Thank you TEACHERS!

May 7, 2020

This week is Teacher Appreciation.  

I have the greatest of honors this year working with some of the most talented, caring, dedicated and creative Guides (who are our teachers) that I have experienced in my 20 years in education. I am not just saying that because I hired them either!  They work diligently, compassionately, and fervently to prepare students to live out the Gospel message, achieve academic excellence all the while modeling joy, virtue and reason.

This year through each unique moment, they are risen to meet each and every challenge I have sent their way, giving more and more, truly working endless hours to serve our children and meet each of them where they are at.  Our teachers not only believe in the mission of the school, but they passionately live the two pillars of that mission: Catholic and Montessori.  We daily see the pure joy in their faces, whether we are face to face or on a Google meet. 

A shout out to:

Ms. Cassie: How does one appreciate a person who
chooses to Guide 10 toddlers day in and day out but with constant awe and wonder? Even with distance learning, she has figured out a way to continue Montessori education for her students.  One parent shared that the toddler Google Meet her toddler has with Ms. Cassie and her class is the best 15 minutes of the week.  

THANK YOU MS. CASSIE

Ms. Monica (Casa 1): Ms. Monica's radiating smile gets me every time! She always seems to have a smile on her face...what joy and happiness she internally has when she is with the children. I feel blessed to have been able to walk this year with her!

Her deep faith has inspired her students to pray even when they are in prayer via technology! 


THANK YOU MS. MONICA






                              

  Ms. Christa (Casa 2): 

What a blessing Ms. Christa has been by not only being who she is, but by the experience she has in education.  As a fairly new mom, she has been able to give our students a gift that many do not get to experience, a new baby!  You would never know by Ms. Christa's work with the children that juggling being mom and Guide can be a challenge.  She does it all with such grace!

Even with distance learning, the children are SO excited to work and they are daily inspired by what she is presenting!

THANK YOU MS. CHRISTA

Mrs. Salonek (E1):  At the start of this school year, Grace became Mrs. Salonek, thus she began learning how to live a new vocation AND be a Montessori teacher at SJB.  She has been a blessing to me, our elementary students and families. I am continually impressed by her work with your children. Even through distance learning she has inspired others by modeling what she hopes will inspire children. We are also so excited to celebrate with her, the birth of baby Salonek this month!

She is pictured here celebrating the Feast of St. Joseph.  THANK YOU MRS. SALONEK

Mrs. Wermerskirchen (E2): I am fortunate to have another Mrs. W in the school!  Together we have worked in E2 so I have first hand experience when I say how giving she is with her students. Mrs. Wermerskirchen gives every moment of everyday to the students and literally sits with them when they need support.  She has taken on Mass music this year and has inspired all of E2 to want to more fully participate in the school Mass, whether it be serving, singing, preparing or mentoring.  THANK YOU MRS. WERMERSKIRCHEN

Mr. Barnhart (MS): Mr. Barnhart has met this years challenge day in and day out.  I would suggest something to support the MS Montessori educational model and he would joyfully take on the task. The ideas were both big and small, and some have just begun, (Coffee House).  I have seen him meet each student where they are in their educational journey and even take on teaching high school Geometry for some MS students who were ready for the challenge. THANK YOU MR. BARNHART

Ms. Rose Ann:  While Ms. Rose Ann was not a Guide prior to distance learning, I am including her here because she has taken on the Guide role for those children who continue to come to school.  She has created a Montessori classroom environment in our SOAR room which currently meets the needs of both toddlers and Children's House children. Her thoughtful work is a daily inspiration.  It is evident that she loves each and everyone of our students. THANK YOU MS. ROSE ANN