O'Gorman Junior High
School Mascot: Knights
School Colors: Royal Blue & White
School Attendance: 375 - 7th and 8th Graders
Faculty & Staff: 45
O'Gorman Junior High School opened it's doors in 1998. We share a campus with O'Gorman High School and are located just west of the high school. Our school consists of 25 classrooms, a central kitchen, a gymnasium, a library and a chapel.
O'Gorman Junior High School is part of the Sioux Falls Catholic School System. The system consists of six elementary schools, one junior high school, and one high school. Our school serves students throughout the Sioux Falls metro area. O’Gorman Junior High School’s enrollment is comprised of a variety of ethnicities and cultures.
O’Gorman Junior High School seeks to develop the whole person-- mind, body, and spirit. This development centers around the mission, “…to form a community of faith and learning by promoting a Catholic way of life and gospel values and academic excellence.”
We strive to offer a strong academic curriculum that blends traditional instructional strategies along with individualized learning models. A diverse amount of class offerings are provided in order to reach the wide-range of skills and abilities present at the school. A number of classes are offered at the school in which students can earn high school credit. An Academic Service Department provides educational services to students with diagnosed learning disabilities.
O'Gorman Junior High has utilized the ICU philosophy for eight years in order to provide students extra time and help with their school work. The school is proud of the philosophy and process of providing the students the guidance and support with ICU and the intention of getting the student back to being a responsible, independent worker and learner.
O'Gorman Junior High School has a long tradition of academic excellence and faith development. The success of the school can be attributed to a number of factors including an outstanding faculty and staff who understand the important role that they play in the lives of middle level students.
O'Gorman Junior High School is part of the Sioux Falls Catholic School System. The system consists of six elementary schools, one junior high school, and one high school. Our school serves students throughout the Sioux Falls metro area. O’Gorman Junior High School’s enrollment is comprised of a variety of ethnicities and cultures.
O’Gorman Junior High School seeks to develop the whole person-- mind, body, and spirit. This development centers around the mission, “…to form a community of faith and learning by promoting a Catholic way of life and gospel values and academic excellence.”
We strive to offer a strong academic curriculum that blends traditional instructional strategies along with individualized learning models. A diverse amount of class offerings are provided in order to reach the wide-range of skills and abilities present at the school. A number of classes are offered at the school in which students can earn high school credit. An Academic Service Department provides educational services to students with diagnosed learning disabilities.
O'Gorman Junior High has utilized the ICU philosophy for eight years in order to provide students extra time and help with their school work. The school is proud of the philosophy and process of providing the students the guidance and support with ICU and the intention of getting the student back to being a responsible, independent worker and learner.
O'Gorman Junior High School has a long tradition of academic excellence and faith development. The success of the school can be attributed to a number of factors including an outstanding faculty and staff who understand the important role that they play in the lives of middle level students.
Best Advice from O'Gorman Junior High Teachers:
Website or Application:
Plickers is a valuable tool for meaningful formative assessment." ~Julie Manning, 7th Grade
Language Arts
SDMyLife is a career exploration site that includes interest inventories, personality tests, college
information, and provides an electronic student portfolio." ~Anita Rau, School Counselor
Artsonia is a great way to share student artwork with friends and family. ~Angela Kamps, Art Teacher
Kahoot is a great study tool to help review for tests, and adds excitement and competition to the
classroom. ~Jake Ferdinand, Technology Teacher
Twitter has so many sites and people who post articles on education. Some of my suggestions are
WeAreTeachers, EdTechTeam, Inc., George Couros, edutopia, etc. ~Amy Lynch, Science & Math Teacher
Peardeck is a website that allows instructors to teach and/or review material while simultaneously using ongoing
formative assessment to gauge the level of understanding of their students. It is not specifically for middle school
students but they enjoy it and embrace it. ~Ali Ohayon, Spanish Teacher
Quizizz is a fun multiplayer classroom activity, that allows all your students to practice together. ~Susan
Anderson, Theology Teacher
UC Berkley's Understanding Evolution is a website that has an interactive Understanding Geologic time
