Principal's Message
Welcome to Susie C. Altmayer Elementary School! We are the Trailblazers!
We serve more than 400 students in 4K through Grade 4. Our school was built and opened in 2007 with a Mission Statement that is the foundation of our beliefs and culture:
Today I will grow in mind, body, and "I can spirit."
I will be helpful, safe, and kind.
I will celebrate me.
I will celebrate you.
Blaze your own trail.
We, Altmayer parents, students, and staff are devoted to making Altmayer Elementary a second home for all involved. We are a school family with so much to celebrate!
One goal we have at Altmayer is to establish a socially and emotionally safe learning environment where each child and their family belong. We focus on bringing families together in an inclusive way in order to support and enrich our school’s mission and goals. Our parent group’s philosophy also reinforces building a positive and inclusive culture through what we call “friend-raising” & community building rather than fundraising. It is their purpose to create a closer connection to school & home by enhancing academic and enrichment activities.
In lieu of student/family sales, the Parent Group seeks financial support through family donations and the Knowledge Olympics. Here are some past donation examples that have enhanced the learning environment. Trailblazer t-shirts are provided for every student annually. A Free Book is given to every student during the Book Fair. The annual Friendship Book is created and given to all Altmayer students at the end of a school year. Family Fun Nights occur throughout the year, such as The Carnival, Winter Dance and every family event is free, including food and prizes. The Climbing Wall, Chromebooks. Smartboards, Coding Lab Resources, African Drums, and a Sound System for the gym were some of the items purchased over the years.
What sets us apart? As children and teachers we promise to grow in mind, body, and I can spirit. Results are important to us but so is having a mindset of making mistakes and growing from them. Altmayer students consistently perform at a high level on local and state assessments and continue their pledge to be safe, helpful, kind, and to make a positive difference with our words and actions. As a former student of Miss Altmayer once said, “Miss Altmayer wasn't preparing us for report cards, she was preparing us for life.” Susie C. Altmayer, a trailblazer and woman of integrity, continues to inspire and motivate us to live up to her legacy of preparing students for life.
My wish for each child at Altmayer Elementary is that they find their gifts and what makes them unique. I also want them to have the courage to live their uniqueness and the INTEGRITY to let others live theirs. I am proud to be a part of such an incredible school.
On a personal note....
I graduated from St. Norbert College in 1997 and spent the next 3 years playing minor league baseball for the Milwaukee Brewer's minor league system before starting my teaching career in fourth grade. I earned my masters degree from Lesley University and administrative license from Silver Lake College and have been a part of the Unified School District for 11 years as a fifth grade teacher, learning support teacher, and an assistant principal. I enjoy spending time with my wife and three kids and helping them follow their dreams and aspirations. Teaching, coaching, and motivating kids to strive to do their best, grow as individuals, and develop positive relationships are my passions in life. My role at Altmayer is to insure that all staff and students will grow in mind, body, and I can spirit and guide our students to "Blaze their own trails."
I look forward to welcoming you to the Susie C. Altmayer School and working with our students and families!
Mark Kirst, Principal