Category: General

GRACE’s 2024-27 strategic plan has been established. It outlines our goals and priorities for ongoing work within our key focus areas of Faith, Academics, Vitality, and Experience. We strive to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future while building academic excellence and life skills and growing in our Catholic faith!

Learn more by viewing the plan 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.

Keep the Momentum Going

The 2024-2025 GRACE Annual Appeal is in full swing!

Your gifts provide vital support to the more than 2,400 students enrolled in our schools. With your help, we can continue to provide an education that nurtures both academic and spiritual growth. Donations can be sent to the GRACE Development Office at 1822 Riverside Dr., Green Bay, WI 54301, or made online at gracesystem.org/giving/donate-now.

Thank you for helping us build a brighter future! 

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 (Green Bay Area Catholic Education) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nate Tackaberry as the new Executive Director of Advancement, starting October 7, 2024. Nate brings over 15 years of experience in leadership, development, and relationship cultivation, including a successful career in non-profit fundraising and marketing. In his new role, Mr. Tackaberry will lead advancement efforts for GRACE, with a focus on strengthening partnerships, enhancing donor engagement, and driving long-term financial sustainability for the system and its nine Catholic schools focusing on our highest priorities and needs.

Most recently, Mr. Tackaberry served as Regional Philanthropy Officer for the American Red Cross. His extensive experience also includes five years at St. Norbert College as Development Officer. Nate’s leadership extends beyond fundraising; he has demonstrated a commitment to the GRACE community through roles such as serving on the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School Advisory Council. His combination of passion for Catholic education, professional experience, and dedication to mission-driven work will be invaluable in his new role at GRACE. 

In addition to his development expertise, Mr. Tackaberry holds an MBA from the Schneider School of Business and Economics at St. Norbert College, which he completed in May of 2024. He is also a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish. Nate and his wife, Katy, have two children who attend GRACE schools, underscoring his deep commitment to the GRACE mission. 

“We are excited to welcome Nate to our leadership team,” said Kim Desotell, President of GRACE. “His extensive experience in development, leadership, and building community partnerships will be a tremendous asset to our mission at GRACE. With his passion and expertise, I am confident that Nate will help us reach new milestones and expand opportunities for those we are privileged to serve.”

“I’m elated to be joining GRACE in this role,” said Mr. Tackaberry. “Not only due to the privilege of working with this remarkable team, but also the blessing to support such a meaningful and important organization. I very much look forward to our work ahead, along with the opportunity to meet and converse with many GRACE stakeholders in the near future.” 

In his new capacity, Mr. Tackaberry will be responsible for leading strategic fundraising initiatives, building key donor relationships, and supporting the long-term vision of GRACE as a leading system of Catholic education in the state of Wisconsin. The timing of this aligns with the upcoming retirement of our longstanding GRACE Director of Development, Lisa Niemuth, who will be stepping into planned retirement on January 3, 2025. 

Please join us in welcoming Nate Tackaberry to GRACE as we look forward to his leadership in advancing our mission of providing high-quality and faith-filled education to our students and families. 

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, we’ve always been committed to providing our students with the tools they need to succeed, both academically and in life. In today’s rapidly evolving world, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education has become more important than ever. That’s why we’re thrilled to offer our students Project Lead the Way (PLTW)—a program designed to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

Recently, Ms. Sarah LaFrombois-Pethan, a second-grade teacher at St. Bernard, hosted a professional development training for all the new staff within the GRACE system, ensuring that the system’s educators are prepared to implement PLTW with confidence and creativity. This training is an essential part of GRACE’s commitment to high-quality education, and it allows staff to fully understand the potential of this hands-on, student-centered program.

What is Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Launch?
PLTW Launch is the elementary program within the broader PLTW initiative. It taps into students’ natural curiosity and encourages them to engage in learning that feels like play. Whether they’re building models, solving real-world problems, or experimenting with new ideas, students are not only learning about STEM concepts but also developing critical skills in collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.

The beauty of PLTW Launch lies in its ability to make complex subjects like engineering and computer science approachable and fun for young learners. From the moment they begin a lesson, students are immersed in a learning experience that encourages them to keep discovering and exploring. This exploratory nature fosters a love for learning, which can carry them through their educational journey and beyond.

Why STEM Education is Essential Today
STEM education is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. We live in a world driven by technology, innovation, and problem-solving. The careers of tomorrow—many of which don’t even exist yet—will require a strong foundation in STEM. By introducing these concepts early on, we’re giving our students the opportunity to thrive in any field they choose, whether it’s engineering, medicine, or even creative arts that integrate technology.

