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.

September 2026

President's Report

A Saintly September

From the President

Project 2027: We’re Getting Closer!

Catholic Identity

Supporter Spotlight: Tom & Ann Johnson

A Saintly September

In September, we honor St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Padre Pio, the Archangels, and many others. May they and all the holy men and women continue to inspire us with their unwavering faith and devotion. May all of our Saints bring us their everlasting love and provide guidance for us on our journey to sainthood.

From the President

September 2026

A BIG Siena thank-you to the generous donors who have recently invested in our schools and our students! Your financial support does so much more than fund a need—it opens doors, strengthens opportunities, and helps us provide an exceptional Catholic education rooted in faith, excellence, and purpose.

Every gift is a vote of confidence in our students, our teachers, and the future of Catholic education. Thank you for believing in Siena and for helping us continue to grow, thrive, and live our mission!

Your generosity is making a difference! Every donation helps strengthen faith, learning, opportunity, and the future of Catholic education across Siena Catholic Schools.

You give. Our students grow. Our mission thrives. Thank you for investing in the next generation of Siena students!

Love One Another and GIFTS Grants

We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee through the Love One Another campaign. This year, Siena Catholic Schools was blessed to receive several Gift Grants, providing additional resources that will directly support our schools, our students, and the important work of Catholic education.

Love One Another Trust

$12,000 to enhance the visual representation of our Catholic identity at St. Joseph School
$25,000 St. Rita School STEM Innovation Library
$23,115 St. Sebastian STEM Academy STEM program enhancements
$5,000 to transform the main hallway with sacred imagery to inspire students in faith at John Paul II Academy
$25,000 Our Lady of Grace Academy STEM Innovation Library
$25,000 St. Lucy School STEM Innovation Library

Milwaukee Archdiocese's GIFTS Grants

JPIIA - $5,000 to support the implementation and integration of a hydroponic Tower Garden program across multiple grade levels.
Siena Advancement Department - $10,000 to develop a comprehensive, professionally designed enrollment and advancement marketing toolkit that will strengthen student recruitment, family engagement, donor stewardship, and long-term sustainability across our “Seven Schools, One Community” Catholic education system.

These grants are especially meaningful because they let us identify needs and opportunities in our schools and apply funding in four areas that strengthen the educational experience and support our Catholic mission. These additional resources allow our schools to invest in meaningful initiatives that may not otherwise be possible within our regular operating budgets.

We are grateful for the Archdiocese’s partnership and for the generosity of those who make the Love One Another campaign possible. Every grant is an investment in our students, our teachers, and the continued strength of Catholic education. We are excited to put these funds to work across our Siena schools and see the impact they will have on our students and communities.

Ascension Smart Smiles Comes to Siena

We are grateful to partner with Ascension Smart Smiles, a school-based dental program that brings preventive oral health care directly to students.

Smart Smiles provides services such as dental screenings, fluoride treatments, sealants, oral health education, and referrals when additional care is needed—all right at school, helping make dental care more accessible for children and families.

Over the past two school years, the program has served our students using both school-based teams and a mobile “dentist office on wheels.”

We are excited to welcome this valuable resource into our Siena community and grateful for the opportunity to support the health and well-being of our students.

Project 2027: We’re Getting Closer!

The excitement is building for Project 2027! We’ve had the opportunity to hear from each of our final bid teams, and we are grateful for the time, creativity, and expertise they have brought to the table.

We presented the preferred construction firm to the Siena Board of Directors on September 18. This recommendation will be contingent upon receiving the necessary Proxy C approval from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on October 8.

There is great momentum behind this project, and we are excited to continue moving this vision forward. Big things are happening at Siena—and we can’t wait to see Project 2027 come to life! 🎉🔨

Catholic Identity

Confirmation & OCIA Classes Have Started!
- OCIA Class at SCHS: We have a wonderful group of 9 students spending their lunch period on Tuesdays with Fr. Kolb. This class is open to all students! We are so excited for this group as they learn about our faith and prepare to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation.
- Personal Invitations: Recently, all Catholic students were briefly pulled from class for a 5-minute conversation and a personal invitation to join parish confirmation classes. Ms. Amber and Mr. Randy from the parishes came to speak with them, answer questions, and extend a warm, face-to-face invite.
Sacraments & Reconciliation
- Open Hour: The Open Reconciliation Hour at St. Lucy and OLOGA went incredibly.
- All-Day Reconciliation at SCHS: Friday, September 25th, we had an all-day Reconciliation. Students and staff had the opportunity to go to Reconciliation anytime during the school day. To help prepare, special lessons on the Sacrament of Reconciliation were taught in all Theology classes this week.
Vatican II Award Winner
- We are thrilled to announce that Miguel Sosa (Class of June 2026) was awarded the prestigious Vatican II Award at the Cathedral, receiving the St. John Paul II Award for Youth and Young Adult Leadership. We are incredibly proud of Miguel and so grateful that he is receiving this much-deserved recognition for his faith and leadership!

