President's Report
President's Report
Siena Catholic Schools of Racine ignites a spirit of excellence in faith, knowledge, and service,
inspiring students to be who God created them to be.
August 2026
Embedded Files
August 15
August 15
August 15 – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. One of the Church's greatest Marian feasts and a Holy Day of Obligation in many countries, including the United States (unless particular liturgical norms affect the obligation in a given year). It celebrates Mary being assumed body and soul into heaven and reminds us of the hope of eternal life. In honor of Mary, remember to recite the Hail Mary daily.
From the President
From the President
August 2026
Learning Never Stops - Siena Summer School
This summer, 175 students participated in Siena Catholic Schools' Summer Enrichment Program, engaging in meaningful learning throughout the months of June and July. While the program provided strong academic opportunities to help students grow and prepare for the coming school year, it also continued to nurture what makes Siena unique—our Catholic faith. Through daily faith-filled experiences, prayer, and opportunities to live our Gospel values, students continued to strengthen their relationship with Christ while learning in a joyful and supportive environment.
We are deeply grateful for the leadership of Dr. Trudy G., Cheryl M., Marisol H., and our school principal team, whose dedication and commitment made this summer's program a tremendous success. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our valued partner, Culture for Urban Teaching, whose collaboration and expertise helped design and enrich this engaging summer learning experience. Together, they created an environment where students could grow academically, spiritually, and personally, ensuring that learning and faith remained at the heart of every day.
Preparation: Opening of the 26/27 School Year!
As we enter August, our Siena Catholic Schools community begins the important work of preparing for the opening of the 2026–2027 school year. This month is filled with purposeful planning, prayer, collaboration, and professional learning as we welcome our new staff, reconnect with returning staff, and strengthen the relationships that make our schools such special places to learn and grow. Throughout Welcome Back Week, our staff will engage in faith formation, strategic planning, professional development, and team-building, all centered on ensuring that every student experiences excellence rooted in our Catholic mission. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many hearts and hands—from our leadership teams, presenters, volunteers, parish partners, facilities and operations staff, and countless others—whose dedication makes this week of preparation possible. Their commitment reflects the spirit of service that defines Siena Catholic Schools. We eagerly look forward to welcoming all of our staff as we begin the new school year united under our 2026–2027 theme, inspired by the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta: "Do Small Things with Great Love." May this theme guide our daily work, reminding us that it is through small acts of kindness, faith, and excellence that we make an extraordinary difference in the lives of our students and one another.
Welcome Back Mass - Gathering - Kicking off the new school year!
What a beautiful way to begin our 2026–27 school year!
After Mass, we gathered together as a Siena Catholic Schools community to celebrate the year ahead. Our time together centered on our theme, “Doing Small Things with Great Love,” and the Jubilee Year, reflecting on how God calls each of us to be people of hope, faith, and love in the everyday moments of our lives.
We reflected together using Holy Moments by Matthew Kelly and spent time considering the small, meaningful ways we can make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
We also created a Hail Mary keychain with 10 beads—a simple reminder of Mary’s intercession when we pray and a challenge to intentionally complete 10 acts of kindness as we live out our theme throughout the year.
We concluded our time with an inspiring message from Father Justin Kiewdkis of St. Francis de Sales Seminary, who reminded us of the Providence of God and encouraged us to recognize how God is always present and working in our lives.
What a wonderful reminder that our vocation matters, our presence matters, and even the smallest acts of love can make a lasting difference.
“Do Small Things with Great Love.”
St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us!
*As a reminder, Dr.Sue'sViews videos are on Siena's FB site. Please check the videos and other key communications and "Like" or "Love" us.
Dr.Sue'sView
Dr.Sue'sView
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee's Welcome Back Leadership Day provided a prayerful and inspiring beginning to the new school year. The beauty of the day was rooted in the celebration of the Holy Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Jeffrey Grob and presided by Father Juan Manuel Camacho, who invoked God's blessings upon all who are called to serve in our Catholic schools.
