Mrs. Molly Debo, Instructional Coach at SGGS
As a veteran teacher of 25 years, I am well aware of the importance of a strong sense of community within a school. From the moment I walked into Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School this year, this is what struck me immediately: the close, supportive relationships and a sense of belonging. This does not happen by accident. The teachers, staff and students work very hard to nurture and preserve this. From the beginning of each day, as we take time to center ourselves, pray, reflect, and wish a happy birthday to those students and staff who are celebrating that day, our students develop habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. As our Mission statement states: "We welcome all to a spiritual home and to an enlightened, joyful, and vibrant life in Christ." I am very blessed to be back teaching in a Catholic school. I feel like I am home again!
Mr. and Mrs. Tobias and Sara Walters, parents of a fifth grader and a first grader:
Due to my husband's career, our family has had the opportunity to move several times. Prior to our last move, our youngest son was attending a Catholic preschool that he enjoyed. He specifically requested to go to Catholic School and, based on his request, we researched several Catholic schools in the Virginia Beach area. SGGS was highly recommended by a friend. He put us in contact with the Blanco family who had two boys at SGGS and we became certain that we wanted our family to join the SGGS community. We have been very impressed with Saint Gregory's! Our children have been nurtured spiritually, developed great friendships, and learned so much from fantastic teachers. In the 4th grade, our son was in the Character and Etiquette Club, played soccer, basketball, and ran track. The curriculum has challenged him on many different levels, and he has learned so much - including basic EE and algebra. Both our boys have participated in Cub Scouts and we are grateful to the school and the Church for the opportunities our children have had to learn about citizenship, the outdoors, and their faith, alongside their friends from class. When I asked our children why they think we chose Catholic school, our younger son said "So that we can learn about God and Jesus." Our older son said "Because our friends are good people." I couldn't agree with them more!
Mr. and Mrs. Tim and Nikki Lawlor, parents of a sixth grader:
Our daughter has been a student at SGGS since entering kindergarten in 2010, and she has thrived in the wonderful environment that SGGS offers each and every day. Before deciding on Saint Gregory's, we explored other schools in the Virginia Beach area and determined that SGGS would provide the best all-around experience. Beyond the rigorous academics, SGGS offers a full range of extra-curricular activities, including sports, clubs, band, and concert choir that allow each student ample opportunity to excel beyond the classroom. Equally important, the SGGS Mission statement, "To evangelize the Good News of Jesus Christ in order to transform lives, hearts, and minds," is more than words; it is practiced daily, and each student is encouraged to model the SGGS Vision, "To lead like a Saint." We are so happy we chose Saint Gregory's for our daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. Kalpesh and Rupal Master, parents of two fifth graders:
SGGS has been our partner in parenting and educating our children. We have twins that have been attending SGGS since PreK and are now in 5th grade. SGGS provides a safe and comfortable environment for our children to learn and develop. They have an excellent academic curriculum that encourages independent as well as team learning experiences, allowing the children to develop skills in these areas that are critical in further education and the work environment. The values that are critical to us are reflected in our school family. This is extremely important to us in a world that we believe is losing focus on God, family and human values. We are blessed to belong to the SGGS community.
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan and Jeanette Boze, parents of a fourth grader and two third graders:
It has been such a gift to send our three children to Catholic School. We chose St. Gregory the Great School because we know our children are receiving spiritual guidance throughout their day, not just as they are studying from their religion curriculum. They are immersed in the teaching of Christ, whether they be in the classroom, the playground, the cafeteria, or in the gym. As they interact with their peers, their teachers, and other members of the staff and administration, they are not only permitted but ENCOURAGED, to proudly apply their Catholic values and beliefs. Because of their Catholic education, our children freely express their devotion to our Lord and we know that the seeds of His love have been firmly planted.
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew and Karen Hamel, parents of a seventh, sixth and fourth grader:
Whether or not you are family new to the Hampton Roads area or a life-long resident, St. Gregory the Great Catholic School and Parish will welcome you with open arms. We have three children enrolled in the school from 4th grade through 7th grade. Nowhere else will you find the perfect combination of rigorous academic preparation, spiritual and religious training, as well as a wonderful faith-filled community. We have met some of our very best friends through the school and through our children's friendships. We have had many opportunities to have our children attend other schools, and we wouldn't think of entrusting their day-to-day academic and spiritual care to anyone else.
