X Magazine - September 2019

THE XAVIER MAGAZINE

NO. 4 SEPTEMBER 2019

NO.11 NO. WINTER2018 2018 WINTER

CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

2-4

Who We Are

Dear Friends,

5

Evolution of the Hawk

6-9

Alumni Updates

Welcome to the Summer 2019 issue of X – The Xavier Magazine!

As I write this, we look forward to a new school year.

10

Xavier Pride Worldwide

11

Class Reunions

12-13

Alumni Feature

14-15

Celebrate & Food Fair

16

Dedication of New Chalice

17

Scrip

18

The Xavier Xperience

19

Staff Anniversaries

20-21

Legacy Graduates

22-25

High School

26

Class of 2019

27

The Foundation of Our Future

28-31

Middle School

32

Father Adam Bradley

33

Parish Support

34-37

Elementary School

38-39

One Family's Journey

2

X, The Xavier Magazine

• September 2019

In May, 127 high school seniors walked across the stage at the Performing Arts Center to receive their well-earned diplomas and they began the next stage of their lives. Our 8th graders are primed for high school, and our 4th graders await the adventures of middle school.

Finally, our preschool and elementary students look forward to all that the next grade has to offer.

If there is a common thread to these progressions, it’s that each of our nearly 1,500 students and their families are part of a true community of learners, believers, and friends. Our Xavier traditions, at every educational level, are passed on by siblings, friends, and, increasingly, by alumni parents. We treasure the everyday opportunities to develop the Gospel values of faith, hope, justice, and charity in each of our students.

In this issue, I hope you’ll enjoy reading about many of the aspects of our Xavier community that make us unique. Please send us your feedback. And keep us up to date on what’s new in your life. Let’s continue to pray for each other and our Xavier schools. Together we build community…and faith in our future.

Blessings,

Deacon Ray DuBois President

Mission Statement St. Francis Xavier Catholic School System is a Christ-centered community dedicated to faith formation, academic excellence, community engagement, and individual growth of our students in a safe environment.

Campuses

Board of Directors

St. Francis Xavier High School 1600 W. Prospect Avenue Appleton, WI 54914 (920) 733-6632

Most Reverend David L. Ricken Chair, Diocese of Green Bay

St. Francis Xavier Middle School 2626 N. Oneida Street Appleton, WI 54911 (920) 730-8849 St. Francis Xavier Elementary School, Marquette Campus 500 W. Marquette Street Appleton, WI 54911 (920) 733-4918 St. Francis Xavier Elementary School, McDonald Campus 1810 N. McDonald Street Appleton, WI 54911 (920) 739-7826 Offices of the President, Advancement, and Admissions 1600 W. Prospect Avenue Appleton, WI 54914 (920) 735-9380 Business and Educational Services 101 E. Northland Avenue Appleton, WI 54911 (920) 735-9380

System Administration Deacon Ray DuBois President Mr. Bob Biebel Vice President of Advancement Mr. Tom Candell Vice President of Finance and Administration Mrs. Tara Pearce Vice President of Admissions Dr. John Ravizza Superintendent

Very Reverend Daniel Felton Vice-Chair, Diocese of Green Bay Todd Blahnik Diocese of Green Bay Reverend James Jugenheimer St. Pius X Parish Reverend Ryan Starks St. Therese Parish Reverend James Leary, OFM Cap. St. Joseph Parish Deacon Lincoln Wood St. Thomas More Parish Reverend William Swichtenberg Treasurer, St. Mary Parish Reverend Jude Egbuna St. Bernard Parish Reverend Joseph Dorner Sacred Heart Parish & St. Bernadette Parish Brian Wierzbinski Board of Trustees Chair

Mr. Mike Mauthe Principal Xavier High School Mr. Robert Bires Principal Xavier Middle School Mrs. Laura Barnett Principal Xavier Elementary School, Marquette Campus Mrs. Alena Tapelt Principal Xavier Elementary School, McDonald Campus

Contact Emily Gandara, Communications Specialist, for magazine submissions and corrections.

(920) 735-9380 or egandara@xaviercatholicschools.org

1965

EVOLUTION OF THE HAWK See how our hawk suit has progressed over the years!

1976

1986

1990

TODAY 1998

2018

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Alumni Updates WHAT STARTED AS A FATHER/SON TRIP in 1988 has turned into an annual trek. This photo from May of 2017 at KaBeelo Lodge in Northwest Ontario features Xavier graduates spanning five decades. 9 of the 10 pictured graduated from Xavier High School. The tenth, Gary Verbeten, is a father of three Xavier graduates.

Pictured left to right: Jack Coughlin ‘17, Rick Lindberg ’75, Sue Lindberg ‘80, Dr. Rick Romenesko ‘71, Gary Verbeten (3 children attended Xavier), Dan Konz ‘76, Nick Verbeten ‘02, Michael Konz ‘17, Sean Coughlin ‘82, Mike Konz ‘81.

1960s

Rocky Bleier ’64 was recently honored by the Journal Sentinel as one of the 10 best high school athletes in state history. The selection is quite an honor when you consider there have been thousands of high school athletes in the state’s history.

All were revealed at the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony, and the group was also honored at the Journal Sentinel High School Sports Awards show.

Bleier’s accomplishments in football, basketball and track and field were all noted in his selection article. (Photo taken on a recent visit to Xavier.)

1970s Mary Ellen (Moran) Fisher ‘72 is retiring

Recently engaged, married, new family member, career change, retired, new grandparent, get together with other alumni, or other fun fact? Keep us informed of your whereabouts and accomplishments! Alumni love to read about one another and we would love to share.

Please send us your news and photos via email to: xmagazine@xaviercatholicschools.org or by mail to 1600 W Prospect Ave, Appleton WI 54914.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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X, The Xavier Magazine

• September 2019

from Xavier Catholic Schools after 33 years of service. Fisher first worked at Catholic Central, then at St. Joseph Middle School (now Xavier Middle School). She carried on a family tradition as her dad first taught at St. Mary's, (which later became Catholic Central) and then Xavier High School. Mary Ellen attended Xavier Catholic Schools and sent her three children through the System as well. Her grandsons will both attend Xavier Middle School this fall. Fisher says she will miss being at XMS every day, but knows she will be there often to see their performances, etc. She is ready for a new chapter in her life, but says XMS will always have a special place in her heart.

1980s Laura (Kostelnik) Biskupic ‘82 is an avid writer and keen observer. Laura shares her observations, her life’s adventures, and a wealth of great stories three times a week on her blog, “AnotherSlice”.

Follow this Xavier alumna and all her writings at https://anotherslice.life/

2000s Sarah (Gonnering) Voss ‘01 is currently the

Director of Marketing and Communication at LocknCharge, a family owned Australian Company with US headquarters in Madison. LocknCharge is dedicated to the design, manufacturing, and functionality of the highest quality security, charging and transport solutions for mobile device deployments.

Working side-by-side with the company’s CEO, Sarah successfully helped build TechDen, the first-ever product that combines an app which allows parents to manage screen time for individual devices as well as providing them a physical home.

TechDen originally launched as a Kickstarter, was successfully funded in 2018 and is now available on Amazon.