Priests in Our Schools
- Our priests have made a special effort to be present in our classrooms more often this year, and it is truly making a difference. Students are becoming much more comfortable approaching them, building relationships, and asking great questions about life and faith.
New School Year Blessings
- Thank you to everyone who joined us for Catechetical Sunday! It was wonderful to see so many families at Mass together as we received a special blessing for all of our hard-working teachers and students. We pray for a fruitful, safe, and blessed school year ahead.

Supporter Spotlight: Tom & Ann Johnson

For decades, Tom Johnson ’58 and his wife, Ann, have been steadfast supporters of St. Catherine’s and the broader mission of Siena Catholic Schools of Racine. Their relationship with St. Catherine’s is rooted not only in philanthropy, but in a deep personal connection to the school and a lasting belief in the value of Catholic education. Tom is a proud St. Catherine’s alumnus, and his recorded giving history with the school dates back to 1984.

At the Project 2026 ribbon cutting, Tom reflected on the many memories he carries from his years as a St. Catherine’s student, including the experience of attending the school alongside his siblings. He spoke about the impact St. Catherine’s had on him during those formative years and, just as importantly, the influence it continues to have on his life today. His remarks were a reminder that a St. Catherine’s education extends far beyond graduation—the relationships, values, faith, and experiences formed there can remain with students for a lifetime.

That personal connection has translated into extraordinary generosity. Over the years, Tom and Ann have continued to invest in the future of St. Catherine’s, including making a transformational commitment to the Our Time Is Now initiative. Their support reflects a desire not simply to preserve the school they have known and loved, but to ensure future generations of students are given the same opportunity to learn, grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and discover their own potential.

Their generosity also played an important role in Project 2026, which brought significant improvements to St. Catherine’s main entrance and administrative space. Tom remained personally engaged as plans for the project developed, eager to learn more about the improvements and stay connected to the work taking place at the school.

Project 2026 represents more than a physical improvement to a building. It is an investment in the students, families, educators, alumni, and community members who walk through those doors every day. For alumni like Tom, it also connects the history and traditions of St. Catherine’s with the school’s future.

Today, St. Catherine’s continues that legacy as an important part of Siena Catholic Schools of Racine. Through Siena, the commitment to Catholic education extends across our entire family of schools, helping students throughout Racine grow academically, spiritually, and personally. Supporters like Tom and Ann make it possible for Siena to honor the traditions that have shaped generations while continuing to evolve to meet the needs of today’s students.

What makes Tom and Ann’s story particularly meaningful is the longevity and personal nature of their commitment. Their support is not tied to one campaign, one building project, or one moment. It reflects a relationship that has grown across decades and a belief that the opportunities Tom experienced as a student are worth preserving and strengthening for those who follow.

Tom’s memories of attending St. Catherine’s with his siblings, the lasting impact the school has had on his life, and his continued engagement as an alumnus illustrate why Catholic education matters across generations. His story is one of connection—between past and present, alumni and students, and the traditions of St. Catherine’s and the future of Siena.

We are deeply grateful to Tom and Ann Johnson for their extraordinary generosity, their enduring connection to St. Catherine’s, and their continued belief in Siena’s mission. Their partnership reminds us that philanthropy is ultimately about more than buildings or programs. It is about people, faith, opportunity, legacy, and ensuring that future generations have the chance to create their own St. Catherine’s memories.

Projects

PROJECT 2026/2027

Project 2026 Construction is complete!

Thank you to our donors:

Amy Bigna

Allen Christ & Linda Townsend Christ ’69

Julie Darnieder ’69

Edward DeMeulenaere & Katie Dawson ’60

Dan ’73 and Sue Horton

Raymond James

Thomas ’58 and Margaret Johnson

Kevin and Jeanine McCabe

Racine Dominicans

Robert N. Miller ’68

SC Johnson Fund, Inc.

Timeline and Meetings

Project 2027 Timeline
- Bid review - Aug. 27
- Contractor interviews - Sept. 3
- BOD - Contractor Approval - Sept. 17

Project 2027 Proxies

Proxy C to the building commission on Sept. 24
Build Commission Meeting 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

Project 2026
is Complete!

