Category: General

Happy children cared for by loving caregivers have settled into the GRACE Little Saints Childcare Program hosted at Holy Family Catholic School.

This program opened in August 2021 and now welcomes children of GRACE teachers, staff and our Catholic community from ages six weeks to three years old. The program consists of three classrooms featuring a faith-based early childhood curriculum full of music, books, playtime, snacks, and devoted, attentive teachers.

Developed under GRACE President Kimberly Desotell’s vision to recruit and maintain top talent within GRACE by providing an affordable, loving, and trustworthy childcare option for the families of GRACE staff, the program has grown well into its second year.

Currently there are three rooms – an infant room, toddler room, and childcare classroom. The program offers a developmentally-appropriate curriculum that strives to enhance social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and faith growth in young children. Parents and guardians are welcome to take a tour and meet with the Little Saints Childcare manager, Tami VanGruensven.

Ms. VanGruensven shares, “I look forward to getting to know the children and their families at Little Saints. It is so rewarding to watch them learn and grow. Please feel free to contact me about anything. I can be reached through email at tv***********@*********em.org or by phone at (920) 272-3123.”
Current families will have a future-intent sign up, with some babies already booked into next fall. Children are accepted at any time during the year if there is available room.

“We want their experiences at Little Saints to be remembered and cherished,” concludes Ms. VanGruensven.

Learn more about the Little Saints program here.

Today will be highlighting one of the wonderful teachers at Chesterton Academy of St. John Paul II Classical School, Mr. Guevara. He not only loves to imbue the faith in the students but is also the high school Biology, Astronomy, Algebra I, and Music teacher! Thank you for being so great, Mr. Guevara!

Chesterton Academy is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving high school students (Grades 9-10, adding one grade each year) with open enrollment. The Academy provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. Learn more about Chesterton Academy by visiting their website.

Principal Jeff Young and Father Jim Baraniak O. Praem are thrilled to announce that Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School has successfully achieved “Lourdes 200”, its enrollment goal of 200 students for the 2022-2023 school year. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of the Our Lady of Lourdes parish community.

Father Jim Baraniak’s leadership has brought a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. Our Lady of Lourdes Parish continues to enjoy an influx of new parishioners and Father Jim’s passion for education and his commitment to the Catholic faith have inspired many families to choose Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School for their children’s education.

Principal Mr. Jeff Young maintains a calm and composed demeanor that has been invaluable in helping to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere to the students and faculty of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. When challenges arise, Mr. Young approaches them with a level head and a solutions-oriented mindset. From adapting new educational technologies to navigating the challenges of the pandemic, Mr. Young has consistently demonstrated the ability to make thoughtful and strategic decisions that have helped Our Lady of Lourdes thrive.

A key factor in the success of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School is the strong partnerships that have been established with parents and the community. These partnerships have helped to create a collaborative, positive, and supportive learning environment for students. At Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, the education of the whole child is a top priority. In addition to providing a strong academic foundation, the school also places a strong emphasis on the spiritual and moral development of its students. The faith of its students is an integral part of the educational experience where students are able to grow in their understanding and love of God. The school’s incredible teachers are another major contributor to its success. They are dedicated professionals who are committed to helping students achieve their full potential. Their expertise and passion for teaching is evident in the excellent academics offered at the school.

In addition to its talented faculty, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School recently participated in the CatholicLink Leadership Academy. This experience helped to set goals and strategic initiatives together as a school community. The “Lourdes 200” accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of the broader Our Lady of Lourdes community. GRACE and Our Lady of Lourdes leadership are grateful to the dedicated staff, parents, and parish members for their support and look forward to continued growth ahead.

Learn more about Our Lady of Lourdes on their website here.

Catch up on all of the latest GRACE news by checking out the Spring 2023 Newsletter. Read about Holy Family Catholic School’s pantry drive, celebrate GRACE’s Golden Apple award recipients, learn how Our Lady of Lourdes achieved their enrollment goal, and more!

Our teacher spotlight is back and this time we are highlighting Middle School Science Teacher Amie Ciriacks!

She enjoys helping students realize their potential and new interests at St. Thomas More School. Her own interests include running, gardening, and playing board games. Thank you for all that you do for the students at St. Thomas More, Amie Ciriacks!

