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St. Thomas Aquinas Academy |
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2009-2010 St. Thomas Aquinas Academy Faculty & Staff
| School Staff
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Administration |
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Principal– Mrs. Rhonda Friday |
BIRTHPLACE: Stevens Point, WI GRADE SCHOOL: Lincoln School in Stevens Point FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Home Economics in High School HIGH SCHOOL: Stevens Point Area Senior High COLLEGE AND DEGREE: Cardinal Stritch University – BA & MA NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 11 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: As an administrator I want to promote the Catholic identity and support parents in forming disciples. To promote a sense of community for the academic growth of our children. THREE PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE) YOU WOULD WANT TO HAVE DINNER WITH:
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Fish Creek in Door County FAVORITE GRADE SCHOOL MOMENT (AS A STUDENT): Recognized at an Assembly at the end of the year as the Most Improved reader. |
Office
Secretary– Mrs. Sue Lewandowski |
BIRTHPLACE: Milwaukee, WI GRADE SCHOOL: St. Anne’s FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL:
English and Literature HIGH SCHOOL: Franklin COLLEGE AND DEGREE: MBTI -
Business NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC
EDUCATION: 17 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC
EDUCATION?: I watch
children grow in faith and love through the daily interaction with
the dedicated staff at St. Thomas Aquinas Academy and the former
St. Paul Catholic School. My
daughter, Kim, is the sweetest example of Catholic education. She
has so many people who consider her a friend because she listens
when others with Fibromyalgia are suffering. Listening to someone
who lives with chronic pain is a challenge but Kim is always there
for them. I think the faith and values of a Catholic education
along with some wonderful and caring teachers has made my daughter
what she is today. TWO PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE) YOU
WOULD WANT TO HAVE DINNER WITH:
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT:
Camping at Playful Goose |
Fundraising/Marketing
- Mrs. Luanne Coyne |
BIRTHPLACE: Milwaukee, WI GRADE SCHOOL: St. Joseph’s FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL:
History, English HIGH SCHOOL: Cudahy COLLEGE AND DEGREE: Bryant
& Stratton, Medical Administrative/Clerical NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC
EDUCATION: Working, 8; Parenting, 16; Supporting, Many WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC
EDUCATION?: I believe
one should always be able to express their faith beliefs (and
practice them). I feel Catholic schools are more like a
“family”. MY GOAL: My goal is to raise
funds to make sure that we keep Catholic education affordable for
families and our parishes. Also, to promote our school because I
truly believe that we are “the place to be.” THREE PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE)
YOU WOULD WANT TO HAVE DINNER WITH:
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: The
Atlantic Ocean and the coast off Maine, Rhode Island, etc. FAVORITE GRADE SCHOOL MOMENT
(AS A STUDENT): Piano Lessons |
| Business Manager - Mr. Dave Wolber (not pictured) |
BIRTHPLACE: Sterling, IL GRADE SCHOOL: Thome
Elementary School FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL:
Math/Algebra HIGH SCHOOL: Rock Falls COLLEGE AND DEGREE: Carthage
College – BA in Accounting/Business Administration WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC
EDUCATION?: I never
had the chance to go to a Christian school but I think everyone
should have that opportunity if possible. |
| Director of Food Services– Mrs. Cat LaPointe | |
| Teachers | |
K4
– Ms.
Michele Marin |
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K4
– Mrs. Doreen Charney |
BIRTHPLACE: Milwaukee, WI GRADE SCHOOL: Immaculate Heart of Mary FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: History HIGH SCHOOL: Nathan Hale COLLEGE AND DEGREE: Mount Mary College –
BA; Alverno College – Early Childhood Certification. NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 28 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: I
believe Catholic schools provide a great education in a caring
atmosphere. Catholic school teachers that I have worked with are
very dedicated to having each child succeed. They are willing to
go the extra step to ensure a learning atmosphere. In this day and
age children need to learn of God’s love for them more than
ever. Catholic schools provide a strong Christian family for every
student. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: My goal as
a Catholic school teacher is to teach children of Jesus’ love
for them and how to share that love with others they meet. I hope
that they will learn respect for others and for all of God’s
creations. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: South Dakota and
Washington, DC. FAVORITE GRADE SCHOOL MOMENT (AS A STUDENT):
In third grade I was able to help the blind students at recess or
lunch. |
K5
– Mrs. Donna DiMeo |
BIRTHPLACE: Grand Rapids, MI GRADE SCHOOL: Sacred Heart School in Grand
Rapids, MI HIGH SCHOOL: Mount Mercy Academy COLLEGE AND DEGREE: UW-Milwaukee – Early
Childhood Education Nursery – Gr. 3 NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 17 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?:
I believe through Catholic Education we can make an
educated difference in the world around us bringing to it a much
needed respect for life. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: My goal as
a Catholic school teacher is to instill in the children a love for
Jesus and his life…creating a desire to share that love with
each other…creating a loving, caring environment for learning. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: The north woods
enjoying quiet time with nature. |
K5
– Mrs.
