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MADISON, WI — The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has recognized Elizabeth Streubel as its 2026 Wisconsin Elementary Associate Principal of the Year. Streubel serves as assistant principal of Wilson Elementary in the Mequon-Thiensville School District.

She is known for her compassionate leadership, student-centered decision-making, and dedication to fostering a safe, inclusive, and joyful school community. Over the past three years as an assistant principal, she has led initiatives that strengthened student well-being, improved attendance, and enhanced staff morale through intentional relationship-building and restorative leadership.

“Elizabeth Streubel is a shining example of the heart and skill that define Wisconsin’s elementary school leaders,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch. “Her work at Wilson Elementary demonstrates how empathy, data-driven collaboration, and creativity can transform school culture. She leads with integrity, optimism, and a deep belief in every child’s potential.”

At Wilson Elementary, Streubel has cultivated a culture rooted in connection and care—greeting students each morning with high-fives, hugs, and encouragement to start the day with joy and belonging. Her innovative Bus of the Month program celebrates bus drivers and students who model respect, responsibility, and readiness to learn, resulting in significant reductions in bus-related behavioral incidents.

A former special education teacher, Streubel brings deep expertise in behavior intervention and inclusive practices. She has collaborated with staff to implement individualized supports, create restorative behavior plans, and strengthen family partnerships, helping reduce chronic absenteeism to just 3 percent—the school’s lowest rate in four years.

“Ms. Streubel is an indispensable part of the Wilson community,” said Principal Dr. Jocelyn Sulsberger. “She actively strives to cultivate an environment where all individuals feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn. Liz's dedication to nurturing young learners and supporting educators has had a positive impact on our school, and we are fortunate to call her a Wilson Wildcat.”

Streubel holds a master’s degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and is seeking an Ed.D. from Concordia University.

“Liz Streubel exemplifies what it means to lead with heart,” said MTSD Superintendent Dr. Matthew Joynt. “Her compassion, commitment to students, and unwavering support for staff and families make Wilson Elementary School a place where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to grow.”

The Wisconsin Associate Principal of the Year program recognizes assistant and associate principals whose leadership has resulted in improved student learning, instructional collaboration, and a safe and positive school environment. Nominations are accepted from teachers, parents, principals, and others across Wisconsin.

Selection criteria include a commitment to personal excellence, collaborative leadership, personalization, curriculum, instruction and assessment, and serving as an established and respected community member. A committee representing teachers, superintendents, board members, parents, and the Department of Public Instruction reviews the applications and selects an AP of the year at the middle school and high school levels.

Considerable support comes from the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation. Streubel will be formally recognized at the Wisconsin Associate Principal Convention in January. She will also receive $1,000 for use on a project of her choice at Wilson Elementary School.  

The Mequon-Thiensville School District (MTSD) has achieved a rating of “Significantly Exceeds Expectations” on the 2024-2025 District Report Cards, issued in November 2025 by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), with an overall score of 85.2. This score once again places MTSD among the top 5% of K-12 public school districts in Wisconsin, reaffirming its standing as a top-rated district in the state. The district has significantly exceeded expectations in all eleven years since the DPI introduced the report cards. 

As part of Wisconsin’s state accountability system, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) issues annual report cards for all publicly funded schools and districts. While DPI cautions against comparing outcomes year to year, the report cards serve as a tool for MTSD to reflect on strengths, identify areas for growth, and benchmark performance against other districts across the state. 

The DPI evaluates schools and districts across four key priority areas: 

• Achievement, measuring student proficiency in English language arts and mathematics;
• Growth, tracking year-to-year academic progress; 
• Target Group Outcomes, focusing on students in the lowest performance quartile; and
• On-Track to Graduation, assessing reliable predictors of student progress through K-12 education.

For the 2024-25 report cards, the DPI implemented updates to scoring ranges and refinements to the Achievement category following a statewide review. These adjustments may result in rating changes even when student performance remains consistent.

