Middle School Teachers
The middle school component of St. Joseph School is comprised of grades 6, 7 & 8. The teachers in this level are responsible for a classroom homeroom and the instruction of one or more core subject specialties.

Gigi Hafemann
Math & Social Studies

Gigi has brought energy and excitement to our middle school level. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Gigi brings great knowledge and expertise to our middle school program. She is also part of our student activities committee.

 

Gigi’s Philosophy
"My philosophy of teaching is to be a facilitator of learning. I understand that students learn in different ways and therefore I adapt my teaching methods to meet these needs. My goal is to have my students leave middle school with a solid foundation of pre-algebra skills and problem solving strategies."

What does Gigi like best about St. Joseph Parish School?
"I am thankful for the wonderful students, parents and staff that I have the opportunity to work with."

Kevin Kostick
Language Arts

Kevin joined our school 7 years ago. He has an amazing ability to help the students both understand and deeply appreciate literature and our English language.
 
 


Kevin’s Teaching Philosophy
"Teaching is autobiographical. I bring the sum of my experience in life to my classroom where it is filled with what I believe teaching can be: insightful, caring, and impassioned. As a teacher, I use humor in my classroom. Through modeling, I hope to foster a positive outlook to learning and life. Informing parents of their children’s progress is necessary and I establish this dialogue to include everyone. My instructional methods touch upon the different learning styles found in my classroom. Mixed-ability grouping is found in various classes. I expect a creative environment in my Language Arts classroom. Censorship is addressed through standards that make learning relevant to real-life situations. I believe classroom displays of student work demonstrate that ‘creating’ is a public act that can be shared with the entire learning community. Finally, surrounding students with books and technology provides access to information. My desire is to model lifelong learning and to inspire my students."

What he likes best about St. Joseph Parish School
"The school has a caring attitude between all staff and students. There is a strong support system for those needing it, and application of Christian values helps to bring forth the best in everyone. Parents are always supportive in the development of their children as members of society. Students demonstrate that the foundation received at St. Joseph School will guarantee their futures to be faith-filled."

  Caitlin Merkel
  Science & Religion

   Caitlin joins us from Marquette University.  She is a strong advocate of Catholic education and has become an important role model for our students.  Her creative teaching techniques have made the subject of science much more fun, exciting and understandable for our students.  She has been a super addition to an already fantastic group of middle school instructors.


Caitlin’s Teaching Philosophy
"I believe that one of the most important functions, or purpose, a school should serve is helping children find excitement in learning and guiding them by showing how they can use their knowledge to succeed. I find it very important for a teacher to help students find the love for learning in the classroom and outside of the classroom. A child that finds a love for learning at a young age has every capability of continuing their education more and more throughout their life. It is one of my goals to help my students know that I truly believe in them as students and growing individuals. I want my students to increase their self-confidence by knowing they can and will succeed in school and in life."

Why I love St. Joe's
"I am so blessed to be a part of St. Joseph's Parish School and I could not be happier. The staff is absolutely amazing and we all learn things from each other. I love coming to work and seeing my co-workers, but they are so much more; they are family.

The students and parents at St. Joe's are wonderful. The parents are so involved, always communicating and willing to help. The students are exciting to teach and each day brings something new. Their enthusiasm and insight are inspiring to me and I am able to push myself to be the best teacher I can be."

Meg Canepa
Social Studies

Meg joins us at the 6th grade Social Studies teacher.  She has been a part of the St. Joseph Parish community for over 15 years.

Meg’s Teaching Philosophy
"Learning is a life-long experience, which we all have a right and privilege to experience.  Each student is a special gift from God and my goal is to increase their knowledge and understanding."

What Meg loves best about St. Joseph Parish School.
"I look forward to coming to work everyday because of the supportive staff, the students' willingness to learn and the very cooperative parents."