Lynn Antholine |
BIRTHPLACE: Milwaukee, WI GRADE SCHOOL: Milwaukee public schools FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Music and reading HIGH SCHOOL: Juneau High School COLLEGE AND DEGREE: UW-Milwaukee, BS –
Special Education; Alverno College, Nursery through third grade
(special students) NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 28
years plus five years in public schools WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: Catholic
education offers the children spiritual and moral values as well
as academics. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: To be the
best educator I can be as well as being a good role model. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Door County |
1st
– Mrs. Jennifer Bloom |
BIRTHPLACE: Milwaukee, WI GRADE SCHOOL: St.
Barbara FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Social Studies HIGH SCHOOL: Greendale COLLEGE AND DEGREE: UW-Platteville, BS –
Elementary Education, PK-6. NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 8
years WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: I
believe in it because I am a product of it. The things I learned
in Catholic school have made me the person that I am today.
Children are never too young to learn about their faith and being
able to talk about our faith in the classroom is special. They can
then take that with them as they grow. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: To teach
students to do the things Jesus would have done them. To teach
students to be respectful of others. To teach students the basics
they need to be successful in the years to come. TWO PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE) YOU WOULD WANT TO
HAVE DINNER WITH:
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Las Vegas FAVORITE GRADE SCHOOL MOMENT (AS A STUDENT):
Playing volleyball and softball for St. Barbara. |
1st
– Mrs. Corinne Donald |
BIRTHPLACE: Milwaukee, WI GRADE SCHOOL: Blessed
Sacrament and St. John Kanty FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Latin in High
School HIGH SCHOOL: Notre Dame in Milwaukee, WI COLLEGE AND DEGREE: UW-Milwaukee, B.S. NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 34 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: Catholic
schools provide academic excellence in a Christ-centered
environment. Out Catholic faith is reflected in all that we do.
Our parents are a vital part in our educational and spiritual
programs and are a blessing to me and the children. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: To provide
a warm and caring atmosphere to each child placed under my care.
To recognize that each student is an individual with an unique
array of God-given gifts. To work with my parents to develop a
learning environment for each student so they can grow as a
learner and an individual. To make our Catholic faith visible in
all that we do. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Minneapolis,
Minnesota visiting my son, Michael. FAVORITE GRADE SCHOOL MOMENT (AS A STUDENT):
I was in first grade and was selected to carry the pillow with
Mary’s Crown in the school’s May Crowning. |
2nd
– Mrs. Carron Zietlow |
BIRTHPLACE: Milwaukee, WI GRADE SCHOOL: St. Bernadette – now
Northwest Catholic FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Math HIGH SCHOOL: Dominican COLLEGE AND DEGREE: Mount Mary – BA in
Education; Minor in Social Studies. NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 20 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: I
believe in a Catholic education because every child should have
the opportunity to have a faith based education. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: My goal is
that all students are excited about learning and learning about
their faith in a fun-filled and friendly atmosphere. THREE PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE) YOU WOULD WANT
TO HAVE DINNER WITH:
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Out West. FAVORITE GRADE SCHOOL MOMENT (AS A STUDENT):
Being in the school plays/musicals. |
3rd
– Mrs. Charlene Durski |
BIRTHPLACE: Bismarck, ND GRADE SCHOOL: Strasburg Grade School in
Strasburg, ND FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: English HIGH SCHOOL: Strasburg High School COLLEGE AND DEGREE: Minot State University
(ND) – B.S. in Education and Special Education. NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 22 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: The
children and faculty are able to express and share their beliefs
about God and their faith. These beliefs can be applied in so many
situations that occur at school on a day-to-day basis and the
students can really live out their faith and use what they are
learning about their religion openly. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: To give
students the best education I can. To help my students strive and
excel in their learning and see success in their work. To
encourage children to be good Christians in their words and
actions. THREE PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE) YOU WOULD WANT
TO HAVE DINNER WITH:
FAVORITE GRADE SCHOOL MOMENT (AS A STUDENT):
In grade school, we had wonderful Christmas programs. I was chosen
in third grade to sing a small solo for the Christmas program. I
was very proud. I also remember playing basketball in 5th
through 8th grade with my friends and how much fun we
had. |
4th
– Mrs. Kelly Orlowski |
BIRTHPLACE: Manitowoc, WI GRADE SCHOOL: St. Andrew’s FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Art HIGH SCHOOL: Manitowoc Roncalli COLLEGE AND DEGREE: Mount Mary – BA in
Education Social Studies NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 17
years attending Catholic schools and 16 years teaching in Catholic
schools. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: I
believe in Catholic education because it gives you a strong base
to build on. You can live your faith in all you do without holding
