Seton Middle School History
The idea of forming a Catholic middle school for Neenah and Menasha, Wisconsin was developed in 1987 when the five parishes of the twin cities began looking at ways to combine their efforts, reduce costs and address declining enrollment. After two years of study and discussion, four of the parishes (all of which had K-8 schools) agreed to form the consolidated school system we now know as Twin City Catholic Educational System (TCCES). Of the four member parish schools, St. Gabriel, St. Margaret Mary (both of Neenah) and St. Mary (Menasha) began offering only K-5 classes, and St. Patrick closed its centrally located K-8 school and that building became the home of the newly formed Seton Catholic Middle School. The parish of St. John in Menasha chose not to join TCCES and continued to operate its K-8 school until 2003.
Although the primary force behind the formation of Seton was financial, the academic, spiritual and social benefits for students in forming a middle school are also significant. They include:
- Targeted, age- and development-appropriate curriculum
- Age-appropriate discipline and self-management methods
- Age- and spiritually-appropriate worship opportunities
- A larger pool of age peers for socialization
- The ability of offer three world languages
- The ability to field competitive athletic and academic teams
- Larger groups to enhance fine arts and co-curricular activities
- A faculty that is able to specialize in areas of academic interest, thereby enhancing students' experiences
Concerned with educating the whole person, Seton's administration, faculty and staff answer their calling to teach and serve with knowledge, wisdom and care. Meeting at least weekly to plan lessons, discuss strategies and focus on problem solving, the faculty at Seton truly works as a team to provide the best possible experience in this Catholic middle school. For eighteen of the past twenty years, Ms. Monica Bausom has been the principal at Seton. Under her leadership, and with a healthy balance of seasoned instructors and new teachers bringing fresh ideas, Seton has developed a reputation as an outstanding school.
The administration, faculty and staff at Seton are very concerned about the spiritual and intellectual growth of their students, and the improvements that have been made at Seton over the years reflect both Ms. Bausom's passion and that of the outstanding faculty she leads. Such improvements include:
- Hiring a campus minister/guidance counselor who oversees Seton's S.T.A.R. program and works with students on many issues
- Working with faculty to develop a sequential curriculum for all areas of study
- Establishing faculty mentors and support relationships
- Spearheading fundraising campaigns to install a science lab and create mobile laptop labs so computers could be used throughout the building
- Hiring a learning specialist to provide targeted professional help for struggling students
- Advocating and piloting MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) testing for TCCES to facilitate differentiated instruction
In the spring of 2009, the Seton community celebrated its 20th anniversary with a liturgy and reception at St. Patrick Parish. Many current families, as well as former students, parents and teachers joined the festivities with many fond wishes for 20 more years of success.
Firmly rooted in faith and proven education practices, yet flexible enough to successfully incorporate innovative technology and ideas, Seton Catholic Middle School has been and will continue to be a leader in excellence among Catholic schools in the Fox River Valley.
