Category: General

Today we are highlighting a stand-out teacher within the GRACE School System.

Mrs. DeGroot is a preschool teacher at Holy Cross Catholic School. She is passionate, creative, and committed to engaging the youngest learners. She is dedicated to bringing innovative teaching methods to both indoor and outdoor classrooms. Mrs. DeGroot is always looking for ways to provide the best educational experience for her students and has launched our new Abundant Blessings Outdoor Preschool Program!

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.

Preschool students from Notre Dame of De Pere Catholic School and St. John Paul II Classical School are well on their way to learning about the Mass and God’s love in a successful program called the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The program started three years ago at NDDP and has grown to include all four sections of the preschool population. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a program for the faith and spiritual formation of the child. Its focus is to deepen the child’s existing relationship with God. It encourages a personal prayer life, full participation in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church, and the development of a deeper understanding of Catholic identity and tradition. This is accomplished through the use of materials, prayer, song, listening to the Word of God and giving each child time to work with provided materials. There is a short group lesson and then time is given for individual prayers and play.

This CGS initiative at Notre Dame of De Pere is led by Mrs. Jane Charneski, Discipleship Coordinator and trained catechist teacher and assisted by Mrs. Jennifer Kopp, trained catechist teacher for Level I for NDDP three- and four-year-old students. One or two days each week, these students meet in the Atrium classroom, which is set up with child-sized religious education materials. The CGS program is a tie-in with the school’s community and curriculum. The liturgical calendar is observed with colors and songs, and Bible verses are read and reviewed from the weekly scripture from Mass each week.

Mrs. Charneski shares, “All four sections are thriving with little learners on their ourney of falling in love with Jesus.” The student and family response to this program has been overwhelmingly positive. Families are invited to observe or help out and to sit in on class periods to see the students in action. Many compliments and kind words have been shared throughout the years, and parents have truly loved the large candle ceremony at year’s end. Both schools are looking forward to training more instructors and assistants in the future as more sections are added.

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.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School kicked off the 2023-24 school year with a fantastic new event for all OLOL parents and staff – Parent Homecoming! On September 8, the school gym was decorated as a replica of a high school homecoming dance, complete with a photo area, music, lights, drinks and snacks. The topper of the evening was a Homecoming Court, complete with the crowning of a King and Queen. This was the first year of the Parent Homecoming, and it was a resounding success with approximately 80 in attendance.

This event was created to help build a strong parent community at the start of the school year by bringing parents together without the need to fundraise. It allowed returning parents to reconnect after a busy summer, as well as afforded new parents the opportunity to meet others and to become fully immersed in OLOL’s amazing culture. The event has been dubbed a “friendraiser,” as its goal is to welcome all parents back into the strong, committed and fun culture of the school and to build relationships that can last a lifetime.

Given the positive reaction to the 2023 Parent Homecoming, it has been decided that this will be an annual OLOL event for all parents to enjoy. The date is still to be decided for 2024, but it will most likely take place at the beginning of September. Check your calendars next summer and be sure to line up your “date” for the dance!

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 are spotlighting a stand-out GRACE student!

Allie is becoming a strong leader at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. She is a student who can be counted on to help others whenever needed. Allie is involved in the Student Council, plays clarinet, is a server, and sings in the choir for school mass. She also plays volleyball and hockey. Allie has a positive personality and brings great energy wherever she is.

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 are highlighting a stand-out teacher within the GRACE School System.

Mrs. Taylor Kottwitz is a dedicated member of the Holy Family Catholic School – Green Bay community who serves in multiple roles within the middle school. She brings her passion for all things science to the classroom, inspiring students to be inquisitive about the world around them. Her expertise ensures that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for the challenges they will face in high school and beyond.

Mrs. Kottwitz also serves as the IB Coordinator for Holy Family’s middle school. She works closely with students, teachers, and administrators to ensure that the school’s International Baccalaureate program is running smoothly. Her attention to detail and commitment to academic excellence have helped to make the program a success.

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.

St. Bernard Catholic School (SBS) students are making strides toward technical challenges with their Robotics Teams. Second through eighth graders are eligible to join, and this year there are twenty students on six teams.

The St. Bernard Robotics Team competes in the VEX IQ Challenge, where young innovators come together to harness their skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to construct robots equipped to compete in engineering-themed games. This arena become a testing ground where theoretical classroom concepts meet practical application. This provides students an opportunity to exemplify skills not just in robotics, but in teamwork, leadership and communication, as well. The Team ties in with the STEM curriculum at the school, as there are STEM programs throughout its science program. This includes robots that teachers may utilize.

For the past three seasons, the teams have been adding to their goals. In the first year, they were just trying to understand how to build the robot and troubleshoot. In the second year, building became a little easier, and the students who had done it the year before assisted other teams. This year, the teams are moving along on their builds. The goal is to be able to compete with the coding, where the robot then can move autonomously, to score more points for their team.

