Category: General

There’s something magical about watching a butterfly take flight for the very first time, especially when you’ve cared for it since it was just a tiny caterpillar. This spring, our first-grade students have been buzzing with excitement as they learned all about the life cycle of butterflies, thanks to a hands-on science unit led by Ms. Larson and Mrs. Anderson.

To bring their learning to life, each classroom raised live caterpillars, observing them closely as they munched their way through leaves, formed chrysalises, and eventually transformed into beautiful butterflies. Students were amazed to witness metamorphosis firsthand, as this was a process they had only read about in books or seen in videos before this experience.

Throughout the unit, students took responsibility for caring for the caterpillars and later the butterflies, demonstrating empathy, curiosity, and teamwork. They journaled about the changes they noticed each day and discussed the stages of development with their classmates. This hands-on approach helped deepen their understanding of science concepts while building a sense of wonder for the natural world.

After spending time observing and caring for the butterflies, it was finally time to set them free. The release day was both joyful and emotional, as students gathered outside to watch their butterflies flutter into nature. It was a beautiful reminder of the growth and transformation they had witnessed.

We are so grateful to Ms. Larson and Mrs. Anderson for creating such a memorable learning experience. Not only did students gain knowledge about butterflies, but they also gained a deeper appreciation for the beauty of life and the importance of caring for living things. What a special way to celebrate spring and the spirit of discovery!

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.

We are excited to share some wonderful news about the future of our school community. As we prepare for the 2025-2026 school year, we are thrilled to welcome two new teachers who will be joining our staff and continuing the legacy of excellence in our early elementary grades.

Ms. Elle Armstrong will be stepping into the role of kindergarten teacher, following the dedicated service of Mrs. Amber Hellmann. A De Pere native and a 2017 graduate of St. Norbert College, Ms. Armstrong brings both a love for teaching and a strong connection to our local community. She shared,

“Hi, I’m Miss Armstrong! I was born and raised in De Pere, and am a 2017 St. Norbert grad. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family at our cottage in Green Lake and cheer on the Packers! I am beyond excited to join the GRACE school system and be a part of the SBS community.”

Ms. Alexis Olson will be joining us as our new first-grade teacher, following the departure of Ms. Terri Larson. Ms. Olson recently completed her degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Language Arts at St. Norbert College. Many of our students and families may already recognize her from her time student teaching at SBS this past fall. She shared,

“I’m thrilled to be joining the SBS community as a first-grade teacher next year! I had a wonderful experience as a student teacher here in the fall and truly fell in love with the warm, supportive community. I recently graduated from St. Norbert College with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Language Arts, and I am so excited to begin my teaching career at a place that already feels like home!”

We are so excited to welcome Ms. Armstrong and Ms. Olson to our St. Bernard School family. Their enthusiasm, passion for teaching, and love for our community will make them a great fit for our mission and values. We can’t wait to see the joy, learning, and inspiration they will bring to their classrooms and to our entire school.

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.

At St. Bernard School, academic achievement is one of our top priorities. Through collaboration, intervention, enrichment, and ongoing data analysis, our dedicated staff works diligently to ensure every student is supported in reaching their full potential.

Recently, our data team partnered with an instructional coach from CESA 7 to take a closer look at our STAR assessment results. This spring data review was an important opportunity to reflect on student progress and set a course for continued growth. After examining trends and performance indicators, we worked together to develop a plan that will strengthen our approach to academic support next school year by incorporating WIN time into our daily schedule. WIN stands for “What I Need,” and it’s a flexible period that will allow students to receive targeted instruction based on their specific academic needs, whether that’s extra help, enrichment, or time to dive deeper into classroom concepts.

Our teachers play a vital role in this process. At St. Bernard, educators review STAR data three times each year during fall, winter, and spring. They also meet biweekly in professional learning teams to discuss data and share strategies for supporting students in meaningful, personalized ways. These ongoing conversations ensure that instruction remains responsive and that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

We are proud to share that the majority of our students demonstrated growth on the spring STAR assessment. Individual reports will be sent home with students at the end of the school year, and we hope families will take time to celebrate these achievements. The results reflect the hard work of both our students and staff, and our commitment to continuous improvement.

As we look ahead to next year, we’re excited about the addition of WIN time and the opportunities it will create for deeper learning and greater success. At St. Bernard, we believe in growing a little more each day, and we know that by working together, we can make that happen for every student.

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.

Our 4th graders recently enjoyed a fun and educational tradition, their annual field trip to Madison, WI. This special day was filled with excitement, exploration, and opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.

The first stop was the Henry Vilas Zoo, where students and chaperones got an up-close look at some of God’s incredible creatures. From the massive rhino to playful lions, curious capybaras, and even a majestic polar bear, students marveled at the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom. It was a chance to observe animal behaviors and habitats in action, making their science lessons come alive.

After the zoo, the group headed to the heart of our state government, the Wisconsin State Capitol. During a guided tour, students learned about the history and structure of our state government while walking through the stunning architecture of the capitol building. One of the highlights was spotting fossils embedded in the limestone walls and stairs, a fascinating blend of science and history that sparked curiosity and conversation.

