ewsewsewsewsewsewsewsews Inside this issue:

President’s Letter 2

GRACE Schools Open Houses 3

2015-2016 Tuition/Fees 4

On-line Learning/Educational

Programs

5

Staff Focus - April Padalino 6

IB at Holy Family School 7

Layout Editor - Donna Sommers VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2– December 2014

RACERACERACERACERACERACERACERACE

Early Childhood Education Benefits Children

In a recent article titled,

‘Reimagining Early-Childhood

Education,’ the authors point

out that more than 120

empirical studies have

demonstrated the dramatic

benefits of early childhood

education. “Children who

attend early-childhood-

education programs at ages 3 or

4 are better prepared for

school. They also perform

better academically, are likelier

to complete high school…they have fewer

instances of externalized behavior….they

surpass their peers economically.”

Each of the GRACE schools offers an

early childhood program. By using a

hands-on, play-based approach, children

learn through exploration, social

interaction with their peers, and play. It is

the goal of each EC program to prepare

children for kindergarten by introducing

them to the concepts they will master

during their primary years in school. Each

school determines the scope of options

for half-day and full-day offerings for

children, ages 3 or 4.

Research also demonstrates the benefits of

early childhood education on the social

development of children. These programs

help develop a child’s natural desire and

capacity for emotionally significant bonds

with others as well as the ability to respect

and respond to the thoughts

and feelings of others.

Researchers also speak of

the positive development of

children in early childhood

programs in terms of a

child’s ability to control

impulses, maintain focus

and make flexible plans.

The relationship-building

skills are ties to a child’s

ability to develop habits of mind such as

discipline, synthesis, creativity, respect

and ethics. “An education system in

which highly trained and respected

teachers encourage children to construct

knowledge by building meaningful

relationships, in contrast, produces

collaborative leaders and innovators.”

The GRACE Early Childhood Programs

welcome parents to volunteer in the

classroom. Opportunities for parents to

share their expertise in real

-life situations and

occupations are provided.

The GRACE philosophy

supports parents as integral

partners in their child’s

education. For further

information:

www.gracesystem.org

GRACE Catholic Schools

Holy Cross School

468-0625

Holy Family School

494-1931

Notre Dame School of De Pere

337-1103 or 337-1115

Our Lady of Lourdes School

336-3091

Resurrection School

336-3230

St. Bernard School

468-5026

St. John the Baptist School

434-3822

St. Matthew School

432-5223

St. Thomas More School

432-8242

St. John Paul II Classical School

499-7330

Dear GRACE Friends,

As you read this, we are in the middle of the wonderful season of Advent, a

time of anticipation of the Birth of our Lord. Often this season is so overwhelmed by the media’s

promotional sales, that we forget about these four weeks of spiritual preparation. Tucked away within these

weeks are also two very significant Marian Feast Days . . . The Feast of the Immaculate Conception

(December 8) and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12). What a season of spiritual richness!

When I was a boy growing up in the Cold War era, I remember how often my family went to church

to pray the rosary to end the threat of nuclear war. The church was packed every night as we gathered as a

fearful Catholic community. Leaders began to back away from destruction and moved toward peaceful

disengagement. Fear, faith, intense prayer drew us together and the world was healed. I recall learning how

the power of prayer could not only draw together a community but also about prayer’s power in our lives.

During these final days of Advent, may each of us make time in our busy days to pray and reflect

upon the needs of our world. Maybe it is a prayer for peace, a prayer for healing, a prayer of thanksgiving . . .

we can pray for so many things and in so many ways. Advent is a season of rich opportunity and I ask that we

join together as the GRACE family to bring the power of daily prayer to heal the world’s wounds. In a

special way, Pope Francis asks us to bring our attention to the needs of the poor.

In The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis’ first apostolic exhortation, the pope asks: “How could it be that

it’s not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market

loses two points?” As we reflect more deeply on the meaning of Advent and the coming birth of Jesus, let us

take seriously Pope Francis’ question. May we all draw together, not out of fear but with compassion, to pray

for and offer our generous support to the poor.

God, through our compassion, faith and intense prayer,

draw us together so that the world may be healed.

God bless you and your loved ones in this Advent Season and in joyful anticipation of Christmas.

In Christ & St. Norbert,

Rev. Dane Radecki, O. Praem.