Student achievement remains a core strength for the Mequon-Thiensville School District (MTSD), which posted its highest multi-year averages on on-track-to-graduation indicators over the past three years. These results reflect the district’s ongoing commitment to excellence and student success. Further, all six schools in the Mequon-Thiensville School District exceed or significantly exceed expectations on this year’s report cards.

“This recognition reflects the collective effort of our students, staff, families, and community,” said Dr. Matthew Joynt, Superintendent of Schools. “We are grateful for the ongoing partnership and shared commitment that support our students’ growth and learning each day.”

More information about the 2024-25 DPI report cards can be found on the district website.

Homestead High School (HHS) is proud to recognize senior Sophie Perry for earning a perfect 36 on the ACT exam this past July. The ACT is a nationally recognized college admissions test that measures students’ mastery of core academic skills in English, math, reading, and science. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate Sophie’s achievement,” said HHS Principal Eric Ebert. “A perfect ACT score is a rare milestone, and Sophie’s hard work, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to learning truly set her apart. She not only excels in the classroom, but also contributes her talents across a wide range of activities, enriching the Homestead community in countless ways.”

At Homestead, Sophie is a dedicated member of the band, Biology Club, Medic Makers Club, and science research. Beyond school, she is also active in figure skating. She was also recently accepted into the SUPREMES Program (Students Understanding Principles of Research Education through Medicine, Engineering, and Science), sponsored by Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering. This highly selective academic-year program provides high school students with hands-on experience in biomedical and clinical research, as well as exposure to new technologies and innovative laboratory practices while working under the guidance of world-class scientific researchers in the Greater Milwaukee area.

Looking ahead, Sophie plans to study molecular biology on a pre-MD/PhD track in college, continuing to pursue her passion for science and discovery. Though has worked with many encouraging educators throughout her time in the Mequon-Thiensville School District, Sophie found her niche in Homestead’s science department.

“All of my teachers have been extremely supportive and helpful, but my most impactful class has been AP Biology with Ms. Grace,” Perry said. 

A top composite score of 36 is achieved by less than one-quarter of one percent of test-takers nationwide, making Sophie’s accomplishment exceptionally rare.

The National Merit Scholarship Competition (NMSC) recently announced the names of over 16,000 Semifinalists in the 71th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Homestead High School is excited to announce that six of our senior students have qualified as National Merit Semifinalists. Those students are: Anderson Brewer, Benjamin Friederichs, Aurko Ghose, Aditya Kosaraju, Siddharth Kosaraju, and Brady Youngstrom.

These academically talented seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of competition. Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

“It is an extraordinary honor to celebrate six National Merit Semifinalists at Homestead this year,” said Eric Ebert, Principal of Homestead High School. “These remarkable students exemplify not only academic excellence but also curiosity, perseverance, and integrity. Their achievements reflect the steadfast support of their families, the dedication of our exceptional educators, and their own commitment to learning and growth. We are incredibly proud of these young scholars, not just for their accomplishments in the classroom, but for the ways they contribute to our school and community as thoughtful and engaged citizens. We look forward to seeing all that they will continue to achieve in the years ahead.”

Over 1.3 million juniors across approximately 20,000 high schools entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

Students who qualify as Semifinalists based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT are the only program participants who have an opportunity to advance to the Finalist level and compete for National Merit Scholarships. From the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February, they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. Finalists will be announced beginning in April 2026.

Find more information about the National Merit Scholarship Corporation at www.nationalmerit.org

The U.S. News and World Report has ranked Homestead High School in the Mequon-Thiensville School District #5 out of 462 (Top 2%) ranked high schools in the state of Wisconsin. The school was also ranked #382 of nearly 18,000 (Top 1%) public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and their ability to prepare students for college. By earning this national ranking, Homestead High School has reaffirmed its achieved status as a U.S. News Best High School.

“Our school community takes great pride in the national recognition of the Mighty Highlanders, as it highlights the remarkable dedication and achievements of our students and staff,” said Eric Ebert, Principal of Homestead High School. “This honor is not only a reflection of their commitment and accomplishments, but also of the steadfast support from the Mequon-Thiensville community. We are truly grateful for the encouragement that helps our students and high school continue to thrive.”