To learn more go to: techden.com

Chris Kessenich ‘10 is a member of Arts

Fishing Club, a Nashville-based band. The band recently spent two years booking and playing DIY tours and slowly crafting its live show. Arts Fishing Club recorded a full-length record, "Human", last year. It has had great success touring the college market and is excited to add additional college shows next year.

Want to hear Arts Fishing Club now? Check them out on iTunes or Spotify.

Note: Band photo taken by Xavier alumna, Casey Hurley ’12, owner of Casey Hurley Photo (caseyhurleyphotography.com)

Melissa Wallace ’07 started a new job in April as

the Lead Playologist at the Building for Kids Children’s Museum in Appleton. If you visit the museum, feel free to stop by and say ‘hello’ to Melissa.

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Alumni Updates 2010s Jenna DeYoung ’10 graduated from St. Norbert College in May 2014 with a degree in Elementary Education and currently teaches Kindergarten with the Unified School District of De Pere. She is in love with what she does. Jenna was engaged in March and will be getting married next August. She currently lives in De Pere, has enjoyed making it her home, especially since she lives so close to Lambeau Field during packer season.

She still enjoys dance and art and still misses those fun Dance & Drill days at Xavier!

After graduating from Villanova University in 2015, Mary (Molly) Hartrich '11, joined Vanguard Inc in its Malvern Headquarters where she is now working with clients of the global investment firm. In 2018 she successfully completed the exams to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and became one of the youngest individuals in the State of Pennsylvania to earn that designation. She is currently living (and loving) Philadelphia.

In March, Meghan Wagner ’14, was an “Artist in Residence” and spent a week with the Xavier art classes creating small fused glass projects. Meghan graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with Studio Art and Arts Management degrees. Her main studio art focus is glassmaking. Meghan loves teaching workshops and was excited to give back and introduce glassmaking to students in the same place she created her first glass piece ever! Most students had never worked with glass but succeeded in learning and creating something in only three short class periods. Projects included pendants, tic tac toe boards and glass frit paintings. Meghan is extremely proud and honored to have had this opportunity at Xavier where her interest in art began!

After graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in May 2018, Sean Hartrich '14 joined Zuora Inc., a cloud-based subscription-management firm located in San Mateo, California as a Solutions Engineer. In conjunction with his move, Sean is now living in San Francisco. He does not miss the Wisconsin winter weather.

In her fourth year on Xavier University women’s golf team, senior Mikayla Smith ’15 and her teammates made school history by winning the Big East Conference Championship in April. The win was the first conference championship for Xavier University since joining the Big East in 2013. Mikayla has had the opportunity to travel a lot for the sport, which has been an incredible experience. She accomplished a personal goal last summer, qualifying for the United States Amateur Championship. In addition to her undergrad degree, she is currently working toward her MBA at XU which she will finish next May (2020).

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X, The Xavier Magazine

• September 2019

2010s From caps and gowns to diamonds and balloons, Hunter VanAsten ’15 and Elizabeth Totzke ’15 graduated and were engaged during a very busy week in May. Hunter and Elizabeth both graduated from St. Norbert College in May and both will enter Notre Dame Law School in the fall. Less than a week after undergraduate graduation, Hunter proposed in the very classroom in which they first met at Xavier High School (thanks to Mr. Neises for opening up his classroom).

August 25, 2018 was quite the Hawk gathering, as Melissa Gearhart ‘12

and Chase DeValk

‘12 tied the knot! Attendants included Lauren DeValk ‘11, Nick Ferris ‘12, Jack Klister ‘12, Max Mantey ‘12 and Mike VanAbel ‘12. Hawk Nation was proudly represented by many other Hawks and Hawk parents who definitely made the celebration extra special!

Shaye Evers '15 recently graduated from the

nursing program at Viterbo University with a BSN and RN. She is currently serving as a Colorado Vincentian volunteer, ministering as a nurse to the poor and marginalized in the Denver community.

Megan DuBois '15 graduated magna cum laude from St. Olaf College with Distinction in Psychology and American Studies. She is a research coordinator at the University of Minnesota Medical School's Autism Lab.

Katrina Mazier ‘16

was crowned Miss Oshkosh for 2019.

Katrina’s platform is “Teens of Tomorrow: Teen Suicide Prevention Awareness”.

Daniel Bendel ’17,

a member of the Marquette University track team, was a part of the men’s distance medley relay team that broke a school record set 38 years ago. The relay team posted a time of 9:49.05, which broke the mark of 9:51.23 set in 1981 at the Central Collegiate Championships.

Melissa is a graduate of the Bellin School of Nursing, currently working in pediatric surgery at Yale Hospital in New Haven, CT where she and Chase currently live while Chase completes graduate school at the University of Bridgeport.

Chase will graduate in May of 2020 from the Master's degree program for physician assistants.

Lauren graduated from St. Louis University with a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy, and also holds several yoga certifications which she incorporates into her pediatric practice at Denver Children's Hospital where she specializes in

helping children with autism and other cognitive challenges. From the DeValks: “We heard many Hawk success stories shared at the wedding celebration, and the DeValks challenge fellow Hawk parents to submit them...this is a wonderful group of young adults who are taking the Xavier community of learners and believers out into the world, inspiring others and doing great things.

Go Hawks!”

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Xavier Pride Worldwide

A group of Xavier High School students began their summer break with a trip to France and Spain Three alums (from left, Haley Gabler '16, Megan DuBois '15, Emily Albrecht '17) show their Xavier pride following the Baccalaureate Convocation at St. Olaf College, Minnesota

Xavier High School counselor Eric Neiswender and his son Martin ’30 make the “X” under the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO

Siblings Andy ’20 and Megan Schmidt ’23 share their Xavier pride poolside while on spring break in St. Lucia Maria Nelson ’30, Lola Nelson ’28, and their mom, Xavier High School teacher Beth Nelson, show their Xavier pride while at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, IL

Xavier Catholic Schools superintendent, John Ravizza, makes the Xavier “X” while on one of the famous cable cars in San Francisco, CA

Spencer Eagan '98, Phil Vogt, Andrew Braun ‘99, Bob Biebel and Charlie Vogt ‘07 show the “X” while on a tour of Allen Fieldhouse, home of the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team

Class Reunions Does your class have a reunion year milestone coming up? If you have a committee already planning your reunion, please contact us so we can post the details. If there is not any information listed for your class, we may need chair people to help plan your reunion. Reunions can be as simple or in depth as you'd like!

Please contact Lisa Pfaff at lpfaff@xaviercatholicschools.org for information and assistance with reunions.

2019 Reunions

Class of 1964: 55th Reunion

Celebrating 55 years, class members will meet on Friday, September 13, 2019 at 4:00 pm at Stone Toad Bar & Grill (1109 S Oneida St, Menasha). If interested in attending, kindly send a message to marandlar@aol.com or text 920-475-0552. Classmates are encouraged to contact marandlar@aol.com with updated email and contact information.

Class of 1970: 50th Reunion

The class of 1970 has set a date for our 50th reunion! Join us Saturday, September 12, 2020 between 4:00 pm and midnight at Stone Arch at Riverview Gardens (1101 S Oneida St, Appleton, 54915). Invitations will be mailed out early next year. Contact Barb Hass Pirner 920-73-3015 to update your contact information, or with questions.

