Category: General

All GRACE families are invited to attend a St. Norbert College men’s basketball game on Sunday, December 29th at 7 pm as they take on Lake Forest College. Admission is free for GRACE Students, adult tickets are $5. This event is made possible through CatholicLink.

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist 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. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

GRACE stands for Green Bay Area Catholic Education and is a nine-school system that provides excellence in preschool through twelfth-grade education and serves the 23 Catholic parishes within the Greater Green Bay community. GRACE schools range in offerings and locations, and each has its own distinct history, focus, and parish connections. GRACE is among the largest Catholic school systems in the state of Wisconsin. To learn more, visit gracesystem.org.

With the holiday season just around the corner, we invite you to give a gift that will leave a lasting impact on the St. John the Baptist community. This Giving Tuesday, we’re asking for your support to help us replace the aging gym floor at St. John the Baptist School – a project that will benefit students, athletes, and families for generations to come.

Click Here to Donate Now

Help Us Build a Lasting Legacy 

For years, the gym floor at St. John the Baptist has been a central space for our students to learn, grow, and compete. However, it’s time for an upgrade. Together with St. John the Baptist Parish and St. John the Baptist School, the SJB Booster Club is working to replace the floor with a state-of-the-art, durable surface that will serve our community for decades.

We’re Almost There – We Need Your Help to Finish
Thanks to the generosity of early donors and the hard work of SJB parents, we’ve raised over 50% of the funds needed to complete this project in 2025. But we can’t do it alone. We still need your help to raise the remaining funds and make this vision a reality.

Maximize Your Impact with a Matching Gift
This Giving Tuesday, your contribution can go even further! Many employers match charitable donations, effectively doubling or even tripling your impact. If you’re able, please take advantage of this opportunity to increase your gift and help us get closer to our goal.

A Gift that Lasts for Generations
Rather than adding more “stuff” to your home this holiday season, consider making a gift that will provide lasting value. Your donation to the gym floor project is an investment in the future of our students and community. You can give in honor of a loved one, and we’ll ensure that your contribution becomes a permanent part of St. John the Baptist’s legacy.

Become a Champion for SJB
This holiday season, you can also help spread the word and raise funds by becoming a Champion for the gym floor project. By setting a goal, sharing your page, and engaging your network, you can help us reach our target and ensure that our dream of a new gym floor becomes a reality.

Does Your Company Want to Contribute?
If your company is looking for a meaningful way to give back, we invite you to partner with us. Your business can make a significant impact through monetary donations, in-kind support, or matching gifts. As a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax-deductible, and we will proudly acknowledge your company’s support.

Give the Gift of a Lasting Legacy
This holiday season, join us in building something that will benefit generations of SJB students and families. Together, we can create a space that fosters learning, fellowship, and athletic achievement for years to come.

To donate or sign up as a Champion today, please click here. Your generosity will help make this vision a reality.

Thank you for your support and for making a difference this holiday season!

Warm regards,

Rana Chrudimsky
President, St. John the Baptist Booster Club

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist 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. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

GRACE stands for Green Bay Area Catholic Education and is a nine-school system that provides excellence in preschool through twelfth-grade education and serves the 23 Catholic parishes within the Greater Green Bay community. GRACE schools range in offerings and locations, and each has its own distinct history, focus, and parish connections. GRACE is among the largest Catholic school systems in the state of Wisconsin. To learn more, visit gracesystem.org.

The SJB Spirit Wear Store is now open and will remain open until 12/1/24.

Shop Here Before Time Runs Out! 

SJB items make great Christmas gifts! When ordering, you may indicate if your order is a surprise!  All orders placed by Sunday 12/1/24 will be distributed to the students by 12/20/24.

**Middle School Physical Education Uniforms are included in the store. Newly added: Sweatpants! Three styles and two colors.

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist 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. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

GRACE stands for Green Bay Area Catholic Education and is a nine-school system that provides excellence in preschool through twelfth-grade education and serves the 23 Catholic parishes within the Greater Green Bay community. GRACE schools range in offerings and locations, and each has its own distinct history, focus, and parish connections. GRACE is among the largest Catholic school systems in the state of Wisconsin. To learn more, visit gracesystem.org.

Please join us for this cherished tradition. We hope to see you there.

