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John 23 Educational Center Updates


October 2026

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October Highlights

πŸ‚ October Enrichment: Learning, Creating & Growing!


October was filled with hands-on learning, creativity, and fun at John 23! πŸŽƒ Students practiced kitchen safety and enjoyed baking cookies and Halloween treats while exploring teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through fun challenges.


🧠 Our STEM activities included building toothpick towers, creating cell diffusion models, experimenting with coin batteries, and discovering the science behind Halloween-themed pumpkin volcanoes (video here) and ghost balloons!


πŸ”¬ Students also learned valuable life skills through Budget Basics, explored good decision-making, and strengthened leadership and cooperation.


🀝 We enjoyed special guest visits from Jacob Ulickey, who shared his knowledge of drones, and Caleb Hyatt, who amazed students with a magic show! ✨


🌟 Please join us in welcoming Crystal, Leah, and Roger to the John 23 family as our newest Afterschool Program Tutors! πŸ“š Their knowledge, qualifications, and individual strengths will play an important role in providing students with academic support, building confidence, strengthening skills, and encouraging success both inside and outside the classroom. We are excited to have them

ο»Ώon our team! πŸ’™πŸ‘


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Community Connection

🌟 Giving Today. Building Brighter Futures All Year Long


🌟 It Takes a Village: Help Us Build Brighter Futures!


There is an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child. At John 23 Educational Center, we see the truth in that every single day.


Established in 2009, John 23 has continued to grow and evolve to meet the needs of Racine students. Today, we serve 65 students in grades 4–12, providing year-round academic support, enrichment opportunities, and meaningful experiences that help students grow both inside and outside the classroom.


Our growth tells an important story. Last year, we averaged approximately 12 students per day. This year, that number has more than doubled to an average of 25 students daily! Behind every number is a student who needs encouragement, extra academic support, a safe place to learn, or simply someone who believes in their potential.


πŸ“š Building Stronger Academic Foundations


Reading and math remain at the heart of our work. Some of our students arrive reading below grade level or struggling with foundational math skills. Through individualized tutoring, homework assistance, qualified staff, and consistent encouragement, we are seeing students make meaningful progress. Those improvements may look different for every child, but each step forward matters!

Beyond academics, our program is rich in content and opportunity. Daily enrichment activities, career readiness, social-emotional learning, reading initiatives, and hands-on experiences encourage students to explore new interests, develop confidence, and discover their strengths.


🍎 Nourishing More Than Minds


Sometimes giving looks like a warm meal. Thanks to a dedicated volunteer mom, our students enjoy a freshly prepared meal once a week, made right here in our fully equipped kitchen. We also provide snacks every day, along with good old-fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for students who need a little extra.

These simple acts of kindness remind our students that their community cares about them.


🀝 A Community Working Together


Our work would not be possible without the generosity and collaboration of our community. Partnerships with organizations such as United Way of Racine County, Racine Community Foundation, and SCJohnson help strengthen our programming and expand opportunities for students. Add our volunteers, donors, families, and dedicated staff, and you truly have a village investing in the next generation.


🌟 A Free Resource for Racine Families


One of the most important things about John 23 Educational Center is that our programs are completely free to families. There are no tuition fees or program costs for students to participate. We believe every child deserves access to academic support, enrichment, and opportunities to grow, regardless of their family's financial circumstances. Community generosity makes this possible, ensuring that families have a dependable resource they can turn to throughout the school year and summer months.


πŸ’™ Giving Season Is Here, But Our Need Is Year-Round!


While the holiday season reminds us of the importance of giving, the needs of our students don't end when the holidays are over. John 23 operates year-round, including our Summer Spark program and individualized tutoring opportunities throughout the year.


One meaningful way to make a lasting difference is by becoming a monthly donor through our Brighter Futures Club. A recurring gift, no matter the amount, provides dependable support that allows us to plan ahead, sustain quality programming, retain qualified staff, and respond to the growing needs of our students.


Whether you give monthly, volunteer your time, share your talents, or introduce us to someone who believes in our mission, you are part of something bigger.


Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Together, we can make that possible.


🌟 Join our Brighter Futures Club (Recurring Gift) and help keep brighter futures within reachβ€”all year long!


Donate Today


Thank you for being part of our village!


With Gratitude,

Darci Green, MPA

Executive Director



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Afterschool Program


Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday

ο»Ώ2:30-6:00

2100 W. High Street, Racine


Holiday Closure

November 23-27

Mailing Address


St. Leo the Great-John 23 Educational Center

3101 Drexel Ave

Racine, WI 53403



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The mission of John 23 Educational Center is to empower students for lifelong success both in and out of the classroom.

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