Category: General

Students at St. Bernard School were treated to a celestial spectacle on Monday, April 8 as they gathered to witness a rare solar eclipse. The event, which captured the attention of the entire school community, provided a unique educational opportunity for students to learn about science and astronomy in a hands-on way.

Under the guidance of their teachers, students from all grade levels in PK3-8 assembled on the school’s playground, equipped with special solar viewing glasses. Excitement filled the air as the moon began its journey across the face of the sun, gradually casting a shadow over the school grounds.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of our students,” said Principal David Gusloff. “We wanted to create a memorable and educational event that would inspire curiosity and a love for science.”

As the eclipse reached its peak, students observed the sky darkening and felt the temperature drop—a phenomenon known as the “eclipse effect.” Teachers explained the science behind the eclipse, discussing topics such as solar and lunar orbits, the geometry of eclipses, and the importance of proper eye protection when viewing the sun.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Emely, a fifth-grader at St. Bernard School. “It’s amazing to think about how the moon and sun can create such a cool thing in the sky.”

The event was not only a scientific marvel but also an opportunity for students to reflect on the wonders of the universe and their place within it. For many, it was a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

“I think events like this help us appreciate the world around us,” said Mrs. Waack, a fourth-grade teacher at St. Bernard. “It’s important to take the time to look up and wonder about the universe.”

As the eclipse drew to a close, students and teachers alike marveled at the sight they had witnessed. For the students of St. Bernard School, the solar eclipse was more than just a cosmic event—it was a reminder of the power of curiosity and the joy of discovery.

St. Bernard plans to continue incorporating astronomy and science education into its curriculum, ensuring that future students have the same opportunity to experience the wonders of the cosmos firsthand. To see photos from this experience, 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.

As Easter 2024 approached, the school community at St. Bernard came together for this year’s 8th-grade student performances of the Living Stations of the Cross. This tradition, which has been a part of the school for many years, takes on a special significance as students perform the Passion of Christ.

Preparations for the Living Stations began weeks in advance, with students first delving into the story of Christ’s Passion, exploring its themes of sacrifice, compassion, and forgiveness during religion class. The students then applied for the role that they would like to have in the performance. Students could choose between an acting role, a narrator, a costume designer, a music director, a props/publicity coordinator, or a program writer. This process of selection allowed students to connect with the story in a personal way, choosing a role that resonated with them.

“I had always wanted to be Jesus. Ever since I was a little kid and saw previous performances, I knew that was something I wanted to do,” said Joey. “I was so happy to have been selected for the role.”

In addition to selecting roles, students also assisted with writing the script for the performance. This was a collaborative effort, with students working together to ensure that the script was accurate and respectful of the source material. This process of scriptwriting allowed students to look deeper into the story, gaining a deeper understanding of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. It also encouraged empathy and reflection amongst the students.

Mrs. Swanson and Mr. Jodar gave up their class periods for several weeks to have the students practice and prepare for these performances. Mrs. Swanson has been doing these performances for over 20 years. “When I first started this project many years ago, I wanted the students to not only read about the Stations of the Cross but to experience them in a more profound way,” said Mrs. Swanson. “By actively participating in a production, they are able to connect with the story on a personal level.”

Costume design was another aspect of the performance that was student-led. If students chose not to have a speaking or publicity role, they worked together to create costumes that were both historically accurate and visually striking. This process of costume design allowed students to use their creativity and imagination, resulting in costumes that truly brought the characters to life.

The performance itself was nothing short of breathtaking. Students performed with a level of maturity and professionalism that was beyond their years, bringing a sense of reverence and solemnity to the proceedings. Each station was performed with care and attention to detail, with students conveying the pain, suffering, and ultimately the hope of the Easter story.

The audience, which included parents, teachers, and fellow students, was deeply moved by the students’ portrayal of the Stations of the Cross. Many were brought to tears by the students’ heartfelt performances and the powerful message of love and redemption conveyed through their acting.

“As I watched the performance, I was struck by the dedication and talent of our students. They had truly embraced the spirit of the Easter season, using their talents to bring the story of Christ’s Passion to life in a way that was both moving and inspiring. It was a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate our shared beliefs,” said Mr. Gusloff, school principal.

