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St. Joseph School Mission Statement
We, the school community of St. Joseph Catholic Church of the Diocese of Youngstown, are a faithful, dedicated family of believers who:
- Witness the Gospel
- Are committed to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Are spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.
- Are dedicated to providing the highest quality education in a God centered environment.
2007/2008
St. Joseph School Faculty & Staff
Miss
Beth Frank ~ School Principal
"St.
Joseph School has such a strong belief system because it is based on
spiritual, academic and social growth for every student, family,
faculty and staff person. We work hard and we pray and play hard, too.
I love the delights and challenges that come with being Catholic and
with working together as a school community to implement new quality
teaching and learning."
Our principal since
1997, 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. Beth continues to go to school to participate in both administrative
and theological courses. 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 considers the students of St. Joseph
School her children.
Click here to learn about past principals of St. Joseph School.
Mrs.
Kathy Cofojohn ~ School Secretary
".
. . I have been honored to serve as St. Joseph School Secretary. I am
here to serve the students. I strongly believe that a good foundation
in education and faith is essential to the future of the student. With
kindness and compassion I endeavor to help make St. Joseph School a
wonderful place for each student to grow. I love to be able to watch
the children grow. They are all a uniquely special gift to our school."
Our School Secretary since 1993, 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 children and is married to
Jim who has one child. They also have three grandchildren. She enjoys
golfing, walking, reading, cooking and spending time with family.
Mrs. Angela McConnell ~ Teacher,
Kindergarten
"I believe in teaching about God and good values and I find that here at St. Joseph School!"
Born in Parma, Ohio, Mrs. Angela McConnell comes to St. Joseph's as our Kindergarten teacher this school year. She graduated from St. Paul VI in Fairfax, Virginia, earned her BA at Thiel College, Greenville, Pennsylvania, and is currently working toward her Masters in Education. Previously, she worked for two years teaching Kindergarten in Virginia. Newly married to Matt, Mrs. McConnell resides in Streetsboro.
(former Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Greco found a job just 15 minutes away from home)
Mrs.
Judy McGreal ~ Aide,
Kindergarten & Catechist, Gr. 2
"I love working with the students at St. Joseph. We need our faith and a good education to make the world a better place."
Born
in Cleveland and growing up in Maple Heights, Judy McGreal works as our
Kindergarten Aide and Catechist for Grade 2. She is actively involved
in St. Joseph Parish as a Eucharistic Minister, helping with Confirmation
preparation sessions, Associate Member of the Garden Club, and serving
on the Worship, Reception, and Generations of Faith Committees. Living
in Mantua, Judy her husband Joseph have two adult children, Joseph (Elaine)
and Jaime, and one grandson, Mitchell. In her spare time, she enjoys reading
and gardening.
Mrs.
Dorene Reedy ~Teacher,
Gr. 1
"Working at St. Joseph's, I enjoy spiritual and professional
satisfaction, wonderful staff & principal, and great parental support."
Growing up in Sagamore Hills, Dorene Reedy 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. Personal
activities include 4-wheeling and reading books. Married with two girls,
Tanya and Tiera, Dorene and her husband Glenn also have a grandson,
C.J. and live in Streetsboro and attend St. Joan of Arc Church. Mrs.
Reedy likes playing all kinds of games, fishing, photography, eating
out and shopping.
Mrs.
Amy Alderman
~ Teacher, Gr. 2; Reading/Spelling, Gr. 7
"I like working where Christ is the center of all we do. He binds us into one big family."
Attending
James A. Garfield and earning her Bachelor of Science from Kent State
University, Mrs. Alderman has taught at St. Joe's since 1987 first as
a Physical Education Instructor and then as a Second Grade Teacher. Married
with three children, Amy currently lives in Windham. In her spare time
she likes to read, horseback ride and make maple syrup.
Mrs.
Linda Pudloski ~
Teacher, Gr. 3; Religion, Gr. 4
Our third grade teacher, Mrs. Linda Pudloski, earned her BS from the University
of Akron and previously worked at Heritage Christian School. She enjoys
traveling, scrapbooking and reading. Married to husband Mike, who just
returned home after serving 12 months in Iraq, Mrs. Pudloski resides in
Canton.
(former
3rd grade teacher Mr. Gorman changed his certification)
Mrs.
