Hello Strangers...I am sorry that you have not heard from me in a while. Things are full steam ahead at both Seton and Garrigan.
Seton Happenings: The top floor of Seton is now empty. The items that were once located on that floor have been relocated to the storage space above the stage, Moving day for grades 4-6 will be May 18 and moving day for grades K-3 will be May 19. (Thanks to everyone who had a hand in the moving process.) There are some items that came from storage will be for sale. We will have a garage sale for the community in the RC on May 22. Soon after May 22 the asbestos will be removed, electricity will be turned off, and the academy will be torn down. Seton will not have electricity for most of the summer, so please contact Garrigan if you have questions. Funerals will be held at the KC Hall or at Garrigan.
Garrigan Happenings: The new addition is almost done! The latest update indicates the gym should be open around June 8. I know that everyone is SO excited for that day! We continue to prepare classrooms for next year. The final classrooms are being moved before May 15. Mr. Wieland will continue throughout the summer to lower whiteboards and convert chalkboards to whiteboards.
Questions left over from tours:
Can students in grades 4-6 wear white dry-fit shirts? Yes. I spoke with Diamonds and they can get them in smaller sizes.
Can students in grades 4-6 wear shorts all year? No, please continue to follow the Seton handbook. We may revisit how to combine the handbooks, but for now we will stick with the policies that are in place.
Busing - I know that there are still so many questions and concerns about this topic. Kristie and I will make more information about transportation just as soon as it is available.
I probably end every post with this statement but here it is again: PLEASE contact me if you have questions or concerns. It is so important for me to have an opportunity to clarify questions so that the accurate information is shared with others. I hope that everyone has a great summer. Stop by Garrigan for a visit during the summer.
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
Technology, Music, and PE
Happy Friday!
Will students in grades 4 - 6 have PE and music?
Students will have PE and music just as they do now. Mr. Schurr and Mrs. Black will be the teachers. Music will take place in the newly renovated music room and PE will take place in Friedman Auditorium. In the event that Friedman is closed, students will use the new gym.Is there enough technology?
We have made a great deal of progress through purchases of technology, professional development focused on technology integration, and increasing our infrastructure. We continue to use donations,funds from within the budget and Cash for Classrooms (Gala) to help purchase new Chromebooks and Ipads. Teachers will continue to attend professional development opportunities provided by our AEA integrationist.
Will we continue the traditions that were in place at Seton?
This is a very hard question to answer, because we will have to look at each tradition as it occurs. I don't want to make a blanket statement of "yes" and then have something changed. I do believe for that most traditions will continue. We are able and willing to bus students to St. Cecelia's as needed to participate in faith celebrations. We intend, as of now, to continue events such as Grandparent's Day. What will this look like? I am not sure of that answer, because we have quite some time to plan for it. If you have concern regarding specific events, please email me and I will make sure that they are on our "watch" list.
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
February 25 - Playground, Transportation, and Lockers
Happy Snow Day! Today I will answer a couple of questions that I have been asked.
Orientation -
March 12 - Students will tour the building with their classmates.- 8:45 – 9:15 Tour for students entering grade 4
- 9:15 – 9:45 Tour for students entering grade 5
- 1:00 – 1:30 Tour for students entering grade 6
- 1:30 – 2:00 Tour for students entering grade 7
- Wednesday, March 11 from 6:00-6:30 pm in the BG main lobby.
- Thursday, March 12 from 11:00 - 11:30 am in the BG main lobby.
- Thursday, March 12 from 2:15 - 2:45 pm in the BG main lobby.
Transportation
Will there be buses that run between the buildings?
Students will have the opportunity to ride a bus from Seton to Garrigan in the morning or Garrigan to Seton after school. We will have detailed information regarding the busing choices in August when we know bus numbers.Where will students in grade 4 - 8 be dropped off in the morning or picked up after school?
