New Faculty & Staff Hired for the 2024-2025 School Year

Ms. Emma Watland has accepted the 1st grade teaching position at St. John’s Area School for the 2024-2025 school year. Ms. Watland is native of Grand Rapids, MN and a 2024 graduate of St. Cloud State University with student teaching experience in 1st grade and kindergarten at Cold Spring Elementary. Emma has also worked as a Child Supervisor in a School Aged Care program for the past 5 years.

Ms. Graci Stangl will be the new 6th grade teacher for the upcoming 2024-25 school year! She graduated from Pierz High School and received her bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University.  She is an active member of St. Michael's Church in Buckman and loves living her Catholic faith! She has 7 brothers and sisters and enjoys spending time with her family. Outside of school, she likes to spend time at the lake, rock climb, and craft.
 

Mrs. Bonnie Kaiawe will be the new ART teacher this coming school year 2024/25. She feels beyond blessed and excited to get back into teaching. Studying at NHCC, University of Phoenix, and St. Cloud University has equipped Bonnie with skills to help students experience art! Her prior experience teaching Art from K-5 was at an Elementary school in Hawaii. She feels confident to teach students the skills to think for themselves, create ideas, and trust in the process of learning in the creation of ART. She is excited to be a part of the team, all glory and praise given to our heavenly Father.

Mrs. Kortney Aeikens has accepted a position to teach Wellness once/week to our students next year. This class will focus on nutrition, good habits, the benefits of exercise, etc.   Kortney is a Foley High School Graduate and has experience teaching health and PE in many public schools.  Three of Kortney's children attend SJAS: Joylyn, Elijah, and Isaiah.

Mrs. Jessie Winkelman, creator of our new Eagle mascot, has accepted a part-time position to assist SJAS with its marketing, social media, communication, and event management needs beginning July 1st. Jessie and her husband, Ryan have three children currently attending SJAS, Vera, Evan, and Ellery. Jessie has Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design.

Mrs. Sally Mazacek has accepted the Food Program Assistant position- working 3-4 hours/day to assist in the kitchen next year. Sally’s children all attended SJAS- we welcome her back to SJAS!