Class of 1979: 40th Reunion

Join former class members on Saturday, September 21st at 6:30 pm at Appleton Beer Factory (603 W College Ave, Appleton). Cost is $25 per person/ $40 couple. To update your contact information, or for more information about the reunion, please join our class Facebook page "XHS Class of 1979". A tour of Xavier High School will be provided on September 21st at 1:00 pm.

Class of 1981: 40th Reunion in 2021!

The Class of 1981's fun-filled 40th reunion weekend is coming in late summer/early fall of 2021. Please send your name and email address to Lisa Roach at packerchick@att.net so our fabulous committee can reach out to you.

This one is big! Please join us.

Class of 1994: 25th Reunion

Save the date! The 25 year reunion for the class of 1994 will be on Saturday, September 14th. Details to be included on the "Xavier High School 1994" Facebook page, or contact Lisa Henry Slama at lisaslama@gmail.com or Jennifer Betters-Bubon at jbettersbubon@gmail.com for more information.

Class of 1999: 20th Reunion

Join other classmates on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at Good Company (110 N Richmond St, Appleton) from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The cost is $10 per person and includes a buffet. Contact Jeff at jeff@peepasps.com for more information.

Class of 2009: 10th Reunion

Let’s get together! The 10th reunion for the class of 2009 will be held on December 21, 2019 at the Appleton Beer Factory (time is TBD). The Facebook group set up for the reunion is “Xavier High School — Class of 2009”.

Reunion invitations will be sent via Facebook. Please email Amber Cretens Zakem at amberzakem@gmail.com or Chris Kuehl at ckuehl064@gmail.com for more information or to connect and help with the reunion.

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HEY APPLETON - è delizioso For Kathy Turek ’08 the journey to entrepreneurship included a plane ticket to Europe, an oversized backpack, and too many fun experiences to count.

However, it was one very special day in Rome that turned the recent college graduate into a business owner and changed the dessert landscape of the Fox Valley forever.

Enticed by the smell of homemade waffle cones and fresh gelato, Kathy and her friends entered the world of Italian gelato for the very first time.

It only took one taste to realize that the gelato cone complete with melted chocolate and fresh whipped cream was too good to be true. Arriving home, there were many stories to share, but she simply could not forget the taste of that special day in Rome.

A few months later Kathy again packed that oversized backpack and headed off to Bologna, Italy, only this time it wasn’t for sightseeing, but rather to attend Carpigiani Gelato University and learn the art of gelato making. While there, she studied under professional Italian gelato chefs and learned side by side with gelato entrepreneurs from around the world, mastering techniques and balancing formulas to create the perfect recipes for her soon-to-be business The Knotted Cone Gelato Co.

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X, The Xavier Magazine

• September 2019

HOW GOOD IS IT?

The Knotted Cone is currently ranked #4 by the Gelato Festival World Ranking which selects the best artisan gelato makers worldwide.

The Knotted Cone's Razzle Ricotta gelato placed second overall at the October 2018 Gelato Festival America in Scottsdale, Arizona. The recipe featured the extra clean flavor of hometown Wisconsin cow’s milk ricotta cheese blended with fresh raspberries, infused with raw organic Madagascar Bourbon vanilla and knotted with handmade raspberry marbling. (YUM!)

WHAT MAKES THE KNOTTED CONE SO SPECIAL?

Kathy believes in “making gelato an experience for every person who comes to her truck.” It is simple goodness meant to be loved and enjoyed!

All her gelato is made in a lab and then served on a truck… art AND science! She uses only Italian equipment and is diligent in making sure that each serving is the right temperature and the right texture, requiring math and chemistry. Each recipe is crafted from scratch using the highest quality raw ingredients, fresh fruit and Wisconsin milk. The Knotted Cone gelato is a labor of hard work, creativity, and true artisan craft.

WHERE CAN YOU GET IT?

For a current truck schedule of locations visit https://theknottedcone.com/ or follow on Facebook.

Available for private catering and deliveries.

Gelato Sundaes – Sundays at Northsider Gas Station on Richmond St. and JJ Street in Appleton.

Farmers Market – Wednesdays in Green Bay

That’s right, Appleton, It is delicious. xaviercatholicschools.org

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A huge thank you to our generous sponsors!

Celebrate 2019 was held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center. Over 500 guests came together to support Xavier Catholic Schools and our staff and students.

The night was successful in so many ways.

Thanks to the generosity of our many supporters, Celebrate raised over $460,000! This was a record-smashing year and we are so incredibly grateful to everyone for making this night such an astounding success.

SAVE THE DATE! Celebrate 2020 January 25, 2020

May 5, 2019 marked the 47th and final International Food Fair. The extremely difficult decision to end this longstanding tradition was made due to declingin attendance and the burden on volunteers and staff. It is impossible to thank all who were involved over the years, but please know that we sincerely appreciate all of your hard work, commitment, and dedication in sustaining Food Fair for 47 years! While this is the end of an era, Food Fair will long be remembered as an important event that served Xavier Catholic Schools and the community. Stay tuned for exciting changes and updates to Sponsorship levels are $1,000, $500 and $250. events at Xavier Catholic Schools!

All sponsors will be recognized with signage at Food Fair according to their level of sponsorship as well as a logo/listing on the placemats.

For more information, call Bob or Lisa at 920.735.9380

Join the rich history of individuals, families and companies who support Food Fair by flying a flag. Your name will be on a custom-made flag and listed on our placemats. These colorful flags hang prominently in the Gym and Commons areas.

The placemats are used on all of the dining tables in the gym.

Flags are about 24� x 30�. Each flag is $75.

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Anonymous Gift in Honor of Deceased Xavier Alumni “With joy, Lord God, we place on your altar this chalice and paten for the celebration of the sacrifice of the new covenant: may the Body and Blood of your Son, offered and received by means of these vessels, make them holy.”

On May 21, 2019, at the Baccalaureate Mass honoring the Class of 2019, Bishop David Ricken intoned these words in the rite of blessing for a new chalice and paten. Xavier received the sacred vessels as part of a request from an anonymous donor who asked that the chalice be engraved with the words “In Memory of Deceased Xavier Alumni.”

The 8” tall gold and silver plated chalice includes an open filigree overlay with Marian Blue inset stones. It will be used for Masses at Xavier High School and for other major liturgical functions throughout the Xavier system. Most recently, it was used as the primary chalice at the June graduation Mass at Xavier Middle School.

“The chalice of salvation

I will raise, and I will offer a

sacrifice of praise."

IN MEMORIAM

Xavier Catholic Schools offers condolences to the friends, family, and former classmates of alumni who have passed away since January 1, 2019.

