Category: General

We are blessed by many amazing and talented teachers at our school. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to education have truly made a difference in our community! Several GRACE educators have been recognized for this recently, including:

• Susan Arias
• Kelly Gossen
• Lisa Hyde
• Julie Julian
• Mallory Tushaus

The list will be narrowed to a list of Teachers of Distinction and from those, recipients will then be selected for the prestigious Golden Apple Awards.

Thank you to our students and families who recognized these individuals as high-quality educators in areas of professionalism, leadership, and innovation.

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 are so blessed by dedicated and talented leaders such as Dr. Jamie Tyrrell! Join us in thanking her for her commitment to Catholic Education!

Let’s learn a little bit about Principal Tyrrell:

Q: Dr. Tyrrell, why do you choose to work for GRACE/St. Thomas More School?

A: For a time, I thought I wanted to be a professor of education, but I quickly realized that I missed young children too much. I missed the energy and being in the classroom, surrounded by students. God blessed me with this incredible opportunity within a private catholic school. Not only do I get to be around children but I get to live out my Catholic faith every day. This is truly my vocation and calling. I also am thankful to be learning from and about a population that’s different from me with a language that is different than my own.

Q: What are some fun facts about you?

A: I worked at a balloon store in high school and can make pretty awesome balloon arches and arrangements – I decorated for all my proms!

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.

It has been just four years since Ss. Peter & Paul Parish and St. Thomas More Catholic School have been blessed with Fr. Jose Lopez as pastor and mentor. Within his daily life, he celebrates Masses, trains Mass servers, is available for reconciliation and adoration, and is there to talk whenever and wherever he is needed, both within the church and the school.

“What led me to the priesthood was pursuing a vocation and asking what was my mission, my purpose,” he shares. Finding the love of God has fortunately brought Fr. Jose to where he is in life now. Fr. Jose was born in Jalisco, Mexico. When he was just about 12 years old, his family moved to Green Bay. Being a native Spanish speaker, Fr. Jose uses both languages to reach his parishioners, students and their families. He explains, “It’s usually super fun with the kids. They are bilingual, but those who have recently immigrated to the States are in the early stages of learning. According to how they talk to me, I talk to them.”

This means that sometimes communication comes out in the form of “Spanglish.”

One significant connection that Fr. Jose has made with the students of St. Thomas More Catholic School is through playing sports and other activities, especially soccer. Three years ago, an unofficial St. Thomas More Soccer Club was formed, and the group has played for fun against the St. John Paul II Classical School School, with Fr. Jose as St. Thomas More’s coach. Outside his busy days at the parish, Fr. Jose likes to read, learn, have meaningful discussions with friends, and “just hang out with people.”

With a solid commitment to his church and school communities, it is hopeful that Fr. Jose’s mission and purpose will continue to benefit everyone who knows him for many years to come.

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.

Every Jan. 6 in the Latin American tradition, not only is the liturgical feast of the Epiphany celebrated, but so is the coming of the Magi. In Mexico, it is said that on Dec. 12, a festival that lasts almost a month called Guadalupe-Reyes begins. It begins on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12) and ends on the day of the Three Kings (Jan. 6).

If you grew up in a Mexican home, Santa Claus might not be as popular as the three wise men (Los Reyes Magos). It is the wise men who bring gifts to the child Jesus. Those gifts are now shared with all the children of the world. People dressed as the three kings can be seen on all the streets of the cities. And, jubilant children come to them to remind them of the gifts they hope to receive. They will have to put shoes next to the Christmas tree or at the entrance of the house so that the kings put their gifts on them.

On Jan. 6, the traditional “Rosca de Reyes” also is shared. The tradition is very similar to the king cake from New Orleans. An oval cake with colored dried fruit that is eaten in commemoration of the coming of the Magi: Melchior, Gaspar, and Baltazar. The shape of the cake is symbolic of a crown, specifically the crown of King Herod who wants to kill the newborn Jesus. Its colored dried fruit represents the jewels of a crown. Others claim that its oval shape reminds us of the eternal nature of God without beginning or end.