Students in grades 4 - 8 will enter and leave the building through the north doors. (These are the doors that face the apartments.) The buses will park on the short drive north of the building. We will ask that parents park along the west side of the building (McCoy Street). There is a sidewalk that leads to the school.
Where do I pick up my child if their are leaving for an appointment or if they are ill?
Students in grades 4 - 6 will need to be picked up in the main office by an adult.
Playground/Recess/Lockers
We will be adding a cement area near the north end of the Garrigan campus. This area will provide space for basketball and four square. There will also be a grassy area for kickball or soccer. Most of the year one gym will be available in case of rain or extreme cold.
There are enough lockers at Garrigan to accommodate grades 4 - 12. Younger students may share lockers as they currently do at Seton.
Check back for more Q&A!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Open House and Space
Open House -
We will have an open house in August before school begins. This will be similar to Open House in the past. Students will have the opportunity to bring their supplies, meet their teachers, and tour the building. We will also have an informational meeting at that time to discuss specifics such as drop-off, lunch, etc.
We are also planning an "orientation" day in March for students entering grades 4 - 6. Students and parents will have the opportunity to tour the building and ask questions.
Space - We have been renovating various spaces at Garrigan to accommodate for the additional students. Students in grades 4 - 8 will be housed in the north end of the building. There are doors that will provide a natural divide between these students and the high school students. We are moving six classrooms to Garrigan.
1 - The board room will be located in the addition, so Mr. Wieland will move to the current board room.
2- We no longer use a wired lab because we have laptops/Chromebooks, so Mrs. Even will be moving into the computer lab. (Lab has been renovated.)
3 - Mrs. Vaske will be moving to the ICN room. (Currently being renovated.)
4 - Linda Peterson will be moving to Jeannie Farrell's room.
5 - Colleen Schiltz's room will be used as a classroom.
6 - The Development office will be located in the addition, so the current Development office can be used as a classroom.
We also have some additional spaces:
We will have an open house in August before school begins. This will be similar to Open House in the past. Students will have the opportunity to bring their supplies, meet their teachers, and tour the building. We will also have an informational meeting at that time to discuss specifics such as drop-off, lunch, etc.
We are also planning an "orientation" day in March for students entering grades 4 - 6. Students and parents will have the opportunity to tour the building and ask questions.
Space - We have been renovating various spaces at Garrigan to accommodate for the additional students. Students in grades 4 - 8 will be housed in the north end of the building. There are doors that will provide a natural divide between these students and the high school students. We are moving six classrooms to Garrigan.
1 - The board room will be located in the addition, so Mr. Wieland will move to the current board room.
2- We no longer use a wired lab because we have laptops/Chromebooks, so Mrs. Even will be moving into the computer lab. (Lab has been renovated.)
3 - Mrs. Vaske will be moving to the ICN room. (Currently being renovated.)
4 - Linda Peterson will be moving to Jeannie Farrell's room.
5 - Colleen Schiltz's room will be used as a classroom.
6 - The Development office will be located in the addition, so the current Development office can be used as a classroom.
We also have some additional spaces:
- Colleen Schiltz will move to John Byrkeland's office area.
- John Byrkeland will move to Sister Janet's office.
- Speech (Diane Capesius) will be located in the Scrip office.
- Scrip Office will be located in the new addition.
- Middle School Special Education (Julie Illg) will be located in an empty room in the science wing.
- Middle School Music will be located in the previous high school choir room.
- High School Choir is now located in a new room at the east end of the hall.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Catholic Schools Week
What a week! This is one of my favorite times of the year because we celebrate who we are during this week. We started our week with the celebration of Mass. It's a wonderful time to come together to celebrate our Catholic identity with Mass. We had lots of things going on throughout the week--we collected items for Mary's Place, our high school friends came to read in our classrooms, we met with our partners and made "Prayers from Bears", watched a movie, played on the inflatables, and had root beer floats! We also had lots of learning too. I want to thank all of you for choosing Bishop Garrigan Schools. It's awesome because of our parents, students, teachers, and staff!
