Back to School SG
A great addition to Greenfield High
Welcome to the 2022-23 School Year at SMCS
In this email
- A video welcome from St Gabriel Associate Principal Jennifer Giombetti
- A message from SMCS Elementary Principal Anna Cihlar
- An introduction to our new staff
- Back to School information, including forms.
- Important dates for your calendar
A video welcome from St. Gabriel Associate Principal Jennifer Giombetti
A Message from SMCS Elementary Principal Anna Cihlar
Dear families of SMCS elementary students,
I pray you are enjoying a grace-filled summer and that you are as excited as I am to begin this new school year at the end of August! It is an honor to serve as principal of St. Gabriel, St. Mary, and St. Margaret Mary Elementary schools this year and I look forward to our classrooms and hallways being filled with children again soon!
As part of my new role, I will be looking for opportunities to create a sense of unity among our three campuses, while at the same time honoring the unique attributes that make each school special. Our SMCS motto this year is “United in Faith, Hope, & Love.” The source of inspiration for this motto comes from 1 Corinthians, chapter 13 - “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” In a time filled with many changes in our SMCS community, I pray that we hold tight to what unites us all as Catholics - our faith in God’s goodness and providence, our love of Jesus as we dedicate ourselves to following Him, and our hope in the Holy Spirit as we open ourselves to allow Him to work within us. I am beyond excited to witness the amazing things we will accomplish together as one faith-filled community, united in faith, hope, and love.
Peace,
Mrs. Anna Cihlar
Principal - St. Gabriel, St. Margaret Mary, & St. Mary Elementary Schools
Welcome New Staff!
We are so excited to welcome new faces to the St. Gabriel family for the 2022-23 school year. Here's a quick rundown of who you'll be meeting in the coming weeks! We asked each of our new staff members to send a "summer selfie" to give us a face to go with the name.
Mrs. Cihlar, Elementary Principal
Fun facts about Mrs. Cihlar:
- Mom to 2 teenage boys who are Eagle Scouts (and started their Scouting journey at St. Margaret Mary!)
- Loves cycling, reading, traveling, and praying
- Member of St. Bernard Parish in Appleton
Mrs. Richards, Administrative Assistant
Fun facts about Mrs. Richards:
- She absolutely loves dogs
- She once went sky diving WITH HER GRANDMA!
Mrs. Richards' summer selfie shows she really does love dogs! Welcome Mrs. Richards!
Ms. Plumb 4K
Fun facts about Ms. Plumb
- She's a middle child, with an older sister and younger brother.
- She's lived in Appleton for 15 years.
- She has a license in cosmetology!
Welcome Ms. Plumb!
Ms. Athey, First Grade
Fun Facts about Ms. Athey
- She's a Zephyr! Ms. Athey grew up in Neenah and graduated from SMCHS in 2018.
- She graduated from Marian University with a degree in Early Childhood/Elementary School education.
Welcome Miss Athey!
Mrs. Niccum, Fifth Grade
Fun Facts about Mrs. Niccum
- She's a newlywed, married in 2021.
- She's new to the Fox Valley, originally from St. Louis.
- She loves going for walks, reading, and doing embroidery.
Mrs. Niccum's summer selfie features her cat Jasper. She also has a dog named Riley! Welcome Mrs. Niccum!
Mr. Dummer, Music
Fun Facts about Mr. Dummer:
- He started playing piano in early elementary school.
- He's been singing or playing piano in church for 14 years.
- Besides music, Mr. Dummer has a deep love for the Packers and the Brewers!
Mr. Dummer's summer selfie reveals a highlight of his summer vacation: a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando! Welcome Mr. Dummer!
Ms. Rutz, Counselor
Fun Facts about Ms. Rutz:
- She invites students at St. Gabriel and St. Mary to call her Miss Lexi!
- She loves being outdoors and traveling.
- She enjoys golf.
Miss Lexi's summer selfie reveals one of her favorite places to be: up north at the lake! Welcome Miss Lexi!
Ms. Liebhauser, First Grade Aide
Fun Facts about Ms. Liebhauser
- She plans to have the first graders call her Miss Tammy!
- She lives on a farmette and loves raising animals.
Welcome Miss Tammy!
Be on the lookout for an email on August 17th introducing the remaining members of the St. Gabriel Elementary family.
Important Back to School Information
Student Orientation-For All Students and Parents Preschool-5th Grade
Monday, August 29th 8:00-11:00 a.m. or 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Orientation is a time for students to meet their teacher, drop off school supplies, and become familiar with their classroom and school. We look forward to seeing you then. Masks are optional at SMCS this school year.
Please click here for the school supply list.
2022-23 School Year Forms
All St. Mary School families must review the following forms. Please print, complete, and return at Orientation Day the forms highlighted below.