activity that is good at introducing many of the concepts around evolution. ~Jody Hatzell, Science
Teacher
University of Utah Genetics Science Learning Center has tons of information on genetics, human health,
ecology, plants and virtual labs. ~Jody Hatzell, Science Teacher
CellsAlive! is a good self-paced way for students to become familiar with/review plant and animal cells
and organelles. ~Jody Hatzell, Science Teacher
World Book Online is a website that I recommend to all of my students. It requires a subscription, but
the information is credible and up to date. When doing research, this sight is the one I strongly
recommend first. ~Ruth Bordewyk, Language Arts Teacher
Explain Everything is used for creating videos with ease. Also, there is an opportunity to use real
time in class. ~Melanie Kirsch, Math Teacher
Khan Academy is also a video creation tool. I like the use of color. ~Melanie Kirsch, Math Teacher
Mananatomy is a website used to teach body system information. Students can access it through their
Google classroom. We no longer use a textbook, so they use it for pictures and basic facts. ~Ryan Beier,
PE & Health Teacher
BreakoutEDU is the ultimate, real-life game environment in which students must put into action the
hard-skills learned in the classroom (like reading, math, research, etc...) and soft-skills of life (like
communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving) to successfully complete a given
challenge. BreakoutEDU is an awesome tool that is being integrated internationally into classrooms to
encourage student ownership of their learning by allowing students to harness what they have know
and learn from their peers in order to complete the game with the clues provided and within the given
parameters. ~Tara Johanneson, Computer Science Teacher
Newsela is a website that allows educators to find non-fiction reading material based on content and
student reading levels. It comes with writing prompts and quizzes. ~Spencer Flackus, Academic Services
Teacher
EdPuzzle is a website that allows teachers to utilize video learning in the classroom more effectively by
embedding questions/quizzes during the video, verifying completion of assignments, and differentiate
instruction. ~Tara Johanneson, Computer Science Teacher
Books or Articles:
Anything on ADHD, ADD, or anything regarding mental illnesses in teens ~Anita Rau, School Counselor
"The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism & Asperger's" by Dr. Temple Grandin
This book provides insight into how to work with students on the spectrum based on some who is on
the spectrum. Dr. Grandin provides information that opens your eyes to the students perspective.
~Angela Kamps, Art Teacher
"7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey
This is a great book to teach students skills for success. ~Angie Lynch, Career Exploration Teacher
"Flip Your Classroom: Reach Every Student in Every Class Every Day" by Aaron Sams & Jonathan
Bergmann
If you are thinking about flipping your classroom at all, this book has a good description on why / how,
etc. ~Amy Lynch, Science & Math Teacher
"That One Kid"
It is not just a great book for middle school teachers but all teachers. Talks about communicating with
students in a positive manner. ~Spencer Flakus, Academic Services Teacher
"Parenting with Love and Logic" by Foster Cline, ~Susan Anderson, Theology Teacher
"Theology of the Body" by Brian Butler, Crystalina Evert, and Jason Evert or watch
"Why God Gave Us Bodies" by Father Mike Schmitz
Theology of the Body reveals that a human person is created in the image and likeness of God, male
and female, with the freedom of loving relationships. The Theology asks and answers two big
questions: Who am I? How should I live? ~Susan Anderson, Theology Teacher
"The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash" by George Couros ~Tara Johanneson, Computer
Science Teacher
Suggested professional or teaching resources, techniques, programs, workshops or organizations
"Use Close Reading to help fine tune our students skills in informational reading." ~Anita Rau, School
Counselor
"Attend the South Dakota Art Educators Association Annual Conference." ~Angela Kamps, Art Teacher
"Attend any EdTech type workshops & conferences, like the Google Summit." ~Amy Lynch, Science &
Math Teacher
Google Keep is a great resource for organization. It is not specific for middle school educators but a
helpful tool for anyone who likes organizational support. ~Ali Ohayon, Spanish Teacher
CBS NEWS- Steve Hartman "On the Road"
"Steve Hartman brings viewers moving stories from the unique people he encounters and the special
places he visits as he travels around the country for his weekly feature "On the Road" is modeled after
the long-running, legendary series of the same name which was originally reported by one of
America's greatest TV storytellers, the late newsman Charles Kuralt." Every Friday I show a Steve
Hartman "On the Road" to my students. My students love his real-life stories. Steve's stories about
humanity teach students how to show compassion, respect, and kindness in everyday situations.
