Category: General

On Tuesday, February 4, the Greater Green Bay community gathered to honor Mrs. Shawna Fischer, a dedicated fourth-grade teacher at Holy Family Catholic School, as she was surprised in her classroom with a Golden Apple Award.

Accompanied by Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) President Kim Desotell and Holy Family Principal Sarah Sharkey, representatives from the Greater Green Bay Chamber, WLUK-TV FOX 11, and the Green Bay Press Times joined in presenting this distinguished honor. The Golden Apple Award recognizes excellence in teaching and is a testament to Mrs. Fischer’s unwavering dedication to her students and her passion for Catholic education.

“Mrs. Fischer’s influence extends far beyond the classroom,” said Kim Desotell. “She not only fosters academic success but also nurtures the spiritual growth of her students, inspiring them to strive for holiness and a lifelong love of learning.”

Through her compassion, enthusiasm, and commitment, Mrs. Fischer has left an indelible mark on the lives of her students, colleagues, and the entire Holy Family Catholic School community. This well-deserved recognition celebrates the countless hours she has dedicated to shaping young minds and fostering curiosity, growth, and success.

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

The best way to learn more about HFS is to visit! Schedule a tour here.

GRACE is excited to recognize another Outstanding Volunteer, Sr. Mariadele. St. Mariadele was presented with this award at a Mass on January 30th.

Each day, Sr. Mariadele dedicates her time and talents to supporting students at Holy Family Catholic School in countless ways. She works one-on-one and in small groups with students who need extra academic support, patiently guiding them through challenges and celebrating their successes. In preschool, she lovingly assists during lunch, helping our youngest learners develop independence while ensuring they feel cared for and encouraged. As a co-teacher in Religion, she brings depth and wisdom to the classroom, enriching students’ understanding of their faith and inspiring thoughtful discussions. Beyond these roles, she is a living example of vocational life, modeling a deep commitment to God’s call and inspiring students to explore how they, too, are called to serve.

We are incredibly blessed to have Sr. Mariadele as part of our GRACE family. Her kindness, patience, and unwavering commitment to our mission enrich the lives of students and staff alike. Her work is not just a volunteer effort — it is a ministry of love, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

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

The best way to learn more about HFS is to visit! Schedule a tour here.

The latest GRACE Fall 2024 newsletter is now available to read! This issue highlights GRACE’s high school, Chesterton Academy of St. John Paul II Classical School.

Discover everything the school has to offer by clicking the button below.

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

The best way to learn more about HFS is to visit! Schedule a tour here.

GRACE is pleased to share that The Mulva Cultural Center is offering viewings of the film – I Am the Immaculate Conception – on December 12 and December 14, 2024.  This is an exclusive offering in our area of this religious docudrama.

What is Our Lady’s role under the title of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception for the United States? Hear from the rector of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at the nation’s capital speak about Mary’s historic role in American history and why the U.S. Bishops urged consecration to Our Lady under the title of the Immaculate Conception.

PG-13 – 94 minutes

View The Mulva Cultural Center’s website to learn more, check availability, and buy tickets. View the film site to learn more about the movie.

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

The best way to learn more about HFS is to visit! Schedule a tour here.

Keep the Momentum Going

The 2024-2025 GRACE Annual Appeal is in full swing!

Your gifts provide vital support to the more than 2,400 students enrolled in our schools. With your help, we can continue to provide an education that nurtures both academic and spiritual growth. Donations can be sent to the GRACE Development Office at 1822 Riverside Dr., Green Bay, WI 54301, or made online at gracesystem.org/giving/donate-now.

Thank you for helping us build a brighter future! 

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

The best way to learn more about HFS is to visit! Schedule a tour here.

Thank you to our principal of Holy Family Catholic School, Mrs. Sharkey!

Grounded in our Catholic faith, the Holy Family Catholic School community will educate our
students to reach their academic potential while inspiring a passion to be active, lifelong learners. Through Catholic teaching and global awareness, students will learn the great importance of being compassionate, loving, and understanding citizens.

Learn more at: www.holyfamilgreenbay.com.

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

The best way to learn more about HFS is to visit! Schedule a tour here.

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. 

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

The best way to learn more about HFS is to visit! Schedule a tour here.

At Holy Family Catholic School, students thrive and strive towards the best versions of themselves. Staff and families support one another as a family and generations of students return to share the experience with their children. We’ve put together a video highlighting this!

To explore more about what makes us unique, browse our website.

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

The best way to learn more about HFS is to visit! Schedule a tour here.

The 2024 GRACE: Gold Summer Camp season concluded at the end of July with a total of 86 students participating in camp sessions! The camp was created in 2019 with the goal of offering children a faith-filled option for the summer months that also provided quality educational experiences to campers and families. This goal is accomplished each year through the hard work of the amazing team of GRACE teachers who dedicate their time to developing and leading successful camp sessions.

This year, GRACE: Gold was held at Holy Family Catholic School with the support of St. Agnes Parish. Camp sessions were open to children in Grades Preschool through 8 with the most popular camps occurring at the Kindergarten, Grades 1-2, and Grades 3-5 age levels. A number of new-to-GRACE students attended camp this year as well with the goal to make new friends and meet GRACE teachers before the school year even started! 

New classes are offered each year to ensure camp offerings appeal to each child’s unique interests and to focus on age appropriate themes and skills that students will be able to take back to the classroom. In addition, it is GRACE: Gold’s aim to keep numbers at 15-20 students per camp class, depending on the age level of the class. This helps provide smaller class sizes and also maintains lower teacher-to-student ratios, ensuring the best camp experience for students and teachers. 

The camp teachers are the rock stars of the program, diligently planning for and engaging students in fun and meaningful sessions. The “Book Cooks” class, taught by Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School teacher, Jessica Johnson, was popular with students in particular. Cooking and baking classes are always a hit with students at any grade level! Other standout classes were “Pickleball Champs,” taught by Father Allouez Catholic School teacher Malynn Tarczewski, “Alphabet Fun,” taught by Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School teacher Kassandra Baeten, and “Tech Trek,” taught by GRACE Tech Team member, Samantha Skifton. In addition, Wisconsin Dairy Promotions came in each week on Fridays to provide a healthy dairy treat and to teach students about the dairy and farming industry in our state.

Next year, the goal is to host full-day camp sessions again for families. This means campers will have class options to choose from that run from 8 AM-3 PM each day. Camp Director, Laura Blicharz, also stated the goal is to return to a four-week camp schedule instead of the three weeks that occurred this year. With a full-day camp schedule, Before and After School Care will also be an option again for parents and families. GRACE plans to have an even higher enrollment number next year, so keep an eye out for information on GRACE: Gold camp registration in the Spring!

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

The best way to learn more about HFS is to visit! Schedule a tour here.

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!

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

The best way to learn more about HFS is to visit! Schedule a tour here.