Patty Slater
~ Teacher, Gr. 4; Science, Gr. 3
Mrs. Patty Slater is currently our fourth grade teacher. She 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. She currently teaches our fourth grade class and Science to the third grade.
Mrs.
Ann Bednar ~
Teacher, Gr. 5; Science, Gr. 6; Religion, Gr. 7
"I
teach here at St. Joseph because of the Christian environment. It is
very important to me that I am able to share my faith with the children
and other members of the staff."
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 has taught 5th grade
here at St. Joseph's since 1988 and enjoys 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 38 years, Neal, have
two children, Alisa and Daniel. She enjoys boating, fishing, motorcycling,
and reading.
Mrs.
Laura Blakely ~
Teacher, Gr. 6; Social Studies & English, Gr. 7 & 8
"I work at St. Joseph's because the staff, students, and parents are apparently supportive of one another. From the moment I stepped foot into St. Joseph's, I sensed a spirit-filled community - one that will help us journey in faith."
Born and raised in Brook Park, Mrs. Blakely graduated from Holy Name High School and earned her BA in English (Program: Education) from Walsh University. In the past, she has worked at Our Lady of Good Counsel, St. Helen's and Assumption Schools. Professionally she continues her education and personally she enjoys spending as much time as possible with her family, baking and walking. Current living in Middlefield and a member of St. Lucy Parish, Laura is married to her wonderful husband of 19 years, Jonathan. The couple have two daughters, Sarah and Rachel, whom they consider their blessings.
Mrs.
Liz Kovalik ~
Teacher, Gr. 7; Fine Arts, Phys. Ed., Gr. K-8
"I
enjoy the family atmosphere and caring people at SJS. I have the best
job in the world, teaching children about art, music, and how to stay
healthy."
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. Now in her 22nd year of
teaching, 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 who attend Kent State University and Amber age two,
and three sons, Alex who attends John F. Kennedy High School, Andrew
who attend St. Joseph's, and Austin who is in pre-school at St. Pius
X.. In her spare time Mrs. Kovalik enjoys art, music, reading and theater.
Mrs.
Cheryl Turner ~
Teacher, Gr. 8; Math, Gr. 6 & 7; Science, Gr. 7
"St. Joseph
Parish & School is at the heart of this community. I feel like I
can share my gifts with the people & students. I also feel I receive
so much by being an active part of St. Joseph Parish & School."
Mrs. Turner graduated from Melbourne High School in Florida and earned
a Drafting Degree, BA and Masters in Elementary Education. She has been
teaching full-time at St. Joseph's since 1999 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).
Residing in Aurora, Cheryl and her husband, Ted, have three children,
Tyler, Kaley and Shelby. She is involved with the Stewardship Committee
for St. Joseph Parish and the Diocese of Youngstown, co-coaches CYO
girls volleyball, is a member of the Confirmation Team and Generations
of Faith Committee, and also serves as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector
and PSR Catechist. In her spare time, Mrs. Turner enjoys gardening and
boating.
Mrs.
Kelly Cartwright ~
Spanish Instructor, Grades K-8
(former
Spanish Instructor Mrs. Busch resigned with serious health concerns)
Mrs.
Carol Gries ~
Media Instructor & Auxiliary Clerk, K-8
"I enjoy working in a Christian environment and love being
part of the children's lives."
Growing up and graduating from Bedford, Mrs. Gries has worked at
St. Joseph's since 1990. 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 facilitates the state and federal
funding for materials and services for St. Joseph School. Mrs. Gries
also serves as our Media Instructor, taking care of our library and
is a member of the Library and Media Personnel of Portage County. Living
in Mantua and married to husband, Joe, the couple has two sons, Joey
and Jeffrey. Recently, Carol passed the Paraprofessional Praxis and
is now 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). In her spare time,
she enjoys spending time with her basset hound "Rosie", scrapbooking,
reading & occasionally shooting archery.
Mrs.
Laura Volenik ~ Instrumental Band Instructor,
Gr. 4-8
"The students are wonderful and the staff is very nice."
Born in Illinois, growing up in Colorado, and having lived in Belgium for three years, Mrs. Volenik has been our Band Instructor since 2001. She graduated from Brecksville High School and attended the University of Akron where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance and a Masters in Music Education. She has taught in Liberty Local Schools and at Our Lady of the Elms School in Akron, is a member of the Ohio Music Educators Association and treasurer of the local district, and plays professionally as a freelance musician. Laura currently lives in Austintown with her husband, Jim, and step-daughter, Tracy, who attends YSU, and newborn daughter Lindsay (8/28/07). In her spare time she enjoys reading and spending time with her cat.
