Monthly DB Newsletter
Don Bosco High School
January 2025
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.
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
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.
Our Faith STO opens the 2025-2026 application process on January 1, 2025.
Experiences of Surrealism
We have had a great semester thus far in high school art, reviewing the basics of design, playing with color, learning how to be constructive in our critique experiences and experiencing surrealism and what that means. This class has worked super hard and their work shows that. Stop into the high school office to view their artwork for the next couple months.
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
Bosco Food Drive
Thank you to BCSS for donating 480 pounds of food and hygiene items for the Knights of Columbus, Jesup Council Share & Care boxes. You helped bless 196 people this Christmas season!
Students Pen the Spirit
The Journalism class has been very busy this semester learning about newspapers and the style of writing that reporters use. We've been learning about AP style, the anatomy of a newspaper, writing news leads, and different types of stories. Students have published several editions of the Spirit which feature regular sports updates, school news, special features, and student spotlights. We look forward to continuing the tradition of the Spirit the rest of this year.
Mrs. Rottink
Community Blood Drive January 14
All units collected will assist the National Honor Society earn scholarship funds!
Discover Bosco Catholic Schools
Tell your friends about the chance to tour IC and DB on January 17 at either 9 AM or 1 PM. This is a change from January 10. Tell them to register at boscocatholic.org to come in and learn about all we have to offer.
Save the date for Discover Don Bosco: Your Path to Success on January 29 at 6 PM.
Dates to Remember
- January 1: New Year's Day, no school
- January 2/3: No Waterloo Busing
- January 6: Leader In Me Assembly, Don Bosco Gym (12:29 PM)
- January 6: Booster Club Meeting (6 PM)
- January 10: End of Semester 1
- January 14: Board Meeting (6:30 PM)
- January 17: No Waterloo Busing
- January 17: Discover Bosco Tours (9 AM or 1 PM)
- January 20: Professional Development, no school
- January 26 - February 1: Catholic Schools Week
- January 29: Discover DB: Your Path to Success, tours start at 5:30 (6 PM)
- January 31: Feast of St. John Bosco K-12 Mass
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.
SBO Magazine has released their 25th annual list of "50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference." Guess who was chosen for the state of Iowa? We are proud of you, Myron Mikita! Congratulations and thank you for all you do for our students!
Weather Related Communications
Parish Roll Sale
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 30th. Extras will be
available, but 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, please contact Linda Kayser 319-830-2746.
Orders may be picked up at St. Mary Center in Gilbertville, on Saturday, February 8 between 3:30 and 6:30 pm. Thank you for your support!
Parish News and Information
Don Bosco 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
Preparing students to be the Light of Christ in the world!
Please submit newsletter articles to dbhssecretary@boscocatholic.org
by the 25th of each month.
Physical Address: 405 16th Avenue, Gilbertville, Iowa 50634
Mail Address: PO Box 106, Gilbertville, Iowa 50634
Phone: 319-296-1692