St. Mary Parish School
St. Mary Parish School, founded by the School Sisters of St. Francis, held its first classes on September 8, 1954. Currently, 472 students are enrolled in grades 3K - 8th. The school's mission statement is: Celebrating spiritual growth while providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment".[1]
| St. Mary Parish School | |
|---|---|
 St Mary Parish School Logo | |
| Address | |
9553 West Edgerton Avenue , , 53130 | |
| Information | |
| Type | Private |
| Motto | Belong. Believe. Achieve. |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Roman Catholic |
| Patron saint(s) | Mary, Mother of Jesus |
| Established | 1954 |
| Oversight | Archdiocese of Milwaukee |
| Superintendent | Kathleen A. Cepelka, Ph.D. |
| Principal | Dr. Mark Joerres |
| Staff | 46 |
| Grades | 3K - 8th |
| Enrollment | 389 (2019-2020) |
| Color(s) | Navy blue and Gold |
| Team name | Royals |
| Accreditation | The Wisconsin Nonpublic School Accrediting Association has awarded St. Mary Parish School, Hales Corners, the high standards of excellence required of all members of the WNSAA and has been accredited by the association. |
| Athletic director | Kevin Schalk |
| Website | St Mary School website |
History
After raising $150,000 in pledges, construction of St. Mary's first school began in February 1953. The first school contained eight classrooms, a kitchen, and a hall. In addition, a convent was constructed to house the School Sisters of St. Francis who would be their first teachers. By 1960 an additional 10 classrooms were added.
About 1980, due to the decline in sisters, the convent was closed.[2]
In 2012, three students competed in the Future City Engineering Competition and won the national title.[3]
The school is successful due to the number of parents and community members who volunteer regularly.[4]
Notable Graduates
- Alyson Dudek, Olympic short track speed skater, 2004
- Jake Symanski, Director/Writer, Funny or Die, 1996
- Mark D. Gundrum, Judge for the Wisconsin Court of Appeals District II 2011-2019, 1984
Awards / accomplishments
- 2019 & 2020 - Recognized as Project Lead the Way Distinguished School for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities
- 2019 - Principal awarded the Principal Leadership Award by the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation through the WI Council of Religious & Independent Schools
- 2019 - Project Planning Award - Future City Engineering Competition
- 2019 - Catholic Financial Life Give Back Video Contest, 2nd place
- 2017 & 2018 - Catholic Financial Life Give Back Video Contest, 1st place
- 2017 - 3rd place finalist and Top-Four Model Winner - Future City Engineering Competition
- 2015 - Girls Volleyball Elizabeth Seton Tournament Champions
- 2012 - State and National Champions - Future City Engineering Competition
- 2012 - CESA 1 Regional Spelling Bee Winner
- 2011 - State Champions - Future City Engineering Competition
- 2010 - State Champions - Future City Engineering Competition
- 1995 - State and National Champions - Future City Engineering Competition
References
- St. Mary Parish,"General Information." St. Mary Parish School. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Mar. 2014.
- St. Mary Parish, "St. Mary History - The 1900s." St. Mary Catholic Faith Community. N.p., 24 Apr. 2013. Web. 7 Mar. 2014.
- Future City, Romano, Candace. "Hales Corners students rule in city of the future." Hales Corners students rule in city of the future. 06 Mar. 2012. Journal Interactive. 19 Mar. 2014 <http://www.myhalescornersnow.com/news/hales-corners-students-rule-in-city-of-the-future-314d8jn-141682723.html>.
- Catholic Hearld , McGillis, Kathleen. "At-home Dad Generous in Care for Parish." Catholic Herald. 17 Jan. 2013. 19 Mar. 2014 <http://chnonline.org/news/people-of-faith/11843-at-home-dad-generous-in-care-for-parish.html>.