Weekly Update

• April 20:  Jazz Fest for the CCHS Jazz Band
• April 22-26:  Hope Week at CCMS / CCHS
• April 23:  Progress Reports emailed out to OLPI
• April 24:  Mass for SJBP
• April 24:  Progress Reports emailed out to CCMS and CCHS
• April 25:  Mass for OLPI and Columbus
• April 25:  Reality Store for 8th Graders
• April 26:  MACE Career Expo for 10th Grade
• April 26:  Feed My Starving Children for CCHS
• April 26:  Deadline to submit student work for The Side Inside
• April 26:  Progress Reports for SJBP go home with students
• April 26:  Galleon fundraiser at Hotel Marshfield
• April 27:  Prom at Rembs Celebration Center
• May 1:  Mass for SJBP
• May 1:  Cutting for a Cause
• May 2:  Mass for OLPI and Columbus
• May 3:  Adoration at the Columbus Chapel
• May 4:  State Solo Ensemble
• May 7-8:  Scotty's Pizza Dine to Donate
• May 8:  Blood Drive
• May 8:  4th Grade Field Trip
• May 8:  First Communion Mass (2nd Grade)
• For more events, view our online calendar

TUITION GRANTS - DEADLINE MAY 31

Our Columbus Tuition Grant Program is designed to assist families based on financial need. If you require financial support, I encourage you to apply. Remember to submit all necessary tax documents by May 31, 2024, to be considered for a tuition grant. Begin your application process here. For any questions, please reach out to me.  Let's ensure that financial barriers never compromise the pursuit of quality education. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.  2024-25 Tuition Information

Amanda Krautkramer, Finance Director

Summer Tutoring

Click below to view summer tutoring opportunities

• Mrs. Herman (Grades 2-6)
• Mrs. Schlagenhaft (Grades 4K-3)
• Mrs. Walker (Grades 3-9)

2023-24 Spencer Transportation Aid

If you reside in the Spencer School District, but your children attend Columbus, you may qualify for compensation!  Reimbursement per the  Parent Transportation Contract shall be based on the school district’s average cost per pupil for regular (to and from school) bus transportation in the previous school year, excluding transportation for kindergarten pupils during the noon hour and special transportation for pupils with disabilities. The annual payment of this contract per pupil for the 2023-24 school year shall be $647.68 payable by orders drawn upon of the school district. The number of days during the school year that the child actually attended school in-person shall be tracked by the private school and reported to the School District of Spencer. If, based on the daily rate of $3.68 multiplied by the number of actual attendance days, the cost of transportation is less than $647.68, the parent or guardian will receive the lesser amount.

Complete the FORM, sign and date the contract and return to Ms. Schmitt, Admissions Director by May 15, 2024. Payment of transportation aid will be made by June 30, 2024.  Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept 1 of the beginning school year in which aid is requested and meet the guidelines of Section 121.54(2) (b)1., Wis. Stats.

Fieldhouse Update

WE ARE CURRENTLY AT 87%!  Of the $10.5 Million that we need, we have raised $9,163,249.  To learn more or make a donation, visit our webpage by clicking here.  You can also sign up for our Fieldhouse Fans E-Newsletter and follow our Facebook page.  

To find out how the project is impacting parents, students and teachers, click here.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Each One Reach One Referral Program

First Communion

2nd Grade First Communion Mass will be May 8th at 8:00am at St. John the Baptist Church.  Social to follow in the SJBP Columbia Room.

Progress Reports

Progress reports will go home with students on Friday April 26.

Progress Reports

Will be emailed out April 23rd

Field Trip

On May 8th, fourth graders will be touring Norm-E-Lanes for the Food for America Program

the side inside

Mrs. Hart is now collecting high school student work for this year's literary magazine.  If you have poetry, short stories, essays, art, photography, or other creative work you would like to share, please email a copy to Mrs. Hart or share your Doc with her.  Submissions are due by Friday, April 26th.  If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Hart.  

PROM: A Night Under the Stars

Saturday, April 27th, 2024
8:00-11:30pm
Rembs Celebration Center
250 S Oak Ave, Marshfield, WI 54449

Parents-- if you would like to attend coronation, please come at 9:00pm.

Spring Concert recordings

Columbus Catholic Choir and Band Concerts are available to watch in several ways:  broadcasting on Marshfield Broadcasting Producer’s Channels on Charter Cable Channel 989 and streaming on www.marshfieldbroadcasting.com.  Times are listed below.  They can also be viewed on demand on the school's YouTube page here:  https://www.youtube.com/@columbuscatholicschools/streams 

• 4/22 8pm Band Concert   
• 4/23 7:30pm Concert Choir
• 4/26 8pm Concert Choir   
• 4/28  7pm Band Concert

Progress Reports

Progress reports will be sent out on 4/24.  Parents and students may also access their grades at any time using the FACTS App. Progress reports are a great time for students to reflect on their progress for the quarter.  Progress reports are also used to determine athletic eligibility. 

Cloverbelt Scholar Athlete

Congratulations to Charlie Moore and Maggie Callaghan for representing Columbus Catholic at the Cloverbelt Conference Scholar-Athlete Banquet Neillsville. They were awarded the Cloverbelt Conference Scholar-Athlete Award for their success on the field and in the classrooms. Each scholar-athlete was allowed to recognize a coach who had an impact on their life. Charlie chose to recognize Coach Noreen, while Maggie chose to recognize Coach Wilson. Congratulations to both students and their coaches for being great representatives of Columbus Catholic.

Reality Store

Columbus Catholic 8th graders and other 8th-grade students from the area will be participating in the MACCI (Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry) Reality Store on April 25th. The store is designed to provide students with a glimpse of how much things cost and how quickly they add up. It is a game of “real life,” providing eighth grade students with an opportunity to create a monthly budget. Before the store opens students are assigned a gross income, marital, family and benefit status. The first lesson students learn is how to calculate their net monthly income from a gross salary. With this information, students visit the store to create a monthly budget that includes mortgage, groceries, and everything else a household faces. It is an invaluable piece in helping students put the puzzle of their future together.

The store is “staffed” by area business representatives who “sell” their services to the students. For example, realtors sell houses, car dealers sell vehicles, and insurance salesmen offer coverage. While in the store, students have to arrange for day care services, pay municipal taxes and order telephone and electric service as they prepare a monthly budget.

CCS Blood Drive

The CCS Mission Club is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, May 8th from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Our Lady of Peace gymnasium.  Every donation is needed to meet the high demand from hospitals in our community. Please consider signing up here https://donate.wisconsin.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/258784  to be a beacon of hope whose kindness can save lives.

Feed My Starving Children

Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is a Christian organization that specifically targets hunger in children around the world.  FMSC partners with faith, health care, humanitarian, and educational organizations to get food to the recipients with little government involvement.  Because of their unique and wise structure, FMSC food has been donated to over 70 countries through hundreds of partner organizations, and more than 99% of the food has arrived safely (which is highly unusual in some of these countries).  Food scientists from Cargill, General Mills, and Pillsbury teamed up to create a food product that is culturally acceptable, cheap to produce, easy to package, easy for recipients to safely cook and eat, easy to digest, and has the essential vitamins/minerals and proteins/carbs that malnourished children need.  This dry food is packaged and sealed by volunteer groups across our country.  The Marshfield community hosted a MobilePack Event with FMSC at Zion United Methodist Church on April 6.  Many church groups, family groups, and business teams will be signing up for shifts to pack meals.  Our High School students will be packing meals for two hours on the morning of April 26.    

MACE (Marshfield Area Career Expo)

The Marshfield Area Career Expo is a talent development initiative of the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry and will be held on Friday, April 26 at Mid-State Technical College and UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield campuses.  This event will engage high school sophomores in our ten area school districts to explore careers utilizing the 16-career cluster model. The goal is for students to gain knowledge about a variety of careers through hands-on type activities, related experiences, education requirements, and an opportunity to explore school-to-career employment with involved businesses.

Culture of Kindness and Accountability 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” ~ John 14:27

Some days are harder than others; some weeks, months, even whole years are tough.  Jesus promises peace in a way the world cannot.  But we, as Christians, could certainly cut one another a little slack and try to be more compassionate and kind to one another to help make that peace Jesus promises more present in the world.

A famous quote attributed to Robin Williams and Brad Meltzer (depending on your search) states, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.  Be kind. Always.”  Think of your worst day ever and how hard you had to work to keep going, or maybe you had to call it a day and hope for a better tomorrow.  Did you let everyone around you know about your struggle or did you keep it to yourself?  Remembering how it feels when life is rough can help us practice compassion for those around us.  As we wrap up Stress Awareness/Mental Health Week and move into Hope Week, remembering that we have an effect on those around us and that we can choose what effect we have is important.  And remembering that we can always turn to Jesus and our faith for peace of mind and soothing of hearts is valuable as well.

Hope Week (April 22-26)

Next week the middle school and high school Hope Squads will be hosting their annual "Hope Week."  