Kindness is contagious...and so are Steve's stories. Our students are craving these humanity stories
because it gives them hope and encourages them to make a positive difference in the world." ~Susan
Anderson, Theology Teacher
Free Technology for Teachers Newsletter, South Dakota Public Broadcasting Newsletter, & TedEd
~Jody Hatzell, Science Teacher
"I went to a GAFE Summit. It was wonderful information. Overwhelming, but LOTS of great ideas and
very challenging." ~Melanie Kirsch, Math Teacher
"Consistently seek out professional development. You're never too old to learn new tools, techniques, or
methods to make your teaching and learning environment more effective. Attend as many conferences
as you can, but even when you cannot physically attend, continue to learn by creating your own
professional learning network through Twitter, Google+, and webinars." ~Tara Johanneson, Computer
Science Teacher
What Makes O'Gorman Junior High a Great Place to Teach
"We are a family. The students and staff take care of each other." ~Julie Manning, 7th Grade Language
Arts
"Parental support, great students, a school staff that is a true team and great school climate based on
respect and virtues." ~Anita Rau, School Counselor
"The support we provide to one another." ~Angela Kamps, Art Teacher
"The staff and students at OGJH make it a great place to teach." ~Jake Ferdinand, Technology Teacher
"We have an amazing, supportive administrator that encourages use of technology and funds our needs
as best he can. We are a tight-knit staff who support each other and collaborate on best practices."
~Angie Lynch, Career Exploration Teacher
"Camaraderie between our staff - all subject teachers collaborate together on lesson planning and are
there to support each other when days are good or ...not so good." ~Amy Lynch, Science & Math Teacher
"What makes OGJH one of the best places to teacher is the positive outlook we have on education. WE
PUSH CHARACTER NOT CONTENT. Our primary goal with students is to teach them how to respect
each other. Besides discipline and effort each teacher requires respectful behaviors from every student.
This is what makes OGJH a safe place to learn for students and a phenomenal place for eager
educators." ~Spencer Flakus, Academic Services Teacher
"Before I was a full time teacher I was a substitute teacher and had the opportunity to substitute in
multiple high schools and middle schools in the area. At O'Gorman Junior High the staff supports one
another and is a team more-so than any other place I have ever been in. I have never felt such a sense of
family and community as I do here." ~Ali Ohayon, Spanish teacher
"OUR MISSION… TO FORM A COMMUNITY OF FAITH AND LEARNING BY PROMOTING A CATHOLIC WAY
OF LIFE THROUGH GOSPEL VALUES AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. We accomplish this by" Community,
Hospitality, and Life-Long Learning. When teachers work together and support one another our students
will see our example and it gives them an opportunity to succeed." ~Susan Anderson, Theology Teacher
"The staff at OGJH is exceptional. The teachers hear truly have a passion for the subjects that they teach.
Not only that, but the students that go through this school seem to be destine for greatness, so it's an
uplifting feeling to be a part of that." ~Ruth Bordewyk, Language Arts Teacher
"My coworkers make this a great place to teach. They are incredibly caring individuals who make
students their top priority. They are always willing to help their students and their colleagues, and I can
always find someone to listen when I am struggling." ~Melanie Kirsch, Math Teacher
"OGJH has a great staff that work well together and support one another. We have a principal who wants
all students and staff members to be successful. We have the opportunity to pray together and that faith
is part of everything we do." ~Paulette Klein, Math & Theology Teacher
"We have an outstanding combination of parent support and outstanding educators who, together, have
a common mission of developing young people to their fullest. The challenges at the middle level are
great, however, the impact that we can have on the students at this age are equally as satisfying. Our
teachers and staff approach each day as a new day--one that we can intentionally make a difference and
challenge our students to be the best they can be." ~Wade Charron, Principal
Best Advice Ever Received for Teaching Middle School
"Students may not remember what you taught them, but they will remember how you made them feel."