Students and their families alike are excited about the SBS Robotics Team. Parent Laura Allard, whose son is a fifth grader on the Team, offers some thoughts: “Our son has looked forward to joining robotics ever since he found out about it in Kindergarten preview day. This is his second year on the team, and he is excited to start building! As a parent, I enjoy coaching and watching the kids grow as young adults and teammates. They have to think outside the box and work together to problem solve and find solutions. It is a big commitment to join the team, however, it is a beautiful thing to be a part of. It is so rewarding to see how much the kids learn and grow from the start of the season up until they start to compete.”

Although this season’s teams are set, students may look forward to signing up for next school year. SBS staff and the Robotics Team coaches wish to share their thoughts about the group.

“We are eager to expand our Robotics Team, offering an increased number of students the opportunity to immerse themselves in this innovative and exciting field. Our aspirations include not just growing in numbers, but also in the scope and level of our competition. In the past season, we made notable strides by doubling our participation from two to four tournaments. This accomplishment fuels our ambition, and in the upcoming seasons, we aim to compete in five or six events, with the ultimate goal of earning a spot at the state competition. But we won’t stop there. Our vision extends beyond state level. We are committed to fostering a team equipped with the skills, knowledge, and passion to reach regional and even national competitions. Each step forward marks our unwavering commitment to provide our students with enriching opportunities that challenge, inspire, and cultivate their potential in robotics and beyond.”

With this inspiration, commitment and participation, the St. Bernard Robotics Team is sure to hit new heights each new school year!

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 Peterson! Join us in thanking her for her commitment to Catholic Education!

Let’s learn a little bit about Principal Peterson:

Q: Principal Peterson, why do you choose to work for GRACE/Holy Cross Catholic School?

A: I chose HCCS even before I was a mom. We attended a day school Mass (my husband and I) and we saw the sense of community and the larger family feel when we were there. Fr. Tim Shillcox was the priest and I felt like he was speaking to me – that’s what I was looking for. All of our children went here as three-year-olds. I started subbing and then took the job as a Spanish teacher; I taught Spanish for 5 years and then I became principal!

Q: What are some fun facts about you?

A: I’ve gone bungee jumping. I am an only child. I do not like asparagus. I was raised on a dairy farm on the west side of the state.

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.

Each year, schools in the GRACE System select a very special volunteer from their community to receive the outstanding volunteer award. This award was presented at the back-to-school mass. St. Bernard Catholic School is pleased to recognize Ms. Mary Kreft for the award this year.

She is in the school building five days a week and is always willing to help wherever needed. If a teacher needs photocopies, projects displayed in the hallways, or items cut out, she is the first one to volunteer. She often sees what needs to be done and gets it finished without anyone even having to ask. Our students always love seeing her smiling face out on the playground.

We are so grateful for her willingness to sell SCRIP, teach religious education, and set up for special school events. Her impact never goes unnoticed and we are so grateful to have her on our team.

Thank you, Ms. Kreft!

Learn more about St. Bernard Catholic 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.

St. John the Baptist Catholic School is carrying on a special tradition that began 15 years ago and is staying strong! The students have had reading buddies for many years, but the Mass Buddies Program was started in 2008 by Amy Liebergen and Tara Nelson. Years ago, the kindergarteners attended once a month. At that time, the kindergarten teachers focused on preparing the class to participate in the monthly Mass. Now, by using the upper level students for modeling, the kindergarten students are able to attend Mass successfully from the beginning of the school year.

The Mass Buddy Program was designed as a way to pair a kindergartener with a sixth grader in order to attend Mass. The sixth graders pick up their buddies on their way to church and then sit with them during the Mass. This year, the seventh graders have paired up with the first graders, as well as the eighth graders pairing with the preschoolers, when they attend. This program benefits both the young students and the older grades. The middle schoolers are very proud of their leadership. When an older student is reading or singing, the young buddy will be beaming in the pew. The participation in Mass has become more reverent by the older students due to the fact that they are the models for appropriate behavior. Another great result of the program is when buddies pass each other in the hallway during the day. Both of the buddies are equally excited. The students have asked to do other activities with their Mass Buddies, because it is so meaningful across the board.

With all of these benefits, this Mass Buddy Program will undoubtedly continue to be an important part of the Mass experience at St. John the Baptist School for many years to come!

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 are spotlighting a stand-out GRACE student!

Kayce’s bubbly personality makes her a favorite among third-grade classmates and teachers alike at Holy Family Catholic School – Green Bay . She comes to school with a positive attitude, ready to learn and participate in classroom activities. Kayce is truly a joy to be around and brings a bright light to everyone she meets. She is quick with a smile and she has the best collection of earrings!

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.