Friday, January 16, 2015
What' Changing?
Happy 2015!
This year will bring more changes to the Bishop Garrigan system. The new addition is coming along nicely. Rumor has it we may be ahead of schedule. Can you imagine that? Plans are also moving forward to bring students in grades 4 - 6 to the Garrigan campus this fall. Over the next weeks I will try to update you on some of the details of the move. This week I will begin by mentioning some of the topics that I will address and some of the questions that you are asking. Please remember to comment on this post or to email me if you have other questions.
What do we need to consider before we start moving?
We already have the new rooms for high school choir, Mr.Wieland and Mrs. Even almost ready. We have begun remodeling the ICN room for Mrs. Vaske and the old choir room for Mrs. Black.
As you can see, there is a lot to consider but we are well on our way.
This year will bring more changes to the Bishop Garrigan system. The new addition is coming along nicely. Rumor has it we may be ahead of schedule. Can you imagine that? Plans are also moving forward to bring students in grades 4 - 6 to the Garrigan campus this fall. Over the next weeks I will try to update you on some of the details of the move. This week I will begin by mentioning some of the topics that I will address and some of the questions that you are asking. Please remember to comment on this post or to email me if you have other questions.
What do we need to consider before we start moving?
- How will we feed all those students at Garrigan?
- Will the kitchen be ready at Seton?
- When will the Academy be torn down?
- Will there be enough room in both buildings?
- Will there be a playground or play area at Garrigan?
- Where will students be dropped off and picked up at Garrigan?
- Will there be a bus from Seton to Garrigan before and after school?
- Are there enough lockers at Garrigan?
- Will there be books in the library for all ages in both buildings?
- Will we continue some of the traditions?
- Will there be mass on Wednesdays? Where?
- When will the move occur?
- Is there enough technology?
- Will students still have PE and music? Who will teach it?
We already have the new rooms for high school choir, Mr.Wieland and Mrs. Even almost ready. We have begun remodeling the ICN room for Mrs. Vaske and the old choir room for Mrs. Black.
As you can see, there is a lot to consider but we are well on our way.
Friday, December 12, 2014
December 12
Strong Catholic Families -
I hope that you enjoyed our first Family Night. I loved blessing our Christmas tree. We hope to have another night before or at the beginning of lent. The Diocese of Sioux City has created a website with resources for teachers and families to use. Please check out this website. http://www.scdiocese.org/resources
Merry Christmas!!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Bonus Blog - December 2
I read this in the Seton newsletter and I thought that it was great!
WHAT ARE THE IOWA CORE STANDARDS?
The Iowa Core standards are statewide expectations for what students should know and be able to do in English, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Stud-ies, and 21st Century Skills, such as financial and civic literacy. The goal of the standards is to make sure students are prepared for college or career training after high school. The standards establish what students need to learn, but not how they should be taught. Local schools and educators continue to set and oversee decisions about classroom instruction.
Many emotions surround the term "Iowa Core". The state recommends the following site to help parents have accurate information.
https://iowacore.gov/parents-community
WHAT ARE THE IOWA CORE STANDARDS?
The Iowa Core standards are statewide expectations for what students should know and be able to do in English, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Stud-ies, and 21st Century Skills, such as financial and civic literacy. The goal of the standards is to make sure students are prepared for college or career training after high school. The standards establish what students need to learn, but not how they should be taught. Local schools and educators continue to set and oversee decisions about classroom instruction.
Many emotions surround the term "Iowa Core". The state recommends the following site to help parents have accurate information.
https://iowacore.gov/parents-community
Friday, November 21, 2014
November 21
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
We have a technology fundraiser coming up on December 5. You received an email asking for volunteers and donations. This week I would like to share with you how the technology meals and Cash for Classrooms (Gala) help our students and teachers.
