Dixon Principal Siegenthaler Honored as National Distinguished Principal

Seven months ago students for being named Wisconsin Elementary School Principal of the Year.

On Thursday and Friday Dixon Principal Jeanne Siegenthaler got to travel to Washington D.C. to be honored as one of 61 elementary and middle school principals named a 2011 National Distinguished Principal.

The National Association of Elementary School Principals presented the award at a banquet Thursday evening at the Capital Hilton Hotel in D.C.

The NAESP said Siegenthaler helped raise Dixon's math and reading test scores to top ranges since becoming its principal in August 2008 and "greatly increased verbal and written communications and support to staff members and students’ families."

Siegenthaler told the NAESP: "Staff tell me that I motivate them to become better teachers."

The national group also cited her previous five years as principal at St. Mary's School in Hales Corners, saying she "turned around decreasing enrollment, staff turnover, and low morale, leading her building to excellence and recognition as an exemplary school."

Siegenthaler recently received her doctorate degree from Edgewood College in Madison.