Message from the Head of School

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Dear Parents and Friends of Prairie,

This school is a unique and special place, and the thing that makes it so remarkable is the people. Our faculty is made up of hard-working, brilliant, passionate and committed individuals, all who are responsible for making our community so great.

As we put the finishing touches on a successful year, I write to share the bittersweet news of those faculty members who will be departing this summer. Whether retiring or leaving to pursue a new adventure, one thing is absolutely certain – our school has become a stronger institution because of their contributions.

Please join me in thanking these dedicated professionals for their efforts on behalf of, and commitment to, our students.  We urge them to stay in touch and we wish them all health and happiness in their next stage of life.

Sincerely,

Dr. Coffman

2017 Moving and Departing Employees

Sandy Freres – Athletic Director

  • 36 years of service
  • Began at Prairie as a physical education teacher and girls’ varsity field hockey coach; was named interim Athletic Director in 1985
  • Instituted wide-ranging initiatives that bolstered Prairie’s physical education and athletic departments, including daily physical education, no-cut athletic policies, and mandatory American Red Cross and First Aid training
  • Served on design teams that helped create the Johnson Athletic Center and the Ruud Family Soccer Complex
  • Named a WIAA and WADA AD of the Year, and has been awarded Citations from the National Federation of State High School Associations and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association
  • In the community, Sandy helped oversee the merger of the WISAA and the WIAA and has served as a tireless volunteer for the Racine County Hall of Fame and other organizations in Racine and Wisconsin
Galen Steig – MS Mathematics Teacher
  • 16 years of service
  • Leaving full-time Math faculty position to build upon his hands-on teaching approach in a new part-time role at Prairie, focused on supporting faculty in curricular and pedagogical innovation across all divisions
  • Began his TPS career as a MS Science teacher; held a variety of roles including MS Dean of Students, Director of Technology/PowerSchool Administrator, and Librarian, as well as Coach of MS Cross Country and Baseball
  • Oversaw the MS Outdoor Education program and led summer excursion trips out west for students
  • Lead advisor for MS Math Plus Club and Science Olympiad
  • An avid cyclist, Galen is in the process of building a tiny house for retirement

Todd Albers – MS Dean of Students & Social Studies Teacher

  • 16 years of service
  • Spent his entire Prairie career working with Middle School students in range of roles: as teacher, coach and Dean
  • As Dean, Todd led the growth of Prairie’s Advisory program to build community within and across grades 5 through 8
  • Originated the 6th grade Create A Culture project
  • Oversaw the MS basketball program and served as 8th grade boys’ head coach
  • A football fanatic, Todd is a Packers season ticket holder

Tracy Albers – MS Science Teacher

  • 15 years of service
  • Prior to teaching MS Science, taught MS English; is the current MS Rocket Science Club advisor and volleyball coach
  • Played a key role in instituting and updating the current science curriculum
  • Served as a MS faculty lead for Prairie’s recent restorative justice initiative
  • Integral in the Middle School’s annual participation in Global School Play Day
  • Past faculty representative to the Board of Trustees and member of the ISACS Self-Study Committee
  • As a member of the Advisory program, Tracy was known for supporting and challenging her students — particularly her advisees

Ana Moreno – School Counselor

  • 4 years of service
  • Was one of a few individuals on campus who worked with all students from Early School to High School, and was committed to building relationships and programs that benefitted all students
  • Active in Prairie’s faculty SEED program
  • Led small affinity groups dedicated to supporting students’ unique needs building relationships of similar characteristics
  • Is an avid runner and marathon competitor and parlayed those interests into a role as a summer camp workshop instructor, teaching an athletic Boot Camp for students

Pooja Mehra – PS Educational Assistant

  • 1 year of service
  • An Engineering specialist, Pooja shared her love of scientific problem-solving with 3rd and 4th grade
  • Provided exceptional support, compassion, kindness, and creativity well beyond typical PS level due to her Master of Science in physics from Indian Institute of Technology