~Julie Manning, 7th Grade Language Arts
"Find something about everyone you can like or relate to. They are great at sensing when you are not
connecting with them and will try various ways to get your attention if not!!" ~Anita Rau, School
Counselor
"Be fair but flexible." ~Angela Kamps, Art Teacher
"You have to reach the students to teach the students." ~Jake Ferdinand, Technology Teacher
"Be patient and remember...you were there once!" ~Angie Lynch, Career Exploration Teacher
"Use your students energy to enhance your class not disrupt your class." ~Amy Lynch, Science & Math
Teacher
"I have received many helpful hints over the years as well as thought of my own. Give each student a
fresh start every day. Leave personal life at the door when you walk in the classroom. Keep an air
freshener in the room. Think before reacting. Let them tell their stories. Overplan every lesson, bell to bell
because downtime can be trouble." ~Ali Ohayon, Spanish Teacher
"Remember you do not teach a subject. You teach students first. Meet the each student at where they
are. So many middle schoolers are easily lost in knowing who they are as a human person. These
students need constant love and respect from you because they not only need it, but crave it." ~Susan
Anderson, Theology Teacher
"Keep your sense of humor and don't forget to laugh with your students!" ~Jody Hatzell, Science Teacher
"The best advice I have received is not to take myself too seriously. Middle school/junior high is a unique
time in the lives of these students and my goal is to help them see more of their full potential (which is
easier said than done)." ~Ruth Bordewyk, Language Arts Teacher
"My father-in-law was a principal when I first started teaching. He told me to be firm, be consistent,
always expect the best your students can give you, but remember there are times in their life when they
just can't give you their best." ~Melanie Kirsch, Math Teacher
"Be supportive of the students but challenge them to be their best. It takes both love and discipline
because for most this is the best place to be." ~Paulette Klein, Math & Theology Teacher
"Stay flexible and have patience." ~Ryan Beier, PE & Heath Teacher
"Never become satisfied. Consistently seek out new and unique ideas. Try new things and be 'ok' with
not succeeding the first time. It's ok to show your students that you don't know everything so you can
learn together. In addition, really get to know your students and create activities that will allow you to
know them better because the education of our students is SO much more than content." ~Tara
Johanneson, Computer Science Teacher
Plickers is a valuable tool for meaningful formative assessment." ~Julie Manning, 7th Grade
Language Arts
SDMyLife is a career exploration site that includes interest inventories, personality tests, college
information, and provides an electronic student portfolio." ~Anita Rau, School Counselor
Artsonia is a great way to share student artwork with friends and family. ~Angela Kamps, Art Teacher
Kahoot is a great study tool to help review for tests, and adds excitement and competition to the
classroom. ~Jake Ferdinand, Technology Teacher
Twitter has so many sites and people who post articles on education. Some of my suggestions are
WeAreTeachers, EdTechTeam, Inc., George Couros, edutopia, etc. ~Amy Lynch, Science & Math Teacher
Peardeck is a website that allows instructors to teach and/or review material while simultaneously using ongoing
formative assessment to gauge the level of understanding of their students. It is not specifically for middle school
students but they enjoy it and embrace it. ~Ali Ohayon, Spanish Teacher
Quizizz is a fun multiplayer classroom activity, that allows all your students to practice together. ~Susan
Anderson, Theology Teacher
UC Berkley's Understanding Evolution is a website that has an interactive Understanding Geologic time
activity that is good at introducing many of the concepts around evolution. ~Jody Hatzell, Science
Teacher
University of Utah Genetics Science Learning Center has tons of information on genetics, human health,
ecology, plants and virtual labs. ~Jody Hatzell, Science Teacher
CellsAlive! is a good self-paced way for students to become familiar with/review plant and animal cells
and organelles. ~Jody Hatzell, Science Teacher
World Book Online is a website that I recommend to all of my students. It requires a subscription, but
the information is credible and up to date. When doing research, this sight is the one I strongly
recommend first. ~Ruth Bordewyk, Language Arts Teacher
Explain Everything is used for creating videos with ease. Also, there is an opportunity to use real
time in class. ~Melanie Kirsch, Math Teacher
Khan Academy is also a video creation tool. I like the use of color. ~Melanie Kirsch, Math Teacher
Mananatomy is a website used to teach body system information. Students can access it through their
Google classroom. We no longer use a textbook, so they use it for pictures and basic facts. ~Ryan Beier,
PE & Health Teacher
BreakoutEDU is the ultimate, real-life game environment in which students must put into action the
hard-skills learned in the classroom (like reading, math, research, etc...) and soft-skills of life (like
communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving) to successfully complete a given
challenge. BreakoutEDU is an awesome tool that is being integrated internationally into classrooms to
encourage student ownership of their learning by allowing students to harness what they have know
and learn from their peers in order to complete the game with the clues provided and within the given
parameters. ~Tara Johanneson, Computer Science Teacher
Newsela is a website that allows educators to find non-fiction reading material based on content and
student reading levels. It comes with writing prompts and quizzes. ~Spencer Flackus, Academic Services
Teacher
EdPuzzle is a website that allows teachers to utilize video learning in the classroom more effectively by
embedding questions/quizzes during the video, verifying completion of assignments, and differentiate
instruction. ~Tara Johanneson, Computer Science Teacher
Books or Articles:
Anything on ADHD, ADD, or anything regarding mental illnesses in teens ~Anita Rau, School Counselor
"The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism & Asperger's" by Dr. Temple Grandin
This book provides insight into how to work with students on the spectrum based on some who is on
the spectrum. Dr. Grandin provides information that opens your eyes to the students perspective.
