Category: General

Summer is a wonderful season of fun, relaxation, and invaluable family time. It’s a chance to rest, play, and let our imaginations take flight—and those experiences are incredibly important when it comes to preparing for a new school year!

We want to harness that natural excitement and energy our students bring to the classroom after a summer off. With just a few simple strategies, you can keep that vibrant summer spirit alive while gently preparing your child for the academic journey ahead.

Revive the Reading Routine

It’s incredibly easy to fall out of the habit of daily reading during the busy summer months. However, re-establishing a 20-minute daily reading routine right now is one of the best things you can do for your child’s academic stamina. Did you know that reading just 20 minutes a day adds up to over 1,500 minutes of reading? That gives your child a massive head start for the school year. Sneak those 20 minutes whenever you can—in the car, before bed, or down by the lake—and watch how much easier the transition back to the classroom becomes.

• Level it up (Comprehension): Ask your child open-ended questions after they read to reinforce their comprehension and critical thinking.
• Level it up (Writing): Challenge your child to write a “sequel” to their favorite book. It’s a fantastic, low-pressure way to spark creative writing and imagination before school starts!

Spot the Everyday Math

The “summer math slide” can be one of the most notable academic setbacks when students return to the classroom. You can fight that slide simply by drawing attention to the math all around us on a daily basis! Heading to the pool? Read the depth signs and identify the measurement labels. Going to camp? Have your child calculate the start and end times to figure out the elapsed time in between. Cooking dinner? Discuss fractions and liquid measurements using cups, quarts, and tablespoons.

The opportunities are endless, and these quick everyday discussions make a massive impact on your child’s mathematical readiness for the fall.

• Level it up (Computation): On a road trip? Have your child look at license plates and either call out the numbers, add them together, or multiply them based on their grade level.
• Level it up (Financial Literacy): At the grocery store or a local ice cream shop? Have your child estimate the total cost of a few items, determine if you have enough cash, or calculate the change you should receive.

Keep the Faith in Motion

Our spiritual journeys don’t pause when the school year ends. In fact, summer is a beautiful season to step back and marvel at everything God has created and gifted to us. Look for spontaneous moments to pause and thank God for your family’s favorite memories—whether hiking in the woods, playing with friends, or boating on the lake. You can also use these weeks to experience the liturgy in new ways. Heading “up north”? Locate a local parish within our Wisconsin dioceses to attend Mass. Busy weekend ahead? Find a peaceful weeknight Mass to switch things up. Even if you are short on time, taking advantage of a weekday confession, a brief prayer session, or Eucharistic Adoration at a nearby parish is a powerful way to recharge your family’s spiritual battery.

• Level it up (The Prayer Journal): Encourage your child to create a simple summer prayer journal. Use it as a quiet space to draw or write down God’s weekly blessings, cultivating a heart of gratitude before the school year begins.
• Level it up (Scripture Connections): Read the upcoming Sunday Gospel together as a family before heading to Mass. Ask your child: “What is Jesus teaching us in this story, and how can we practice that virtue with our new classmates and teachers this year?”

Summer is a sacred time to connect with family, learn through play, and experience God in new and vibrant ways. By intentionally weaving these simple reading, math, and faith moments into your final weeks of summer, you are partnering with us to ensure your child steps into the classroom with confidence.

We wish you a safe, joyful, and faith-filled summer. We cannot wait to welcome your children back to school!

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 PK3-12.

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.

This year, the GRACE Riverside office welcomed some very special guest leadership. Marie (6th grade), Sam (5th grade), and Rose (Kindergarten) from St. John Paul II Classical School (SJPII) each spent a day serving as President or Vice President. They traded their typical school supplies for a seat at the leadership table, a tour of the facilities, and a look at how our school system operates. We sat down with them to talk about their school, their faith, and being the boss for a day.

Q: What do you love most about your school and a typical school day?

Marie: It is such a welcoming community where you feel included immediately. My favorite parts of the day are lunch, recess, and the passing periods, because there is such a great sense of togetherness and I love to laugh with my friends.

Sam: I really enjoy how we team up with other schools, like running cross country with GRACE Holy Family. I also like humanities because we play a tag game based on the books we are reading; it’s great to have fun while we learn. No matter where you go here, people are ready to help you back up if you get knocked down.

Rose: I like the learning stations and playing with my friends! My best friend is Callie and we have so much fun at recess. It is a very good place to learn and I really like going to Gym class.

Q: Can you tell us about a teacher or a subject that has made an impact on you?

Marie: I really like History, especially learning about the Egyptians. My second grade teacher, Ms. Megan, also made a big impact because she is so faithful and nice; you feel like you can talk to her about anything.

