Category: General

Today we’d like to highlight an outstanding student in the GRACE community, this time from Notre Dame of De Pere Catholic School!

Joel is truly the nicest student you will ever meet. He greets everyone with a warm smile and goes out of his way to help our younger students. When Joel attended our aftercare program, he would make sure the youngest students were included in the bigger kids’ games of basketball and that everyone was fun and safe while doing so.

Learn more the school here.

The Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System consists of nine schools. We focus on the development of each student grounded in our foundation of Catholic faith for grades PK3-10.

Our mission continues to evolve in these unique times as we embrace new technologies, deliver innovative teaching and learning strategies, and hire exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to the vocation of education. Our current GRACE Strategic Plan outlines action steps in the areas of faith, academics, vitality and experience that have assisted us to enjoy enrollment growth over the past five years.

Please know you are always welcome to visit our schools to learn more about our offerings and the culture that makes each of our GRACE schools unique. The rewards of a Catholic education are endless. The gift of a Catholic education prepares your child and will remain with them throughout their life. Learn more about us here.

We are so blessed by dedicated and talented leaders such as Principal Sharkey from Holy Family Catholic School! Join us in thanking her for her commitment to Catholic Education!

Here’s a fun question-answer we did with her:

Q: Principal Sharkey, why do you choose to work for GRACE/Holy Family Catholic School?
A: I am blessed to be here to serve the students and families of HFS/GRACE through the morals and values of the Catholic church. I find joy and purpose in enhancing the spiritual and academic lives of our school community
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
A: I eat popcorn every single night!

Learn more about HFS here.

The Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System consists of nine schools. We focus on the development of each student grounded in our foundation of Catholic faith for grades PK3-10.

Our mission continues to evolve in these unique times as we embrace new technologies, deliver innovative teaching and learning strategies, and hire exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to the vocation of education. Our current GRACE Strategic Plan outlines action steps in the areas of faith, academics, vitality and experience that have assisted us to enjoy enrollment growth over the past five years.

Please know you are always welcome to visit our schools to learn more about our offerings and the culture that makes each of our GRACE schools unique. The rewards of a Catholic education are endless. The gift of a Catholic education prepares your child and will remain with them throughout their life. Learn more about us here.

Today we’d like to highlight an outstanding pair of volunteers in the GRACE community: Jim and Kelsey Christensen!

The Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL) Volunteer Award went to two individuals that are involved in just about everything that is being done at OLOL.

This family is involved as GRACE Board Member, Site Advisory Chair, OLOL marketing committee member, OLOL grade level parent mentor, OLOL Parish Council Member, OLOL Light Up Lourdes Committee Member, OLOL Homecoming Committee and most importantly they are the biggest cheerleaders of the OLOL Vision and Mission.

To summarize, if OLOL Catholic School is doing something, one or both are involved. The OLOL Volunteer award for 2023-24 was awarded to Jim and Kelsey Christensen!

Learn more about St. John the Baptist Catholic School here.

The Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System consists of nine schools. We focus on the development of each student grounded in our foundation of Catholic faith for grades PK3-10.

Our mission continues to evolve in these unique times as we embrace new technologies, deliver innovative teaching and learning strategies, and hire exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to the vocation of education. Our current GRACE Strategic Plan outlines action steps in the areas of faith, academics, vitality and experience that have assisted us to enjoy enrollment growth over the past five years.

Please know you are always welcome to visit our schools to learn more about our offerings and the culture that makes each of our GRACE schools unique. The rewards of a Catholic education are endless. The gift of a Catholic education prepares your child and will remain with them throughout their life. Learn more about us here.

Today we’d like to highlight an outstanding student in the GRACE community, this time from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School!

Addie is always happy. She has a smile on her face and enjoys talking with anyone. Addie is a great friend and willing to help anyone who needs it at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. 

Learn more the school here.

The Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System consists of nine schools. We focus on the development of each student grounded in our foundation of Catholic faith for grades PK3-10.

