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Students Get Interactive with Science

��ֱ�� — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 14:24:57 +0000

During the month of January, Mr. Zawacki’s Biology and Anatomy classes collaborated with the PCS Technology team, to provide students with an immersive and interactive learning experience by integrating our new zSpace laptops. zSpace technology has the ability to enhance learning through an interactive experience by integrating AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) technology with science, math, and CTE (career technical education) topics.

Students completed engaging activities such as dissecting and interacting with mitochondria, cells, and muscles. The activities were designed to supplement the existing curriculum, while supporting retention and recall of information in a non-traditional immersive classroom environment. Students were able to see these objects come off of the screen and then rotate and move them, while studying each section. The 360 degree screen-breaking experience is achieved through built-in eye tracking sensors and a stylus pen.

We hope to dive deeper with zSpace in our science courses and for career exploration activities with our students. More information about zSpace can be found at www.zspace.com.

* Students see a 3D object as they use the stylus to navigate the activity.

Students get a chance to work with a professional stage and film actor

��ֱ�� — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 18:47:16 +0000

On Wednesday, January 25th, Travis Mitchell, a professional stage and film actor, visited Pacelli Catholic High School to do a workshop with choir and theatre students. Travis shared his experiences working in the acting field on both stage and in film. He also worked with the students to model the audition process, and had each student do a mock film audition. The students also did activities showing the differences between stage acting and film acting, and they got a chance to try the more subtle form of film acting on camera! Travis also shared the message of how important it is to be kind to others, and to be a joy to work with, as that’s how you book future jobs. He shared that this way of intentional living can open doors for students in any future field of work and in life in general. The students love when Travis is able to travel in from New York City and speak to them, and work with them! More information about Travis Mitchell can be found on his website .

Travis working with a student on a scene

Travis working with a student on a solo emotion scene

Travis working with students on a two shot scene

Travis demonstrating a camera shot

FREE Coding Event for Kids

��ֱ�� — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:14:02 +0000

Kids Can Code! is a free community event, sponsored by ��ֱ�� and Skyward, encouraging kids ages 6-12 to learn about coding through fun, hands-on activities. Kids will have the opportunity to code simple computer games, program and control interactive robots, build their own video game with Bloxels, tinker with littleBits and more!

When: Saturday, February 11; 9:00-11:00 AM
Where: Pacelli Catholic Middle School; 708 First St.; Stevens Point
Who: Any child ages 6-12, beginners to intermediate
Cost: FREE! Registration is required. Space is limited.

Every child in attendance will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win prizes!
Parents are welcome to stay and play, or drop off and pick up your child.

Questions? Contact Sherri Moscinski at 715-344-1890 or smoscinski@pacellicatholicschools.com

Sponsored By:

Pacelli Students Participate in an Hour of Code

��ֱ�� — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 13:31:05 +0000

On Wednesday, students in grades two through eleven participated in an event held at Pacelli Catholic High School. This is the first time the Pacelli has hosted an Hour of Code event.

Promoted as the largest learning event in history, the Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. Students were able to choose from dozens of different tutorials ranging from Minecraft to Star Wars to Angry Birds and Frozen.

In addition to this event, all middle school and high school teachers participated in an Hour of Code event on Monday. Computer science students at the middle school and high school also did an Hour of Code during classes, in celebration of Computer Science Education Week (December 7-13, 2015).

The Hour of Code event is one of many opportunities that Pacelli is providing our students who would like to learn computer science. This school year we have implemented at the middle school, at the high school, and a third grade coding program in conjunction with the Portage County Business Council.

Computer science helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path. To find out more about the Hour of Code, visit their website at .

Jeff Bushman
Director of Technology
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Pacelli Students Lead by Example at CAP Services

��ֱ�� — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 14:01:38 +0000

A new volunteer relationship between Pacelli Catholic School (PCS) students and CAP Services’ Head Start and Early Head Start programs has been yielding positive results for all involved this fall.

Since September, 21 student volunteers from Pacelli High School and three from St. Peter Middle School , split into three teams, have been paying weekly visits to CAP’s Family Development Center (FDC) in Stevens Point. The students, who would otherwise be in study hall, spend the hour with the 3- and 4-year-old Head Start and Early Head Start students in a variety of classroom activities including reading and playing.

“The one-on-one interaction enhances the learning opportunities for the kids, which is a big benefit for us,” said Diane Shaver, FDC program coordinator.

Pacelli Principal Larry Theiss said the high school students act as role models for the younger kids. “It gives our students a chance to look beyond themselves,” said Theiss. “It’s part of character development – developing strong civic-minded students – that is an important part of all schools.”

Pacelli Freshman Jonah Repinski said he looks forward to his time at the center. “The first time, I was like I have no idea what I’m doing,” said Repinski of his first trip to FDC. “You actually get to have an influence. I’ve made a lot of friends. They almost think of you as one of the younger teachers.”

Pacelli Junior Lauren Fish said the relationship offers a good chance to get involved in the community and would recommend it to her Pacelli peers. “It’s exciting to see the kids happy and excited to see us,” she said.

Other PCS students who volunteered with FDC this semester include Nicole Schroeder, Ben Bisone, Karli Homann, Sarah Mueller, Samantha Cowart, Kaitlyn Cowart, Emma Springob, Delaney Mace, Amanda Klasinski, Arianna Johnson, Weronika Weronska, Delaney Lawlis, Jesse Vaughan, Karisa Mansavage, Julia Tutton, Elizabeth Cisewski, Hannah Frane, Nick Rosenthal, Cassie Ostertag, Danielle Luedtke, Emily Patton and Taylor Raflik.

Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded early childhood programs for income eligible and special needs children and their families. They provide comprehensive services in the areas of early childhood education, health, and family and community partnerships.

St. Stan’s/St. Steve’s Selected as a National Blue Ribbon School

��ֱ�� — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 14:59:03 +0000

October 2, 2015

The United States Department of Education announced last week that St. Stan’s/St.Steve’s was selected as a National Blue Ribbon School for overall academic excellence in 2015. St. Stan’s/St.Steve’s is one of only 335 schools nationally to receive this prestigious award. Less than 1/3 of one percent of schools are selected throughout the country.

To receive the award, a school must show that they have outstanding academic and delivery programs that insure that all students excel. The school also earned the award in 2008, making it one of the very few schools in the country to ever receive the honor twice. Congratulations to the teachers, staff, parents and students of the school!

New Therapy Dog Program

��ֱ�� — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 20:13:16 +0000

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)

Please contact Mrs. Michelle Nerren (mnerren@pacellicatholicschools.com) or Mr. Larry Theiss (ltheiss@pacellicatholicschools.com) with any questions!

Sources

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

Dunlap, V. M. (2010, May 28). CANINE ASSISTED THERAPY AND REMEDIATING READING: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE. Retrieved January 31, 2015, from

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

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 &referer=http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fworks.bepress.com%2Fcgi%2Fvie wcontent.cgi%3Farticle%3D1061%26context%3Dreesa_sorin&s

Fourth Graders Visit Oncology Unit

��ֱ�� — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 19:35:41 +0000

Fourth grade students in ��ֱ�� 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.

Schools Honored for Reading Programs

��ֱ�� — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 19:34:56 +0000

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.

Pacelli Softball Brings Home State Championship

��ֱ�� — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 18:34:53 +0000

June 13, 2015

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.”

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