Miss Beth Frank ~ Principal (1997 - June, 2010)

“In fact”, you will say, “I came from a place that was so great, we put parts of it on a spectacular video. We had so many things going on, we were in the newspapers almost every week. We come from a school who got us ready for this new adventure, and I am ready to get started in my new school”.
My hope for all of you is that you remember where you come from and that you go right into all that your new school offers. Maybe you will even help bring some of your experiences, and start them at your new school.
Remember to stay in touch with Jesus, with your parish, with the activities at St. Joes, and with all of us from SJS.
As for me, I am looking to be a principal in a new school or a Director of Religious Education in a parish.
I loved being your principal. I love each and every one of you students, parents, families, faculty and staff. You are the best.
May Jesus bless you. May his mother talk to him whenever you need help. And may Joseph motivate you to always do your best.
I love you and thank you for the privilege of being a part of your lives.

- Miss Beth Frank, Principal, 13 years at SJS, 30 years in the Diocese of Youngstown

Our principal from 1997 until its closing in 2010, Beth Frank grew up on a dairy farm in Harrisburg, Ohio, belonged to Sacred Heart of Mary Parish and graduated from Marlington High School. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education at Carlow College in Pittsburgh, PA, her Master's Degree in Family Therapy and Theology from the College of Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati, OH, and her Master's Degree in Education Administration at Ursuline College in Cleveland, OH. Prior to coming to St. Joe's, she was a teacher of grades 1-2 for seven years and of Junior High for eighteen years, the Parish Director of Religious Education for eight years at St. Paul's in North Canton and at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Aurora, and the principal of St. Paul's, North Canton for one year. The theater, dining out and reading are among her favorite things to do. Family gatherings are always delightful because of numbers and they love to get together for any reason. Single and living in Mantua Village, Miss Frank considered the students of St. Joseph School her children. As of August 1, 2010, Beth became the parish's Director of Religious Education.

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Mrs. Kathy Cofojohn ~ School Secretary (Aug., 1993 - June, 2010)

Dear St. Joseph Families and Friends,
It has been a blessing and privilege to have been a part of St. Joseph School for 15 years. The wonderful memories from all my years here are gifts I will treasure forever.
It is with great sorrow that it will all end. SJS has been such a wonderful place for children to grow. Where ever they may end up, that school will be lucky to have them as an addition to their school family. I know that they will each be a great example to their new surroundings and share their very special spirits with every one that they encounter.
I loved sharing knitting with the students and enjoyed seeing some exceed the teacher.
I will not only miss all the students, faculty, and staff members here, but also the best parents in the whole world. Thank you one and all for all your help and support through out my time here.
I will remember you all fondly.

- Mrs. Kathleen Cofojohn, School Secretary, 15 years

Our School Secretary from 1993 until June, 2010, Kathy Cofojohn was born in Sharon, PA, and grew up in Masury, Ohio. She attended Cuyahoga Falls High School and was trained as a certified dental assistant. Prior to coming to St. Joe's, she worked as a dental assistant and office manager. Living in Shalersville, Mrs. Cofojohn has three adult children and is married to Jim who has one child. They also have four grandchildren. She enjoys golfing, walking, reading, cooking and spending time with family.

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Mrs. Angela McConnell ~ K & 1st Gr. Teacher (2007-2010)

Dear Families of St. Joseph School,
It has been a great blessing to have the opportunity to teach your children and share in so many wonderful events at SJS over the past three years. Our futures will be taking all of us in different directions, but we all have the bonds and friendships formed at St. Joseph School that will keep us linked together. My future holds another big change as well. My husband and I are expecting our first child at the beginning of July.
It is an exciting time for us and we continue to stay busy preparing for the arrival. I wish you all the best of luck wherever life takes you!

Sincerely,
- Mrs. Angela McConnell,
Kindergarten and First Grade Teacher, 3 years

Born in Parma, Ohio, Mrs. Angela McConnell graduated from St. Paul VI in Fairfax, Virginia, earned her BA at Thiel College, Greenville, Pennsylvania, and has earned her Masters in Education. Previously, she worked for two years teaching Kindergarten in Virginia. Married to Matt, Mrs. McConnell resides in Solon with their son, Rocco, born in July of 2010.

