Continuing a tradition of inspiring the individual best from every student through a Christ-centered drive for excellence in academics, athletics and arts.
Empowering Future Leaders
We are committed to forming and strengthening each student’s relationship with Jesus Christ and seeks to provide an authentically Catholic educational experience where students learn, love and live their faith in service to others.
Every Student is Successful
Pacelli Catholic Schools offers a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum to designed for our students to become successful in all subject areas. Students and staff have access to the best technology tools to support our teaching and learning goals.
Our Vision
Pacelli Catholic Schools is an environment that fosters the unique gifts of each student to grow as disciples of the faith and leaders for the world.
Opportunity & Development
We promote spiritual, cognitive, and physical development so each child has the opportunity to engage in activities that are geared to their interests while challenging them at their individual ability level.
Why Pacelli
Pacelli Catholic Schools offer a top-tier education where students celebrate their Catholic faith as an integral part of their daily school experience. The strength and effectiveness of a PCS education rests on our commitment to excellence in academics, faith development, and co-curricular activities.
Connecting Our Community
PCS offers a variety of special events and fundraisers throughout the year, including an annual golf outing, silent auction and dinner, and the famous Panacea. We encourage you to volunteer, participate or simply enjoy one of our many events.
Support Us
Your generous gifts to Pacelli Catholic Schools enable us to continually develop innovative curriculum and ensure a sustainable future of shaping students' lives for years to come.
Always a Cardinal
Graduates of Pacelli Catholic Schools become leaders, entrepreneurs, teachers and provide service to others, and are an important piece of our proud tradition.
Our Mission
Pacelli Catholic Schools is a Christ-centered family dedicated to service, academic excellence, and meaningful experiences.
Every Student is Successful
PCHS offers a rigourous and well-rounded curriculum, designed to prepare all students to achieve post-high school goals. We are a leader in technology, with SMART interactive white boards in all classrooms and a Chromebook for each student, to support our teaching and learning goals.
#PacelliPride
Pacelli students benefit from a rich academic and social life. Students can choose from an array of co-curricular activities including athletics, arts, performance, subject-area clubs, social responsibility and service organizations, and more.
Home of the Cardinals
More than 75% of Pacelli students participate in at least one athletic activity. A number of our teams finish in the top of the conference and have success at the postseason level, including State Champtionships.
Family Engagement is Key
Parents and families are central to Pacelli Catholic High School and are one of the reasons for our school’s continued success. Parents are encouraged to participate in Home & School and get involved with various school and projects, committees, and groups.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with all that is happening at Pacelli Catholic High School and learn how we are working hard to continue and expand our communication efforts.
Our Mission
Pacelli Catholic Schools is a Christ-centered family dedicated to service, academic excellence, and meaningful experiences.
Every Student is Successful
PCMS offers a rigourous and well-round curriculum, designed to prepare all students to achieve post-high school goals. We are a leader in technology, with a dedicated SmartLab for project-based learning, and an iPad or chromebook for each student, to support our teaching and learning goals.
Opportunity & Excellence
Students at PCMS benefit from a rich academic and social life. Students can choose from an array of co-curricular activities including athletics, arts, performance, subject-area clubs, social responsibility and service organizations, and more.
Family Engagement is Key
Parents and families are central to Pacelli Catholic Middle School and are one of the reasons for our school’s continued success. Parents are encouraged to participate in Home & School and get involved with various school and projects, committees, and groups.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with all that is happening at Pacelli Catholic Middle School and learn how we are working hard to continue and expand our communication efforts.
Our Mission
Continuing a tradition of inspiring the individual best from every student through a Christ-centered drive for excellence in academics, athletics and arts.
Every Student is Successful
We work to ensure that all students become successful, high-level readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. The curriculum focuses on research-based methods and utilizing the best technology.
Opportunity & Excellence
Students at St. Stanislaus Elementary have the opportunity to participate in an array of co-curricular opportunities, ranging from orchestra, chorus, and band to drama, science, and art clubs. There really is something for every student.
