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1087 Kellogg Street

Green Bay, WI 54303

www.gracesystem.org NON PROFIT ORG

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GREEN BAY, WI

PERMIT 4

January 4 ........... Classes Resume

January 22 ......... Early Dismissal - Staff Development Day

January 31 - February 6 ……..Catholic Schools Week

February 12 ....... No Classes/Staff Development Day

March 4 ............. Early Dismissal/End of 2nd Trimester

March 10 ........... Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences (optional)

March 11 ........... Early Dismissal /Afternoon P/T Conferences (optional)

March 25 – April 3…….No Classes/Spring Break

April 4 ............... Classes Resume

May 6................. Early Dismissal/Staff Development Day

May 30 .............. No Classes/Memorial Day

June 3 ................ Early Dismissal/Last Day of School

June 6 ................ Teacher Work Day

The 2016-2017 GRACE calendar will be published in January after the GRACE Board of Trustee approval.

2015-16 GRACE Schools Calendar

LET US HELP YOU! - Call (920) 499-7330

Business Services ..............Heidi Janowski ext. 307

Financial Aid ...................Donna Meulemans ext. 303

Student Registration ........Donna Meulemans ext. 303

Tuition & Fees .................Sue King ext. 310

Human Resources ............Jami Hintz ext. 309

Student Services ...............James Cullen ext. 308

Annual Appeal Gifts ......... President’s Office ext. 303

Inside this issue:

President’s Letter 2

School Open House Schedule 3

GRACE Staff Spotlight 4

Kohl Fellowship Nominees 5

Enrollment News 7

EDITOR - Donna Meulemans VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2– December 2015

International Baccalaureate Program at Holy Family School

In the spring of 2014, Holy Family School (HFS) was accepted into the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP) as a candidate school. Every student, regardless of academic ability, benefits from the IB program. The MYP is appropriate for students between the ages of 11 and 16 (grades 6-10). The program accommodates national and local curriculum and encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers through the use of inquiry-based learning approaches. What does this mean for students and

teachers? IB students have inquiring minds and become active learners, taking more responsibility for their learning, which leads to becoming lifelong learners. The program prepares our students to become global citizens who are internationally-minded and better able to function in today’s world. The program also develops more social responsibility in the students as well. The students are actively engaged in the planning and assessing of their own learning through reflection and classroom dialogue. They grow in their skills and understanding of the world and its people and develop a sense of their place within a global community. The students become more aware of their impact on the environment.

Holy Cross School Principal - Sharon Gast

468-0625

Holy Family School Principal - Pamela Otto

494-1931

Notre Dame School of DP Principal - Jim Clark

337-1103 or 337-1115

Our Lady of Lourdes School Principal - Jeff Young

336-3091

Resurrection School Principal - Kay Franz

336-3230

St. Bernard School Principal - Crystal Blahnik

468-5026

St. John Paul II Classical School

Headmaster - Brad Norton 499-7330

St. John the Baptist School Principal - Vicki Marotz

434-3822

St. Matthew School Principal - Kay Franz

432-5223

St. Thomas More School Principal - Olgamar Amor

432-8242

During the culmination of the three-year program, the students explore a topic of interest to them, and with the help of an advisor on staff, will develop a community project, which demonstrates student growth and understanding of a topic of their choice with a service-based component. On October 15-16, the IB consultant, Molly Darnell, from the Oxford School District in Michigan, visited Holy Family to assess progress toward complete authorization. Work is developing in many areas such as policies: an academic honesty policy, assessment policy, special needs policy as well as a language policy. The goal is for full authorization in the spring of 2017. There are many reasons Holy Family was chosen for this program. A high percentage of HFS graduates attend

Notre Dame Academy and participate in the IB program at the high school level. By having IB at HFS, this allows for a seamless transition into the IB program at NDA. In the last three years, more than 35 Holy Family graduates have taken IB classes or taken IB Diploma program exams to receive an IB diploma.

An IB education is relevant for all students regardless of background or ability.

Students will begin forming a global perspective and develop 21st Century learning skills while still in their formative years.

The program will create globally-aware students who are ready to embark on a journey to better the future for themselves and their community.

As the field of education becomes more competitive between public and private schools, we must maintain a higher standard in order to remain current and viable.