• Monday:  Bringing Hope to Ourselves
  • Dress down day for middle and high school (no money collection)
• Tuesday:  Bringing Hope to Our Friends and Families
  • Starburst Activity -"You're a Star to Me"
• Wednesday:  Bringing Hope to Our School
  • MS and HS Hope Squad members have permission to wear jeans and their Hope Squad shirts today-group photos will be taken in the lobby after homeroom business.
  • Snacks:  In the lobby before school, stop by the Hope Squad snack table and pick a snack
  • Challenge for each student to talk with someone today that they wouldn't normally talk with.
  • Matching Game
• Thursday:  Bringing Hope to Our Community
  • Card Making: All ms and hs homerooms will be making cards that will go to local nursing homes, care facilities, etc.  
• Friday:  Bringing Hope to Our World
  • Life saver scavenger hunt

VARSITY ATHLETIC RESULTS FROM THE WEEK

VARSITY BASEBALL
Friday, April 12, 2024 - Columbus won against Spencer 8-7 during this home game
Saturday, April 13, 2024 - Then the team played Spencer again during an away game and won 10-7
Monday, April 15, 2024 - Columbus won 2-0 during this away non-conf. game vs. Regis
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 - Cancelled
Thursday, April 18, 2024 - Away game with Owen-Withee was cancelled

VARSITY GOLF
Thursday, April 18, 2024 - Columbus finished 2nd at this 6 team event at Black River Golf Club in Medford

VARSITY SOFTBALL
Friday, April 12, 2024 - The Dons won 12-1 against Neillsville in this away game
Monday, April 15, 2024 - The Dons won this away non-conf. game vs. Regis at Gelein Softball Field 18-5
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 - Columbus also won against Owen-Withee 16-0 during this home game

VARSITY BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK
Tuesday, April 15, 2024 - During the meet at Edgar High School Girls placed 8th and Boys placed 3rd (out of 10 teams)

UPCOMING VARSITY SPORTS

VARSITY BASEBALL
Friday, April 19, 2024 - HOME game vs. Loyal at Marshfield High School Safford Field at 5pm CANCELLED
Monday, April 22, 2024 - HOME game vs. Rib Lake at Jack Hackman Field at 5pm
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 - Away game at Neillsville High School at 5pm
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - HOME game vs. Neillsville at 5pm
Monday, April 29, 2024 - Away game at Auburndale High School at 4:45pm
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - HOME game vs. Gilman at Jack Hackman Field at 4:30pm
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - Away game at Gilman High School at 5pm

VARSITY GOLF
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 - Away match at Meadowview Golf Course at 4pm
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - Away match at Whispering Pines Golf Course at 4pm
Friday, April 26, 2024 - Invitational at Bloomer Veteran's Memorial Golf Course at 11am
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - HOME match at Marshfield Country Club at 4:30pm

VARSITY SOFTBALL
Friday, Apr 19, 2024 - HOME Game at 5:30PM vs. Colby/Abbotsford at Marshfield High School, Madison Field
Monday, Apr 22, 2024 - HOME Game at 5:00PM vs. Rib Lake at Marshfield Fairgrounds Park
Tuesday, Apr 23, 2024 - Away Game at 4:30PM vs. Loyal/Greenwood at Greenwood High School
Thursday, Apr 25, 2024 - HOME Game at 5:00PM vs. Neillsville
Friday, Apr 26, 2024 - Away Game at 5:00PM vs. Owen-Withee at Owen-Withee High School (Rescheduled to 05-14-24)
Monday, Apr 29, 2024 - Away Game at 4:45PM vs. Auburndale at Auburndale High School
Tuesday, Apr 30, 2024 - Double Header starting at 4:00PM vs. Gilman in Marshfield
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - Double-Header starting 4:00PM vs. Spencer in Marshfield

VARSITY BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK
Friday, Apr 19, 2024 - Invitational at Spencer High School CANCELLED
Tuesday, Apr 23, 2024 - Invitational at 4:30 PM at Marshfield High School
Thursday, Apr 25, 2024 - Invitational at 4:00 PM at Augusta High School
Tuesday, Apr 30, 2024 - Invitational at 4:15 PM at Gilman Schools Track
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - Meet at 4:00 PM at Stratford High School

Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library

Click below to view the following activities:

• May 10 - Library Mystery for Teens
• May 14 - Teen Library Council
• May 24 - Movie Matinee for Teens

No Mow May

No Mow May is a program of the City of Marshfield.  It aims to provide an early foraging season for native pollinators.  We do this by reducing our mowing and chemical applications to our lawns.  By doing so, we increase the number of native plants, which are great food sources for pollinators.  By not mowing and treating with chemicals, we improve insect habitats for those still in diapause (a type of hibernation) in early spring.  Weed growth in May is particularly important, as many spring blooms have not emerged.  You can sign up to participate here.  

PDC's 2nd Annual Kick Out Domestic Abuse Family Fun Day

On Saturday, May 18, 2024 the Personal Development Center will be hosting an event including a kids carnival, kick ball and corn hole tournaments, raffle baskets, dunk tank, bouncy houses, DJ, face painting, prizes and food.  Event will be held at Granton Park in Granton WI.  Click here to view a flyer.

Youth softball - marshfield parks & recreation

May 29 - End of July.  Some games require travel to neighboring towns.  Practices held at UW North field.  Divisions available for ages 7 - 12.  Cost is $40 for residents and $60 for non-residents.    Click here to sign up!

DISCOVERY EDUCATION STATION

The Discovery Education Station fosters an inclusive haven where kids of all ages explore STEA2M disciplines to ignite curiosity and inspiring learning.  Click HERE to see their April newsletter and the following information:  Classes for Homeschoolers, Summer STEA2M Camps, Spring Programming, Marshfield Aviation Rocketry and Spaceflight Club.

Support the Rebound

Let’s show our unrelenting love and support to a part of our CCS FAMILY - the Konieczny family. Purchase a T-shirt and wear it proudly to help support them as they rebound back from the car accident. Students and staff at Columbus Catholic Schools can wear this t-shirt every Friday in May as part of the scheduled spirit days.  Click on HERE to order.  Deadline to order is April 8;  shirts will be available for pick up at CCHS on April 29th.  

Just Duel It:  With New Dueling Pianos:  a benefit for the Konieczny Family, May 4, 2024.  Tickets are on sale now!  Hurry, tickets are limited so get yours while you can!  Note:  You will notice that the ticketing is brought to you by 2 Doors Down Brewing Company.  They are graciously helping us with the ticketing for this event, but rest assured that all proceeds from ticket sales are going directly to the benefit. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

Miracles for Grady and Jace Fundraiser

This fundraiser will help Dustin '00 and Erin Binder with medical costs and needs for their twin boys, Grady and Jace, who were recently diagnosed with Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN). This is an extremely rare disease (1-3 individuals per million people) where iron accumulates in the brain, affecting motor function and progresses over time. It's beyond imaginable for one of your children to be diagnosed with this rare disease, let alone twins. The sadness and stress it can cause a family is overwhelming, as Dustin and Erin are going through this with both boys. Dustin and Erin currently live in Eau Claire, but Dustin is a Marshfield native who graduated from Columbus High School. 

“Miracles for Grady and Jace” will be held at Bakerville Sports Bar on April 20, 2024. This fundraiser will help the family with future medical expenses and equipment, not covered by insurance, that are expected in excess of $250,000. This event will not only help raise funds for Grady and Jace, but will allow individuals an opportunity to donate to help find a cure for PKAN as well as raise awareness for this rare disease. View the attached flier for more information.  

Let's Keep Talking: A Parent and Caregiver Series

3rd Tuesday of the Month, 6:00pm, JP Adler Room, Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library.  Click HERE to view flyer.

• May 21 - Community Resources for Youth Related to Mental Health and Substance Use

CHESTNUT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Click Here to download the Winter/Spring Flyer with new classes including:

• Hydro-Dipping - May 5
• Stitchery Open House - 2nd & 4th Wednesdays

• April 14:  Spring Choir Concert (grades 6-12) 3:00pm at the Columbus Gym
• April 14:  Spring Band Concert (grades 5-12) 6:00pm at the Columbus Gym
• April 15:  Deadline to apply for Undergrad Scholarships
• April 15 - 19:  MCLA hosts Stress Awareness & Mental Health Week at Columbus
• April 16:  Forward Testing and Pre-ACT Test at CCMS and CCHS
• April 17:  Mass for SJBP
• April 17:  Pizza Ranch Fundraiser for SJBP and OLPI
• April 17:  MSTC Representative at CCHS at 11:30am
• April 18:  Mass for OLPI and Columbus
• April 18:  Band Large Group Competition for CCMS/CCHS
• April 18:  Deadline to apply for the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program
• April 19:  Dress Down Day
• April 19:  Adoration at the Columbus Chapel
• April 20:  Jazz Fest for the CCHS Jazz Band
• April 24:  Progress Reports emailed out to CCMS and CCHS
• April 25:  Reality Store for 8th Graders
• April 26:  MACE Career Expo for 10th Grade
• April 26:  Feed My Starving Children for CCHS
• April 26:  Galleon fundraiser at Hotel Marshfield
• April 27:  Prom
• For more events, view our online calendar

Summer Tutoring

Click here to view Mrs. Walker's Summer Tutoring information!

2023-24 Spencer Transportation Aid

If you reside in the Spencer School District, but your children attend Columbus, you may qualify for compensation!  Reimbursement per the  Parent Transportation Contract shall be based on the school district’s average cost per pupil for regular (to and from school) bus transportation in the previous school year, excluding transportation for kindergarten pupils during the noon hour and special transportation for pupils with disabilities. The annual payment of this contract per pupil for the 2023-24 school year shall be $647.68 payable by orders drawn upon of the school district. The number of days during the school year that the child actually attended school in-person shall be tracked by the private school and reported to the School District of Spencer. If, based on the daily rate of $3.68 multiplied by the number of actual attendance days, the cost of transportation is less than $647.68, the parent or guardian will receive the lesser amount.

Complete the FORM, sign and date the contract and return to Ms. Schmitt, Admissions Director by May 15, 2024. Payment of transportation aid will be made by June 30, 2024.  Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept 1 of the beginning school year in which aid is requested and meet the guidelines of Section 121.54(2) (b)1., Wis. Stats.

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) - Application Deadline: April 18, 2024 The WPCP empowers families to receive tuition vouchers for enrollment in approved private and religious schools. Columbus Catholic Schools has been a proud participant since 2012. To discover more about this program click here.

11th annual 2024 sand spikers volleyball camp

It's time to sign up for summer sand volleyball camp!  August 5, 6, and 7, 2024 for boys and girls in grades 1-9.  Click here for more information or to register.  

Fieldhouse Update

WE ARE CURRENTLY AT 87%!  Of the $10.5 Million that we need, we have raised $9,163,249.  To learn more or make a donation, visit our webpage by clicking here.  You can also sign up for our Fieldhouse Fans E-Newsletter and follow our Facebook page.  

UNDERGRAD SCHOLARSHIPS

Columbus Catholic Schools offers thousands of dollars in scholarships, grants and tuition assistance each year. The majority of the scholarships available are housed within the Columbus Education Foundation (CEF). Click here to see a listing of our scholarships.  The application process typically begins in March and ends in April, after spring break.  The application for the 2024-25 school year is due April 15, 2024.  Click here to apply.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Tuition Grants Available
• Each One Reach One Referral Program

Fieldhouse project

If your child rides the bus from St. John's to OLPI or Columbus after school, both St. John's and Kobussen have been made aware that it is still okay to drop the kids at OLPI.  However, any children that would normally get off at OLPI and run over to enter the MS doors will now have to stay on the bus until they reach the front HS doors due to the doors and sidewalk being inaccessible. Please remind your child of this if it applies.

PIZZA RANCH

We are doing a new fundraiser this year - Pizza Ranch!  This fundraiser for SJBP and OLPI will be on April 17th from 4-8pm.  Stay tuned for more details….

