Category: General

As we prepare to begin a new school year, we have an opportunity to remind our students of something at the heart of our Catholic faith: that each of us can make a difference in another person’s life.

As parents and educators, we encourage you to talk with your children about the importance of being observant, welcoming, and inclusive. Sometimes making a difference begins simply by noticing.

Notice the student who is struggling to make friends.
Notice the person sitting alone.
Notice the classmate who feels left out.
Notice the new student who may be searching for a friendly face.

Then, take the next step.

Offer a smile. Say hello. Invite someone to sit with you. Include someone in a conversation or activity.

These actions may seem small, but to the person receiving them, they can mean everything. They are powerful reminders that each person is seen, valued, and loved.

Called to See Christ in One Another

As a Catholic school community, kindness is more than simply being nice. It is part of who we are called to be as followers of Christ.

Jesus teaches us to love one another, to welcome others, and to recognize the dignity of every person. When our students choose to include someone who feels left out, reach out to someone who is struggling, or welcome someone new, they are putting their faith into action.

They are learning to see Christ in one another and to be Christ for one another.

Leadership Begins with Kindness

Leadership does not always mean being the loudest voice in the room or being the person in charge. Sometimes, leadership is having the courage to be the first person to say hello. It is choosing compassion when others remain silent. It is recognizing that someone needs a friend—and doing something about it.

As we begin this school year, let us challenge our students and ourselves to become courageous leaders in kindness. Together, we can build a school community where every student knows they belong, matter, and are loved as a child of God.

Notice someone. Include someone. Be a leader. Make a difference.

St. Thomas More 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 provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. To learn more about St. Thomas More, browse their website, stmoregb.com, or call the office at (920) 432-8242.

At St. Thomas More Catholic School, learning extends beyond the classroom through our special Reading Buddies program. Middle school students are paired with younger students to read together and help them strengthen their reading skills, fluency, and confidence.

The program has been a wonderful success, giving students from different grade levels an opportunity to form meaningful connections. While younger students benefit from additional reading practice and encouragement, their middle school buddies develop valuable leadership, patience, communication, and mentoring skills.

Reading Buddies reminds us that students can learn so much from one another. We are proud to see friendships grow, confidence flourish, and our school community become even stronger, one story at a time.

St. Thomas More 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 provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. To learn more about St. Thomas More, browse their website, stmoregb.com, or call the office at (920) 432-8242.

In an effort to ensure a vibrant parish life with effective pastoral care for all the faithful, Bishop David Ricken announced the linking of Ss. Peter and Paul and St. Philip the Apostle parishes. On July 1, Father Jose Lopez Vargas became the Pastor of both. Working as the lead with the collaborative help of another priest and a deacon, Father Jose is sharing pastoral responsibilities and services for the two communities.

Father Jose maintains his role as spiritual leader at St. Thomas More Catholic School.

Dr. Jamie Tyrell, Principal of St. Thomas More, states, “St. Thomas More is incredibly fortunate to have Father Jose’s leadership guiding the students, faculty, the staff, and the families, and we look forward to supporting Father Jose as he is able to bless more lives.” 

Principal Tyrell will apprise families and staff of any possible changes, such as Mass times, that may take place as arrangements continue to be made.

Father Jose adds, “Please keep us in prayer [as we move ahead]…God will provide.”

St. Thomas More 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 provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. To learn more about St. Thomas More, browse their website, stmoregb.com, or call the office at (920) 432-8242.

Summer is a wonderful season of fun, relaxation, and invaluable family time. It’s a chance to rest, play, and let our imaginations take flight—and those experiences are incredibly important when it comes to preparing for a new school year!

We want to harness that natural excitement and energy our students bring to the classroom after a summer off. With just a few simple strategies, you can keep that vibrant summer spirit alive while gently preparing your child for the academic journey ahead.

Revive the Reading Routine

It’s incredibly easy to fall out of the habit of daily reading during the busy summer months. However, re-establishing a 20-minute daily reading routine right now is one of the best things you can do for your child’s academic stamina. Did you know that reading just 20 minutes a day adds up to over 1,500 minutes of reading? That gives your child a massive head start for the school year. Sneak those 20 minutes whenever you can—in the car, before bed, or down by the lake—and watch how much easier the transition back to the classroom becomes.

