Category: General

In a world where the power of storytelling can illuminate and inspire change, the Knights of Columbus Essay Contest emerges as a beacon for advocacy, particularly on the topic of adoption. Recently, students from various corners of our community took up the challenge to lend their voices to this noble cause.

The annual essay contest, hosted by the Knights of Columbus, not only serves as a platform for young minds to express themselves but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the beauty of adoption. With pens poised and hearts open, students embarked on a journey to explore the significance of adoption in our society.

Through their words, students painted vivid portraits of love, resilience, and belonging—themes that resonate deeply with the essence of adoption. They delved into the complexities of identity, the bonds of family, and the transformative power of acceptance. With eloquence and empathy, they advocated for a world where every child is cherished and every family is celebrated

Among the many outstanding entries, two students’ essays rose to the top, securing the esteemed positions of first and second place in the Knights of Columbus Essay Contest. Their exceptional talent and heartfelt dedication to the topic of adoption shone brightly through their words, earning them well-deserved recognition and admiration. We extend our congratulations to Addie Peterson and Liv Callan on this outstanding accomplishment. In her winning essay, Addie eloquently expressed, “Adoption is an option that distributes benefits to all who are involved. It can offer a second chance, relief, a pair of welcoming arms, or the blessing of children.” These profound words not only showcase the winner’s literary prowess but also encapsulate the essence of the contest theme and the significance of adoption in our society.

As we applaud the efforts of these young students, we are reminded of the profound impact that individuals, regardless of age, can have in shaping a more compassionate and just society. Their voices echo the timeless truth that love knows no bounds and that every child deserves to grow in the embrace of a loving family.

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Holy Cross 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). The school has open enrollment and is located on the Northeast side of Green Bay near the Town of Scott and is near the Red Smith neighborhood and Wequiock Falls.

Holy Cross provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

For more information about Holy Cross Catholic School, feel free to browse our website: https://holycrossfamily.org.

In the heart of our community, nestled within the walls of our beloved church, something truly remarkable unfolded today. With hearts full of reverence and dedication, our students took center stage to present a stirring rendition of the Living Stations of the Cross. It was a moment that transcended mere performance; it was a profound journey of faith and reflection.

As the audience gathered in anticipation, there was a palpable sense of reverence in the air. The solemnity of the occasion was met with eager anticipation, knowing that we were about to witness something special.

From the very first station to the last, our students poured their hearts and souls into every moment. With each step along the way, they brought to life the profound moments of Christ’s journey to Calvary. Through their poignant portrayal of each scene, they conveyed the weight of suffering and the depth of love that permeated every aspect of this sacred narrative.

What made this performance truly exceptional was not just the skillful execution, but the evident sincerity and devotion that shone through every gesture and word. It was as if the spirit of the Passion infused the very air around us, drawing us closer to the heart of Christ’s sacrifice.

As we watched our students embody the roles of Jesus, Mary, and the various figures along the way, you couldn’t help but be moved by the depth of their understanding and the authenticity of their portrayal. It was a testament to the profound impact of our Catholic education, nurturing not only their minds but also their spirits.

But perhaps what touched us most deeply was the sense of community that permeated the entire performance. Our students worked tirelessly together, supporting one another every step of the way. In their unity, we saw a reflection of the love and solidarity that Christ calls us to embody in our own lives.

As the final station drew to a close and the audience sat in reverent silence, you couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for our students who had poured their hearts into this performance, gratitude for our teachers who had guided and inspired them, and above all, gratitude for the gift of faith that unites us all.

In a world often filled with noise and distraction, moments like these remind us of the power of silence, reflection, and prayer. They invite us to pause, to ponder, and to allow the grace of God to penetrate our hearts more deeply.

As we leave this sacred space and return to the busyness of our lives, may we carry with us the lessons learned and the grace received. May the memory of this remarkable performance continue to inspire us to live out our faith with courage and conviction, knowing that we walk in the footsteps of the One who gave everything out of love for us.

And so, we give thanks for this day, for this moment, and for the countless blessings that surround us. May we always remain open to the movement of the Spirit, guiding us ever closer to the heart of God.

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Holy Cross 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). The school has open enrollment and is located on the Northeast side of Green Bay near the Town of Scott and is near the Red Smith neighborhood and Wequiock Falls.

Holy Cross provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

For more information about Holy Cross Catholic School, feel free to browse our website: https://holycrossfamily.org.

In partnership with Notre Dame Academy’s 24 Hour Eucharistic Adoration, join us in preparation for Holy Week as we spend ONE hour in prayer with our Lord as ONE united GRACE + NDA community. The Hour of GRACE will be at the St. Norbert Chapel on the Notre Dame Academy campus. All are welcome – enjoy snacks and fellowship to follow!

 

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Holy Cross 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). The school has open enrollment and is located on the Northeast side of Green Bay near the Town of Scott and is near the Red Smith neighborhood and Wequiock Falls.

Holy Cross provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

For more information about Holy Cross Catholic School, feel free to browse our website: https://holycrossfamily.org.

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.

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Holy Cross 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). The school has open enrollment and is located on the Northeast side of Green Bay near the Town of Scott and is near the Red Smith neighborhood and Wequiock Falls.

Holy Cross provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

For more information about Holy Cross Catholic School, feel free to browse our website: https://holycrossfamily.org.

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.

