Category: General

Besides education and faith, one of the very top priorities of GRACE leadership is to continually elevate educator compensation. Through the support of our Board of Trustees and our sound fiscal practices, GRACE has been able to make significant gains in employee compensation over the past six years. This is part of GRACE’s Strategic Plan to enhance compensation for our valued employees in a fiscally responsible and equitable manner. We are proud of the specific actions, which include:

• GRACE employee wages have increased every year with raises historically between 3% and 5% annually.
• We have developed, and are implementing, a multi-year, sustainable plan to continue to retain and attract top talent, including via competitive compensation which includes, in part, competitive compensation.
• GRACE offers a robust benefits package to teachers and staff, including medical and dental benefits. Candidates seek to join our GRACE employee ranks to take advantage of not only our mission, but our benefit package as well.
• We offer childcare for employees at below market rates through our GRACE Little Saints Child Care program.
• GRACE employees receive attractive tuition discounts so their children can attend GRACE Schools. Tuition discounts are also available for our employees who have children attending Notre Dame Academy as well as St. Norbert College through our CatholicLink relationships.
• Recognizing talent with our GRACE Teacher Excellence Awards through both Top Teacher Talent Awards and a Master’s Path Program which involves a fully paid Master’s Program for teachers through St. Norbert College.
• From time to time, through generous support of donors and sound financial governance, GRACE has been blessed to provide special bonuses to our employees. Such bonuses reward performance achievements enabled through dedicated, valued teachers, staff and administrators – the most recent bonus distributed in January 2024.

These actions are important and vital steps in our ongoing strategic efforts to elevate compensation overall for our valued GRACE employees.

Competitive compensation is crucial for retaining and attracting excellent teachers and staff in all areas of our schools. This in turn, helps to build and support skilled and dedicated professional teams within our schools and our system.

Compensation is only one piece of the puzzle. Our educators feel valued when GRACE parents and students take time to express their genuine thanks for the excellent Catholic education teachers provide. This gratitude, coupled with attractive compensation and benefits makes GRACE an employer of choice and, in turn, contributes to the stability and continuity of our GRACE school communities.

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.

By Nick Anderson
GRACE Board of Trustees Chairperson

I am fortunate to have attended Notre Dame of De Pere for grade school where I received an excellent Catholic education. I was a student there years before Notre Dame and the other Green Bay area Diocese schools came together in what we now know as the GRACE System. Fast forward (many, many years) to 2023 and my wife and I are now blessed to have three students enrolled in a GRACE school and be part of a vibrant school/parish community.

I am a firm believer in the value of Catholic education. I am particularly passionate about keeping that education affordable for all families, especially for our middle-income families who reflect the majority of our community.

That’s where GRACE excels. Today, tuition at GRACE elementary schools is about $3,500 per year for active parishioners. While that amount certainly represents a significant sacrifice – and investment – that parents make for their children, GRACE tuition is reasonable as compared to other Catholic schools. For example, parishioner tuition at a Catholic grade school in the Milwaukee area is $4,990, and in the Fox Valley tuition ranges from $4,300 to $5,300 per year.

How does GRACE do this to maintain affordable tuition? In two ways: (1) By limiting costs, and (2) by drawing funding from a broad range of funding sources.

First, let’s consider the cost side. Today the full actual cost of educating a student in a GRACE school is about $8,000 per year. Here are the components of this cost:

• 64% – Educator pay and benefits
• 11% – Facilities (buildings and grounds, rent, etc.)
• 8% – Medical Insurance Benefits
• 6% – Books and technology
• 4% – Administrative pay and benefits
• 3% – Food service
• 4% – Other operational

This cost would be significantly higher without GRACE. That’s because GRACE provides key economies of scale (think: purchasing textbooks and technology in bulk; limiting administrative costs). Without GRACE each individual school would need to pay for its own benefits, manage facilities, and provide books and technology – all without the robust platform that GRACE provides. Before GRACE was formed, our parishes were investing upwards of 75% of their annual parishioner giving to support their parish schools.