The day was led by Mrs. Waack and Ms. Etter with the help of many wonderful parent chaperones. Their support made the day smooth and enjoyable for all. This field trip is a highlight of the school year for our 4th graders, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a day filled with learning, discovery, and lasting memories.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s adventure. You can view photos from the trip on our school social media pages.

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.

Over the past few weeks, our preschool students at St. Bernard School have had a truly unforgettable experience. As part of their science exploration, they spent time learning all about how chickens hatch from eggs, and they even got to watch it happen right in their classroom!

It all began with a group of eggs carefully placed inside an incubator, kept warm under a light. The students took their job of monitoring the eggs very seriously, checking in each day to make sure they were safe and cared for. As the days went by, excitement filled the room as the children began to notice tiny cracks forming on the eggshells. It was a magical moment when the first chick started pecking its way out, and before long, more followed, each one greeted with cheers and wide smiles from our young learners.

Once the chicks were big enough, each student had the opportunity to take a turn holding one of the fluffy, curious babies. It was a special moment for every child, one that combined wonder, care, and responsibility.

This project was much more than just a fun activity; it was a valuable, hands-on learning experience that brought science to life. At St. Bernard, we believe in the power of play-based learning, and our preschool programs for both 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds are designed to incorporate faith, exploration, and discovery into every day.

The chick hatching project is just one of many experiments and hands-on activities our preschool students experience throughout the year. Through projects like these, our youngest learners develop a sense of curiosity, responsibility, and awe for the world around them, all while growing in their faith and love of learning.

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.

Each spring, our school looks forward to one of the most exciting academic events of the year, the 5th Grade Science Fair. This year’s event was held on Wednesday, April 16, in Bishop Hall, where all 44 student projects were proudly displayed. After weeks of hard work and preparation under the guidance of Ms. Dallapizza, our fifth graders were ready to share their scientific discoveries with the entire school community.

Students were responsible for every part of the process, from developing their own project ideas and hypotheses to conducting experiments, collecting data, and drawing conclusions. Each project was displayed with a carefully crafted posterboard outlining the student’s scientific journey from start to finish.

Throughout the day, classes from every grade level signed up to visit Bishop Hall and learn from our young scientists. As guests walked from project to project, students stood by, ready to explain their work and answer any questions. Their confidence and enthusiasm were evident as they shared what they had learned through hands-on experimentation and analysis.

In addition to school visitors, a panel of judges evaluated each project, looking at both scientific thought and presentation. We’re proud to announce this year’s winners:
1st Place – Kami A.
2nd Place – Fin R.
3rd Place – Mason K.

While we celebrate the winners, we are equally proud of every student who participated. Their effort, curiosity, and creativity truly shined bright. Events like this remind us of the value of hands-on learning and the joy of discovery.

Thank you to Ms. Dallapizza for her leadership and to all the families and visitors who came to support our students. We already can’t wait for next year’s fair!

To check out photos from this year’s science fair, visit our Facebook page at St. Bernard School or follow us on Instagram at @stbernardgb!

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.

What a day! Our annual Spring Fling fundraiser, held on Sunday, April 6, was a fantastic success and a true celebration of our school community. From 11 AM to 4 PM, our school was buzzing with laughter, games, and hundreds of smiling faces. It was a day filled with fun and excitement for students, parents, teachers, and friends of our school.

Thanks to the hard work and generous support of our many parent volunteers, the event ran smoothly and was packed with activities for everyone to enjoy. Students had a blast playing a variety of carnival games, including classics like the lollipop tree, Plinko, mini golf, and Gone Fishing. One of the biggest hits of the day was the stuffed animal cage game. If you picked the right key and unlocked the cage, the prize was yours to keep.

Another favorite was the soda ring toss, where lucky winners walked away with bottles of soda. Of course, it would not be Spring Fling without a little friendly fun aimed at our school leaders. Students loved the chance to pie Mr. Gusloff and Father Adam. No Spring Fling would be complete without the bounce houses in the gym. They were easily the most fun of all and a favorite stop for students of all ages.

Guests also enjoyed a wide array of delicious food throughout the day. Whether it was hamburgers, brats, booyah, or tamales, there was something for everyone to savor.

The silent auction brought an extra level of excitement with incredible items up for bid including a ride to school in a Cybertruck, a flight experience, sideline tickets to a Packers game, a signed Jordan Love football, spa packages, and more. The classroom projects were also a highlight. Each grade level put a lot of heart into creating something unique, and it truly showed.

Families had fun trying their luck with over 50 bucket raffles and entering our cash raffle for a chance to win 500, 250, or 100 dollars. The 50/25/25 tickets were a big hit too, with parents and teachers teaming up to make it a fun part of the day.

We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible. From those who baked for the bakery to those who donated raffle items, volunteered time, or simply showed up to support the school, Spring Fling was a wonderful reminder of the strong and joyful community we have here. We hope everyone had as much fun as we did, and we are already looking forward to next year.

