1. During your tenure at St. Francis, what have you taught, moderated, coached?

Mr. Harper: (Teaching) AP U.S. History, AP Government, U.S. History 1, 2, 3; Political Science, Landmark Supreme Court Rulings, World History. (Moderating) Drug and Alcohol Awareness; (Coaching) Boys Tennis, Girls Tennis, Varsity Boys Basketball, Varsity Baseball, Girls Volleyball, as well as Athletic Director.

Mrs. Holinger: For the first 20 years I taught Art and French and was head of the Performing and Visual Arts Department. Now I teach Art 1, 2, 3, 4, and AP Art. I coached Girls' Tennis, moderated Freshman Class Student Government and Culinary Club.
Ms. Huhn: I began my career teaching in the Business Department, everything from Basic Programming to Typing. I currently teach Microsoft Office. In addition, I coached Girls' and Boys' Tennis and Cheerleading. Over the years, I've served as Business Department Chair, Assistant Athletic Director, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and (now) Principal.
Ms. Kopec: (Teaching) Physical Education, Health. (Coaching) Volleyball, Badminton, Softball, Cheerleading, Swimming. (Moderating) National Honor Society, Gymnastics Group.
Mr. Nelson: I have taught Physical Education and been head coach of Cross-Country (Boys' and Girls') and Track and Field (Boys') for all 31 years. I've coached Girls' Track and Field since 1999. I have assisted on several committees.

2. Why have you chosen St. Francis for the majority of your career?

Mr. Harper: I chose St. Francis because I am a firm believer in Catholic education. At St. Francis, a teacher can help to guide the whole person, not just parts .

Mrs. Holinger: The students are extremely kind and appreciative. There are so many funny moments in my class, which makes it delightful to be a teacher.
Ms. Huhn: When I began teaching at St. Francis, my plan was to stay for one year, but God had another plan for me, and I am blessed!
Ms. Kopec: As Mike Harper said years ago, coming to work is leaving one family and going to another.
Mr. Nelson: St. Francis is a great place to work because of the entire package. By this I mean the teachers, staff, and students all want to be the best we can be and work very hard to attain excellence in all areas of life.

3. In what way(s) have your students surprised you most?

Mr. Harper: Students surprise you every day. That's the joy of teaching. The best surprise for me is where these kids go from the time I first have them as sophomores to when I get them again as seniors. Such growth, such maturity academically, socially, and personally. But it's not really a surprise. St. Francis is built to get them there.

Mrs. Holinger: The level of creativity inside each young person never fails to amaze me each and every day!
Ms. Huhn: Our students surprise me every day with their humor, compassion, and willingness to learn. I see this in our alumni as well. Once a Spartan, always a Spartan! 

Ms. Kopec: Our students are caring, generous, mature adults. It continues to amaze me. They are truly SPECIAL.
Mr. Nelson: The students have always been open to becoming better people. They learn the lessons the faculty and staff teach them and then go out into the world and apply them to real life. The students are so thankful for the St. Francis community.

 

4. In your opinion, what makes SFHS special/unique?

Mr. Harper: At one time St. Francis used the phrase,"Futures Founded on Family." That's still what makes St. Francis special.

Mrs. Holinger: Several of our students have returned to teach here. That means we have a special place in their hearts. I am eternally grateful that Kate Doane, one of my former students, agreed to come back and teach with me.
Ms. Huhn: It's so hard to explain how special our community is. There is a comfortable feeling in the building, which I attribute to the special bonds among faculty, staff, and students as well as the bonds among students themselves.     
Ms. Kopec: It is the community, family, and caring nature of our school.  This also transitions to alumni.
Mr. Nelson: We are able to utilize the skills we have as teachers and staff to make a true difference in the lives of our students. It is ok for them to pray, read the bible, follow the right path not the popular path, question societal ideas and norms, etc. There is a true sense of " camaraderie" and "companionship" between the students and the faculty/staff.

5. If you had to give advice to a new student and/or teacher to SFHS, what would you say?

Mr. Harper: To teachers--Never stop getting up in front of your students to teach.

Mrs. Holinger: To students--Don't make your life a competition with others. Ask yourself if you are having a good day, why is it good? If it isn't good and happy, come talk to one of your teachers. We know there can be tough moments. Don't be afraid to reach out. We are definitely here for you now, at this very moment, and even when you leave St. Francis.
Ms. Huhn: To new students I say-communicate with your teachers, be an active learner, get involved in your school community.  These four years will go fast-create special memories. To new teachers I say-communicate with your students and get to know them.  When you work hard and enjoy what you are doing, your students will respond!