Russ Jensen takes over from Sara Giza, registration still open

by Joseph Back

School will soon be back in session, and with that change will come a new principal for St. Joseph Catholic School at Boyd. Assistant Principal Russ Jensen is taking over from Sara Giza, who moved to Our Lady of Peace Intermediate School in Marshfield after a decade at Boyd. Over her tenure Giza helped get Boyd’s Catholic school in operation after it had earlier closed and also ran the parish religious education program for a while. With school operations now handed over to Jensen, the first day for the coming school year is August 24. Incoming St. Joseph Principal Jensen took some time to answer questions.

“I have been in education for 20 years, teaching all grade levels and all subjects,” he said. “I have worked at Saint Joseph Catholic School in Boyd for eight years as a physical education teacher, a classroom teacher, and as an assistant principal. I am now stepping into the role of principal for the first time and I am very excited for the opportunity.”

With new playground equipment for students when school starts August 24, Jensen said the mission of St. Joseph School included integrating respect, responsibility and commitment while educating the whole child.

“Saint Joseph School is a combined Catholic community,” he said. “Our school integrates respect, responsibility and commitment in teaching the gospel message. We strive to educate the whole child in values and traditions of the Catholic Church and our world

See PRINCIPAL, Page 3 PRINCIPAL

from page 1

in a positive atmosphere through a comprehensive curriculum. In partnership with the parents and the parish community, the gospel message is modeled and experienced through service, commitment and worship.”

Still accepting registrations at present, the school will be having an open house on Sunday, August 21 after the 10:30 a.m. Mass at Boyd.

Both parishioners and community members are welcome to come and tour the school, Jensen said.

“We will also host an open house for the families on Monday, August 22 from 5-7 p.m. for the students to drop ou their gear, meet their teacher, and check out the school,” he said.

As for those who might be interested but aren’t sure of the cost, Jensen said there was a voucher program.

“The Choice program (voucher program) has been beneficial for some families to help with the cost of tuition,” he said. “We have also been very blessed with generous donors so that we can ouer scholarships to those who are in need. In my opinion, money should never be a hindrance to getting a quality Catholic education at Saint Joseph’s. And, if you would like to become one of our generous donors, please contact us and we will be happy to help you because it truly does take a community to raise the children and we are blessed to be in this community.”

Closing out to take a moment to thank those whose helped make the new playground equipment possible.

“I would like to take a moment and thank all those who have donated for the new playground equipment,” he said. “I’m sorry I don’t have the list with me to thank everyone by name but your generosity is greatly appreciated. We still have some secondary equipment to get so if anyone is willing to donate, please contact Saint Joseph Catholic School or the All Saint Parish ovce for more details.”

Located ou Patten Street just east of St. Jo seph’s Church in Boyd, St. Joseph’s Catholic School can be reached by the ovce phone at 715-703-1034 or through email at [email protected] com.

New playground equipment awaits students at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Boyd this fall, thanks to the community donations of many. Photo by Joseph Back.