Sam: Academically, I have improved a lot in spelling and math. I have specifically enjoyed exploring long division this year.

Rose: Ms. Miller is fun and Ms. Ellis is really nice. Mrs. T is a very nice gym teacher, too.

Q: How has your school helped you grow in your faith?

Marie: The teachers build a foundation in elementary school and help you keep caring about it in middle school. When the whole school prays at Mass, I feel like we are all connected by God.

Sam: I like singing at Mass and listening to the word. We also pray the Rosary and go to Adoration, which helps me realize how to connect closer to Jesus.

Rose: In the Atrium, we learned about the “pearl of great price,” which means giving your whole heart to God. I also like to listen to the Word of God during Mass.

Q: What would you say to a student who is thinking about joining your school?

Marie: I would tell them it is a very welcoming community with amazing teachers and great learning.

Sam: I would tell them that it is fun to explore everything here. There is always someone ready to help you out.

Rose: It is a good place to make friends!

Q: What was the best part of being the “President for a Day” at the Riverside Office?

Marie: I liked meeting the team at the office and getting to see the GRACE Father of Allouez rooms.

Sam: It was great to see how the office works and meet the people who help run our schools.

Rose: I got a hat and a pin and a cool highlighter! It was fun to see the big GRACE Father of Allouez rooms when we visited that school

Q: Now that summer is here, what are you most excited to do?

Marie: I am looking forward to volleyball, the beach, and jumping on the trampoline with my five siblings.

Sam: I will be training for cross country and finding new ways to have fun with my friends before school starts again.

Rose: I love playing soccer. I am playing with the eight-year-olds now because I am getting really good!

Hearing our students describe their schools as welcoming communities where they grow closer to Jesus sets a wonderful tone for the future of GRACE.

As GRACE President Desotell reflected: “The time I spent with these students was a powerful reinforcement of the promise and potential within our schools. Their energy, curiosity, enthusiasm, and faith-filled hearts remind us exactly why Catholic education is so vital. It was an honor to share the leadership table with Marie, Sam, and Rose, and to see firsthand how our mission is truly coming alive in our students.”

Watching these young leaders step into their roles with such confidence gives us great excitement for what lies ahead.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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 PK3-12.

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.

Catch up on the latest news within GRACE in the Summer 2026 Newsletter! Read an interview with the student who was a president for a day at SJPII, learn all about the new leadership within the GRACE System, get back-to-school tips, catch up on all the ongoing facilities projects, and more!

Read now!

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 PK3-12.

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 excited to share that Mrs. Laurie Erickson has been named the new Principal of GRACE Holy Family Catholic School for the 2026-27 academic year.

Many of you know Mrs. Erickson since she joined Holy Family School as the Assistant Principal this past October. More recently, she also serves weekly at GRACE Notre Dame of De Pere as a part-time Assistant Principal.

Over the past year with GRACE Schools, she has proven herself to be a dedicated, faith-filled leader who truly understands the heart of our system and our schools. By stepping into the Principal role starting July 1, 2026, she provides our students and staff with the steady, familiar leadership needed to maintain momentum.

Mrs. Erickson brings a wealth of knowledge to this position with over 30 years of experience in education. Her background is diverse, spanning classroom teaching, special education, and high-level administration in both Wisconsin and New Mexico. Before coming to Holy Family, she served as an Educational Administrator and Program Specialist for the New Mexico Public Education Department. In that role, she led statewide initiatives, provided leadership training, and supported special education programs. Her heart has always been in the classroom, as she has extensive experience teaching 7th- and 8th-grade students and has spent years developing specialized programs to help students of all grade levels and learning styles succeed.

Beyond her resume, Mrs. Erickson is deeply committed to our mission of nurturing the whole child in mind, body, and spirit. She holds a Master of Arts in Education from Northern Michigan University and is a licensed School Administrator. This mix of high-level expertise and decades of hands-on teaching experience makes her uniquely qualified to lead our school. Dr. Stephanie Shedrow, GRACE Executive Director of Learning, noted that Mrs. Erickson’s transition is a natural fit because of her current work and relationships within the GRACE community.

Reflecting on her new role, Mrs. Erickson shared that she is truly honored to lead the wonderful staff and students at Holy Family. She noted that after spending the last several months getting to know the families and students, she is more inspired than ever to help them seek their full potential within a community rich in tradition and faith.

Please join us in warmly congratulating Mrs. Laurie Erickson on her new position as she continues her journey with the GRACE family. We look forward to seeing you at upcoming school events, where there will be plenty of opportunities to connect with Mrs. Erickson as she begins this exciting new chapter. Her first day as the new school principal is today, July 1, 2026.

