Dear SGB Parents,
✋ (If you'd like to scroll down, you can come back for this part another time.)
Throughout the break I had often thought of many joyful things I wanted to include in this message to you as we return at the end of the Christmas break and begin a wonderful new year in 2024.
Yet, I am at a loss for the right words at this time. The tragic loss of the Morgan family in Clarkstown hits home. Their sons, Gabe (7th grade) and Liam (5th grade) went to school and played soccer together with my sons. If any of our SGB Families (from Clarkstown or other locations) need support at this time, please do not hesitate to reach out. This was a beautiful family and we are left heartbroken with so many more questions than answers.
What I can share is how incredible the outpouring of love from the community is as we come together to grieve, comfort and support each other. You can see God at work.
CYO brought us together for Mass on Sunday at St. Francis, where Fr. McKeon shared a beautiful Homily that called each of us to bring God to each other at this difficult time. His delicate words were what we needed. The support continues this week with an evening vigil and another evening at St. Francis saying the Rosary together. This will be a long journey for our neighboring friends.
The Clarkstown School District has been preparing their staff for this coming week with their students at Laurel Plains and Felix Festa Middle School, as it will be the most difficult week in their careers. I personally know many of those teachers and my heart goes out to each of them.
Parents have been guiding each other as we sit with our children for heartbreaking conversations telling them why their classmates, Gabe and Liam, will not return to school.
The families of Clarkstown are left numb as this was a beautiful family. As we struggle, we ache to know WHY this happened so we can begin making sense out of it. The “why” gives a false sense that we can logically wrap our head around the unimaginable, but we may never know why.
I have been talking non-stop to God over these past few days. My faith has taught me that I must put this in God’s hands.
As so while many of you begin this week full of joy and hope with the promise of a new year, I ask you to please pray.
Please keep the Morgan family (Ornela, Gabe, Liam ) in your prayers.
Please pray for all their loved ones as they deal with the aftermath of losing 4 family members.
Pray for the staff at Laurel Plains Elementary and Felix Festa Middle School as they grieve with their students, colleagues, and families.
Pray for the Clarkstown community as they continue to grieve and try to support each other.
May 2024 bring peace and love to those in need.
God bless each of you,
Ms. Clarke
SGB Week Ahead Info
Tuesday 1/02
- NO HOT LUNCH
- i9 NEW Session begins. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Wednesday 1/03
Thursday 1/04
- Winter MAP Testing begins
- Picture Re-takes
- SGB Library begins. (We are still in need of some SGB Parent Volunteers. If you can help us with our upcoming events, please click https://forms.gle/LuXRQihni9FgYJm19. We really appreciate all your help!)
Friday 1/05
- School Mass at 10am
- Early Dismissal For all Classes
- Sr. Anne's PreK (8am - 10:35am)
- Grades K - 8 (8am-11am)
- UPK AM (8:15-10:45am)
- UPK FULL DAY (8:15-10:45am)
- UPK PM - (10:45-1:15PM)
- NO HOT LUNCH / Last Day to buy HOT LUNCH for next week online (Use your tuition account. Click here for directions on how to purchase.)
- SGB SNOWFLAKE DANCE (FOR SGB Daughters and Fathers/Significant Male Role Model) 7-10pm
For more info on upcoming dates, please use our SGB Calendar located on our website. (Located half way down on the home page to the right of our daily online school prayers.)
SGB Video Testimonials
In preparation for CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK in January, 2024, I am encouraging SGB Families who would like to create a short testimonial about your positive experiences with SGB to upload them using the link below. These videos will be used to spread the word about our wonderful school as many families will be deciding which schools they send their children to in the coming months.
TIPS
Please record holding your phone sideways (landscape format) for best results.
Please keep your recording short (1-2 min. max)
Please use these prompts to guide you
- Why do you choose to send your child/children to St. Gregory Barbarigo School?
- What do you love about SGB?
- Why should other families consider our school for their children?
Please submit your video by January 12, 2024.
Videos can include multiple members of the family or just one person.
Thank you!
Week #4: 1/08
Each weekly workshop will include drama, dance, voice and prep (preparation for the upcoming show). Students will rotate and work on each discipline in small groups.
Tentative Timeline:
1/8 - Casting Announced - Scripts distributed - Rehearsals begin
1/22 - Rehearsals
1/29 - Rehearsals
2/5- Rehearsals
2/12 - Rehearsals (All cast members are memorized.)
2/26 - Rehearsals
3/4 - Rehearsals
3/11 - Rehearsals. (Prop check. )
3/18 - Rehearsals (Costume check.)
3/25 - Rehearsals
4/8 Run thru Cast A (2:30-6pm)
4/15 Run thru Cast B (2:30-6pm)
4/22- Dress Rehearsal Cast A (2:30-6pm) ONLY
4/25 - Dress Rehearsal Cast B (2:30-6pm) ONLY
4/26 - Performance #1 @ 7pm
4/27 - Performance #2 @ 4pm and Performance #3 at 7pm
4/28 - Performance #4 @ 2pm
ONLINE PAYMENT
All orders must be submitted the FRIDAY before a HOT LUNCH.
TO ORDER:
1. GO TO your tuition account.
2. SELECT "PURCHASE OPTIONAL ITEMS" at the top of the page.
3. SELECT your child's name.
4. CLICK Continue.
5. CHOOSE the item you would like to purchase.
(ie: Pizza, Chicken Fingers, etc.)
6. AGREE to terms.
7. COMPLETE the transaction with your DEBIT or CREDIT CARD. (note: There is a service charge when using your credit card.)
Due dates are the FRIDAY the week before for both PIZZA and CHICKEN TENDERS.
VOLUNTEERS:
ALL VOLUNTEERS must complete the ADNY Safer Spaces Training online. CLICK HERE FOR THE TRAINING. Fill out the form and send it to the school prior to beginning the online training.
Many of you have already done this in years past for SGBS and if that's the case you don't need to repeat it. If you took the training at another ADNY school you'll need to repeat it for here.
- CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR PIZZA FRIDAYS. 🍕
- *please note that the pizza days for November are on Thursdays due to the calendar
