Category: General

The 2023-2024 GRACE Voice of the Customer Survey is now open until December 10th to all GRACE families! You received an email earlier this morning containing the link. We’re excited to hear from you! Thank you for your help.

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.

In a vibrant display of school spirit and camaraderie, the Student Council at St. Bernard sponsored a Fall Sports Pep Rally on Friday, December 1. The event kicked off with the infectious beat of the pep band as they performed songs that echoed throughout the gymnasium. The music served as a dynamic backdrop, amplifying the excitement as students and staff eagerly anticipated the unfolding festivities.

The pep rally began with the announcement of the student-athletes from various fall sports. Calla and Abigail, two Student Council members, announced the names of each student-athlete in cross country, soccer, volleyball, and football. As the athletes heard their names announced, they ran onto the court amid thunderous applause and were personally high-fived by a line of Student Council members.

Teachers took center stage in an unexpected twist by participating in a lighthearted game of musical chairs. Laughter, cheers, and screams filled the air as educators showcased their playful side. There were four preliminary rounds (primary, intermediate, middle school, and specials) before the championship round. The ultimate victor of this entertaining contest was none other than Mrs. Lamm, whose jubilant celebration added an extra layer of joy to the event. The third graders were ecstatic to see their teacher as the ultimate champion. “I’d like to thank God, my family, and the 3rd grade squad for believing in me and supporting my dream,” said Mrs. Lamm.

“One of the BEST moments of my life was beating Mr. Lambert!” said Mrs. MacDonald, a middle school math teacher. She made it to the championship round along with Ms. Kickels and Mr. Sabin before ultimately being defeated by Mrs. Lamm.

As the pep rally reached its conclusion, it was time for the much-anticipated game of Chuck-A-Duck. Earlier in the week, Student Council sold rubber ducks as a fundraiser to students who wanted to participate. All week long students lined up outside of the main office to purchase their ducks in hopes of winning the ultimate prize…a Squishmallow.

At the start of the game, students were divided into groups by grade level. On the count of three, ducks began soaring into the air as fans in the bleachers cheered on their classmates. Students aimed to have their ducks land on the center target that was surrounded by hula hoops to win a Squishmallow. Ultimately, there were three winners from each unit. The primary winners were Ruby, Gwendolyn, and Aislinn. Sahani, Alina, and Carson were the champions for intermediate students. The middle school champs were Carter, Giselle, and Kimberly. Don’t worry though…students whose ducks landed in the outer hula hoops still walked away as winners. They each received a NUT (No Uniform Today) Card as a consolation prize.

Reflecting on the success of the pep rally, Ms. Dudzik (assistant principal) remarked, “The pep rally truly embodied the spirit of our school community. It was fantastic to see our student-athletes being celebrated, teachers joining in the fun, and everyone coming together for a day of spirited festivities.”

Make sure to check out the St. Bernard Facebook Page to see photos from the event. There is even a special video that shows Mrs. MacDonald’s epic win over Mr. Lambert in the preliminary round of musical chairs!

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

In a heartwarming display of community spirit and compassion, students from St. Bernard School teamed up with the parish to provide Thanksgiving food baskets for 50 families in need. “This has been a tradition for many years and is a wonderful way for students to participate in an act of service,” said Amanda Thomas, school administrative assistant.

For weeks leading up to the holiday, donations adorned the school’s entrance, serving as a visual representation of the community’s commitment to supporting their neighbors. Students and parishioners generously contributed an array of non-perishable goods, from traditional Thanksgiving staples to everyday pantry items. Hundreds of items filled the tables as classes competed to see who could bring in the most items.

On Friday, November 17, the 3rd-grade students in Mrs. Lamm’s and Mrs. Shellenberger’s classes partnered with the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) members to assemble the carefully curated baskets. Before beginning, Fr. Adam said a blessing for all of the families that were going to be receiving a basket. He also thanked all of the people who helped make this project a success.