Family Engagement is Key
Parents and families are central to St. Stanislaus Elementary, and are one of the reasons for our school’s continued success. Parents are encouraged to participate in Home & School and get involved with various school and system projects, committees, and events.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with all that is happening at Pacelli Catholic Schools and St. Stanislaus Elementary and learn how we are working hard to continue and expand our communication efforts.
Our Mission
Pacelli Catholic Schools is a Christ-centered family dedicated to service, academic excellence, and meaningful experiences.
Every Student is Successful
We work to ensure that all students become successful, high-level readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. The curriculum focuses on research-based methods and utilizing the best technology.
Opportunity & Excellence
Students at Pacelli Catholic Elementary-St. Bronislava have the opportunity to participate in an array of leadership roles throughout the school year.
Opportunity & Development
By promoting spiritual, cognitive, and physical development each child has the opportunity to engage in activities that are geared to their interests while challenging them at their individual ability level.
Family Engagement is Key
Parents and families are central to St. Bronislava Elementary, and are one of the reasons for our school’s continued success. Parents are encouraged to participate in Home & School and get involved with various school and system projects, committees, and events.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with all that is happening at Pacelli Catholic Schools and Pacelli Catholic Elementary School-St. Bronislava and learn how we are working hard to continue and expand our communication efforts.
Our Mission
Pacelli Catholic Schools is a Christ-centered family dedicated to service, academic excellence, and meaningful experiences.
Every Student is Successful
We work to ensure that all students become successful, high-level readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. The curriculum focuses on research-based methods and utilizing the best technology.
Opportunity & Excellence
Students at Pacelli Catholic Elementary School-St. Stephen have the opportunity to participate in an array of leadership roles throughout the school year.
Family Engagement is Key
Parents and families are central to St. Stephen Elementary, and are one of the reasons for our school’s continued success. Parents are encouraged to participate in Home & School and get involved with various school and system projects, committees, and events.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with all that is happening at Pacelli Catholic Schools and Pacelli Catholic Elementary School-St. Stephen and learn how we are working hard to continue and expand our communication efforts.
Our Mission
Pacelli Catholic Schools is a Christ-centered family dedicated to service, academic excellence, and meaningful experiences.
Opportunity & Development
By promoting spiritual, cognitive, and physical development each child has the opportunity to engage in activities that are geared to their interests while challenging them at their individual ability level.
Family Engagement is Key
Parents and families are central to Pacelli Catholic Schools Tim Copps Early Childhood Center and are one of the reasons for our center's continued success. Parents are encouraged to get involved with various center and system projects, committees, and events.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with all that is happening at Pacelli Catholic Schools Tim Copps Early Childhood Center and learn how we are working hard to continue and expand our communication efforts.
I am privileged and blessed to be able to teach Confirmation at one of our local parishes. It puts me in a position to share my own faith journey and thoughts with teenagers. Our conversation this week centered around choices and mercy. We ended up talking about St. Maria Goretti and the teenager who took her life, 19 year-old Alessandro Serenelli. Maria lived for 24 hours after being attacked by Alessandro. As she laid on her deathbed, she prayed continuously for his soul and for his forgiveness. She told her parents that she was pained more greatly at the thought of his soul going to hell than her own physical pain caused by his hands. As she lay dying, she made a distinct choice: the choice to forgive and show love for a sinner.
For years, after her death, Alessandro showed no remorse for killing Maria. Around 1910, while in prison, Alessandro had a life-changing dream. In the dream Maria handed him a bouquet of 14 flowers: one flower for each of the stab wounds she endured at his hand. She re-iterated her forgiveness of him and told him she continued to pray for his soul. He immediately wept for his grievous sin. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Alessandro underwent an incredible transformation. Upon his release from prison, he became a Capuchin lay brother.
In 1950, Maria Goretti was canonized. At the steps of the Vatican, stood her mother and at her side Alessandor Serenelli who fell to his knees and wept…
Her story moves me deeply as I look at the young men and women who walk our halls here at Pacelli Catholic High School. It is my hope that with the graces of the Holy Spirit and the great people we have here, we can teach all our children to be compassionate, forgiving and merciful throughout their lives.
-Larry Theiss
Principal
Pacelli Catholic High School
St. Maria Goretti- Patron saint of youth, teenage girls and forgiveness.
