Category: General

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.

At St. Bernard School, a group of enthusiastic and determined young minds is proving that age is no barrier to leadership. The Student Council is making waves with its inspiring initiatives, demonstrating that even the youngest voices can drive positive change.

Comprising of bright and motivated students from grades 5-8, the Student Council is not just about organizing fun events but is actively engaged in projects that promote kindness, inclusivity, and community spirit.

To become a member of the Student Council, students had to complete an application at the start of the school year. A team of teachers combed through the applications and selected 28 students to participate. These students are led under the direction of Mrs. Alvarez, the school librarian. They meet bi-weekly on Wednesdays during their lunch hour to create new initiatives for the school.

One of the first accomplishments of the Student Council was the implementation of a buddy system aimed at fostering friendship and support among students. Understanding the challenges of making new friends, especially in the earlier grades, the council paired older classrooms with younger ones, creating a mentorship program. This buddy system was first utilized at the annual Pet Blessing event they sponsored. It has continued throughout the school year with many teachers meeting regularly with their buddy classes.

With a focus on community service, the Student Council has initiated projects that demonstrate the power of compassion. From organizing food drives at Thanksgiving to creating handmade cards for the VA Clinic for Valentine’s Day, these young leaders are making a difference in the lives of those around them.

Student Council has also been successful in creating a positive and vibrant school culture by organizing themed spirit weeks and pep rallies. Their fall sports pep rally was a huge success and they are looking forward to the upcoming winter sports pep rally they have been working diligently to plan. For Catholic Schools Week, Student Council sponsored a Disney trivia game and held a contest that had students decorating their classrooms all in one color. The winning classroom with the best decorations even earned an ice cream party! Their efforts have not only brought smiles to the faces of their fellow students but have also created a sense of unity and pride within the school community.

Finally, Student Council has done a lot of fundraising. Their biggest fundraiser of the year was “Chuck a Duck” which generated over $500. Coming up in the next few weeks, they are having a LEGO Sale. Students will be able to purchase tickets for $2.00 each in the hopes of winning a brand-new LEGO set. Student Council is looking to purchase some new sports equipment for outside, microwaves for the lunchroom, and new books for the library with the money they raise.

“These kids are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders today,” remarks Mrs. Alvarez. “I commend the Student Council for their dedication and innovative approach to fostering positive change. Their initiatives are not only heartwarming but also showcase the potential of young minds to make a meaningful impact.”

The Student Council at St. Bernard is a testament to the idea that leadership and empathy can begin at a young age. It is a program that is only going to continue to grow in the coming years. By empowering students to take an active role in shaping their school environment, the council is sowing the seeds for a future generation of compassionate, responsible, and engaged citizens.

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.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Terri Larson and Mrs. Chrissy Kiefert on being named Golden Apple Teachers of Distinction by the Greater Green Bay Chamber. These teachers are just one step away from receiving a Golden Apple at the 31st Annual Golden Apple Award on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024!

Ms. Terri Larson is a second-grade teacher at St. Bernard Catholic School, and Mrs. Chrissy Kiefert is a fifth-grade teacher at Holy Family Catholic School. These teachers have made a special impact on students, parents, and our GRACE school community! Our GRACE family is so proud of the accomplishments of both teachers.

Thank you, Ms. Larson and Mrs. Kiefert!

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 seasons of six GRACE girls and boys basketball teams culminated in a trip to St. Norbert College on Friday, January 19. The nearly three-month seasons, filled with ups and downs, fun, and lasting memories, saw their finales played on a collegiate court. The opportunity to be announced before the game and to play on the home court of the Green Knights created a memorable experience. 

Special thanks needs to be given to St. Norbert College Athletics staff for hosting and providing a concessions stand, the League Director Ryan & each school’s Athletic Directors for all their time & effort planning, and the coaches & volunteers who gave their time and talents on Friday.

GRACE Athletics has the unique opportunity to play sporting events at St. Norbert College through the CatholicLink partnership. Collaborations with the college offer many invaluable experiences for GRACE students and more opportunities like this will be made available in the future.

Learn more about GRACE athletics and activities 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.

