Columbus Catholic Area School News

Welcome to Columbus Catholic Schools! To learn more, or if you have any questions, please reach out to Angie Loucks, Director of Marketing and Admissions, at 715-387-1177 ext. 3318 or loucks.angela@columbusdons.org; or visit our website at www.columbuscatholicschools.org.

Columbus Catholic Schools (CCS) System
Every year Columbus Catholic Schools participates in the MACCI (Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry) Leadership Marshfield Education Day. This year’s Education Day fell on November 21st and this year was special for us, as we were able to give a tour of our Fieldhouse.
The MACCI Leadership Marshfield Class is an eight-month program that identifies current and potential leaders in the community and provides participants with a training program that enhances their ability to function as more effective leaders. Each month the class focuses on a subject for an entire day including Business and Economic Development, Commerce, Community Engagement, Education, Health Care, Local Government, and Public Safety. During Education Day, participants learn about the different education opportunities available in Marshfield, including MSTC, UWSP, and public and private schools.
We always look forward to opening our doors to the Leadership Marshfield participants so community members can catch a glimpse of what it’s like to be a Columbus student. This year was different as we incorporated our fieldhouse project into the program. We kicked off with a quick Q&A (fueled by some snacks created by our Family And Consumer Education Class). This was followed by a tour of our high school and middle school pointing out our Tech Ed Department, Science Wing, and recent improvements including new front doors, windows and lockers. Our Student Ambassadors were on hand to answer questions and give perspectives from a student point of view.
Then finally, participants grabbed a hard hat and entered the construction zone. There, participants got an update on progress and learned the impact it will have on our students and the community – including the ability to host more sporting events, which bring visitors into Marshfield. Our current gym is booked solid from early in the morning until late at night, making it difficult for our students to practice at a convenient time – cutting into supper and homework time, and arriving home late at night.

St. John the Baptist Primary School (SJBP)
At Columbus Catholic Schools, we know that small student-to-teacher ratios are key when it comes to student success. That is why our classes have an average of around 13 students. Increased enrollment does not just mean more students. It also means more teachers as we add staff to accommodate this growth and maintain our 1:13 ratio.
At SJBP, we have classes from preschool (for 3- and 4-year-olds) to second grade, including full-day 4-year-old kindergarten, which is the only program of its kind in Marshfield. Once a year, we open the doors to SJBP so community members can visit the classrooms and ask our teachers any questions they may have. We also have staff available to answer questions about admissions and finance options, including scholarships, grants, a referral program and the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP). Through the WPCP it is possible for families who qualify to receive a free private education. This year, enrollment for the WPCP is from February 3 to April 17, 2025.
Our Open House this year will be January 29, 2025 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. SJBP is located at 307 N. Walnut Ave., Marshfield. For more information about our Open House, call 715-387-1177, email admissions@columbusdons.org or visit our website at www.columbuscatholicschools.org.

Our Lady of Peace Intermediate School (OLPI)
On November 14, 2024 (after a special Veteran’s Day Mass at Our Lady of Peace Church), there was a Flag Retirement Ceremony with VFW members, Columbus alumni / OLP parishioners who are veterans, and our third graders at Our Lady of Peace Intermediate School. Then, the third graders hosted a social in the church basement, where the students were able to ask questions, learn about their experiences and thank them for their service!

Columbus Catholic High / Middle School (CCHS/CCMS)
On November 11, 2024 our Columbus Catholic High and Middle School also held a Veterans Day Program for alumni and student family members who are veterans. The main speaker was Mrs. Janice Altmann (a 1980 graduate of CCHS). Janice is the mother of Staff Sgt. Joseph Altmann, who was also a student at CCHS and graduated in 2003. Joe bravely volunteered to serve our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice on Christmas Day in 2016 in Afghanistan. Janice spoke about the great pride of having a son serve in the military, and the sacrifice soldiers and their family members endure.
The program also included:
Challenge Academy Cadets who “Presented and Retired the Colors”
Performances from the Columbus Concert Choir and Columbus Concert Band
Flag folding demonstration from members of the VFW
Student reflections from three students whose parents are in the military or are veterans
Moment of silence and the playing of Taps