Continued on pg. 6

Dear Friends:

It is with great pleasure that I write to you during this robust season of Advent as we prepare for the birth of Jesus. As with the excitement of the season, there is also great excitement and energy within our schools. Advent, the season of preparation and reflection offers a wonderful reminder of why Catholic education is perhaps one of the most important choices one can make for the future of our children.

I am entering my sixth month as President of GRACE. During these early months, I have spent time in dialogue and discussion as I work to understand the needs of our system, stakeholders, schools and parishes. I have been into and through our schools on numerous occasions to witness learning, participate in worship, view the curricular offerings in action and tour facilities. My early work has also involved sitting down with GRACE Pastors individually to better understand their expectations as partners in our work together to build strong Catholics as well as a world class education system together. These conversations and this time during these early months will truly assist in my work to continue the momentum for GRACE.

Shortly, we will be embarking upon the ‘‘enrollment season’ starting in January 2016. This will begin during Catholic Schools Week January 31-February 6. The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2016 is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” GRACE fully embraces these values in all that we do. We are proud of our efforts to promote self-discipline with moral values rooted in the Catholic faith as we develop leaders for tomorrow. I would ask you all to join me to adopt a mindset for growth and help us to grow our schools. I firmly believe that growth equals strength. This growth will help us to increase resources as well as revenue to be able to continue our work to strengthen programs, increase compensation for teachers, attend to facility needs and offer our faith-based approach for even more to experience.

God bless you and your loved ones in this Advent Season and in joyful anticipation of Christmas. Blessings in Christ, Kimberly A. Desotell President - GRACE Catholic Schools

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Page 7 “Building academic excellence and life skills while growing in our Catholic faith”

Board Approves 2016-2017 Budget

Tuition & Fees Announced

The GRACE Board of Directors approved the 2016-2017 budget for the 10 GRACE schools. The tuition for the 2016-2017 school year is $2,600 for students of supporting parishes. Early Childhood rates remain the same. The enrollment fee schedule is set at $50 per family for early enrollment during Catholic Schools Week (January 31–February 6.); $100 per family February 7-29; and $125 per family beginning March 1st.

Each activity fee is determined by the School Advisory Council (SAC) at the school site. Likewise, fundraising requirements are also determined by the school. Families wishing to apply for financial assistance may do so online at the time of enrollment or at a later date. Applications received by April 15, 2016 will receive first consideration. Those who apply after that date will be reviewed as financial aid dollars are available. For further information on enrollment, please contact Donna Meulemans at 499-7330, ext. 303.

GRACE Revenue per Student for 2015-2016

Tuition per student = $2,500 Cost per Student = $5,300 Tuition and Fees = Tuition, Enrollment Fees, Activity Fees. Parish Subsidy = Local Parish Contributions; Each parish contributes to support GRACE tuition. SAC = Site Advisory Council for each school. All school fundraisers are under the direction of the SAC and contribute to overall GRACE tuition. Other = Grants, Investments, Annual Appeal, Extended Care and Hot Lunch.

We are adopting a new enrollment system called TADS for the upcoming 2016-2017 school year. Some of the new features will be: Single sign in for enrollment & payment plan User friendly system Improved Customer Service support Personal customer service with extended phone hours &

selected weekend hours including live chat to help troubleshoot questions

Enrollment process, Payment Plan and Financial Aid are available in Spanish

Information about this new system will be available on our website and at your individual school by mid January. Returning families will receive an email with enrollment instructions and link. The email will come from: Your schoolnamesupport@tads.com (for example holyfamilysupport@tads.com) GRACE Enrollment opens January 31st. Enroll early to avoid waitlists. We anticipate several schools/grades having a waitlist.

GRACE Announces New Enrollment System.

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Freshman Registration Day at NDA Saturday, January 30, 9:00 am - Noon

Tritan Fest: “A Lifetime of Opportunity” Saturday, February 20th, Lambeau Atrium Time to be determined. An evening with Mass, Dinner auctions and Raffes.

Cabaret Night at NDA Saturday, March 19th Beginning at 5:00 pm

Upcoming Events at Notre Dame Academy

IB at Holy Family School - continued

For more information on the International Baccalaureate program visit ibo.org. There is also a new parent information page: http://www.ibo.org/en/information-for-parents

By: Cheryl Smet Holy Family School IB Coordinator

advocate for the IB program and stated that many of the education majors are requesting that they also receive IB certification along with their education degree.