President – GRACE Catholic Schools

Page 2

Page 3

Open House Programs Scheduled at GRACE Catholic Schools

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 2015 - 2016 school

year. While parents can register 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

Holy Cross January 27 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Holy Family January 26 4:00 - 7:00 pm Chili Dinner

Notre Dame - Elementary

Notre Dame - Middle

January 25 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Mass, Breakfast,

Open House

Our Lady of Lourdes January 25 After 10:15 am Mass

Resurrection January 28 9:00 - Noon

St. Bernard January 25 9:00 am - Noon

St. John the Baptist January 25 After 8:00 am & 10:00 am Mass

St. Matthew January 29 9:00 am - Noon

St. Thomas More Call School for date and time

Information Regarding

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.

2014 - 2015 Audit Report

The auditing firm, Schenck, SC completed its annual audit

of the 2013-2014 GRACE financial books. The audit

revealed a solid financial result with a slight surplus. The

GRACE Board has created a small Reserve Fund to

strengthen the financial viability of GRACE operations.

$111,781

$105,719

$116,370

GRACE Annual Appeal2014 - Present 2013-2014 2012-2013

GRACE Annual Appeal gifts are recorded with the fiscal

year, July 1 - June 30. the Appeal directly supports students

in financial need.

The GRACE principals met

together to assess individual

school and system-wide student

test scores as part of

curriculum planning.

Page 4

In November, the GRACE Campaign received

two gifts to help the Campaign exceed its goal

of $2.1 million. The gifts support the

Campaign priorities which included support

for technology as well as establishment of a

GRACE Scholarship Endowment.

The Mulva Family Foundation, a private

foundation founded by Jim & Miriam Mulva,

made a gift of $250,000. The Norbertines

made a gift of $25,000 to the Scholarship

Endowment. The Scholarship Endowment

also received a $10,000 bequest from the estate

Gifts Push GRACE Campaign Over Goal

GRACE Board Approves 2015-2016 Budget Tuition & Fees Announced

The GRACE Board of Directors, following the

recommendation of the Board of Trustees,

approved the 2015-2016 budget for the 10

GRACE schools. The budget is balanced. In

approving the budget, the Boards endorsed a new

plan to boost teacher salaries. The plan drops the

traditional salary scale and instead includes raises

according to years of experience. The GRACE

administration emphasized the need to address

the base salary over the next few years.

The tuition for 2015-2016 is approved at $2,500

for students of supporting parishes. The

registration fee schedule is set at $35 for Early

Registration during Catholic Schools Week; $70

from February 2-28; and $100 beginning March 1st. Early

Registration is set for the week of January 25 – February 1.

The rates for the Early Childhood Program are $15 per ½

day and $22 per full day. Each activity fee is determined

by the School Advisory Council (SAC) at the school site.

Likewise, fundraising requirements are determined by the

school. These will be available online for each school at

the time of registration.

The cost to educate a GRACE student in 2015-2016 is

$5,256. The 23 area Catholic parishes contribute $1,630

per student. The remainder is funded through parent

fundraising, the GRACE Annual Appeal, foundation and

grant support.

Families wishing to apply for financial assistance may do so

online at the time of registration or at a later date.

Applications received by April 15, 2015 will receive first

consideration. Those who apply after that date will be

reviewed as financial aid dollars are available. The Boards

approved a financial aid program of $260,000.

For further information on registration, please contact

Donna Sommers at 499-7330, ext. 303.

Upcoming Events at Notre

Dame Academy

♦ January 31st - Freshman Registration:

9:00 am - Noon; NDA

♦ Feb 21st - TritonFest at Lambeau Field.

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

of Fr. Ralph Merkatoris. With these gifts, the GRACE

Campaign stands at $2,223,976.21.

Campaign funds are already having direct impact on the

education of children. During the summer, the GRACE

schools received upgrades in their technology

infrastructure. In September, all GRACE middle school

students received their personal Chromebooks which are

being used throughout the curriculum. The GRACE

Scholarship endowment will begin to generate additional

dollars for financial assistance next year.

The GRACE Campaign was co-chaired by Paul & Carol

Schierl and Hans & Mary Schaupp.

Page 5

GRACE Student On-line Learning & Other Educational Programs

communicate with the instructor and

other students participating in the

class. Schools are advised that

participation in WCATY is to take the

place of the student’s Language Arts

and/or Reading class for the duration

of the course. Activities are designed

to replace 5 hours of class work weekly

and often require homework.