Lauren (Hartman) Arkens ‘03 Gary Daily ‘66 Mark Feavel ‘66 James Haase ‘68 Carol (Pastorelli) Hagar ‘69 Richard Hayes ‘69 William Koutnik ‘63 Mike Krause ‘67 Larry Krueger ‘63

Larry Langlois ‘72 Mark Oliver ‘72 Tony Piacentini ‘85 David Rathsack ‘64 Mari Ann (Timm) Reichel ‘73 JoAnn (VanGroll) Schroeder ‘65 Kathy (Schoenberger) Skibba ‘85 Richard Stack ‘67 Mary Lou (Van Zummeren) Vice ‘65

St. Francis Xavier, Pray for Us Live Jesus in Our Hearts, Forever 16

X, The Xavier Magazine

• September 2019

HELP MAKE A XAVIER EDUCATION AFFORDABLE Scrip is a gift card resale program in which all St. Francis Xavier Catholic School System families and friends can participate. The gift cards are worth exactly what you pay for them, but by purchasing through Xavier, you generate revenue that can be used to offset tuition and support the school system. In essence, you earn money by just making your regular household purchases using gift cards in place of cash, checks, and credit cards. Cards are available in more than 300 brands, including grocery, department stores, gas stations, restaurants, hotels, home improvements, and more.

HOW IT WORKS

Because Xavier purchases Scrip at a discounted amount, but sells it at full value, every dollar of Scrip that you purchase generates revenue. Families earn 65% of the revenue they accrue as an offset for tuition and fees.

USING SCRIP IS EASY

1. Scrip can be purchased directly at the Central Office (101 E Northland Ave, Appleton) by cash or check. M-F 7:30 AM -12:00 PM and Wednesday 2:30-4:00 PM 2. You can place you order online and pick up at the Central Office or at any campus.

Use: https://shop.shopwithscrip.com to purchase online. Presto Pay is also available with the online payment system.

FUTURE FAMILY PROGRAM

In planning for a Xavier education, it is never too early to start preparing. Currently, Xavier has a Future Family Program that allows families to start saving for their education by setting up an account. The money earned through Scrip will be held until the child enrolls at XCS. Contact Roy at rclark@xaviercatholicschools.org for more information on the Future Family Program.

DON'T HAVE A CHILD IN THE SYSTEM?

If you don’t have a child in the system, you can still take advantage of Scrip by making a purchase and applying it to a grandchild, relative or friend at the same revenue split. Individuals may also apply their portion of the revenue split to a local parish or the St. Francis Xavier Angel Fund.

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Check out our new website!

XavierCatholicSchools.org

The Xavier Xperience

- Kevin Brown, Admissions Committee

Everyone who is part of the Xavier Catholic School System remembers a moment when they realized their decision to choose Xavier was the right one. For our family, it was the moment we walked into the Marquette Street campus with a nervous first grader and immediately felt at home. The warm welcome from the principal and an introduction to another Xavier parent (who went on to become a dear friend) almost closed the deal, but the true test came a week later when our son, after a day of shadowing another student, literally begged for us to enroll him at Xavier. The decision to switch schools was easy and one we’ve never regretted.

For others, maybe it was first time you felt the joy of unapologetically living your faith with others who felt the same way and with them, grew closer to God. It might be that special connection they felt as part of a team, club, cast or group…and the fact the friends made back then are still friends today. Was it the moment you realized the parents of your children’s friends have also become your friends?

We all have these moments. We call it the XavierXperience and you’ll be hearing more about it in the weeks and months ahead. We’re going to ask you to share your XavierXperience on social media. Tell us a story, show us a picture or simply tag and thank a person who was instrumental in your becoming part of our community of Learners, Believers and Friends.

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X, The Xavier Magazine

@sfxavierhawks

• September 2019

@SFXavierHawks

Follow us on social media!

Xavier Milestones

Xavier Catholic Schools is blessed to have a hardworking team of dedicated faculty and staff.

We would like to congratulate the following employees on celebrating years of service milestones during the 18-19 school year: 1 Year:

Jennifer Boyd, 7th Grade ScienceTeacher Mary Case-Candell, Kindergarten Teacher Ping Cheng, Chinese Teacher Richard Duncan, Care Program Aide Blake Hensley, 7th Grade Teacher Chelsea Lasecki, Phy Ed Teacher & Athletic Director Emily Pogue, Instructional Aide Maggie (Wallace) Reader '13, Instructional Aid Nathan Runde, 7th Grade Teacher Mark Rydell, Theology Teacher Toni Schmidt, Executive Assistant Catherine Solowicz, 3rd Grade Teacher Lindsay Sorenson, Accounting Assistant Kathleen Barth, Box Office Coordinator

5 Years:

Sara Allen, LD Specialist LeeAnn Casimir, Guidance Teacher Barbara Dodd, Music Teacher Natalie Fuller '03, Learning Services Coordinator Christine Goulet, STEM Coordinator Lisa Hansen, Business & Attendance Secretary Brian McKinnon, 5th Grade Teacher Eric Neiswender, Guidance Teacher Julie Randall, Accounting Manager Connie Rosenbaum, German Teacher Nina Salzwedel, Science Teacher Kristin Sass, German Teacher Lucy Sell, French Teacher Michael Yates, Physical Education Teacher

10 Years:

Aaron Handevidt, Math Teacher Lori England, Assistant Athletic Director Christine Mazier, Human Resources Manager

15 Years:

Robert Bires, Middle School Principal Jenny Brautigam, 4th Grade Teacher Jill Kiepert, 7th Grade Teacher Tom Neises, Social Studies Teacher Traci (Feil) Shefka '89, 7th Grade Teacher

20 Years:

Elizabeth Gear, 8th Grade Teacher Anne Sharelis, Kindergarten Teacher Mary Whitman, 2nd Grade Teacher Cindy Winkelman, Learning Specialist

25 Years:

Anne Baruth, Art Teacher Mary Casey, 5th Grade Teacher Kim Hammen, Counselor Steven Hurula, Theology Teacher Ronald Lohse, Math Teacher

30 Years:

Kay Breuninger, Guidance/Academic Secretary Susan Mahoney, 1st Grade Teacher Marcie Ninnemann, Band Teacher Sandra Oudenhoven, Care Program Aide Lisa Schultz, Physical Education Teacher

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What’s happening

HIGH SCHOOL

The Xavier High School legacy photo recognizes families who have made a Xavier education part of their family tradition. We are particularily excited and proud when the children and grandchildren of our Xavier alumni join our community. This year, 21 of our graduating seniors had parents or grandparents who attended Xavier, a testament to the bonds Xavier has with our alumni. As we continue to add new chapters to our tradition of excellence, we anticipate this number growing each year.

