New GRACE Annual Report Now Available

The GRACE Annual Report for 2025-26 is now available! Discover our students’ academic achievements, review our goals for the upcoming year, see our vitality statistics, and more. Read now!


St. Bernard 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) with open enrollment. St. Bernard’s provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

More Than a Grade: What Does Student Growth Really Look Like?

When we think about how children are doing in school, it’s natural to look at grades, test scores, and report cards. These tools provide valuable information about what students know and are able to do. But they don’t always tell the whole story.

At St. Bernard Catholic School, we recognize that student growth is about much more than academic achievement. Every day, our students are developing new skills, building confidence, strengthening relationships, and learning how to navigate challenges.

Sometimes, the most meaningful growth isn’t something that can be measured by a test or reflected in a grade.

Growth Doesn’t Always Look the Same

Every child learns and develops at their own pace. For one student, growth might mean moving from struggling with a math concept to solving problems independently. For another, it might mean finding the confidence to raise their hand, ask a question, or participate in a classroom discussion.

Growth can also look like a student who once became frustrated with a challenging assignment learning to take a break, ask for help, and try again.

These moments may seem small, but they represent important steps forward.

Progress isn’t always about being the best at something. Sometimes, it’s about being able to do something today that felt difficult yesterday.

The Skills Behind the Grades

Academic success is important, but many of the skills that help students succeed aren’t reflected directly in a report card.

Throughout the school year, children are also learning how to:

  • Persevere when something is difficult.
  • Take responsibility for their learning and choices.
  • Work cooperatively with classmates.
  • Ask questions and advocate for themselves.
  • Manage their time and stay organized.
  • Respond to feedback and learn from mistakes.
  • Show kindness, empathy, and respect for others.

These skills don’t develop overnight. They require practice, encouragement, and opportunities to learn from both successes and challenges.

And just like reading and math, they continue developing as children grow.

Why Comparing Students Can Be Misleading

It’s easy to compare children to their classmates, siblings, or even to where we think they should be at a certain age.

However, every student brings a unique combination of strengths, experiences, interests, and needs to the classroom.

Two students may earn the same grade but have very different learning experiences. One may have mastered a skill quickly, while another may have worked for weeks to achieve that same result.

Both students deserve recognition, and both have opportunities to continue growing.

Rather than focusing only on how a child compares to others, it can be helpful to ask, “How has my child grown from where they started?”

This shift allows us to recognize individual progress while continuing to maintain meaningful expectations for learning.

Helping Children Recognize Their Own Growth

As adults, we often notice progress before children recognize it themselves.

A child who once needed constant reminders to complete homework may now be managing assignments independently. A student who was hesitant to read aloud may now volunteer to participate. Another child may be learning to handle disappointment with greater patience and confidence.

Taking time to point out these changes helps children recognize their own progress.

Instead of focusing only on the final result, try acknowledging the effort, strategies, and persistence that helped them get there.

You might say:

“I noticed you kept trying even when that was difficult.”

“Remember when you needed help with that? Look what you can do now!”

“What did you do differently this time that helped you succeed?”

These conversations encourage children to reflect on their learning and recognize that growth comes through practice, effort, support, and perseverance.

Growth Is a Journey

There will be times when progress happens quickly and other times when learning feels slow or challenging. Both are normal parts of the learning process.

As educators and families, our role is to support children through those experiences, celebrate their accomplishments, and help them understand that challenges don’t define their abilities.

Grades and assessments will always have an important place in education. They help us understand academic performance, identify areas of need, and make informed instructional decisions.

But when we look beyond those numbers, we begin to see the bigger picture of who our students are becoming.

At St. Bernard, we want our students to grow not only as learners, but also as confident, responsible, compassionate individuals who recognize their God-given gifts and use them to make a positive difference in the world.

Because sometimes the most important measure of success isn’t the grade a child earns, but the growth they make along the way.


St. Bernard Catholic School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school that serves preschool and elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. Bernard’s provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Making the Most of Our Partnership

As parent-teacher conferences approach, families have an important opportunity to connect with their child’s teacher, celebrate progress, ask questions, and discuss ways to support continued growth.

At St. Bernard Catholic School, we believe that a strong partnership between home and school plays an important role in student success. Parent-teacher conferences are one of the many ways we work together to ensure that every child feels supported, encouraged, and challenged to grow.

