It is a true privilege to teach the two areas I am most passionate about: math and religion. As we begin a new school year, I am excited to share updates on our middle school math and religion programs. Designed to build critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of core concepts, our mathematics curriculum guides students through a rigorous progression from foundational pre-algebra to advanced algebraic thinking. Thanks to St. Leonard School's investment in updated textbooks for grades K5 through 8, our students are thoroughly equipped for high school mathematics. We are also fortunate to welcome Mr. Miller to our dedicated two-educator team. Maintaining two separate math groups at the middle school level allows us to provide individualized attention and differentiated instruction, successfully blending traditional teaching methods with interactive technology. Within our supportive, faith-based environment, students develop both academic excellence and the confidence to tackle complex real-world challenges. We are also thrilled to once again offer the Math Olympiads, allowing students to compete in monthly international competitions during what promises to be an exciting year of mathematics. Beyond academics, our religion program nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of our young adolescents as they grow in the image of Jesus Christ. The faith formation curriculum emphasizes moral decision-making, Catholic traditions, and Scripture study. Our middle school students actively live out their faith by leading school-wide prayer, mentoring younger students as "Prayer Buddies" at weekly Mass, and organizing the Outdoor Rosary. Keep our sixth grade students and all of our students in your prayers as we embark on this new school year.

St. Leonard Catholic Church and School is grateful to be the recipient of a filtered double water fountain with a bottle filler donated by Zurn-Elkay Water Solutions . It will be installed in the Holy Family Lobby outside of the gym. The donation is a result of a competition among Zurn-Elkay employees to win the opportunity to donate a filtered water fountain to a school or charitable organization of their choice. Nicole Welsh, Assistant Corporate Controller at Zurn-Elkay and St. Leonard School alumna, won the competition and chose St. Leonard as the recipient. “It is very rewarding and humbling to be able to give back to a school where I spent 9 years of my life,” said Welsh, a 2008 graduate. Her parents, Bob and Chris, have been St. Leonard parishioners for almost 40 years. St. Leonard staff followed up with Nicole Welsh on what her elementary school experience means to her today. Welsh shared the following reflection, “The lessons and beliefs taught by a Catholic education at St. Leonard have been invaluable. The community that a Catholic education provides still impacts my life all these years later through shared experiences and values.” She notes that her best friend from Kindergarten is still her best friend today. After graduating from St. Leonard, Welsh pursued her interest in accounting through coursework in high school and college, and eventually her career. She is able to integrate the values she learned at St. Leonard into her work. Welsh explains that her career at Zurn-Elkay offers her the opportunity to do what she is passionate about for a company with a sustainable mission and products that help people and the environment. Zurn-Elkay Water Solutions strives to provide environmentally sustainable water management solutions and advocates for increased access to clean water, with schools being one of their priorities. The company shares that water contaminants create a greater risk of growth disruptions and learning delays in children (according to a 2024 study at the Harvard University Center for Developing the Child). They also point out that there are no regulations- at the federal level and in 66% of states- mandating that water in schools be tested (according to the National Association of State Boards of Education and ABC News research ). Zurn-Elkay’s donation supports St. Leonard’s efforts to continuously enhance health and safety features on campus by adding to the number of filtered water stations accessible to students and visitors. Thank you to Nicole Welsh for choosing St. Leonard for this opportunity and for offering her reflections. Thank you to Zurn-Elkay Water Solutions for donating the filtered water cooler.

St. Leonard School’s Early Childhood Education program was recognized as a top finalist in the Preschool category of the “ Milwaukee Top Choice Community's Choice Awards! ” We’re incredibly grateful for this recognition. According to yourchoiceawards.com/milwaukee, nominations and votes are driven by public participation. Enrollment continues for St. Leonard School for the 2026-2027 school year. Schedule a tour at stleonards.org/contactschool or call the School Office at 262-679-0451. See how we’re forming hearts, minds and lives rooted in faith.