Inside the cake is the greatest treasure of all – a figure of a child, representing the child Jesus. This symbolizes Joseph and Mary fleeing to Egypt “hiding” the baby Jesus from the evils of King Herod. Inevitably, when you cut the cake, someone will be the lucky one to find it. Whoever does find it will have a special assignment. The person who cuts the cake, precisely in the place where the figure is hidden, will have to organize a meal with tamales on Feb. 2, the day of the Presentation of the Lord.

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.

Please join us for an engaging and informative presentation on “Raising Resilient and Self-Reliant Children” with International Formation and Education Consultant, Sister Pat McCormack, IHM, EDD.

A self-reliant, resilient character is the by-product of daily life practices that nurture security, autonomy, initiative, and industry. When parents apply these practices with consistency, repetition, and continuity, positive identity formation takes root in the child. Over time resilience, self-reliance, and positive self-esteem evolve as byproducts.

This presentation will “unpack” these elements and communicate practical advice, gathered from parents of children in grades K-12 who were recognized for positive self-esteem and character.

This adult event is free of charge and will take place on Monday, January 15, at 6 p.m. at the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in the Cathedral Center. The Center is located in the main Church building. Parking in the lot will be available. When you enter, please proceed up the stairs or elevator and the center is straight across. Wine and cheese will be served. All are welcome!

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.

Celebrate the holy seasons of Advent and Christmas with a beautiful Mexican tradition known as “Las Posadas” or “The Inns.” 

Part Christmas pageant and part Christmas novena, a posada is a faith-filled, entertaining way to gather with loved ones, recall the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, and prepare your heart for the birth of Our Savior.

At its heart, Las Posadas is a nine-day novena that starts on December 16 and runs through December 24. It typically involves family, friends, and communities coming together each evening to remember the Holy Family’s journey from Nazareth and their search to find a room in Bethlehem.

Participants begin with the prayer of the Rosary and re-enact the Holy Family’s journey, sometimes with children dressed as Joseph and Mary arriving at the door of the host’s home. Singing carols and sharing refreshments are also important components of each evening’s gatherings.

St. Thomas More is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to our Posada and Christmas Concert on December 18, 2023, at 1:30 pm at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. We will gather in the cafeteria at 3:15 pm for a Reception with delicious treats and hot chocolate.

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 Fall 2023 GRACE newsletter is here! Learn how the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program is teaching students about the Mass and God’s love, discover what the middle days elective program is all about, read about how one school is carrying on a 15-year-old tradition at the monthly Mass, and more!

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 2023-2024 GRACE Voice of the Customer Survey is now open until December 10th to all GRACE families! You received an email earlier this morning containing the link. We’re excited to hear from you! Thank you for your help.

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.

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Golden Apple Awards! The prestigious Golden Apple Award recognizes exceptional Greater Green Bay teachers. Nominations for teachers and teams of teachers who have made a positive impact will be accepted now through Friday, October 27, at 3 p.m. The nomination forms can be found below:

• English: https://greatergreenbaychamber.typeform.com/to/THLGkS4W
• Spanish: https://greatergreenbaychamber.typeform.com/to/Ccc6IubJ

Please show your support and take some time to nominate our fantastic GRACE teachers!

Further information can be found here.

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.

All K-12 students are invited to participate in the annual art contest in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is Prosperity, Power, and Progress. Recognizing the significant achievements of the Hispanic community in the economic and political industries.

There will be one grand prize winner per category:

• K–2 = $50
• Grades 3–5 = $100
• Grades 6–8 = $150
• Grades 9–12 = $200

The submission deadline is October 13, 2023. Winners will be announced on November 2, 2023, on the Facebook page as well as contacted directly. 

St. Thomas More has some very talented artists and this would be an outstanding opportunity for our students to shine! I would like to encourage you to promote this to your children. 

Here is a website link for more information 

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.