Outstanding volunteer Ann Farone

Father Allouez Catholic School Awards Outstanding Volunteer

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. Father Allouez Catholic School is pleased to recognize Ann Farone for the award this year.

In the heart of the Father Allouez community, there is a role model of unwavering faith and boundless generosity — a dedicated volunteer whose commitment to our students, parents, and staff is outstanding. Today, we would like to honor Ann Farone for her willingness to serve our community with a heart overflowing with faith and smile that lights up our hallways.

Ann is a true guardian of the faith, and her unwavering devotion to sharing her spiritual journey with our school community has inspired us all. Whether it’s baking cookies for the Nativity of Mary celebration, offering her time to organize playground supervisors so the teacher can get a break for lunch, or assisting in the school offices and classrooms, her tireless efforts have made our school a better place for everyone.

In honoring Ann Farone today, we not only celebrate her contributions but also express our deep gratitude for the love, warmth, and faith she brings to our school.

Thank you, Ann, for being a shining example of faith, love, and selfless service!

Learn more about Father Allouez 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.

All of the GRACE school logos.
Golden Apple ad

Golden Apple Awards Now Open to Nominations

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Golden Apple Awards! The prestigious Golden Apple Award recognizes exceptional Greater Green Bay teachers. Nominations for teachers and teams of teachers who have made a positive impact will be accepted now through Friday, October 27, at 3 p.m. The nomination forms can be found below:

Please show your support and take some time to nominate our fantastic GRACE teachers!

Further information can be found 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.

All of the GRACE school logos.
Fr. Tom spotlight

Father Allouez Catholic School Teacher Spotlight

Father Tom Reynebeau, the pastor of Resurrection Parish, is undeniably a good shepherd to the children of Father Allouez Catholic School. His dedication to the students’ spiritual and moral development is a testament to his commitment to their well-being. Father Tom’s compassionate guidance, wisdom, and caring presence make him a source of inspiration in the lives of the young members of the school. He is a true blessing to Catholic Education, fostering not only religious understanding but also values of empathy, kindness, and community service.

Learn more about Father Allouez 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.

All of the GRACE school logos.
student spotlight Brecken

Notre Dame of De Pere Student Spotlight

Brecken was new to Notre Dame of De Pere last year and has been such a wonderful addition to the 4th-grade group. Brecken is a good friend to all and always seeks to include others. It is beautiful to see how new students fold into their classes and grow the entire community.

Learn more about Notre Dame 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.

All of the GRACE school logos.
Outstanding volunteer Mary Braband

Holy Cross Catholic School Awards Outstanding Volunteer

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. Holy Cross Catholic School is pleased to recognize Mary Braband for the award this year.

Mrs. Braband is a dedicated servant of the Catholic Faith and inspires the community to become more like Jesus himself as she demonstrates her faith and generosity at every turn. Mrs. Braband volunteers her time and talent as a Middle School Math Tutor and she has also volunteered to sub in our Aftercare Program.

Mrs. Braband is not one to submit to challenges, however. This year, she even hopped on virtually to tutor students while she was quarantining prior to surgery and again while she and her husband were traveling. Mrs. Braband truly loves spending time with students and she successfully builds relationships with them all while teaching them how to understand concepts so that they understand them.

Students and staff are all stronger because of her commitment and we are forever grateful for her generous support. Thank you, Mrs. Braband!

Learn more about Holy Cross 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.

All of the GRACE school logos.
staff with flowers

GRACE Educator Gets Recognized

We recently celebrated one of our teacher’s five decade commitment to the classroom and The Press Times wrote all about it! Read their full article on Notre Dame of De Pere Catholic School teacher, Jaculin Cramer, here! Congratulations, Mrs. Cramer!


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.

All of the GRACE school logos.
star assessment logo

STAR Assessments

STAR Assessments are short tests that provide teachers with personalized learning data for each student. Students may take a STAR test for early literacy, math, or reading. Teachers analyze the data they receive from STAR Assessments to learn what students already know and what they are ready to learn next, to monitor student growth, and to determine which students may need additional help. These tests are research-based and scientifically proven to help teachers guide each student on their unique path to proficiency.