Our mission continues to evolve in these unique times as we embrace new technologies, deliver innovative teaching and learning strategies, and hire exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to the vocation of education. Our current GRACE Strategic Plan outlines action steps in the areas of faith, academics, vitality and experience that have assisted us to enjoy enrollment growth over the past five years.

Please know you are always welcome to visit our schools to learn more about our offerings and the culture that makes each of our GRACE schools unique. The rewards of a Catholic education are endless. The gift of a Catholic education prepares your child and will remain with them throughout their life. Learn more about us here.

The Holy Family Comets 8th grade boys basketball team traveled down to Madison last weekend to compete against other Wisconsin school teams in the State Basketball Championship. The team was made up of students from Holy Family and St. John Paul II. Our first two pool-play games were against much larger teams from the southern part of the state, Evergreen (Kenosha) and Dodgeville. The Comets persevered from falling behind in both games, sometimes by as much as 15 points, to taking the lead with under two minutes remaining in the 4th quarter, but were unable to hold onto their lead. To see the fight from these boys was impressive.

With the two losses on Saturday, the Comets were placed in the consolation bracket where they played two teams. After the team sacrificed and sat in an ice bath for 10 minutes each, the boys had fresh legs and were ready for the next opportunity to play together. Many of the boys on the team have been playing together since 3rd grade, so we mentioned in the huddle that this was going to be the last two games that they would all play together – the boys did not disappoint. They played incredibly well and played the type of basketball that they have been known to play: fast, up-tempo, scrappy, and opportunistic defense with incredibly unselfish passing. They went on to beat Watertown before losing their final game against Pardeeville.

Besides basketball, all the families had such a great time spending time together. Whether it was watching the boys make diving catches in the pool, saying a team prayer after our last game, or everyone hanging out in the lobby to eat tacos that we all combined to make, it was a joyous celebration of our time together and watching the Comets end their Holy Family basketball career.

Tournament Results

• Pool Play
• vs. Evergreen, L 52-58
• vs. Dodgeville, L 48-51
• Bracket Play
• vs. Watertown, W 58-44
• vs. Pardeeville, L 28-51

The Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System consists of nine schools. We focus on the development of each student grounded in our foundation of Catholic faith for grades PK3-10.

Our mission continues to evolve in these unique times as we embrace new technologies, deliver innovative teaching and learning strategies, and hire exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to the vocation of education. Our current GRACE Strategic Plan outlines action steps in the areas of faith, academics, vitality and experience that have assisted us to enjoy enrollment growth over the past five years.

Please know you are always welcome to visit our schools to learn more about our offerings and the culture that makes each of our GRACE schools unique. The rewards of a Catholic education are endless. The gift of a Catholic education prepares your child and will remain with them throughout their life. Learn more about us here.

Miss Monica Daos teaches music at St. John Paul II Classical School. She brings a depth of knowledge to our Ward Method-based music classes and the strings program, which is new this year! The students are drawn to her beautiful singing, humor, and kindhearted nature. Her many God-given talents are always on display at SJPII!

Learn more about the school on their website.

The Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System consists of nine schools. We focus on the development of each student grounded in our foundation of Catholic faith for grades PK3-10.

Our mission continues to evolve in these unique times as we embrace new technologies, deliver innovative teaching and learning strategies, and hire exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to the vocation of education. Our current GRACE Strategic Plan outlines action steps in the areas of faith, academics, vitality and experience that have assisted us to enjoy enrollment growth over the past five years.

Please know you are always welcome to visit our schools to learn more about our offerings and the culture that makes each of our GRACE schools unique. The rewards of a Catholic education are endless. The gift of a Catholic education prepares your child and will remain with them throughout their life. Learn more about us here.

It is with immense joy and a spirit of anticipation that we announce the appointment of Mr. Francis Dempsey as the new Principal of Father Allouez Catholic School, commencing July 1, 2024 before the start of the 2024-2025 academic year.

Mr. Dempsey brings with him a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to Catholic education. In recent years, he has served diligently as the principal of St. Dominic Catholic School in Brookfield, WI, under the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Prior to his principalship, he began his career right here at GRACE’s St. Thomas More Catholic School and St. Matthew’s Catholic School (now known as Father Allouez Catholic School) before he dedicated over seven years to teaching Social Studies in both public and Catholic schools in the Milwaukee area.