Juniors in Pacelli’s Catholic Social Teaching class created videos during the first week of school to welcome Pope Francis to the United States this September. This class explores how Catholic Christians are supposed to interact with society, which is one of Pope Francis’ key messages. Each video included Pope Francis’ favorite bible verse, Matthew 25:3, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” They participated in the national effort headed by Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York. Check out the videos welcoming Pope Francis at www.charitiyhasnoboundaries.org.
Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive in Washington D.C. on September 22. He will spend a couple of days there then head to New York on September 24 and Philadelphia on September 26, before departing for Rome on September 27.
We are excited to announce that we will be beginning a therapy dog program at Pacelli Catholic High School! A similar program has been run at the PCS Elementary Schools for the last four years. Here is a little bit of information about our program:
We will be working with Piper. She is a 6 year old mixed breed dog, an AKC Canine Good Citizen, and a trained/ advanced certified therapy dog registered through K9-5 National Therapy Dog Registry. To obtain these titles and certifications, Piper had to complete extensive training and rigorous testing.
Piper will be working primarily with students in Learning Resource Lab and in ESL classes. She will be utilized as a motivational tool, a stress reducing presence, and a resource for language acquisition. Piper will be typically be working at Pacelli once a week and primarily in the learning resource room (Room 118). Piper will remain on leash when outside the classroom.
Mrs. Nerren and Mr. Theiss are coordinating with our school nurse to address any severe allergies. Before Piper comes into the school, she will be cleaned and brushed to significantly reduce dander. Physical contact with the therapy dog is always optional. Students with any contact allergies to dogs that wish to participate, should wash their hands before and after working with Piper.
Research has shown that therapy dogs assist learning in the following ways:
foster childrens’ natural tendency to open up (Jalongo, Astorino and Bomboy, 2004);
assist in creating a more and the stress-free environment;
help children develop logical reasoning skills, understand biological principles, and make abstract concepts more concrete (Anderson, 2007);
encourage children to successfully complete more complicated academic activities across the curriculum when participating in animal assisted therapies (Anderson, 2007);
help students to maintain focus and build motivation, even when other interventions fail (Anderson, 2007);
can reduce stress, bring blood pressure and heart rate to normal levels, and can eliminate other observable signs of anxiety (Jalongo, 2005);
help to curb off-task/distracted behavior;
beneficial for children experiencing challenges with comprehension, literacy, concentration, and in overcoming learning difficulties such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Conduct Disorder and Autism (Sorin, 2012);
help students to improve in their social and emotional skills both inside and outside of the classroom, by easing loneliness, fostering trust, and improving communication(Dunlap, 2010)
Anderson, K. (2007). Who let the dog In? How to incorporate a dog into a self-contained classroom. Teaching Exceptional Children Plus, 4(1), 1-17. Retrieved January 31, 2015, from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ967469.pdf
Jalongo, Renck, M. (2005, April 01). “WHAT ARE ALL THESE DOGS DOING AT SCHOOL?”: Using Therapy Dogs To Promote Children’s Reading Practice. Childhood Education, (3), 152, Retrieved from http://elibrary.bigchalk.com
Sorin, R. (2012). “I do writing on Monday so I can read to the dog” – The impact of the CLASSROOM CANINES program on young children’s literacy learning. 8th International Conference on Education, 8(July 2012), 563-568. Retrieved January 31, 2015, from http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1061&context=reesa_sorin&sei-redir=1 &referer=http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fworks.bepress.com%2Fcgi%2Fvie wcontent.cgi%3Farticle%3D1061%26context%3Dreesa_sorin&s
STEVENS POINT – Pacelli Catholic Schools, formerly Steven Point Area Catholic Schools, has announced a new administrative structure beginning Aug. 1.
Lead Principal Gregg Hansel will become director of education, supervising all aspects of the educational program for the entire system. In his new role, Hansel will also continue to serve as principal of St. Stanislaus and St. Stephen Elementary Schools.
Hannah Henderson has been hired as the new director of advancement for PCS, and will be responsible for all areas of advancement including public relations, recruitment and marketing, and fundraising.
