Clubs and Organizations
What is the Home and School Association?
It is GCS's parent and teacher association. The purpose of the group is to foster parent-teacher collaboration. The goal of the group is to provide service to the school by supporting activities focusing on the student body as a whole.
Who belongs to the Home and School Association?
As a parent of a student, you are automatically a member of the H&S Association.
What are the dues?
Dues of five dollars per year are automatically collected from all parents as part of the registration fee each year.
What does the H&S Association do?
The H&S Association sponsors social functions and organizes fund raisers. It also maintains the used uniform closet, participates in Catholic Schools Week, Teachers' Appreciation Week, Science Fairs and other school events.
Who are the H&S Board Members?
The H&S Board is made up of 10 officers and the principal, Ms. Madeleine Nix. This year's president is Helen Flanders.
When are the meetings?
Board meetings are on the ? Wednesday of each month at 5:30 pm. They are held at the school. All parents are encouraged to attend the meetings. If you have an agenda item, please contact Ms. Nix and Ms. Flanders at least three days before the meeting.
What's the difference between the H&S Board and the School Board?
The School Board is made up of Parish representatives and acts in an advisory role to the Principal. The main responsibility of the Board is to review the school budget and make recommendations for the final budget that is presented to the Diocese annually.
What is the Booster Club?
The Booster Club is a group of parents that supports the sports teams and athletic activities at GCS.
Mass
When are Mass days?
Typically, Mass for kindergarten through 4th grade is on Thursdays at 8:45 a.m. Grades five through eight attend Mass on Tuesdays. Sometimes, however, there are all-school Masses that are held on different days (Ash Wednesday, for example.) Mass uniforms must be worn on these days.
Mass is held at the Chapel. All-school Masses are held in the gym. Each week, a priest from one of the local parishes says the Mass. Each week, a different class will participate in the Mass: reading, altar serving, singing in choir, bringing up the gifts, etc. Parents are welcome to attend Mass.
My child isn't Catholic. Does he have to go to Mass?
Students are required to go
to Mass with the class.
The Lunchroom
May I eat lunch with my child?
Yes, you may join your child for lunch. You may purchase food from the cafeteria or bring in outside food.
Where do I get lunch cards?
Lunch cards are available for purchase at the office.
How much is lunch?
Lunch is $2.50 and milk or juice is fifty cents extra.
What types of food are available?
Lunches at GCS are varied. They can include pizza, burritos, hot pockets, barbecue sandwiches and hamburgers. Each lunch comes with a fruit or vegetables. Salad is available every day. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are available Tuesdays and Thursdays (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent). Chicken noodle soup is available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (Tuesdays and Thursdays during Lent). A menu for the month is sent home to each child.
The Classroom
What's the best way to communicate with my child's teacher?
You may email your child's teacher or, you may make an appointment to see him or her. Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled each semester. School is not in session on parent/teacher conference days.
Who are homeroom parents?
Each classroom has one or two designated homeroom parents. Typically, they help to organize parties and other special activities. Check with your child's teacher to find out who he or she is.
What if I'd like to help, but I don't have time to be a homeroom parent?
Talk to your child's teacher. There are many ways to help.
Do I have to buy my child's books?
No. There are no book fees.
What is the Daily Planner and where do I get one?
The Daily Planner is a place for your child to keep track of his homework and school activities. Grades three through eight use the Planners and the price for the Planner is included in your registration fee.
Can my child have a birthday party at school?
Parents are welcome to bring treats for your child's class to the cafeteria during the birthday boy's or girl's lunch time.
Does GCS offer extended day care?
Yes. Extended day care is available until 5:30 pm. Students are encouraged to use this time to work on homework assignments and study during this time. They will also have the opportunity to visit with friends and spend some time outdoors. Check with the front office for extended day care costs and payment options.
Clothing Questions
What can my child wear to school?
Boys may wear the red polo uniform shirt with navy blue shorts or pants on non-Mass days. They must wear a belt with their shirts tucked in. On Mass days, they must wear the button-down plaid uniform shirt, a tie and navy blue pants.
Girls may wear the red shirt or white blouse with a plaid uniform skort, shorts or skirt or navy blue pants. On Mass days, they must wear a jumper or skirt with a tie and white blouse.
See the parent/student handbook for more detailed information about the dress code policy. See the uniform information sheet to find out where to get the uniforms.
Can I purchase used uniforms?
Used uniforms are available
for sale through the front office. There is a used uniform
closet at GCS maintained by the Home and School
association. Parents are encouraged to bring in used
uniforms that no longer fit their child.
GCS Traditions and Special Events
What are some fun and special events I can look forward to?
Mardi Gras
On the second Saturday of Mardi Gras, plan to park your car in the GCS lot for the best view of the Momus parade. We line pick up trucks along the fence on 25th street and the kids can stand in the back to catch beads. The booster club serves up a Cajun feast, or, you can bring something to throw on the grill.
On the morning of Fat Tuesday, the Z Krewe comes to the school to serve up a pancake breakfast for kids and their parents.
Mother's Day Tea
Mothers of kindergarteners are in for a real treat. Students prepare a presentation, plus snacks and gifts just for mom.
Catholic Schools Week
All week long, kids participate in events from crazy hat day to pastries with parents.
Little Olympics
Watch the GCS students take on other Galveston parochial schools in track and field events at the Ball High football field.