• Level it up (Comprehension): Ask your child open-ended questions after they read to reinforce their comprehension and critical thinking.
• Level it up (Writing): Challenge your child to write a “sequel” to their favorite book. It’s a fantastic, low-pressure way to spark creative writing and imagination before school starts!

Spot the Everyday Math

The “summer math slide” can be one of the most notable academic setbacks when students return to the classroom. You can fight that slide simply by drawing attention to the math all around us on a daily basis! Heading to the pool? Read the depth signs and identify the measurement labels. Going to camp? Have your child calculate the start and end times to figure out the elapsed time in between. Cooking dinner? Discuss fractions and liquid measurements using cups, quarts, and tablespoons.

The opportunities are endless, and these quick everyday discussions make a massive impact on your child’s mathematical readiness for the fall.

• Level it up (Computation): On a road trip? Have your child look at license plates and either call out the numbers, add them together, or multiply them based on their grade level.
• Level it up (Financial Literacy): At the grocery store or a local ice cream shop? Have your child estimate the total cost of a few items, determine if you have enough cash, or calculate the change you should receive.

Keep the Faith in Motion

Our spiritual journeys don’t pause when the school year ends. In fact, summer is a beautiful season to step back and marvel at everything God has created and gifted to us. Look for spontaneous moments to pause and thank God for your family’s favorite memories—whether hiking in the woods, playing with friends, or boating on the lake. You can also use these weeks to experience the liturgy in new ways. Heading “up north”? Locate a local parish within our Wisconsin dioceses to attend Mass. Busy weekend ahead? Find a peaceful weeknight Mass to switch things up. Even if you are short on time, taking advantage of a weekday confession, a brief prayer session, or Eucharistic Adoration at a nearby parish is a powerful way to recharge your family’s spiritual battery.

• Level it up (The Prayer Journal): Encourage your child to create a simple summer prayer journal. Use it as a quiet space to draw or write down God’s weekly blessings, cultivating a heart of gratitude before the school year begins.
• Level it up (Scripture Connections): Read the upcoming Sunday Gospel together as a family before heading to Mass. Ask your child: “What is Jesus teaching us in this story, and how can we practice that virtue with our new classmates and teachers this year?”

Summer is a sacred time to connect with family, learn through play, and experience God in new and vibrant ways. By intentionally weaving these simple reading, math, and faith moments into your final weeks of summer, you are partnering with us to ensure your child steps into the classroom with confidence.

We wish you a safe, joyful, and faith-filled summer. We cannot wait to welcome your children back to school!

St. Thomas More 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 provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. To learn more about St. Thomas More, browse their website, stmoregb.com, or call the office at (920) 432-8242.

At St. Thomas More Catholic School, we believe parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. That is why building strong partnerships between home and school is at the heart of our mission.

Together, families and educators support each student’s academic success, spiritual growth, and overall well-being. Whether attending school events, participating in conferences, or sharing special moments with their children, our parents play an essential role in our school community.

We are especially blessed to have achieved 100% parent attendance at parent-teacher conferences for two consecutive years! This remarkable commitment reflects the strength of our families and their dedication to their children’s education.

At St. Thomas More, we know that when parents are involved, students thrive. Together, we are helping our students grow in knowledge, faith, and character.

St. Thomas More 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 provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. To learn more about St. Thomas More, browse their website, stmoregb.com, or call the office at (920) 432-8242.

Catch up on the latest news within GRACE in the Summer 2026 Newsletter! Read an interview with the student who was a president for a day at SJPII, learn all about the new leadership within the GRACE System, get back-to-school tips, catch up on all the ongoing facilities projects, and more!

Read now!

St. Thomas More 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 provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. To learn more about St. Thomas More, browse their website, stmoregb.com, or call the office at (920) 432-8242.

The 2025-26 school year was truly a remarkable year filled with countless blessings from God. As we reflect on the year, we are grateful for the many accomplishments and milestones that strengthened our school community and advanced our mission of Catholic education.

