Exemplary Recognition - Mission and Catholic Identity

Part of the Accreditation process in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is an option to apply for Exemplary Recognition. Exemplary Recognition in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is based upon the National Standards and BenchmarksExemplary Recognition for Effective Catholic Schools. These benchmarks serve as a lens through which each school is uniquely viewed and experienced by an evaluation team. Needless to say, the preparation for this application has been a rigorous self-evaluation of our school and its programs. I am beyond thrilled to announce that St. Anthony on the Lake School has earned Exemplary Recognition in the area of Mission and Catholic Identity!

The evaluation team offered the following specific feedback to St. Anthony on the Lake in recognition of its exemplary progress towards the attainment of both current and lifelong goals…

Commendations 

  • Pervasive communal atmosphere that is demonstrated by the common language of the entire school and parish community.

  • Link between parish and school that is exceptionally seamless, integrated, and strong.

  • Faith-based values evidenced throughout the curriculum and school programming.

  • Physical environment filled with examples of the school’s faith-based culture.

  • Mutual awareness and respect demonstrated among all members of the school community, including parents and school leaders.

  • Systemic onboarding process in place for new community members.

  • Explicit commitment to and process for ongoing school improvement.

  • Highly mature and developed relationships among community members

    toward a common purpose.

Recommendations 

  • Develop strategies to ensure that the faith-based culture of the school is systematically embedded and positioned to thrive beyond current leaders and personnel.

  • Continue efforts to develop reflective practices among students and faculty that contribute to affective development in faith.

St. Anthony on the Lake School will be presented with this Exemplary Recognition Award at our annual Teacher’s Convention in October 2021.

We are also pleased to announce that we have been awarded a $5000 GIFTS (Grant Initiatives For Today’s Students) Grant by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. We applied for this grant in the area of Educational Innovation. We will be using these grant monies to initiate the Second Step Curriculum in our school. Second Step is a Social-Emotional (SEL) curriculum that focuses on the areas of Skills for learning, Empathy, Emotional Management, and Problem Solving.

As always, thanks you for your prayerful support of St. Anthony on the Lake School!

Blessings,

Mrs. Ellen Knippel, Principal