U.S. News bases rankings on performance on six ranking indicators: college readiness, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth, and graduation rate. In this year's ratings, Homestead achieved a #1 standing in the state of Wisconsin in the College Curriculum Breadth Index. This is a data point that represents the percentage of 12th graders who took and passed college-level courses while still in high school (Advanced Placement exam results).

“This latest recognition from U.S. News & World Report is a testament to the determination of our students, the dedication of our educators, and the steadfast support of our families and community,” said Dr. Matthew Joynt, Superintendent of Schools. “It highlights the strength of the Mequon-Thiensville School District in providing exceptional learning opportunities and reflects our vision: Each student, every time, empowered to succeed. Achievements such as this are made possible through the collective commitment of our entire school community, and we are deeply grateful for that partnership.”

Visit https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/wisconsin for additional information regarding the state and national rankings.

Homestead High School’s Latin Team, led by longtime Latin teacher Marianne Wallach, recently returned from the 71st National Junior Classical League (NJCL) Convention held at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, from July 21-26. The team made a historic mark on the national stage with a stunning series of victories and milestones. As part of a team of 83 students representing the state of Wisconsin, Homestead’s 30 Latin scholars brought home unprecedented accolades in academics, the arts, spirit competitions, and athletics.

A major academic success was achieved when the WI Novice Certamen Team, captained by HHS rising sophomore Tilly Micallef, won the National Championship in the Novice division for the first time in recorded history. Micallef was joined by three other Wisconsin students in this fast-paced, high-pressure competition, similar to Jeopardy. Competing in five high-stakes rounds, including a semifinal and final round against powerhouse states such as Florida, Texas, Virginia, and Massachusetts, the team’s victory is being celebrated as a landmark achievement. The Intermediate (Latin II) team, with incoming senior HHS Misha Auchynnikau in the historian role, also performed admirably, placing third in the nation.

“Watching our students go toe-to-toe with the top teams in the country and emerge victorious was incredible,” said Magistra Wallach, “Tilly’s leadership and the team’s dedication to excellence is something I’ll never forget.”

In a convention filled with academic, creative, and athletic competition, Tilly Micallef also earned a prestigious Lily B. Hamilton Award, recognizing her as the third highest-scoring student in the nation across all levels out of more than 1,100 competitors. She demonstrated excellence in a wide range of areas, from rigorous academic tests, graphic arts, Olympika, and the Certamen championship.

In addition to academics, Homestead’s creative and athletic accomplishments shone as well. Rising senior Addison Drumm took home first place in the nation for Wisconsin’s Digital Scrapbook, and her custom-designed state t-shirt won top honors for the second consecutive year. In addition, in a feat seen only once before at the NJCL convention (by Wisconsin in 2014), the state achieved a full sweep in all Olympika athletic events, echoing the competitive spirit of the ancient Greeks. 

Wisconsin won:

• Soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and kickball - all with three games of elimination before the final round
• Swimming – Led by Ian Godden, Oliver Peters, Luella Hrdi.
• Track & Field – With standout performances from Lucas Mersky, Dino Dhaliwal, London Boettcher, Lauren Strifling, Ella Gotz, Tilly Micallef, Emily Cai, Lilly Chromy, Anthony Lopina, Sam Schmid and Luke LaLonde.

“It’s hard to overstate the grit, heart, and determination these students showed,” said Homestead Principal Eric Ebert, “To compete – and dominate – in academics, arts, and athletics on a national stage is truly extraordinary. What a great culture we have in Homestead Latin.”

Finally, Wisconsin's delegation, though significantly smaller than that of larger states, swept the Spirit Award every single day of the convention. With synchronized cheers and spirited costumes, rising senior Anna Prokhin, serving as WJCL Spirit Coordinator, played a critical role in this achievement. Wisconsin earned the Overall Spirit Award for Extra Large States, capping off a David-and-Goliath triumph.

“This year’s convention will be remembered as Wisconsin’s most successful showing yet,” said Magistra Wallach, “Our Highlanders’ performance was a testament to the power of preparation, teamwork, and love of the classics.”

