Category: General

The beginning of the school year is an exciting time! It is a time for new beginnings, new friends, and new adventures. Let’s take a peek at what has happened during the first few weeks of Kindergarten at Holy Cross.

Meeting New Friends & Learning the Routines

We have 14 smiling faces in our class! Some are returning families and others are new to our wonderful school. Each day students enter the classroom after placing their backpacks into their locker cubbies. They bring in their BEE Binders (Bring Everything Everyday) and mark their lunch selection. Wake-up Work is the next task before meeting for Calendar time. These young students are learning many new routines quickly!

Exploring the Classroom

Our classroom is a special place. We get to learn about many different things. Each week we explore areas at the levels just right for five and six year olds including:

• Fundations (Phonics)
• Math
• Writing (Handwriting and Creative Writing)
• Catholic Faith & Virtues
• Listening to stories and learning to Read
• Science & Social Studies

And we attend many “Specials” classes including:

• Art
• Spanish
• Phy.Ed.
• Music
• Library
• 8th Grade Buddy Time
  • 

Having Fun

Finally, the beginning of the school year is all about having fun. We play games, sing songs, and do art projects to help us as we practice different academic content. There will be many opportunities to learn and play together. The beginning of the school year is a special time filled with excitement, learning, and friendship. We are ready for a fantastic year ahead!

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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 (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. 

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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.

Our 3rd grade students have taken on the exciting role of junior meteorologists in their latest Project Lead The Way (PLTW) unit on weather! Through hands-on activities, they are learning the science behind weather patterns and how meteorologists predict future conditions.

As part of their studies, students have been observing and recording key weather data such as temperature, wind speed, wind direction, and overall weather conditions each day. By tracking these elements, they’ve been able to spot trends in the weather and gain a better understanding of how different factors interact to create what we experience outside.

These young scientists are not only learning to recognize patterns in the data, but also practicing the skills needed to predict future weather based on their observations. This unit is helping to sharpen their analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, all while connecting them to the world around them.

It’s inspiring to see our 3rd graders embrace the role of weather detectives and engage so actively in the learning process. With each measurement and observation, they’re getting closer to understanding the bigger picture of how weather works.

Great job, 3rd grade! Keep looking to the skies — your predictions might just be the forecast of tomorrow!

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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.

Today, we’d like to spotlight our outstanding principal, Mrs. Kari Peterson! Join us in thanking her for her commitment to Catholic Education at HCS!

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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.

We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Anderson, our beloved Kindergarten teacher, has been honored with the 2024 Rt. Rev. Dane Radecki, O. Praem, GRACE Leadership & Service Educator Award! This prestigious award recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to service within the GRACE school system.

Mrs. Anderson has been a cornerstone of our school community, inspiring young minds and nurturing a love of learning in her students. Her classroom is a place where curiosity thrives, and every child is encouraged to explore, discover, and grow. With her warm and compassionate teaching style, Mrs. Anderson creates a supportive environment where each student feels valued and understood.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Anderson’s leadership extends to various initiatives that benefit both students and fellow educators. She has been instrumental in organizing school events, leading professional development sessions, and mentoring new teachers. Her dedication to service is evident in her tireless efforts to enhance the educational experience for all, making a lasting impact on our school community.

Receiving the Rt. Rev. Dane Radecki, O. Praem, GRACE Leadership & Service Educator Award is a testament to Mrs. Anderson’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of our team, and we look forward to the continued positive influence she will have on our students and staff.

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Anderson on this well-deserved honor!

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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 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!

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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.

As we embark on the summer ahead, I am eager to reflect on the journey and success we have experienced this last year focusing on community outreach, innovative instructional methods and drawing closer to Jesus through our faith in action. The commitment from our community sponsors is truly unmatched. With their support we have been able to surpass our annual fundraising goal and reinvest dollars into improving our safety and security measures, enhancing our facilities and promoting academic advancement. These all further the overall Holy Cross experience.

Holy Cross students and staff again thoughtfully contributed to the needs of our community and through both corporal and spiritual works of mercy, were able to serve our neighbors in Christ. The 2023-2024 Annual Report highlights our ongoing promise to educate children and support them academically, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Students at Holy Cross are not only demonstrating strong academic success, they are also becoming outstanding leaders driven by our virtues and values program. With our beautiful green space, we are afforded the unique opportunity to draw closer to God’s creation by exploring and caring for the natural world right here in our backyard. The Abundant Blessings Outdoor Preschool Program immerses our youngest learners in their natural setting that fosters a connection with the environment and promotes creativity while enriching their physical, social ad emotional mental development. Staff attended rigorous professional development dedicated to supporting all learners’ achievement through innovation and compassion while tailoring tiered intervention for each child. These, among others, are a few examples of how we are setting Holy Cross apart from anywhere else and we are excited to share our story, inviting others to come explore the unique possibilities we have to offer.

I’d like to thank you for your ongoing dedication to Holy Cross Catholic School. As summer beckons, I pray you all find time to relax, recharge and enjoy well-deserved time together. May God continue to bless you.

Mrs. Peterson

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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 Samantha Skifton, Technology Integration Specialist, GRACE

Artificial Intelligence. If you read those words and immediately think that it can’t be good for the future of education, many would likely agree. Artificial Intelligence (AI) hit the world like a tidal wave in November of 2022 thanks to ChatGPT, a chat-based platform that can instantly generate text. There are a few common misconceptions we would like to clarify. First, AI is not a new creation. It has been part of the technological world since 1950, albeit in different forms. Second, you use AI almost daily and might not realize it. Do you ask Siri or Alexa to play your favorite songs or to schedule a reminder? Have you ever Googled something? Has your digital map recommended the shortest route? And don’t get me started on personalized ads! These daily tasks all use AI to some degree.