The Mass served as a meaningful reminder that our work is first and foremost a ministry. As leaders, we have been entrusted with the sacred responsibility of forming young people in faith, knowledge, and service. Through prayer, Scripture, and the Eucharist, we were encouraged to begin this school year grounded in Christ and united in our shared mission.
Following Mass, Archdiocesan leaders provided important updates and guidance to help ensure a successful school year across our Catholic schools. The presentations focused on strengthening our collective efforts in Catholic identity, academic excellence, operational effectiveness, and the continued commitment to providing safe, welcoming, and faith-filled learning environments for every student.
As we return to our schools, we do so with renewed purpose, grateful for God's abundant blessings and inspired to lead with faith, hope, and love throughout the year ahead.
Catholic Identity
Catholic Identity
Catholic Heart Mission Trip (Waterloo, Iowa)
We partnered with our local Catholic parishes in Racine to bring a group of dedicated students to Waterloo, Iowa, for a transformative week with Catholic Heart Workcamp.
Students put their faith into physical action by taking on vital service projects to support the local neighborhood, completing essential home repairs and community cleanup initiatives.
We balanced hard work with daily spiritual formation, allowing students to grow deeply in their relationship with Christ through daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and the sacrament of reconciliation.
The "4 Corners" Night: one of my favorite evenings of prayer was inside a completely darkened gymnasium, where students were given full autonomy to quietly move between four distinct, intentional stations:
Counseling: One-on-one spiritual guidance and conversation with a trusted adult mentor.
Rosary: A quiet, contemplative space to pray the traditional Marian devotion.
Letter Writing: An opportunity to write letters of encouragement and faith to loved ones, to themselves, or to God.
Reconciliation: A private space to receive the sacrament of confession from a priest.
Vacation Bible Schools (Rainforest Falls Theme)
We successfully hosted and facilitated summer youth programs throughout June, July, and August across our Racine parishes: St. Lucy, St. Patrick, and St. Mary by the Lake (click on the location to see pictures from that week).
We had approximately 35 elementary students per camp, with every single program entirely led, and energized by our phenomenal middle and high school student leaders. I could not have done it without the middle and high schoolers who volunteered whole weeks of their summer to help.
Looking Ahead: System-Wide Welcome Back Activity & Mass
Grounding our staff and community in a vital mission for the upcoming school year: "Doing small things with great love."
"Holy Moments" Text Study: we will be giving everyone a personal copy of Matthew Kelly’s book, Holy Moments: A Handbook for the Rest of Your Life, to every attendee. This book will serve as a united text across all individual Siena school campuses from now until Christmas.
We will also be creating a "Great Things" Keychain for each person. Using yarn, beads, and a Miraculous Medal of Mary each person will be able to have their own keychain.
Dual Purpose of the Keychain: Staff can carry this tool daily to either count a single decade of the Rosary (10 Hail Marys) or physically track 10 small acts of kindness and intentional "Holy Moments" extended to students and colleagues.
God’s Survival Kit: A small special gift for each staff member will be given to them from Campus Ministry called God’s Survival Kit so they are reminded that they can do anything.
Remembering James “Jim” Poulsen, St. Catherine’s Class of 1960
Remembering James “Jim” Poulsen, St. Catherine’s Class of 1960
Siena Catholic Schools of Racine and St. Catherine’s High School are grateful to remember and honor the life and legacy of James “Jim” Poulsen, a proud St. Catherine’s High School alumnus from the Class of 1960.
Those who knew Jim describe him as a man of faith first and foremost. His Catholic faith shaped his life, his relationships, and his generosity. Jim remained deeply connected to St. Catherine’s throughout his life and was a dedicated alumnus who helped strengthen the school community in meaningful and lasting ways.
Jim was integral in the founding of the Chuck Wood Alumni House and Friends of Angels, located across the street from St. Catherine’s High School. His commitment to Catholic education and alumni engagement helped create spaces and opportunities for connection, support, and continued service to the St. Catherine’s community.
As a student, Jim excelled in basketball at St. Catherine’s and went on to play at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Later in life, he continued to support numerous Catholic organizations through his philanthropic work, including St. Catherine’s High School.