~Angela Kamps, Art Teacher
"7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey
This is a great book to teach students skills for success. ~Angie Lynch, Career Exploration Teacher
"Flip Your Classroom: Reach Every Student in Every Class Every Day" by Aaron Sams & Jonathan
Bergmann
If you are thinking about flipping your classroom at all, this book has a good description on why / how,
etc. ~Amy Lynch, Science & Math Teacher
"That One Kid"
It is not just a great book for middle school teachers but all teachers. Talks about communicating with
students in a positive manner. ~Spencer Flakus, Academic Services Teacher
"Parenting with Love and Logic" by Foster Cline, ~Susan Anderson, Theology Teacher
"Theology of the Body" by Brian Butler, Crystalina Evert, and Jason Evert or watch
"Why God Gave Us Bodies" by Father Mike Schmitz
Theology of the Body reveals that a human person is created in the image and likeness of God, male
and female, with the freedom of loving relationships. The Theology asks and answers two big
questions: Who am I? How should I live? ~Susan Anderson, Theology Teacher
"The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash" by George Couros ~Tara Johanneson, Computer
Science Teacher
Suggested professional or teaching resources, techniques, programs, workshops or organizations
"Use Close Reading to help fine tune our students skills in informational reading." ~Anita Rau, School
Counselor
"Attend the South Dakota Art Educators Association Annual Conference." ~Angela Kamps, Art Teacher
"Attend any EdTech type workshops & conferences, like the Google Summit." ~Amy Lynch, Science &
Math Teacher
Google Keep is a great resource for organization. It is not specific for middle school educators but a
helpful tool for anyone who likes organizational support. ~Ali Ohayon, Spanish Teacher
CBS NEWS- Steve Hartman "On the Road"
"Steve Hartman brings viewers moving stories from the unique people he encounters and the special
places he visits as he travels around the country for his weekly feature "On the Road" is modeled after
the long-running, legendary series of the same name which was originally reported by one of
America's greatest TV storytellers, the late newsman Charles Kuralt." Every Friday I show a Steve
Hartman "On the Road" to my students. My students love his real-life stories. Steve's stories about
humanity teach students how to show compassion, respect, and kindness in everyday situations.
Kindness is contagious...and so are Steve's stories. Our students are craving these humanity stories
because it gives them hope and encourages them to make a positive difference in the world." ~Susan
Anderson, Theology Teacher
Free Technology for Teachers Newsletter, South Dakota Public Broadcasting Newsletter, & TedEd
~Jody Hatzell, Science Teacher
"I went to a GAFE Summit. It was wonderful information. Overwhelming, but LOTS of great ideas and
very challenging." ~Melanie Kirsch, Math Teacher
"Consistently seek out professional development. You're never too old to learn new tools, techniques, or
methods to make your teaching and learning environment more effective. Attend as many conferences
as you can, but even when you cannot physically attend, continue to learn by creating your own
professional learning network through Twitter, Google+, and webinars." ~Tara Johanneson, Computer
Science Teacher
What Makes O'Gorman Junior High a Great Place to Teach
"We are a family. The students and staff take care of each other." ~Julie Manning, 7th Grade Language
Arts
"Parental support, great students, a school staff that is a true team and great school climate based on
respect and virtues." ~Anita Rau, School Counselor
"The support we provide to one another." ~Angela Kamps, Art Teacher
"The staff and students at OGJH make it a great place to teach." ~Jake Ferdinand, Technology Teacher
"We have an amazing, supportive administrator that encourages use of technology and funds our needs
as best he can. We are a tight-knit staff who support each other and collaborate on best practices."
~Angie Lynch, Career Exploration Teacher
"Camaraderie between our staff - all subject teachers collaborate together on lesson planning and are
there to support each other when days are good or ...not so good." ~Amy Lynch, Science & Math Teacher
"What makes OGJH one of the best places to teacher is the positive outlook we have on education. WE
PUSH CHARACTER NOT CONTENT. Our primary goal with students is to teach them how to respect
each other. Besides discipline and effort each teacher requires respectful behaviors from every student.