To check out photos from the event, visit our Facebook page at St. Bernard School or follow us on Instagram at @stbernardgb!

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.

Our primary students recently embarked on an exciting field trip to Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve. What an incredible day it was! Packed with adventure, discovery, and hands-on learning, the day offered our young explorers the perfect chance to connect with nature and experience the wonder of God’s creation up close.

The adventure began with a pond study, where students eagerly grabbed their nets and waded into discovery. With every scoop from the pond’s edge, they uncovered fascinating creatures: bug larvae, snails, fish, leeches, dragonfly larvae, algae blobs, back striders, and even a frog! Guided by an expert naturalist, students sorted through their “catch,” learning to identify living and nonliving things. The excitement grew as they brought their finds back to the learning center, where they got a closer look under the microscope, sparking awe and curiosity in every student.

From the water to the woods, our students then headed out on a sensory nature hike. As they walked through the forest, they used all five senses to explore the world around them. They saw a variety of trees and plants, heard the calls of birds in the distance, and smelled the earthy aroma of the forest floor. They touched bark that was rough, leaves that were smooth, and even came across a few slimy surprises! One of the most memorable moments? Tasting a tree! (Don’t worry—it was safe and approved by our guide!)

Along the trail, our guide helped the students identify different plant species, signs of wildlife, and even owl pellets. The hike wasn’t just a walk in the woods; it was a rich, sensory experience that deepened their appreciation for the natural world.

This fun-filled day at Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve gave our students a chance to learn outside the classroom, exploring the beauty and complexity of the environment with joyful curiosity. They left with muddy boots, smiling faces, and a deeper understanding of the world God created for us to care for and enjoy.

To check out photos from the trip, visit our Facebook page at St. Bernard School or follow us on Instagram at @stbernardgb!

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.

Last Thursday, March 27, our 5th-grade students set off on an exciting adventure to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc. This field trip was a perfect blend of history, science, and hands-on learning, giving students the opportunity to explore Wisconsin’s maritime past while engaging in real-world engineering activities.

One of the biggest highlights of the day was the chance to tour a real submarine, the USS Cobia. Students stepped into the shoes of World War II sailors as they navigated the narrow hallways, peeked into crew quarters, and explored the control rooms. Learning about the submarine’s missions and the challenges sailors faced while living and working underwater left a lasting impression on everyone. The authentic, immersive experience helped bring history to life in a way that no textbook ever could!

In addition to the submarine tour, students got to put their engineering skills to the test in a Remote-Operated Vehicle (ROV) building lab. Working in teams, they designed and built their own small underwater vehicles, learning how engineers develop technology for underwater exploration. This hands-on STEM activity encouraged problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity, which are skills that are essential for future innovators.

Beyond the interactive activities, students gained a deeper appreciation for Wisconsin’s rich maritime history. They learned about the important role the Great Lakes have played in shipping, trade, and naval operations, as well as how the region contributed to submarine production during World War II. Seeing artifacts, models, and exhibits helped them connect classroom lessons to the real world in an exciting and meaningful way.

This field trip was an unforgettable experience that combined history, science, and engineering into one incredible day of learning. It was a joy to see our students so engaged, curious, and excited to explore!

To check out photos from the trip, visit our Facebook page at St. Bernard School or follow us on Instagram at @stbernardgb!

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.

Our 8th graders recently embarked on an unforgettable learning adventure to the Barlow Planetarium and the Weis Earth Science Museum, where they explored both the mysteries of the sky and the history beneath their feet.

At the Barlow Planetarium, students became expert stargazers as they learned how to read the constellations. They discovered that by identifying a single star, they could use it as a guide to locate entire constellations, a skill that ancient navigators once relied upon. They were also fascinated to learn that the night sky changes with the seasons. Because of Earth’s tilt, we see two different sets of stars throughout the year—one in summer and another in winter!

To cap off their time at the observatory, students enjoyed an exciting laser show, where dazzling lights brought the night sky to life in a whole new way.

After exploring the cosmos, students shifted their focus to Earth’s history at the Weis Earth Science Museum. They were amazed to see real fossils from each geological era they had just studied in science class, connecting their lessons to tangible pieces of the past. The museum also featured an impressive collection of minerals and gemstones, highlighting the beauty hidden beneath Earth’s surface.

One of the most exciting parts of the visit was a special exhibit dedicated to Wisconsin’s geological history. Students learned about specific rocks found in our state and even discovered how Wisconsin’s state flag reflects our rock heritage—a fascinating connection between geology and history.

Of course, no field trip to a natural history museum would be complete without a look at dinosaurs! Our students were in awe as they viewed real dinosaur fossils and even fossilized eggs, bringing prehistory to life before their eyes.

This trip provided an incredible opportunity for hands-on learning, reinforcing what students have been studying in class while sparking new curiosity. Whether looking to the stars or examining the past beneath their feet, our 8th graders walked away with a deeper appreciation for both the vastness of space and the rich history of our planet.

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.