Let’s turn to the funding side. As noted above, tuition of $3,500 falls well short of the $8,000 actual cost to educate a student. Generous support by our community allows GRACE to coordinate funding sources that bridge the gap. Here are GRACE’s key funding sources:

• 36% – Tuition
• 28% – Wisconsin Parental Choice
• 19% – Parish subsidies (remember, there are 23 parishes supporting nine schools).
• 6% – Food Service (e.g. Annual Appeal, grants)
• 6% – Site-level Third Source Funding (e.g. $ from so many great Site Advisory Committee (“SAC”) events/auctions)
• 5% – Centralized GRACE fundraising

Some good news: while GRACE’s overall enrollment has been increasing throughout its existence, GRACE’s reliance on parishes and third source funding (SAC) has, in that same timeframe, decreased. To maintain this positive momentum, centralized GRACE development will be a particular area of focus in the coming year. GRACE recently formed a Development Committee to explore the best ways to fund Catholic education, better collaborate with our outstanding SAC leadership, and support GRACE’s objective to continue to systematically reduce reliance on the amounts that individual parishes invest.

I will admit when I first heard about the GRACE System, I made some faulty assumptions. I jumped to the conclusion that GRACE was an unnecessary bureaucracy – I thought each school could simply run itself. But I was wrong. I have since asked a lot of questions, learned more, witnessed GRACE in action in many facets, and come to realize the wisdom and vision of the parents, priests and Bishop who formed the GRACE system over 12 years ago. The math shows that, absent the power of the GRACE System, any lone individual school would need to charge more tuition and/or engage in far more fundraising in order to manage the administrative and operational costs needed to maintain a high-quality school experience. As a parent I am grateful for the support of our great SAC leaders, volunteers, parishes and donors, all of which help keep Catholic education affordable and attainable to our Green Bay community. And that is the true value of GRACE.

Nick Anderson
GRACE Board of Trustees Chairperson

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.

To celebrate a successful end to trimester two, the school gymnasium was transformed into a vibrant sea of neon colors and glowing lights as students in grades K-2 gathered for a special Glow Party. Organized by the primary teachers, the event aimed to provide a fun and memorable experience for the students.

As the students entered the gym, they were greeted with neon hats, glow bracelets, and light-up balloons, adding to the excitement of the afternoon. The room was decorated with neon decor, black lights, and glowing balloons, creating a surreal atmosphere that immediately captured the children’s attention.

The highlight of the afternoon was the dance floor, where students danced to fun music. The biggest requests were songs by Taylor Swift, which got everybody up dancing and singing. The combination of energetic tunes and glowing accessories created an electrifying atmosphere, with students showing off their best dance moves and having a blast with their friends.

In addition to the dance floor, the event also featured a photo booth with black lights, allowing students to take memorable photos that captured the glowing fun. These photos can be found on the St. Bernard Facebook and Instagram pages. The photo booth was a big hit with the students, who lined up eagerly to take turns posing for pictures.

“The teachers who planned this did a great job. I loved this even more than Catholic Schools Week!” exclaimed Nalanie, a first grader.

Mr. Gusloff, the school principal, and Ms. Dudzik, the assistant principal, also joined in on the event. They danced to the music and even photo-bombed a few photos. “This was the best day of my life!” Aylin, a second grader, told Ms. Dudzik as they were dancing to the final song of the afternoon.

Overall, the Glow Party was a resounding success, providing a fun and memorable experience for the students. The event was a testament to the creativity and dedication of the school’s teachers, who worked hard to create a magical afternoon that the students will not soon forget.

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.

GRACE Schools will earn 10% of Cathedral Book & Gift in-store and online sales on select Fridays and Saturdays in March. Proceeds will benefit all GRACE Schools SAC third-source fundraising! Shop online now.

Dates:
March 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23

Store Location:
Cathedral Book & Gift
131 S. Madison Street
Green Bay, WI 54301

Store Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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 once-in-a-lifetime event, the 6th and 7th grade St. Bernard girls’ basketball teams had the opportunity to showcase their skills during halftime at a recent UWGB Women’s Basketball Game. The event, held at the Kress Events Center, drew a crowd of supportive families from the school who came to cheer on the young student-athletes.

