School News
Here at Father Marquette Catholic Academy, we want our parents and community members to be informed about our student accomplishments, important updates, and inspiring and informative articles. Check our news and events page often for all the latest happenings.
Thanks to funding from a MACC grant, FMCA was thrilled to welcome the NMU Performing Arts Academy for a special presentation that brought the entire school together. Students of all ages were treated to an energetic and engaging performance that showcased the talent, creativity, and expression of the Academy’s performers. The show highlighted the power of the performing arts to inspire, entertain, and connect with audiences of all ages. It was a joyful and memorable experience that left students buzzing with excitement.
After the all-school performance, the 3rd and 4th grade classes had the unique opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops led by members of the Performing Arts Academy. These interactive sessions allowed students to explore elements of acting, movement, and creative expression in a fun and supportive environment. The workshops not only deepened their understanding of the arts but also encouraged confidence, teamwork, and imagination. FMCA is grateful for the MACC grant that made this enriching experience possible.
The 7th grade recently braved the cold to build fires outside, simulating the experience of the protagonist in Jack London’s To Build a Fire. This hands-on activity brought the story to life, allowing students to engage more deeply with its themes of survival, nature, and human versus the elements. As they worked together to create warmth in the chilly outdoors, they gained a greater appreciation for the challenges faced in the story and the powerful lessons London conveys.
Congratulations to these students on their humility virtue award!
- PreK Blue: Avery T.
- PreK Gold: Joseph J.
- Kindergarten: Elliott L.
- 1st Grade: Clara J.
- 2nd Grade: Lillyana M.
- 3rd Grade: Anna R.
- 4th Grade: Shea H.
- 5th Grade: Lucas T.
- 6th Grade: Matthew M.
- 7th Grade: Nolan E.
- 8th Grade: Eli H.
This year, we are awarding students with a Disciple of Christ award. In March, we celebrated kindergarten students, and each student received an award based on a virtue they exemplified. We recognize students who receive the award as disciples of Christ. They set a positive example for their peers in a specific virtue that their teachers see them portray daily.
Congratulations to the kindergarteners for being excellent examples of living out their virtues and being excellent disciples!
- Chloe G.: Affability
- Gianluca S.: Courtesy
- Elliott R.: Foresight
- Phinehas M.: Gratitude
- Sonny P.: Honesty
- Aiden P.: Industriousness
- Elliott L.: Kindness
- Veora O.: Loyalty
- Zoë H.: Orderliness
- Martin K.: Perseverance
- Marlie O.: Respect
- Bailey P.: Responsibility
- Harper M.: Self-control
- Maxwell S.: Sincerity
- Eziah V.: Generosity
Father Marquette Catholic Academy middle school students recently presented the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross is a devotional practice that commemorates Jesus Christ’s passion and death. It consists of 14 stations, each representing a moment from Jesus’ condemnation to his burial.
Featuring…
- Willa as Jesus
- An as Pontius Pilate
- Cole and Lucas as the soldiers
- Addy as Mary
- Kensington as Simon of Cyrene
- Cora as Veronica
- Alex, Flo, and Kensington (standing in for Evie) as the weeping women
- Paul on lights
- Noelle and Anneli reading
A special thank you to the 4th graders for providing the choral music!
*Check out the behind-the-scenes photo!
The Stations:
- Jesus is condemned to death – Pilate sentences Jesus to crucifixion.
- Jesus takes up his cross – He willingly accepts his suffering.
- Jesus falls for the first time – His burden is heavy.
- Jesus meets his mother – Mary shares in his sorrow.
- Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross – A stranger helps him.
- Veronica wipes the face of Jesus – A woman shows kindness.
- Jesus falls the second time – The journey is exhausting.
- Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem – He tells them to weep for themselves.
- Jesus falls the third time – His suffering deepens.
- Jesus is stripped of His garments – He is humiliated.
- Jesus is nailed to the cross – His hands and feet are pierced.
- Jesus dies on the cross – He breathes his last.
- Jesus is taken down from the cross – His body is given to Mary.