Top row (L-R): Anna Hoerning, Emma Vosters, Johnnie Fischer, Daniel Benthein, & Dylan Schmidt Middle row: Zach Hoerning, Connor O’Shea, Connor Simon, Daniel Bomier, Will Mleziva, Henry Egan & Elijah Blohowiak Front row: Mari Seidler, Lauren Seidler, Camille Bonneville, Daniel VanDynHoven, Lucy Heuring, Emily Nienhaus, & Adrienne Salvia. Not pictured: Phillip Lorge and Danielle Theisen

Lauren Seidler with sisters Morgan ’15 and Kristin ’17, and father Boyd ‘87 20

X, The Xavier Magazine

• September 2019

Camille Bonneville with sister Alexa ’17 and mother Kim (Menigoz) Bonneville ‘87

Connor Simon with father Curt ‘93

Connor O’Shea with mother Kelly (Rushkofske) O’Shea ’87

Emma Vosters with mother Suzie (Wittlin) Vosters ‘84

Daniel Bomier with brother Benjamin ’16, aunt Mary (Purdo) Peksa ’81, and mother Melanie (Purdo) Bomier ‘83

Emily Nienhaus with father Jim ’91, grandfather Jim Bricco ’62, mother Melissa (Bricco) Nienhaus ’90, and grandmother Jeanne Ehrhardt ‘64

Daniel Benthein with mother Mary (Casey) Benthein ‘86

Henry Egan with mother Lisa (Porto) Egan ’91 and grandmother Rebecca (Polzin) Porto ‘65 xaviercatholicschools.org

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What’s happening

HIGH SCHOOL

Xavier’s International Program…

Our Window to the World World culture. International perspective. Diversity of governments, language, and religion. Two of the key components of our mission statement include community engagement and individual growth of our students. Through the blessing of our long-time high school international program, we complement that mission by welcoming students from around the world.

Xavier’s international program has been in place for more than a quarter century. Over the past six years we’ve averaged 50 international students from more than ten countries (see sidebar). In 20182019, we hosted 61 students!

Our program is directed by Sarah Shimek, our international program administrator, who is certified through the Department of Homeland Security and the Student Exchange Visitor Information System as our designated school officer. SEVIS is a nationwide, internet-based system that the U.S. government uses to maintain accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), and exchange visitors (J visa).

Sarah works with eight outside supporting agencies. They recruit students and provide housing for them. Most students live with Xavier families, and a few live in a dormitory. Our families benefit from the amazing experience of hosting students from another culture while also receiving tuition discounts for their own students!

Corey and Candyce Ertle (host parents), Zhaohe (Bob) Chang ‘18, Yahtang Chang and Hixian Wang (Bob’s parents)

Sonja Rathsack, a host parent for ten years said, “People often ask me, ‘Why do you host international students?’ The short answer is because it’s fun and we really enjoy it. But it’s more than that…it’s giving someone else’s child a home and a family to love them as best I can.”

Having in ternationa l students AP Biolog in both y and on th e Tropical and Marin E cology e Biology Domenica adventure gave me in and the s an opport tu d e nts unity to k now them students, as explorers , and frien We’ve bu ds. ilt relation ships that exceeded far their time here at Xa vier.

-Ginny Se uchting, teacher

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X, The Xavier Magazine

• September 2019

Xicheng Nan and Jiashun Jin, (Nancy’s parents), Xi (Nancy) Nan ‘18, Greg'90 and Lori Muller (host parents)

Students can stay at Xavier for up to four years.

Some come for one semester, one term, or even just a few weeks. Others remain at Xavier until they graduate. All of our international students are part of our Xavier family forever.

Another component of our international program is the Global Outreach Catholic Exchange Program (GO). It’s a unique Catholic program that links America with East-Central Europe. Our families who participate in the mission of Global Outreach – “to build a civilization of love” – invite students from post-communist European countries into their homes. GO students are selected, among other factors, on their strong Catholic faith, personal maturity, English proficiency, and leadership skills.

One t hing t hat I r being eally e a p njo a rt crew…

I can s of is backs yed tage ay tha me le ss t it gave m shy around has made things e the confi others, and d throug such as exp ence to try ressin h art o g r spen ding m myself outdo ore tim ors. e -Lucy (Qing yang) Li '19

Mrs. Shimek summarizes the philosophy of our international program: “We believe that we serve and honor God by welcoming and evangelizing through our examples and deeds to international students, made in God’s image and likeness.”

If you are interested in learning more about hosting an international student at Xavier, please contact Mrs. Shimek at sshimek@xaviercatholicschools.org.

Victoria Wieseckel ’17, Sarah Niesen Shimek, Xiaomeng Zheng (Alan’s father), Weilin (Alan) Zhang ’18, Qingzhen Chen (Alan’s mother), Vivian (Walsh) Wieseckel ’81 (host mother).

Our international students come from five continents around the globe and many countries including: Chenting (William) Wu ’19, Juizhen (Sise) Deng ’20, Xulin (Anna) Fan ’20, Xiaorong (Crystal) Liu

nal g internatio in v a h e v lo y reat I reall ool! It is a g h sc e th t a students and learn new friends e k a m to y s. wa other culture to more about e m re a way to prep re. tu It is a great fu eople in the meet new p hmidt '20

-Andrew Sc

• Austria • Brazil • Burundi • Canada • Colombia • Czech Republic • Denmark • Finland • France • Germany

• Guatemala • Hungary • Italy • Japan • Lithuania • Mexico • Norway • Peru • Poland • Russia

• Slovakia • S. Korea • Spain • Sweden • Switzerland • Taiwan • Thailand • Vietnam

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What’s happening

HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENTS ENGAGED IN REAL WORLD LEARNING Simply defined, Project Based Learning is an instructional approach that encourages students to learn and apply knowledge and skills through some engaging experience. It generally involves studying real world-problems, is student-centered, and provides a rigorous inquiry process. This past year, students at Xavier High School had the opportunity to discover this approach first-hand in their Contemporary Issues class, co-taught by Nicole Selenka and Maureen Milbach '87.

Students selected three issues (human trafficking, poverty, and refugee resettlement) that they were specifically interested in learning more about and, for the next nine weeks, set off on a new adventure. During that time, the students worked with numerous community partners, such as United Way, World Relief Fox Valley, Verve Credit Union, REACH Counseling and Headstart, to gain in-depth knowledge about some global and Fox Valley community problems and what is being done to correct them.

Students interact with virtual reality

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X, The Xavier Magazine

Throughout the course, students engaged in activities that brought learning to life, such as poverty and refugee simulations. They created digital products and made posters that were brought to market, along with writing blogs and creating a social media campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking. Together, these experiences helped individual students gain a keen awareness of each issue and encouraged them to be better critical thinkers who are able to exhibit a speaking knowledge on topics of international importance.

Both teachers agreed that the class was beneficial and that students were actively engaged in learning on a daily basis and are excited about the class continuing in the future.

Students listen to guest speaker Lem Fillyaw

• September 2019

JAZZ CONCERT BENEFIT A SUCCESS During her freshman and sophomore year, junior Teresa Dold '20 played the saxophone at Xavier High School’s annual Jazz Benefit Concert. However, as a junior, that role changed dramatically as she became the concert’s key organizer as part of her Junior Service Project, assisting Director Phil Dobernig in planning and organizing the event.

Held March 13, 2019, the concert served as a fundraising event for Dan’s House of Hope, a non-profit that specializes in helping young adults fighting cancer heal through community and supportive programming. Also featured was internationally recognized Guest Artist Dr. Tim Albright, a trombonist who has enjoyed a diverse career as a jazz artist, soloist, and educator. The evening featured Dr. Albright performing with the Xavier High School Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz Ensemble II under student directors Kelly Robinson '20 and Juan Aragon '19, as well as a performance by the Xavier Middle School eigth grade Jazz Band.