Ms. Dorene Folan ~ K, 1 & 6 Gr. Teacher (2002-2010)

Dear Families of St. Joseph School,
I want to thank each one of you for sending your child to St. Joseph School and for all your support. I will leave here with many great and fond memories. I will always remember the fun and exciting times like Cow Pie Bingo and paper mache, the sad times like graduation, and watching your children grow, especially, my first kindergarten group (from kindergarten through eighth grade), the look on the sixth graders faces when they discovered I was to be their teacher for the third time.
I started St. Joseph School, nine years ago, as the kindergarten teacher. Then I moved to first grade and finally ended up as the sixth grade teacher. I am hoping to continue teaching and gluing.
I will miss my family here at St. Joseph School and will never forget how everyone comes together to help each other in their times of need. I will keep each one of you in my prayers.

God Bless Each One of You,
- Ms. Dorene Folan, Grades K and 6, 9 years

Growing up in Sagamore Hills, Dorene Folan attended Nordonia High School and graduated from Kent State University. Previous to coming to St. Joseph's in 2000, she was a substitute for Streetsboro schools. Currently in her 15th year of teaching, Dorene lives in Streetsboro and has two girls, Tanya and Tiera, and a grandson, C.J. A member of St. Joan of Arc Church in Streetsboro, Ms. Folan likes playing all kinds of games, reading, crafts, going to Arizona, shopping, and fishing. One of her goals is to learn to play tennis.
In the upcoming 2010/2011 school year, she will be teaching grades 6, 7, and 8 at Sts. Mary and Joseph in Newton Falls.

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Mrs. Patty Slater ~ 7th, 8th, Phys. Ed., 6th, 4th Gr. Teacher (1987-2010)

Dear Families of St. Joseph School,
Thank you for sharing your family. Your hard work, dedication, and support are appreciated. Good Luck at your new school and where ever life takes you!

- Mrs. Patty Slater, Teacher of grades 4, 6, 7, 8, 15.5 years

Mrs. Patty Slater began at St. Joseph School teaching 7th and 8th grade in 1987, then as the Physical Education Instructor (1991/1992 through 2000/2001 school years). During the 2000/2001 school year she "team taught" seventh grade with Mrs. Janet O'Driscoll. Mrs. Slater taught sixth grade from 2001/2002 through the 2006/2007 school year, then fourth grade in 2009/2010.

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Mrs. Ann Bednar ~ 5th Gr. Teacher, (1988-2010)

Dear Families of St. Joseph School,
I have spent twenty-two wonderful years as the fifth grade teacher at St. Joseph School. At the end of this school year, I will be retiring from the teaching profession. My plans are to spend time with my husband and family. During the coming year, I plan on doing some traveling. In fact, my family is sending me to Las Vegas in the fall with some friends. I am
so looking forward to seeing the lights. For years, I have been teaching my students about neon lights. Now, I will actually see them!
As I look back over the years, my fondest memories are those I have of Camp Christopher. I especially remember the may times I have gone over the ten foot wall. I also enjoyed mealtimes in the mess hall, the hikes, and campfires. Students can still retell the story about the legend of Manville and Fanny Thorpe and … yes, this was the last year I had
to climb Fanny Hill!
It has been a pleasure for me having been able to work with your children. Each of the students who have passed through my classroom doors holds a special place in my heart. I wish all of you well, and I will keep you in my prayers.

Yours,
- Mrs. Ann Marie Bednar, Grade 5, 22 years

Born in Brahtenhal near Cleveland and raised in South Euclid, Ann Bednar attended Beaumont School for Girls and Ursuline College in Pepper Pike where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Studies, Education and has been re-certified in Elementary Education. She taught 5th grade here at St. Joseph's since 1988 and enjoyed the annual outdoor camping experience at Camp Christopher in Bath, Ohio. Prior to coming to our school she taught 1st grade at St. Helen's in Newbury, 4th grade at St. Jude School in Greenwood, Indiana, and 4th grade in Painesville, Ohio. Living in Burton, Ann and her husband of 39 years, Neal, have two children, Alisa and Daniel. She enjoys boating, fishing, cooking, and reading.

Mrs. Liz Kovalik ~ Fine Arts, Phys. Ed., 7th Gr. Teacher (1985-2010)

Dear St. Joseph Family and Friends,
Thank you for all of your support through out the years. This is my 24th year at SJS. I am so sorry to end my teaching at this great school. SJS has been an important part of my life. I have had the privilege to teach your children Art, Music, Gym, and to be the 7th grade homeroom teacher. Five of my children have attended SJS. They have been enriched because of the experiences they have had at this school. I hope to find another teaching position at another Catholic school and continue working with children.
I will always remember the Fine and Performing Art Shows at SJS. The students worked so hard to make a great experience for their families to see. The Circus, Medieval Fair, Spanish Festival, Chocolate Factory and Broadway shows will always hold special
memories for me.
Thank you for all of your help over the years. Your children will always hold a special place in my heart.

