As schools return to in-classroom instruction, one school in Audrain County is celebrating a major milestone. St. Joseph School in Martinsburg is celebrating its 135th year of providing education to students in Audrain County.

Two new faculty members joined the staff for the 2020-21 school year. Teaching experience among all staff totals more than 100 years.

Erin Vader, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Jefferson City recently wrote a letter to all school faculty and families in the Diocese. She referenced the Bible passage in Matthew about Jesus walking on water and Peter’s doubt.

“We must keep our eyes on Christ. Keep the faith,” she wrote. “[We must] keep doing what we know we must: educate our youngest generation so they may use their God-given gifts in service to this world, while preparing them to be a citizen of Heaven in the next.”

While the diocese hopes students can have a full year in the classroom, the main mission of staff, students parents is to take the steps needed to each other and the community safe from COVID-19, a news release stated.

“I think it is safe to say we will never forget 2020,” Vader wrote. “It will affect us in ways we cannot even imagine; in many ways it already has. We determine how we respond to this. As Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Jefferson City, we decide to respond with hope, determination, and love.”

St. Joseph began a prekindergarten program in 2018, which is now at capacity. Fifteen kindergarten students also learn in the same classroom. Shirley Harby is the teacher.

“My first teaching experience was teaching first grade at Community R-VI,” she said. “Then I taught Kindergarten at Wellsville-Middletown R-1 for 31 years. This is my fourth year teaching at St. Joseph. I love teaching Pre-K/Kindergarten. It is so exciting to see the students grow and learn.”

The first- and second-grade teacher is Kaitlyn Thomas. She joined the staff with eight years or prior teaching experience. She has experience teaching in split classrooms, a

Juanita Willingham has returned as the third- and fourth-grade teacher. She is starting her 25th year in teaching, having taught at Montgomery Elementary, Auxvasse Elementary, Our Ladies of Lourdes Interparish School, University of Missouri, Westminster College and now at St. Joseph. She is an alumna of the school.

“It's the best place to be,” she said.

The Fifth and sixth grade homeroom teacher is Nicki Poindexter. She spent two years as an elementary classroom aide and 10 years as an elementary teacher at Community R-VI and 3 years as a part-time teacher at St. Joseph for grades 5-6.

Seventh and eighth grade homeroom is taught by Kelsie McCubbins. This is her second year teaching, but her first teaching fifth through eighth grade.

“I’m excited to start this new journey here at St. Joseph and to see what the future has in store for myself,” she said. “Just to be back in school doing what I love the most brings me so much joy.”

Ashley Troesser is returning for her third year teaching seventh- and eighth-grade math and language arts. She also has taught first and second grade and seventh- and eighth-grade math and science at the school. Troesser previously worked as as a Paraprofessional at Louisiana Elementary School for two years, taught first grade at Louisiana Elementary School for three years, first and second grade and fifth- through eighth-grade language arts and social studies at St. Clement School for 4 years.

“It is such a blessing to be able to teach at St. Joseph School,” she said.

Carol Rohan is starting her fifth year as the school secretary. Along with her duties at the school, she helps her husband, Steve, operate their landscaping business, Steve and Sons Landscaping.

At the top of the school hierarchy is Principal Michelle Hombs. She has five years teaching experience in the public school system and twelve years at St. Joseph School. She is starting her third year as principal.

“St. Joseph Parish and school has been a part of my whole life as a parishioner, student, parent, teacher, and administrator,” she said. “The school offers many opportunities for students and families which caters to educating the whole child. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

St. Joseph also offers extended care each day until 5:30 p.m. Traci Wilson has returned as director Mondays through Thursdays, while Mary Ann Duenke will teach Fridays and Emma Hombs is the helper.

St. Joseph also has an early learning center, which offers child care from age 6 weeks to school age.

Father Austin Okoli will continue to hold Friday morning mass with the students as he continues his role as Parish Priest of St. Joseph Parish.