Some highlights from this past year include:

• St. Thomas More School earned full accreditation for the next five years following a successful WRISA accreditation site visit.
• Our Afterschool Guitar and Choir Club officially launched, with more than 12 students participating. A special thank you to our generous parent volunteer, Ana Vanegas, for sharing her time and talents with our students.
• Halo Catholic Trading Cards, a student-led and faith-filled initiative, officially launched and quickly became a favorite throughout the school community.
• In partnership with Saints Peter & Paul Parish, a plan was developed to begin First Communion preparation during the school day, starting with the First Grade class in the 2026-27 school year.
• A new gymnasium roof was installed, ensuring our facilities continue to serve students well for years to come.
• New playground games and activity markings were added to our playground, providing students with additional opportunities for active and engaging recess experiences.
• Our 8th-grade class participated in a Spiritual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin. This meaningful faith experience will become an annual tradition for future graduating classes.
• Mrs. Kelly Gossen was recognized as a Golden Apple Teacher of Distinction at the 2026 Golden Apple Awards sponsored by the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations, Mrs. Gossen, on this well-deserved honor!
• We are excited to welcome 43 new students to STM next school year, making this enrollment season the most successful in recent school history.

St. Thomas More School is truly blessed, and we give all glory, honor, and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ for His abundant blessings and guidance throughout the year. We eagerly look forward to all that He has in store for our school community in the 2026-27 school year!

St. Thomas More 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 provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. To learn more about St. Thomas More, browse their website, stmoregb.com, or call the office at (920) 432-8242.

We proudly celebrated the graduation of our 8th grade class with a beautiful Mass presided by Fr. Jose Lopez. The ceremony was a meaningful opportunity to give thanks for our graduates’ years at St. Thomas More School and to ask for God’s continued blessings as they begin the next chapter of their educational journey.

Following Mass, students were recognized for their achievements through the presentation of awards and diplomas. Family members, faculty, and friends gathered to honor the hard work, dedication, and growth of our graduates.

We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and all they have accomplished. As they move on to high school, we wish them continued success, happiness, and faith-filled lives. May they always remember the values and lessons learned at St. Thomas More School and strive to make a positive difference wherever they go.

Congratulations, graduates! We wish you God’s blessings and the very best in all your future endeavors.

St. Thomas More 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 provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. To learn more about St. Thomas More, browse their website, stmoregb.com, or call the office at (920) 432-8242.

We would like to take a moment to recognize and thank our Grade 8 students who have faithfully served alongside Father Jose during our school Masses throughout the years.

Their dedication, reverence, and willingness to serve have been a true reflection of leadership, faith, and compassion within our school community. Whether preparing for Mass, assisting at the altar, or setting an example for younger students, these young men and women have demonstrated what it means to serve with faithful and caring hearts.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to parish volunteer Mr. Michael Lee for his time and commitment in preparing and guiding our students to become respectful and devoted altar servers. Through his patience, encouragement, and mentorship, our students have grown in both confidence and faith.

Together, our students and volunteers have helped make each school Mass a meaningful and prayerful experience for our community. We are deeply grateful for their service and proud of the example they have given to others.

May God continue to bless our 8th graders as they begin a new chapter in their journey, carrying with them the values of faith, service, and kindness.

St. Thomas More 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 provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. To learn more about St. Thomas More, browse their website, stmoregb.com, or call the office at (920) 432-8242.

St. Thomas More Catholic School proudly celebrated our PK Graduation this week, honoring a special group of young learners as they completed an important milestone in their educational journey.

The ceremony was filled with joy, laughter, music, and heartfelt moments as our students confidently took the stage before their families, teachers, and friends. Dressed in their graduation attire and beaming with excitement, each child reflected the tremendous growth they had experienced throughout the school year.

Our preschool program provides a nurturing environment where students grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Throughout the year, these students have learned foundational skills, built meaningful friendships, and developed the confidence to explore the world around them with curiosity and kindness.

The graduation ceremony beautifully celebrated not only their accomplishments, but also the partnership between our dedicated teachers and supportive families who have guided and encouraged them every step of the way.

We are incredibly proud of our PK graduates and look forward to watching them continue to thrive as they begin their next chapter in kindergarten. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

If you are interested in learning more about our PK program for your child, we invite you to contact us at (920) 432-8242 to schedule a tour.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” —Proverbs 22:6

St. Thomas More 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 provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. To learn more about St. Thomas More, browse their website, stmoregb.com, or call the office at (920) 432-8242.