But PLTW isn’t just about preparing students for future careers. It’s about equipping them with the mindset to think critically, innovate, and solve problems—skills that are vital no matter where life takes them. At St. Bernard, we believe that every child has the potential to be a leader and a thinker, and PLTW helps unlock that potential.

Professional Development: Empowering Our Educators
We know that for students to succeed, teachers need the right tools and training to guide them. The professional development led by one of our own St. Bernard teachers was a pivotal step in ensuring that all GRACE staff members are equipped to deliver PLTW lessons with passion and precision. Through hands-on workshops and collaborative sessions, our teachers learned how to effectively engage students in STEM, foster a growth mindset, and create an environment where curiosity leads the way.

This training not only focused on the mechanics of the PLTW curriculum but also emphasized the importance of nurturing each student’s individuality and creativity. Our educators walked away from the sessions inspired and eager to bring the wonders of STEM to life in their classrooms.

Looking Ahead: STEM at St. Bernard
As we look to the future, we’re excited to see how PLTW Launch will continue to shape the learning experiences of our students. We know that the skills they develop through this program will serve them well for years to come, both academically and personally. By embracing STEM education through PLTW, St. Bernard is not just keeping pace with the changing world—we’re helping to shape it.

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.

This year, several staff members from St. Bernard School are participating in the Catholic Leader Academy (CLA), a dynamic leadership development program that meets once a month. The principal (David Gusloff), assistant principal (Brittany Dudzik), and school outreach administrator (Edgar Zaragoza) are joined in this program by several teachers: Mrs. Anderson, Ms. Larson, and Mrs. Lamm. CLA is not just any leadership initiative; it is a competency-based curriculum deeply rooted in the core values of our Catholic faith, particularly the teachings from Micah 6:8: “Act Justly, Love Tenderly, Walk Humbly with your God.”

The foundation of the CLA experience is these core beliefs, which serve as a guide for shaping the leadership competencies developed throughout the program. Participants are grouped by school community teams, creating a collaborative environment where educators and administrators grow together. This team-based approach cultivates not only personal leadership but also community-building and collective growth within the school.

One of the standout features of the Catholic Leader Academy is the emphasis on peer mentoring, which enhances the learning experience by encouraging participants to support and challenge one another. The program is grounded in research and focuses on outcomes, ensuring that participants leave with tangible skills and results. It was developed by an experienced team of educators, faith leaders, business professionals, and community leaders, combining insights from multiple disciplines to offer a well-rounded and impactful curriculum.

At the heart of the CLA is a mission to develop disciples—leaders who have the courage, competencies, and connectedness to make a lasting difference in their schools and communities. By focusing on the whole person and integrating faith into leadership, CLA helps participants to grow not just as professionals, but as faith-driven leaders who can inspire and guide others. By the end of the program, each team is equipped with a deeper understanding of leadership within a faith-based context and a clear roadmap for driving excellence in their schools.

As the St. Bernard staff members continue their journey with Catholic Leader Academy, they will undoubtedly bring new insights and renewed passion to the school community. We are excited to see the impact of their participation in CLA unfold throughout the year and beyond, as they grow in their ability to “Act Justly, Love Tenderly, and Walk Humbly with God.”

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.

Each year from September 15 to October 15, classrooms across the country celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of many Hispanic countries. This year, the students at St. Bernard are embarking on a cultural journey through Latin America, exploring a new country each week, listening to music, and dressing up in vibrant colors to reflect the essence of each nation.

Week 1: Mexico
SBS kicked off the celebration by diving into the culture of Mexico, a country known for its colorful traditions, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history. Students learned about Mexico’s independence from Spain, which coincidentally falls on September 16, a date that marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. Classes were filled with excitement as they listened to the iconic song “Cielito Lindo” and discussed its significance. To further bring the lesson to life, students dressed in green to represent one of the colors of the Mexican flag: green, white, and red.

Week 2: Puerto Rico
Next, they traveled to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, where students were introduced to its unique blend of Taino, African, and Spanish cultures. They learned about Puerto Rico’s history as a U.S. territory and its vibrant traditions, such as bomba and plena music. The highlight of the week was listening to “Manana por la Manana.” To celebrate, students dressed in red which is one of the colors of the Puerto Rican flag, showcasing the island’s spirit and unity.

Week 3: Costa Rica
This is the third week of celebrations so far at St. Bernard. It is dedicated to Costa Rica, a country renowned for its incredible biodiversity and peaceful way of life, captured by the national motto “Pura Vida.” Students will learn about Costa Rica’s decision to abolish its military in favor of investing in education and the environment. They will also explore the rich traditions of Costa Rican music, enjoying the sounds of traditional folk songs. To honor Costa Rica, students will wear blue on Thursday and discuss the country’s love for nature and sustainability.

