to Mrs. Karpuszka. Please make checks payable to St. Gabriel School. The order will be placed in March and delivery will be the week of the performances.
- Cinderella performance dates are Saturday, April 16th at 7:00PM and Sunday, April 17th at 3:00PM.
- Ticket order forms will be sent home by the middle of March.
- Your Cinderella and Prince are welcome to bring their wands to the show and light them when the Fairy Godmother is on stage! (Weekend Performances only.)
March 21 - March 25
March 21
- Daisy Mtg. (McGinnis) Meeting Room 1 (Church) 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm (rescheduled from March 14th
- Grizzly Academy 2:40 pm - 4:00 pm
- Play Practice 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- STAT Meeting 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
- Power of the Pen 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
- Last day to order Malleys
March 22
- Brownie Mtg. (Wiertel) Church Basement 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
- Grizzly Academy 2:40 pm - 4:00 pm
- 2:30--4:00pm Stations of the Cross practice
- 5:00-6:30pm Principal Parent Circle, Grizzly Learning Den
March 23
- NO Cub Care
- ALL School Mass in the Church 8:05 am
- NO Grizzly Academy
- All School Living Stations Prayer Service 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm
- Chess Club 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
- Power of the Pen 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
March 24
- NO School - Holy Thursday
March 25
- NO School - Good Friday
March 24 - April 1
- NO School - Easter Break
Looking Ahead ... April 4 -- June 9
April 4 -- Classes Resume
- 6:30 Gr 6 Camp Parent Chaperones only meeting
April 6
- 8:05am All School Mass
- Report cards for 3rd quarter to go home
April 7
- Grade 5 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
April 9 -- District Power of the Pen Regional Competition
April 12
- 9:00am Mini Open House for new inquiring families
April 13
- NO SCHOOL MASS -- Church carpet installation
Aprl 14 -- PTU Spring Fling, Moms Night Out
- Location: Community Center at Mentor Ice Arena, 8600 Munson Road, Mentor
- Time: 5:30-9:30pm
- Contact: Denise at ptufundraisers@gmail.com
- Vendor items
April 16
- 9:00am Gr 2 First Eucharist Retreat
- 7:00 pm Performing Arts Group, "Cinderella", PC
April 17
- 3:00pm Performing Arts Group "Cinderella", PC
April 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 -- Grade 7 and 8 Operation Keepsake
April 22 -- Grade 1 and 8 Zoo - Field Trip
April 19, 20, 21, 22 -- Grade 6 Outdoor Camp
April 26 -- New Kindergarten Parent Welcome and Orientation Evening
- 6:00--7:30pm, MPR
- Information for 2016--2017 School Year
- Refreshments and Fellowship with new parents, Class of 2025!
April 29 -- NO SCHOOL - Teacher In-Service Day
May 2 & 3
- Kindergarten Screening --NO SCHOOL for REGULAR KINDERGARTEN and JR K
May 9
- 8:15am May Crowning, Church
May 11
- 6":30pm 8th Grade "Academy Award Night", MPR
MAY 20 -- WALKATHON and FIELD DAY
May 16
- 7:00pm Grades 4-5 Music Program, PC
May 26
- Young Authors, Young Artists Night
- 6:30-8:00pm
May 27 -- Rain date for Walkathon and Field Day
June 3 -- Kindergarten Graduation
- 9:00am
- In Church
June 8
- 8:30am Gr 8 Baccalaureate Mass
- 9:30 Gr 8 Breakfast,, Church CR
- 7:00pm Gr 8 Graduation Ceremony, church
- Reception following in MPR
June 9 -- Last day of school
- 8:30am Blessing of Children, Church
- 11:00am Early Dismissal, there will be buses
BRIGHT SPOTS
St. Gabriel 7th Grade students invited by Lakeland Community College to "Brain Awareness Day"
Nick Haummeser and Elissa Letterio attended a planned educational and fun learning experiences Day at LCC. They learned how the brain functions, the parts of the brain, and the effects of alcohol on the brain. There were 3 fun activities. First, there was a professor who talked to students about alcohol and how it affects the brain. Then, students were given goggles that disoriented their vision causing them to walk like someone who had a little to drink (there were goggles of different numbers of alcohol.) When students took a break for lunch the learning was continuous with a little game of questions made by the student volunteers, and then back to learning about the brain. Then finally the fun part (In the words of Nick and Elissa) came…. THE DISSECTION OF THE SHEEP'S BRAIN! It was an amazing learning experience, including the discovery that the smell was horrendous! After learning a little more, the day ended with the final activity in which students had to draw the different sections of the brain on a white swim cap that covered their heads.
All in all, it was a great fun and learning filled day along with tons of excitement! Nick and Elissa agreed they would totally go back if they had the choice. The professor was nice, the student volunteers were helpful, fellow students attending were nice, and the activities were fun. It was truly an awesome day!
This week Nick and Elissa will present a summary and skills and knowledge learned to their St. Gabriel classmates.
7th grade students on a college campus taking notes on a lecture, awesome
8th Grade Students at NEOSEF, Cleveland State University, Win Awards!
Sarah Mancari won 2nd Place in Engineering, Gr 7-8!
Anthony Brey won Honorable Mention in Chemistry
Dominic Gonzalez won Honorable Mention in Chemistry
Becky Henrikson won Honorable Mention in Physical Science
Jackie Nguyen won Honorable Mention in Environmental
The Northeastern Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF) is a non-profit organization, whose goal is to get young adults interested in science and engineering by participating in a science fair competition. One of the most rewarding aspects of NEOSEF is the opportunity for the students to discuss their research with professional scientists and engineers from the local area. At the fair, students compete in nine categories which are subdivided by grade levels. NEOSEF awards one 1st place, and multiple 2nd place, 3rd place and honorable mentions per subdivision.