The SBS students were thrilled to be part of the experience, which began with standing on the court during the National Anthem and high-fiving the college players during the starting lineup. These moments were not only memorable for the young athletes but also served as an inspiration as they looked up to the college players as role models.

At halftime, the students took to the court with enthusiasm, showcasing their dribbling, passing, and shooting skills in a friendly and spirited game. Despite the nerves of playing in front of a large crowd, the students displayed impressive composure and sportsmanship throughout the game. The young athletes played against each other on the court for eight minutes and scored several impressive points.

Ila, a 7th-grader, said, “The experience was so much fun! I was so happy when I scored that first basket!”

“It was so cool to go on to the court and see things behind the scenes. It was a really awesome opportunity, and I am so glad we were able to do it!” said Sophia.

During the 3rd quarter, four SBS students had a chance to participate in the “Scott’s Subs Uniform Dash” game, adding to the excitement of the afternoon. Jaylah, Samantha, Zoe, and Kamila raced against each other (and the clock) to put on a full basketball uniform and race back down the court. It was a game full of laughter as the girls put on clothes that were too big and attempted to run in size 14 shoes. Ultimately, Zoe was the winner and took home a gift card to Scott’s Subs!

Besides the excitement of the St. Bernard students playing, the college basketball game was equally exciting for those in attendance! UWGB defeated Detroit Mercy with a final score of 87-44. There was even a half-court shot made as the buzzer rang to signal the end of the quarter!

Overall, the event was a wonderful example of how sports can bring people together and inspire young athletes to dream big. It was a great opportunity for St. Bernard families to spend time with one another outside of school and cheer on the school’s student-athletes. Colleen MacDonald, SBS athletic director, said, “I hope that we get this opportunity again next year and more families and students can participate. This event provided memories that will last a lifetime for the St. Bernard families who attended. I am so grateful we got to experience this!”

To view photos from this day, please visit the school’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

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.

At St. Bernard School, a unique literacy program is making a big impact. Bears 2 Cubs pairs eighth-grade students with kindergarteners to enhance their reading skills and foster a love for books.

The program, now in its sixth year, operates weekly during the school year. Eighth-grade students in the National Junior Honor Society are assigned to work one-on-one with a kindergartener, providing personalized attention and guidance. The focus is on recognizing letter names, letter sounds, and CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words. It also has a special emphasis on reading sentences and progressing to decodable books.

Together they find a space throughout the school to work on specific literary goals. Much of the learning is done through hands-on activities and manipulatives such as board games and foam letters. This makes the learning exciting for everyone involved.

“Our goal is to create a positive reading experience for both the eighth graders and the kindergarteners,” says Mrs. Amanda Boeke, a kindergarten teacher. “The older students not only help the younger ones with their reading skills but also serve as role models and mentors.”

“I love this program because it provides a great opportunity for collaboration among our students. I believe that not only are the younger students learning, but the older students are learning how to teach and encourage,” says Mrs. Amy Robinson, reading interventionist. “I can see how the students I work with improve each week due to this program.”

The impact of Bears 2 Cubs extends beyond improved literacy skills. Many of the eighth graders report increased confidence in their own reading abilities, while the kindergarteners develop a sense of excitement and accomplishment as they progress through the program.

“I love getting to help my reading buddy every week. It’s rewarding to see how excited they get when they can read a new word or sentence,” said Harper, an 8th-grader.

For the kindergarteners, the benefits are clear. “I like reading with my buddy,” says Isaac, a kindergartener. “He helps me read big words! It is fun!”

The Bears 2 Cubs program has been praised by parents, teachers, and students alike for its innovative approach to literacy education. By pairing older students with younger ones, Bears 2 Cubs not only improves reading skills but also builds relationships and a sense of community within the schools.

As the program continues to grow, its impact on both the eighth-grade volunteers and the kindergarteners is undeniable. Bears 2 Cubs is not just about teaching reading—it’s about fostering a love for reading that will last a lifetime.

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 an ever-evolving educational landscape, the pursuit of professional growth and collaboration among educators stands as a cornerstone for academic excellence. On Friday, February 9th, teachers in the GRACE district came together at Notre Dame of De Pere for an in-service learning initiative focused on Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). These communities, designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaborative learning among educators, have been met with resounding enthusiasm and promise.

