Weekly Newsletter
Immaculate Conception & St. Joseph
January 2, 2025 Habit of the Month : Think Win-Win
Inspired to Move Forward
Dear BCSS Parents and Students,
Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you well and excited for all the opportunities that lie ahead. As we start this new chapter together, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible support and partnership we share as a school community. It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we work together to help our students grow—spiritually, academically, physically, and socially.
This year, our theme is Courage, and I’ve been so impressed by the many ways our students are living it out. Whether they’re sharing their thoughts in class, trying something new, or standing strong in their faith, they’re showing us what courage really looks like. Growth often means stepping out of our comfort zones, and it’s inspiring to see our kids take those steps every day. Let’s keep encouraging each other to be brave and trust in God’s plan.
Our scripture for the year, Joshua 1:9, reminds us: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Isn’t it comforting to know that God is always with us, cheering us on and giving us strength? This verse is such a wonderful reminder that we’re never alone, no matter what challenges come our way.
We’re also continuing to focus on leadership through The Leader in Me habits. These habits—like being proactive, prioritizing what’s most important, thinking win-win, and seeking to understand others—help our students develop skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. It’s all about giving them the tools to be thoughtful, confident leaders who make a difference in the world.
I’m so proud of the growth I’ve seen in our students and so grateful for your support as families. You play such an important role in helping them become the amazing people God created them to be. Thank you for everything you do!
Let’s move forward together with courage, faith, and hope. I’m excited to see what this year will bring and all the incredible things we’ll achieve as a community. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
With Faith and Gratitude,
Mrs. Douglas
Important News
Waterloo Bussing
Waterloo Schools buses will not run on the following dates in January: Friday the 3rd and Friday the 17th. The Bosco bus with run as normal on those days.
Winter Weather Gear
Remember to dress your child appropriately for the weather, including snow gear. Encourage them to practice zipping coats and putting on gloves independently. Please know we are very limited with the extras we keep here at school. Your students should bring winter items every day, as the items at school are for emergency cases only and not to be used every day.
STO Is Open
Our Faith STO opens the 2025-2026 application process on January 1, 2025. Please apply if you might be elgibile! The guidelines are very generous and this works along with ESAs.
Discover Bosco Catholic Schools
We are now enrolling for the fall!
🔹Visit K-8 and/or 9-12 on January 17 with our tours at 9 AM and 1 PM.
🔹Tour St. Joseph Preschool on January 22 or 29 at 8:30 AM.
🔹Check out Discover Don Bosco: Your Path to Success at 6 PM on January 29. This one is for 8th grade families, any families thinking ahead, and anyone you know who might like to transfer in.
Please tell your friends who may be interested in any of our grades! Some classes and grades are filling fast. Sign up for our events is required so we have materials and are ready for those who visit.
Middle School Religion Bee
Please join the BCSS Middle School students on Monday, January 27, for the 1st annual Religion Bee. The event will take place in the HS gym from 12-1 PM . Let's cheer on the top 12 students as they compete for the final 3 spots. All community members are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Donations for Art Class
As we look forward to other exciting projects, the art department is in need of several flat white sheets—the bigger the better. We will also need Christmas ornaments and decorations to repurpose into a sculpture art project. If you happen to break an ornament or are getting rid of others- please bring them into the high school office. Thank you in advance for your donations.
Ms. Carolus
Community Blood Drive January 14
Red Cross will host a Blood Drive at the Gilberville Legion on January 14. Appointment times are available between 1 and 6 PM. You can schedule your appointment online or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
All units collected will assist the National Honor Society in earning scholarship funds!
Leader in Me News
Our WIG Is Within Reach by Jan. 10
Our school-wide WIG (Wildly Important Goal) is to increase reading scores by reading more books. Our 2nd quarter goal is to read 1250 books by Jan. 10. We are getting so close! We need to cover the rest of the yellow "books" with blue "books" and then we will have our goal. Keep reading!