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist 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. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

GRACE stands for Green Bay Area Catholic Education and is a nine-school system that provides excellence in preschool through twelfth-grade education and serves the 23 Catholic parishes within the Greater Green Bay community. GRACE schools range in offerings and locations, and each has its own distinct history, focus, and parish connections. GRACE is among the largest Catholic school systems in the state of Wisconsin. To learn more, visit gracesystem.org.

Subscribe to our weekly electronic newsletter to read Mrs. Thom’s weekly reflection.

This past Friday, our staff participated in a day of professional development. The day started with a mass with Bishop Ricken, which is always uplifting and special. His message is always clear and inspires us to keep moving forward in our faith and teaching the children about their faith. It is part of our mission that we are called to do at each of our schools in the diocese.

Part of his sermon told the story of Adele Briese, Our Lady of Champion. Bishop Ricken spoke of Adele Briese’s beatification and canonization. He stated that the process is moving quicker than expected.

Then, he encouraged us to listen to the message spoken to Adele long ago: 

“I am the Queen of Heaven who prays for the conversion of sinners and 
I wish you to do the same.” 

“Gather the children in the wild country and teach them what they should 
know for salvation.”

“Go and fear nothing. I will help you.”

Each staff member was given a framed painting by Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs to display in their classroom and school office. This painting reveals Adele’s face and offers a point of reference as we teach our students the story of Adele Briese.

If you have never taken your children to this shrine, please consider it in your weekend plans. The message is clear: We need to teach our children about their faith and enrich them whenever possible so they understand that they can also serve as disciples to spread the word of our blessed lady. Principal’s Update

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist 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. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

GRACE’s 2024-27 strategic plan has been established. It outlines our goals and priorities for ongoing work within our key focus areas of Faith, Academics, Vitality, and Experience. We strive to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future while building academic excellence and life skills and growing in our Catholic faith!

Learn more by viewing the plan here.

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist 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. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

A Message From Mrs. Thom, Principal:

Conference time is just around the corner.  It will be a time to sit down with your child’s teacher to discuss struggles and goals.  This is such an important time for everyone to collaborate and learn. 

When people ask me about conferences, I always recommend preparing like you would for any meeting. One of the best ideas I have seen is to  BRING A NOTEBOOK, especially if you have multiple children. So much information gets exchanged in the 15 minutes. Then, when you walk away and your child says, “What did the teacher say?” We tend to draw a blank.  To get the most out of your meeting

• Before the conference, write down 3-4 questions you would like to discuss.
• Teachers wish they could only give positive feedback, but sometimes, they must provide some ‘room to grow’ information about your child. They tell you this because they care. Trust me, they have lost a little sleep trying to figure out how to tell parents what they see in the classroom. Be open to ideas. The goal for everyone is to help your child.
• It would also be nice to write down a compliment for the teacher. I taught for many years, which was like a hobby. I took great pride in my work and dedicated many hours to making the days the best they could be for the students. In the end, I concluded that teaching is an art you develop over time, and any artist likes to hear a compliment, so remember to give a compliment. These words can incentivize teachers to know their good work is being noticed and appreciated.
• Remember that social growth is just as important as academic growth. Sometimes, the two don’t match how we think they should, but keep working with your child. Forcing them to ‘grow up’ is like asking them to be 3″ taller by tomorrow.  It’s not possible! Just take a step back and think about what they are good at and what they need to work on. It’s just part of growing up, and your love and support make the best combo for any child. 

Let’s look forward to this time to get together and celebrate the learning and growth at SJB! 

Directions:

Conferences will take place on Tuesday, October 22nd (evening), and on Thursday, October 24th (afternoon).

Before you get started, you will need your PowerSchool username and password for your access account. If you do not have that information, please follow this link for information and/or assistance.

Scheduling IS OPEN on PowerSchool until 10/18/24 (NOON). After 10/18, you will need to reach out to your child’s teacher to schedule a conference. 

• Click Here for detailed instructions on how to sign up using PowerSchool.

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist 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. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

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! 

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist 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. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.

Do you know a teacher who is making a difference in their student’s lives? The Golden Apple Awards recognize Greater Green Bay teachers who go above and beyond. Nominate a teacher (OR a team of teachers!) you know for a 32nd Annual Golden Apple Award.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Certified classroom teachers or a team of teachers currently working in participating Partners in Education public and private schools (Early Childhood, Pre-K, and Grades 1-12) in Greater Green Bay are eligible.

Nominations are open until 3 PM on October 25th. Click this LINK to nominate.

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist 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. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.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. 

Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.

St. John the Baptist 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. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.