MESSMER CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

G r e e t i n g s f r o m t h e P r e s i d e n t
Dear Friends,
We are pleased to present to you Messmer Catholic Schools’ Annual Report for
fiscal year 2010. We are even more pleased to share with you examples of how
your support has positively impacted the lives of over 1,500 students at three
campuses: Messmer High School, Messmer Preparatory Catholic School and St.
Rose and St. Leo Catholic School.
While the majority of Messmer students live below the federal poverty level,
our students buck the trend of poor achievement among at-risk populations
by consistently making gains in academics. We are often asked what makes
Mesmer Catholic Schools special. We attribute our success to the following
concepts, The Messmer Way:
• Rigorous academics
We expect the best from our students and do not settle for less. We support
our students with the tools they need, ranging from Honors and Advanced
Placement opportunities to academinc support and tutoring.
• Present, focused and prepared
The first step in success is being present, focused and prepared. Messmer
has mandatory student attendance requirements, holds high expetations
for student, faculty and staff professionalism, and provides opportunites for
parents to be active participants in their child’s education.
• Catholic, faith-based education
We see our students as individuals and we work to cultivate our students’
gifts for their own leadership development, but also for the greater good.
And it is our Catholic, faith-based curriculm that transforms our students
from within.
On these pages you will find examples of The Messmer Way in action. You will
also see that our students’ achievement is the direct result of a strong network of
friends, volunteers and donors, all united to Lead the Way. You have our sincere
thanks for helping us advance our important mission in urban education.
With warm regards,
Br. Bob Smith, OFM Cap
President and CEO