Students receive a grade with

comments from WCATY at the

completion of the course.

Other local opportunities that exist for

students seeking an educational

challenge include

Camp Invention:

http://www.campinvention.org

NWTC Tech Camp: www.nwtc.edu/

academics/youth/

middleandhighschool/Pages/

TechCamp.aspx

The following is a link to an online

database of the University of

Wisconsin System Precollege

Program “Opportunities for

Wisconsin Youth”:

http://precollege.wlearn.com/

they use higher level thinking skills as

they converse and learn with each

other. The courses are relevant and

challenging; and students are

encouraged to consider how they

interact with the world around them

through explorative questioning.

WCATY’s research-based strategies

for online instruction ignite

imagination, evaluation, and creative

thinking.

Eligibility for participation in

WCATY is for GRACE 5th-8th grade

students scoring a 95% or higher

Percentile Ranking in the areas of

Reading and Language Usage (and

Math for those courses with a math

focus) on their most recent MAP

assessment. A student scoring in the

90-94% Percentile Ranking in

Reading and Language Usage (and

Math for those courses with a math

focus) can be eligible based on a

school team decision (two or more

staff members: classroom teacher,

supportive consultant, principal,

WCATY Site Coordinator).

Successful WCATY students are self-

motivated, have good time

management skills, and are able to

Odyssey is an online resource

program for teachers and students

at all grade levels that provides

personalized content to students.

The GRACE schools and parents

can use Odyssey as an online

learning tool for students across

the entire learning spectrum to

help close achievement gaps,

accelerate those who need it, and

match learning to students.

Students can also supplement

their classroom learning by

utilizing Odyssey programs in

math, reading, and language arts

at home. Odyssey content can

also assist teachers as a class

instructional tool in other subject

areas.

WCATY (Wisconsin Center for

Academically Talented Youth) is

an online opportunity for higher

achieving students who have met

the participation eligibility criteria

offered four times throughout the

school year for GRACE 5th-8th

grade students. Students

participating in WCATY are part

of an online learning community

led by a certified teacher in which

♦ January 30th, St. Thomas More International Night

5:30 pm

♦ April 18th, 2015 - St. Bernard Auction

“Giving Back to the Future”

Contact the individual school for more information

about an event.

The annual Walk to Mary Pilgrimage will be held on

Saturday, May 2, 2014. Registration begins February

1, 2015. You can visit the website or register online at

www.walktomary.com

reading and spelling for students who need

additional support to achieve their grade level.

“I’m really excited to see the future impact on

children and the results now that our GRACE

schools are near full

implementation of the K-3

program. Personally, I’ve seen the

benefits of this program and just

saw how one of my students in less

than 3 years began as a struggling

reader to scoring 94% on his most

recent reading test. Another of my

students began 1st grade

significantly behind the other

students and by 4th grade is reading

and spelling at grade level.”

Mrs. Padalino believes that her role is to assist

students to progress from a focus on learning how

to read to reading to learn. Watching students

move into the middle school grades ready to read

and spell, she observes that they are able to focus

on higher order thinking as they ready for high

school. Through her compassion for children and

literacy expertise, April is reaching her goal of

bringing every child to read and spell at grade level

by the time they reach middle school.

Page 6

pupil (but not more than $4,000) plus the amount

the parent paid for the period when the student was a

secondary pupil. If the total is more than $10,000,

the parent includes the maximum of $10,000.

This new law applies to all parents incurring tuition

expenses in a GRACE Catholic School. You may

want to consult a tax advisor if you need further

details.

Additional Information

For more information, contact:

Wisconsin Dept. of Revenue

Customer Service Bureau

PO Box 8949

Phone: (608) 266-2486

Email: income@revenue.wi.gov

Wisconsin Tax Deduction for Tuition Expenses

The Governor signed into law new tax legislation

giving Wisconsin taxpayers the opportunity to deduct

private school tuition expenses from their taxable

income beginning on or after January 1, 2014. A

subtraction from income is allowed for tuition

expenses that are paid to any of the GRACE Catholic

schools. For each elementary student, the maximum

amount of tuition expenses which a claimant may

subtract in a taxable year is $4,000. For each secondary

student, the maximum amount of tuition expenses to

be claimed is $10,000.