In the end, the performance of the Living Stations of the Cross was not just a school event, but a spiritual experience that brought the school community closer together. It was a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and a reaffirmation of the Catholic faith. This year’s performances certainly created lasting memories for all who attended. The school looks forward to continuing this tradition for many more years to come.

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.

St. Bernard School was buzzing with excitement on Friday, March 15, as families gathered for a night of fun and games sponsored by Gnome Games. The event, which featured a variety of board games for kids of all ages, drew in over 150 attendees eager to enjoy a night of friendly competition and bonding.

Gnome Games, a local game store known for its wide selection of board games and dedication to promoting family time, provided an array of games for the event. From classic favorites like Monopoly and Scrabble to newer games like Qwirkle and Settlers of Catan, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

“We were thrilled to partner with Gnome Games to bring this event to our school community,” said Mrs. Hellmann, a teacher at St. Bernard School. “Family game nights are a wonderful way for families to spend quality time together and create lasting memories.”

The event kicked off with a brief introduction from Gnome Games, highlighting the importance of family game nights and the benefits of playing board games together. Families then dispersed to explore the different game stations set up throughout the school cafeteria. Employees from Gnome Games were available to help explain new games to families and offer a few strategies on how to win.

“It was great to see so many families attend our first game night,” said Mrs. D’Angelo, a St. Bernard teacher who helped to organize the event. “With everyone’s busy schedules, it’s nice to have an opportunity to come together and have some fun as a family. I am glad we could provide that for them!”

In addition to playing games, attendees had the chance to enter a raffle to win prizes donated by Gnome Games. Ten lucky families went home with a free brand-new board game to enjoy together. Some of the games that they won included Chutes and Ladders, Connect 4, Clue, and Ticket to Ride.

As the evening came to a close, families gathered to enjoy some popcorn and discuss their favorite games of the night. Laughter and smiles filled the room as parents and children alike shared stories of their game night adventures.

“I had such a great time,” said MaKiyah. “I was able to play some games with my family and some games with my friends that came. I even learned how to play some new games I had never heard of before which was fun!”

Overall, the family game night sponsored by Gnome Games was a huge success, bringing together families from the St. Bernard School community for a night of fun, laughter, and friendly competition. As the staff headed home, they were already looking forward to the next game night and the memories it would bring.

To see photos from the event, 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.

On Tuesday, March 18, 2024, St. Norbert College hosted a dynamic Middle School Leadership Conference for GRACE students in 7th and 8th grade. This unique event, led by student leaders from Notre Dame Academy (NDA), aimed to inspire and equip young minds with the tools and mindset necessary to become effective leaders.

Unlike a typical conference, students had to apply to attend, ensuring a dedicated and motivated group of participants. From St. Bernard, 22 students were selected to attend. “I was able to attend the conference last year, so I was really excited to participate again this year!” said Payton, an 8th-grade student.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in a series of activities designed to challenge their understanding of leadership and help them develop practical skills. Through workshops, group discussions, and team-building exercises, students explored different aspects of leadership, such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Ms. Dudzik, the assistant principal at St. Bernard, went along as the chaperone on the field trip. She said, “I was very impressed with the activities that were led by the NDA students. I am hopeful that many of the students were able to take away at least one important lesson from the day. We have a leadership club at St. Bernard, and I think that many of our students will take the skills from today and replicate them for our younger students. This conference is such an incredible opportunity for our students!”

One of the key themes of the conference was the importance of leading by example. Student leaders from NDA served as role models, demonstrating leadership qualities in action and inspiring their younger peers to do the same.

“I recognized many of the student leaders at NDA because they previously attended St. Bernard,” said Evelyn. “I hope to be able to be a member of the leadership club when I go to high school next year and continue to be a part of this conference.”

The conference was not only a learning experience but also a chance for students to bond with their peers from different GRACE schools. It fostered a sense of community and collaboration that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on these young leaders.

As the conference came to a close, the students left feeling inspired and empowered. They had not only learned about leadership but had also put their newfound skills into practice. With the guidance of their mentors and the support of their peers, these young leaders are poised to make a positive impact on their schools and communities.

To see photos of the St. Bernard students participating in the various leadership activities, 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.

