As we begin another school year at St. Ann School, our halls are once again filled with energy, laughter, and the joyful sound of learning. This year, we are embracing a powerful and beautiful mission: Living God’s Love Through Kindness.

We’re excited to welcome Mr. Erik Ramos to the St. Ann School community as part of our dedicated middle school teaching team! Mr. Ramos brings a fresh perspective, an enthusiasm for history, and a deep appreciation for the role of faith in education. As he begins his first year in the classroom, we sat down with him to learn more about his journey, his teaching philosophy, and what he hopes to bring to our students this year.

We’re excited to welcome Mr. Joe Ritchie to the St. Ann School family as our new Physical Education teacher. Joe brings with him a strong background in sports, coaching, and a love for building community—both in the classroom and beyond.

Meet Lainie Haser, a proud St. Ann School alumna and soon-to-be sophomore at Stoughton High School. This summer, Lainie was one of 38 high school students and adult chaperones who participated in a transformative mission trip to Richmond, Virginia, through Catholic Heart Work Camp. Organized by St. Cletus Faith Formation, the experience was rooted in faith, service, and community—and made a lasting impact. We sat down with Lainie to hear more about her journey.

We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Carrie Esser as the new second and third grade teacher at St. Ann School for the 2025–2026 school year! If you’ve been part of the St. Ann community for a while, you may already know Mrs. Esser. She and her family became members of St. Ann Parish in 2019, after moving to the area from Arizona following her husband’s retirement from military service. Since then, she’s been an active part of our school family—serving as both an Educational Assistantand substitute teacher. This year, we’re excited to have her officially join our teaching staff!

At Saint Ann School, we believe that a strong partnership between families and staff is essential to building a joyful, faith-filled, and successful school community. That’s where the Home & School Association (H&S) comes in!

From the time I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. It wasn’t something I ever questioned—it was just part of who I was. I followed that passion to the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where I majored in elementary education. In 2005, I began my very first full-time teaching job right here at St. Ann’s School.

What do horses, grocery store dance moves, and traditional Norwegian bunads have in common? They’re all part of the amazing journey of Ellie Jump, a spirited St. Ann School 4th grader who took center stage as one of this year’s Norwegian dancers. We caught up with Ellie to hear about her love for dancing, what it was like preparing for the big performances, and how cheese curds made it all even better!

Performances: Friday, May 9 at 7:00 PM & Saturday, May 10 at 11:00 AM St. Ann School Drama is ready to make a splash with its spring production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. With catchy songs, colorful costumes, and a fun one-hour runtime, this show is the perfect introduction to live theater for young audiences.

In a world often marked by division, Pope Francis stood as a quiet yet powerful force of compassion, humility, and hope. His papacy reminded us all — from the youngest students to seasoned educators, from parish families to pilgrims in faraway lands — that the essence of our faith lies in love, mercy, and service to others.

For over a decade, middle schoolers at St. Ann’s have been reaping the benefits of overnight science camps. Most recently, students from the 6th and 7th grades—accompanied by faculty members Mrs. Talbert, Mr. Deutsch, Mrs. Nguyen, and two dedicated parent chaperones—embarked on a memorable three-day, two-night adventure to Upham Woods, a stunning outdoor education center nestled along the Wisconsin River.

Every spring, our St. Ann School family comes together to celebrate one of the most beloved traditions of the year—Grandparents and Special Person’s Day. This treasured event, held annually in April, is a time to honor the grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, family friends, and special people who play such a vital role in the lives of our students from 4K through 8th grade. Whether they travel from miles away or live just around the corner in Stoughton, their presence fills our halls with joy, laughter, and love.

At St. Ann School, the library has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the tireless efforts of Jean Elvekrog, the school’s librarian. From revamping the space to sparking a love for reading among students, Jean has made a lasting impact on the school community. I recently sat down with Jean to discuss her journey, the rewards of working with students, and the joy she finds in fostering a love for books.

At St. Ann School, we believe that sports are a wonderful aspect of a child’s development, offering students more than just physical activity. With spring sports starting, the athletic programs—offered in Stoughton and our surrounding communities—provide opportunities for students to engage in a variety of activities that foster teamwork, leadership, and lasting friendships that extend beyond the field, court, or rink. Whether you're a parent considering St. Ann for your child or a current family looking to explore athletic opportunities, here's a look at how athletics work at our school.

Choosing the right school for our children is a significant decision, one that goes beyond academics to include a nurturing, supportive environment. When we moved to Stoughton in 2016, we knew we wanted something special for our daughter, Stella. After years of homeschooling, we found that at St. Ann School. From the personal connection we felt during our tour to the warm, welcoming community, St. Ann has exceeded our expectations. In this post, we share our journey and how Stella’s experience at St. Ann has been nothing short of amazing.

Choosing the right school for our children wasn’t just about academics—it was about finding a place where they could grow in faith, build meaningful friendships, and feel truly supported. When we discovered St. Ann School, we didn’t just find a school; we found a community that values kindness, empathy, and individualized learning. From our children’s first days at school to the moments of unexpected kindness and the joy of watching them thrive, we’ve experienced firsthand the incredible impact this school has had on our family. Here’s why we’re so grateful to be part of the St. Ann community—and why we believe it’s the perfect place for our kids to flourish.

Tucked away in the heart of Stoughton, WI, The Lageret is an event venue that blends historic charm with modern functionality. Housed in a former 1885 tobacco warehouse, its stunning architecture and spacious layout make it a sought-after location for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. But The Lageret is more than just a venue—it’s the realization of a dream for owner Jamae Ramsden, who has seamlessly combined her passion for flowers, design, and community into a thriving business. Recently, Jamae sponsored and hosted St. Ann School’s Monte Carlo Casino Night Fundraiser at The Lageret, further demonstrating her commitment to both her business and her local community. As a proud supporter of St. Ann School, Jamae’s son Noah, a second grader there, is also an integral part of the tight-knit St. Ann family.

We are absolutely thrilled and overwhelmed with gratitude to announce that our Monte Carlo Casino Night Fundraiser raised a remarkable $58,000 for St. Ann School! What an incredible night of excitement, generosity, and community spirit. We are truly humbled and blessed by the outpouring of support and the shared commitment to the future of our school.

When Meg Veek reflects on her time at St. Ann School, where she graduated in 1967, she can’t help but feel immense gratitude for the foundation it provided her. "The lessons I learned went far beyond textbooks and classrooms—they helped mold me into the person I am today," she shares. "And to think, when I was younger, I took my Catholic education for granted."

At St. Ann School, we are committed to offering a math curriculum that not only challenges our students but also ensures they thrive academically. One of the most common questions we receive from prospective families is about our math program and how we support students at different speed levels. We are proud to say that our Saxon Math curriculum is a key ingredient in our students’ success.