This is what makes OGJH a safe place to learn for students and a phenomenal place for eager
educators." ~Spencer Flakus, Academic Services Teacher
"Before I was a full time teacher I was a substitute teacher and had the opportunity to substitute in
multiple high schools and middle schools in the area. At O'Gorman Junior High the staff supports one
another and is a team more-so than any other place I have ever been in. I have never felt such a sense of
family and community as I do here." ~Ali Ohayon, Spanish teacher
"OUR MISSION… TO FORM A COMMUNITY OF FAITH AND LEARNING BY PROMOTING A CATHOLIC WAY
OF LIFE THROUGH GOSPEL VALUES AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. We accomplish this by" Community,
Hospitality, and Life-Long Learning. When teachers work together and support one another our students
will see our example and it gives them an opportunity to succeed." ~Susan Anderson, Theology Teacher
"The staff at OGJH is exceptional. The teachers hear truly have a passion for the subjects that they teach.
Not only that, but the students that go through this school seem to be destine for greatness, so it's an
uplifting feeling to be a part of that." ~Ruth Bordewyk, Language Arts Teacher
"My coworkers make this a great place to teach. They are incredibly caring individuals who make
students their top priority. They are always willing to help their students and their colleagues, and I can
always find someone to listen when I am struggling." ~Melanie Kirsch, Math Teacher
"OGJH has a great staff that work well together and support one another. We have a principal who wants
all students and staff members to be successful. We have the opportunity to pray together and that faith
is part of everything we do." ~Paulette Klein, Math & Theology Teacher
"We have an outstanding combination of parent support and outstanding educators who, together, have
a common mission of developing young people to their fullest. The challenges at the middle level are
great, however, the impact that we can have on the students at this age are equally as satisfying. Our
teachers and staff approach each day as a new day--one that we can intentionally make a difference and
challenge our students to be the best they can be." ~Wade Charron, Principal
Best Advice Ever Received for Teaching Middle School
"Students may not remember what you taught them, but they will remember how you made them feel."
~Julie Manning, 7th Grade Language Arts
"Find something about everyone you can like or relate to. They are great at sensing when you are not
connecting with them and will try various ways to get your attention if not!!" ~Anita Rau, School
Counselor
"Be fair but flexible." ~Angela Kamps, Art Teacher
"You have to reach the students to teach the students." ~Jake Ferdinand, Technology Teacher
"Be patient and remember...you were there once!" ~Angie Lynch, Career Exploration Teacher
"Use your students energy to enhance your class not disrupt your class." ~Amy Lynch, Science & Math
Teacher
"I have received many helpful hints over the years as well as thought of my own. Give each student a
fresh start every day. Leave personal life at the door when you walk in the classroom. Keep an air
freshener in the room. Think before reacting. Let them tell their stories. Overplan every lesson, bell to bell
because downtime can be trouble." ~Ali Ohayon, Spanish Teacher
"Remember you do not teach a subject. You teach students first. Meet the each student at where they
are. So many middle schoolers are easily lost in knowing who they are as a human person. These
students need constant love and respect from you because they not only need it, but crave it." ~Susan
Anderson, Theology Teacher
"Keep your sense of humor and don't forget to laugh with your students!" ~Jody Hatzell, Science Teacher
"The best advice I have received is not to take myself too seriously. Middle school/junior high is a unique
time in the lives of these students and my goal is to help them see more of their full potential (which is
easier said than done)." ~Ruth Bordewyk, Language Arts Teacher
"My father-in-law was a principal when I first started teaching. He told me to be firm, be consistent,
always expect the best your students can give you, but remember there are times in their life when they
just can't give you their best." ~Melanie Kirsch, Math Teacher
"Be supportive of the students but challenge them to be their best. It takes both love and discipline
because for most this is the best place to be." ~Paulette Klein, Math & Theology Teacher
"Stay flexible and have patience." ~Ryan Beier, PE & Heath Teacher
"Never become satisfied. Consistently seek out new and unique ideas. Try new things and be 'ok' with
not succeeding the first time. It's ok to show your students that you don't know everything so you can
learn together. In addition, really get to know your students and create activities that will allow you to
know them better because the education of our students is SO much more than content." ~Tara
Johanneson, Computer Science Teacher