Colleges are now beginning to recognize the value of IB - educated students, giving early acceptances and even scholarships, which may include full tuition. High school IB coordinators and members of the Wisconsin Association of IB World Schools, the state organization, are working to increase recognition of IB students in the college community. At the October meeting, the group met with the Dean of the Department of Education at UW Madison, Dr. Diana Hess. She is an

8th Grade Policies

8th grade students whose accounts are not up-to-date will not be eligible to participate in 8th grade trips, parties and graduation events. The only exception will be the 8th grade retreat as long as the retreat fee (if required) is paid.

GRACE Board of Trustees Policy The organization, fundraising, financial arrangements,

chaperoning and liability for 8th Grade Class Trips are the responsibility of the parents. The 8th Grade Class Trips cannot be scheduled on days when school is in session and should take place after the 8th grade graduation. GRACE staff are not responsible for the planning, fundraising and chaperoning of these trips.

It is the policy of the Diocese of Green Bay to have a non-alcohol environment during student activities and/or events.

January 31 -

February 6, 2016

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GRACE Schools Open Houses

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program Eligibility Update

Application dates for the WPCP will be from February 2– April 20, 2016. All current voucher students will need to re apply to remain eligible. Only current GRACE students entering into Kindergarten and First grade are eligible to apply for a 2016-2017 voucher. Any public school student entering grades Kindergarten through Eight grade who meet the eligibility requirements may apply. We understand this is different from previous years. If you have any questions, please contact the GRACE office at 499-7330 ext. 303. More information on the WPCP may be found at http://dpi.wi.gov/sms/choice-programs/wpcp-statewide.

School Choice Reminders: Families must apply or re-apply between

February 2 and April 20, 2016. Current Choice/voucher families must re-apply. School offices can help with any part of the

application process.

The celebration of Catholic Schools Week includes a variety of events at each GRACE school. As part of the week, each GRACE school holds an Open House welcoming parents to meet staff, view the school, view student learning projects and receive information about the 2016 - 2017 school year. While parents can enroll their students for the next school year online, those who would like assistance in this process can inquire during the Open House. Further information is available on the GRACE web site at www.gracesystem.org

WPCP Information Nights

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Holy Family School 6:30 - 7:30 pm

1204 S. Fisk St., Green Bay

Thursday, April 7, 2016

St. Thomas More School 6:30 - 7:30 pm

650 S. Irwin Ave., Green Bay

Learn more about Wisconsin Parent Choice

Attend either session! These are open to current and new school choice families.

Tips for Parents - Keeping our faith alive at home!

Instruction in the Catholic faith is an integral part of the curriculum at the schools which comprise the GRACE system. Students attend a weekly liturgy and receive instruction multiple times a week, if not every day, at their respective schools. While this is all truly wonderful, the question remains, how can parents and their student(s) carry the faith from school back to the home? The answer to this question is thankfully very simple, as there are many ways to practice our Catholic faith as a family. The beginning of the new liturgical year provides a perfect opportunity to do this.

Advent, the season in which we prepare for the birth of Christ, includes many activities that can be done in the home. The most important tradition of this time being the Advent wreath, made up of four candles signifying the four weeks before Christmas. On each

day of Advent, either before dinner or sometime in the evening, the family could gather and light the candle(s), and read from either the Gospel or another reading of the day. The Holy Scriptures are an incredible resource for us

Christians, and need not only be read from during special seasons, but can be read and meditated upon every single day. Through the words of the Bible we receive inspiration that seeks to guide us on the path to holiness both as individuals and as families. The devotional practices that the Church has given to us are also wonderful ways to enrich the faith lives of children. The Rosary is a more popular devotion as it is easy to recite and does not take very long to get through. Another is the Stations of the Cross, since this practice helps us to recall the great love of Christ for us in his sacrifice on the Cross. Even spending time discussing children’s spiritual life is fruitful, thus allowing them to grow deeper into their relationship with God and with one another. May these suggestions given here be a benefit to both parents and children as we enter further into this season of hopeful anticipation, and throughout the rest of the Church year. By: Matt Mahon

Norbertine Volunteer and Campus Minister St. Thomas More School

there may be a behavior or social difficulty, and assistance may be needed to help a student fit more comfortably into the school environment

Jean O’Donnell is the supportive consultant at Our Lady of Lourdes School. Jean regularly goes “above and beyond” to fulfill her duties of supportive consultant. When we find a student who is struggling or needs to be challenged, Mrs. O’Donnell

leaves no stone unturned. Jean will spend hours researching different teaching techniques to assist a student who is struggling with a particular concept or strategy.