back. You can be whole. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: To give my
students everything I can so that they can succeed in life and
know how important their Catholic education was. TWO PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE) YOU WOULD WANT TO
HAVE DINNER WITH:
FAVORITE GRADE SCHOOL MOMENT (AS A STUDENT):
My favorite memory from grade school was when my 4th
grade teacher, Mrs. Larsen, picked me to read a passage from Flat
Stanley at the PTO Meeting! |
5th
– Mrs. Joan Roth |
BIRTHPLACE: Milwaukee, WI GRADE SCHOOL: St. Frederick’s in Cudahy FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Math HIGH SCHOOL: St. Mary’s Academy COLLEGE AND DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in
Elementary Education NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 31 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: I
believe in Catholic Education because it not only does a great job
of addressing the academic needs of students but it also
incorporates the spiritual aspect of each child’s life. We, as
Catholic school teachers, are able to help the students develop a
true understanding of their faith, which will be a valuable source
of strength as they journey through life. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: My goal is
to integrate the Catholic faith into all areas if our daily school
activities, so that students can learn how to live their faith. I
want to share the strong Catholic values I learned while I
attended Catholic grade school and high school. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT:
Any place I can relax and spend time with my family. FAVORITE GRADE SCHOOL MOMENT (AS A STUDENT):
It was in 4th grade. The Art teacher we watched on TV
came to visit our school. We got to spend a lot of time working on
art projects to put on display to impress her! |
6th
– Ms. Kathleen McCord |
BIRTHPLACE: Milwaukee, WI GRADE SCHOOL: St. Augustine FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: French HIGH SCHOOL: St. Joan Antida COLLEGE AND DEGREE: Alverno College –
Degree in Broadfield Social Studies emphasis in History with
certification in Secondary Education (grades 6-12). NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: As a
student 17 (including college and kindergarten) and 10 as a
teacher. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: I
believe that Catholic education teaches students not only the
basics (reading, writing, math, etc.) but also shows them the
right way to live their lives. As Catholic educators, we are able
to lead the students down the right path by our words and actions.
We help mold the leaders of the future and we want them to be
good, moral people. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: My goal is
to inspire my students. I want them to love to learn. I want to
show them the right way to live. I want them to leave my classroom
a better, smarter person than who they were when they entered it. THREE PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE) YOU WOULD WANT
TO HAVE DINNER WITH:
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: My family owns land
up around Minocqua. Every year the whole family gets together for
a week or two. I love it there and I love spending time with my
family. FAVORITE GRADE SCHOOL MOMENT (AS A STUDENT):
When I was in 7th grade, we were given the task of
inventing a product and giving a presentation on it, sort of like
a commercial trying to sell it. We were told to be as creative as
possible but it should solve a real-life problem. My partner and I
were annoyed by all the geese in Humboldt Park and how they would
follow you around, so we invented the Metallic Duck Suit. It was
made of aluminum foil and the purpose was to repel the ducks and
geese in the park. Looking back from the other side of the desk,
it probably deserved the “C” we got, but at the time we
thought it was the wave of the future. We had a great time doing
it. |
7th
– Mrs. Lori Stolaski |
BIRTHPLACE: Milwaukee, WI GRADE SCHOOL: St. Veronica FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Math HIGH SCHOOL: St. Joan Antida COLLEGE AND DEGREE: Cardinal Stritch
University – BA Elementary Education 1-9, Masters –
Instructional Technology NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 19
(K-12, College and Grad School) WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: I
believe that values and morals are a vital component to a
child’s education. I also think it is important for children to
learn about our faith and understand its teachings. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: To educate
my students both academically and spiritually. To help my students
establish a solid foundation to carry forward in their lives. THREE PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE) YOU WOULD WANT
TO HAVE DINNER WITH:
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Walt Disney World |
7th
– Ms. Lisa Bisser |
8th
– Mrs. Melissa Steidl |
BIRTHPLACE: Jennings, MO GRADE SCHOOL: Blessed
Sacrament FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Science and
English HIGH SCHOOL: Pius XI COLLEGE: UW-Madison NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 23
years WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: Catholic
schools work hard to instill the “Spirit of Christ” (respect,
tolerance, understanding) in their students. We encourage our
students to be involved in school, community and global service
projects that hopefully make them more aware and empathetic
individuals. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: In
addition to what was mentioned above, foster individuals who thing
about the needs of others and respect all people. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: I love spending time
at my parent’s cottage in Crivitz. Nothing beats reading a book
in the hammock or kayaking on the flowage. |
8th
– Mrs. Patricia Olander |
BIRTHPLACE: Milwaukee GRADE SCHOOL: St.