Dold took the lead in communications with Dan’s House of Hope, organized volunteers, and handled many of the key marketing and advertising functions for the event. In addition, she served as the Master of Ceremonies the evening of the concert, in what she described as the hardest part of all, and performed on alto saxophone. When the curtain came down, the event was a huge success, raising over $2,000 and helping make a difference in the lives of others.

As for her plans for next year, Teresa is looking to possibly take the lead again or perhaps work in partnership with an underclassman.

FOX CITIES STARS GIRLS HOCKEY TEAM TAKES STATE! Xavier students Alaina Schauf ’20 and Maddy Meyer ‘20 played for the Fox Cities Stars Girls Hockey co-op team that won the 2019 State Championship in Madison this March.

Photo provided by Scanlan Studios

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Graduation was held May 29, 2019 at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center 26

X, The Xavier Magazine

• September 2019

Bill O’Brien – The Foundation of Our Future

W

hen you mention the name “Bill O’Brien” to old-timers in the Xavier system, you generally get the same reaction, a smile. It’s easy to see why.

For more than 30 years, Bill has been a stabilizing force in the development and nurturing of what is now the St. Francis Xavier Catholic School System. In the mid-1980s, discussions began on the practicality of maintaining seven parish elementary schools with decreasing enrollments and rising costs. (Under Bill’s leadership, then principal at Xavier High School, and with the commitment and cooperation of the Appleton pastors, a preschool through grade 8 consolidated school system was formed in 1986.) The name chosen was Appleton Catholic Education System (ACES).

The following year, the System middle school opened to serve grades 6 – 8. In 2000, the System purchased property and relocated the middle school to its current site on Oneida St. and Bill O’Brien was there with a calm hand on the helm through it all. In 1989 he stepped down as principal at Xavier High School to become the full-time Executive Director of ACES. He continued to serve on the parishes and the boards of education of both ACES and Xavier High School, addressing common issues and concerns of the two organizations and move toward consolidation.

Finally, in August 2001, the ACES/Xavier Educational System, Inc. became official when the board of trustees and the System’s first president, Sister Patrice Hughes, SC., were installed by Bishop Robert Banks. Bill’s leadership was essential to this culmination of years of work.

In fact, Bill quietly evolved into an international expert on how to fund multiple schools and create a cohesive system. He was appointed by the U.S. State Department to convene a meeting at the American Embassy in Cairo with representatives from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, among others, and the head of the Coptic church. He offered his advice and expertise on school funding and the possibility of creating a Coptic seminary in Oregon. He later was invited to a meeting in Istanbul with leaders from various churches and denominations to share his wisdom and insight.

During these times of spiritual and personal development, Bill’s own faith grew exponentially.

“I became a deeper, stronger Catholic,” he said. “And I learned how to better focus. The Lord showed me how to focus on the task at hand.”

In 2014, Bill came out of retirement and once again joined the Xavier board of trustees with unbridled optimism. He was instrumental in identifying the nuances of success as Xavier tackled re-branding, consolidation, and restructuring of the elementary and middle schools. Not surprisingly, he was at the forefront of the development of the most recent strategic plan: Building Schools of Missionary Discipleship, 2018 – 2023.

His hope for the future of the system? “Xavier’s future is similar to the development we’ve gone through to get here. One family consisting of three levels. We will become even greater. I think that the Xavier Catholic School System is the best in the State of Wisconsin.” And then he smiled.

What’s happening

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Bonjour, Guten Tag, Hola, Ni hao The study of a foreign language is often credited for improving analytical skills, increasing one’s creativity, and increasing one’s problem solving skills, among other things. Xavier Elementary School students begin learning Spanish at a young age. Xavier Middle School students expand the language exploratory process in fifth and sixth grade. Next year, Chinese will once again be offered at Xavier Middle School! Fifth grade students will take one semester of Spanish and one semester of Chinese. Sixth grade students will take German and French, each for a semester. This gives all students the opportunity to explore all of the language offerings in the Xavier system and to find one that meets their needs and satisfies their passions. In seventh grade, language offerings become optional, but roughly 90% of XMS students choose to take a foreign language. The next time you need something translated, maybe you can call on a Xavier Middle School student!

left to right: Grace Sprister, Alison Hesse, Katia LaBash, Ella Romberg, Angela McGreevey, Olivia Stager, Kenny Power, Joel Pfaff, Spencer Reed, Patrick McGreevey, Noah Donnermeyer Not pictured: Mark Richey and David Wagener

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X, The Xavier Magazine

• September 2019

Spotlight on German: Every year, German students from around the state of Wisconsin have the opportunity to compete in regional German speaking contests. Each participant demonstrates his or her German pronunciation skills by memorizing and reciting a German poem and performing an extemporaneous talk with information from a card that is drawn at random. Students are evaluated on pronunciation, fluency, interpretation, memorization, and comprehensibility. Those who score at least 38 out of 40 possible points qualify for the state German speaking contest. This year after the regional speaking contest, retired Xavier German teachers Jim and Karen Pfefferle volunteered to help prepare the students for state. The Pfefferles were able to draw on their decades of teaching experience and their insight from judging at the state contest for many years to help the students polish their pronunciation and hone their German speaking skills.

On April 6, 12 students represented Xavier Middle School at the state German speaking contest at Menominee Falls High School.

Their hard work and preparation paid off; two students received a 3rd place rating, four students received a 2nd place rating, and five students received a 1st place rating. One of our students even received a perfect score!

Congratulations to all these students for representing Xavier Middle School in such a positive manner and thank you to the Pfefferles for volunteering their time to share their expertise and work with our students!

Ange la Mc Gree - Per f e c t sco vey '24 Aliso re 1st n Kenn Hesse '2 !

3 y Grac Power '2 - 1st e Sp 3-1 ri s Olivi a Sta ster '24 - t ger ' 1 Noah 23- 1 st D o st nn Joel Pfaff ermeyer '2 '24 Mark 2nd Riche 4- 2nd Ella R y '23 o Katia mberg ' - 2nd 23 L Spen aBash '2 - 2nd 3 c Davi er Reed ' - 3rd d Wa 2 gene 4 - 3rd r '24 - Par ticipa nt

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What’s happening

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Who Knew?

Who knew literacy electives could be so fun or varied? Xavier Middle School teachers did and they created a set of literacy electives that meet learning objectives, but also cater to students’ varied interests.

These aren’t the electives of your middle school years!

Each incoming 7th and 8th grade student provides his/her class preferences based on his/her interests and every student enrolls in two literacy electives per year. Students may be learning to make a public service video, giving a presentation on a Latin American country (often with culinary samples!), playing a song he/she composed, or developing a new product or business venture. The subjects and methods are varied, but all courses weave the importance of literacy, including reading and writing, into each elective. Students love the freedom to choose the topic by which to learn and teachers love to teach literacy in a way that appeals to them and their students. Teachers often get to be creative in the way the curriculum is delivered.

Jazz Band elective students listen to and critique one another’s projects.

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X, The Xavier Magazine

• September 2019

"

I enjoy teaching Songwriting & Composition because it allows me to work with students who are not in the band program. My favorite part of the jazz course is watching students get hooked on jazz, and taking that passion into the high school jazz ensembles.

Students in Mrs. Benthein’s Introduction to Media course work on their final group project.

Students in Mrs. Benthein’s Introduction to Media course work on their final group project.