- Jesus is laid in the tomb – He is buried, awaiting the resurrection.
This meditation helps Christians reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and grow in faith.
Check out these fun moments from the kindergarten Mardi Gras celebration. The kids had a blast making festive masks, and they were all excited when Maxwell discovered the baby Jesus in his slice of king cake.
The girls volleyball team wrapped up their season with an impressive performance at their final tournament, securing an outstanding second place finish! Demonstrating their versatility beyond the court, they were spontaneously asked to sing the national anthem to kick off the tournament—and they delivered a fantastic performance. Congratulations to the team on their hard work and talent, both in the game and beyond!
March is reading month at Father Marquette Catholic Academy. We have many wonderful events planned to celebrate the joy of reading throughout the month. Please see the March Reading Calendar for more information.
The Baby Bottle Boomerang is a fundraiser for the Care Clinic, which supports and provides resources to babies, moms, and families in our community. The Care Clinic has provided each classroom with a baby bottle bank. Students are encouraged to bring in loose change and savings to put in the classroom bank as an act of almsgiving. The classroom that raises the most money will celebrate with a pizza party! We are calling all FMCA families to actively participate in our schoolwide Lenten Almsgiving! Please see the Baby Bottle Boomerang flyer for more information.
The 3rd and 4th grade classes recently took a field trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising, Michigan. It was a great day!
During their visit, students participated in hands-on activities to learn about animal tracking and hunting, simulating how wildlife relies on smell, hearing, and sight for survival. They also embarked on a snowshoeing stewardship hike, where they explored plant survival in winter and the adaptations that help Michigan’s plants endure harsh conditions. Lastly, students studied the Great Lakes' ecosystems and the geological processes that have shaped the region's landscape.
The 6th graders are just finishing up their lesson on the nervous system. During this lesson, students learned how our bodies detect different stimuli and turn them into signals our brain can understand. Students did labs and activities to learn about their taste buds, olfactory receptors in their noses, tactile receptors in their skin, balance receptors in their inner ears, the brain's perception of tactile sensation, and how it works with vision. Students were also tasked with building a model of a human eye that was able to focus light onto a retina. Students were able to plan their own unique projects and choose their materials.
We did another activity about vision/perception. Students were supplied with a fake hand and tricked their brain into believing it was their own hand (by using their senses of vision and tactile perception) before hitting the fake hand with a hammer and seeing if the student flinched!
This winter, 7th and 8th-grade students from Father Marquette Catholic Academy (FMCA) had a retreat at Saint Joseph's in Ishpeming. Joining them were students from Bishop Baraga Catholic School (Iron Mountain) and Sacred Heart Catholic School (L'Anse), creating a vibrant community of faith.
Led by Father Ryan, the retreat centered on the theme of perseverance, a virtue explored through engaging games, interactive activities, and profound Bible stories. Students delved into the lives of Mary, Moses, and Abraham, drawing inspiration from their faith.
A powerful visual lesson resonated deeply: students were invited to write their burdens on bricks and physically lay them at the foot of the cross, symbolizing the act of surrendering their worries to Jesus. This impactful experience reinforced the message that they are not alone in their struggles.
The day was filled with opportunities for growth, including team-building games and insightful breakout discussions. Through reflective prayer and guided activities, students were encouraged to center both their inner and outer lives on the virtues of Jesus. The beautiful day allowed for a deep connection with faith and fellow students from the UP.
Catholic schools are united in faith and community. Please see below for the National Catholic Educational Association’s dozen reasons to choose a Catholic school.
The 6th grade STEM class worked very hard on their cardboard construction projects!
FMCA PK Gold students recently enjoyed a pair of engaging activities that brought math and literacy to life. First, the class explored the story "One Hundred Hungry Ants" by counting and placing 100 plastic ants onto a 10x10 grid, reinforcing the concept of one-to-one correspondence. Later, the students traded ants for fruit loops, placing 100 of the colorful cereal pieces onto another grid. This sweet activity culminated in the creation of edible necklaces, combining a fun craft with continued counting practice. The hands-on approach helped students visualize numbers and develop fine motor skills, making learning a delicious and memorable experience.