Under the guidance of NJHS mentors, the 3rd-grade students then took on the responsibility of organizing and packing the baskets. In addition, some volunteers from the St. Bernard Outreach Ministry helped as well. Laughter and camaraderie filled the hallway as they worked side by side to complete their “grocery list” for the basket. For a finishing touch, the 3rd-grade students colored a card for each family and placed it inside. This collaboration not only showcased the power of teamwork but also instilled important values of empathy and community service in the young minds involved.

“It felt really good to be able to help families who don’t have food. It was also really fun getting to fill the baskets and work together as a team,” said Jasiel, a third-grade student in Mrs. Shellenberger’s class.

Principal David Gusloff commended the students and the community, stating, “This initiative exemplifies the spirit of giving that defines our school and parish. It’s heartwarming to witness our students, from the youngest to the oldest, working together to make a positive impact on the lives of others during this special time of year.”

The baskets were then delivered that afternoon to the 50 families. In the days that followed, letters of gratitude flooded into the main office. “God bless all the people who donated items for the food baskets; my family and I are beyond thankful for your generosity,” and “Thank you for the food basket my children and I received. We are very grateful for all the support that the St. Bernard community has given us,” were just some of the messages that were received.

This heartwarming collaboration between 3rd-grade students and NJHS members not only provided tangible assistance to those in need but also served as a powerful reminder of the strength that emerges when a community joins together with a common purpose—to spread joy and gratitude during the season of Thanksgiving. Together, we can make a difference!

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

In an effort to foster leadership skills, St. Bernard has launched an innovative Student Leadership Club. This club offers students in grades 6-8 a unique opportunity to take on the role of mentors and educators for their younger peers.

Student Leadership Club aims to instill leadership qualities in students from an early age by providing a platform for older students to teach and guide their younger counterparts. Club members go into younger classrooms (grades K-5) to teach leadership lessons at five different times throughout the year. Topics include things such as what it means to be a leader, feelings, self-awareness, and more. The initiative not only nurtures a sense of responsibility but also promotes a positive and collaborative learning environment.

The heart of the program lies in the bi-weekly meetings where club members gather to brainstorm and plan engaging leadership lessons. These sessions not only serve as a space for creativity and idea exchange but also allow the students to develop their organizational and teamwork skills. Members also participate in activities that range from interactive workshops on effective communication to team-building exercises designed to enhance problem-solving skills.

Ms. Dudzik, the advisor for Student Leadership Club, expressed her excitement about the program. “This club is not just about teaching leadership skills but also about fostering a sense of community within our school. The idea is to create a cycle of mentorship where students learn from each other, creating a supportive environment for personal and academic growth.”

The club currently consists of 12 members amongst grades 6-8 and each of them has embraced their new responsibilities with enthusiasm. One of the club members, Grace, shared, “Being part of Student Leadership Club has given me a chance to step into a leadership role. I get to plan and teach lessons with my friends, and it’s amazing to see the younger students excited about learning from us.”

The impact of Student Leadership Club is already evident in the school community. Younger students look up to their mentors, fostering a sense of camaraderie and encouragement within the student body. Teachers have also recognized the importance of the program in fostering character development and positive peer relationships. “I was so impressed with the students that came into my classroom to teach this past month. They did a really great job and my students were so engaged. I think each of them learned something from their leadership mentors,” said Mrs. Hellmann, kindergarten teacher.

As the program gains momentum, Ms. Dudzik hopes to expand the club’s reach and impact. By providing students with a platform to lead and inspire, St. Bernard is nurturing the next generation of leaders who will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on their school and beyond.

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

The spirit of Día de los Muertos came alive at St. Bernard School this past Thursday as the school hosted a vibrant and heartwarming celebration for families in the school community. With a mix of traditional customs and modern elements, the event was a beautiful tribute to the Mexican holiday that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that has been celebrated for centuries. Its traditions involve creating an ofrenda, or altar, to honor the deceased that displays sugar skulls, marigolds, and candles. The holiday is also celebrated with music, food, and crafts. This year, St. Bernard School embraced these traditions wholeheartedly.

