Tradition

Long held traditions and customs have always been a valuable part of the culture and learning experience at St. Gregory the Great School. Traditions allow us to pass on what we know and what we care about, which helps create a sense of family for not only our students and faculty, but for the families of the students who attend our school as well. Traditions can help bridge separation between today's student body and our alumni, between parents and faculty, and infuses sense of pride and confidence into the hearts and minds of everyone who attends, teaches, or supports our school community. Below are some of the examples of our time honored traditions.

 

Third Graders Bless the Eighth Graders ​ This long held tradition within our school community is a very special time for both our third grade and eighth grade students. For third graders, having just received Communion for the first time with their school family, they have the honor and privilege of blessing our eighth grade students who are nearing graduation, and are about to head off to new schools. For eighth graders, this is a moment to receive their blessing, reflect on their time spent at St. Greg's, and recall the time they were once the ones who gave the blessing to a graduating class, who are now in their first year of college.

Peer Partners ​ Our Peer Partners program originated almost 25 years ago, first being called “Prayer Partners” when the older students were matched up with younger students, and they sat together at mass once a month. This idea evolved into nurturing that relationship between older students mentoring the younger students in a wide variety of activities throughout the year. This includes STREAM engineering activities, making holiday cards for nursing homes and veterans, collecting and packaging items for the needy, and fun social activities during Catholic Schools Week.

Walk-a-Thon                                    This annual day long school fair serves as the primary fundraiser of our school’s Athletic Association.  This fun-filled event in June includes an Opening Ceremony & School Pep Rally, celebrity guests, bounce houses, face painting, a magician, dunk tank and more.  All students from Pre-K through 8th grade universally claim “it’s the most exciting day of the school year”. The Walk-a-thon supports over ten Athletic Programs at St. Greg’s, including team uniforms, equipment, referee fees, and facility improvements.

Blessing of the Stuffies ​ On or around the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4th, the Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, and Early Kindergarten students are asked to bring their favorite stuffed animal in to school for a very special blessing. This gives the children the chance to learn about the blessing of animals and a little bit about St. Francis of Assisi.