But how can families make the most of this time?

Look Beyond the Grades

While academic performance is an important part of the conversation, there is so much more to a child’s school experience than the grades on a report card.

Conferences provide an opportunity to discuss how students are developing as learners, classmates, and individuals. Teachers may share observations about classroom participation, work habits, independence, friendships, and areas of growth.

A student might be making significant progress in confidence, perseverance, organization, or problem-solving, even when that growth isn’t immediately reflected in a grade.

The goal is to understand the whole child, not just their academic performance.

Come Ready to Ask Questions

Conferences are a two-way conversation. Teachers bring valuable insight from the classroom, while families bring an equally important understanding of their child at home.

Before your conference, consider what you would most like to know about your child’s school experience.

Some helpful questions might include:

What strengths are you noticing in my child?

What areas would benefit from additional practice or support?

How does my child participate and interact with classmates?

Is my child showing independence and responsibility appropriate for their age?

What is one thing we could work on at home to support continued growth?

You don’t need to arrive with a long list of questions. Even one or two thoughtful questions can lead to a meaningful conversation.

Celebrate Growth, Not Just Achievement

Every child learns and develops at their own pace.

Parent-teacher conferences are a wonderful opportunity to recognize progress, whether that means mastering a new reading skill, becoming more confident in math, developing stronger friendships, or learning to work through challenges more independently.

It’s also important to remember that identifying an area for improvement isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong. Growth is a continuous process, and every student has skills they are still developing.

Celebrating strengths while identifying next steps helps children see learning as a journey rather than a destination.

Remember That We’re on the Same Team

Sometimes conferences include conversations about challenges a student may be experiencing. These discussions can feel difficult, but they are also valuable opportunities for collaboration.

Teachers and families share the same goal: helping children be successful.

When we approach conversations with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to work together, we can better understand what a child needs and identify strategies that will help.

Families may notice things at home that teachers don’t see at school, and teachers may observe things in the classroom that families haven’t experienced. Bringing those perspectives together allows us to develop a more complete understanding of each student.

Keep the Conversation Going

A successful conference doesn’t end when the meeting is over.

Afterward, consider talking with your child about the conversation. Celebrate the positive things their teacher shared and discuss one or two areas they can continue working on.

Keep the conversation encouraging and focused on growth. Rather than overwhelming children with everything they need to improve, help them identify a manageable next step.

And remember, communication between home and school doesn’t have to wait until the next scheduled conference. Questions, concerns, and celebrations are always worth sharing throughout the school year.

Strong Partnerships Help Students Thrive

Parent-teacher conferences are more than a scheduled meeting. They are an opportunity to strengthen the connection between the people who know and care about a child in different ways.

When families and teachers communicate openly, celebrate progress, and work together through challenges, students benefit from a consistent network of encouragement and support.

At St. Bernard, we are grateful for the partnership we share with our families and the opportunity to work together in helping every student grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

When home and school work together, we help children recognize their strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.


St. Bernard Catholic School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school that serves preschool and elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. Bernard’s provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

Reading at Home: Small Habits That Make a Big Difference

Between school, activities, homework, dinner, and everything else that fills a family’s schedule, finding extra time for learning at home can sometimes feel overwhelming.

The good news? Supporting your child’s growth as a reader doesn’t have to mean adding another complicated activity to your day.

Some of the most meaningful ways to build strong readers are also the simplest.

Make Reading Part of the Routine

One of the best ways to encourage reading is to make it a regular part of everyday life.

Even a short amount of time spent reading consistently can help children develop stronger reading habits. For one family, that might mean reading together before bed. For another, it might be reading after dinner or during a quiet part of the weekend.

The goal isn’t to make reading feel like another assignment. Instead, we want children to begin seeing reading as a natural and enjoyable part of their lives.

Let Them Choose

Children are more likely to want to read when they are interested in what they are reading.

Books don’t always have to be novels, either. Graphic novels, nonfiction books, magazines, biographies, joke books, sports articles, recipes, and other age-appropriate materials all provide opportunities for children to practice reading.

Sometimes the best book is simply the one your child is excited to pick up.

Talk About What They’re Reading

Supporting reading doesn’t always mean sitting beside your child while they read every word. Simply talking about a book can help children think more deeply about what they have read.