The 7th-grade students of St. Bernard School embraced the winter wonderland as they embarked on a thrilling adventure to Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya. The two-day excursion, taking place on Thursday, January 18, and Friday, January 19, was filled with exciting outdoor activities and opportunities to build lasting friendships.

The snowy landscape provided the perfect backdrop for the students to engage in various winter sports. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing were among the highlights, allowing the young adventurers to explore the picturesque surroundings while enjoying the crisp winter air.

One unique experience included the introduction to the ancient sport of atlatl. Students had the chance to try their hand at this traditional hunting technique, adding an educational and historical element to the trip.

Team building games brought the students together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. These activities not only challenged them physically but also encouraged problem-solving and communication skills, enhancing their ability to work as a cohesive group. One popular favorite was the game “Message to Garcia” which had the students trying to deliver messages from one teacher to another without getting tagged by the other team. Another favorite was the game “Predator, Prey” where students learned about having to survive if you are on the lower end of the food chain or having to hunt to survive.

Sledding down snowy hills brought pure joy and laughter, creating memories that will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come. Boot hockey added a competitive edge to the trip, with friendly matches showcasing the students’ enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

Amidst the adventure, the students gathered around for a captivating campfire story in the Earth Lodge, adding a touch of warmth to the chilly winter night. They heard the story of “Ole Peterson” which is an old camp legend that has been shared for many years.

As the two days unfolded, the students not only enjoyed the thrill of outdoor activities but also dedicated time to building friendships. The scenic beauty of Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya provided a serene backdrop for bonding and creating lasting connections.

Brittany Dudzik, assistant principal, expressed enthusiasm about the trip, stating, “This winter excursion was not just about fun and games; it was an opportunity for our students to learn, grow, and forge connections that extend beyond the classroom. We believe in the importance of holistic education, and experiences like these contribute significantly to their overall development.”

As the 7th-grade students return to St. Bernard School, they carry with them not only memories of winter adventures but also a sense of teamwork, resilience, and the value of building meaningful friendships.

“I was so impressed with how well I was able to throw the atlatl,” said Brendan, a student who went along on the trip. “I didn’t think that I would be that good at it, but it was fun to try something new.”

“Sledding was so much fun! It was fun having all of us tie our sleds together and try to go down the hill at the same time. I also laughed when Mr. Lambert broke his sled,” said Daemian.

The school looks forward to more enriching experiences that complement the students’ academic journey, creating a well-rounded educational experience that extends beyond textbooks and classrooms. To view pictures from the trip, visit the school’s social media pages on Facebook or 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.

Get your tickets to see NDA’s production of Annie at https://ndamusical.ludus.com.

We would like to give a special shout-out to our alumni students who are performing or helping with the show:

Charlie G. – Rooster Hannigan/Ensemble
Pamela J. – Ensemble
Caroline B. – Mrs. Pugh/Boylan Sister/Ensemble
Maya C. – Officer Ward/Judge Brandeis
Alexander G. – Trombone
Ben S. – Bass Guitar
Dominic D. – Drum Set
Gabrielle J. – Clarinet/Bass Clarinet/Soprano Saxophone
Jack S. – Keyboard
Teresa S. – Stage Crew/Props
Maya F. – Tech/Lighting

It is sure to be a wonderful show that you won’t want to miss!

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 burst of creativity and humor, middle school drama students at St. Bernard recently performed a 30-minute show titled “The 10 Best/Worst Things About Middle School.” The performance, the result of a semester’s dedication, featured hilarious and relatable moments that had the entire K-8 student body laughing.

At St. Bernard School, middle school students choose a fine arts course for the semester, and one option is a drama class. Led by Mrs. Colleen MacDonald, this year’s class of 27 participants from grades 6-8 selected the comedy “The 10 Best/Worst Things About Middle School” by M.G. Davidson. The play humorously explored the challenges of adolescence, resonating with the audience.

The journey to the stage started at the semester’s beginning, with students investing hours in rehearsals, script readings, and character development. The young actors, guided by Mrs. MacDonald, showcased their dedication in every aspect of the production. The result was two performances held on January 12 in Bishop Hall.