SMCS Elementary Handbook 2022-23 (Please read prior to attending Orientation Day, a consent signature will be required at Orientation Day)
Student Emergency Contact Information 2022-23 (Please fill out online, print, sign and bring to school on Orientation Day)
Medication Consent 2022-23 (Use this form if your child needs to take medication during the school day)
Media Opt-Out (Parents/guardians who do not wish to opt out need not complete a form.)
We will also need proof of all required immunizations on file. If your child had any immunizations over the summer, please send a copy of these so we can update our files
New this year: we're hosting an ALL SCHOOLS parent night. This will be a great night for parents to learn more about what is in store for the year ahead, ask questions, and get connected. We know this time of year is busy, but at least one parent should plan to attend.
Things to know for the year ahead
PTO
Our AMAZING Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meets the first Friday of each month. Our first meeting is September 2nd at 8:05. Please join us!
Lunchroom Updates and Volunteering
This school year the USDA Waiver Program that offered free lunch to all SMCS students last year is not offered this year. Hot lunch will not be free this year. This means that families will need to make sure that the students have money in their lunch accounts to purchase their hot meal, Super Lunch (a second portion of the main entreé) or just milk.
Our school lunch program cannot run without the help of parent volunteers. Please consider picking up one or two lunch serving spots a month. Help us serve lunch and spend time with your child during the school day. Please contact the main office if you are interested in supporting our students during lunch time.
Virtus Training
All adults that would like to volunteer in the school in any capacity must complete this training, application, and background check prior to volunteering. Please click the link for more information. https://www.gbdioc.org/protecting-our-children/virtus
After School Care 3:00-5:30
If you intend to use after school care at any time during the school year, please fill out the pre-registration form. We will use sign up genius monthly to sign up your child for after school care. The August/September sign up genius will be forthcoming on August 19th. Space is limited in the ASC program to 40 students per day.
Students will be primarily using the gym and playground during this time. There will not be computer usage after school care and the after school care room will only be used at the 3 pm student dismissal time to give students a chance to eat a snack, and towards the end of the after school care session. Snacks are not provided, please consider sending a snack for your child. There will be no sharing of snacks. Students should dress for the weather as they will be going outside as much as possible.
After School Care Pre-registration Form *This form will need to be completed prior to your child’s participation in this program*
Preschool Extended Care 11:00-3:00
Students in our preschool and 4K program may participate in our extended school care program from 11 am - 3 pm (cost is $5.50 an hour). If you intend to use the Preschool Extended Care please complete the pre-registration form for Extended Care. As a reminder, if you need additional care from 3:00-5:30 p.m. you must sign up on the ASC sign up genius. Students will have to be registered ahead of time in order to participate (no drop ins available).
Pre-register for Extended Day Child Care *This form will need to be completed prior to your child’s participation in this program*
Enrichment Classes
We are excited for the return of our enrichment program! Classes will be offered for early childhood-5th grade once per week at each school. Registration will open soon and will include classes such as STEM, arts, Karate, and sports samplers. Please visit our website for more detailed information on the enrichment program. https://smcatholicschools.org/co-curriculars/enrichment-program/
Band
Band is an option for our 4th and 5th grade students. Detailed information about band will be sent to 4th and 5th grade families in the coming weeks. Please email the band director, Mr. Dave Sawall, at dsawall@smcatholicschools.org, with any questions.
Important Dates for your Calendar!
Thursday, August 25th: “Popsicles on the Playground” 4:30-6:30 p.m. (more info to come)
Friday, August 26th: Zephyr Dads tailgate before 1st Friday football game 5:30 p.m.
Monday, August 29th: Orientation 8:00-11:00 a.m. or 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 30th: First Day of School
Wednesday, August 31st: First School Liturgy 8:15 a.m.
Wednesday, August 31st: SMCS ALL SCHOOLS parent night (at least one parent should attend)
Friday, September 2nd: PTO meeting 8:05 a.m. (young children are welcome to attend)
Monday, September 5th: No School - Labor Day
Tuesday, September 6th: SMCS Zephyrs Spirit Day-students can wear spirit wear
Friday, September 9th: Picture Day-out of dress code
Friday, September 23rd: Zephyrs Connect 5K/Fun Run and Family Festival 3:30 p.m.
Friday, September 30th: NO SCHOOL-Parent Teacher Conferences
View our monthly calendar here.
A printable system calendar is available here.
Zephyrs Connect 09.23.22
This event is fun for the whole family. Whether you come to run, or to enjoy games, entertainment, and Friday night football, come join the Zephyrs family in supporting our schools!
All Aboard 10.15.22
Final Thoughts
Click here for more helpful information for SG parents, including detailed information about return to school procedures.
I look forward to seeing all of our students and families on orientation day!
Blessings,
Mrs. Jennifer Giombetti