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Holy Cross 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). The school has open enrollment and is located on the Northeast side of Green Bay near the Town of Scott and is near the Red Smith neighborhood and Wequiock Falls.

Holy Cross provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

For more information about Holy Cross Catholic School, feel free to browse our website: https://holycrossfamily.org.

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

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Holy Cross 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). The school has open enrollment and is located on the Northeast side of Green Bay near the Town of Scott and is near the Red Smith neighborhood and Wequiock Falls.

Holy Cross provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

For more information about Holy Cross Catholic School, feel free to browse our website: https://holycrossfamily.org.

Mikey is a 5th-grade student at Holy Cross Catholic School. One of his most endearing qualities is his kindness. He goes out of his way to befriend not only his classmates but students in other grades as well. Mikey is also a hard worker and takes great pride in a “job well done”. We are so proud of you, Mikey!

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Holy Cross 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). The school has open enrollment and is located on the Northeast side of Green Bay near the Town of Scott and is near the Red Smith neighborhood and Wequiock Falls.

Holy Cross provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

For more information about Holy Cross Catholic School, feel free to browse our website: https://holycrossfamily.org.

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.

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Holy Cross 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). The school has open enrollment and is located on the Northeast side of Green Bay near the Town of Scott and is near the Red Smith neighborhood and Wequiock Falls.

Holy Cross provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

For more information about Holy Cross Catholic School, feel free to browse our website: https://holycrossfamily.org.

By Jeff Kurowski | On Mission

BAY SETTLEMENT — “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community” served as the national theme for Catholic Schools Week 2024 (Jan. 28-Feb. 3). Embracing the motto, students, families, faculty and staff at Holy Cross School kicked off the week with outreach for those in need in the community.

On Monday, Jan. 29, more than 1,000 bags of snack mix were filled in the school gym in less than an hour. The snack bags were delivered to the men’s and women’s shelters of St. John’s Ministries in Green Bay. 

The service project developed after a guest presentation at the school in October by Jesse Brunette, executive director of St. John’s Ministries. He spoke about the homeless with the fifth- through eighth-grade students.

“I really appreciated it when he spoke to our older students because they understood that it’s a reality and that there are ways they can help and be empathetic,” said Jillian Amezquita, fifth-grade teacher and one of the project organizers.

“I remember that (Brunette) told us that he always wanted to help people because, no matter what circumstances they are in, they should be treated the same — with respect and kindness,” said seventh-grade student Addie Peterson. “The Beatitudes tell us to take care of people. Everyone deserves love and respect because that’s what Christ would have wanted.”

Amezquita said that during his talk, Brunette mentioned that guests at the St. John’s shelters enjoy snack mixes, so the seed was planted for the Catholic Schools Week project. 

Families donated the ingredients. Nuts were left out of the mix due to dental health and allergy concerns. Labels were adhered to each bag, with the list of ingredients and a special message from Scripture: “God saw all that he made and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).

Each student at Holy Cross is paired with a buddy for the school year. For example, eighth-grade students are matched with kindergarteners. The pre-K students work with the fifth graders, the oldest students on the elementary wing of the school.

“They have an older and younger buddy. They get to work together,” said Amezquita. “It’s really cute. My fifth-graders had the preschoolers put on the labels and they helped them scoop.”

“That’s a big responsibility and we talk about that,” added Amezquita about the older students serving as mentors. “Most of their preschool buddies have never been to school before, so to have the oldest kid on the wing greeting them every day is special. We take the (preschool students) to Mass on Fridays and do different projects with them.”

Seventh-grader Peterson said that she did various jobs to assemble the snack bags, including taking air out to fit in more of the mix and collecting the finished product.

“It makes you feel good that, even though you’re young, you can help out,” she said. “We were able to make snacks for those who aren’t as blessed as us. I’m proud to be part of this school. It’s always a place of welcome and open arms.”

Fun and entertainment, including a planetarium show and silent disco glow dance, were also among the Catholic Schools Week activities at Holy Cross. 

Prayer was a part of the week, with an all-school rosary service and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Norbertine Fr. Johnathan Turba, vocation director at St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, visited the school on Thursday, Feb. 1, for “Celebrating Vocations.” Students also made cards for religious leaders that day.

In addition to the shelter project, Holy Cross selected three local organizations for “Lighting Up the Community” during Catholic Schools Week. School families were encouraged to make donations to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay, Special Olympics Wisconsin and Golden House, which provides safety and shelter for victims of domestic abuse in Green Bay.

While filling the snack mix bags, Amezquita said some students commented about how good they looked.

“I told them, ‘I’m glad you’re giving something you want yourself. You know it’s delicious and you’re excited that they get to have it,’” she said. “We wanted to give them something they could enjoy, (a supply) that will last awhile and give them sustenance.” 

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Holy Cross 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). The school has open enrollment and is located on the Northeast side of Green Bay near the Town of Scott and is near the Red Smith neighborhood and Wequiock Falls.

Holy Cross provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

For more information about Holy Cross Catholic School, feel free to browse our website: https://holycrossfamily.org.

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

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Holy Cross 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). The school has open enrollment and is located on the Northeast side of Green Bay near the Town of Scott and is near the Red Smith neighborhood and Wequiock Falls.

Holy Cross provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.

For more information about Holy Cross Catholic School, feel free to browse our website: https://holycrossfamily.org.