Try asking questions such as:

“What was your favorite part?”

“Why do you think the character did that?”

“What surprised you?”

“What do you think will happen next?”

For older students, you might ask what they agree or disagree with, what they learned, or how the text connects to something happening in the world or in their own lives.

These conversations help children understand that reading is about more than getting the words right. It is about thinking, wondering, connecting, and understanding.

Let Your Child See You Read

Children pay attention to what the adults around them value.

When they see parents, grandparents, teachers, and other adults reading books, newspapers, recipes, directions, or articles, they see that reading has a purpose beyond the classroom.

Consider talking about your own reading, too. Share something interesting you learned, tell your child about a book you enjoyed, or explain why you are reading something.

Showing children that adults are readers sends an important message: reading is something we continue to use throughout our lives.

Don’t Forget About Reading Together

As children become independent readers, it can be easy to assume that reading aloud is only for younger students. But children of many ages can still benefit from and enjoy sharing a book with someone else.

Read to your child, take turns reading pages, listen to an audiobook together, or choose a book that your family can experience together.

Shared reading also gives families something valuable beyond academic practice: time together.

Small Habits Add Up

Helping your child become a stronger reader doesn’t require a perfect routine or an elaborate plan.

Read together. Talk about books. Visit the library. Let your child choose something interesting. Ask questions. Let them see you reading. Most importantly, help them discover that reading isn’t simply something they have to do for school.

When we make reading a regular and enjoyable part of children’s lives, we aren’t just helping them become better readers. We’re helping them become curious, confident learners who understand that a good book can open the door to something new.


St. Bernard Catholic School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school that serves preschool and elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. Bernard’s provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

Growing Independence: When Helping Means Letting Children Do It Themselves

As parents and educators, we naturally want to help children when they struggle. We remind them about the homework sitting on the kitchen table, carry the backpack they forgot to grab, solve a problem with a friend, or step in when something feels difficult.

Sometimes, though, one of the best ways we can help children is by giving them the opportunity to do things for themselves.

At St. Bernard Catholic School, we want our students to grow not only academically, but also into confident, responsible, and independent young people. Building that independence takes time, practice, and a partnership between home and school.

Independence Looks Different at Every Age

We would never expect a kindergartner and an eighth grader to have the same level of responsibility. Independence develops gradually as children grow.

For younger students, independence might mean carrying their own backpack, putting away their belongings, following a morning routine, or asking an adult for help when they need it.

As students get older, they can begin taking greater responsibility for remembering assignments, organizing materials, communicating with teachers, managing their time, and advocating for themselves.

The goal isn’t for children to do everything on their own. It is to continually ask, “What is my child ready to begin doing for themselves?”

Let Them Try

It can be difficult to watch a child struggle with something we could easily fix for them. However, those small struggles provide valuable opportunities for growth.

When children are given the chance to work through an age-appropriate challenge, they learn how to problem-solve, persevere, communicate, and recover when something does not go as planned.

Instead of immediately solving a problem, we can ask questions such as:

“What do you think you could try?”

“Who could you ask for help?”

“What could you do differently next time?”

These questions shift the responsibility back to the child while reminding them that an adult is still there to support them.

Mistakes Are Part of Learning

Developing independence also means allowing children to make mistakes.

A forgotten assignment, misplaced item, or poor choice can become an opportunity to practice responsibility and problem-solving. When adults immediately fix every mistake, children may miss the opportunity to learn how to handle similar situations in the future.

This doesn’t mean allowing children to struggle without support. Instead, we can help them think through what happened, determine what they can do next, and make a plan for the future.

Small Responsibilities Make a Big Difference

Families can encourage independence through simple, everyday routines. Depending on your child’s age, this might include having them pack their backpack, keep track of school materials, prepare what they need for the next day, complete age-appropriate chores, or communicate directly with a teacher when they have a question.

These may seem like small tasks, but each one helps children develop confidence in their ability to manage responsibilities. There is something powerful about a child being able to say, “I can do this.”

Growing Together

Independence doesn’t happen overnight. Children need guidance, reminders, encouragement, and plenty of opportunities to practice.

As families and educators, our role gradually shifts as children grow. Sometimes we lead the way. Sometimes we walk beside them. And sometimes, we need to give them enough space to take the next step themselves.