As visitors pulled up to the school, they were welcomed by two food trucks: El Bistro Taco and The Dough Shoppe. El Bistro Taco is owned by a St. Bernard family, and they provided a mouthwatering array of Mexican dishes. The enticing aroma of the cuisine filled the air, making it impossible to resist indulging in these authentic culinary delights. The line was around the corner as people eagerly awaited trying these delicious foods!

Inside, the event took place in the school’s main hallways and lunchroom, which had been transformed into a festive space. Families were greeted by colorful banners and decorations as they entered the school doors. The main focal point of the celebration was the ofrenda which was adorned with photographs, marigold flowers, and mementos of those being remembered. This ofrenda had been blessed earlier in the day by Father Adam Bradley of St. Bernard Parish and Father José Lopez of St. Peter and Paul. All of the students gathered to attend this special blessing.

The school’s community building committee organized a delightful photo booth where families could capture special memories of the evening. In addition, children and their parents gathered around tables laden with art supplies to create traditional Dia de los Muertos crafts. They made paper marigold flowers, decorated calaveras, and constructed mini skeletons of their own. It was a time for families to connect, share stories, and express their creativity.

Live music played a significant role in the event, with a local band El Trio de Mexico setting the festive tone. Attendees were seen dancing and clapping along to the joyful tunes, celebrating life and the memories of their departed loved ones. One of the main musicians, Emmanuel, was a former student who attended St. Bernard School. “It was a great opportunity to give back to my school. I was excited to be able to share my talents with the current school community,” he said. In addition, the school’s band performed a song for their families in attendance led under the direction of Ms. Brenda Winkler.

Despite it being the inaugural year, St. Bernard’s Dia de los Muertos event was an incredible success with over 200 people in attendance. It served as a beautiful example of how cultural traditions can be embraced and celebrated in a diverse and inclusive way, bringing people of all backgrounds together to commemorate their shared values of love and remembrance. “I was so impressed with the entire event. It was wonderful to be able to come together as a school community to celebrate such a meaningful holiday in my culture. I look forward to attending next year,” said Yesenia, a school parent.

Visit the school’s Facebook page at St. Bernard School to view photos from this event. The two photo albums are here and here.

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

In an enchanting display of creativity and literary passion, St. Bernard hosted a pumpkin decorating contest inspired by children’s book characters. The event was organized by the school’s librarian, Mrs. Alvarez, and had participants from preschool all the way through eighth grade. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to channel their love for reading and utilize their imagination.

In order to participate, students first had to select a children’s book to read with their family. They then had to choose their favorite character from the book and meticulously transform ordinary pumpkins into colorful works of art. Imaginations ran wild as classic characters came to life. From a Chicka Chicka tree (Chicka Chicka Boom Boom) to a mouse (If You Give a Mouse a Cookie) to Pete (Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes), every pumpkin told a unique story.

All of the pumpkins were displayed in the main hallway outside of the library from October 23 to October 26. Parents were able to see the impressive display during parent-teacher conferences, and students enjoyed checking out the various pumpkins as they walked into school each morning. On October 25 and 26, students, teachers, and parents had the challenging task of determining the winners. The criteria included creativity, attention to detail, and overall presentation.

Three winners were chosen on Tuesday, October 31st. Third place went to Mauricio in 1st grade for his creation of Rainbow Fish. Second place went to Eva, Fin, Lucy, and Natalia for their creation of Smart Cookie. The grand prize went to Sahani in 3rd grade with her creation of Chicken Little. Each winner received a gift card and Sahani also won a trophy to commemorate the moment!

Mrs. Alvarez praised the event, saying, “This contest not only encourages our students to engage with literature but also fosters their artistic talents. It’s heartwarming to see their favorite book characters come to life in such a creative way.”