In the past 4 years we have purchased:
48 laptops with two carts for the Garrigan building
11 Chromebooks for the Garrigan building
20 Chromebooks with a cart at Seton
11 Ipads for Seton
Each classroom at Seton has some form of an interactive whiteboard (Mimio or Smartboard)
Each classroom at Seton has a mounted projector
Updated approximately 25 teacher laptops
Added access points making both buildings wireless
7 new printers between the two buildings
This list does not include the yearly maintenance.
We hope to purchase:
Updated technology for the Mrs. Vaske business lab. (24 laptops and software updates)
20 Chromebooks for grades 2/3
5 Ipads for grades K/1
20 Chromebooks for grades 5/6
Increased bandwidth to 100 mbs
You can come and eat even if you don't attend the game! Thanks for your support!
We have a technology fundraiser coming up on December 5. You received an email asking for volunteers and donations. This week I would like to share with you how the technology meals and Cash for Classrooms (Gala) help our students and teachers.
In the past 4 years we have purchased:
48 laptops with two carts for the Garrigan building
11 Chromebooks for the Garrigan building
20 Chromebooks with a cart at Seton
11 Ipads for Seton
Each classroom at Seton has some form of an interactive whiteboard (Mimio or Smartboard)
Each classroom at Seton has a mounted projector
Updated approximately 25 teacher laptops
Added access points making both buildings wireless
7 new printers between the two buildings
This list does not include the yearly maintenance.
We hope to purchase:
Updated technology for the Mrs. Vaske business lab. (24 laptops and software updates)
20 Chromebooks for grades 2/3
5 Ipads for grades K/1
20 Chromebooks for grades 5/6
Increased bandwidth to 100 mbs
You can come and eat even if you don't attend the game! Thanks for your support!
Saturday, November 8, 2014
November 6
Hello again,
Congratulations to all of the fall activities. I am so proud of how hard our students work both in school and outside of school. Did you know that about 95% of BG students participate in an after school activity and over 85% of our students are in more than 2 extra-curricular activities? Most of the students who are not involved in extra-curricular activities hold jobs or work for their families. This makes me think twice when I say, "I am SO busy!"
Thank you to all of our students, parents, and community members who make it all work!!!
Congratulations to all of the fall activities. I am so proud of how hard our students work both in school and outside of school. Did you know that about 95% of BG students participate in an after school activity and over 85% of our students are in more than 2 extra-curricular activities? Most of the students who are not involved in extra-curricular activities hold jobs or work for their families. This makes me think twice when I say, "I am SO busy!"
Thank you to all of our students, parents, and community members who make it all work!!!
Thursday, October 16, 2014
October 16
Today the administrators are in Irene, South Dakota at a Diocesan Retreat. Usually we do not have internet access, but this year we are lucky enough to have it...or are we? This week's blog is inspired by our recent work with Strong Catholic Families, many discussions that I have had with parents, and my struggle with "being unhooked" for two days.
We have the world at our finger tips, but how are we using it? Are we creating balance in our lives? Are we creating balance for our children? I would like to encourage everyone who reads this blog to encourage others to shut down for a little bit each day, but more importantly to help our children have some time without electronics. I am not writing this from the perspective of a perfect parent, instead quite the opposite. My children watch too much TV and they are on the Ipad too much. Let's commit together to help our children learn balance. Are you aware how much texting your child is doing from 8:00 - 12:00? Just look sometime and see what happens during those hours. I would encourage you to take away the phones at night. Help to give them permission to just tune the world out so they can slow down before another day begins.
Can a push a step further? Can we challenge ourselves to turn off the TV, put down the electronics and talk about God? As a parent, I might need help with this. One of our goals as a result of the Strong Catholic surveys is to help create a list of resources for parents to use at home. Hopefully, we can have some ideas put together before Lent.
I am only beginning to experience how hard parenting can be. It takes a village, but I for one, am glad that my village is BISHOP GARRIGAN!