Fieldhouse construction preparation

OLP School Parents:  If things go as planned, when we come back from Easter break there will be construction fence up around the site of our new fieldhouse. This will affect a number of things here at the school. I’ll try to give a brief summary.  Click here to download a map.

Morning Drop-Off: This will stay the same. Continue to drop off in front (north) by the sidewalk between the church and school.

Before-School Recess: The recess before school will move to behind the church (south).

Afternoon Pick-Up: About 30% of the parking lot will be closed off.

1. Drive Up Only in the church parking lot. Please don’t park in the OLP church lot.
2. Please approach the parking lot entrance from the south (8th Street)
3. Pick Up will be behind the church (west of current pick-up zone)
4. If you must park, please park in the front (north) OLP School lot and use the sidewalk between the church and school to come to the safety zone to pick-up.
5. Middle School students will not have access to the OLP lot from the middle school door.
   1. The construction fence will close the north entrance of the Columbus building.
   2. Please pick up CCMS students in front of Columbus before picking up your OLP student(s).

After Care: Pick up will be as usual: in the church parking lot if it’s nice enough for the kids to be outside and at the front entrance of the school if it’s a day they’re in the gym. CCMS students who visit the OLP
after care will need to come to the main OLP school entrance to get into the building.

Recess: There will be three areas for outside recess: 1) Between the school and church; 2) the parking lot from the church entrance to just past the other side of the church; 3) from that point to the parking lot entrances. The parking lot will be blocked off during recess.

Inside Recess during funerals: Just as we do when the weather is bad, when there are funerals at the church, we’ll have recess inside. This will allow the parking lot to be used for the funeral and will eliminate noise on the side of the church.

Please Be Patient! We’re not sure how all of this will go and we may need to make changes after next week.

Volunteers Welcome! One thing that may need to change is to offer more recess options. To offer other choices, like using the OLP gym for basketball, volleyball, or kickball, we would need parent or grandparent volunteers. Volunteers would need to have completed the Safe Environment training and the background check. There will be a Sign-Up Genius link for volunteering to help at recess. That will be sent out in a separate email once we see how the current plan is working.

PIZZA RANCH

We are doing a new fundraiser this year - Pizza Ranch!  This fundraiser for SJBP and OLPI will be on April 17th from 4-8pm.  Stay tuned for more details….

Scholar Award Winners

Congratulations to Seth Roewe and Sam Casperson for representing Columbus Catholic at the Cloverbelt Conference Scholar Banquet in Thorp. They were awarded the Cloverbelt Conference Scholarship Award for their academic excellence. Each scholar was given the opportunity to recognize an educator who had an impact on their life. Seth chose to recognize Mr. Hart, while Sam chose to recognize Mrs. Wieland. Congratulations to both students and their teachers for being great representatives of Columbus Catholic.

Forward Exam Testing

Our students in 6-8th grade and 10th grade will be participating in the Forward Exam. Our Freshman and Sophomore students will be taking the Pre-ACT Test. Students will be taking the exams on April 16th. Here is a link for the Forward Testing Informational Brochure for Families and the ACT Information for Families which gives more information about the assessment including its purpose, what scores will be provided, and how the scores will be used.  This assessment measures the knowledge and skills your student(s) should have acquired by the time they reach each grade level. Their performance on the assessment will not affect any of their current grades. Please encourage your son or daughter to take the test seriously and do the best they can. The results of these tests will be used to help school staff make determinations or placement in classes to best support your child(ren).  If you have any questions, please contact me at lambrecht.michael@columbusdons.org 

Reality Store

Columbus Catholic 8th graders and other 8th-grade students from the area will be participating in the MACCI (Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry) Reality Store on April 25th. The store is designed to provide students with a glimpse of how much things cost and how quickly they add up. It is a game of “real life,” providing eighth grade students with an opportunity to create a monthly budget. Before the store opens students are assigned a gross income, marital, family and benefit status. The first lesson students learn is how to calculate their net monthly income from a gross salary. With this information, students visit the store to create a monthly budget that includes mortgage, groceries, and everything else a household faces. It is an invaluable piece in helping students put the puzzle of their future together.

The store is “staffed” by area business representatives who “sell” their services to the students. For example, realtors sell houses, car dealers sell vehicles, and insurance salesmen offer coverage. While in the store, students have to arrange for day care services, pay municipal taxes and order telephone and electric service as they prepare a monthly budget.

CCS Blood Drive

The CCS Mission Club is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, May 8th from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Our Lady of Peace gymnasium.  Every donation is needed to meet the high demand from hospitals in our community. Please consider signing up here https://donate.wisconsin.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/258784  to be a beacon of hope whose kindness can save lives.

fieldhouse Building project, walking to Mass, and parking

Starting from Monday, the construction team will begin to install fencing for the gym project. Please refer to the attachment for a fencing map. The fencing will extend from Columbus Avenue to Schmidt Street, also going from our building to OLP School. It will also block off access to the middle school entrance and parking lot.  

Here are some important points to be noted:

1. Teachers will have to park in the high school parking lot or the EAST side of Columbus Avenue. The faculty parking area should have enough space if we use the area along the Development office wall and the spots by the concession stand.
2. Starting next week, everyone will have to exit via the main entrance and travel along Columbus Avenue, around OLP School, to reach the church. Unfortunately, the sidewalks will also be closed off, so students will have to walk on the side of the road for some distance. Please ensure you leave after the announcements and add additional travel time to your schedule.

With the middle school entrance being closed off, there will be a new exit in what used to be Mr. Wolf's Office.  We will tell you as soon as we have information. Until then, the Middle school door or Library doors may be used in an emergency/fire drill.  

Feed My Starving Children

Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is a Christian organization that specifically targets hunger in children around the world.  FMSC partners with faith, health care, humanitarian, and educational organizations to get food to the recipients with little government involvement.  Because of their unique and wise structure, FMSC food has been donated to over 70 countries through hundreds of partner organizations, and more than 99% of the food has arrived safely (which is highly unusual in some of these countries).  Food scientists from Cargill, General Mills, and Pillsbury teamed up to create a food product that is culturally acceptable, cheap to produce, easy to package, easy for recipients to safely cook and eat, easy to digest, and has the essential vitamins/minerals and proteins/carbs that malnourished children need.  This dry food is packaged and sealed by volunteer groups across our country.  The Marshfield community hosted a MobilePack Event with FMSC at Zion United Methodist Church on April 6.  Many church groups, family groups, and business teams will be signing up for shifts to pack meals.  Our High School students will be packing meals for two hours on the morning of April 26.    

MACE (Marshfield Area Career Expo)

The Marshfield Area Career Expo is a talent development initiative of the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry and will be held on Friday, April 26 at Mid-State Technical College and UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield campuses.  This event will engage high school sophomores in our ten area school districts to explore careers utilizing the 16-career cluster model. The goal is for students to gain knowledge about a variety of careers through hands-on type activities, related experiences, education requirements, and an opportunity to explore school-to-career employment with involved businesses.

Culture of Kindness and Accountability 

“Just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved.” ~ 1 Corinthians 10:33

Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner.  While I have always found third quarter to be the toughest because of the weather and my desire for daily sun, fourth quarter comes with the challenge of keeping students’ attention as we wind down the year.  Behaviors (like being kind to others and accountable for our actions) that we have been working on all year, rules (like following the dress code) that we have been consistently addressing for months, and classroom expectations (like using chromebooks for school work, not games) that we have reiterated daily have all tangled together into a din of noise some of our students don’t want to hear.

Being a kid is tough some days, especially as the weather gets nicer and summer break is on the horizon.  But being an adult trying to help the kids stay focused and on task is no piece of cake either.  It is important to remember that we are all working toward the same goal–educating our students and helping them to become kind, responsible adults who live their faith.  Sometimes our students need to be reminded that we have expectations and hold them accountable because we love them and want them to go to heaven.

MCLA hosting Stress Awareness and Mental Health Week (April 15-19)

HS MCLA members are planning some activities for next week to help bring attention to Stress Awareness and Management to Maintain Good Mental Health.

• HS/MS students and staff will have a dress down day on Monday and brain breaks daily during homeroom.
• HS will have lunch activities like Kahoots, gratitude notes, and “shredding your stress.”  Friday we plan to have a “No Phone Friday” competition.  HS students can turn in their phones in the morning and if they leave their phones there all day, they will be entered in a drawing to win a $20 gift card.  Students will be allowed to get their phones at any point if they want, but if they take their phone, they are no longer eligible for the drawing.
• All of these activities are to help students learn about ways to manage their stress in healthy ways.

Let's Keep Talking: The Impact of Social Media

Let's Keep Talking is an informational series for parents and caregivers presented by Marshfield Area Coalition for Youth, School District of Marshfield, and Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library.
Tuesday April 16 at 6:00 PM in the JP Adler Room at Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library.  Arial Andrew from the LEO program will talk about the impact of social media on the youth brain. She will also address ways to talk to youth about social media, setting limits, and mitigating the effects of social media.  Click here to view a flyer.

I'd like to take a moment to ensure everyone is aware of the various affordable tuition options available to you, along with their corresponding deadlines for application.

• Undergrad Scholarships - Application Deadline: April 15, 2024 Columbus Catholic Schools proudly offers numerous scholarships, with the majority administered through the Columbus Education Foundation (CEF). You can find a comprehensive list of our scholarships here. Remember, the deadline to apply for the 2024-25 school year is April 15, 2024. Click here to apply.
• Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) - Application Deadline: April 18, 2024 The WPCP empowers families to receive tuition vouchers for enrollment in approved private and religious schools. Columbus Catholic Schools has been a proud participant since 2012. To discover more about this program click here.
• Tuition Grant - Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 The Columbus Tuition Grant Program provides assistance based on financial need. If you require financial assistance, we encourage you to apply for the Columbus Tuition Grant Program. Families must apply annually and ensure all supporting tax documents are uploaded to be eligible for a tuition grant by May 31, 2024. Click here to begin your application process.

