KENOSHA, Wis. — Wisconsin State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly visited Mahone Middle School Friday afternoon, touring classrooms and meeting with students, teachers, and administrators to spotlight the school’s environmental education programs.

Underly arrived at 12:30 p.m. accompanied by other Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction staff. She spent time with members of Mahone’s Eho Club, who presented projects focused on reducing plastic waste and other sustainability efforts. Eco Club members Beebee Weiss and Cailoun, both eighth graders, described how reusable water bottles help cut down on disposable plastics and shared other eco-friendly initiatives the club is pursuing.

Joining them were Principal Steve Germain, KUSD Communications Director Tanya Ruder, instructional coach Pamela Dombkowski, teachers Ms. White and Ms. Gerlach, and Superintendent Dr. Jeff Weiss. The group walked through Mahone’s outdoor classroom and discussed the school’s upcoming pollinator project, a plan designed to support bees and butterflies on the school grounds.

Recognition For Stewardship
Mahone Middle School was recently recognized as a recipient of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s 2025 Stewardship and Sustainability Award, a program created after the U.S. Department of Education ended its Green Ribbon Schools initiative.

Principal Germain, who started teaching at Mahone in 2002, said it was the first time a state superintendent had visited the school. “It was an honor to have her attend,” he told KCE, noting that Mahone has applied for recognition in the past with its eco club. “It was a big honor to get it, and to be acknowledged has been really cool.”

A Veteran Educator
Germain’s career has been closely tied to Mahone since the building opened. He taught science, social studies, and math before becoming dean of students and later serving 12 years as assistant principal. Now in his second year as principal, he leads a staff he describes as “pretty veteran” and ready for the challenges of a large middle school.

With about 1,000 students, Mahone is one of the larger middle schools in Wisconsin. “Everybody who comes in is like, well, it’s a big school,” Germain said. The building reflects that scale: “Our auditorium is about the size of my high school auditorium.”

Student Life Beyond the Classroom
Germain said Mahone offers about 20 clubs, including archery, gamer’s club, chamber orchestra, jazz band, yearbook, generosity club, and Mustang Mentors. Most meet after school, and Germain believes they’re vital to student success. “For kids, we see more success, more involvement. It’s a great place for them,” he said.

He even admitted to a personal interest in some of the activities: “Yeah, I like Magic: The Gathering. I’m a nerd,” he said with a laugh, after noting that the gamer’s club plays both video and board games.

Spotlight On KUSD
Weiss, who has served as superintendent since 2022, said Underly’s decision to visit Kenosha was meaningful. “It’s great having her come and spotlight the great work that’s going on in Kenosha Unified and at Mahone Middle School,” Weiss said. He added that her passion for environmental issues was evident during the visit.

Most Mahone students go on to Indian Trail High School after eighth grade, though a smaller number head to Bradford. Underly’s visit capped off Mahone’s first week of classes, which Germain and Weiss both described as a smooth start compared to last year’s district-wide right-sizing adjustments.