Parent Newsletter
Riverside Middle School | December 2024
Leigh Ann Graf
It’s truly an honor to serve the Riverside Middle School community as Co-Principal, with a focus on instruction, for the 2025-2026 school year. This will be my 8th year at RMS and my 15th year in education—every one of those years reinforcing my belief in the power of strong relationships, great teaching, and a supportive school community.
Before stepping into this leadership role, I proudly served RMS as our Instructional Coach and AVID Site Coordinator. I began my career as a middle and high school English teacher, where I taught a wide range of English and elective courses. These experiences have grounded me in the belief that all students thrive when they are known, challenged, and supported.
I grew up in DeForest and graduated from DeForest High School, where I was actively involved in cheerleading, forensics, drama, French Club, student council, and more—experiences that taught me the value of being part of something bigger than myself. I earned my degree in Secondary English Education from UW–Madison, working my way through college by serving as a House Fellow, a forensics coach, and even a house cleaner. My journey in education has taken me to Minnesota and back to Wisconsin, where I’ve had the opportunity to work with students from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of learning environments. Each step along the way has shaped who I am as a leader and deepened my commitment to middle school students.
Outside of school, I’m a proud mom to two amazing daughters, Tillie and Addie, and wife to my husband, Brandon. As a family, we love spending time outdoors—running, reading, playing games, and getting out on the water whenever we can.
I share all of this with you so you can get to know me not just as an educator, but as a fellow member of this vibrant community. I’m deeply committed to supporting our students, partnering with our staff, and building strong relationships with families. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to connect and learn how I can best support your child’s success at RMS.
Looking forward to a fantastic year together!
Mike Cunningham
I am extremely excited to be entering my first year in my new role as Interim Co-Principal at RMS! 2025-2026 will be my 21st year in education and my 13th year at Riverside. Prior to starting my role as Co-Principal, I was Associate Principal for 4 years, and was the Dean of Students for 3.5 years at Riverside. My first six years at Riverside were spent as the Technology Education instructor.
I attended UW-Platteville and earned my B.S in Technology Education. I received my Master's in Education from Viterbo University along with my principal license. My first teaching opportunity was at Kewaskum Middle School where I taught Technology Education for three years. I also taught Middle School Technology Education at Richland Center Middle School for three years followed by two years of teaching in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District.
I have coached a variety of sports including football, baseball, basketball, and track. I enjoy spending time with my two children, Cash and Crew, as well as time with my wife Kelly. Our boys keep us busy playing sports almost every night. I also golf, fish, hunt, and love spending time outdoors.
I am looking forward to continuing getting to know all the new students and families coming to RMS!!
Aug 4-8 - 6th Grade Orchestra Camp - 8am-12pm
Aug 11-15 - 6th, 7th, 8th Orchestra Camp - 8am-11am
Aug 11-15 - 6th Grade Band Camp - 7:30am - 1:30pm
Aug 18-22 - 6th, 7th, 8th Band Camp - 7:30am - 11:30am
Aug 19 - 6th Grade RMS Experience - 9am - 1pmAug 19 - Cross Country Parent & Athlete Meeting - 7pm in LGI
Aug 28 - Open House 5 - 7pm
Sept 2 - First Day of School 7:45am - 3:15pm
Sept 8 - Picture Day Last Name A - L
Sept 9 - Picture Day Last Name M - Z
New to our building this year is an attendance email address for Parents and Guardians to use to inform us that your student will be absent. As always, you can still call and leave a message with attendance as well. It is important that you let us know in advance if your student will be absent. That way attendance can be marked accordingly and automated absent phone calls will not go out.
Attendance Email: rmsattendance@mywusd.org
Attendance Phone Number: 920-262-1480 - EXT 5811
Front
Back
Riverside Middle School - 920-262-1480
Main Office - Ext 5801
Bookkeeper - Ext 5802
Attendance - Ext 5811
Student Services - Ext 5821
Fax - 920-262-1468