I will miss all of you,
- Mrs. Kovalik, Fine Arts and P.E., Grades K-8, 24 years

Our talented Fine Arts and Physical Education teacher, Mrs. Kovalik was born in Ontario, California, and has lived in Warren and Southington, Ohio. She attended John F. Kennedy High School and earned her Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree at Kent State University. She has shared her gifts with St. Joseph School in Austintown, St. Mary and Joseph School in Newton Falls, St. Brendan's in Youngstown, St. Anne's in Youngstown, and, of course, St. Joe's. Events she is involved with include holding Earth Day Celebrations, with field trips and contests, and our very memorable annual Fine Arts shows (in the past we have had an outdoor Christmas light show, created a chocolate factory in our school cafeteria, a Spanish festival with music, dance and ethnic foods, and even a Broadway-style performance held at Hiram College). Currently living in Southington, Liz and her husband, Frank, have three daughters, Alissa and Mandy, and Amber & three sons, Alex, Andrew, and Austin. In her spare time Mrs. Kovalik enjoys art, music, reading and theater.

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Mrs. Cheryl Turner ~ 8th Gr. Teacher (2001-2010)

Change is always hard … As I reflect back on the ten years I have taught at SJS, I remember each and every graduate. I especially find joy in watching where they go after high school. We are blessed to have so many successful young men and women as alumni. I would like to thank all the families for all their support as my family transitions to Florida. The surprise farewell party was truly more than I ever would have expected! I wish all the families well as they, too, make a transition. Personally, I will carry the lessons learned at St. Joseph School and Parish to my new teaching career in Florida. Henry David Thoreau said, “Nothing makes
the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes.” (Latitude, Longitude 28.287754,-80.69767)

Goodbye,
- Mrs. Cheryl Turner, Grades 2-8, 10 years

Mrs. Turner graduated from Melbourne High School in Florida and earned a Drafting Degree, BA and Masters in Elementary Education. She taught full-time at St. Joseph's since 2001 and as a substitute teacher three years prior. In the 2005/2006 school year, Cheryl was among 43 nominees who were awarded the Golden Apple Award, a prestigious recognition in which the Diocese of Youngstown honors seven elementary teachers and three high school teachers (provided through the generosity and kindness of the Donahue Family Foundation). Now residing in Florida, Cheryl and her husband, Ted, have three children, Tyler, Kaley and Shelby. While a member of St. Joseph Parish, she was involved with the Stewardship Committee and the Diocese of Youngstown, co-coached CYO girls volleyball, a member of the Confirmation Team, and also served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and PSR Catechist. In her spare time, Mrs. Turner enjoys gardening and boating. Upon the school's closing, the Turner family moved to Florida.

A St. Joseph School alumni (she's the daughter of Al Roberts, our Food Service Supervisor) and J.A. Garfield graduate, Mrs. Kelly Cartwright taught Spanish to students in grades K-8. She attended Kent State University and then Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri where she graduated magna cum laude with special honors in Spanish Education. Mrs. Cartwright and her husband, Daniel, and their three sons, Daniel, Jaden, and Gabrian, reside in Windham.

Mrs. Carol Gries ~ Auxiliary Service Clerk, Media Center Aide,
4th Grade Classroom Aide (1990-2010)

Dear Families of St. Joseph School,
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support over the past years. I know how much work it is keeping track of your children’s library books and textbooks, in addition to everything else!
I have many fond memories of the past 20 years that I have been employed here at St. Joseph School, but the best ones are all the good times we had with the library reading contest, where my Bassett Hound, “Rosie”, was the mascot!
My plans for the future are unclear at this time, but I hope and pray that I will be able to continue working in a school setting with the children that I love so much.

May God Bless You and Your Family,
- Mrs. Carol Gries
Auxiliary Service Clerk, Media Center Aide,
4th Grade Classroom Aide, 20 years

Growing up and graduating from Bedford, Mrs. Gries worked at St. Joseph's from 1990 until the school's closing in 2010 She has taken business courses at Cuyahoga Community College and The University of Toledo and worked as a medical secretary at Suburban Community Hospital and St. Vincent Health Center in Aurora. As our Auxiliary Clerk she facilitated the state and federal funding for materials and services for St. Joseph School. Mrs. Gries also served as our Media Instructor, taking care of our library and is a member of the Library and Media Personnel of Portage County. She is a "Highly Qualified Paraprofessional" (a special-education worker who is not licensed to teach, but performs many duties both individually with students and organizationally in the classroom). Living in Mantua and married to husband, Joe, the couple has two sons, Joey and Jeffrey. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her basset hound "Rosie", scrapbooking, reading, and occasionally shooting archery.

