St. Gabriel Catholic School

Frequently Asked Questions 

§         School Hours/Dismissals

§         Uniforms

§         Cafeteria/Lunch/Snacks

§         Carpool

§         Sports and After School Programs

§         Parent Teacher Organization

§         Field Trips and Religious Activities

§         Parent Conferences/Visits

§         Miscellaneous 

School Hours/Dismissals 

1.      What are the School Hours?

School doors open at 7 a.m. School is in session from 7:55 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. for grades K-2, and from 7:55 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. for grades 3-5. Before-school care is provided at 7:00 a.m. Please do not leave your child any earlier unattended until the school doors are opened. 

Students arriving between 7-7:35 a.m. should report to the school gymnasium and be seated in their designated class area. At 7:35 a.m., their teacher will escort them to their classroom.  

2.      What are the times for dismissals during a full day?? Regular dismissal for grades K-2 is 2:20 p.m. If parents do not arrive by 2:25 for first carpool, the student will return to the classroom to wait for second dismissal. Students with older siblings will wait in their classrooms until second dismissal. The second dismissal for grades 3-5 is at 2:40 p.m.  

3.      What is early dismissal?

The term early dismissal is used for those days when students will only attend school for a half day. 

4.      Where do I pick up my child?

Students will line up with their class in the ?flagpole? parking spaces. A school representative will be present to supervise dismissal. Students are to remain inline until the horn is sounded. Parents, or a designated adult, will escort the students to their vehicles at this time. 

5.      How do I get my child out for early dismissal (Doctor appointment, etc.)?

Parents must send in a note to the teacher indicating your need to pick up your child earlier than the regular dismissal time. Please come in to the office and request that your child be released for early dismissal.  

6.      What if my child is absent? Do I need to call the school?

Upon the return of the student, parents must send in a note to the teacher indicating the number of days absent and the reason. Homework can be requested from the teacher by placing a call to the office early in the morning.  It can also be requested from another student. 

7.      What if my child is late?

Parents must escort their child into the school office to sign them in. If applicable, everyone must stop and observe the morning prayers. Parents must not walk student into the classroom. 

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Uniforms 

8.      What does "Full Uniform" mean?

Our students are required to wear a full school uniform to attend Mass and other special school functions. The uniform is described below: 

Boys - Long blue navy pants with a belt if necessary. Short or long sleeved white knit shirt with collar or white turtleneck. Only the school sweatshirts (blue or gray), ordered through the PTO should be worn over a regular uniform shirt. White or blue socks.? Sneaker shoes are required at all times. Boots are not allowed. 

Girls - School Jumpers, which are available in two styles. Shorts may be worn under the jumper. Only grade 5 girls may wear the school skort. Polo or? white blouse with peter pan collar or white turtleneck. Solid navy blue cardigan or crew neck. Only the school sweatshirts (blue or gray), ordered through the PTO should be worn over a regular uniform shirt. White socks, knee-highs, or tights. Sneaker or leather shoes are required at all times. Boots are not allowed. 

9.      How many jumpers do I really need?

Probably no more than two, depending on your personal preferences and if your child likes wearing dresses.

10.  Can I use other vendors besides Flynn O'Hara??

Only Jumpers and skorts must be purchased from Flynn O'Hara. For boys, they will have the embroidered white polo shirts, which are not mandatory. Their e-mail address is Customerservice@flynnohara.com or you can also contact them by phone: 

Customer Service - (215) 637-4600 or (800) 441-4122
Fax (215) 637-6392 

Another online vendor to use is www.educationaloutfitters.com. All items without the school emblem can be purchased at any other merchant. 

11.  Can all girls wear skorts?

Only 5^th grade girls are allowed to wear the St. Gabriel skorts. 

12.  What is a dress-down day?

On the monthly dress down day, students may wear clothes other then their uniforms. Students will still be required to dress appropriately and neatly within the conservative standards of a Catholic School (refer to School Policies for further information). An optional donation of $1 cash (send in the student folder), canned goods or other items are collected for charitable purposes. 

13.  Does my child need a special uniform for PE?

Yes.  Navy mesh gym shorts with the St. Gabriel logo on them and a grey St. Gabriel Jaguars tee shirt available at Flynn & O'Hara are required for PE class and may be worn all day on PE days.  Sneaker shoes should be worn that day. 

14.  What is Uniform Exchange?

Uniform Exchange is a PTO sponsored effort to collect gently used uniforms for our school families. You may donate outgrown uniforms to this purpose and find some that you could use in exchange. Please drop uniforms at the office or the PTO room. 

15.  How do I order sweatshirts? Can I order online?

School sweatshirts can be purchased from Flynn & O'Hara on Abbey Place or by visiting their website at www.fando.com  or from Educational Outfitters on Tyvola Road or by visiting their website at www.educationaloutfitters.com.  

16.  What is The Spirit Shoppe?

The Spirit Shoppe is a PTO sponsored cart available to our school families interested in purchasing St. Gabriel School logo items such as car magnets, windshield decals, water bottles, pencils, lunch bags, etc.  