Mr.
Cebriak is our interim Band Instructor while Mrs. Volenik is on maternity
leave.
Miss
Pam Biesterveld ~
Teacher, Special Needs Tutor, Gr. K-8
"I
work at St. Joseph's because I enjoy getting up in the morning and going
to work here. It's a very fun, laid back atmosphere. The students are
respectful and I enjoy working with them."
Miss Biesterveld grew up in Trumbull County and attended Maplewood High
School. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education at the University
of Toledo specializing in Learning Disabilities and Developmental Delays
and provides support services for students with special learning needs.
Prior to coming to St. Joe's, she worked as a substitute teacher and also
a second job at Sylvan Learning Center. Miss Biesterveld lives in Warren
and enjoys her cat Prissy, walking, playing with her nieces, and shopping.
Mrs.
Kathy Lamb ~
Speech Pathologist, K-8
"I attended this Parish as a child and have very warm memories. I have found it to be a wonderful, caring school. The students, staff, and parents are outstanding!"
Born in St. Louis, Missouri and growing up there and in Mantua, Mrs. Kathy Lamb attended Crestwood High School and earned her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Kent State University. Prior to coming to work with the students of St. Joseph School, she worked 21 years with Crestwood District Schools and 9 years with the Easter Seal's Summer Speech Program. Her position involves language and speech tutoring and provides multi-factored evaluations and screens of all new students for speech and hearing needs. Mrs. Lamb belongs to the America Speech and Hearing Association, the Ohio Speech and Hearing Association, and the Bedford Garden Club. She also serves as Eucharistic Minister for her home parish of St. Pius X in Bedford and volunteers for the APL. Kathy and husband Jim currently live in Bedford where she enjoys gardening and her cats.
Mrs.
Ruth Wagner ~
Teacher, Title One Tutor,
Gr. 1-3
Mrs. Wagner currently
works as the Title I Reading Teacher at Crestwood Primary School and
St. Joseph's. This tutoring service is available to students in grades
1-3 who score at or below the 35 percentile on qualifying tests.
Mrs.
Shelley Wetherholt ~
Computer Instructor, Grades K-8
"I love the family setting that is St. Joseph's. It isn't just a job, its being a part of a family, a community with one united goal of giving the children the best education possible. I hope by teaching the kids what I know about computers will better prepare them for a life full of technology."
Growing up on the west side of Cleveland and western Pennsylvania, Mrs. Shelley Wetherholt graduated from Union High School. Her computer expertise comes from instruction taken in Microsoft Office and personal experience. Married to Matthew and living in Garrettsville, the couple have two daughters, Delaney who attends St. Joseph School and Reagan at home. In her spare time, Shelley enjoys computers, crafts, knitting, beading, stained glass, and reading mysteries.
(former
Computer Instructor Mrs. Holleran has a new addition to her "other"
job)
Mrs.
Ellen Klepo
~ Latchkey
Offering both before
and after school Latchkey for St. Joseph School students, Mrs. Klepo
provides supervised playtime, quiet time, and opportunities for homework,
reading, some TV, games, projects, and afternoon snack in Hughes Hall.
Det.
Danny Burns ~ D.A.R.E. Program, Gr.
6 & 8
In order to be certified to instruct D.A.R.E., a police officer is first interviewed by a panel of police executives, D.A.R.E. Officers and school administrators. If approved, the officer must then complete two weeks (80 hours) of intensive training by Ohio's accredited Training Center. Ohio's D.A.R.E. program is sponsored by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Foundation, and the Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro. Officers are trained by the Law Enforcement Foundation. The Law Enforcement Foundation has the sole permission to train D.A.R.E. Officers in Ohio.
Mr.
Al Roberts ~
Food Service Supervisor
"I
work at St. Joseph's because of the people!!! Staff, students, parents,
and families are all wonderful to work for and with year round. I hope
to remain here until I can't work any longer."
Supervising our school meal program, Bingo Snack Bar, Ox Roast Fair
dinners and other parish and private events using the kitchen/hall,
Mr. Roberts has been employed at St. Joseph's since October, 1994. Growing
up in Ocala, Florida, where his family owned a grocery store & 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 two sons,
Daniel & Jadon. In his free time, Al enjoys old TV shows. For more
details about St. Joseph's Food Service, click
here.
