August 28, 2020

Dear St. Joan Antida High School Family,

The administration, faculty, and staff of St. Joan Antida High School, like the rest of Wisconsin and the country, are feeling the weight of the persistent acts of racism. We pray for justice for Jacob Blake, as well as for George Floyd, Breanna Taylor, Joel Acevedo, and the countless other victims of police brutality. We pray for peace and for real and substantive change to policies that perpetuate racism.

As a community of faith and followers of Christ, we recognize we are also called to action. We stand in full support of our students and continually take steps to ensure that their voices are heard. We must consistently examine how our own beliefs and biases affect the students with whom we interact every day. We must determine the ways that our school community can work to make sure that the larger community in which our students live is one that recognizes and honors their human dignity.

New Principal Named

After an extensive search, St. Joan Antida High School is pleased to name Megan Otero as the school's new principal. Otero most recently served as the academic dean for Notre Dame School of Milwaukee. She firmly believes in the solid foundation that a Catholic education provides for all students and values the all-girl learning environment. Through her own experience, she understands the formative role both traits have played in her own life. Otero has experienced the hallmarks of a Catholic education from the standpoint of student, teacher, and administrator.

New Assistant Principal Named

Elizabeth (Betsi) Lingen '93 has been named assistant principal at St. Joan Antida High School (SJA). Lingen previously served SJA as principal for the past two years and made the decision to transition to this new role due to a desire to have more direct student interaction. As Assistant Principal, Lingen will oversee student life and culture and will spend 50% of her time in the classroom teaching, serving as chair of the History department.

After many discussions, St. Joan Antida High School will begin classes virtually, starting Monday, Aug. 17 (grade 9) and Tuesday, Aug. 18 (grades 10-12). Every student will be given her own SJA Chromebook to use. We believe starting virtually is in the best interest of our students, their families, and our faculty to keep everyone safe and healthy. Please refer to our "SJA Learns Away" document for more information regarding our plans for the start of school. For current families, please refer to our virtual learning page that contains information on what is needed before your daughter resumes classes this fall.