The school’s pumpkin decorating contest is not only a testament to the students’ dedication to reading but also serves as a reminder of the power of literature to inspire and ignite young minds. This colorful and imaginative event promises to be a cherished tradition at St. Bernard for years to come, celebrating the magic of storytelling and artistic expression among its students.

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

On a drizzly Thursday morning, a group of excited 4th graders embarked on a memorable field trip to Madison, Wisconsin with Mrs. Waack and Ms. Etter. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the young students had an unforgettable day full of adventures, new experiences, and unexpected surprises.

The journey to Madison was a big adventure itself, as it was the first time many of the students had ridden a coach bus. The bus ride was filled with laughter and songs, turning the trip into a bonding experience for the young travelers. “The coach bus was so much fun!” exclaimed Mason, a 4th grader. “I sat with my best friend, and we played games the whole way there.”

The first stop of the day was a visit to the Henry Vilas Zoo, where the students had the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of animals. Armed with colorful umbrellas and raincoats, the children explored the zoo, learning about exotic creatures from around the world. The giggles and expressions of awe as they saw the majestic lions, playful meerkats, and curious orangutans warmed the hearts of their teachers and chaperones. Students enjoyed visiting the gift shop and eating their lunches there as well.

After the zoo visit, the group of eager young explorers headed to the magnificent Wisconsin State Capitol building. The students enjoyed an educational tour through the stunning building, marveling at its grand architecture, beautiful marble floors, and the remarkable art throughout. For many, it was their first time inside such an iconic and historic structure. “Students are always impressed with how large the capital is. They especially enjoyed looking at the fossils in the marble walls and learning where the different types of marble came from in the world,” said Mrs. Terri Waack.

As the students roamed the grand halls of the Capitol, they had the opportunity to meet with Senator Eric Wimberger. The senator warmly welcomed the young visitors and took the time to chat with them. The 4th graders were thrilled to meet a real-life senator and even more thrilled when he offered to sign autographs for each of them. Each student received a copy of the Wisconsin Blue Book as a keepsake of their time in Madison. “I’ve never met a senator before!” exclaimed Armani, a student with a beaming smile. “He was really nice, and I’m going to keep his autograph forever.”

“Senator Wimberger invited us into the assembly parlor which is a room that is used for caucus meetings. The only way you can enter is by invitation only, so this was a really special opportunity for our students,” said Ms. Jennifer Etter.

As the day came to an end, and the rain continued to pour outside, the students boarded the coach bus for their journey back to St. Bernard School. Tired but happy, they chatted about their favorite moments of the day and the new things they had learned.

The field trip to Madison, despite the rain, will undoubtedly be a cherished memory for these 4th graders. It was a day filled with adventure, learning, and the kind of unexpected moments that make school trips truly magical. The young students returned home with hearts full of inspiration and dreams of future adventures, perhaps even a career in politics for some, thanks to their special meeting with Senator Eric Wimberger.

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

St. Bernard School held its much-anticipated annual pet blessing event on October 4, where students and their pets gathered on the school grounds for a celebration in honor of St. Francis. This tradition, which has been a beloved part of the school for many years, brings together the school community to celebrate the bond between humans and their furry, feathered, and finned friends.

The event was a resounding success. “It was so cool to see students and their pets covering the field waiting to receive a special blessing from Deacon Bernie,” said Jack, one of the 8th-grade students. Emma, a second-grader, said, “I had to leave my dog at home, so I brought a stuffed animal to get blessed. My friend brought one, too!” Other students who were unable to bring their pets to school brought photos to be blessed with holy water.

At the start of the event, the older students buddied up with younger students and were encouraged to interact with the animals brought by parents and special friends. Dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, fish, and bearded dragons were just some of the animals on display. It was heartwarming to see the joy on the faces of the students as they cuddled and played with the animals.