The 3rd and 4th grades were able to learn all about the Korean New Year! Thank you to the Daneks who taught the classes some Korean sayings, traditions, games, and all about the Korean New Year. Students were also able to see and try on some traditional Korean clothing (hanbok) and try many different foods. The 3rd and 4th graders were able to try Tteokguk (rice cake soup), bulgogi jerky, kimchee, gochujang, Asian pears, seaweed, sesame coconut crackers, Dalgona candy, and some honey twist snacks. It was so much fun and delicious!
Five students from Father Marquette Catholic Academy recently talked to Witness to Hope about attending a Catholic school. Please take a moment to listen below.
Our 4th through 8th grade students recently enjoyed a fantastic day on the slopes at Marquette Mountain. The crisp winter air and stunning views provided a picturesque backdrop for a day filled with fun and learning. From seasoned skiers carving graceful turns to beginners taking their first tentative steps, the mountain offered something for everyone.
The students, accompanied by teachers and parent volunteers, embraced the opportunity to experience the thrill of skiing. Enthusiastic instructors were on hand to provide guidance and encouragement, ensuring that everyone felt supported and safe. The sound of laughter and excited chatter filled the air as students conquered new challenges and shared their experiences with friends.
For many, this trip was their first time skiing, and the excitement was palpable. Even those who had never been on skis before were soon gliding down the slopes with newfound confidence. The more experienced skiers were able to hone their skills and enjoy the challenge of the varied terrain.
A huge thank you goes out to Marquette Mountain for hosting our students and to the dedicated volunteers who made this memorable day possible. The smiles on the faces of our students as they left the mountain were a testament to the success of the trip. We look forward to more opportunities to explore the wonders of winter in our beautiful Marquette community.
Thank you to everyone for making our daddy-daughter dance such a wonderful and memorable evening! Your support helped create a magical night filled with laughter, dancing, and special memories for our families.
The Home and School Association is incredibly grateful for the generosity and support that made our daddy-daughter dance a truly special evening. This event would not have been possible without our amazing donors and volunteers.
A heartfelt thank you to Sonia Geschwindt for her generous donation of wooden frames and craft supplies, Kara Szember for providing the fantastic photo booth and delicious Frisky’s cookies, Weronika Kusek for sponsoring Double Trouble DJs, and Knots and Kisses for their beautiful fresh flowers and stunning decorations.
And, of course, a huge shout out to all the incredible moms and dads who dedicated their time to setting up and staying late to clean up. Your help was invaluable!
Thank you all for making this event such a wonderful success! We’ve included some pictures from the night to capture just a glimpse of the joy shared by all!
Thank you again for your support in making this event a success!
Our 7th grade social studies class recently took a fascinating trip back in time to learn about the Aztec empire! One of the most incredible things we discovered was how the Aztecs managed to grow food in the middle of a lake. They created something called "chinampas," which are often referred to as "floating gardens."
Imagine a city built on a lake! That's Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital. With limited land, the Aztecs ingeniously developed these artificial islands to expand their farming area. They wove together reeds, sticks, and mud to form sturdy platforms. These platforms were then anchored to the lake bottom and filled with fertile soil. Canals crisscrossed between the chinampas, allowing for easy irrigation and transportation by canoe.
These weren't just any gardens. The chinampas were incredibly productive, providing the Aztecs with a wide variety of crops like corn, beans, squash, and even flowers. The rich, moist soil and the surrounding water created an ideal environment for growing. It's amazing to think that these "floating gardens" helped feed a large and thriving population!
Learning about the chinampas really brought home how clever and resourceful the Aztecs were. They adapted to their environment in a truly remarkable way, creating a sustainable agricultural system that allowed their empire to flourish. It makes you wonder what creative solutions we can come up with today to address our own challenges!
On Saturday, February 1 the Father Marquette 7th/8th grade band sent four students to MSBOA's District 14 Solo & Ensemble Festival! This exciting event gave our band students the opportunity to showcase their musical talents, receive feedback from highly qualified judges, and earn ratings and medals for their performances. The performances are scored on a scale from one to four, with one being the highest possible score. Students who receive a rating of one are awarded a blue ribbon, the highest honor at the Solo & Ensemble Festival in Michigan.