Students in Ms. Schroeder’s ‘Stories of Mystery and Suspense’ elective class work on their final projects.

-Mr. Eis, Band, Songwriting & Composition, and Jazz Band electives teacher

7th Gra de Liter acy Elec All the “ tives: Write” S tuff Carpe D iem! iPads an d Writing Styles Discover Latin Am erica Mytholo gy God’s G ree Songwrit n Earth ing and Compos ition es: cy Electiv a r e t i L e 8th Grad riting Creative W to Media n Introductio Jazz Band atter?

M WHAT’S a Book Club Health asics Business B tery and Suspense Mys Stories of

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The Road from Antigo to Appleton…

Fr. Adam Bradley, XHS Chaplain “I absolutely love being a priest!” Those words reflect Father Adam Bradley’s deep faith and

deep commitment to his life of service. Since his ordination to the priesthood in 2017, Fr. Adam continues to serve as chaplain at Xavier High School. He recently completed two years as parochial vicar at St. Pius X Parish and on July 1st assumed the role as associate vocations director for the Diocese of Green Bay. He will continue as chaplain for the 2019-2020 school year.

Fr. Adam was born and raised in Antigo, the son of a funeral director and a stay-at-home mom. It was helping his dad at the funeral home, he said, that helped him to understand how to minister to people facing difficult situations. He learned how to serve.

After high school he attended UW-Parkside, and then UW-Oshkosh. It was during that time that he sensed a calling to “something bigger than myself” and entered the seminary. It was there that he learned that “living a life of service is not about you” but about working tirelessly to get people to follow Christ’s invitation that each one of us is called to greatness.

Fr. Adam’s impact on the Xavier community has been immediate and encouraging. He is a frequent visitor to the campus in many capacities, including celebrant at Masses, Reconciliation, and Adoration. At the first Mass of the school year, he led the Eucharistic procession from St. Bernard Church to re-establish the Eucharistic presence in our own chapel.

It’s not uncommon for Fr. Adam to meet and counsel students and staff outside the typical school schedule.

He is a regular attendee at sports and fine arts events, and is an active participant at the high school’s Kairos retreats. Through his ministry at St. Pius X he has frequent contact with the elementary students at the Marquette St. campus and is on a rotation with the other Appleton priests for celebrating Mass at the middle school.

"

"I’m very excited about what the future holds for our graduates. So many of our students are dialed in for great things in our world."

- Fr. Adam Bradley

The excitement that Fr. Adam exudes about his role at Xavier is based, in large part, on the ways he complements the Catholic environment here. ”Xavier students are poised for greatness” he said.

“The intentionality with which our teachers bring faith to our students is key to that positive environment.

Our message is that sainthood is meant for everybody, and Xavier students can become the great saints that the world, the community, and Appleton need them to be.”

Fr. Adam’s outlook for Xavier is positive. “I’m very excited about what the future holds for our graduates.

So many of our students are dialed in for great things in our world.” And, with his new diocesan role, he continues to pray that perhaps some of those great things might include an increased Xavier contribution to vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our diocese!

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X, The Xavier Magazine

• September 2019

Thank you to our supporting parishes!

We are blessed to receive 22% of our financial support from our 8 Appleton parishes and 15 regional partner parishes.

Appleton Parishes and Pastors St. Joseph Parish, Reverend James Leary St. Mary Parish, Reverend William Swichtenberg St. Pius X Parish, Reverend James Jugenheimer St. Thomas More Parish, Deacon Lincoln Wood St. Bernard Parish, Reverend Jude Egbuna St. Therese Parish, Reverend Ryan Starks St. Bernadette Parish & Sacred Heart Parish, Reverend Joseph Dorner Xavier High School Chaplain, Fr. Adam Bradley

Regional Partner Parishes Holy Cross Parish, Kaukauna Holy Spirit Parish, Kimberly/Darboy Most Precious Blood Parish, New London SS. Peter & Paul Parish, Hortonville St. Clare Parish, Wrightstown/ Greenleaf/ Askeaton St. Denis Parish, Shiocton St. Edward Parish, Mackville St. John Nepomucene Parish, Little Chute St. Katherine Drexel Parish, Kaukauna/ Hollandtown St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Greenville St. Mary of the Seven Dolors Parish, Stockbridge St. Mary Parish, Black Creek St. Nicholas Parish, Freedom St. Patrick Parish, Stephensville St. Paul Parish, Combined Locks

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What’s happening ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Kindergarten Coders During this past school year, Xavier Catholic Schools elementary teachers were trained on a computer science fundamentals curriculum called Code.org. This curriculum is for students from 4K to 4th grade. Mrs. Ahlborg, Xavier Elementary School Kindergarten teacher, quickly applied the training and started teaching her young students about coding and programming.

The unit culminated with Sarah Simon '86, XCS Education Technology Specialist, bringing in Bee Bot robots on which the students could build an algorithm and actually run a program to get the Bee Bots to go from one spot to another in a plant life cycle. (Integrating two kindergarten units on coding and planting.)

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X, The Xavier Magazine

• September 2019

Kindergarten students had to build an algorithm, run the program, see if there was a bug in the program, find the bug, and work on debugging the program, if needed.

Not only do the students love the challenging curriculum, but it teaches the students to have persistence when working with tricky technology. The smiles, cheers, and sense of accomplishment these little programmers felt when their Bee Bot successfully ran its program were priceless!

3

Making a Difference For the past two years, hundreds of schools throughout the United States, including our very own Marquette Street Campus, competed against each other to recycle the most plastic bags and film as part of the Trex Recycling Challenge. Not only do our students gain a better understanding and appreciation for the value of recycling, but they help keep thousands of pounds of waste out of landfills.

For elementary teacher Kara (Fisher) Jacobson '98, who spearheads the project, it is indeed a labor of love. Beginning on America Recycles Day, November 15, the school and parish community collect clean, empty plastic bags and film packing. To advertise the project, Jacobson sends flyers to school parents, places information in the parish bulletin, and places bins at the school and parish for collection. Then, for the next five months, with the help of fourth graders and parish volunteers, Jacobson empties the bins daily, weighs and records the amount collected, and delivers them to the collection destination at a local Pick-N-Save.

To say she is busy is an understatement, as St. Francis Xavier Marquette Street Campus has won first place in the Great Plains Region (11 States) by collecting almost 3,000 pounds in 2017-2018 and 4,362 pounds in 20182019. For their winning efforts, Trex donates a high performance composite bench each year. The benches are currently displayed at the school entrance. For Jacobsen, the award is wonderful but “having students see first-hand the impact they make is even more rewarding.”

: ected l l o c tics ms

Plas /HDPE Fil rs LDPE

e al Lin Cere Bags Bread s ag Ice B t Wrap uc Prod gs a gs Salt B eaning Ba l Dry C y Bag ags er Groc torage B S Food

Material is used to become Earth–friendly composite decking and railing!

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What’s happening ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Check out our Xavier Catholic Schools Care Program!

The mission of the Care Program is to provide a safe, caring, and Christian environment for students at both Xavier Elementary campuses and Xavier Middle School. It gives families a chance for quality on-site care with minimal transition and is designed to add convenience for parents and provide both an educational and social experience for children.