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.

All of the GRACE school logos.
students with packages

Service Days Around GRACE

GRACE students paid it forward with several service activities in order to brighten up their local communities. Below are just some of the acts of kindness that took place in Green Bay thanks to our dedicated students. We are so proud of them!

Father Allouez Catholic School

The fourth grade at Father Allouez Catholic School was involved in doing service projects for the McCormick Assisted Living this year. There are 55 residents that currently reside at the facility. Students have done one project a month, starting in September and ending in May. The fourth graders learned how important doing service projects are and how even small things can really brighten someone’s day.

In September, they brought the residents SunnyD drinks. The students made some beautiful tags which were lovingly attached to each bottle.

In October, they bagged Halloween treats for residents who each received a bag of candy along with a special student note.

In November, they bagged candy corn for each of the residents. They designed a “Candy Corn Prayer” and wrote a little personal note on the back of the prayer to personalize the gift.

In December, they initiated a blanket drive and collected enough blankets to give one to each resident. The fourth graders were even able to donate some extra blankets to give to future residents! Each of the blankets were wrapped with care and given as a surprise to the residents for Christmas.

In January, the students decided to share Pop-Tarts with the residents. They had heard that they had not had Pop-Tarts since before the pandemic. They knew we had to remedy that for them! They purchased different flavors, labeled the boxes and added notes. It was all Poppin fun!

In February, they made the residents Valentines and attached them to a Valentine bag of pretzels.

In March, all of the residents received Skittles as a treat! The students made little cards to go with the Skittles or “Rainbow Seeds” as they called them. The cards were then attached to the bags of Skittles.

For April, they held a drive at school to collect items for their Easter basket project. The students were able to collect enough items to make a big Easter basket for each of the residents! They were able to take a walking field trip to visit the residents and hand deliver the baskets to everyone’s door! They loved the smiles and conversations that we had with the residents that day!

In May, they sent the residents homemade flower arrangements in coffee cups. They made tags to go on each arrangement.

The fourth graders of Father Allouez Catholic School have learned much about the importance of conducting service for their local community this year, and have made a huge impact on the lives of those residing at McCormick Assisted Living.

Holy Cross Catholic School

The students from Holy Cross Catholic School hosted a donation drive and helped make a meal for a local Green Bay shelter. This is a yearly event that the students always enjoy participating in. From decorating cookies to making soup, they assisted behind-the-scenes in the kitchen. A little food can make a big difference!

St. Bernard Catholic School

St. Bernard Catholic School had students participate in several activities this year on their service day which they deemed “kindness goals.”

The first kindness goal was to make pretty rocks to share joy with someone they know. Students chose a rock to paint and brought it home to share with a neighbor or family member of their choice. Another goal was to make potted flowers to share God’s creation with the local neighborhood surrounding the school. Students got to decorate a cup and then plant the flower inside. The cups and flowers were delivered to nearby Green Bay homes.

Students also created decorations for the elderly to brighten their day and to let them know that someone is thinking of them. Several craft projects were available for students to choose from to create a colorful door decoration. Kindness matters! Students were taught to show kindness to others and know why they were serving with a video read-aloud, kindness sing-a-long, devotion, and a journaling page.

Another kindness goal was to make a toy to show love to pets who need a home. Students created cloth toys for pets. They were brought to a Green Bay area cat and dog shelter for those in need.

The last kindness goal was to make bookmarks for the donated books. The students decorated their chosen bookmark and placed it with a book for a child who may not have many books in an effort to share the love of reading with all.

Kindness is very present in the St. Bernard Catholic School community, among the students and staff who will continue to spread it in many different ways.


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.

All of the GRACE school logos.
adult

Our Lady of Guadalupe Outreach Program

For the third year, GRACE’s Our Lady of Guadalupe (OLOG) Outreach Program was successfully presented to students and families from Father Allouez Catholic School, Holy Family Catholic School, St. Bernard Catholic School, and St. Thomas More Catholic School. A total of 172 children and adults from 56 families were involved and engaged in a series of workshops this past January through April.