Dr. Anne Franklin, a leading authority in educational leadership and instructional design, captivated audiences with her dynamic presentation style and wealth of expertise. Drawing upon years of research and hands-on experience, she elucidated the critical role of PLCs in nurturing collaborative inquiry and fostering instructional excellence.

“Today is about more than just sharing insights; it’s about igniting a collective passion for student success,” remarked Dr. Franklin as she kicked off the day’s proceedings. With unwavering enthusiasm, she delved into the foundational principles of PLCs, emphasizing their potential to cultivate a culture of shared responsibility and continuous professional growth among educators.

Throughout the day, participants were immersed in interactive workshops and presentations, designed to equip them with practical strategies for establishing and sustaining effective PLCs within their school communities. From establishing clear learning goals to fostering meaningful collaboration, Dr. Franklin provided educators with a roadmap for success in their PLC endeavors. She even referenced the RAGBRAI bicycle ride and used that as a metaphor for what a good PLC process looks like.

Several teachers at St. Bernard expressed their excitement about integrating PLCs into their professional development journey. One said, “The in-service on Friday provided invaluable insights into the power of collaboration among educators. PLCs offer a structured platform for us to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collectively address instructional challenges.”

Another teacher said, “Dr. Franklin’s insights have not only deepened my understanding of PLCs but also equipped me with practical tools to leverage data effectively in my classroom. I am looking forward to working with my team each week to apply what we learned.”

The core philosophy underlying PLCs revolves around the belief that educators, when given the opportunity to collaborate and reflect on their practices, can enhance student learning outcomes significantly. By forming interdisciplinary or vertical teams, teachers engage in ongoing dialogue to analyze student data, design targeted interventions, and refine instructional strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of their students.

Mr. Gusloff, principal at St. Bernard, says, “At its essence, PLCs embody a culture of shared responsibility and collective efficacy. By harnessing the collective expertise of educators, schools can cultivate a supportive environment conducive to professional growth and student achievement.”

As the St. Bernard teachers return to school, armed with newfound knowledge and enthusiasm, the ripple effects of the in-service learning on PLCs are palpable. Teachers will meet once per week in their respective units to continue to look at data and focus on the four main questions: 1. What do we want all students to know and be able to do? 2. How will we know if they learn it? 3. How will we respond when some students do not learn? 4. How will we extend the learning for students who are already proficient?

In conclusion, the in-service on Professional Learning Communities last week Friday ignited a spark of enthusiasm and innovation among educators. As St. Bernard and the other GRACE schools embark on this journey of collaborative inquiry and professional growth, the collective dedication and commitment of teachers promise to pave the way for a brighter and more enriching educational experience for all students.

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.

The 2024-25 GRACE calendar is now live! Check it out on the GRACE website 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.

Catholic Schools Week recently concluded at St. Bernard School. It was a week that brought together students, educators, parents, and the broader community in a week-long celebration of faith, learning, and community spirit. Read about the highlights from each day below!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28: The week began with students leading both the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Masses at St. Bernard Parish. Students were involved in the entire Mass process from the introduction to the readings to bringing up the gifts. After each Mass concluded, parishioners received a handmade bookmark from a student and were invited to celebrate in Bishop Hall with a donut and some fellowship. This was the first official day of the Penny Battle as well. Jars were displayed in Bishop Hall as classrooms competed against one another to raise the most money for Old Glory Honor Flight. This is an organization whose main focus is to honor veterans by providing them with an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