Let's ensure that financial concerns don't hinder anyone from accessing quality education. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you, Amanda Krautkramer, Finance Director

VARSITY ATHLETIC RESULTS FROM THE WEEK

VARSITY BASEBALL
Friday, April 5, 2024 - Doubleheader in Wisconsin Dells CANCELLED
Saturday, April 6, 2024 - At the Woodside Sports Complex in Mauston, the Dons won both games against Prentice (14-0) and Wabeno/Laona (11-1)
Monday, April 8, 2024 - Away game with Assumption at Witter Field, 4:30pm CANCELLED
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 - During this home game against Osseo-Fairchild, the Dons won 6-4

VARSITY SOFTBALL
Friday, April 5, 2024 - Doubleheader in Mauston at 1:15 CANCELLED
Saturday, April 6, 2024 - At the Woodside Sports Complex in Mauston, the Dons won against Gibraltar 13-1 and lost against Mischicott.
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 - During this home game against Osseo-Fairchild, the Dons won 14-2
Thursday, April 11, 2024 - During this home game the Dons fell to McDonnell

VARSITY BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK
Saturday, April 6, 2024 - During the meet at UW Whitewater Aubrey Waldhauser tied for 41st in the girls high jump (4-8) and placed 56th in the triple jump (30-8).

UPCOMING VARSITY SPORTS

VARSITY BASEBALL
Friday, April 12, 2024 - HOME game vs. Spencer at 5pm at Marshfield High School
Saturday, April 13, 2024 - Away game vs. Spencer at 12pm at Spencer High School (rescheduled from April 11)
Monday, April 15, 2024 - Away non-conf. game vs. Regis at 5pm at Mt. Simon
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 - Home game with Owen-Withee is cancelled.  Instead there will be an away game at Medford at 5pm
Thursday, April 18, 2024 - Away game with Owen-Withee is cancelled

VARSITY GOLF
Thursday, April 18, 2024 - Away meet at Black River Golf Club in Medford at 4:00pm

VARSITY SOFTBALL
Friday, April 12, 2024 - Away game at Neillsville HS at 5pm
Monday, April 15, 2024 - Away non-conf. game vs. Regis at Gelein Softball Field at 5pm
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 - HOME game vs. Owen-Withee at 5pm

VARSITY BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 - Meet at Edgar High School at 4:30pm

No Mow May

No Mow May is a program of the City of Marshfield.  It aims to provide an early foraging season for native pollinators.  We do this by reducing our mowing and chemical applications to our lawns.  By doing so, we increase the number of native plants, which are great food sources for pollinators.  By not mowing and treating with chemicals, we improve insect habitats for those still in diapause (a type of hibernation) in early spring.  Weed growth in May is particularly important, as many spring blooms have not emerged.  You can sign up to participate here.  

Summer School Registration 2024 for School District of Marshfield

Elementary Summer School will be at Grant Elementary, Monday, June 17 – Friday, July 26.  Camp Invention will be at Madison Elementary, Monday, June 10 – Friday, June 14.  Skyward online registration will open Monday, April 15 at 6 pm and close Friday, April 26 at 6 pm. If you need Family Access login information, public school families can contact your school office. Private school families can email Alyse Esser at essera@marshfieldschools.org before April 15. Information and courses are in the attached Course Catalog.  All families should review your family information. Once logged in, click on Student Info, then Request Changes on the right side of the screen (see the sample screen view attached). View each area to verify or update. When submitting a change, be sure to click “Save” at the bottom of each screen after entering updated information. Address changes should not be requested prior to your actual move.   Summer School is free to all Marshfield School District resident children entering kindergarten through grade 6.

PDC's 2nd Annual Kick Out Domestic Abuse Family Fun Day

On Saturday, May 18, 2024 the Personal Development Center will be hosting an event including a kids carnival, kick ball and corn hole tournaments, raffle baskets, dunk tank, bouncy houses, DJ, face painting, prizes and food.  Event will be held at Granton Park in Granton WI.  Click here to view a flyer.

Youth softball - marshfield parks & recreation

May 29 - End of July.  Some games require travel to neighboring towns.  Practices held at UW North field.  Divisions available for ages 7 - 12.  Cost is $40 for residents and $60 for non-residents.    Click here to sign up!

DISCOVERY EDUCATION STATION

The Discovery Education Station fosters an inclusive haven where kids of all ages explore STEA2M disciplines to ignite curiosity and inspiring learning.  Click HERE to see their April newsletter and the following information:  Classes for Homeschoolers, Summer STEA2M Camps, Spring Programming, Marshfield Aviation Rocketry and Spaceflight Club.

Support the Rebound

Let’s show our unrelenting love and support to a part of our CCS FAMILY - the Konieczny family. Purchase a T-shirt and wear it proudly to help support them as they rebound back from the car accident. Students and staff at Columbus Catholic Schools can wear this t-shirt every Friday in May as part of the scheduled spirit days.  Click on HERE to order.  Deadline to order is April 8;  shirts will be available for pick up at CCHS on April 29th.  

Just Duel It:  With New Dueling Pianos:  a benefit for the Konieczny Family, May 4, 2024.  Tickets are on sale now!  Hurry, tickets are limited so get yours while you can!  Note:  You will notice that the ticketing is brought to you by 2 Doors Down Brewing Company.  They are graciously helping us with the ticketing for this event, but rest assured that all proceeds from ticket sales are going directly to the benefit. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

2024 Summer Track

The Hub City Track & Field Club is offering 2024 Summer Track!  Practices are every Tuesday and Thursday evening, running from June 4th to June 27th. Practices will be held from 5-7pm at the Marshfield Middle School track, pending weather. These practices will be an “open gym” format. Come and go as you please. Club coaches will be available during that time. Littles (those 5th grade and younger) will have dedicated time every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-4:45pm.  HUB CITY HOME TRACK MEETS AT MARSHFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL - MARSHFIELD, WI FRIDAY, JUNE 14TH & FRIDAY, JUNE 28TH - 5:00PM START.  Click here for details.

Miracles for Grady and Jace Fundraiser

This fundraiser will help Dustin '00 and Erin Binder with medical costs and needs for their twin boys, Grady and Jace, who were recently diagnosed with Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN). This is an extremely rare disease (1-3 individuals per million people) where iron accumulates in the brain, affecting motor function and progresses over time. It's beyond imaginable for one of your children to be diagnosed with this rare disease, let alone twins. The sadness and stress it can cause a family is overwhelming, as Dustin and Erin are going through this with both boys. Dustin and Erin currently live in Eau Claire, but Dustin is a Marshfield native who graduated from Columbus High School. 

“Miracles for Grady and Jace” will be held at Bakerville Sports Bar on April 20, 2024. This fundraiser will help the family with future medical expenses and equipment, not covered by insurance, that are expected in excess of $250,000. This event will not only help raise funds for Grady and Jace, but will allow individuals an opportunity to donate to help find a cure for PKAN as well as raise awareness for this rare disease. View the attached flier for more information.  

Let's Keep Talking: A Parent and Caregiver Series

3rd Tuesday of the Month, 6:00pm, JP Adler Room, Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library.  Click HERE to view flyer.

• April 16 - The Impact of Social Media
• May 21 - Community Resources for Youth Related to Mental Health and Substance Use

CHESTNUT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Click Here to download the Winter/Spring Flyer with new classes including:

• Play with Clay Experience - April 14 & 21
• Hydro-Dipping - May 5
• Stitchery Open House - 2nd & 4th Wednesdays

• April 5:  Report cards go home with students at SJBP
• April 6:  Language Camp for OLPI students
• April 8:  Columbus students view Solar Eclipse
• April 8-11:  CCMS/CCHS Mission Club Clothing Drive
• April 8:  Deadline to RSVP for Galleon
• April 10:  Mass for SJBP
• April 11:  Mass for OLPI and Columbus
• April 11:  Choir Large Group Competition for CCMS/CCHS
• April 11:  Fourth grade trip to Madison
• April 12:  NO SCHOOL - Diocesan Inservice
• April 14:  Spring Band (grades 5-12) and Choir (grades 6-12) Concerts
• April 15:  Deadline to apply for Undergrad Scholarships
• April 16:  Forward Testing and Pre-ACT Test at CCMS and CCHS
• April 17:  Pizza Ranch Fundraiser for SJBP and OLPI
• April 18:  Band Large Group Competition for CCMS/CCHS
• April 18:  Deadline to apply for the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program
• April 19:  Dress Down Day
• April 19:  Adoration at the Columbus Chapel
• April 20:  Jazz Fest for the CCHS Jazz Band
• For more events, view our online calendar

RSVP for Galleon by April 8

Every year our Galleon event raises funding for a specific project.  This year we raising money to purchase new student furniture!  If you would like to attend Galleon, the deadline to RSVP is April 8th!  Click this link to RSVP or for more information:  https://www.columbuscatholicschools.org/news-events/galleon.cfm 

2023-24 Spencer Transportation Aid

If you reside in the Spencer School District, but your children attend Columbus, you may qualify for compensation!  Reimbursement per the  Parent Transportation Contract shall be based on the school district’s average cost per pupil for regular (to and from school) bus transportation in the previous school year, excluding transportation for kindergarten pupils during the noon hour and special transportation for pupils with disabilities. The annual payment of this contract per pupil for the 2023-24 school year shall be $647.68 payable by orders drawn upon of the school district. The number of days during the school year that the child actually attended school in-person shall be tracked by the private school and reported to the School District of Spencer. If, based on the daily rate of $3.68 multiplied by the number of actual attendance days, the cost of transportation is less than $647.68, the parent or guardian will receive the lesser amount.

Complete the FORM, sign and date the contract and return to Ms. Schmitt, Admissions Director by May 15, 2024. Payment of transportation aid will be made by June 30, 2024.  Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept 1 of the beginning school year in which aid is requested and meet the guidelines of Section 121.54(2) (b)1., Wis. Stats.

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) - Application Deadline: April 18, 2024 The WPCP empowers families to receive tuition vouchers for enrollment in approved private and religious schools. Columbus Catholic Schools has been a proud participant since 2012. To discover more about this program click here.

11th annual 2024 sand spikers volleyball camp

It's time to sign up for summer sand volleyball camp!  August 5, 6, and 7, 2024 for boys and girls in grades 1-9.  Click here for more information or to register.  

Fieldhouse Update

WE ARE CURRENTLY AT 87%!  Of the $10.5 Million that we need, we have raised $9,145,999.  To learn more or make a donation, visit our webpage by clicking here.  You can also sign up for our Fieldhouse Fans E-Newsletter and follow our Facebook page.  

