History

The Lord has blessed St. John with a long heritage of Christian education. In the early years, the pastor was also the teacher. At first, classes were held in the church building on Washington Street. In 1870 the first building, a one-room school, was erected at a cost of $1,150.

In 1873 the first teacher was called. He remained only a brief time, and again the pastor took over as teacher until 1885. From 1885 to 1925 numerous other individuals were called and served as the teacher.

In 1925 a second teacher was added to the staff. This second teacher was Mr. Walter Wendling. He was called to serve as a teacher and principal. In 1927 Mr. E. F. Nickel was called to serve as a teacher.

The school moved to 655 Wayne Avenue. The school building was enlarged in 1953. classrooms, gym, and lunchroom were added in 1965. Most recently, our newest building addition was opened in 1989. In 1993 our Extended School Care program was established.

Today, St. John is blessed with a staff of 11 full-time or part-time teachers. These include: Mrs. Debbie Wagner, teaching 2 year olds, 3 year olds, and 4 year olds; Mrs. Amy Winner teaching 4 year olds; Mrs. Lorna Smith teaching Kindergarten; Mrs. Kimberly Stottlemyer teaching Kindergarten; Mrs. Jan McGhee teaching 1st grade; Mrs. Sandy Gyurnek teaching 2nd grade; Mrs. Deb Maxey teaching 3rd grade; and Mrs. Kelly Rogliatti teaching 4th grade. Grades 5 - 8 are taught by Mr. Brandon Baker, Mr. Mike McGhee, and Miss Pat Marshall. There are 4 paid classroom aides in the Kindergarten and Preschool classes.

Mrs. Deb Kane serves as our full-time principal. The school office staff includes a secretary, Mrs. Nancy Kemper and a bookkeeper, Mrs. Sandee Fackler. Lydia Johnston is our Auxiliary Services Clerk.

Our Tiger Learning Center (Auxiliary Services Area) includes a tutor, Mrs. Judie Zachrich; a reading teacher, Mrs. Nancy Hess; speech therapists, Mrs. Sandy Blumfeldt and Mrs. Tiffany Baker; and school counselor Mrs. Diane Sonnenberg.

Our cafeteria staff includes: Mrs. Amy Meyer as Lunch Room Manager, Mrs. Kelly McKenney as Head Cook, Mrs. Angie Morris as Assistant Cook, and Mrs. Kisha Merkel as Cafeteria Aide.

A nutritious hot lunch is offered each day. A breakfast program was started in 2006. St. John participates in the Federal Free and reduced Lunch Program.

In 2006 the name of the Extended School Care Program was changed to the Tigers' Den Christian Child Care Center. The center, which is located in our lower level, is open from 6:00 am until 6:00 pm to provide care for children. They have a full staff, including 2 certified teachers. A federal assistance program called Early Learning Initiative (ELI) is available to help finance child care for lower income families who qualify.

For additional information, please refer to our Parent/Student Handbook or contact the school office.

We thank God for richly blessing us in all areas, and pray for His guidance and direction as we continue to train and nurture the students under our care.