Matthias/St. Leonard FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Gym class HIGH SCHOOL: Muskego COLLEGE AND DEGREE: University of South
Dakota – B.S. in Education GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: My
teaching philosophy is Every interaction is a sacred and optimal
teaching encounter. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Cancun with my
husband and Lake Osakis with the family fishing. |
Art
– Mrs. Laura Lionberg |
Art
– Mrs. Stephanie Colvin |
BIRTHPLACE: Oshkosh, WI. GRADE SCHOOL: St. Mary’s in Oshkosh FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Art HIGH SCHOOL: Lourdes High School in Oshkosh COLLEGE AND DEGREE: UW-Oshkosh NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 12 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: Religion
is an important part of a well-rounded curriculum which is
non-existent in a public school. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: My goal is
to impart our Catholic beliefs and way of conducting ourselves in
a Christian manner to our students. |
Physical Education
– Mrs. Linda Skuhra |
Library
– Mrs. Diane Karabon |
BIRTHPLACE: Milwaukee, WI GRADE SCHOOL: Fernwood FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Science HIGH SCHOOL: Bay View NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 11 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: I
believe a Catholic education gives children good morals and
values. It lays a basis for a faith-filled future. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: My goal is
to have children enjoy reading by exposing them to a wide variety
of books. For example, fiction, mysteries, biographies, historical
fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, fantasy, etc. THREE PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE) YOU WOULD WANT
TO HAVE DINNER WITH:
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Canadian Rockies |
Music
– Mrs. Mary Jo Brooks |
BIRTHPLACE: Chicago, IL GRADE SCHOOL: St. Felicitas FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Music HIGH SCHOOL: Mercy COLLEGE AND DEGREE: UW-Oshkosh, Music
Therapy; UW-Milwaukee, Music Education NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 21
years WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: Catholic
education offers a curriculum which has as its core the values and
teaching of our Catholic faith. We are able to integrate these
beliefs in our classes. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: My goal is
to provide a wide range of music education experiences as well as
familiarizing the students with the music of our faith. I have
also tried to provide outreach experiences in the community with
concerts by our children (e.g. St. Veronica Elders, Baptist Church
Community Meals program and St. Ann’s Center). THREE PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE) YOU WOULD WANT
TO HAVE DINNER WITH:
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Alaska this past
summer was a delight! FAVORITE GRADE SCHOOL MOMENT (AS A STUDENT):
I remember the St. Patrick’s Plays we performed every year,
great memories! |
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Resource/learning Center– Ms. Linda Fera (Not Pictured)
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BIRTHPLACE: Wauwatosa, WI GRADE SCHOOL: Underwood Elementary FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Reading HIGH SCHOOL: Wauwatosa West COLLEGE AND DEGREE: UW-Whitewater, Elementary
Education; Cardinal Stritch, Reading Specialist NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 24 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?:
Catholic education promotes academic excellence as well as
Christian values and morals to our students. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: To instill
a lifelong love for learning and to be a role model in Christian
values for my students. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Mexico to relax with
my family. |
| Spanish/
learning Center
Mrs. Kathy Jacoby  |
BIRTHPLACE: Milwaukee, WI GRADE SCHOOL: St. Luke’s in Brookfield FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Math HIGH SCHOOL: New Berlin West COLLEGE AND DEGREE: UW-Whitewater - BSE NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 20 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: It
is faith-based. It is a good guide for teachers and children to
follow. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: I want to
help children grow intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. |
| Computer/
Technology
Celeste Delgado (not Pictured) |
BIRTHPLACE: Milwaukee, WI GRADE SCHOOL: St.
Veronica’s FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Art HIGH SCHOOL: St. Joan Antida COLLEGE AND DEGREE: Bachelor of Fine Arts –
Graphic Design/Computers NUMBER OF YEARS IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION: 1 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION?: I
believe a Catholic education reinforces and reminds us daily of
the teaching of God’s words. GOAL AS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER: To teach
the students that God is our greatest teacher. To show the
students God teaches forgiveness to all people. To teach the
children Catholic beliefs. FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Mexico |
| Extended Care | |
| Extended Care Director
– Mrs. Margie Jankowski
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Last Modified:
02/14/2010