UNDERGRAD SCHOLARSHIPS

Columbus Catholic Schools offers thousands of dollars in scholarships, grants and tuition assistance each year. The majority of the scholarships available are housed within the Columbus Education Foundation (CEF). Click here to see a listing of our scholarships.  The application process typically begins in March and ends in April, after spring break.  The application for the 2024-25 school year is due April 15, 2024.  Click here to apply.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Tuition Grants Available
• Each One Reach One Referral Program

3 on 3 tournament - hoops needed

We are looking to, once again, host the 3 on 3 Summer Kickoff BBall Tournament - but this time having it in the Columbus parking lot.  We would be in need of families donating the use of portable hoops to make this happen.  For more information, contact Mrs. Wieland at wieland.lori@columbusdons.org 

Updates

• The Varsity Boys Basketball Team and STATE CHAMPS came over to see the students today!
• First Graders attended a Buckets and Boards performance at the LuCille Tack Center on Thursday
• Milk Project raised over $500.00
• The Mother/Son Game Night is April 6
• April 5 - Report Cards are sent home with students

Fieldhouse project

If your child rides the bus from St. John's to OLPI or Columbus after school, both St. John's and Kobussen have been made aware that it is still okay to drop the kids at OLPI.  However, any children that would normally get off at OLPI and run over to enter the MS doors will now have to stay on the bus until they reach the front HS doors due to the doors and sidewalk being inaccessible. Please remind your child of this if it applies.

PIZZA RANCH

We are doing a new fundraiser this year - Pizza Ranch!  This fundraiser for SJBP and OLPI will be on April 17th from 4-8pm.  Stay tuned for more details….

Language Camp

The 25th Annual Language Camp will be held from 9am - 2pm on Saturday, April 6. 

• This camp is for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders
• This is a fundraiser for our school's Peru Mission Team.
• We will have a cultural meal in the lunchroom
• We will rotate groups between the lunchroom, lobby and gym in the afternoon for cultural games and crafts.

Virtue of the Month:  faith

Next month, we will be working on the virtue of courage.

• 3rd Grade - Ben Prusinski  - Ben displays the virtue of Faith every day through his actions, behavior, and knowledge of Jesus Christ. He shows kindness and respect to his peers and teachers. He greets everyone with a smile and brings joy to those around him. He accepts everyone as they are and works with anyone without complaint. During challenging times that could cause frustration and anger, he exhibits calmness and perseverance to get through. He can be called on as a source of knowledge about God and Jesus from the bible. He trusts wholeheartedly in God’s Truth. Ben is an exceptional example of living as Jesus did.  
• 4th Grade - Josephine Kroening - Faith is not something we are meant to practice in one classroom; faith is meant to be a way of life. It is easy to say the right things when your teacher asks you, “What would Jesus do?” It is a lot more challenging to actually DO IT!  In fact, it takes patience, understanding, empathy, kindness… In other words, it takes all the other virtues to live faithfully. This month’s student of the month is always seeking out knowledge about her faith both in and out of the classroom. As we have discussed in religion class this year, everyone around you should feel your faith through both your words and your actions. Josephine has an undoubtable connection with God, and the proof is in the things she says and the way she always acts.
• 5th Grade - Andrew Berger - Andrew always chooses to act on the truth.  Whether it's popular, or what other people around him are doing or not, Andrew understands that keeping his Faith means to choose and act on truth in every situation.  Andrew demonstrates the importance of having a relationship with God, and trusting that God will always lead you in the right direction.  Even in difficult or challenging times, Andrew will choose to have Faith and know that God will be there to love and care for him.  By having a strong Faith in God, Andrew sets an amazing example for his classmates and those around him.

Fieldhouse construction preparation

OLP School Parents:  If things go as planned, when we come back from Easter break there will be construction fence up around the site of our new fieldhouse. This will affect a number of things here at the school. I’ll try to give a brief summary.  Click here to download a map.

Morning Drop-Off: This will stay the same. Continue to drop off in front (north) by the sidewalk between the church and school.

Before-School Recess: The recess before school will move to behind the church (south).

Afternoon Pick-Up: About 30% of the parking lot will be closed off.

1. Drive Up Only in the church parking lot. Please don’t park in the OLP church lot.
2. Please approach the parking lot entrance from the south (8th Street)
3. Pick Up will be behind the church (west of current pick-up zone)
4. If you must park, please park in the front (north) OLP School lot and use the sidewalk between the church and school to come to the safety zone to pick-up.
5. Middle School students will not have access to the OLP lot from the middle school door.
   1. The construction fence will close the north entrance of the Columbus building.
   2. Please pick up CCMS students in front of Columbus before picking up your OLP student(s).

After Care: Pick up will be as usual: in the church parking lot if it’s nice enough for the kids to be outside and at the front entrance of the school if it’s a day they’re in the gym. CCMS students who visit the OLP
after care will need to come to the main OLP school entrance to get into the building.

Recess: There will be three areas for outside recess: 1) Between the school and church; 2) the parking lot from the church entrance to just past the other side of the church; 3) from that point to the parking lot entrances. The parking lot will be blocked off during recess.

Inside Recess during funerals: Just as we do when the weather is bad, when there are funerals at the church, we’ll have recess inside. This will allow the parking lot to be used for the funeral and will eliminate noise on the side of the church.

Please Be Patient! We’re not sure how all of this will go and we may need to make changes after next week.

Volunteers Welcome! One thing that may need to change is to offer more recess options. To offer other choices, like using the OLP gym for basketball, volleyball, or kickball, we would need parent or grandparent volunteers. Volunteers would need to have completed the Safe Environment training and the background check. There will be a Sign-Up Genius link for volunteering to help at recess. That will be sent out in a separate email once we see how the current plan is working.

Important Dates:

• Fourth Grade Trip to Madison is April 11
• NO SCHOOL April 12 (Diocesan Inservice)

PIZZA RANCH

We are doing a new fundraiser this year - Pizza Ranch!  This fundraiser for SJBP and OLPI will be on April 17th from 4-8pm.  Stay tuned for more details….

Forward Exam Testing

Our students in 6-8th grade and 10th grade will be participating in the Forward Exam. Our Freshman and Sophomore students will be taking the Pre-ACT Test. Students will be taking the exams on April 16th. Here is a link for the Forward Testing Informational Brochure for Families and the ACT Information for Families which gives more information about the assessment including its purpose, what scores will be provided, and how the scores will be used.  This assessment measures the knowledge and skills your student(s) should have acquired by the time they reach each grade level. Their performance on the assessment will not affect any of their current grades. Please encourage your son or daughter to take the test seriously and do the best they can. The results of these tests will be used to help school staff make determinations or placement in classes to best support your child(ren).  If you have any questions, please contact me at lambrecht.michael@columbusdons.org 

Reality Store

Columbus Catholic 8th graders and other 8th-grade students from the area will be participating in the MACCI (Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry) Reality Store on April 25th. The store is designed to provide students with a glimpse of how much things cost and how quickly they add up. It is a game of “real life,” providing eighth grade students with an opportunity to create a monthly budget. Before the store opens students are assigned a gross income, marital, family and benefit status. The first lesson students learn is how to calculate their net monthly income from a gross salary. With this information, students visit the store to create a monthly budget that includes mortgage, groceries, and everything else a household faces. It is an invaluable piece in helping students put the puzzle of their future together.

The store is “staffed” by area business representatives who “sell” their services to the students. For example, realtors sell houses, car dealers sell vehicles, and insurance salesmen offer coverage. While in the store, students have to arrange for day care services, pay municipal taxes and order telephone and electric service as they prepare a monthly budget.

CCS Blood Drive

The CCS Mission Club is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, May 8th from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Our Lady of Peace gymnasium.  Every donation is needed to meet the high demand from hospitals in our community. Please consider signing up here https://donate.wisconsin.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/258784  to be a beacon of hope whose kindness can save lives.

Solar Eclipse

On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will make its way across North America. We will experience a particle eclipse here in Marshfield from 12:50- 1:20 pm.   With such a monumental event occurring during the school day, we are planning to take time to view the eclipse.  The school has purchased those glasses specifically designed for eclipse viewing. The glasses conform to the transmission requirements that are set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). For more information on the eclipse go to NASA’s Eclipse Explorer Tool on their website.

Mission Club Clothing Drive

The Middle School and High School Mission Club is hosting a clothing drive for the Hannah Center (click here for information about this organization). The Hannah Center is in need of boys clothing sizes newborn through 5T and girls clothing sizes newborn, 5T, and 6/6X. If your family has any gently used clothing, or if you would like to make a money donation so that Mission Club students can purchase used clothing, we will be collecting donations April 8-11. If you are able, please consider donating to help support these families. It will be greatly appreciated. The donation box will be in the main office.

State Solo/Ensemble

During the WSMA (Wisconsin State Music Association) District Solo & Ensemble Competition on February 16, 2024 (held at Assumption Catholic High School in Wisconsin Rapids), 14 Columbus events were able to move onto the state competition which will be held Saturday May 4, 2024 at UW-Stevens Point at the College of Letters and Science. CCS band events who will be going to state include:  Seth Roewe - Alto Saxophone Solo; Seth Roewe - Soprano Saxophone Solo; Jazz Band; Jazz Combo; Appalachian Ensemble; Australian Ensemble; Seth Roewe and Akousa Yeboah - Tenor Saxophone Duet; Monica Thill - Euphonium Solo; African Drum Group - Charlie Moore, Akousa Yeboah, Jude Becerra, and Brody Casperson.  CCS choir events who will be going to state include:  Kate Fieweger - Classical and Musical Theater; Ella Kadolph - Classical and Musical Theater; Mary Keding – Classical Theater.  Click here for more information.

fieldhouse Building project, walking to Mass, and parking

Starting from Monday, the construction team will begin to install fencing for the gym project. Please refer to the attachment for a fencing map. The fencing will extend from Columbus Avenue to Schmidt Street, also going from our building to OLP School. It will also block off access to the middle school entrance and parking lot.  

Here are some important points to be noted:

1. Teachers will have to park in the high school parking lot or the EAST side of Columbus Avenue. The faculty parking area should have enough space if we use the area along the Development office wall and the spots by the concession stand.
2. Starting next week, everyone will have to exit via the main entrance and travel along Columbus Avenue, around OLP School, to reach the church. Unfortunately, the sidewalks will also be closed off, so students will have to walk on the side of the road for some distance. Please ensure you leave after the announcements and add additional travel time to your schedule.

With the middle school entrance being closed off, there will be a new exit in what used to be Mr. Wolf's Office.  We will tell you as soon as we have information. Until then, the Middle school door or Library doors may be used in an emergency/fire drill.  