By working together, we can help our students develop the confidence, responsibility, and perseverance they will need not only in school, but throughout their lives.

Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do for a child is give them the opportunity to discover just how much they are capable of doing on their own.


St. Bernard Catholic School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school that serves preschool and elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. Bernard’s provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

Every Day Matters: The Connection Between Attendance and Student Success

Every school day is filled with opportunities to learn, grow, connect, and belong. While missing an occasional day of school may not seem significant, consistent attendance plays an important role in helping students succeed both academically and socially.

At St. Bernard Catholic School, we want every student to feel connected to our school community and have the opportunity to make meaningful progress throughout the year. Regular attendance helps make that possible.

Learning Builds Day by Day

Learning does not happen in isolation. Each lesson builds upon skills and concepts students have learned previously. When students attend school consistently, they are able to participate in that progression of learning alongside their classmates.

When a student misses school, teachers can provide assignments and help them catch up, but some parts of the school day are difficult to recreate. Classroom discussions, hands-on activities, small-group instruction, teacher feedback, and collaboration with classmates are all valuable parts of the learning experience. Simply being present allows students to take full advantage of those opportunities.

Attendance Is About More Than Academics

Coming to school regularly also helps students develop important habits and relationships. Daily routines help children build responsibility, independence, and confidence. Being at school also gives students opportunities to strengthen friendships, build relationships with their teachers, participate in our faith community, and feel that they are an important part of their classroom and school. That sense of connection and belonging matters.

When Your Child Is Sick

Of course, there are times when students need to miss school. Children get sick, families experience unexpected circumstances, and sometimes an absence simply cannot be avoided.

Our goal is never to encourage families to send a child to school when they are ill. Instead, we encourage families to make regular attendance a priority whenever their child is healthy and able to attend.

If attendance becomes challenging for any reason, we also encourage families to communicate with us. Our goal is to partner with families and help students be successful.

Small Habits Make a Difference

Families can support good attendance by establishing consistent morning and bedtime routines, scheduling appointments outside of school hours when possible, planning vacations around scheduled school breaks, and helping children understand that being at school each day is important.

These small habits send a powerful message to children: school matters, learning matters, and being part of our school community matters.

Every Day Is an Opportunity

Each school day brings something new, a lesson learned, a question asked, a friendship strengthened, a prayer shared, or a moment when something finally “clicks.” We want our students here for those moments.

By working together to support consistent attendance, families and schools can help ensure that every student has as many opportunities as possible to learn, grow, and thrive. Every day matters, and every student matters.


St. Bernard Catholic School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school that serves preschool and elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. Bernard’s provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

More Than a Score: How STAR Testing Helps Us Support Every Student

Throughout the school year, our students participate in STAR assessments in reading and math. While families may be familiar with hearing about “STAR testing,” you may wonder what these assessments tell us, and, more importantly, what we do with the information afterward.

At our school, STAR is about much more than a score. It is one of several tools we use to better understand each student as a learner, celebrate growth, identify areas where additional support may be needed, and make informed decisions about instruction.

What Is STAR Testing?

STAR assessments are brief, computer-based assessments that provide teachers with information about students’ current skills in reading and math. Students take STAR assessments at different points throughout the school year, allowing us to see not only where students are at a particular moment, but also how they are growing over time.

What Happens After Students Take STAR?

The most important part of STAR testing happens after the assessment is complete. Our teachers review the results and use them alongside classroom work, teacher observations, other assessments, and what they know about each individual student. Together, these pieces of information help us identify student strengths, areas for continued growth, and opportunities for additional support or enrichment.

The goal is not simply to ask, “What score did this student receive?” Instead, we want to ask, “What does this student need next in order to continue growing?”

That question helps guide instructional decisions in the classroom. Teachers may adjust instruction, provide additional practice in a particular skill, offer new challenges, or monitor an area more closely. When appropriate, STAR data can also be one piece of information used when determining whether a student may benefit from additional intervention or support.

Why Do We Test More Than Once?

Learning happens throughout the entire school year, so one assessment can only provide a snapshot of a student’s learning at a particular point in time.

By assessing students at multiple points during the year, we are able to monitor growth and determine whether the instruction and support we are providing are helping students make progress. Each testing window gives us another opportunity to reflect, adjust, and respond to student needs.