A proud alumnus of St. Norbert College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and holds a Secondary Education Certification, Mr. Dempsey continued his academic journey at Marquette University, attaining a Masters of Education in Educational Policy and Leadership. His educational background, coupled with his devotion to Catholic values, makes him an exceptional choice to lead our Father Allouez Catholic School community.

Mr. Dempsey and his family are eager to return to the Green Bay area, bringing with them a renewed enthusiasm to serve our beloved GRACE community. A fun fact about Mr. Dempsey is that he also works with the National Football League as a Real-Time Entry (RTE) Statistician, providing real-time statistics from the field during Green Bay Packers home games!

GRACE President Kim Desotell remarked, “As distinguished principal Kay Franz retires after a long standing career of service, we are thrilled to announce Mr. Dempsey as our new principal. With his unwavering dedication to Catholic values, commitment to fostering academic excellence, and passion for nurturing a supportive school community, he possesses the foundational skills essential for guiding Father Allouez Catholic School into its next chapter.”

Mr. Dempsey shared, “I am overjoyed and humbled to (re)join the Father Allouez Catholic School Community after a few years away. I believe in a strong partnership between school families and our administration and teachers so that, ultimately, our students succeed. Together, I know that we will do wonderful things that will continue to make the FACS community strong and serve as an exemplar in GRACE and the greater Green Bay Area. I am looking forward to meeting you all and partnering together on this journey. God bless you all!”

As we embark on this new chapter together, let us extend a warm welcome to Mr. Francis Dempsey and his family. With faith as our guide and education as our mission, let us unite in prayerful support as we continue to nurture the hearts and minds of our students.

Learn more about FACS by visiting their website.

The Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System consists of nine schools. We focus on the development of each student grounded in our foundation of Catholic faith for grades PK3-10.

Our mission continues to evolve in these unique times as we embrace new technologies, deliver innovative teaching and learning strategies, and hire exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to the vocation of education. Our current GRACE Strategic Plan outlines action steps in the areas of faith, academics, vitality and experience that have assisted us to enjoy enrollment growth over the past five years.

Please know you are always welcome to visit our schools to learn more about our offerings and the culture that makes each of our GRACE schools unique. The rewards of a Catholic education are endless. The gift of a Catholic education prepares your child and will remain with them throughout their life. Learn more about us here.

We are so blessed by dedicated and talented leaders such as Mrs. Kay Franz! Join us in thanking her for her commitment to Catholic Education at Father Allouez Catholic School!

Let’s learn a little bit about Principal Franz:

Q: Principal Franz, why do you choose to work for GRACE?

A: I believe in GRACE as a model for maintaining and sustaining Catholic schools. Having worked in parish schools for many years, I have witnessed the struggle of a single parish trying to support a school. The financial stability of a system allows a principal to concentrate on elevating the quality of education rather than being preoccupied with the financial and managerial aspects of running a school.

Q: What are some fun facts about you?

A: I have worked in the Diocese of Green since 1980 and have calculated that I have served approximately 2200 students and about 1000 families over 43 years! So when I hear someone greet me with “Hi Mrs. Franz” I know we have been together somewhere in my educational journey!

Learn more about the school by visiting their website.

The Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System consists of nine schools. We focus on the development of each student grounded in our foundation of Catholic faith for grades PK3-10.

Our mission continues to evolve in these unique times as we embrace new technologies, deliver innovative teaching and learning strategies, and hire exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to the vocation of education. Our current GRACE Strategic Plan outlines action steps in the areas of faith, academics, vitality and experience that have assisted us to enjoy enrollment growth over the past five years.

Please know you are always welcome to visit our schools to learn more about our offerings and the culture that makes each of our GRACE schools unique. The rewards of a Catholic education are endless. The gift of a Catholic education prepares your child and will remain with them throughout their life. Learn more about us here.

Today we’d like to highlight an outstanding volunteer in the GRACE community: Tiffany Schroeder!