How is tuition defined for a student attending 8th &

9th grade in a tax year?. For both an elementary pupil

and a secondary pupil (grades 8 & 9), the parent

includes the amount paid for tuition during the taxable

year for the period when the student was an elementary

GRACE Staff Focus

A pril Padalino’s care for the success of children drew

her to a career as a Reading Specialist. She began

her work as a long-term substitute teacher in Michigan

and she grew curious about why some children were

successful in reading while others were not. She began

to research the mechanics of early

childhood reading which led her to

use the Fundations Reading

Program. When April and her

family moved to the Green Bay area,

she taught first grade at St. John the

Baptist School in Howard. Now in

her eighth year, April serves as a full-

time reading interventionist.

April holds a Master’s Degree and

several certifications, including Early

Childhood Education and Reading

Intervention. Along with Pat Shafer at St. Bernard

School, April is completing the final requirements to be

approved as a Fundations Program trainer. She will train

new GRACE teachers in grades K-3 how to use the

Fundations Program and provide ongoing coaching

throughout the school year. Fundations is the reading

and spelling program adopted by all GRACE schools for

grades K-3. The Wilson Program complements

Fundations by serving as an intervention program in

Page 7

International Baccalaureate MYP Program Begins at Holy Family School

“BuildingacademicexcellenceandlifeskillswhilegrowinginourCatholicfaith”

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. Students also become

more aware of their impact on the

environment. 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, develop a community project,

with a service- based component.

Why Holy Family School? There are

many reasons Holy Family was chosen

for this program.

♦ A high percentage of HFS

graduates attend NDA and

participate in the IB program at

the high school level. By having IB

at HFS, this will allow for a

seamless transition into the IB

program at NDA.

♦ 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 the

community.

♦ As the field of education becomes

more competitive, Holy Family

strives for a higher academic

standard in order to remain

current and viable.

Colleges are now beginning to

recognize the abilities of IB- educated

students, granting early acceptances

and even scholarships, which may

include full tuition. High school IB

coordinators and members of the

state organization of coordinators are

working to increase recognition of IB

students in the college community.

If you have any questions about the

Holy Family IB program, contact

Mrs. Cheryl Smet, IB Coordinator, at csmet@gracesystem.org.

In the spring of 2014, Holy Family

School was accepted into the

International Baccalaureate MYP

(Middle Years Program) as a

candidate school.

What does this mean for students

and teachers? MYP students have

inquiring minds and become active

learners, taking more responsibility

for their learning, which leads to

becoming lifelong learners. The

program prepares students to

become global citizens who are

international-minded and better

able to function in today’s world.

The program also develops more

social responsibility in students.

All middle school students

participate in the IB Middle Years

Program (MYP). Every student,

regardless of academic ability,

benefits from the IB program. 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.

Catholic Identity is integral to every

part of the program.

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program Information Night - 6:30 pm

Thursday, January 22, 2015

St. Thomas More School

650 S. Irwin Ave., Green Bay

WEATHER ALERT - School Closing Guidelines

The GRACE Catholic Schools will follow the school closing or delay

information of the local public school districts. Each GRACE School follows

the closing or delay schedule of the public district in which it is located.

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

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

Financial Aid ................... Donna Sommers ext. 303

Student Registration ........ Donna Sommers ext. 303

Verify Tuition & Fees ..... Donna Sommers ext. 303

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

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

Page 8

1087 Kellogg Street

Green Bay, WI 54303

www.gracesystem.org

NON PROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE

PAID

GREEN BAY, WI

PERMIT 4

2014-15 GRACE Schools Calendar

January 5 .............. Classes Resume

January 23 ............. Early Dismissal—NDA Academic Forum

January 25 – 31 ..... Catholic Schools Week

February 13 ........... No Classes/Staff Retreat

March 6 ................ Early Dismissal/End of 2ndTrimester

March 12 .............. Optional Parent/Teacher Conferences

March 16 – 20 ...... No Classes/Spring Break

April 3 ................... No Classes/ GOOD FRIDAY

April 5 .................. Easter

May 1 .................... Early Dismissal/Local School Prof. Development

May 25 .................. No Classes/Memorial Day

June 5 ................... Early Dismissal/Last Day of Classes

An Advent Reflection Inspired by Pope Francis

In this Christmas season, I pray that we can rest in the

tenderness of our Lord, and, renewed, find

the strength and energy to actively seek out

with love the hungry in our communities,

and work for justice for them. This means

changing not only our own behavior, but

working to undo the structural injustice

that stands in the way of the kingdom of

God, which first broke into the world on that first Christmas.