Category: General

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.

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.