Feed My Starving Children

Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is a Christian organization that specifically targets hunger in children around the world.  FMSC partners with faith, health care, humanitarian, and educational organizations to get food to the recipients with little government involvement.  Because of their unique and wise structure, FMSC food has been donated to over 70 countries through hundreds of partner organizations, and more than 99% of the food has arrived safely (which is highly unusual in some of these countries).  Food scientists from Cargill, General Mills, and Pillsbury teamed up to create a food product that is culturally acceptable, cheap to produce, easy to package, easy for recipients to safely cook and eat, easy to digest, and has the essential vitamins/minerals and proteins/carbs that malnourished children need.  This dry food is packaged and sealed by volunteer groups across our country.  The Marshfield community is hosting a MobilePack Event with FMSC at Zion United Methodist Church on April 6.  Many church groups, family groups, and business teams will be signing up for shifts to pack meals.  Our High School students will be packing meals for two hours on the morning of April 26.    

MACE (Marshfield Area Career Expo)

The Marshfield Area Career Expo is a talent development initiative of the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry and will be held on Friday, April 26 at Mid-State Technical College and UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield campuses.  This event will engage high school sophomores in our ten area school districts to explore careers utilizing the 16-career cluster model. The goal is for students to gain knowledge about a variety of careers through hands-on type activities, related experiences, education requirements, and an opportunity to explore school-to-career employment with involved businesses.

FREE BARBELLS TO GIVE AWAY

The Columbus weight room has some old weights (barbells and plates) that are free for the taking!  If interested, ask Mrs. Wieland.

Culture of Kindness and Accountability 

“The integrity of the upright guides them; the faithless are ruined by their duplicity.”  ~Proverbs 11:3

The seniors are reading Hamlet, one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays.  As a veteran English teacher finishing my 23rd year, I have read the play over 50 times.  The reason I never get tired of teaching it is because it does such a good job of demonstrating consequences for immoral behavior and deliberate miscommunication.  Polonius (who my students will hear me call “a windbag who likes to hear himself talk”) actually delivers one of the best speeches I’ve ever read when he bids farewell to his son who is returning to college.  The best line (in my humble opinion) is: “This above all: To thine own self be true, and it must follow…thou canst not then be false to any man.”  Then, throughout the rest of the play, we encounter many characters who are not true to themselves and who deliberately lie to those around them.  

This particular play is a tragedy.  Part of the tragedy is that many of the deaths could have been prevented if characters had made different choices–had in essence been guided by integrity instead of ruined by duplicity.  But the most tragic aspect of all is the death of characters who tried to be true to themselves but were unfortunately duped by others’ deceitfulness.

So what does this all have to do with our culture of kindness and accountability?  We are a Catholic school and the educators here have the extra responsibility of helping our students  to understand and embrace virtues and to develop good character.  Hamlet, my favorite play to teach, does a good job of dramatically illustrating consequences of terrible behaviors–reading is a great way to learn what behaviors to avoid and what virtues to emulate.  But at Columbus, we don’t rely on just reading about others’ choices and consequences to teach our students–we also teach them through the rules we hold them to and the high expectations we encourage them to meet.    And when they occasionally make a mistake or fall short, we hold them accountable so that they learn to do better the next time.

HS Service Hour Requirement

Each year, high school students are required to volunteer 10 hours so by graduation, they will have completed 40 hours.  As this requirement started just last year, the classes of 2026 and 2027 will have 40 hours, the class of 2025 will have 30 hours, and the class of 2024 will have 20 hours completed to graduate.

In the next week, I will email students who have yet to complete their 10 hours for this year so that they can plan to complete this requirement this semester.  Here are some upcoming volunteer opportunities:

• Feed My Starving Children (most seniors, juniors, and freshmen will volunteer on April 26–sophomores will be at the Marshfield Area Career Expo)
• Galleon (seniors can opt to volunteer at the event)
• Graduation set-up/take down (students can see Mr. Lambrecht or Mr. Brown to volunteer the weekend of May 25)
• See Mrs. Volkman if you are looking for other opportunities

Student of the Month

Congrats to Emily Prusinski (MS) and Trinity Brunzo (HS), our students of the month for March and the virtues of Temperance and Chastity!

April’s virtues are Friendship and Respect.
The relationship between acquaintances may blossom into friendship when there is a common interest in work or leisure, help is given or received, joys and sorrows are shared, and the good of each is advanced by the other. Friends enjoy the other’s company. Friendship will always involve commitment at some level. The basis of friendship is some kind of communication and it is mutual, selfless, grounded in virtue, with an ongoing development of truthfulness, trust, faithfulness, loyalty, generosity, understanding, modesty, and respect. 

• As a friendship develops, the individuals learn to adjust to each other’s temperament, idiosyncrasies, moods and tastes.
• Friendships are not to be developed with ulterior motives in mind, such as gaining popularity or based upon a fascination of a quality (such as exterior beauty, a successful talent) and not based on false and empty “goods exchanged” (purely material objects, unhealthy items such as illegal drugs). 
• Strong and meaningful friendships can only develop with persons to the extent that we are growing in a deep and strong relationship with God through regular communication, which is daily prayer. And likewise, the degree of love we have for a friend is indicative of our love for God. “How can I love God who I can’t see if I don’t love the person I can see” (See 1 John 4:20-21).

Authentic friendship always includes:

• Loyalty—we stand by a friend through difficulties except if it will lead us to immoral behavior.
• Generosity—we are to offer time, talent, and treasure to a friend when it is useful for his improvement.
• Modesty—in male, female friendships, we guard the extent to which we surrender aspects of our intimacy.
• Understanding—we need to listen and recognize the various factors which affect a friend’s situation, also called empathy.
• Trust—we believe in a friend and know we can depend and rely upon him in all circumstances.
• Respect—we are to see the good of a friend and accept personality traits that are different than ours.
• Spirit of Sacrifice—to be more than an acquaintance we are to be selfless rather than selfish, a giver and not a taker.
• Commitment—a friend is there when one is in need, not disregarding prudence with personal obligations

A true friend helps another through exemplary behavior, with advice, and with the influence that close friendship provides. A friend wants his friends to be happy, especially by living as a child of God.

I'd like to take a moment to ensure everyone is aware of the various affordable tuition options available to you, along with their corresponding deadlines for application.

• Undergrad Scholarships - Application Deadline: April 15, 2024 Columbus Catholic Schools proudly offers numerous scholarships, with the majority administered through the Columbus Education Foundation (CEF). You can find a comprehensive list of our scholarships here. Remember, the deadline to apply for the 2024-25 school year is April 15, 2024. Click here to apply.
• Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) - Application Deadline: April 18, 2024 The WPCP empowers families to receive tuition vouchers for enrollment in approved private and religious schools. Columbus Catholic Schools has been a proud participant since 2012. To discover more about this program click here.
• Tuition Grant - Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 The Columbus Tuition Grant Program provides assistance based on financial need. If you require financial assistance, we encourage you to apply for the Columbus Tuition Grant Program. Families must apply annually and ensure all supporting tax documents are uploaded to be eligible for a tuition grant by May 31, 2024. Click here to begin your application process.

Let's ensure that financial concerns don't hinder anyone from accessing quality education. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you, Amanda Krautkramer, Finance Director

VARSITY ATHLETIC RESULTS FROM THE WEEK

VARSITY BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK
Saturday, March 30, 2024 - During the meet at UWSP, Girls placed 14th and Boys placed 9th
Thursday, April 4, 2024 - Meet at Cashton was CANCELLED

UPCOMING VARSITY SPORTS

VARSITY BASEBALL
Friday, April 5, 2024 - Doubleheader in Wisconsin Dells CANCELLED
Saturday, April 6, 2024 - Baseball plays at 11:15 and 3:45 in Mauston
Monday, April 8, 2024 - Away game with Assumption at Witter Field, 4:30pm
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 - HOME game vs. Osseo-Fairchild at 5pm
Thursday, April 11, 2024 - Away game at Spencer High School at 5pm
Friday, April 12, 2024 - HOME game vs. Spencer at 5pm

VARSITY SOFTBALL
Friday, April 5, 2024 - Doubleheader in Mauston at 1:15 CANCELLED
Saturday, April 6, 2024 - Away game in Mauston at 11:45am
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 - HOME game vs. Osseo-Fairchild at 5pm at Marshfield Fairgrounds
Thursday, April 11, 2024 - HOME game vs. McDonnell at 5pm at Marshfield Fairgrounds
Friday, April 12, 2024 - Away game at Neillsville HS at 5pm

VARSITY BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK
Saturday, April 6, 2024 - Meet at UW Whitewater at 9:30am
Thursday, April 11, 2024 - Meet at Gilman Schools at 4:15pm

Pro-Life Chili Dinner & Raffle

Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 9:30am to 2:00pm at Sacred Heart of Jesus (Cassel), 222761 Cty. Rd. S., Marathon, WI.  Co-Sponsored by Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and St. Mary Court 850.  All funds raised will benefit local non-profit Pro-Life organizations.  Click here to view a flier.  

Youth softball - marshfield parks & recreation

May 29 - End of July.  Some games require travel to neighboring towns.  Practices held at UW North field.  Divisions available for ages 7 - 12.  Cost is $40 for residents and $60 for non-residents.    Click here to sign up!

DISCOVERY EDUCATION STATION

The Discovery Education Station fosters an inclusive haven where kids of all ages explore STEA2M disciplines to ignite curiosity and inspiring learning.  Click HERE to see their April newsletter and the following information:  Classes for Homeschoolers, Summer STEA2M Camps, Spring Programming, Marshfield Aviation Rocketry and Spaceflight Club.

Support the Rebound

Let’s show our unrelenting love and support to a part of our CCS FAMILY - the Konieczny family. Purchase a T-shirt and wear it proudly to help support them as they rebound back from the car accident. Students and staff at Columbus Catholic Schools can wear this t-shirt every Friday in May as part of the scheduled spirit days.  Click on HERE to order.  Deadline to order is April 8;  shirts will be available for pick up at CCHS on April 29th.  