Generously funded by Milwaukee’s Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, the OLOG Outreach Program is meant to establish family activities and student programming to help both parents and students understand how to work together on issues of school engagement and academic success while fostering cultural integration. Dr. Jamie Tyrrell, principal of St. Thomas More Catholic School, describes the program this way: “From my perspective, the OLOG Outreach Program is designed with Hispanic families first. We want them to feel like an integral part of our Catholic school system.”

Ninety eight percent of the students who attend St. Thomas More are Spanish speakers, so the program was very beneficial to the school.

“Our staff helped plan the workshops and were presenters,” she said, “We had a large portion of our families attend.”

The OLOG Outreach Program achieves all of their goals in the context of empowering families through faith. The topics of this year’s workshops were Faith at Home, Internet Safety and Mental Health, Importance of Early Childhood Literacy and Preparing for High School and Higher Education. Presented primarily in Spanish, each two-hour session included a prayer, presenters speaking on workshop topics, interactive activities, take-home materials for families to use at home, and refreshments. The presence of vocations was evident as priests celebrated Mass and led prayer with Sisters affiliated with our parishes participating as well. Childcare was provided for younger siblings in order to allow students and their parents to attend. Organizations who contributed their time and talents included the Diocese of Green Bay’s Hispanic Ministry, the Green Bay Police Department, the YMCA, and Casa Alba.

In addition, teachers from participating schools provided their integral support at the workshops. The 2022-23 OLOG Outreach Program Team members were Alejandra Beals, Crystal Blahnik, Gabrielle Calewarts, Kim Desotell, Kay Franz, Dr. Jamie Froh Tyrrell, Jere Kubuske, Karlet Negrete, Lisa Niemuth, and Edgar Zaragoza. This team’s role is to plan the workshop topics and participate in the workshops as well as provide evaluation as to the program’s objectives.

Mrs. Blahnik shared, “Over the course of this year’s workshops, families and students have connected and become friends. This program has facilitated a very strong community of Spanish-speaking families who are engaged with their childrens’ education and equipped with tools to help them raise their children to their full potential.”

Through participation in the GRACE OLOG Outreach Program, families:

  • Engage with other families in deepening personal and family faith life.
  • Enhance personal knowledge of community resources for the health, safety and well-being of the family unit.
  • Learn strategies for maximizing at-home support of student learning.
  • Acquire knowledge of technology utilized at their child’s school and how to access key information pertaining to their child’s learning.
  • Receive guidance in deciphering standardized test scores and learn how educators use this information to design instruction.
  • Connect with GRACE school families to deepen the spirit of community and family friendships.

GRACE will again offer the OLOG Outreach Program during the 2023-24 school year in January through April. Information will be available during the Fall 2023 semester.


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.

All of the GRACE school logos.
HC outdoor classroom

Holy Cross Going Green Program Launches Outdoor Classroom

Outdoor classroom for preschool at Holy Cross Catholic School.

Back in 2018, Holy Cross Catholic School began their green and healthy initiative. Now officially titled the Holy Cross Going Green Program, it is led by a team of innovative and resourceful staff from the school, including Michelle Anderson, Jodi Sullivan, Tara Wildenberg, and principal Kari Peterson.

The plain aims to promote a child’s healthy development and connect learners to the natural and human communities they live in. This will be achieved through a new outdoor classroom which will be utilized each day by the new Abundant Blessings preschool program, led by preschool teacher Jessica DeGroot, in the 2023-24 school year.

Preschool children attending will be encouraged to participate in play-based learning while engaging in the world around them both indoors and out. These children will be connected to nature as they develop their environmental literacy and awareness. The natural surroundings at Holy Cross will provide opportunities for discovery, creative problem solving, and growing in and appreciating God’s creation. This program will follow the Early Learning Outcomes Framework and the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards while integrating the Catholic faith throughout the instruction.


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.

All of the GRACE school logos.