St. Thomas More is a beautiful, multicultural school filled with faithful and friendly staff members and students. They we build and support a bilingual and bicultural environment where both Spanish and English are used, taught and valued. The school believes that parents and teachers alike play an integral role in the education and faith development of our children, so they seek to serve in partnership with families. Learn more about the school on their website here.

Holy Cross Catholic School is running a Blanket Drive for Freedom House, spearheaded by a fourth grade student. The drive is now underway and will end on May 12. The blankets can be new or gently used or a homemade tie blanket. Donations may be dropped off at the school during in-session hours.

Vincent is a karate student at a local martial arts school. He chose to initiate a blanket drive as a part of his spirit goal as he works to earn a black belt. In a goal to give back to the community, he researched area shelters and their needs, and chose Freedom House. He would like to provide 500 blankets to this homeless shelter, and so he asked Holy Cross for help.

Holy Cross has organized other donation drives for the Freedom House, as it is a local Christian organization that focuses on providing for those in need. This aligns to the Catholic Social Teachings that is emphasized at the school.

Vincent would like to thank everyone who is helping many people in need!

Learn more about Holy Cross Catholic School on their website here.

This week, we are highlighting Harper from Holy Family Catholic School in Green Bay.

Harper is a great student and a leader amongst her peers at Holy Family. In addition to being involved in sports and other extracurricular activities, she and her classmates have started a “service club” to do charitable work to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation!

Thank you for being a wonderful example for other students, Harper!

Holy Family Catholic School is Green Bay’s west-side Catholic School. They have a longstanding tradition of inspiring faith, family values, and excellence in education since 1954. They provide a superior education in an engaging, faith-based environment that cultivates the spiritual, academic, social, emotional, and physical development of every child.

Learn more about the school on their website here.

On April 5, the Holy Cross Catholic School and Church communities shared a Lenten event with the Living Stations of the Cross. In both an afternoon and an evening session, fifth grade students, who were historically dressed as participants, journeyed through the fourteen Stations, bringing them to life.

This special re-enactment has become a cherished tradition at Holy Cross, spanning more than ten years. Each year it presents a unique religious learning experience for its participants and viewers, alike. The entire school attends the 1:45 p.m. Stations, along with parents, family members, the church community and friends, who are also welcomed to be present at the 6 p.m. event.

In preparation for this year’s performances, the script had been revamped, so that the Living Stations looked a bit different than prior years. Teachers thoughtfully cast roles in order to highlight each performer’s talents. The participants spent numerous hours getting into character, working through their scripts and blocking and then carried on with practice times. The church generously allowed access for several hours of rehearsal each day, as well as for the actual times of the Stations. Our Lady of Lourdes kindly loaned costumes for the event.

The goal of this school group was to convey to its audience the emotions that must have been felt during Jesus’ suffering and death. The onlookers were to feel as though they were there, put back in the story of the Stations of the Cross. This uplifting reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity was a perfect reminder of how the Holy Cross School and Church communities together celebrated Holy Week as a sign of their faith.

Learn more about Holy Cross on their website here.

A St. Bernard Kindergarten teacher was recently featured in another article posted by Fox 11 News! Complete with a video feature, the article highlights Amanda Boeke, who has had a five-year goal of receiving a Golden Apple Award. After four nominations, she has met her goal! We could not be more proud of this outstanding GRACE teacher.

Read the entire article and watch the video on Fox 11’s website by clicking here.

The school believes in an innovative, faith-based education with equal access to student services. That approach enables them to provide an academically sound, compelling and faith-filled environment for all of our students. With St. Bernard of Clairvaux as their guide, they stand together in the motto: PEACE, PRAY, LEARN. Learn more about St. Bernard Catholic School by visiting their website.

Mrs. Jamie Sheehy teaches English Language Arts and Social Studies to our middle school students at Holy Cross Catholic School. She is the 8th grade Homeroom Teacher and also a Student Council Advisor. Mrs. Sheehy pushes her students to be ready for high school while still making sure that they are supported and growing at their own pace.

One student says, “Mrs. Sheehy makes learning fun. We play games and do activities about the material and can have real and open conversations about serious and silly things. When you need the extra help, Mrs. Sheehy’s there and we know she always has our back!”

Holy Cross Catholic School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8). The school has open enrollment and is located on the Northeast side of Green Bay near the Town of Scott and is near the Red Smith neighborhood and Wequiock Falls. Learn more about Holy Cross on their website here.