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Dear Families and Friends of St. Joseph School,
I want to thank each and every parent for the opportunity to care for, and to get to know your children. It has been my pleasure to help keep your children safe until you picked them up. I have enjoyed all the wonderful families here at SJS, whether I have worked with them directly or indirectly.

God Bless you and your children,
- Mrs. Ellen Klepo, Latchkey, 10 years

Offering both before and after school Latchkey for St. Joseph School students, Mrs. Klepo provided supervised playtime, quiet time, and opportunities for homework, reading, some TV, games, projects, and afternoon snack in Hughes Hall.

Mr. Al Roberts ~ Food Service Supervisor (1994-to date)

Dear SJS Families,
I want to extend my own personal “THANK YOU” to all of the families past and present who have supported St. Joseph School with their Blood, Sweat, and Tears over these many years. And yes, that includes having sent your children to school here. You have made SJS a Beacon of Light and Hope for the future that shall not be extinguished as long as there are memories. And there are many! I feel like I have had the honor and privilege to be an honorary grandfather to several thousand kids. And that is Awesome!!! I’ll miss the hugs from the little ones, and watching them all grow from little shavers to tall adolescents.
I have been here along with my wife as parent volunteers since the summer of 1985. Both our children attended this school K-8. I have been on the payroll as the leader of the Food Service team since October of 1994. These have all been the best years of my life to date, and for that I am truly grateful. My wish for each and every one of you in the future is, Peace and All Good Things!

- Mr. Al Roberts, Food Service Supervisor, 16 years

Supervising Ox Roast Fair dinners and other parish and private events using the kitchen/hall (and formally our school meal program and the Bingo Snack Bar), Mr. Roberts has been employed at St. Joseph's since October, 1994. Growing up in Ocala, Florida, where his family owned a grocery store and full service meat market, Al earned his GED. Past employment includes WMOP-AM/WFUZ-FM radio in Ocala, FL (1968-1976), Portage County Sheriff's Office (1977-1983), Havre Motors in Ravenna (1983-1993), and co-hosted "The Other Side of Medicine" radio talk show on WHK, Cleveland with Dr. James Krystosik (1994-2001). In the past he has served the parish as a Lay Leader of Prayer, Liturgical Minister, and Homebound Minister. He served as the President of the School Nutrition Association of Ohio in 2005/2006. He and wife Diane live in Hiram Township and have two married children, who are both St. Joseph School alumni. David Roberts and wife Stephanie have a son, Wyatt. Kelly and husband Daniel Cartwright have three sons, Daniel, Jadon and Gabrian. In his free time, Al enjoys old TV shows. For more details about St. Joseph's Food Service, click here.

Mrs. Rebecca Edmonson ~ Food Service Specialist (2008-2010)

To All Parents & Students of St. Joseph School,
It has been such a pleasure for me to serve lunch to students and staff over the last 2 years. What an experience it has been to watch the students grow and mature! I challenged myself to learn all their likes and dislikes of lunch items, and to get them to try new items. The students have always brought a smile to my heart. May everyone flourish in their new adventures and experiences in the future.

- Mrs. Becky Edmonson
Food Service Specialist, 2 years

Born in Chattsworth, California and growing up in Newbury, Ohio, Becky graduated from Newbury High School. Prior to coming to St. Joseph School as our Food Service Specialist for the 2008/2009 school year, she worked as Kitchen Director for the Geauga County Sheriff's Office for 17 years. She and her husband were married in 1980 and live in Mantua. They have two married sons, Mitch (Kayte) and Jeffrey (Kristen).

Mr. Tom Sobczak ~ Cleaning, 1989-1995, 1999-August, 2010

Dear Families of Saint Joseph School, Home & School, & Father Garvey,
Thanks for putting up with me. Thanks to Father Jim who hired me. I’ve been here from 1989-1995. Then I left and came back 1999-2010. I really like keeping your school bright and clean. Good luck to you. I hope your new school is great! A special thank you to Home and School and Father Garvey for the many kind things you have done for us.

- Mr. Tom Sobczak , Cleaning Person, 17 years

Tom provided cleaning of the classrooms during the evening hours and helps with heavy-duty and special tasks done annually.

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