St. Anne teacher honored with Kohl Award

SUPERIOR -- The selection committee for the Herb Kohl Educational Fellowship program has chosen Cleo Wenzel, kindergarten teacher at St. Anne School in Somerset, as recipient of the 2002 Kohl Foundation Award for Teachers.

Phyllis Schlagel, diocesan superintendent of schools, announced a $1000 award was granted to St. Anne School and said Wenzel epitomizes the vocation of teaching and learning and persistently strives for and achieves excellence in her teaching.

"I am very pleased that Cleo Wenzel received this award. I have known Cleo and her family for several years. Her commitment to children, compassion for religious teaching, and community involvement go well beyond typical expectations," Schlagel said.

Kelly LeMire, a volunteer mom with two children at St. Anne said, "Cleo revolves her organizational skills around the needs of every child in her class. She has set up 'centers' and 'stations' to help the children learn in smaller groups. She has a theme that is used not only for math, art, free time, show-n-tell, German, reading, writing, but right down to the prayer that is said before snack time. ... My children both want to be 'Mrs. Wenzel's' when they grow up!"

Stephen and Lisa Cichy, said that two of their three children have had the good fortune to have Wenzel for their kindergarten teacher. They said, "She has shown her ability to create an enthusiastic and cohesive group of students from a collection of children who come to her from a wide variety of socioeconomic levels, varying degrees of academic progress, and vastly different behavioral qualities."

Colleague, Katherine Bates, said, "Cleo maintains open, supportive, and positive communication with administration, staff, students and parents. She has set up a buddy system with the sixth grade students and the kindergartners; they complete many projects together throughout the school year."

Another teacher, Jennifer Randall said, "Cleo is an exemplary kindergarten teacher. Her colorful and organized classroom and her happy and succeeding students are a reflection of the love for teaching and learning Cleo brings to her vocation as an educator at St. Anne School. Jennifer has witnessed the transformation of her students as they learn to read, become more independent, and grow deeper in their faith."

Ann Mitchell, principal of St. Anne, attests to Wenzel's positive impact on children. "Within a very restrictive budget, Cleo demonstrates tremendous generosity and resourcefulness. Cleo's kindergartners have the great benefit of interacting with numerous parents and school staff members -- including the custodian and food service manager -- in learning centers weekly. Parents are in awe of the breadth and depth of her program (including an introduction to the German language); a weekly letter details accomplishments, special tidbits of individual recognition, and hopes and plans for the days ahead."

Wenzel said she feels teaching could be strengthened by helping to strengthen parent involvement, keeping schools small enough so families get to know and care about each other, and encouraging good communication between families and schools.

Wenzel added that character education that teaches right from wrong, that values diversity and avoids stereotyping people can help foster better relationships among students and families.

The fellowship recipients were selected by a panel comprised of representatives of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, the Department of Public Instruction, the Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools, CESAs, the Herb Kohl Foundation, and several education-related associations. A formal presentation to the recipients was held at Chippewa Falls this spring.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2002