A very special thank you to Mrs. Stephanie Loncar for her instruction and guidance of these and all our gr 7-8 students. Mrs. Loncar leads our students in learning content, knowledge, and skills, and how to use critical thinking to apply this learning in real world problem solving ... STEM features that are being integrated across all St. Gabriel curriculum.
At the award ceremonies Thursday evening special guest speaker Dr. Kristen Ellenbogen, President and CEO of Great Lakes Science Center stated, "The Science Center wants to help schools achieve implementing STEM programs into their learning."
March Madness rivaled by St. Gabriel 5th/6th Grade TOURNAMENT OF BOOKS MADNESS!
Each reader in the fifth and sixth grade has filled out a “book bracket” charting their predictions for the outcome of the tournament. Readers vote once per round on their favorite book for each “game” to determine the winner of that round. They have been tallying the scores for each “game” to determine the overall winner. Winning books are posted on the bracket outside in the hall after students vote.Students will earn point(s) for each correctly predicted winner on their bracket. The reader with the most points in each grade wins a prize!
After 2 rounds of voting, the winning books so far are: Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Divergent, Holes, Matilda, Maze Runner, Hatchet, and Where the Wild Things Are! The game will end April 4th!
"DESIGN CHALLENGES"
Grade 4 Science -- "Makers" Innovate
Fourth graders in Mrs. Percival's Science class were challenged to invent something when given an ordinary box, and went "full STEAM ahead!" Creativity, ingenuity, and enthusiasm took them to places only a wonderful imagination could! Way to go fourth grade!
Kindergarten -- "Makers" Innovate for St. Patrick's Day
Students gathered into small collaborative groups. Together they created, designed and problem solved to make a trap that would successfully entrap the leprechauns. Using a variety of materials (cereal boxes, cardboard paper towel roles, popsicle sticks and many others, they used glue, tape, scissors, rulers and their ingenuity to build their prototypes! They measured, constructed and completed quite innovative and original traps!
Unfortunately, the leprechauns were able to overcome all the traps, and leaving a grand mess as always! Discussing and making notes afterward, kindergarteners will pass on their findings to next year's students to start a new design cycle!
Thanks little Grizzlies, and Kindergarten Staff coaches, for your great efforts! The leprechauns haven't been caught -- YET -- but we will not give up!
The best traps ...
We could design and construct ...
To solve this leprechaun problem!
Glitter and gold ... but no Leprechauns!
Just wait till next year, we'll have new and improved ...
Topsy-turvy, they stumbled ... but no Leprechauns!
Wednesday Mini Math time ...
Fish Fry ends being an "awesome catch" this year, the one that "did not get away"!
And despite the amount of food we served, there were almost no issues whatsoever keeping up. Outstanding job by everyone in the kitchen, out in the garage, and in the MPR / gym! Thanks to ALL Volunteers, without you this wouldn't be possible.
We are so blessed for all that help. What a great Community we have.
Thank you Everyone,
Chic-fil-A Fundraiser - NEW
St. Gabriel at Chick-fil-A
Thursday, April 28-ALL DAY
Just mention St. Gabriel and 15% of all sales come to PTU!
Advertising / Sponsorship Opportunity - NEW
Snow (Calamity) Day reminders
"THE SNOW DAY 3"
- Students are expected to do work that was already assigned or regularly expected for the day that became a snow day(s). if a quiz or test was scheduled, it will be taken on the first day back after the snow day(s).
- No new instruction or new work or new assignments will be given. As with homework normally, if students have questions or problems, they can ask the teachers when they get back to school.
- Teachers will post on their web pages by noon on each snow day, any news, information, instructions or changes students and/or parents need to know about classwork, homework, or other assignments or events. Students and parents must check teacher web pages each snow day.
St. Gabriel School on Twitter
2) Donna Lee Saladino @PrincipalStGabe
If you have any questions about our school Twitter accounts, or need help setting up one for yourself to be able to access and follow our Twitter accounts, contact Mrs. Joyce Gravagna, our school Technology Integration Coordinator: joyce.gravagna@st-gabrielschool.org
Parish
Please make special places in your hearts and prayers for all persons in our St. Gabriel Community:
For comfort and healing for Mark Kobosky and his wife and their family for the loss of their sister and sister in law Janet Smolinsky.
For the Gromack family, for prayers of comfort in the loss of Mrs. Gromack's brother,
For comfort and healing to the Bill Koenig and Keith Koenig families with the loss of their grandparent/great grandparent.
For comfort and healing for Tessa & Ella Koenig and family for the loss of their grandfather.
For comfort and healing for Anthony and Gianna Piunno and family for the loss of their grandfather, Joseph Duca.
Please keep in your prayers, general intercessions for all in our community, especially all of our students who have suffered losses of loves ones over the last few years. And I know there are many needing both big and little prayers here and there, for many reasons. I was once read an anonymous quote:
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
A very special expression of appreciation and thanks to our wonderful school parent Sunshine Committee who strives to lead reach out efforts of love and support and help for those in our community in suffering!
Submitting School News, Memos, and Information
If you wish to have something included in the Weekend Virtual Back (VB) or the Weekday News and Notes, or any of our shorter email memos, please contact our Communications Coordinator, Michelle Clarke, at michelle.clarke@st-gabrielschool.org. All items must be approved by the principal and follow our policies. Thank you!!
NOTE: Also, if there are technical obstacles or difficulties in preventing you from accessing a linked item, or getting the correct information, please let Mrs. Clarke know, and she will get you the document or item or information you need!
St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School
Email: donnalee.saladino@st-gabrielschool.org
Website: www.st-gabrielschool.org
Location: 9935 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Concord Twp, Ohio 44060
Phone: 440-352-6169
Twitter: @stgabrielschoo1