What Makes Seton Special
In addition to providing an outstanding Catholic education for students in grades 6-8, Seton Catholic Middle School offers a unique culture and a variety of opportunities that makes it stand out among the many fine educational programs throughout the Fox Cities. A few features that really make Seton shine are:
Buddy Program
In order to promote community service and build community spirit, every Seton student is matched with a buddy from a TCCES elementary school. Every month, the students get together to do an activity related to the school system's monthly theme. This is an excellent opportunity for Seton students to develop leadership and mentoring qualities.
Fine Arts
Seton is blessed with a unique and very successful fine arts program. 2009 Kohl Teacher Fellowship Award winner Mr. Brad Curran has been the band and jazz band director at Seton for the past 18 years, and Mr. Michael Bailey, lead singer for the locally renowned band Vic Ferrari is the choral director. Nearly 82% of Seton students participate in either band or choir, and many do both. Art instructor Mrs. Margaret Koskinen teaches her students art history, methodology and style, and draws from their sometimes-astounding creativity.
The Seton jazz band is the only middle school band to perform regularly at local venues such as the Fox Jazz Festival and Seafood Fest. The group also hosts the highly popular Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) each spring that raises money for scholarships for Seton musicians to attend summer camp. The event, which turns the school gymnasium into a jazz club with festive lighting and gourmet coffees and desserts, often features renowned jazz musicians such as John Harmon, Janet Planet and Big Band Reunion.
Learning Specialist
Understanding that all students learn differently, Seton has a learning specialist who is solely dedicated to assisting students who may be struggling academically. By working with the classroom teacher to devise tailored teaching strategies and designing alternative lesson plans for individual students, the learning specialist helps Seton students to achieve to the best of their ability.
MAP Testing
Seton piloted Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) testing for TCCES. The computer-based examinations are administered semi-annually to accomplish the following: a) to give students and their parents an opportunity to see how students perform in comparison with other students in the nation; b) to assist teachers in individualizing their instruction; c) to help identify areas of strengths and weaknesses in the curriculum; and d) to help students develop a realistic self-concept in terms of their achievement, aptitude and interests. Further explanation of MAP testing is available at the founding organization's website.
Meet Me in the Middle
In addition to becoming a successful fundraiser, Meet Me in the Middle was initiated as a way for parents from the three TCCES feeder schools to get to know one another and their students' teachers in an informal setting. The inaugural Meet Me in the Middle fundraiser was held in 2008 and exceeded organizers' hopes and expectations, both as a fundraiser and an opportunity for socializing. Each year, parents and supporters are able to purchase items from the teachers' wish lists and all proceeds are used to fund a special project.
Each quarter of the school year ends for TCCES with a half-day of school on a Friday. Seton takes this opportunity to provide mini courses for its students. Enlisting the help and talents of teachers, parents and community members, Seton offers opportunities for students to try anything from knitting to geocaching, rocket building to roller skating.
Parent Involvement
Seton not only encourages parents to remain active in the lives of their children, the school actually expects it! A unique requirement of 40 hours of volunteer commitment to the school can be fulfilled in a variety of ways, including chaperoning events or retreats, helping in the office or lunchroom, providing transportation to sporting events and even attending meetings and conferences. A $200 fee per family is assessed on the tuition billing and is worked off at a rate of $5.00 per hour of volunteer service.
Spiritual Development
Seton's primary identity is as a Catholic Christian school. The commitment to teaching and nurturing the Catholic faith is integral to every school day and activity at Seton. Daily prayer, weekly prayer services and liturgies, seasonal activities, annual retreats for each class, service and sacramental opportunities, as well as an overall atmosphere of Christian love, support and expectations contribute to Seton's Catholic identity.
STAR Program
STAR (Student Teacher Advisory and Recreation) groups are guidance-based groups of 10-14 students from the same grade level who meet on a daily basis with a teacher/mentor. The sessions involve introducing and reinforcing gospel values, service activities, coping strategies, etc. through group discussion, role-playing, games, individual conferences and intramural competitions. The small group setting with a teacher/mentor is designed to create a support network for each individual and to develop an understanding and valuing of self, others and life experiences. Over the years, STAR has evolved into an excellent program that was recognized in 2009 by the State of Wisconsin Character Education Partnership (WCEP) as a 'promising practice' through the Wisconsin Schools of Character program.
Student-led Conferences
With the philosophy that students learn best when they are fully engaged in their education, Seton has instituted student-directed student/parent/teacher conferences. Each student and his or her STAR advisor spend significant time preparing for conferences, with the student evaluating his or her own strengths and challenges, setting goals and developing a plan of action to address any concerns. At conference time and under the direction of his or her teacher, the student is expected to lead the meeting, and to share observations and goals with his or her parents. This strategy has been highly successful in helping students to take ownership in the educational process.
Technology
Seton Catholic Middle School became a local leader in school technology in the area with one of the first dedicated computer labs in a middle school, followed by the installation of a mini-lab. In 2007-08 the school implemented a mobile laptop lab, allowing any teacher and class access to laptop computers without leaving the classroom. In the spring of 2009, a 'classroom of the future' was installed in the sixth grade wing, complete with an interactive SMART board, overhead projector and an automated response system. Subsequently, Seton has added three interactive whiteboards in the eighth grade wing, one on the seventh grade floor and an additional unit on the sixth grade floor. Efforts are underway to raise funds to install a similar suite in the 7th and 8th grade wings as well. Remarkably, the majority of these technological installations were achieved outside the regular school budget, paid for by dedicated fundraising, grants and donations from school supporters.
Washington DC Trip
Every year for each of the past 21 years, Mr. Tom Kropidlowski (2007 Kohl Fellowship Teacher Award winner) has led a group of eighth grade students on a four-day trip to our nation's capitol. This trip is truly the highlight of a Seton student's experience, with guided tours of the primary points of interest in Washington D.C.. Beginning in sixth grade students have opportunities to participate in fundraising events to earn money for the trip, so every student who wishes to go can do so.
World Languages
As part of the sixth grade curriculum, every Seton student takes one quarter of French, German and Spanish. Seton also offers Mandarin Chinese and a Spanish option for those who did not attend a TCCES
elementary school. During the seventh and eighth grade years, students may elect to take one of the languages as a regular, daily class. This unique offering gives students a head start on their high school language requirements, as they are usually able to enter a second year class as freshmen if they so choose.