Just Duel It:  With New Dueling Pianos:  a benefit for the Konieczny Family, May 4, 2024.  Tickets are on sale now!  Hurry, tickets are limited so get yours while you can!  Note:  You will notice that the ticketing is brought to you by 2 Doors Down Brewing Company.  They are graciously helping us with the ticketing for this event, but rest assured that all proceeds from ticket sales are going directly to the benefit. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

2024 Summer Track

The Hub City Track & Field Club is offering 2024 Summer Track!  Practices are every Tuesday and Thursday evening, running from June 4th to June 27th. Practices will be held from 5-7pm at the Marshfield Middle School track, pending weather. These practices will be an “open gym” format. Come and go as you please. Club coaches will be available during that time. Littles (those 5th grade and younger) will have dedicated time every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-4:45pm.  HUB CITY HOME TRACK MEETS AT MARSHFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL - MARSHFIELD, WI FRIDAY, JUNE 14TH & FRIDAY, JUNE 28TH - 5:00PM START.  Click here for details.

Miracles for Grady and Jace Fundraiser

This fundraiser will help Dustin '00 and Erin Binder with medical costs and needs for their twin boys, Grady and Jace, who were recently diagnosed with Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN). This is an extremely rare disease (1-3 individuals per million people) where iron accumulates in the brain, affecting motor function and progresses over time. It's beyond imaginable for one of your children to be diagnosed with this rare disease, let alone twins. The sadness and stress it can cause a family is overwhelming, as Dustin and Erin are going through this with both boys. Dustin and Erin currently live in Eau Claire, but Dustin is a Marshfield native who graduated from Columbus High School. 

“Miracles for Grady and Jace” will be held at Bakerville Sports Bar on April 20, 2024. This fundraiser will help the family with future medical expenses and equipment, not covered by insurance, that are expected in excess of $250,000. This event will not only help raise funds for Grady and Jace, but will allow individuals an opportunity to donate to help find a cure for PKAN as well as raise awareness for this rare disease. View the attached flier for more information.  

Let's Keep Talking: A Parent and Caregiver Series

3rd Tuesday of the Month, 6:00pm, JP Adler Room, Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library.  Click HERE to view flyer.

• April 16 - The Impact of Social Media
• May 21 - Community Resources for Youth Related to Mental Health and Substance Use

CHESTNUT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Click Here to download the Winter/Spring Flyer with new classes including:

• Play with Clay Experience - April 14 & 21
• Hydro-Dipping - May 5
• Stitchery Open House - 2nd & 4th Wednesdays

• March 28: End of Third Quarter
• March 29:  Good Friday - NO SCHOOL
• March 31:  Easter Sunday
• April 1: Easter Monday - NO SCHOOL
• April 2:  Dress Down Pajama Day
• April 2-3:  Scotty's Pizza Dine to Donate
• April 3:  Mass for SJBP
• April 3:  Report Cards for OLP and Columbus will be emailed out
• April 4:  Mass for OLPI and Columbus
• April 4:  1st Grade Field Trip to LuCille Tack Performance
• April 4:  MCLA Retreat
• April 4:  Deadline to sign up for Cutting for a Cause
• April 5:  Report cards go home with students at SJBP
• April 5:  Dress Down Day for CCMS/CCHS - Jersey Day
• April 5:  Adoration at the Columbus Chapel
• April 11:  Choir Large Group Competition for CCMS/CCHS
• April 11:  Fourth grade trip to Madison
• April 12:  NO SCHOOL - Diocesan Inservice
• April 14:  Spring Band (grades 5-12) and Choir (grades 6-12) Concerts
• April 15:  Deadline to apply for Undergrad Scholarships
• For more events, view our online calendar

Lunch Menu

Click here to view the April Lunch Menu!

11th annual 2024 sand spikers volleyball camp

It's time to sign up for summer sand volleyball camp!  August 5, 6, and 7, 2024 for boys and girls in grades 1-9.  Click here for more information or to register.  

Fieldhouse Update

WE ARE CURRENTLY AT 87%!  Of the $10.5 Million that we need, we have raised $9,139,799.  But we still need YOUR help to raise $1,360,201 before we break ground!  To learn more or make a donation, visit our webpage by clicking here.  You can also sign up for our Fieldhouse Fans E-Newsletter and follow our Facebook page.  

state Champions Gear

Our boys basketball team won the WIAA State Championship!  The support for our boys in Madison was amazing.  Thank you for representing our school system so positively!  You can order your state champions apparel the the link below.  We are also re-opening the State Bound apparel store for those who may have missed that deadline.   The link to that store is also posted below.  Both stores close this Sunday at midnight.   Orders will arrive the following week.  Thank you again for supporting our student-athletes. 

• State Champion t-shirt order
• State Bound Sectional t-shirt order

UNDERGRAD SCHOLARSHIPS

Columbus Catholic Schools offers thousands of dollars in scholarships, grants and tuition assistance each year. The majority of the scholarships available are housed within the Columbus Education Foundation (CEF). Click here to see a listing of our scholarships.  The application process typically begins in March and ends in April, after spring break.  The application for the 2024-25 school year is due April 15, 2024.  Click here to apply.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Tuition Grants Available
• Each One Reach One Referral Program
• Wisconsin Parental Choice Program

3 on 3 tournament - hoops needed

We are looking to, once again, host the 3 on 3 Summer Kickoff BBall Tournament - but this time having it in the Columbus parking lot.  We would be in need of families donating the use of portable hoops to make this happen.  For more information, contact Mrs. Wieland at wieland.lori@columbusdons.org 

Important dates:

April 4 - First grade goes to the Lucille Tack Center
April 5 - Report Cards are sent home with students

PIZZA RANCH

We are doing a new fundraiser this year - Pizza Ranch!  This fundraiser for SJBP and OLPI will be on April 17th from 4-8pm.  Stay tuned for more details….

Fieldhouse construction preparation

OLP School Parents:  If things go as planned, when we come back from Easter break there will be construction fence up around the site of our new fieldhouse. This will affect a number of things here at the school. I’ll try to give a brief summary.  Click here to download a map.

Morning Drop-Off: This will stay the same. Continue to drop off in front (north) by the sidewalk between the church and school.

Before-School Recess: The recess before school will move to behind the church (south).

Afternoon Pick-Up: About 30% of the parking lot will be closed off.

1. Drive Up Only in the church parking lot. Please don’t park in the OLP church lot.
2. Please approach the parking lot entrance from the south (8th Street)
3. Pick Up will be behind the church (west of current pick-up zone)
4. If you must park, please park in the front (north) OLP School lot and use the sidewalk between the church and school to come to the safety zone to pick-up.
5. Middle School students will not have access to the OLP lot from the middle school door.
   1. The construction fence will close the north entrance of the Columbus building.
   2. Please pick up CCMS students in front of Columbus before picking up your OLP student(s).

After Care: Pick up will be as usual: in the church parking lot if it’s nice enough for the kids to be outside and at the front entrance of the school if it’s a day they’re in the gym. CCMS students who visit the OLP
after care will need to come to the main OLP school entrance to get into the building.

Recess: There will be three areas for outside recess: 1) Between the school and church; 2) the parking lot from the church entrance to just past the other side of the church; 3) from that point to the parking lot entrances. The parking lot will be blocked off during recess.

Inside Recess during funerals: Just as we do when the weather is bad, when there are funerals at the church, we’ll have recess inside. This will allow the parking lot to be used for the funeral and will eliminate noise on the side of the church.

Please Be Patient! We’re not sure how all of this will go and we may need to make changes after next week.

Volunteers Welcome! One thing that may need to change is to offer more recess options. To offer other choices, like using the OLP gym for basketball, volleyball, or kickball, we would need parent or grandparent volunteers. Volunteers would need to have completed the Safe Environment training and the background check. There will be a Sign-Up Genius link for volunteering to help at recess. That will be sent out in a separate email once we see how the current plan is working.

Important Dates:

• Fourth Grade Trip to Madison is April 11
• NO SCHOOL April 12 (Diocesan Inservice)

PIZZA RANCH

We are doing a new fundraiser this year - Pizza Ranch!  This fundraiser for SJBP and OLPI will be on April 17th from 4-8pm.  Stay tuned for more details….

fieldhouse Building project, walking to Mass, and parking

Starting from Monday, the construction team will begin to install fencing for the gym project. Please refer to the attachment for a fencing map. The fencing will extend from Columbus Avenue to Schmidt Street, also going from our building to OLP School. It will also block off access to the middle school entrance and parking lot.  

Here are some important points to be noted:

1. Teachers will have to park in the high school parking lot or the EAST side of Columbus Avenue. The faculty parking area should have enough space if we use the area along the Development office wall and the spots by the concession stand.
2. Starting next week, everyone will have to exit via the main entrance and travel along Columbus Avenue, around OLP School, to reach the church. Unfortunately, the sidewalks will also be closed off, so students will have to walk on the side of the road for some distance. Please ensure you leave after the announcements and add additional travel time to your schedule.

With the middle school entrance being closed off, there will be a new exit in what used to be Mr. Wolf's Office.  We will tell you as soon as we have information. Until then, the Middle school door or Library doors may be used in an emergency/fire drill.  

End of 3rd Quarter

March 28 is the end of the 3rd quarter.  Report cards will be emailed to all parents on 4/2/2024.  Now is a good time to check your grades.  Please reach out to your teacher if you have any questions or concerns with your grades.  Parents and students can check their grades using the family portal on FACTS. FACTS allows parents the ability to see a student’s grade and how he/she has done on all graded assignments or see if there are any missing assignments.  You can find the app for Apple or Android at https://a3a.me/columbuscatholicschools  Once you go to the link, click on the Apple or Android icon, create a profile, and you are ready to go! You will be required to sign in to your account as if you are signing in to Family Portal every 30 days. Our district code is MACS-WI.

CCS Blood Drive

The CCS Mission Club is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, May 8th from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Our Lady of Peace gymnasium.  Every donation is needed to meet the high demand from hospitals in our community. Please consider signing up here to be a beacon of hope whose kindness can save lives.

Herb Kohl Scholarship 

Congratulations to Seth Roewe who has been selected as a 2024 Herb Kohl Student Excellence Scholarship recipient. Seth was chosen to receive this $10,000 award because of his exceptional scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and school and community involvement.

MS Explore Classes 

Middle school students will have a new explore class for the 4th quarter.  Students may access their schedule on FACTS.