GRACE’s Technology Services team was tasked with researching AI at the start of the school year. Immediately hundreds of questions posed threats to how we view education. Did students need to hand write essays? Was this something that students or staff should even use? The questions didn’t stop, and neither did we. We knew that AI couldn’t be brushed under the rug for another day. Our investigation started exactly where it should: with our faith. Pope Francis has been addressing AI since 2016, and throughout that time his opinion hasn’t changed: AI is a gift from God which needs to serve our human potential and will challenge our teaching methods, however we are called to use AI morally and ethically to promote critical thinking (Address of His Holiness Pope Francis to Participants in the “Minerva Dialogues”, March 2023). 

Our focus became finding AI tools that were created specifically for educators. These tools save our teachers something precious: time. AI provides an almost instantaneous digital assistant to our teachers. The teacher who used to spend three hours creating review materials for students can now create a starting point in seconds. The first-year teacher who wants to create a project based on the novel Wonder has a multitude of ideas in minutes. The teacher who wants to give each student a personalized Christmas story can save hours of time creating them.

There are a few things we would like to affirm. We discourage teachers from distributing AI materials without first editing and making materials their own. AI is a starting point not the final draft. The use of ChatGPT is discouraged for all because, quite honestly, there are better tools available. As for students, the expectation is that their assigned work be original, not AI generated.  Blocking or banning use is almost impossible, instead the focus within the classroom is exhibiting academic honesty while demonstrating skill mastery.

We have before us a rare opportunity to pioneer an ethical and moral use of AI for education grounded in our GRACE mission. Our teachers will focus on utilizing AI to enhance academic rigor, professionalism, effectiveness, and evangelization while striving for excellence.

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

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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.

Dear Members of the GRACE Community:

Warm spring greetings during this beautiful time of Easter, growth and reflection. I am filled with gratitude for the blessings that continue to enrich our beloved GRACE community. 

One of the cornerstones of our mission is to ensure that our schools are beacons of faith and knowledge, open to all those who seek the light of Catholic education. With the support of our 23 GRACE-affiliated parishes, we are steadfast in our commitment to welcoming every child into our classrooms regardless of background or circumstance. Together, we embrace our community knowing that it is through unity that we truly thrive to reach the kingdom- our ultimate yearning. 

The impact of a GRACE education extends far beyond the walls of our schools. By providing more students with access to quality education, we not only foster academic excellence but pave the way for brighter futures and boundless opportunities. Our commitment to nurturing a thriving community around us is rooted in the belief that Catholic education is the cornerstone of our students’ futures. 

I am delighted to report that our enrollment remains strong, a testament to the unwavering dedication of our staff and families and the enduring appeal of Catholic education in greater Green Bay. With robust and thriving schools, our students are provided not only with excellent academic opportunities but also with vibrant social experiences that help shape them into well-rounded individuals. Each child brings a unique perspective to our community enriching our classrooms with a tapestry of personalities and ideas. 

A steady enrollment also serves as the bedrock of our fiscal practices, ensuring the stability and sustainability of our schools for generations to come. Through the support of our growing community, we are empowered to uphold the traditions and teachings of our Catholic faith in partnership with our parents and parishes, nurturing the hearts and minds of our students. 

As we celebrate our successes, let us also cherish the bonds of friendship and unity that are forged within our GRACE family. Together, parents and educators alike form a supportive network that cultivates our beautiful community and creates a sense of belonging and lasting friendships for our students that endures long after graduation. 

I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every member of our GRACE community for your unwavering support and dedication to our mission. Together, let us continue to uphold the values of faith, excellence, and community that define us, inspiring future generations to shine brightly in the light of God’s love. 

With prayers, peace and warmest regards as we enter into these final days of the academic year!

Kimberly A. Desotell

President, GRACE 

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

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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.

What a day to remember as the Spudmobile rolled into our school, bringing with it a wealth of knowledge and fun all centered around the humble potato. Students, teachers, and staff gathered in excitement as the state-of-the-art mobile classroom parked on our grounds, ready to deliver an engaging and educational experience.

Learning Through Fun

The Spudmobile is not just any vehicle; it’s a high-tech, interactive learning center on wheels. As students stepped inside, they were greeted with a variety of exhibits and activities designed to teach them about the potato industry. From the history of potato farming to the latest in agricultural technology, the Spudmobile provided a comprehensive look at how this staple crop is grown, harvested, and brought to our tables.

Hands-On Activities

Our students enjoyed several hands-on activities that made learning about potatoes both fun and memorable. They explored interactive displays, participated in virtual field trips to potato farms, and even took part in cooking demonstrations showing different ways to prepare potatoes. These activities not only educated but also inspired many of our students to think more about where their food comes from and the importance of agriculture in our daily lives.

The Science Behind Potatoes

One of the highlights of the visit was the section dedicated to the science of potatoes. Students learned about the nutritional benefits of potatoes, the different varieties, and how potatoes can be a part of a healthy diet. There were also lessons on plant biology, showing how potatoes grow from seed to plant, which fascinated many of our budding scientists.

A Community Connection

The Spudmobile visit wasn’t just an educational experience; it was a celebration of community. By learning about the local and national potato industry, students gained an appreciation for the hard work and dedication of farmers in our area. This connection to our community’s agricultural roots was a valuable lesson in itself.

Thank You, Spudmobile Team!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Spudmobile team for bringing this incredible experience to our school. Their passion for education and agriculture shone through every activity and exhibit. The visit left a lasting impression on our students and sparked a newfound interest in the world of farming and food production.

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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.