Henderson is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where she majored in public administration and political science. She completed an internship at St. Catherine’s High School in Racine, and most recently worked as the corporate marketing specialist for Wausau Financial Systems.
Todd Kuckkahn resigned as president of Pacelli Catholic Schools effective June 30. He has since taken the position of interim executive director of the Portage County Business Council.
“After reviewing the administrative structure, our pastors and administrators determined that this would be an effective means of addressing the evolving needs of our system,” said the Rev. Tom Lindner, dean of the Stevens Point Deanery, in a news release. “We have great confidence in Gregg’s continued leadership and guidance, along with that of our school and central office administrators, faculty and staff. We also have great hopes for what Hannah will bring to what is an increasingly essential aspect of our system.”
Pacelli Catholic Schools includes Pacelli High School, St. Peter Middle School, St. Bronislava, St. Stanislaus and St. Stephen elementary schools and St. Joseph Early Childhood Center. It is a cooperative venture of all the Catholic parishes of the Stevens Point Deanery.
The 41st Annual Pacelli Panacea was one for the books, seeing tremendous crowds and great fun. An event that draws current families and community members alike, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.
Friday evening kicked off with Pacelli’s Famous Fish Fry and live music by Southbound. The classes of ’75 and ’85 reunited Friday night, enjoying laughs, reminiscing, and delighting in the school building and technology updates now in place.
Saturday began as a fun-filled day for the kids, with unlimited carnival ride wristbands, facepainting by the Pacelli dance team, and entertainment by both Tom Pease, popular children’s performer, and The Rogue who dazzled the kids with their juggling, magic, and balloon sculpting. The silent auction, spirit shoppe, basket raffle, and farmer’s market were buzzing with activity all day. The evening brought together the class of ’80 and the class of ’85, back for another night of Panacea fun, all while enjoying entertainment from Raised Reckless.
The major raffle booth was busy Sunday, selling tickets for both the cash and car raffle before the drawing, while the silent auction floor was buzzing with activity with bidders before the tables closed. Winners for the silent auction,major raffle and basket raffle can be found here.
Fourth grade students in Pacelli Catholic Schools love to get directly involved with their work, and to help others. What started as a once-a-year service project has blossomed into a year round effort.
Eight years ago, students of St. Stephen school had the honor of creating Valentines for the Oncology Unit at St. Michael’s Hospital. The Valentine idea started as a service project in conjunction with our school’s celebration of Catholic Schools Week, the last week of January annually.
The fourth grade teachers at St. Stephen’s developed the “Candy Kisses Valentine Tube Project” as a way to reach out in friendship and love to those experiencing some “not so happy” days. Their hope was to add a smile to patients’ days. “We are excited to be able to extend the happiness in a new way this year,” said Tess Lawlis, a fourth grader.
This year, the fourth grade students created seasonal decorations to help cheer up the patients and their families who are spending time in the Oncology Unit. “Our students really enjoy creating projects they know will bring smiles to others. The pride the kids take in service projects is inspiring,” said Lisa Springob.
“The feedback we have received each year from the Oncology Unit has been extremely positive,” said Amy Parks, fourth grade teacher. Last February, the staff at the unit offered to fund the supplies for the project, as it has brought so much “sunshine” to the patients. They were hoping we would continue doing the project. “This inspired us to reach out in another way,” said Springob.
St. Stanislaus and St. Stephen elementary schools were honored with a national award for helping students improve their reading skills. The schools received the Innovations in Catholic Education award in the category of innovative project in curriculum and instruction. This award was developed by Today’s Catholic Teacher magazine, and is awarded annually to Catholic elementary and secondary schools that “have led the way by implementing exemplary, innovative programs to improve the teaching and learning of their students, faculty and staff.” The schools were also honored for establishing a fluency clinic and a literacy lab at St. Stan’s in partnership with UW-Stevens Point. Both programs provide individual support to students who need it.
MADISON – Finger nails are a little shorter. And the players might have needed oxygen from holding their collective breaths on more than a few occasions Saturday night.
When Christonna Shafranksi had the ball nestle into her glove for the final out, however, the hugs could officially begin all over Goodman Diamond.