Academics

Using Data to Strengthen Instruction

All Siena schools have been administering the Fall STAR Benchmark Assessments in Reading and Mathematics for students in grades K–12.
STAR assessments provide educators with timely, actionable data about each student’s current skill development, areas of strength, and areas where additional support or enrichment may be needed.
The results give teachers a clearer picture of where students are in their learning and what they are ready to learn next. Teachers use this information to help personalize instruction, identify students who may benefit from additional intervention or enrichment, and adjust instructional strategies and small-group learning to address specific skill needs.
As the year progresses, STAR data also provides a way for teachers to monitor student growth and determine whether instructional approaches are having the desired impact.
Importantly, STAR results are one piece of a larger picture of student learning. Teachers consider assessment data alongside classroom performance, observations, student work, and other measures to make informed instructional decisions.
In kindergarten (K), teachers are also administering Heggerty letter and sound assessments, providing additional information about foundational literacy skills and helping teachers target early reading instruction where students need it most.
Together, these tools support Siena’s commitment to using meaningful student data to strengthen teaching, personalize learning, and help every student grow in reading and mathematics.

Human Resources

Help Us Grow Our Siena Family

Great schools are built by great people. We are looking for talented, caring, and mission-driven individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of our students and families.

We invite you to take a look at our current employment opportunities—and, just as importantly, share them with someone you know who may be called to serve as part of the Siena family. You never know who in your circle may be looking for an opportunity to use their gifts and talents in a meaningful way.

Explore our open positions and help us spread the word. Please use this link: CAREER PAGE LINK

Together, we can continue building a strong community of people who believe in Catholic education, our students, and the mission we are blessed to share.

Operations

School is successfully underway, and all Siena schools were operationally ready! Several large/medium and small projects at each school were wrapped up in time for the new academic year.
Project 2027 bids were received and reviewed. 6 General Contractors submitted, and 4 were interviewed. A recommended General Contractor went before the BOD/BOT in September and on Oct. 8 before the Archdiocese for approval, along with the Proxy C package.

Advancement

Admissions, Enrollment, Financial Aid & Choice

Welcome, Alina Frias! Alina is the new Director of Admissions & Financial Aid for Siena. She previously worked at St. Thomas More High School and also at Messmer.
The Admissions Office has joined Mr. Prideaux and current St. Catherine's High School students on visits to our Siena grade schools to talk to the middle school students about St. Catherine's. We have shared information about the many opportunities St. Cat's has to offer and all the exciting things happening in the school.
September 18, marked a successful September Third Friday Count Day for the 2026–27 school year. A big thank you to our dedicated faculty and staff for creating a strong sense of community for all students, which makes our schools a special place to learn and grow.
Please join us at 'Discover St. Catherine's' on Thursday October 1. An evening for prospective students and families. Receive a guided tour, meet with teachers and administration, have opportunities to talk to school counselors and the admissions team, meet current students and parents, and learn more about the exciting future of Racine's only Catholic High School. Register here!

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.

Ribbon Cutting

Project 2026 is now complete, marking an important investment in the safety, welcome, and long-term future of St. Catherine’s High School. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and community partners, the project delivered a new secure main entrance, renovated main office, and visitor waiting area—creating a safer and more welcoming experience for students, families, staff, and visitors. Building on years of thoughtful facilities planning and a legacy of support through initiatives such as Our Time Is Now, Project 2026 reflects Siena Catholic Schools’ commitment to responsibly steward resources while making strategic investments that strengthen our schools and support our mission. As we celebrate this milestone, planning is already underway for Project 2027, continuing our efforts to preserve the St. Catherine’s legacy while creating environments where today’s students can learn, grow, and thrive.

St. Catherine's Alumni Updates

Share your St. Cat's News! Are you or someone you know an alum? We would love to hear your updates. Fill out our notes form here.
We’re listening to our alumni and donors and making intentional efforts to strengthen how we stay connected with the Siena community. Based on your feedback, we’re focusing on more meaningful and consistent communication—sharing the impact of your generosity, celebrating student and school stories, and creating more opportunities for you to stay engaged with the mission you support.

Recent events include:

The Annual McGuire Letsch Golf Outing supporting scholarships was held on September 25.
Siena Ignites on October 29. To sponsor or purchase a table, click here. To register, click here.
Partnering with the Athletic Department to host the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame on November 22

Finance

- Siena is currently in the process of the FY26 Financial Statement and Choice Program Financial Audit. Wipfli will submit its independent audit report to the Department of Public Instruction by October 15.
- Wipfli will present the report to the Finance Committee at the scheduled meeting on Monday, October 26.
- The Finance Committee and Controller will present and share the audit report, required communication, and comments to the full Board of Directors at the November Board meeting.

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.