It also gives us something worth celebrating: growth! A student’s progress over time can tell us just as much, and often more, than a single score.

How Can Families Help?

STAR testing does not need to be a high-pressure experience. Families can help by making sure students get a good night’s sleep, eat breakfast, arrive at school on time, and come ready to do their best.

Most importantly, remind your child that the goal is simply to show what they know. They do not need to study or prepare for STAR like they might for a classroom test.

One Piece of the Bigger Picture

No single assessment can tell us everything about a child. STAR provides valuable information, but it is only one piece of the bigger picture. Classroom performance, daily work, teacher observations, other assessments, student growth, and the individual strengths and needs of each child all contribute to our understanding of a student.

When we put those pieces together, data becomes more than numbers on a report. It becomes a tool that helps us make thoughtful decisions about teaching and learning.

Ultimately, STAR testing helps us answer the question at the heart of our work as educators:

Where is this student now, and how can we help them take their next step forward?


St. Bernard Catholic School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school that serves preschool and elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. Bernard’s provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

Portrait of an 8th Grade GRACE Graduate

As we begin the 2026-27 school year at GRACE, let us take an opportunity to reflect on our Catholic education and set goals for our future.

Please review this inspirational “Portrait of an 8th Grade GRACE Graduate” checklist.


St. Bernard 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) with open enrollment. St. Bernard’s provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

New Interim Principal

Announcing Our New Interim Principal

We are excited to announce Mrs. Jessica Wessel as the Interim Principal of GRACE St. Bernard Catholic School for the 2026-27 academic year, effective August 19, 2026.

Mrs. Wessel brings extensive experience in student support, behavioral leadership, school safety, and strong academics having served as a PreK–12 school counselor and special education teacher. She most recently served as an elementary school counselor in a regional public school district. She holds a B.S. in Special Education (UW-Whitewater), an M.S. in School & Mental Health Counseling (Oklahoma State), and a Principal Certification from Concordia University.

To ensure seamless operations and continuity, the GRACE leadership team at the Riverside Office will work closely alongside Mrs. Wessel along with our Assistant Principal, staff, and St. Bernard Parish team. The permanent principal position for the 2027–28 school year will be posted in late fall or early winter.

“I am inspired by the dedication to faith and excellence at St. Bernard School and am passionate about fostering a safe, loving and Christ-centered environment where every child is empowered to reach their full potential.” — Mrs. Jessica Wessel

Please join us in warmly welcoming Mrs. Wessel to the St. Bernard community!


Nos complace anunciar a la Sra. Jessica Wessel como Directora Interina de la Escuela Católica San Bernardo de GRACE para el año académico 2026-27, a partir del 19 de agosto de 2026.

La Sra. Wessel aporta una amplia experiencia en apoyo estudiantil, liderazgo conductual, seguridad escolar y excelencia académica, habiéndose desempeñado como consejera escolar de PreK–12 y maestra de educación especial. Recientemente se desempeñó como consejera de escuela primaria en un distrito escolar público regional. Cuenta con una Licenciatura en Educación Especial (UW-Whitewater), una Maestría en Consejería Escolar y de Salud Mental (Oklahoma State) y una Certificación de Director Escolar de la Universidad Concordia.

Para garantizar operaciones continuas y sin interrupciones, el equipo de liderazgo de GRACE en la oficina de Riverside trabajará en estrecha colaboración con la Sra. Wessel, junto con nuestro Subdirector, el personal y el equipo de la Parroquia de San Bernardo. El puesto permanente de director para el año escolar 2027–28 se publicará a finales del otoño o principios del invierno.

“Me inspira la dedicación a la fe y la excelencia en la Escuela San Bernardo, y me apasiona fomentar un ambiente seguro, amoroso y centrado en Cristo donde cada niño esté empoderado para alcanzar su máximo potencial”. — Sra. Jessica Wessel

¡Acompáñenos a darle una cálida bienvenida a la Sra. Wessel a la comunidad de San Bernardo!


St. Bernard 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) with open enrollment. St. Bernard’s provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

Faith, Fun, and Focus: Navigating the Back-to-School Transition

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.

Bus Clipart

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!


St. Bernard 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) with open enrollment. St. Bernard’s provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.