Senior pitcher Kaylee Krostag grabbed catcher Paige Hintz in a bear hug. Shafranski and Sydney Alery wrapped their arms around each other.
Krostag had just put the finishing albeit nerve-wracking touches on a 1-0 verdict over Oakfield in the WIAA Division 4 state championship game.
“It was an intense play and as soon as (Shafranski) secured the ball, it was the best feeling,” said senior second baseman Hannah Raflik, one of five seniors ending their high school careers at the pinnacle of the sport.
Just a half inning earlier, Sarah Mitch put the Cardinals in the position to celebrate their third WIAA state championship — adding 2015 to the gold trophies brought home in 2003 and 2012.
The Cardinals finally solved Oakfield ace McKaela Ryan in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Sami Kay Shafranski opened the inning with a single. Pacelli once again demonstrated the importance of the little things when Hintz sacrificed her to second.
Mitch then took her turn to play hero, lining a single up the middle to plate Sami Kay Shafranski.
“I was just trying to get a hit,” Mitch said. “My coach talked to me right before and told me what I was doing wrong and helped me a little bit. I did what I did and did what she told me to do and I got the hit. When I saw Sami score, it was amazing.
“I don’t think it gets any better than this,” Mitch added. “It’s an unbelievable feeling right now, I’m absolutely speechless. It’s awesome.”
As birthdays go, they don’t get much better than getting to celebrate a state championship with a special group of girls.
And carrying the gold trophy around isn’t a bad present either.
“It’s a memorable birthday. This is my birthday present. I want this,” said a jubilant Pacelli coach Ann Molski, refusing to reveal her age. “In a good game against a good team, all you need is one run.
“We talked all year about how it was going to come down to one or two things we needed to execute.”
Championship teams thrive under pressure situations, and there were plenty of tense moments to last a lifetime against the Oaks.
Krostag gave an indication in a 6-1 semifinal win against McDonell Central just how unfazed she is by the moment.
Between the fifth and sixth innings, she showed off her dancing moves in the circle to the music being played over the public address system.
Nothing seems to shake the staff ace who also started in the state tournament as a sophomore.
“I do get a little nervous but then I can remind myself my defense is amazing and they can make all the plays,” Krostag said.
Houdini and Krostag showed they had a lot in common — at least on this day.
The Oaks loaded the bases with one out in the second inning and with no one out in the fourth.
Not a problem said Krostag, who shrugged off the pressure and made the pitches she needed to escape the jams and keep Oakfield off the scoreboard.
Not even a one-out triple by Oakfield’s Brianna Sabel in the top of the seventh protecting a one-run lead could rattle Krostag.
“It gets very mentally tough out there, but it felt really good to get that run,” Krostag said. “That was some huge stress off the shoulders. It’s okay, we got it done.”
“It’s really bitter-sweet especially because this is our last game, but we got to go out with a win. That was awesome.”
Pacelli (24-5) made a habit out of winning close games all season.
And the Cardinals managed to show their mettle once again in the most important game of the season.
“It was a quite an experience ,” said Ashleigh Fuchs, “We came here as freshmen and sophomores. It was really exciting to come back and compete at this level of competition.”
Not many seniors get to say they ended their high school careers as champions.
The five on the Pacelli roster are part of the lucky few.
“It’s an incredible feeling, I’m just so proud of everyone on our team,” Sami Kay Shafranski said. “We’ve all worked so hard this year and it just paid off.
“It’s so incredible to have this feeling, I don’t even know what it is. It’s been a blast.”
I am privileged and blessed to be able to teach Confirmation at one of our local parishes. It puts me in a position to share my own faith journey and thoughts with teenagers. Our conversation this week centered around choices and mercy. We ended up talking about St. Maria Goretti and the teenager who took her life, 19 year-old Alessandro Serenelli. Maria lived for 24 hours after being attacked by Alessandro. As she laid on her deathbed, she prayed continuously for his soul and for his forgiveness. She told her parents that she was pained more greatly at the thought of his soul going to hell than her own physical pain caused by his hands. As she lay dying, she made a distinct choice: the choice to forgive and show love for a sinner.