Social Events
Mrs. Bergfeld to be Recognized at the January 17 Leader Valley Gala
Don't forget you are invited to the Leader Valley Gala to help support the organization's amazing work to develop tomorrow's leaders today. Be there to cheer for Mrs. Bergfeld when they announce her as THE Leader Valley Educator of the Year. What an honor for our teacher and our school!
All proceeds will be matched! Bosco Catholic School System is excited to have joined forces with Leader Valley this year for implementation and coaching for the Leader in Me.
The Disciple Maker Index (DMI) Survey
The Archdiocese of Dubuque is conducting a survey of all parishioners. Catholic School Administrators are being asked to send a communication to parents about the importance of completing the DMI survey. In particular, the DMI has a couple of specific questions for parents who enroll their children in Catholic Schools. If you have not received the letter and links to the survey from your parish(es), reach out to parish leadership to inquire about them. Each parish has a different link.
Parish Roll Sale Orders Due Jan. 30
St. Joseph Parish in Raymond will be holding a Frosted, Pecan, and Caramel Roll Fundraiser on Saturday, February 8. Order your delicious fresh-baked, frosted, pecan, and caramel rolls by January 30 at $3 each or 6 rolls for $15. Orders will be taken through Thursday, January 30. Extras will be available but are not guaranteed.
To pre-order visit our website, check Facebook ,or contact Linda Kayser (319-830-2746) or Mary McMahon (319-939-6279) by call or text. Volunteers are needed on February 7 and 8 for preparing and distribution (contact Linda Kayser 319-830-2746).
Orders may be picked up at St. Mary Center, Gilbertville, on Saturday, February 8, from 3:30–6:30 PM. Thank you for your support!
Parish News and Information
Bosco Catholic School System is thankful for the supporting parishes and communities we work with and live in. Visit the parish links for Reconciliation and Adoration times.
Parish Mass Times
Sat 4 PM, Sun 8 & 10 AM, M-W-F 7:45 AM
Sat 5:30 PM, Tue 6 PM, Thur 8 AM
Sat 5 PM, Sun 8:30 AM, Tue 5:30 PM, Thur 8:30 AM, Fri 8 AM
Sun 10:30 AM, Wed 8 AM
Sun 8 AM
Important Dates
January 2025
January 2– Classes Resume
January 3- No Waterloo Bussing
January 6- Booster Club Meeting ( 6:00 PM)
January 10- End of Sumter 1
January 13 - Start of Sumter 2
January 17- No Waterloo Bussing
January 19- Large Group Speech Showcase ( DB gym 6:00 PM)
January 20- No School PD day
January 16- February 1- Catholic Schools Week
We have an opening in our lunchroom starting in January. Among other duties, this worker will drive lunch over to St. Joseph Preschool in Raymond. The job involves some lifting. Hours are 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM each day school is in session. It's a great opportunity to work while your kids are in school.
Don Bosco is excited to be adding to the team! We are looking for a high school science and high school math teacher.
Our ABC Program will need another worker starting in January. Have fun working with age 3 through grade 5 in the afternoon on days school is in session.
MISSION STATEMENT
With support from families, we respect and encourage students to reach their potential
- Spiritually by developing a strong relationship with Jesus and knowledge of His church,
- Academically by igniting learning, leadership and life skills,
- Physically by learning about and living healthy habits and
- Socially by becoming active members of the community who serve others as stewards of the Gospel so they are the light of Christ in the world.
Preparing students to be the Light of Christ in the World!
Submit newsletter articles to icsjnewsletter@boscocatholic.org by 3 PM on Wednesdays.
Website: boscocatholic.org
Facebook boscocatholic.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 256, Gilbertville, IA 50634
Don Bosco High School
405 16th Ave
Gilbertville, Iowa 50634
dbhssecretary@boscocatholi.org
Immaculate Conception K-8
311 16th Ave
Gilbertville, Iowa 50634
St Joseph Center PS/PK
6916 Lafayette Rd
Raymond, Iowa 50667