The school choir, Hillside Harmonics, began the event by opening the celebration with a song led by our school’s talented choir director, Ms. Finke. They sang the ever-so-popular “A Place in the Choir” which made all of the children giggle. The song is definitely a crowd-pleaser and had everyone singing and dancing along. Following the music, Principal David Gusloff read an opening prayer to allow for pause and reflection. Harper and Giselle, two 8th-grade students, read the first reading and petitions before hearing the gospel and homily from Father Adam.

The event concluded with Deacon Bernie offering a final blessing for all the pets, reminding everyone of the importance of cherishing and respecting the animals we share our lives with. Students and their pets left with a sense of unity and an even deeper appreciation for the animals that bring joy and comfort into their lives.

Ms. Brittany Dudzik, assistant principal at St. Bernard, stated, “The annual pet blessing not only brings our community together but also reminds us of the unique and cherished relationships we share with our pets. It’s a wonderful way to teach our students the values of love, compassion, and respect for all living creatures. We are honored to be able to share in this feast with our family members each and every year.”

The annual pet blessing event at St. Bernard School remains a treasured tradition each year. You are encouraged to check out the photos from this event on the school’s social media pages. You can follow the school on Facebook at St. Bernard School or on Instagram @stbernardgb.

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

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:

• English: https://greatergreenbaychamber.typeform.com/to/THLGkS4W
• Spanish: https://greatergreenbaychamber.typeform.com/to/Ccc6IubJ

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

Further information can be found here.

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.

On September 20 and 21, the 6th-grade students embarked on a two-day field trip to Camp Tekakwitha located in Shawano, WI. Nestled amidst tranquil woods and serene waters, Camp Tekakwitha provides an unforgettable experience for our students. Students were chaperoned by their homeroom teachers, Ms. Clare Zipperer and Mr. Tomerot Lambert. Ms. Brittany Dudzik, our assistant principal, also tagged along for the adventure!

One of the highlights of the trip was the exhilarating canoeing adventure. The students paddled their way through the crystal-clear waters of the camp’s lake, surrounded by towering trees and a gentle breeze. It was a test of their teamwork and coordination as they navigated the water, ensuring they didn’t tip over. They learned valuable lessons about communication, trust, and the beauty of working together in nature’s embrace. “My favorite part about camp was canoeing. We were able to visit an island in the middle of the lake and even canoe through a tunnel!” said Garett, a 6th-grader in Mr. Lambert’s homeroom.

Besides canoeing, the camp offered a wide range of team-building activities designed to foster cooperation, communication, and problem-solving skills. “I really enjoyed trying to work together to get through the spider web,” said Quinn. “It was nice being able to practice our communication skills and work together to try and beat the challenge.” Another popular activity was archery. Students were able to practice using a bow and arrow to hit targets. For many of the students, it was their first time ever using a bow. Other activities the students participated in included shaving cream wiffle ball, human foosball, beach volleyball, a campfire with smores, and writing personal letters of affirmation. These activities not only strengthened their friendships but also taught them valuable life skills that will serve them well in the future.

Camp Tekakwitha is not only about adventure and fun; it also provides students with opportunities for reflection and spiritual growth. In a tranquil chapel located near the lake, the students gathered for a prayer service hosted by Father Adam, pastor at St. Bernard Parish. They also spent some time in self-reflection. They reflected on the beauty of nature, their friendships, and their personal growth during the trip. It was a poignant moment, as they realized that amidst the adventure and excitement, they also found moments of peace and serenity.

Camp Tekakwitha served as the perfect backdrop for a memorable and transformative experience that will stay with these students for years to come.

“It was a wonderful time spent with the students and the perfect way to begin the 2023-2024 school year! I enjoyed being able to see the students outside of the classroom and help them explore new things. I am grateful to have been a part of this experience,” said Ms. Dudzik.

Camp is a major part of the middle school experience at St. Bernard Catholic School. Not only do the 6th-grade students get to go to Camp Tekakwitha every fall, but the 7th-grade students attend Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya in winter and the 8th-grade students attend Camp Anokijig in spring each year as well.

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