At St John the Baptist School we are blessed with many families who answer the call to volunteer and support our fundraising efforts each year. Tiffany Schroeder, in addition to having a job and family of her own, volunteers on our SAC committee, and this past year was the point person for the annual auction. Her relentless, inexhaustible energy for fundraising is not to be believed. Her attention to detail is admirable. Our auction this year raised enough to complete a huge project that was a major goal of not only the SAC group, but also of our entire parent community. Tiffany makes it all look easy. Everything she does is with a smile on her face, and a cheerful spirit. We are grateful for her commitment to SJB and thank her for her continuous efforts on behalf of our students and families.

Learn more about St. John the Baptist Catholic School here.

The Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System consists of nine schools. We focus on the development of each student grounded in our foundation of Catholic faith for grades PK3-10.

Our mission continues to evolve in these unique times as we embrace new technologies, deliver innovative teaching and learning strategies, and hire exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to the vocation of education. Our current GRACE Strategic Plan outlines action steps in the areas of faith, academics, vitality and experience that have assisted us to enjoy enrollment growth over the past five years.

Please know you are always welcome to visit our schools to learn more about our offerings and the culture that makes each of our GRACE schools unique. The rewards of a Catholic education are endless. The gift of a Catholic education prepares your child and will remain with them throughout their life. Learn more about us here.

Besides education and faith, one of the very top priorities of GRACE leadership is to continually elevate educator compensation. Through the support of our Board of Trustees and our sound fiscal practices, GRACE has been able to make significant gains in employee compensation over the past six years. This is part of GRACE’s Strategic Plan to enhance compensation for our valued employees in a fiscally responsible and equitable manner. We are proud of the specific actions, which include:

• GRACE employee wages have increased every year with raises historically between 3% and 5% annually.
• We have developed, and are implementing, a multi-year, sustainable plan to continue to retain and attract top talent, including via competitive compensation which includes, in part, competitive compensation.
• GRACE offers a robust benefits package to teachers and staff, including medical and dental benefits. Candidates seek to join our GRACE employee ranks to take advantage of not only our mission, but our benefit package as well.
• We offer childcare for employees at below market rates through our GRACE Little Saints Child Care program.
• GRACE employees receive attractive tuition discounts so their children can attend GRACE Schools. Tuition discounts are also available for our employees who have children attending Notre Dame Academy as well as St. Norbert College through our CatholicLink relationships.
• Recognizing talent with our GRACE Teacher Excellence Awards through both Top Teacher Talent Awards and a Master’s Path Program which involves a fully paid Master’s Program for teachers through St. Norbert College.
• From time to time, through generous support of donors and sound financial governance, GRACE has been blessed to provide special bonuses to our employees. Such bonuses reward performance achievements enabled through dedicated, valued teachers, staff and administrators – the most recent bonus distributed in January 2024.

These actions are important and vital steps in our ongoing strategic efforts to elevate compensation overall for our valued GRACE employees.

Competitive compensation is crucial for retaining and attracting excellent teachers and staff in all areas of our schools. This in turn, helps to build and support skilled and dedicated professional teams within our schools and our system.

Compensation is only one piece of the puzzle. Our educators feel valued when GRACE parents and students take time to express their genuine thanks for the excellent Catholic education teachers provide. This gratitude, coupled with attractive compensation and benefits makes GRACE an employer of choice and, in turn, contributes to the stability and continuity of our GRACE school communities.

The Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System consists of nine schools. We focus on the development of each student grounded in our foundation of Catholic faith for grades PK3-10.

Our mission continues to evolve in these unique times as we embrace new technologies, deliver innovative teaching and learning strategies, and hire exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to the vocation of education. Our current GRACE Strategic Plan outlines action steps in the areas of faith, academics, vitality and experience that have assisted us to enjoy enrollment growth over the past five years.

Please know you are always welcome to visit our schools to learn more about our offerings and the culture that makes each of our GRACE schools unique. The rewards of a Catholic education are endless. The gift of a Catholic education prepares your child and will remain with them throughout their life. Learn more about us here.