In Ms. Larson’s second-grade classroom at St. Bernard School, desks turned into tent forts, books became passports to adventure, and imaginary campfires set the perfect scene for “Camp Read-a-Lot.” This was a magical day where second graders embarked on a learning expedition unlike any other.

Upon entering the classroom, students were greeted with a sight straight out of a national park: tents, faux campfires, and nature-inspired decorations transformed the space into a wilderness haven. The immersive setup aimed to stimulate students’ imagination and create a unique learning environment.

To kick off the adventure, the students were issued official ranger badges, signaling their readiness to dive into the world of learning. With badges proudly displayed, they eagerly embarked on a series of camping-themed activities designed to ignite their love for learning.

Throughout the day, the students participated in a variety of camping-themed activities. Students practiced their money-counting skills to purchase camping supplies and enhanced their writing skills while writing essays on how to build a s’more. They also did camping-themed wordwork activities. Every activity was designed to reinforce academic concepts in a fun and interactive way.

One of the highlights of the day was the storytelling session around a “campfire” made of cardboard flames. With their flashlights in hand, the students listened wide-eyed as tales of adventure and wonder unfolded before them. The imaginary logs created a magical atmosphere that brought the stories to life.

No camping trip would be complete without a taste of the outdoors, and the students enjoyed a delicious s’mores snack at the end of the day! The sweet treats were a hit. “I was so excited about our s’mores cereal! I just knew that was going to be our treat for the day!” said Alejandra.

As the day came to a close, the students gathered around the “campfire” one last time to share their experiences of the day. Their faces glowed with excitement as they recounted their adventures. For these young readers, “Camp Read-a-Lot” had been a journey of discovery, imagination, and the joy of learning.

“This is something that I look forward to doing with my students every year,” said Ms. Larson. “It is fun to be able to make small changes to transform the classroom and get the students really engaged in their learning.”

Overall, “Camp Read-A-Lot” provided second graders with a memorable day of immersive learning, blending academic concepts with the excitement of camping. Through creative classroom transformations like this, educators at St. Bernard School continue to find innovative ways to make learning enjoyable and meaningful for 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.

GRACE is committed to partnering with families to ensure that Catholic education remains accessible and affordable, irrespective of income levels. Our dedication to this mission is evident in the various avenues available to manage and reduce tuition costs.

GRACE proudly offers financial aid to support families in need for children enrolled in grades kindergarten through 12th grade, with over 300 students annually benefiting from GRACE Financial Aid. Generous private donors, who share our belief in the value of Catholic education, make it possible to reduce tuition through scholarships and financial aid for families. The average GRACE Financial Aid award is around $1,500 per student. Families can access the GRACE Financial Aid application through our online TADS enrollment management portal.

Tuition costs for 2024-25 are $5,565 for grades K-5, $5,685 for grades 6-8, and $8,385 for Chesterton Academy of St. John Paul II Classical School grades 9-12. Active, registered parishioners completing the parish verification form with our GRACE 23 supporting parishes qualify for a $2,000 tuition reduction (Active Parishioner Incentive) per child enrolled in grades kindergarten through 12th grade.

To cater to individual family needs, GRACE provides an array of tuition reduction opportunities in addition to the aforementioned Active Parishioner Incentive. These include a New Family Referral Incentive, Sibling Incentive, SCRIP Program, Parish and School Scholarships, Payment Plan Options, GRACE Employee Tuition Discount, and a CatholicLink Tuition Discount (for employees who qualify.) Detailed information on these options can be found at gracesystem.org/admissions/tuitions-and-fees/.

In addition, the State of Wisconsin permits residents to leverage private tuition costs. The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program offers vouchers for full tuition at a GRACE school based on family income and eligibility. Families are encouraged to apply between February and April 2024. Find more details at gracesystem.org/admissions/wisconsin-parental-choice/. In addition, families can take advantage of Wisconsin Tax Deductions for private school tuition. Families are encouraged to check with their tax advisors regarding options that may apply to their situations.

GRACE is not just committed to academic excellence and the formation of children, but also to ensuring that quality education is within reach for all families. Our goal is clear: no child should be denied a Catholic education due to financial constraints. We remain steadfast in our commitment to making Catholic education available, accessible, and affordable to every interested family. We know Catholic education is a transformative gift for each child and family.

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.

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.