We have the world at our finger tips, but how are we using it? Are we creating balance in our lives? Are we creating balance for our children? I would like to encourage everyone who reads this blog to encourage others to shut down for a little bit each day, but more importantly to help our children have some time without electronics. I am not writing this from the perspective of a perfect parent, instead quite the opposite. My children watch too much TV and they are on the Ipad too much. Let's commit together to help our children learn balance. Are you aware how much texting your child is doing from 8:00 - 12:00? Just look sometime and see what happens during those hours. I would encourage you to take away the phones at night. Help to give them permission to just tune the world out so they can slow down before another day begins.
Can a push a step further? Can we challenge ourselves to turn off the TV, put down the electronics and talk about God? As a parent, I might need help with this. One of our goals as a result of the Strong Catholic surveys is to help create a list of resources for parents to use at home. Hopefully, we can have some ideas put together before Lent.
I am only beginning to experience how hard parenting can be. It takes a village, but I for one, am glad that my village is BISHOP GARRIGAN!
Saturday, October 4, 2014
October 4
Thank you to Erpelding Voigt for donating chocolate shakes on Friday. What a great way to end the week!
This week the Department of Education and the Diocese of Sioux City will be in our buildings, Seton and Garrigan, for our 5 year accreditation visit. I am so proud of who we are and I can't wait to share our successes with them.
What do you want the state to know about Bishop Garrigan? One question on the list is "Please share what changes you hope your school will achieve in the next five years." How would you answer that question? Feel free to post general comments or email me your thoughts.
This week the Department of Education and the Diocese of Sioux City will be in our buildings, Seton and Garrigan, for our 5 year accreditation visit. I am so proud of who we are and I can't wait to share our successes with them.
What do you want the state to know about Bishop Garrigan? One question on the list is "Please share what changes you hope your school will achieve in the next five years." How would you answer that question? Feel free to post general comments or email me your thoughts.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Friday, September 26
Homecoming..what a great week. There is nothing better than spreading black and gold pride across Algona.
Please encourage parents to ask questions via the blog. I know that Mindy tries to answer questions that are posted on Facebook, but she does not always see the questions if BG is not tagged. The purpose of this blog is to not only to keep parents informed, but also to answer your questions accurately.
Can I wear...? I have decided that "out of uniform" days can be the most stressful days for our students (and parents). I will be creating a quick reference page for students, so that they can stop stressing. I really want them to enjoy these days, not dread them!
Mrs. Roether will be placing another Chromebook order soon. Contact her tomorrow (Monday) if you would like to place an order. She will not place another order until November 1. There are still MANY questions regarding technology, so please post your great questions.
We are officially one week from our Site Visit by the Department of Education and the Diocese of Sioux City. This visit will allows us to continue to be an accredited school by the state. There is a lot of paperwork, but we will shine in the end!
Enjoy the beautiful weather and remember to BE THE GOOD!
Please encourage parents to ask questions via the blog. I know that Mindy tries to answer questions that are posted on Facebook, but she does not always see the questions if BG is not tagged. The purpose of this blog is to not only to keep parents informed, but also to answer your questions accurately.
Can I wear...? I have decided that "out of uniform" days can be the most stressful days for our students (and parents). I will be creating a quick reference page for students, so that they can stop stressing. I really want them to enjoy these days, not dread them!
Mrs. Roether will be placing another Chromebook order soon. Contact her tomorrow (Monday) if you would like to place an order. She will not place another order until November 1. There are still MANY questions regarding technology, so please post your great questions.
We are officially one week from our Site Visit by the Department of Education and the Diocese of Sioux City. This visit will allows us to continue to be an accredited school by the state. There is a lot of paperwork, but we will shine in the end!
Enjoy the beautiful weather and remember to BE THE GOOD!
Friday, September 19, 2014
September 19
Thank you to everyone who attended the Strong Catholic Families presentation on Wednesday evening. I believe that Sean brought up some very interesting points that created quite a buzz. Just remember that we are a partnership. We hope to support you in any way that we can, so feel free to give some suggestions as to how we can help your family in their faith journey.
