St. Mary Catholic Schools (SMCS) has named Anna Cihlar SMCS Elementary Principal. Anna will begin at SMCS on July 1, 2022.

Anna is a seasoned educator and author with more than 20 years of classroom experience. She holds an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Bilingual Education from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, and a master’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature through the University of Salamanca, Spain. She has pursued an Educational Administration degree through the University of Wisconsin, Superior. Anna and her husband live in Appleton with their two teen boys. The family is active at St. Bernard Parish.

In her new role at SMCS, Anna will oversee all three elementary campuses, supported by a full-time associate principal at each school. “We are excited to have Anna lead the elementary schools team as they deliver extraordinary experiences to our children and families. We are proud of the unique identity of each of our schools. Anna’s role will encourage collaboration and resource sharing among those unique elementary schools in a new way, helping us improve instruction, curriculum alignment, and differentiation, while preserving the best practices of the individual communities ” SMCS Superintendent Dan McKenna said.

In a letter to the SMCS community, Anna said, “I am excited to have the opportunity to bring my experience and gifts to the SMCS community as we open ourselves to the workings of the Holy Spirit to make SMCS the best it can be.”