Currently Xavier offers something for everyone, including a number of unique Care options to meet the needs of individual families...

Before Care

Available at both our Marquette and McDonald Street Campuses between 7:00 AM and 8:15 AM. Staff helps students focus and get ready for their school day.

After Care Session

Two Sessions are available at each campus.

Elementary between 3:15 -4:30 and 4:30 -6:00 PM Middle School between 3:30 -5:00 and 5:00 -6:00 PM

Extended Day Care

Designed to offer wrap- around care, convenience, and peace of mind for families. Parents have the option of choosing full day care or individual sessions. Full day runs 8:15 AM through 3:15 PM with the AM session running from 8:15 -11:30 and the PM session running from 11:30-3:15.

Full Day Care

Available for both Elementary and Middle School students four times per year at the Marquette Street Campus from 7:00 AM- 6:00 PM.

Summer Care Program

Located at our Marquette Street Campus for all students entering Pre-K3- 6th grade. Children build friendships and take advantage of choice programs including local field trips and programs in art, adventure, and athletics.

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X, The Xavier Magazine

• September 2019

ea o provid re t f f a t s as a uctu with str rk hard We wo environment ool g presch in r e u h t t r s u ide n hance to prov nd e iv r that en t s a e n skills nce. W experie ays to build o vior." eha un w fresh, f rce positive b reinfo alzer, e Schm mpus e d n a -C eet Ca ald Str n o D c M

Unique Program Features:

All programs feature project-based learning such as Mr. Wiggles Book Club, outdoor adventures, letter train and STEM-based activities.

Students experience a strong faith experience through Bible stories, activities related to our Catholic saints, and liturgy.

Great financial flexibility with families charged by the session.

Program is on individual campus sites allowing for use of educational space and materials.

Our m a a Cath in focus as e olic sc d hool is ucators in hearts t o o f touc t he our ca re by G students pla h the ced od We are to repr and their pa in ese ren interac tion wi nt Christ in e ts. v th the childre ery n .

- Rick Dunca n , Xavier Middle Schoo l

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THE XAVIER COMMUNITY – ONE FAMILY'S JOURNEY

This is a story that began over 60 years ago. Franki Baumann '71 began first grade at St. Pius X school. Rick Romenesko '71 began first grade at St. Therese. Rick entered St. Pius X in third grade after attending St. Nicholas in Freedom for second grade.

Franki was a member of the first class who attended the newly constructed St. Pius X for all 8 years of grade school. Our parents had chosen a faith based, catholic education for their children.

Our early “formative years” were spent at St. Pius X. The Sisters of St. Francis taught us well. There was the discipline part, our moral compass was dialed in, we had the reading, writing, and arithmetic part as well as the discipline part. (in case I forgot to mention that earlier!) Religion was a large part of our curriculum with the daily mass and fasting before Holy Communion. We developed lifelong relationships with close friends that we still have today! These friendships are deeply rooted in our common experiences provided by a loving, caring environment.

Franki Baumann '71 and Rick Romenesko '71

St. Pius is where Franki and I met. It was a bright sunny day when we were going into eighth grade. I was riding my Schwinn Stingray (actually it wasn’t a real stingray.

I had modified my old original 2 wheel Schwinn and used my “Confirmation” gift money to buy a “banana seat” and “butterfly” handlebars.) I was cruising home from the “bird bath” swimming pool at Erb Park with a fresh 15 cent Persian sweet roll from Quaker Dairy when I spotted Franki in her front yard. I swung over to the curb and offered her a taste. It was truly love at first bite!

Seriously, we dated freshman year and took a break during our sophomore and junior years at Xavier until our senior retreat at Green Lake. Everyone was assigned to someone to go on a “walk and talk” to get to know each other better. Franki and I were assigned to each other. Through this experience we reconnected and discovered that we had common beliefs and goals for our lives. Our strong Catholic upbringing and faith led us to realize our deep feelings for each other and, as we like to say, the rest is history!

The thread of our Catholic education and Xavier experience has woven through our entire lives. Sister St. Anne was Franki’s first grade teacher at St. Pius X and ironically, she was our son Rick Jr.’s first grade teacher at St. Thomas More. Father Jack Mullarkey was one of our favorite teachers at Xavier. We asked him to officiate at our wedding at St. Pius X and recently were notified that he was appointed to be our priest celebrant at our parish, St. Thomas More.

Rick Jr '96, Beth, David '26, Wally '28

Our three sons, Rick Jr. '96, Michael '99, and Nicholas '02, all received an excellent education through their St. Thomas More, St. Joseph Middle School, and Xavier High School experiences. We chose the Catholic school path for our children largely because of our experiences and were rewarded for that decision. Our children benefited greatly from their Catholic education. They were each well-positioned for success in life and each continued their education at my alma mater, Marquette University, obtaining their Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees. Much to our delight they each have established their dental practices in the Michael '99, Callie, Franklin '32, Maxwell '28 area. Rick Jr. is in Greenville and Kimberly. Michael is in Appleton and Nicholas is in Brillion. We are very blessed because with each of our son’s decisions to locate in the area, grandma and grandpa are close to their seven grandchildren!

Our children’s educational experiences were similar yet very different from ours. Gone was the daily Mass. Our precious Sisters and Christian Brothers had been succeeded by highly skilled, motivated and extremely caring lay men and women. The consolidation under the ACES umbrella brought the middle school concept of education and the formation of St. Joseph Middle School. Through all of this the underlying principles and strength of the Catholic school education have remained strong.

Our children received the same faith-based caring structure that Franki and I had. They too have developed life-long friendships and have chosen to provide the same opportunities for their children.

Currently 5 of our grandchildren are enrolled in the Xavier system. We could not be more proud.

We are confident that this third generation will have the same great experience that we had.

Looking back over the past 60 years, we have come to realize that Xavier is so much more than just an educational facility.

It is truly a mindset, a way of life, a community in every sense of the word. It is a community of like-minded, caring individuals who support each other in all facets of life. Our experiences and memories, I am sure, are not unique. The thoughtfulness of the staff, the caring nature of the students toward each other, and the faith-filled support structure permeate the entire system.

You are hearing this from a life-long believer in Xavier. I am confident that you would hear the same from our children, their spouses and my grandchildren. If you are new to Xavier you can expect to become part of a family that is rooted in tradition, a family that is supportive in all aspects of life.

Become involved and add your own talents and treasures.

Become part of this living and breathing community.

Nicholas "02, Rachel, Elise, Victoria, Fiona '32

So strap in and enjoy the ride! It is, after all, “The Xavier Way”!

Rick Romenesto '71

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID APPLETON, WI Permit No. 66

1600 W. Prospect Avenue Appleton, WI 54914

Xavier Catholic Schools presents:

Rocky Bleier: “The Play” September 12, 13, 14, 2019 in the Xavier Fine Arts Theatre

Rocky '64 is an alumnus of Xavier High School and the University of Notre Dame, a Vietnam veteran and four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

For tickets:

https:/bit.ly/ThePlay2019 or call (920)

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Bob or Lisa at (920) 735-9380.

733-8840

Come see the NF L Legen d!