Mrs.
Dawn Sara ~
Assistant Food Service Supervisor
Growing up in Warrensville Heights, Ohio and graduating from Warrensville
High School, Mrs. Dawn Sara comes to assist with our Food Service program
this school year. Previously, she working 10 years in the kitchen and
6 years as proctor at Kenston Schools. Residing in Mantua with her husband,
John, the couple has three grown children. In their spare time, they
enjoy their miniature horses, camping, and their eight grandchildren.
(Former Asst. Food Service Supervisor Mrs. DeYoung and her family moved out of state)
Mr.
Jason Garey ~
Maintenance
Working at St. Joseph for about 18 years, Mr. Garey grew up in Lakewood.
He was in the Army Military Police for over four years and moved into
this area in 1982. His favorite thing about his job is cutting grass however
he says, "You will often hear me complain I can't keep up because
it grows so fast sometimes in the spring and there is so much of it."
His least favorite task is snow removal although the first time in a season
seems fun to him for some reason. (Jason believes St. Joseph gets at least
double the amount of snow that the rest of this area gets - at least it
sure seems that way!). In addition to his maintenance tasks throughout
the parish and school, Mr. Garey works part time for Hiram and Shalersville
in the evening and weekends as the Zoning Inspector and a couple of weekends
a year for Michigan International Speedway on the Fire Crew. He has a
Limited Class A Water Supply Operator Certificate (to help monitor St.
Joseph's public water system). Jason has three grown children, Chris,
Stacey and Brian, along with two grandchildren, Sarah and Chloe. He enjoys
vacationing and his favorite place to vacation is Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
(He's always open to suggestions however!)
Mr.
Tom Sobczak ~
Cleaning
Tom provides cleaning of the classrooms during the evening hours and helps with heavy-duty and special tasks done annually.
Dr.
Michael Skube ~Superintendent
of Diocesan Schools
-
Services the Diocese of Youngstown, whose Office of
Catholic Schools serves more than 14,000 students in 44
elementary schools and six high schools in the six-county area. -
Named to the position in June, 2002, following a nationwide search.
-
Previously served 13 years as superintendent of schools for the
Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina (a native of Illinois and has
previously worked in the Midwest; wife is from Toledo). -
Succeeds Dr. Nicholas Wolsonovich, superintendent for more than 30 years,
who left the position to assume the same role with the Archdiocese of Chicago,
the nation's largest Catholic school system. Wallace Dunne, director of
Government Programs/Resource Development, served as interim superintendent.
Most
Reverend George V. Murry, S.J.
Bishop of Youngstown Diocese
Bishop Murry was installed as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown
on Wednesday, March 28, 2007. Bishop Murry was born in Camden, New Jersey,
in 1948. After graduating from Catholic elementary and high school, he
attended St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and St. Mary’s
Seminary and University in Baltimore. In 1972 he entered the Society of
Jesus (Jesuits) and was ordained to the priesthood in 1979. Bishop Murry
holds a M.Div. degree from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley,
California, as well as an M. Phil. and Ph.D. in American Cultural History
from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Bishop Murry has served as a professor of American Cultural History at
Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., President of Archbishop Carroll
High School in Washington, D.C., and Associate Vice President for Academic
Affairs at the University of Detroit. In 1995 Pope John Paul II appointed
him Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago. In May of 1998 Pope John Paul II appointed
him Coadjutor Bishop of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands and on June 30,
1999, appointed him bishop of the diocese.
Bishop Murry has served on numerous boards including the University of
Detroit and
Loyola Academy, both in Detroit; St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia,
Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburgh, Maryland and Fairfield University
in Fairfield, Connecticut. He is a member of the United States Conference
of Catholic Bishops and serves on the Domestic Policy and Education Committees.
Since November of 2002 he also serves on the Board of Directors of Catholic
Relief Services, the overseas arm of the U.S. Bishops, which provides
food, clothing, shelter and medicine for those in need.
Presently, Bishop Murry is preparing a book on the role of the American
Church in the
reception and resettlement of refugees from 1939 until 1980.
For
a history on the people of St. Joseph School's, please click below:
Women Religious • Principals
• School Faculty & Staff
History • School History
Last Updated May 9, 2008