Week 4: Guatemala
Finally, next week the students will end their journey in Guatemala, a country with deep Mayan roots and breathtaking landscapes. Students will delve into the ancient history of the Maya civilization and learn about Guatemala’s rich textiles, traditional foods, and stunning architecture. Classes will listen to the rhythms of “Luna Xelaju,” a popular Guatemalan waltz. To reflect Guatemala’s flag, students will dress in white as they explore how the country’s history and traditions continue to shape its culture today.

Overall, National Hispanic Heritage Month gives the students at St. Bernard the chance to travel beyond their textbooks and truly experience the diversity and beauty of Latin American countries. Whether through song, dress, or engaging discussions, the month is meant to be a joyful and educational celebration of culture, identity, and unity.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s celebration and another opportunity to explore more of the incredible cultures that make up the Hispanic and Latino 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.

There’s something truly special about the first day of school. The excitement in the air is palpable as students fill the halls, ready to embark on a new year of learning and discovery. This year, we continued a beloved tradition that helps set a positive, unified tone for the school year: the annual Blessing of the Backpacks event.

On the first day of school, all students from grades 3K through 8 gathered in the gymnasium, each carrying their backpacks — symbols of the journey they’re about to undertake this 2024-2025 school year. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone sat side by side, forming a colorful, vibrant sea of backpacks and bright faces, all eager for what lay ahead.

The atmosphere was one of community, joy, and anticipation. This brief yet meaningful gathering allowed us to pause for a few moments, reflect on the year ahead, and come together as a school family.

Deacon Bernie, who leads this event every year, warmly welcomed everyone before saying a special prayer for the students. His words carried hope, faith, and encouragement, reminding us all of the importance of seeking guidance, strength, and wisdom in all that we do. Afterward, Deacon Bernie blessed the backpacks with holy water, a symbolic gesture that reflects the desire for God’s protection and care over each student as they navigate their academic, personal, and spiritual growth throughout the school year.

In just a few short minutes, this gathering served as a beautiful reminder of what makes our school community so special: a blend of faith, support, and love for learning. As students left the gym and walked into their classrooms for the first time this year, they did so with hearts full of hope, knowing they were part of something bigger than themselves.

May this new school year be filled with growth, learning, friendship, and many blessings for all!

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.

As we kick off another exciting school year, I’m filled with gratitude for the chance to lead such a dedicated and vibrant community. At St. Bernard, where faith, education, and community come together so beautifully, I feel truly blessed to be on this incredible journey with all of you.

Our first day of school on Monday, August 26 was a wonderful start! We gathered as a school community for our annual Blessing of the Backpacks, where Deacon Bernie joyfully sprinkled holy water on everyone’s backpacks. We are truly thankful for this cherished tradition.

We’ve made some fantastic updates to our campus this year. Our new PA system will enhance safety for everyone, and our library is getting a makeover thanks to a generous donor and our collaboration with Wild Blue. We can’t wait to share the final plans with you and welcome any additional support.
I would also like to extend a huge thank you to Doug and Diane DuBois who helped paint and spruce up our main office. The transformation is incredible, and we are so grateful for your hard work and dedication.

We’re also very excited about the new Gaga Pit outside, which has been paved and fitted with a rubber mat, thanks to the generous funding from Pack 4136 of the Cub Scouts. A special thank you goes to Brad, Heather, Parker, and Reagan Johnson, who coordinated and oversaw this project. It’s sure to be a hit during recess and after-school activities. We appreciate Pack 4136 and the Johnson family for this wonderful upgrade!

Our upcoming community events are sure to be exciting! School families will be joining us for our Pet Blessing on October 4th at 2:45 PM on the soccer field. It will be a special time to celebrate and bless our beloved pets. In addition, don’t miss our Día de los Muertos celebration on November 4th from 5-7:30 PM at St. Bernard School. There you can enjoy food trucks, music, crafts, and dancing as we come together to celebrate our traditions.

Finally, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to St. Bernard Parish and our parish office for their steadfast support and prayers. Father Adam and the entire staff have been a tremendous blessing to our school’s success.

As we look ahead, I’m excited for all the opportunities this year will bring. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to a fantastic school year together.

Blessings,
Mr. Gusloff, St. Bernard Principal

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.

Father Adam Bradley is a relative newcomer to the St. Bernard Parish community; one of the 23 supporting GRACE parishes. He was selected by our Bishop to become the pastor of the parish and school about nine months ago. During this time, he has enjoyed sharing his faith within the many areas of his position, including his church life and the school, fostering a good working relationship between both.

