Theresa drawing as the student spotlight from Chesterton Academy.

Chesterton Academy Student Spotlight

Our spotlight series continues today at Chesterton Academy. Today we highlight freshman Theresa.

She is an aspiring physician and Chesterton Academy’s robust science curriculum is sure to aid her greatly in that endeavor. However, you see her here in her studio art class because classical education develops whole people, not specialized workers. Like all our students, God has gifted her with many talents both seen and unseen. With our diverse and rigorous curriculum, those talents can become fully realized.

Thank you, Theresa, for being a wonderful example for others!

Learn more about Chesterton Academy by visiting their website here.

Students at St. John Paul II Catholic School listen intently.

Resurgence in Classical Education Piece Featured in The Compass

Alex Wolf, headmaster at St. John Paul II Catholic School, recently composed a column in The Compass highlighting the importance of classical education.

“The purpose of Catholic classical education is simple. It is to better know, glorify and ultimately enjoy God,” writes Wolf in the piece, “This happens through the study of the great academic traditions, in the form of curriculum and teaching methods, handed down to us through Western civilization. If education is altered to dissolve this tradition, or removes God altogether, the result is pure confusion.”

He discusses the significant return to classical education in depth and the reasoning for it. Patrick McKeown, headmaster at Chesterton Academy, also weighs in.

“People are re-imagining and rediscovering what can be loved, understood and embraced from the enormous depth of not only Western civilization, but from the church herself who has long been civilization’s greatest champion. In that manner, Chesterton schools cultivate holy students that are articulate, clear-thinking, well-rounded and, very importantly, joyful individuals engaged in a content-rich curriculum,” adds Mr. McKeown.

Read Mr. Wolf’s entire column about classical education’s importance on The Compass’s website here.

The Compass is the official publication for the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay.

James Block, the music teacher spotlit by GRACE from Father Allouez Catholic School.

Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Block

Mr. Block brings music to the halls of Father Allouez Catholic School (literally). Students are often heard singing songs learned in music class while walking through the halls. Mr. Block is an active member of his parish and often offers his musical talent for school and weekend Masses. We are blessed to have Mr. Block as a role model of faith for our students. Thank you for being an amazing teacher at GRACE, Mr. Block!

Amanda Boeke receiving her Golden Apple.

GRACE Educator Amanda Boeke Named Golden Apple Award Finalist

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 16, 2023

GRACE EDUCATOR AMANDA BOEKE NAMED GOLDEN APPLE AWARD FINALIST 

[GREEN BAY, Wis.] – We are thrilled to announce that Amanda Boeke, a beloved Kindergarten teacher at St. Bernard Catholic School, a part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) system, has been named a finalist for the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. 

The Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching are awarded by the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce annually to educators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their students, families, and the education community. Mrs. Boeke will advance to the final awards ceremony in April where award winners will be recognized. 

GRACE President, Mrs. Kim Desotell stated, “Mrs. Boeke is an inspirational, loving and caring GRACE teacher. We are proud of her important contributions and the example of excellence she sets for others in the field of education.” 

Mrs. Boeke has been a dedicated educator for eight years and has made a lasting impact on the lives of her students. She creates a warm and welcoming environment in her classroom, fostering a love of learning and encouraging each student to reach their full potential. Her peers and families describe her as kind, patient, and endlessly encouraging, making her students feel safe and valued in her classroom. 

Mrs. Crystal Blahnik, Principal of St. Bernard Catholic School states: “It is a joy to see such a dedicated teacher be recognized in this very special way. Mrs. Boeke started her teaching career with us eight years ago and she is now a leader among her peers and highly respected among the school community. She most recently completed her MA in English Language Learning. This was something she pursued for her kids, so that she could help them be as successful as possible. “

Mrs. Boeke goes above and beyond to connect with her families and the larger school community, creating a strong sense of partnership and collaboration. She has a remarkable ability to connect with each student, understand their individual needs, and support their growth and development. Her colleagues and families rave about her unwavering commitment to her students, her exceptional work ethic, and her genuine love for teaching. 

This recognition is a testament to Mrs. Boeke’s exceptional dedication and hard work, and a shining example of the incredible impact that one dedicated teacher can have on the lives of their students. We are proud to have Mrs. Boeke as a member of the GRACE community and look forward to celebrating her achievements in the coming months. 

St. Bernard Catholic School is a preschool through 8th grade school that is part of the GRACE System and that believes in an innovative, faith-based education with equal access to student services. This approach allows St. Bernard Catholic School to provide an academically sound, compelling, and faith-filled environment for all of its students. With St. Bernard of Clairvaux as their guide, they stand in the motto: Peace, Pray, Learn. More information can be found at saintbernardgb.com

For media inquiries, contact Madeline Janssen, GRACE Director of Marketing & Communications at 920-499-7330 x 1014 or at co************@*********em.org.

About GRACE: GRACE stands for Green Bay Area Catholic Education and is a nine-school system that provides excellence in preschool through high school education and serves 23 Catholic parishes within the Greater Green Bay community. GRACE schools range in offerings and locations, and each has its own distinct history, focus and parish connections. GRACE is among the largest Catholic school systems in the state of Wisconsin. To learn more, visit gracesystem.org.

Teacher spotlight on Tomerot Lambert, the middle school religion teacher at St. Bernard Catholic School.

Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Lambert

Mr. Lambert has been teaching middle school religion at St. Bernard School for two years. He recently shared with the community that he is engaged to be married. Mr. Lambert enjoys being active, playing basketball with friends, and coaching cross country. We are blessed to have a great example of a faith filled young man teaching our children. Thank you for being such a wonderful GRACE teacher, Mr. Lambert!

Teacher spotlight on Katie Gerczak, the second grade teacher at St. Thomas More Catholic School.

Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Gerczak

At St. Thomas More School, Ms. Gerczak loves that no two days are ever alike at our school. As a Grade 2 teacher, she is always moving and working with different people. She inspires students to get outside and enjoy all of the seasons Wisconsin has to offer — and there is always something to do outdoors!

Thank you for being an amazing GRACE teacher, Ms. Gerczak!

Three GRACE students.

Day of Giving

The Day of GRACE is officially one week away! It takes people, prayers, and your participation to build the GRACE community where every student has the opportunity to learn, lead and succeed. Celebrate with us, make a donation in support of our students, spread the word, and follow along with us on social media for a Day of GRACE! Early donations are now being accepted at givingday.gracesystem.org

Two GRACE students

GRACE’s New Family Referral Program

Help GRACE grow! Refer new families and earn an incentive for yours. We at GRACE value the support and loyalty of our school families, and are excited to announce our New Family Referral Program, which rewards our existing families with a tuition incentive for referring new families that enroll in our system. Share the word about GRACE education with your friends and family, and be a part of building our strong, faith-based community. 

All of the GRACE school logos.

GRACE 2023-24 Academic Calendar Now Available

The GRACE 2023-24 academic calendar is here! You can view it in English or Spanish.

The calendar highlights key dates such as early dismissals, parent/teacher conferences, holiday vacations, and more. Spring break will be March 4-8, 2024. We are excited to announce it even includes the spring break dates for the following academic year, which will be taking place from March 10-14, 2025.

Keep these important dates in mind when scheduling future family activities and vacations. Have a great year!