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Cafeteria/Lunch/Snack 

17.  What is the school Lunch Program? How do I order lunch?

The MACS system contracts with a number of restaurants in the Charlotte area to provide hot lunches for students at affordable prices. In general, parents and students may choose from a short list of entrees from a designated restaurant. You will receive a weekly menu form (see sample) to place your lunch order. The hot lunch orders are made two weeks in advance. Checks should be made payable to St. Gabriel School. The Menu includes deli style sandwiches, chicken nuggets, soup, pasta, burgers, salads, pizza, carrot sticks and dip, cheese, fruit, milk and juice, etc. 

18.  What happens if I order lunch and my child is absent?

Because hot lunches are ordered in advance, if your child is absent, we regret that lunch credits are not issued. 

19.  What happens if I order lunch and the school is closed?

If the school is forced to close due to weather or other reason, the hot lunch orders will be credited on another day. It will be indicated in your order form. 

20.  What is available each day for purchase?

White and chocolate milk, boxed juice, bagels and ice cream are available for cash purchases every day. 

21.  How does cafeteria work? Does someone help students? Who oversees their eating?

Students who have ordered a hot lunch will receive the ticket for the day, enter the cafeteria and line up to pick up their meal. Students who have brought their lunch, will immediately go to their designated seating area. Assistant teachers as well as volunteer parents are always available to oversee and help students during lunch time. Students will help with clean up duties after lunch. 

22.  What works best when packing a lunch?

Depending on personal preference, a sandwich, fresh fruit, cut-up vegetables and juice are recommended. 

23.  Do all students need a Snack in addition to lunch?

Students take a snack break during the day in addition to lunch. A snack portion of fresh fruit, cut-up vegetables, bagged snacks or any healthy snack is recommended. Chocolate, candy or heavily sweet snacks are discouraged. During early dismissal days, please pack a bigger snack portion as well as a drink. 

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Carpool 

24.  What is meant by Carpool?

The term carpool is commonly used for the dismissal of the school children and the traffic pattern of cars filing into the school parking lot. 

25.  How does carpool drop-off and pick-up work?

During arrival and dismissal, all cars must enter the church parking lot at the Providence Road. entrance. Do not enter from Sharon Lane. since our campus becomes a one-way street at this time. A school representative will direct you where to stop and when to depart.  

26.  How early should I get to the school for pick-up?

During the first few weeks of school, the traffic volume is greater until families are able to make carpool arrangements. Please anticipate longer lines and pay close attention to school representatives directing you for traffic patterns. 

27.  How does carpool pick-up work on rainy days?

On rainy days, you will pick up students in the gymnasium. Please wait in the rotunda, follow directions from the schools staff, and enter the gym by the back door when instructed.

28.  Can I walk my child in?

All kindergarten students will be escorted into the school by another student in 5^th grade. Parents are not allowed to walk students into the school, unless you are late. 

29.  How do I sign up to find someone to Carpool?

The PTO maintains a listing of any families looking for a Carpool. We try to match families with others looking for neighborhood carpooling at the beginning of the year. Please contact the Newcomer committee to sign up. 

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Sports and After School Programs 

30.  What Sports Programs are available?

Sports opportunities for students are coordinated by the St. Gabriel Athletic Association (SGAA). Basketball, Fall Soccer for boys, cheerleaders and Spring Soccer for girls are available. SGAA needs coaches, assistant coaches, team parents, committee members, and coordinators for each sport. Please call Bob Wood, Athletic Director at 704-362-5047.

31.  What is the After School Enrichment Program available at St. Gabriel?

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) has designed an After School Enrichment Program to meet the needs of our children and their working parents. The purpose for the K - 5 children program is to provide a child-centered, safe, stimulating, and happy environment, which allows children to interact freely with others. The program will provide quality childcare, which parents can rely upon throughout the school year. The programs will operate from the time school is dismissed until 6:00 p.m. For registration information contact Ellen Buening at (704) 844-0277. 

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Parent Teacher Organization 

32.  What is a room parent?? How do I join the team?

A room parent team is a volunteer panel that serves as a liaison between the school/teacher/PTO and the parents of each classroom. Each class has a designated Lead Coordinator who is the contact person with the teacher. Other members of the team will assist in the organization of activities as needed. You can be part of the team by signing up with your teacher. 

33.  What is the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)?

The mission of the parent teacher organization is to assist the principal, teachers and families in reaching the goals of the school. This is accomplished by: 1. Raising funds needed to help implement our goals. 2. Fostering a school community that will enable our teachers and families to best care and nurture our children so that they may learn and grown in our Catholic faith as they strive to become responsible adults. Members of the PTO board are appointed each year. 

34.  What are the PTO Committees?

The PTO assists the school in achieving our goals through the work of various committees devoted to specific activities or objectives. These committees are grouped by five particular areas: Academic Support, Community Development, Family Fun, Fundraising, and overall School Support. 

35.  Are PTO dues different from Activities fees?

PTO dues are used for academic enrichment purposes such as the funds needed for clubs, fairs, etc. The work of the PTO committees such as purchase and distribution of prayer cards, rosaries, school directory, etc. The funding of family events, such as Donuts for Dads, Muffins for Mom, Bingo etc. 