A full schedule greets Father Adam every day! It starts with prayer and Mass. Then, meetings with parish departments and groups, and visiting nursing homes and hospitals. Leading other sacramental preparation appointments, offering adoration and confessions, and dropping by the school are also parts of his usual routine.

Father sees a good rapport between St. Bernard Parish and the school that is fostered through his regular meetings with St. Bernard Catholic School Principal, David Gusloff. He states, “Mr. Gusloff is a very dynamic man. He works well with everyone and helps develop that sense of that we are a Catholic school. We want to do right by the Catholic Church and he has a good vision for that.” 

Part of that vision includes ideas to bring the school and the church together. This year’s Spring Fling was designed as a school and parish event in which the entire community would participate. Another collaboration between parish and school is the sacramental preparation that is conducted within the school setting, rather than within the church.

Father Adam describes his life right now as “really awesome.” He reflects upon his vocational journey by saying that it began in college. 

“I realized the Lord was calling me to something – it might be priesthood. College seminary was the time when I realized this is what the Lord wanted for me; I would give my life to God in a unique way.”

He comments that working with his brotherhood of priests in parish life is a great gift and a life-changing experience. 

“It is the most fulfilling thing.” 

This is an excerpt from the Spring 2024 GRACE Newsletter. Check out the whole newsletter by clicking the button below!

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 Matt Riebe, Director of Athletics and Activities, GRACE

I am honored to have been welcomed into the GRACE community since I started in my role in November 2023. This brand-new position to spearhead system-wide athletics and activities resulted from efforts involving key focus areas of the GRACE Strategic Plan. My role at GRACE is focused on helping communication and collaboration between GRACE Schools and to the greater community. GRACE is blessed with so many amazing individuals who give their time and talents to creating positive learning experiences to help our students grow and enjoy being a part of something bigger than themselves. To start, I have focused on identifying needs and supporting athletics programs, but my aim is to work on growing GRACE school activities in the near future.

My first weeks in my role revolved around ingraining myself at each GRACE school community. I met with the principals and athletic directors at each school to gather perspective on what extracurricular opportunities are currently available, common challenges faced by each school, and ideas to help build system-wide athletics at GRACE. My work has focused on creating avenues of communication for site athletic directors, booster clubs, and parish staff to work together and share knowledge between other GRACE schools and communicate effectively. 

The end goal is to find a way to communicate effectively and to cultivate environments that lead to positive experiences for students. We are working to increase participation in athletics at each school and building bridges across the system to open opportunities to play as many sports that may not be available at every school. We want to showcase the great things our schools are doing for students.

The connection with our CatholicLink partners, St. Norbert College and Notre Dame Academy, has opened up tremendous experiences for our students. We are creating amazing experiences for our students to interact and learn from high school and college student-athletes. Through this partnership, all GRACE students can attend St. Norbert College and Notre Dame Academy athletics events for free! Student-athletes from both schools are eager to give back and we are opening up opportunities for some great experiences for GRACE students.

I am very excited for the future of athletics and activities and I hope you join in on the fun!

Accomplishments

• Met with administrators at every level of athletics at each GRACE School to better understand the system, share knowledge, and provide support & guidance
• Hosted 7th and 8th grade basketball and track and field championships at St. Norbert College
• Formed a booster club at Chesterton Academy to help guide growing athletics programs and engage the school community
• Created a communication hub for all athletics seasons on gracesystem.org
• Established partnerships with area organization to supplement referee pools for games
• Met with CatholicLink partners to set up numerous collaborations such as volunteer programs, event passes to SNC/NDA games, and facility rentals
• Held an archery clinic for middle and high school students at St. John the Baptist, which included students from every GRACE school
• Guided the Holy Family Booster Club in filling their athletic director role and served as their interim athletic director to support the leadership transition

Future goals

• Growth of activity offerings and create collaborations between schools
• Introducing the GRACE Athletics Handbook to better communicate common policies and showcase opportunities for students in all sports
• Fostering athletics participation and forming independent teams at St. John Paul II and St. Thomas More
• Seek out opportunities to play other Catholic schools in our diocese

At Chesterton Academy, our Catholic Classical high school, athletics and activities have started to grow with boys and girls basketball and golf teams that finished their second seasons, as well as a chess team that finished in the top ten in the state this spring. We will be starting cross country and track & field programs starting next year, guided by the newly-created booster club to help build the necessary structure to support students and create strong high school programs.

This is an excerpt from the Spring 2024 GRACE Newsletter. Check out the whole newsletter by clicking the button below!

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.