We are thrilled to announce that all four of our students earned a perfect score of one! Vincent C. performed a solo, while Aubrey V. and Lucia V. performed a duet, and Aubrey, Lucia, and Hannah S. performed a trio. Each group earned a rating of one, bringing home a total of six blue medals for their outstanding performances!
Congratulations to Vincent, Aubrey, Lucia, and Hannah for their fantastic achievements at the festival. Go, Eagles!
This year, we are awarding students with a Disciple of Christ award. In January, 2nd grade students were celebrated, and each student was given an award based on a virtue they exemplified. Students who receive the award are recognized as disciples of Christ. They set a positive example for their peers in a specific virtue that their teachers see them portray daily.
Congratulations to the 2nd graders for being excellent examples of living out their virtues and being excellent disciples!
- Lilliana B.: Perseverance
- Wilson S.: Respect
- Emma L.: Moderation
- Mariella M.: Kindness
- Reese L.: Trustworthiness
- Rhett F.: Magnanimity
- Lillyana M.: Honesty
- Maddie V.: Industriousness
- Theo G.: Humility
- Ania R.: Generosity
- Joey E.: Gratitude
- Virginia J.: Prayerfulness
- Madelyn P.: Affability
- Lizzie P.: Foresight
- Ann T.: Magnificence
- Ellis S.: Loyalty
- Henia S.: Sincerity
- Bril P.: Courtesy
Congratulations to these students on their moderation virtue award!
- PreK Gold: Mila F.
- Kindergarten: Sonny P.
- 1st Grade: Maksym S.
- 2nd Grade: Theo G.
- 3rd Grade: Liana V.
- 4th Grade: Amelia S.
- 5th Grade: Paul C.
- 6th Grade: Moses P.
- 7th Grade: Waylon H.
- 8th Grade: Sabrina S.
Catholic Schools Week at Father Marquette Catholic Academy was a joyful celebration of faith, learning, and community. Throughout the week students, staff, and families came together to honor the mission of Catholic education with a variety of engaging and meaningful activities.
Students had the special opportunity to be present at our local parishes, participating in Masses and sharing their gratitude with parishioners who continually support our school. Another highlight was our "Dress As A Saint" day where students honored the lives of the saints by dressing up and learning about their inspiring stories.
Laughter and excitement filled the air during our student vs. staff volleyball game, a spirited competition that had everyone cheering. Students also enjoyed the winter weather with sledding, proving that learning extends beyond the classroom—sometimes onto the snowy hills!
Gratitude was a key theme throughout the week, as students wrote heartfelt thank-you notes to our priests and other area entities that help support our school. These acts of kindness reinforced the values of appreciation and service, two hallmarks of our Catholic education.
This year’s Catholic Schools Week featured several unique activities, including a Backwards Book Fair that delighted students with unexpected literary surprises. Our snack sale was another big hit, offering a variety of delicious treats while raising funds for school initiatives. To wrap up the week, students enjoyed popcorn and a movie, a relaxing way to celebrate all the memories made.
Catholic Schools Week was a wonderful reminder of the blessings of our school community. Through faith-filled activities, fun events, and opportunities to give thanks, we strengthened our bonds with one another and deepened our commitment to our shared mission. We are grateful to all who made this week possible and look forward to continuing our journey together in faith and learning!
We would like to invite you to participate in the 2025 fruit sale. Our delicious fruit includes California oranges, Texas grapefruit, and Washington state apples and pears. All fruit sale order forms and payment are due to the school office by Wednesday, February 12. Fruit pick up will take place on Thursday, February 27 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Please see below for more information.
