St. Gabriel Elementary Newsletter
08.23.2023
ST. GABRIEL ELEMENTARY FAMILY NEWSLETTER
August 23, 2023
Greetings from the Principal
Dear St. Gabriel families,
I am so blessed and excited to be welcoming you to the 2023-2024 school year at St. Gabriel! Our new motto this year is "Celebrate!" We can't wait to celebrate our students, celebrate our families, celebrate our staff, and celebrate our faith! May this year be filled with joyful moments, valuable friendships, incredible learning, and a deepening love for God.
As the school year begins, please watch over our students. Keep them safe and surround them with people who will encourage them to live for YOU. Thank you for all our teachers, bless them and give them strength. Amen.
Mrs. Jennifer Giombetti
Associate Principal
Orientation
Elementary School Orientation will be held in two sessions on Monday, August 28. Session one runs from 8am until 11am. Session two runs from 4pm to 6pm.
Planning for the 2023-2024 School Year
Who are these new faces?
Meet our new teachers! We are excited to welcome them aboard.
Melissa Mariin, Learning Support
Hello :)
I’m Melissa Mariin (pronounced marine). Originally, I’m from Michigan, but recently moved back to the midwest from sunny Las Vegas. This is my 18th year of teaching and I have a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I like to spend my free time with my boyfriend, Brad (a St. Mary’s alumni), and my calico cat, Loca. I love traveling, playing guitar/singing, spending time in nature, skiing, and cheering on my favorite teams, the Vegas Golden Knights and Detroit Lions. I’m a Catholic convert and super excited to be working at St. Gabriel School this fall. I have the best job ever and can’t wait to help your child learn.
Susan Decker, Preschool Aide
Hi my name is Susan Decker, I’m so excited to join the St. Gabriel team this year as a PreK-3 aide with Mrs. Siems. I’m originally from Quincy, Illinois, but have lived in multiple states, most recently from Nebraska. I have six amazing kiddos who are all or have been in the St. Mary School system. I love camping and spending time with my kids and dogs. I’m most excited about working and getting to know all the new 3 years olds and their families to have the best possible experience in joining the amazing St. Gabriel School.
Rachel Rennie, First Grade Teacher
Hi, I’m Mrs. Rennie! This will be my 4th year teaching First Grade, but my first year here at St. Gabriel. I’m originally from Indiana and moved here last summer to be with my fiance. We just got married on August 19th! I am so excited for this school year & can’t wait to meet my new group of first graders!
Kendra Furhmann, Extended Care Teacher
Hello! My name is Kendra Fuhrmann and I am a mom of 5 kids who all attend the St. Mary’s school system. I have been married to my husband Jason for the past 20 years. We also have a houseful of animals along with the kids: dogs, cats, and a horse! I have been home for the last 15 years taking care of our kids and I am getting my feet back into the working world this year. Looking forward to a great school year and meeting all the students :)
Athena Kleinschmit, Extended Care Teacher
Hello! My name is Athena Kleinschmit. My husband (Josh) and I have lived in the Neenah area for the past 16 years, and we love it here. We have 6 children, 1 dog, 2 cats, and 1 guinea pig. Having children who have gone to school at St. Gabriel’s, I knew this is where I wanted to work as it is such an amazing school. I’m so excited to be joining the St. Gabriel Elementary School staff this year in the extended care room.
Catherine Harvey, Food Service & PTO President
Hi!
I’m Catherine Harvey and I will be the new lunch lady at St. Gabriels! I’ve had my kids in SMCS for 11 years now. My oldest is a sophomore at Neenah, I have two at SMCMS and my four younger ones are at St. Gabriel. I’m looking forward to getting to know the St. Gabriel family more and being around my kids daily!
Kelly Roloff, Four Year Old Kindergarten Teacher
Hello SG Families,
I am excited to start this new year getting to know all of you at St. Gabriel’s. Having spent the last 7 years at St. Mary’s 4K, I look forward to sharing my passion for 4K and early childhood education, especially early literacy with you and your children. Fun fact: I have worked in all 3 SMCS elementary schools. My family and I have lived in Neenah for 23 years and my 3 children are alumni of SMCS. This will be my 19th year teaching.
Victoria Rojas, Fourth Grade Teacher
Hi everyone, my name is Victoria Rojas.
I am thrilled to be a part of the St. Gabriel family! I have a Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Oshkosh, I graduated with Dual Majors: Special Education PK-9 and Elementary Education 1-6. I have taught many grade levels from kindergarten up to eighth grade. I am so excited to be starting my 22nd year this year. I also graduated from MATC with an AA in Liberal Studies and graduated from FVTC with an AA in Natural Resources. I have two beautiful daughters, Brittany and Shanna. They are all grown up and both live in Menasha, WI. I live in Kaukauna, WI.
Candace Lamb, Second Grade Teacher Aide
Hi everyone! My name is Candace Lamb. I have 4 amazing children and 3 adorable grandchildren. I have worked with children for 19 years. I love all grades, but elementary is my favorite!
I started at St. Mary Schools last year in After School Care. I'm excited to be back in a classroom this year. I look forward to meeting all of you!
Jen Whaley, Library Aide, Substitute Teacher, and Transitioning PTO President
Although not a new face to St Gabriel, I am thrilled to be here as part of the official staff this year. I will be working with our librarian at all three elementary schools and the middle school to foster a love of reading in all students. When I'm not at school in the library or subbing I love being outside with my family or planning our next family vacation. I'm so excited to see everyone's smiling faces this year!!
PTO News!
GRANDPARENT'S DAY SAVE THE DATE!
It’s Grandparent’s Day!
Wednesday, September 13th
Time: 8:00-10:30
Invite your grandparents or a special someone to come spend the morning with you at school!
Grades K-5 will all attend Mass.
Preschool and 4K students are welcome to attend mass if you have an older sibling already attending Mass. Otherwise, your grandparent/special someone can meet you in your classroom.
Grandparents of K-5 can go to the cafeteria where they can meet up with their grandchildren before entering the church together.
After Mass, we will break out into two groups: last names A-M and N-Z – siblings should stay together.
While one group enjoys some light refreshments in the cafeteria, the other will go back to the classrooms for some fun with their grandchildren!
This is sure to be a morning everyone will remember, and we hope you are able to attend!
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Giombetti at jgiombetti@smcatholicschools.org
Our Address: 900 Geiger Street, Neenah, WI 54956
First PTO Meeting of the New School Year!
Our first PTO meeting of the year will be Friday, September 1st at 8:05 in the school library. Young children are welcome to attend. Pleaes join us!
Interested in Volunteering?
We are so grateful to all our volunteers who contribute so much to our schools! If you are considering volunteering or chaperoning any school field trips or events, please complete Virtus training, a background check, and the code of conduct through the Diocese Green Bay. Please contact your schools' administrative assistant to get the process started. Thank you!
Contact Mrs. Richards, srichards@smcatholicschools.org
A Look Ahead...
Monday, August 28: Orientation
Tuesday, August 29: First day of school
Wednesday, August 30: Parent Information Night (all schools)
Monday, September 4: NO SCHOOL
Friday, September 8: All System Mass
Contact Information
Call (920) 725-4161
Associate Principal: Mrs. Giombetti, jgiombetti@smcatholicschools.org
Elementary Principal: Mrs. Cihlar, acihlar@smcatholicschools.org