For more information about Holy Family, visit 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 PK3-12.

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 pleased to announce that Jessica A. Nejedlo has been named the new Principal of GRACE Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in De Pere, effective for the 2026-2027 school year. Having served as the school’s Supportive Consultant since 2023, Mrs. Nejedlo brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to ensure a seamless transition for students, staff, and families.

Mrs. Nejedlo brings more than 20 years of dedicated experience in elementary education and student advocacy to this leadership role. Her professional background is exceptionally broad, encompassing roles as a Reading Interventionist, Kindergarten teacher, and International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum Coordinator. In her capacity as a coordinator, she managed school-wide curriculum design and served as a primary liaison between faculty and educational leadership. This depth of experience collaborating with administrators and supporting diverse learners across all grade levels has equipped her with the skills necessary to excel in the multifaceted role of a principal. 

Throughout her career, Mrs. Nejedlo has maintained a steadfast focus on academic excellence and fostering students’ growth in the Catholic faith. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a Reading Teacher Certification from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She has also completed advanced leadership coursework in Educational Administration. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Nejedlo is a devoted member of the parish community. She serves on the Security Task Force and volunteers with local initiatives, including Shop with a Cop and Families of Children with Cancer. We are confident that her leadership, grounded in faith and deep community roots, will guide Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School towards continued growth and success.

Please join the GRACE system in warmly welcoming Mrs. Jessica Nejedlo to her new leadership role at GRACE, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School! She will begin serving in this role on July 1, 2026. 

For more information about Our Lady of Lourdes, visit 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 PK3-12.

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.

Holy Cross Catholic School will be relocating to a new campus! The move reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening Catholic education while positioning Holy Cross for continued growth, expanded programming, and long-term vitality. Learn more by reading the full press release here.

Families will be receiving additional information regarding transition details, open house opportunities, and fall start up information. For continued move updates, please follow Holy Cross on Facebook or call the current school office at (920) 468-0625.

For more information about Holy Cross, visit 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 PK3-12.

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.

Catch up on the latest news within GRACE in the Spring 2026 Newsletter! Discover what students have been working on, meet those at the heart of the classroom (our teachers), learn why summer reading matters and ways to keep it enjoyable for students, and more.

Read now!

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 PK3-12.

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’re proud to announce that Mrs. Jamie Sheehy from GRACE Holy Cross Catholic School has been named as a Wisconsin 2026 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowship recipient.

This state-wide honor is reserved for only 100 educators who demonstrate superior innovation and leadership in their craft of teaching. As a middle school English and Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Sheehy has performed transformative work, specifically through the ‘CatholicLink Middle School Student Leader Program’, a curriculum she co-developed to empower students to lead through character and service. As a Kohl Teacher Fellowship recipient, Jamie will receive a stipend of $6,000 for her classroom and teaching use and a matching $6,000 grant for GRACE Holy Cross Catholic School. Mrs. Sheehy envisions these funds further enhancing the school’s learning environment with resources and tools that foster the same creativity and independence she champions in her own classroom every day.

For Mrs. Sheehy, representing Holy Cross Catholic School as a Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowship recipient, is deeply personal.

“This school helped me discover my purpose, rebuild my confidence, and grow into the educator I am today,” Jamie shared, noting that she could not imagine achieving this recognition without the support of the Holy Cross School family as a community.

From witnessing an eighth-grade civic discussion to watching a student gain newfound confidence through reading growth, Mrs. Sheehy’s classroom is a place where relationships come first. We congratulate GRACE educator Mrs. Jamie Sheehy on this well-deserved honor and thank her for her unwavering commitment to the high standards and mission of GRACE and the GRACE Holy Cross community. 

Learn more about the Wisconsin Herb Kohl Educational Foundation and its mission to celebrate teaching excellence 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 PK3-12.

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.

Recently, GRACE School System President Kimberly Desotell spoke about the Pennings Promise Plan from St. Norbert College. Her quote was included in this article about the scholarship.

You can learn more about the Pennings Promise Plan 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 PK3-12.

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.

GRACE is proud to present the educators that were named Teachers of Distinction by the Greater Green Bay Chamber’s 2026 Golden Apple Awards:

• Annie Stewart – Kindergarten – Father Allouez Catholic School
• Andrea Barington Physical Education – Holy Family Catholic School
• Kelly Gossen – Kindergarten – St. Thomas More Catholic School

Thank you for making the GRACE School System a place for students to thrive!

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 PK3-12.

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.