The first performance was for grades K-4, offering younger students a glimpse into middle school humor. The second performance, for grades 5-8, resonated with the older students who found the play capturing both the best and worst aspects of their middle school experience.

Feedback from the cast and audience confirmed the success of the performance. Parents, teachers, and students alike were transported back to their middle school days, reflecting on the shared experiences that define adolescence.

Nolan, a 7th-grader who played the narrator, said, “I really enjoyed being a part of this play. It served as a reminder that, despite the challenges and awkward moments, middle school is a shared journey filled with growth, friendships, and unforgettable experiences.”

Johnny, a 6th-grader who played multiple small roles, said, “I was so nervous to perform for the middle school students, but I think it went really well. I was so proud of our hard work. It was fun getting to celebrate and cheer as a cast when it was finally over.”

Parents were invited to attend, and they praised the play. “I haven’t laughed this hard in ages. It’s like they took the essence of middle school and turned it into a comedy masterpiece,” remarked one parent. “I could see my own middle school days unfolding before my eyes. It was like they captured the chaos and charm perfectly.”

Even a kindergartener, Isaac, found it really funny and well done. “I laughed a lot. They did a good job,” he said with a smile.

These first-semester drama students certainly deserve a round of applause and a “Bravo!” from everyone. As the school enters semester two, a new group of students will have the opportunity to participate in drama class, working on public speaking skills for a spring performance. Stay tuned to discover their chosen play!

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.

We are blessed by many amazing and talented teachers at our school. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to education have truly made a difference in our community! Several GRACE educators have been recognized for this recently, including:

• Jennifer Etter
• Jeff Jodar
• Kymberlee Kickels
• Shannon Kramer
• Tomerot Lambert
• Julie Lamm
• Terri Larson
• Colleen MacDonald
• Clare Zipperer

The list will be narrowed to a list of Teachers of Distinction and from those, recipients will then be selected for the prestigious Golden Apple Awards.

Thank you to our students and families who recognized these individuals as high-quality educators in areas of professionalism, leadership, and innovation.

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 school gymnasium echoed with enchanting melodies as students from grades 4 through 8 showcased their musical talents in a mesmerizing winter band concert led by Ms. Brenda Winkler. The event, held on January 8th, brought together families, teachers, and music enthusiasts to celebrate the achievements of the young musicians.

The concert kicked off with the harmonious tunes of the beginning orchestra, setting a delightful tone for the evening. The young musicians, guided by Ms. Winkler on the piano, displayed remarkable skill and commitment as they performed a repertoire that captivated the audience.

Following the orchestra, the spotlight shifted to the beginning band, where budding instrumentalists from the lower grades took center stage. The gymnasium reverberated with the sounds of various instruments, from percussion to woodwinds, as the students demonstrated their passion for music.

The grand finale of the evening featured the concert band, composed of more advanced musicians from the upper grades. Their performance showcased not only technical proficiency but also a deep connection to the music they played. The audience was treated to a variety of music with a favorite being the song “Let it Snow.” (It was a precursor to the Snow Day they were going to be having the following day.)

The concert proved to be a heartwarming experience for many families who attended, witnessing the growth and dedication of their young musicians. Applause filled the air as each performance concluded, with proud parents and relatives cheering on the students.

In addition to the impressive musical display, the winter band concert served as a testament to the importance of arts education in fostering creativity and teamwork among students. The event highlighted the hard work and commitment of both the students and Ms. Winkler, emphasizing the positive impact of music programs in schools.

Principal David Gusloff expressed his admiration for the students’ achievements, stating, “The winter band concert is a testament to the hard work and talent of our students. It’s inspiring to see them come together and create such beautiful music. Our school is not just fostering academic excellence but also nurturing the artistic spirit within each student. I am grateful for all of the hard work and dedication that Ms. Winkler shows to her students.”

As the final notes of the concert resonated in the gymnasium, it was clear that the winter band concert had not only entertained but also inspired. The school community looks forward to future musical events that continue to showcase the talents and achievements of its students.

To see photos from the event and listen to some of the performances, check out the St. Bernard social media accounts 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.