MONDAY, JANUARY 29: The special dress for the day was “Dress Like Your Favorite Book Character.” Students and teachers alike came dressed in all sorts of creative costumes. Some popular favorites included Harry Potter, Waldo, Ms. Frizzle, the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree, and Pete the Cat. Throughout the day, students were given the opportunity to “Stop, Drop, and Read!” Students brought a book and a blanket from home and found a cozy place to read anywhere in the school. Popular spots included the gym, underneath tables, and in the hallways. Many older students enjoyed finding a younger student to read picture books together. Another fun activity on this day was Disney Trivia. Students competed against other students in their homeroom to be the ultimate Disney champion. The winner from each homeroom then went to the main office to claim a special Disney-themed prize. Finally, each day students had the opportunity to participate in an estimation game. The question on this day was, “How Many Books are in the School Library?” One winner was chosen from each unit level to win a gift card to Barnes and Noble for having the closest guess!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 30: It was Decades Day on this day! Students and teachers represented every decade from 1950 all the way to 2020. It sure was groovy to see how totally tubular everyone looked in their throwback outfits! The Penny Battle continued on this day as students brought in pennies and dollars to help improve their chances of winning while also bringing in silver coins to reduce other classrooms’ chances. Throughout various points of the day, students played BINGO in their classrooms. Numbers were called over the announcements and there were tons of winners as the entire school played together. BINGO winners each got to pick out a new book to take home! Just like Monday, there was an estimation game. The question on this day was, “How many BINGO chips are in the jar?” The four winners from each unit level won a gift card to Baskin Robbins for ice cream.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31: Today was all about bringing bright colors to the school! Students had “Dress All in One Color Day” and came wearing as much of one color as possible from head to toe. Each grade was also assigned a color to decorate their entire classroom with. Students brought in decorations from home such as streamers, balloons, toys, and more in their assigned color. Music was playing throughout the halls as classrooms had 30 minutes to make their classroom look the most decked out in their color. A panel of judges then came around after and awarded one winning classroom from each unit. The preschool winner was Room 20, the primary winner was Room 3, the intermediate winner was Room 9, and the middle school winner was Room 13. These classrooms each earned themselves an ice cream party that afternoon. It was absolutely crazy how bright and colorful each classroom turned out; it was very impressive how creative everyone got! In the afternoon, students got to relax by coloring a schoolwide mural in the lunchroom. They also got to enjoy a small treat from the treat cart that traveled throughout the hallways. The estimation game of the day was, “How Many Skittles are in the Jar?” The four winners each earned themselves a family-size bag of Skittles to take home!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1: The students each came to school in their favorite sports apparel on this day. It was also time for the main event of the week…all of the students in grades K-8 traveled to the Resch Center downtown to cheer on the UWGB Men’s Basketball Team! The experience was wild and so much fun for everyone involved. The UWGB team said that the student sections were the loudest they have ever been since 2015! Kids screamed and cheered as they watched UWGB defeat IUPUI at the game. Upon returning to school, the entire school gathered in the gym to participate in the Divine Mercy Chaplet. It was a wonderful end to the day as students joined together in song. This was led by the school principal, Mr. Gusloff, and his wife. Their singing talents are such a blessing! This was also the final day of the Penny Battle. Students brought in last-minute donations to try and claim the ultimate prize of a pizza party. The estimation game of the day was, “How Many Rosaries are in the Jar?” The four winners each got a mini over-the-door basketball hoop and a mini basketball to take home.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2: This was the final day of Catholic Schools Week 2024. Students wore their regular school uniforms as it was a Mass day. The Mass was led by Room 5 students and included a blessing of the candles to be used for the upcoming liturgical year. Following Mass, students were allowed to put on a crazy hat or headband and some crazy socks. This was also the day when the winner of the Penny Battle was announced. The winning classroom was Room 8; they were so excited to win a pizza party for their class! A check was presented to Old Glory Honor Flight for $3,100…this amount was a Catholic Schools Week record! We are so grateful for all the families and parishioners who contributed to such a wonderful organization. In the afternoon, students paired up with their buddy class to make Valentine’s cards. These cards were then donated to the VA Clinic for veterans. It was such a joy to see the older students working with the younger students. This was also the final estimation game of the day. The question was, “How Many Pennies are in the Jar?” The winners with the closest guess each got to take home a new pair of crazy socks.

As Catholic Schools Week came to a close, the resounding sentiment within the school community was one of gratitude, joy, and a strengthened sense of unity. The week-long celebration not only showcased the academic excellence of the school but also highlighted the vibrant community spirit that defines the Catholic education experience. To see photos of all the fun from the week, please visit the school’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

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.

It’s here: We are excited to share our Winter Edition of the GRACE Newsletter with you! In this issue, you’ll learn about GRACE’s budgeting, teacher compensation, tuition affordability, our Finance Committee, and more!

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.