Jean O’Donnell has been at our Lady of Lourdes for nine years. She has made a positive impact with countless students. I recently talked with a parent of a student who worked with Mrs. O’Donnell every year that he was at Our Lady of Lourdes. He is now a sophomore at Notre Dame Academy and has been on the honor roll each semester while at NDA. His mother told me that this never would have happened if it wasn’t for the dedication that Mrs. O’Donnell has for the students here at Our Lady of Lourdes. She never stops looking for ways that our students can be successful.

By: Jeff Young Principal OLOL

Page 4 We’re on the web - www.gracesystem.org

GRACE Staff Spotlight - Supportive Consultants—Who Are They & Want Do They Do?

One of the greatest benefits of a Catholic School education is that each student is valued and appreciated. We are not massive schools with nameless teachers and nameless students. What I value most about being principal at Our Lady of Lourdes School is that I know each student that walks into our building in the morning. Building relationships is what separates us from our area public schools. It also allows us the unique opportunity to individualize learning for our students. Our GRACE supportive consultants play an integral part in creating these learning environments.

Supportive consultants, along with the teachers and staff, believe every child is gifted, no matter their testing level. Together with the support and direction of the GRACE student services director, James Cullen, supportive consultants collaborate with teachers and parents to ensure that each child receives a meaningful and responsive Catholic school learning experience.

The supportive consultant’s main objective in our GRACE school is to reach out to parents and teachers who express concerns about their students. Concerns may include the student is falling behind and is struggling with concepts being taught. It could also be a worry that the student is advanced and already has mastered parts of the curriculum, so they may not be making progress based on their individual needs. In addition,

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We have completed the first year of the One-to-One Chromebook initiative for GRACE Middle School students. The project was well received by faculty and students.

All projects require review to celebrate the successes and identify areas of improvement. Changes were implemented in two areas of the One-to-One project:

Management of devices: The Chromebook Google for Education Management Console consisted of two groups (Faculty and Students). For the 2015-16 school year, the student structure was changed to include additional sub groups (school site and grade level) to provide flexibility and options for implementation of applications/features.

Insurance: Insurance is not required by parents, but we have revised the Chromebook User Guide to include a damage policy.

After one year . . .

Chromebooks in GRACE Schools:

797 Chromebooks were purchased by GRACE

+129 Chromebooks made possible with donations.

=926 Chromebooks in GRACE Schools

Students took great care and demonstrated a high level of responsibility with these devices.

GRACE Technology - One-to-One Initiative for Middle School

Overall, we experienced minimal damage through year one.

We evaluated the durability of the Chromebook device and Chromebook models. An ACER model will be purchased when additional devices are needed and will eventually replace the existing Samsung models.

From a student perspective:

How much did the Chromebook change your learning experience? 67% indicated quite a bit

How did having a Chromebook allow you to connect to more resources & content? 65% indicated a great deal

How much did having a Chromebook benefit learning? 53% indicated quite a bit

By: Lynn Fink, GRACE Technology Coordinator

Kohl Fellowship Nominees

Congratulations to these GRACE teachers who have been nominated for the Wisconsin Kohl Fellowship Award; an award honoring top teachers in Wisconsin. We wish them well as they advance to the next level.

Patty Pagel - Notre Dame

Jacky Cramer - Notre Dame

Kevin Schwarten - Notre Dame

Pat Shafer - St. Bernard

Mary Hock - St. Bernard

Autumn DeCleene - St. Bernard

WEATHER ALERT - School Closing Guidelines

The GRACE Catholic Schools will follow the school closing or delay information from the public school districts. Each GRACE School follows the closing or delay schedule for the public district in which it is located.

The annual Diocesan Walk to Mary Pilgrimage will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2016. Registration will open after January 1, 2016. You can visit the website or register online at www.walktomary.com

Supporting Catholic Education

At the core of Catholic education is the realization that life, itself, is a pilgrimage, and we are called to prepare children for their journey in the world. We educate them not in defense against this world, but as a promise for this world. We form their hearts so that they, in turn, may transform the world.