Through his generosity, Jim’s impact will continue for future generations of St. Catherine’s and Siena students. His legacy gift is a powerful reminder that Catholic education does more than prepare students for success. It helps form young people in faith, character, purpose, and service.
We are deeply grateful for Jim’s life, his example, and his lasting support of St. Catherine’s High School. Because of faithful friends and alumni like Jim, Siena can continue creating opportunities for students to learn, belong, grow in faith, and become servant leaders in our community.
May Jim’s legacy continue to bless St. Catherine’s and Siena students for years to come.
Well done, good and faithful servant. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Projects
Projects
PROJECT 2026/2027
Project 2026 Construction
Progress on the new entrance is coming along smoothly!
The new stairs, ramp and sidewalk are complete. Brickwork and landscaping is finished. Inside, the drywall, doorways and new transaction window are installed. Fixtures and cabinetry are being added.
Timeline and Meetings
Pre-bid walkthrough - Aug. 11
Construction planning meeting with Zach Prideaux, Dan Miller and Kurt Kaiser - Aug. 13
Contractor bids due - Aug. 26
Bid review - Aug. 27
Contractor interviews - Sept. 3
Contractor selection - by Sept. 9
Project 2027 Proxies
Proxy C to the building commission on Oct. 8
Proxy D to the building commission on Dec. 3
For more information, please see the Link to the Project 2026-2027 homepage
St. Catherine's Main Entrance
St. Catherine's Main Entrance
Academics
Academics
Siena In-Service
New Staff Orientation 8/14/26 and 8/17/26
Each school has planned multiple days of staff team-building, professional learning, and prepping for the return of students.
The Year Ahead
We look forward to continuing our work together with a focus on Academic Achievement, Culture, and Faith Excellence. Our principals and staff have been busy preparing for the year ahead, planning engaging learning experiences, opportunities for families and the community to connect, and meaningful faith formation that strengthens our Catholic identity.
Human Resources
Human Resources
As we entered August, we filled a majority of positions.
A few remaining:
Custodian II - St. Catherine’s
Administrative Assistant - St. Catherine’s
Part-Time Religion - St. Catherine’s
Principal - St. Catherine’s
If you know of anyone interested and qualified, please have them apply at our career page link below
Updated August 20, 2026
Operations
Operations
Project 2026 (SCHS Main Entry Safe/Secure Entry) is finishing up. The final walk-thru is scheduled early next week to identify any areas that still need to be addressed. Bukacek has done a fantastic job and we are excited to showcase the finished area to everyone!
Final preparations for the beginning of the new academic year and arrival of staff/students is concluding at all schools. Tech devices have been sourced and prepped for issue, maintenance projects worked to improve the functionality of spaces, deep cleanings are also being finalized and kitchen areas readied. Two new custodial team members have become fully integrated into the Operations team.
Siena received funding approval for a FEMA School Security Grant from the 2025-26 cycle.. This process was 10 months delayed from FEMA due to many different factors. Siena is working to ensure we fulfill the grant requirements since the Villa Administrative Building is the only facility approved. More information will follow.
A General Contractor pre-bid walk=thru for Project 2027 (SCHS Girls Locker Room and Weight Room relocation) was held on 8/12. Operations staff were available to answer questions and tour the team of approximately 50 contractors/sub-contractors around the building in preparation for their formal bid submittals due on 8/26. We anticipate a very competitive bidding process for this next stage of major renovations at SCHS.
A last-minute add-on summer project involves the trophy case at SCHS. Operations and the SCHS AD partnered to update the trophy cases on the Door 2 mezzanine level staircases. The dated wood cases were painted a bright white, and new LED lighting was added to brighten the displays. In addition, the lighting highlighting the Athletic Hall of Fame, coaches, and school athletic records will be updated with wraps and new fixtures. This is another of many projects to improve the dated appearance and branding of our flagship Siena high school.