Activities Fees are collected from each family at a range of $3.00-$20. Families pay what they can afford. The funds are used for class parties and specific classroom needs, Teacher Appreciation Baskets, the Silent Auction classroom items and to support families that may not otherwise be able to participate.  

36.  How are Classroom volunteers different from PTO volunteers?

Each classroom is assigned responsibilities with various duties such as Baking needs, Playground duty, Christmas Family Adoption, etc. Each teacher will need assistance with these and other activities, you can sign up to volunteer with your teacher.  

PTO Volunteers are involved in working in the various committees and supporting the activities sponsored by the PTO during the school year such as the Silent Auction, School Book Fairs, Consignment Sale, Math and Chess Clubs, etc. 

37.  What is the Protecting God?s Children requirement for all volunteers?

The Protecting God?s Children is a video-based session required by the Charlotte dioceses for all adult volunteers of our school. These free sessions are offered throughout the year and at various locations. A certificate of attendance is required on file for every parent who wishes to assist within our school or with our students. Look for more information coming up at the beginning of the school year.

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Field Trips and Religious Activities 

38.  When are School Masses celebrated? Are there any other religious events?

Masses are celebrated at the church with all the students attending at least once per  month on a Wednesday and on all Holy Days of Obligation.  In addition, each grade level takes turns celebrating Mass on alternate Wednesdays.  Students must wear Full Uniform for Mass. 

Religious Education is part of the school curriculum and the Faith Advisory Committee (sponsored by the PTO) enhances these teachings by organizing the Live Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and other religious events during the year.  

The Church School Liaison Committee (sponsored by the PTO) also provides outreach programs and parish involvement for the students to enhance their Catholic identity and formation.   In the fall, all second grade students begin their preparation for First Reconciliation and continue with First Holy Communion in May.   Reconciliation is offered twice a year - during Advent and Lent. 

39.  What is a Prayer Partner?

Every student in our school is paired up with another, from another class, to become Prayer Partners.   The children are encouraged to pray and participate in activities with their prayer partners at various times during the school year.   All Kindergarten students attend Mass accompanied by their fifth grade prayer partners.  

40.  What are Field Trips?? Who can be a driver? Are School Buses used?

Field trips will be instructional in nature and related to the curriculum being taught. Students will not be allowed to participate without a school issued permission form completely filled out and signed by a parent or guardian.  

MACS busses are used for field trips. Teachers will ride with students in the bus. 

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Parent Conferences/Visits 

41.  When are Parent Conferences? How do I contact a teacher?

The teacher or parent may request conferences any time there is a need or concern. Parents are asked to send a note in advance to the teacher requesting a conference. The teacher will then contact you to set up a time convenient to both. Please do not contact teachers at home. Do not use Carpool time for a conference.  

Scheduled conferences are held during the school year at the end of each marking period. It is recommended that parents attend the first marking period in order to share information regarding the progress of your child and to establish goals and objectives for the future.  

42.  When can parent visit during school day? How acceptable is parent in classroom?

For the safety of the children, parents and other visitors are not permitted to go directly to the classrooms. Parents are welcome to have lunch with students or visit during recess at anytime.  

Active participation by parent volunteers in school is considered an integral part of our student's social and scholastic development, we encourage you to volunteer and participate in the many activities held at our school during the school year.   However, in order to do so, you must complete a Diocesan Criminal Background Check and attend the Diocese workshop "Protecting God's Children".  Parents and visitors are not permitted to sit-in or attend a class.  

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Miscellaneous 

43.  What is a class supply list? When do I bring these supplies?

Individual grades provide a list of supplies such as crayons, pencils, erasers, notebooks, etc. at the beginning of the year. In addition, the art teacher will request a separate list of art supplies, these supplies will be used by the students during the school year. 

Parents are encouraged to bring these supplies to the school during the Open House meeting at the beginning of the year. 

44.  What is the school website address?

The school website address is www.saintgabrielcatholicschool.org.  Please check out information for new families, school policy, events, etc. Each class assigns parent volunteers to maintain a Class Page updated regularly with information related to specific activities, schedules, etc. 

45.  What do Kindergarten classes use for rest time after lunch and recess?

Kindergarten students will use their personal towels (mats are not allowed) for rest time.  

46.  When can my child return a book to the library?

The books checked out from the library are due back a week later on the day that your child has Library time. 

47.  What does the school nurse do? Where is the health room?

Our school nurse assists students with first aid, illnesses and accidents on a daily basis. In addition, she maintains individual health files for all students, coordinates plans of care with parents of children with special needs and provides height, weight, and vision screening for 1-5 grades in the fall. Students participate in instructional sessions (as science) presented by our school nurse. 

The health room is in the main school office area. 

48.  What do the school counselors do?

Our school counselors hold masters degree in counseling and are an integral part of the school total educational program. Students improve academic achievement by learning to plan and prepare for productive and fulfilling careers. Our school counselors help our students develop the personal and social skills they will need as contributing and responsible members of society. In addition, they assist teachers, staff members, adults and parents in understanding children. 

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5/13/07