Father Marquette Catholic Academy is hosting an enrollment night for the 2025–2026 school year on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. All new prospective families (pre-k to 8th grade) and all current pre-k and kindergarten families are welcome. You will have the opportunity to meet the teachers and principal, discover the classical curriculum difference and pre-k Highscope curriculum, and explore the classroom. There will be a 20% discount for new kindergarten through 8th grade families. All faiths are welcome, and families are eligible to apply for generous tuition scholarships. Contact us at (906) 225-1129 for a private tour. Please see our enrollment night flyer for more information.
Father Marquette Catholic Academy presents our Valentine’s Gala on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Join us for an elegant evening at St. Peter Cathedral, 311 West Baraga Street, Marquette, Michigan. The evening begins with mass at 4:00 p.m., followed by social hour at 5;00 p.m. and dinner at 6:00 p.m. There will be live music by The Daydreamers, bucket raffles, and live and silent auctions. Tickets are $45 and include dinner, dessert, and two beverage tickets. A cash bar will also be available. Buy your tickets before Friday, February 7, 2025, at the following locations:
- Father Marquette Catholic Academy
- St. Peter Cathedral
- St. Louis the King
- St. Michael Church
- St. Christopher Church
By attending the gala, you are not just enjoying an evening of fun; you are empowering Father Marquette Catholic Acasdmy to provide the best possible education for our students and ensuring a bright future for generations to come.
Father Marquette Catholic Academy (FMCA) is hosting a sledding party on January 26, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Harlow Park, 623 West Washington Street, MQT. Bring your own sled. There will be hot chocolate and donuts. This event is put on and sponsored by FMCA Home and School Association and the FMCA kindergarten class.
Father Marquette Catholic Academy is hosting a snack sale for pre-k through 8th grade students on Tuesday, January 28 through Friday, January 31 or until supplies last. Please bring donations of pre-packaged individual snacks for sale to the office by Friday, January 24. Please avoid snacks with tree nuts. Please see our snack sale flyer for more information.
Catholic Schools Week is on Sunday, January 26 through Saturday, February 1. There are a variety of activities taking place throughout the week. Please see below for complete details.
Attention, Father Marquette Catholic Academy parents and families! Come check out our backward book fair at Sacred Heart Religious Store during Catholic Schools Week on Monday, January 27 through Friday, January 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Come browse! Students in 3rd through 8th grades will have an opportunity to go with their classes on Monday, January 27.
The sixth graders have been studying how changes in the world's oceans affect people and animals and how we can be better stewards of our oceans and waterways. They have created infographics to demonstrate their learning. They recently presented their infographics to parents.
Congratulations to these students on their obedience virtue award this month!
- PreK blue: Noah C.
- PreK gold: Claire G.
- Kindergarten: Eziah V.
- First grade: William W.
- Second grade: Reese L.
- Third grade: Lucy L.
- Fourth grade: Poppy P.
- Fifth grade: Olivia B.
- Sixth grade: Silas L.
- Seventh grade: Ava L.
- Eighth grade: Isabella A.
Our December Disciple of Christ winners are from the 6th grade. Mr. Barry's 6th grade homeroom students have been demonstrating excellent virtues as we prepare for Christ's coming at Christmas.
- Kyla L.: Affability
- Hana D.: Courtesy
- Silas L.: Foresight
- Moses P.: Honesty
- Matthew M.: Kindness
- Matthew C.: Moderation
- Giovanni S.: Perseverance
- Jillian B.: Prayerfulness
- Charlee S.: Respect
- Rowan M.: Responsibility
The Diocese of Marquette has launched a unique program pairing local schools with seminarians. This initiative aims to strengthen the bond between future priests and our students, while also offering support and encouragement to those discerning a call to the priesthood.
Father Marquette Catholic Academy has “adopted” seminarians Alexander Gilliam and Mark Beukema for a two-year period. Our students are eager to connect with him through letters, cards, and care packages filled with snacks, personal items, and words of encouragement.
Seminarians are actively involved in this program. They will visit schools in person, exchange letters, wear school spirit wear, and share photos of their seminary life. Virtual Zoom meetings will also be scheduled, allowing students to ask questions, learn about the seminary experience, and build relationships with future priests.