The Mequon-Thiensville School District (MTSD) and Board of Education held its Budget Hearing & Annual Meeting on the evening of Monday, July 21, 2025. This hearing provides an opportunity for community members to engage in the budget process,  reinforcing the District’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds. During the Budget Hearing, the MTSD Board of Education voted to approve a preliminary balanced budget in the amount of $75,627,272 for the 2025-26 school year. 

“The information provided at this meeting was current as of Monday, June 16 due to the timing of the Board of Education approval of the preliminary budget,” said Andrew Sarnow, MTSD’s Executive Director of Business Services. “There are still assumptions and calculated estimates in the presented information that may need to be adjusted in advance of the presentation of the final budget, levy, and mill rate to the Board of Education in October.”

During the district’s Annual Meeting, the Mequon-Thiensville community voted to approve a tax in the amount of $52,785,400 for the 2025-26 school year. This total tax includes a General Fund levy in the amount of $48,134,660, a Debt Service tax levy in the amount of $4,423,160, and a Community Service tax levy in the amount of $227,580. The tax levy was approved by a community vote of 30-0. The final 2025-26 budget and tax levy will be brought to the MTSD Board of Education for certification during their regular business meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025. Per Wis. Statutes 120.12(3)(a) and (c), a school board must determine if the tax approved at the District’s Annual Meeting is sufficient to operate and maintain schools for the upcoming school year on or before November 1. Taxes must be certified to municipalities on or before November 10 each year.

As the MTSD Board of Education’s Legislative Committee prepares for the 2025-26 school year, it remains steadfast in advocating for predictable and adequate public school funding at both the state and federal levels. While the recently enacted 2025-27 Wisconsin Biennial Budget includes some improvements, such as increased special education reimbursement rates and continued investment in student mental health services, it falls far short in addressing the broader financial needs of public schools, particularly the lack of new general aid and continued constraints on per-pupil revenue limits. 

In the coming months, the Legislative Committee will prioritize finalizing a summary of the budget’s implications on the District and develop public-facing resources to inform families and taxpayers of that information. The Board will also conduct a Legislative Platform Review to reassess the Board’s current funding positions, integrate new financial realities, and recommend updates to the full Board. These efforts reflect MTSD’s continued commitment to ensuring a strong, sustainable foundation for student success.

The Milwaukee North Shore Rotary Club recognizes students in our area who demonstrate leadership with the “Service Above Self” Award.

Homestead High School is proud to announce that junior Caroline Oberneder is a recipient of the award. Student selection i​s based on commitment to community, impeccable character, and high academic potential. 

“We are proud of Caroline for her outstanding contributions to our school,” said Eric Ebert, Principal of Homestead High School. “She goes above and beyond to create a positive environment for others and her overall spirit of inclusivity embodies the characteristics of a Mighty Highlander. Simply put, Caroline makes Homestead a better place for all.” 

Caroline is extensively involved with Best Buddies. Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Caroline is Co-President of Homestead Best Buddies, is a member of the Student Advisory Board for Best Buddies Wisconsin, and attended the Best Buddies Leadership Conference at Indiana University. 

While reflecting on her experience at the four-day leadership conference this past summer, Caroline shared, “The conference ignited a flame of thought on how I could better represent people with disabilities, and it inspired me to look for building more inclusive spaces in Wisconsin.”

This year, Caroline came up with the idea to expand Best Buddies throughout the Mequon-Thiensville School District beyond the walls of Homestead High School. “I wanted to give younger individuals a chance to learn about the mission of Best Buddies and how we can spread inclusion throughout MTSD,“ said Oberneder. “So far, Steffen Middle School is starting its chapter this month where I will attend their first event to speak and inspire those who would like to join.”

Caroline has also volunteered for the Special Olympics and Balance Inc. “Over 500 hours of volunteer service in their [Balance Inc.] summer camp and after-school program taught me numerous things, all about assisting people with respect for their autonomy and dignity,” said Oberneder.

Caroline Oberneder has shown a tremendous amount of leadership and continues to make a positive impact on the community.