Next week: HOMECOMING
GO BEARS
Next week: HOMECOMING
GO BEARS
Monday, September 15, 2014
September 15, 2014
Well, I guess that I will have to give the students a pass on their homework because I did not get mine done on Friday!
Communication...What is too much? Is it possible the we have too many ways to communicate with parents? Remind101, email, Facebook, website, surveys, blogs, Twitter, phone, text!!! I don't know if I have the answer to that question, but I will continue to say that I think that communication is so important. Please spread the word that Mrs. Hough and I love to hear from you. We can't always change things immediately, but we are listening. New people bring new ideas, but parents and community members bring the best ideas. If you have concerns or ideas, please share them with us.
Have a great week and as always GO BEARS!!
Communication...What is too much? Is it possible the we have too many ways to communicate with parents? Remind101, email, Facebook, website, surveys, blogs, Twitter, phone, text!!! I don't know if I have the answer to that question, but I will continue to say that I think that communication is so important. Please spread the word that Mrs. Hough and I love to hear from you. We can't always change things immediately, but we are listening. New people bring new ideas, but parents and community members bring the best ideas. If you have concerns or ideas, please share them with us.
Have a great week and as always GO BEARS!!
Friday, September 5, 2014
September 5, 2014
Things are rolling here at our building! I forgot to mention that Bishop Nickless LOVES the changes at Bishop Garrigan. He was very complimentary of our representation of Catholic Identity.
Some people have been asking about the hot lunch Class Action lawsuit. Follow this link to submit your request for reimbursement. All Bishop Garrigan families should apply under Bishop Garrigan, not Seton
http://iowaschoolfoodsettlement.com/
GO BEARS!!!
Some people have been asking about the hot lunch Class Action lawsuit. Follow this link to submit your request for reimbursement. All Bishop Garrigan families should apply under Bishop Garrigan, not Seton
http://iowaschoolfoodsettlement.com/
GO BEARS!!!
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Friday, August 29
Creating a positive student culture is an essential part of every school. This year we will be adding some programs for students.
- Freshman Academy - A support system for freshman.
- Tuesday Assemblies - 15 minutes a week to present positive messages to the high school student body. Mr. Bode is leading the efforts in this area. We will talk about digital citizenship, how we treat each other, build school spirit and highlight some of the awesome activities that happen at Garrigan.
- Digital Citizenship Program - Grades K -12 will learn about many aspects of online safety, appropriate use, and cyber-etiquette.
- Keeping our "anthem" front and center. BE THE GOOD...IT"S WHO WE ARE!!!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Can we still order a Chromebook?
Thursday, August 21, 2014
We Made It!
Happy First Friday -
It feels so wonderful to have students back in the halls of Bishop Garrigan. Thanks to the Parents in Action group for providing donuts and juice for the first day of school. Has your child received a postcard? Each 7-12 student will receive a positive postcard sometime this semester. Watch for it in the mail!
Supper Time Discussion: What does this statement mean? Be the good...It's who we are!
It feels so wonderful to have students back in the halls of Bishop Garrigan. Thanks to the Parents in Action group for providing donuts and juice for the first day of school. Has your child received a postcard? Each 7-12 student will receive a positive postcard sometime this semester. Watch for it in the mail!
Supper Time Discussion: What does this statement mean? Be the good...It's who we are!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Are we getting out early?
Question: Is it possible that we will get out early due to heat?
Answer: That is possible. If we get out early there will be parish busing. Please watch the website, listen to KLGA, or sign up for School Alerts at schoolalerts.iowa.gov to receive all weather related news. High school parents can also sign up for reminders via Remind101.
Answer: That is possible. If we get out early there will be parish busing. Please watch the website, listen to KLGA, or sign up for School Alerts at schoolalerts.iowa.gov to receive all weather related news. High school parents can also sign up for reminders via Remind101.
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