News Brief: Fall/Winter 2024-25

Speakers Promote Wellness

So far this school year, USM has welcomed Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary (pictured) and Lynn Lyons, authors and parenting experts, in partnership with REDgen, a local organization that fosters conversations around mental health. Events are free and open to the public.

USM in Iceland 

This summer, eight Upper School science teachers spent a week in Iceland, exploring the country’s diverse ecosystems and unique landscapes. Funding was made possible through a Think Big grant from the school.

Writing’s on the Wall

Middle School students, teachers, and administrators signed pledges and agreed to uphold USM’s Common Trust values of respect, trust, honesty, kindness, and fairness. The pledges are hung in the Middle School as a living reminder.

Retreats Build Community

Annual Middle School and Upper School retreats, held in fall, build community through shared experiences, foster leadership, challenge assumptions, encourage self-reflection, and support 
USM’s mission.

Fall Cum Laude Inductees

Congratulations to seniors Alexander Chen, Sama Daham, Raya El-Hajjar, Saul Flores, Alexander Frick, Aubrey Jayne, Tatiana Marich, Kiran Siddalingaiah, and Sophia Torinus, who were named Cum Laude Society inductees.

Celebrating Fall

Preschool teachers hosted the annual fall festival for prekindergarten and junior kindergarten students and their families in October 2024. Children enjoyed a giant leaf pile, games, snacks, and a dedicated spot for family photos in USM’s outdoor classroom.

Authors Welcomed Here

USM hosted authors Rob Harrell (pictured), Randy Ribay, Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, and Helena Ku Rhee this fall. The authors spoke about how they got started writing, challenges they’ve faced, and answered questions.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Fifth grade students created unique Día de los Muertos wind chime ofrendas that were displayed at the Latino Arts Inc. Gallery. It was one of several cross-curricular projects highlighting the culture and traditions of Mexico.

Microloans for Macro Change

For many years, 7th grade students have developed arcade games for younger students to play for 25 cents. The money raised—now collectively surpassing $60,000—supports zero-interest microloans through the KIVA organization. 

Substance Misuse Education

Lee Bergeron, LMSW, spoke to parents, students, faculty, and staff about substance misuse prevention—including the changing landscape of teen substance abuse and strategies to support healthy choices.

Future College Athletes

Three seniors announced early athletic commitments. From left Brayden Becker, golf at Clarke University; Annie Norman, cross country and track and field at Davidson College; and Joe Berrien, lacrosse at Bowdoin College.

Food for the Hungry

Members of the Upper School Food Appreciation Club, led by Robin Cushman ’25 and Sofia Torinus ’25, made more than 300 sandwiches to feed Milwaukee’s homeless population. They also donated the sandwich components.

Working Lunch

USM’s Career Lunch and Learn program is off to a strong start, with the first two sessions featuring judges and public policy leaders. Students can dine with professionals and experts to learn about specific fields of employment.

Tour of Indigenous School Enlightens

Seniors enrolled in English 4: Environmental Literature visited Indian Community School located in Franklin, Wisconsin to learn how the school incorporates local, natural materials and the outdoors in its curriculum and architecture.