The month of May is dedicated in a special way to honoring and seeking the intercession of Mary, as the Mother of God, and the Mother of our Church. On Tuesdays, during the month of May, our 4th grade class leads the school in praying two decades of the rosary. It is a beautiful, holy prayer time for our school community.
Walking into the classrooms this week filled me with a beautiful sense of love and devotion as students were creating Mother’s Day gifts; each gesture a testament to the love and cherished bonds the students share with their moms. There is nothing quite like a homemade gift from a
child!
We’re thrilled to announce that one of our kindergarten students, Joe Giertz, has won first place at the Diocesan level for his “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster entry. Our school participates annually in this poster contest sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Joe’s poster was chosen as the first place winner locally, and then sent to La Crosse, where his poster received first place among all the kindergarten entries in the Diocese of La Crosse! We are proud of your accomplishment, Joe!
As the school year winds down, the halls of St. Joe’s come alive with a “different version” of excitement! Students’ moods are lighter and their laughter more frequent as the promise of summer break draws closer. The staff, too, shares in this anticipation, their classrooms and offices filled with the culmination of lessons learned, achievements celebrated, and faith shared.
As many of you know, Mrs. Stratton is retiring in June, after 35+ years of service to St. Joseph parish and school. Her presence has been the cornerstone of this community, and she has been a beacon of wisdom, hope, grace, inspiration, unwavering dedication, faith, and joy! Nostalgia and
gratitude fill our hearts, mingled with a bittersweet feeling of sadness. For more than three decades, Carol has shared her warmth, kindness, and unparalleled professionalism with thousands of people, creating a sense of family and belonging to anyone who walked into the office. It was a given that after an interaction with Carol, you left with a happier heart or new outlook on a situation, (or perhaps a band-aid and an ice pack). While we will miss Mrs. Stratton,
we take comfort in knowing that her spirit will always remain a cherished part of our school’s story, and her legacy will serve as a testament to the profound impact she
has had on students and staff at St. Joseph School. Thank you, Mrs. Stratton, from the bottom of our hearts, for your service to St. Joseph School, and the lives you have forever changed! Wishing you a retirement filled with peace and joy, and may the journey ahead be as extraordinary as you are! St. Joseph School will be celebrating Mrs. Stratton at the 9:00 AM Mass on Friday, May 17th, followed by refreshments at the school. Please join us if you are able. St. Joseph Parish will be celebrating Carol on June 16th at both Masses. Please join in celebrating the remarkable Carol Stratton!
May God bless your week with laughter and joy!
Mrs. Mary Kiefer, Principal