Alexander Gilliam recently visited Father Marquette Catholic Academy, stopping by each classroom to introduce himself. Students enthusiastically engaged with him, asking thoughtful questions about his journey and life at the seminary.
The Knights of Columbus Council 17,772 is pleased to announce the winners of this year's Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest.
- Kindergarten: 1st place Elliott R., 2nd Place Sonny P., 3rd Place Aiden P.
- 1st and 2nd Grades: 1st Place Henryka S., 2nd Place Lillyana M., 3rd Place Reese L.
- 3rd and 4th Grades: 1st Place Mariana V., 2nd Place Stella S., 3rd Place Shea H.
- 5th and 6th Grades: 1st Place Evelyn G., 2nd Place Silas L., 3rd Place Paul C.
- 7th and 8th Grades: 1st Place Rebecca G. (St. Michael Parish), 2nd Place Katie Scarlett G. (St. Michael Parish), 3rd Place Ava L.
Congratulations, and thank you to all who participated in this wonderful event! An awards ceremony and pizza party will be planned for after Christmas break.
The sixth-grade social studies class is learning about the different forms of government. They used gummy bears to represent and show their understanding of the various forms of government.
The seventh-grade social studies class has been discussing the civilizations of Mesoamerica (Maya, Aztec, and Inca empires). For the past two weeks, they have been studying the Aztec empire and the story of Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe. The students finished the lesson with their parents; they gathered to make roses for Our Lady and celebrated with a fiesta.
Our second graders had a field trip to Peter White Public Library. They made ornaments, viewed the Christmas trees and Christmas village, listened to stories, and learned more about the library and its programs.
Father Marquette Catholic Academy hosted a Santa's Workshop where students shopped for gifts from local craft vendors. We suspect a few might have treated themselves, too! They had a great time browsing and choosing just the right gift.
The 6th and 7th graders had a food truck event. It was a fun way to do literary analysis. Their main objective was to connect their group's food truck with their literature circle book. They made menus and playlists, and some groups even brought in tasty samples.
This year, we are awarding students with a Disciple of Christ award. In November, 3rd grade students were celebrated, and each student was given an award based on a virtue they exemplify. Students who receive the award are recognized as disciples of Christ. They set a positive example for their peers in a specific virtue that their teachers see them portray daily.
Congratulations to the 3rd graders for being excellent examples of living out their virtues and being excellent disciples!
Congratulations to our November perseverance virtue winners!
- Pre-K Blue: Emmitt R.
- Pre-K Gold: Asher T.
- Kindergarten: Aiden P.
- 1st Grade: AJ L.
- 2nd Grade: Henia S.
- 3rd Grade: Florence W.
- 4th Grade: Leland S.
- 5th Grade: Cole F.
- 6th Grade: Kyla L.
- 7th Grade: Garrett M.
- 8th Grade: Sabrina S.
For our November prayer partner, Ms. Soha's class and the pre-k classes got together and made a thankful tree. Each student colored a leaf, and the big kids helped cut and write down what their partner is thankful for. We then hung them on the chalkboard tree in Mrs. Lund's classroom!
The middle school got in mixed grade groups to study ancient Greek and Roman culture in honor of classical education. The students performed the plays Atlanta and the Great Race and Daedalus and Icarus.
November 5, 2024, was a big day for the 2024 election. Middle school social studies classes started class with a prayer. Each class prayed the Prayer to the Guardian Angel of the United States and a decade of the rosary, completing an entire rosary for our country.
Father Marquette Catholic Academy spirit wear is now available. Items include polo shirts, t-shirts, hoodies, joggers, and more! Please see below for more information.
Did you know that the 4th grade gets weekly lessons with Father Tim? He has started by teaching 4th graders about Mass in slow motion. He took them on a tour of the Saint Peter's Cathedral, where he taught them about the building, the altar, the sacristy, vestments, sacred oils, and the liturgy of the word.
The 7th and 8th graders have been working hard since the beginning of the year on their science fair projects! Last week, they presented them to students, teachers, and parents. There were a lot of cool projects ranging from studying the impact of music on memory to testing which egg replacers work best as a binder in pumpkin pie!