Feed My Starving Children

Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is a Christian organization that specifically targets hunger in children around the world.  FMSC partners with faith, health care, humanitarian, and educational organizations to get food to the recipients with little government involvement.  Because of their unique and wise structure, FMSC food has been donated to over 70 countries through hundreds of partner organizations, and more than 99% of the food has arrived safely (which is highly unusual in some of these countries).  Food scientists from Cargill, General Mills, and Pillsbury teamed up to create a food product that is culturally acceptable, cheap to produce, easy to package, easy for recipients to safely cook and eat, easy to digest, and has the essential vitamins/minerals and proteins/carbs that malnourished children need.  This dry food is packaged and sealed by volunteer groups across our country.  The Marshfield community is hosting a MobilePack Event with FMSC at Zion United Methodist Church on April 6.  Many church groups, family groups, and business teams will be signing up for shifts to pack meals.  Our High School students will be packing meals for two hours on the morning of April 26.    

MACE (Marshfield Area Career Expo)

The Marshfield Area Career Expo is a talent development initiative of the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry and will be held on Friday, April 26 at Mid-State Technical College and UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield campuses.  This event will engage high school sophomores in our ten area school districts to explore careers utilizing the 16-career cluster model. The goal is for students to gain knowledge about a variety of careers through hands-on type activities, related experiences, education requirements, and an opportunity to explore school-to-career employment with involved businesses.

FREE BARBELLS TO GIVE AWAY

The Columbus weight room has some old weights (barbells and plates) that are free for the taking!  If interested, ask Mrs. Wieland.

Culture of Kindness and Accountability 

“I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” ~2 Timothy 4:7

We are wrapping up the third quarter and heading into the final stretch of this school year. At CCHS/CCMS, we are blessed to be able to provide so many opportunities for academic, athletic, spiritual, service-centered, and social pursuits.  The last two months of school are always a whirlwind between mandated testing, spring sports competing with weather, band and choir concerts, prom, graduation and awards, and all the other amazing opportunities for meaningful experiences that pop up – all occurring while we steadfastly work to provide a quality education.  We saw a shining example of what hard work and dedication can achieve with the boys recent basketball state championship.  It is necessary to remember that we all have important things to accomplish; sometimes life can get a bit overwhelming, but we need to work to the best of our ability, ask for help when we need it, and keep God centered in everything we do so that we can reach the ultimate goal of heaven.

10th Annual “Cutting for a Cause” Hair Donation event set for Wednesday, May 1

LAST CALL–DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR THE HAIR DONATION EVENT IS THURSDAY, APRIL 4!  If you or someone you know is interested in donating their hair this year, this is the permission slip for donor participation.  We send the donated hair to Children with Hair Loss.  We are also always looking for stylists who are willing to volunteer their time and talents for this worthy cause.  Please contact Mandy Volkman (volkman.mandy@columbusdons.org or 715-387-1177 ext. 3301) if you have any questions about donating your hair or volunteering as a stylist.  Click here for the tallies over the last nine years.

I'd like to take a moment to ensure everyone is aware of the various affordable tuition options available to you, along with their corresponding deadlines for application.

• Undergrad Scholarships - Application Deadline: April 15, 2024 Columbus Catholic Schools proudly offers numerous scholarships, with the majority administered through the Columbus Education Foundation (CEF). You can find a comprehensive list of our scholarships here. Remember, the deadline to apply for the 2024-25 school year is April 15, 2024. Click here to apply.
• Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) - Application Deadline: April 18, 2024 The WPCP empowers families to receive tuition vouchers for enrollment in approved private and religious schools. Columbus Catholic Schools has been a proud participant since 2012. To discover more about this program click here.
• Tuition Grant - Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 The Columbus Tuition Grant Program provides assistance based on financial need. If you require financial assistance, we encourage you to apply for the Columbus Tuition Grant Program. Families must apply annually and ensure all supporting tax documents are uploaded to be eligible for a tuition grant by May 31, 2024. Click here to begin your application process.

Let's ensure that financial concerns don't hinder anyone from accessing quality education. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you, Amanda Krautkramer, Finance Director

VARSITY ATHLETIC RESULTS FROM THE WEEK

VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL
Friday, March 15, 2024 - Columbus beat Solon Springs 78-65 during the State Semi-Final at the Kohl Center.
Saturday, March 16, 2024 - Columbus also won the State Championship against Abundant Life Christian 81-75.

VARSITY BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK
Thursday, March 14, 2024 - During a meet at Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School, the Girls placed 2nd and the Boys placed 4th.
Thursday, March 21, 2024 - During the Marshfield High School Invitational, the Girls placed 16th and the Boys placed 9th.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 - During the UW-River Falls Invitational, no team placings were given.

UPCOMING VARSITY SPORTS

VARSITY BASEBALL
Friday, April 5, 2024 - Doubleheader at the Woodside Sports Complex in Wisconsin Dells at 1:15 and 3:30pm
Saturday, April 6, 2024 - Away game in Mauston at 1:30pm

VARSITY SOFTBALL
Monday April 1, 2024 - Away game in Nekoosa at 4:30pm
Friday, April 5, 2024 - Doubleheader at the Woodside Sports Complex in Mauston at 1:15 and 3:00pm
Saturday, April 6, 2024 - Away game in Mauston at 11:45am

VARSITY BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK
Saturday, March 30, 2024 - Meet at UWSP Multi-Activity Center at 10:00am
Thursday, April 4, 2024 - Meet at Cashton Elementary School at 4:00pm

dine to donate

Scotty’s Pizza and Chicken & Columbus Catholic Schools are teaming together to raise money for your school!!  On Tuesday, April 2nd and Wednesday, April 3rd, Columbus Catholic Schools and Scotty’s Pizza are teaming up to raise money for your school P.A. Click here to download flier.

Pajama / dress down day

The parent association is hosting a pajama/dress down day fundraiser on Tuesday, April 2nd and is asking for a $2 donation for those who wish to participate.  Please send your child's $2 donation to school with them; teachers will be collecting the money.  The Parent Association will be donating half of the proceeds back to Columbus Catholic Schools.  

Pro-Life Chili Dinner & Raffle

Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 9:30am to 2:00pm at Sacred Heart of Jesus (Cassel), 222761 Cty. Rd. S., Marathon, WI.  Co-Sponsored by Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and St. Mary Court 850.  All funds raised will benefit local non-profit Pro-Life organizations.  Click here to view a flier.  

Adventure Camp

All students currently in 6th grade through 12th grade are invited to Adventure Camp this summer from July 7th to 12th, 2024.  This year the registration cost is INCREDIBLY low, so if you have been on the fence about going, now is the time to go.  If you have never been to adventure camp, and you live in Marshfield or are registered at one of the Marshfield parishes, your total cost including transportation is only $100.  If you have attended adventure camp before, and you live in Marshfield or are registered at one of the Marshfield parishes, your total cost including transportation is only $195.  If you live outside of Marshfield and are not a member of a Catholic parish in Marshfield, your cost is $470.  The prices below $470 are made possible by the Chaplain's fund and the youth group can cage.  All the details, including online registration are available through this link.  https://stjohnsmarshfield.org/adventure-camp/ 

This week of camp may fill up, so please submit your non-refundable deposit of $100 online by June 10th.  If we run out of spots before then, you will be put on a waiting list.  There are also two scholarship opportunities available through the link above.  Please feel free to apply.  The LDCCW scholarship deadline is May 1st.

In Christ,
David Alcott, Director of Faith Formation
dalcott@mff.diolcparish.org  
715-384-3252 Ext 6

Support the Rebound

Let’s show our unrelenting love and support to a part of our CCS FAMILY - the Konieczny family. Purchase a T-shirt and wear it proudly to help support them as they rebound back from the car accident. Students and staff at Columbus Catholic Schools can wear this t-shirt every Friday in May as part of the scheduled spirit days.  Click on HERE to order.  Deadline to order is April 8;  shirts will be available for pick up at CCHS on April 29th.  

Just Duel It:  With New Dueling Pianos:  a benefit for the Konieczny Family, May 4, 2024.  Tickets are on sale now!  Hurry, tickets are limited so get yours while you can!  Note:  You will notice that the ticketing is brought to you by 2 Doors Down Brewing Company.  They are graciously helping us with the ticketing for this event, but rest assured that all proceeds from ticket sales are going directly to the benefit. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

2024 Summer Track

The Hub City Track & Field Club is offering 2024 Summer Track!  Practices are every Tuesday and Thursday evening, running from June 4th to June 27th. Practices will be held from 5-7pm at the Marshfield Middle School track, pending weather. These practices will be an “open gym” format. Come and go as you please. Club coaches will be available during that time. Littles (those 5th grade and younger) will have dedicated time every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-4:45pm.  HUB CITY HOME TRACK MEETS AT MARSHFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL - MARSHFIELD, WI FRIDAY, JUNE 14TH & FRIDAY, JUNE 28TH - 5:00PM START.  Click here for details.

Miracles for Grady and Jace Fundraiser

This fundraiser will help Dustin '00 and Erin Binder with medical costs and needs for their twin boys, Grady and Jace, who were recently diagnosed with Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN). This is an extremely rare disease (1-3 individuals per million people) where iron accumulates in the brain, affecting motor function and progresses over time. It's beyond imaginable for one of your children to be diagnosed with this rare disease, let alone twins. The sadness and stress it can cause a family is overwhelming, as Dustin and Erin are going through this with both boys. Dustin and Erin currently live in Eau Claire, but Dustin is a Marshfield native who graduated from Columbus High School. 

“Miracles for Grady and Jace” will be held at Bakerville Sports Bar on April 20, 2024. This fundraiser will help the family with future medical expenses and equipment, not covered by insurance, that are expected in excess of $250,000. This event will not only help raise funds for Grady and Jace, but will allow individuals an opportunity to donate to help find a cure for PKAN as well as raise awareness for this rare disease. View the attached flier for more information.  

Let's Keep Talking: A Parent and Caregiver Series

3rd Tuesday of the Month, 6:00pm, JP Adler Room, Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library.  Click HERE to view flyer.

• April 16 - The Impact of Social Media
• May 21 - Community Resources for Youth Related to Mental Health and Substance Use

CITY OF MARSHFIELD

Click this link to learn more about the following:  https://ci.marshfield.wi.us/departments_and_divisions/city_e-news_update.php 

• Prescription drug take-back April 27
• Summer job opportunities for teenagers
• Wildwood Zoo Summer Camp Wildwood Registration
• Vandehey Waters 2024 Season Passes

CHESTNUT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Click Here to download the Winter/Spring Flyer with new classes including:

• Play with Clay Experience - April 14 & 21
• Hydro-Dipping - May 5
• Negative Watercolor Painting - April 4-May 2
• Stitchery Open House - 2nd & 4th Wednesdays