Advancement
Advancement
Admissions, Enrollment, Financial Aid & Choice
Admissions is putting the finishing touches on the DPI Handbook, ensuring that all content is aligned with the Siena Student/Family Handbook (K-8) and St. Catherine's Student/Family Handbook.
The final Choice application period of the 26-27 school year is open through August 20. This is the last opportunity families have to apply for the Choice program.
We are looking into joining the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program for the 2027-28 academic year. This will expand Siena's reach beyond the RUSD borders for families interested in a Catholic education who qualify for the program.
Development & Alumni Relations:
Development & Alumni Relations:
Development activity continues to focus on donor engagement, strengthening fundraising infrastructure, advancing strategic planning, and preparing for key fundraising and stewardship initiatives.
Fiscal Year & Development Planning
Fiscal Year & Development Planning
Development closed FY2025–26 ahead of budgeted revenue and below budgeted expenses.
Development partnered with the Finance department to submit the FY 25-26 audit.
Development and Advancement leadership continue work on the Development strategic planning process, including clarifying long-term goals, measurable objectives, benchmarks, milestones, KPIs, and action steps.
Development is modeling both capacity-based and accelerated revenue-growth scenarios to evaluate realistic pathways toward Siena’s long-term 2.5:1 Development income-to-expense benchmark.
Planning continues to align Development priorities with Siena’s broader strategic goals, organizational capacity, donor engagement, and long-term fundraising sustainability.
Received $140,115.00 in grants from the Milwaukee Archdiocese's Love One Another Trust.
Upcoming events include:
St. Catherine's High School Safe & Secure Entrance and Welcome Center Ribbon Cutting on August 25. Please register here.
The Annual McGuire Letsch Golf Outing supporting scholarships is on September 25.
Siena Ignites on October 29. To sponsor or purchase a table, click here. To register, click here.Amber Lacher, Development Coordinator, resigned. The job description has been updated, and we are currently seeking candidates.
Marketing & Communications
New SCHS website development is heading towards final stages. We are working closely with the DesignsTouch developers to finalize content for a multi-functional and user-friendly website.
We are beginning to look at options for a new Siena website, where all schools will be located under the same site.
Siena has ads running with the St. Leo the Great Parish bulletin, Racine Theater Guild, Visit Racine, RAMAC, Racine Interfaith Coalition, and Woodman's - please keep an eye out!
Technology
Technology
IT has saved almost $15,000 by looking into free or different vendors for software and services.
Upgraded visitor management software to a new product and saved $1500
Was able to get SCHS rewired for paging and bell systems at a large discount.
Was donated over $20k in network equipment for SCHS - which has been fully installed.
Enough to also upgrade JP2A
All new students devices have been setup, configured and ready for student use on day one!
Finance
Finance
Budget Manager seminar will be held during the 26/27 Back-to-School Days. This is a workshop/training session hosted by David for all of Siena's budget managers. Key Points will include:
Proper planning and oversight of departmental budgets.
Processes and procedures for procurement, including purchase orders, use of restricted funds, and new vendor onboarding.
Expectations and accountability.
Before and After School Care programs will now use Procare software for attendance and billing. This will allow for weekly billing, consistent collections, and smoother pickup/dropoff. Registration is active for the upcoming school year.
Siena Catholic Schools of Racine
Siena Catholic Schools of Racine
Mission: Siena Catholic Schools of Racine ignites a spirit of excellence in faith, knowledge, and service, inspiring students to be who God created them to be.
Vision: Rooted in the teachings of Christ and His Church, Siena Catholic Schools of Racine is a premier option for Catholic Education, empowering all members of the Siena Community to live out their vocations in the world as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Values:
Collaboration: We strengthen our community by fostering relationships with families, parishioners, and partners.
Innovation: We cultivate creative thinkers who transform problems into possibilities in an ever-changing society.
Education: We develop the whole child in spirit, mind, and body through Catholic teachings.
Excellence: We foster a faith-filled environment in which high standards guide exceptional performance.
Service: We care for God’s creation by fostering faith, learning, and responsible stewardship.
Tradition: We honor our Dominican roots through prayer, study, service, and community.
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