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Parent Bulletin, December 2, 2022

12/2/2022

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Teacher Spotlight - Mrs. Franklin

11/29/2022

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Meet Mrs. Franklin
6th Grade Homeroom and High School Prep Social Studies & Science Teacher

~Why did you decide to become a teacher?
"Teaching is something I have always been interested in pursuing. As a kid, I would set up "school" in the basement and teach my friends about random things during the summer. It wasn't really a question of what my career would be when I grew up!"

~What do you like about teaching?
"I particularly love teaching Social Studies because it is fascinating to see how different cultures and groups of people have made an impact on our world today. It's also great to help the students know the importance of understanding the past so we can move forward to a better future."

~What is something you love about St. John's?
"I love the relationships that get built during the course of a student's time at St. John's. I love that as a result of those relationships, former students will come back to say hello."

~What do you like to do in your free time?
"I really enjoy spending time reading or watching tv/movies. During the summer, I like to spend as much time in my pool as possible!"

~Do you have a favorite book?
"Pretty much anything in the Science Fiction/Fantasy category would fall under my favorite! I especially love the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series."

~What is something that might surprise us about you?
"My parents made me take gymnastics when I was in Kindergarten even though I was about a foot taller than everyone else, it was the worst!"

We are blessed to have Mrs. Franklin as a part of the St. John's community!

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Parent Bulletin - November 22, 2022

11/22/2022

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Parent Bulletin - November 18, 2022

11/18/2022

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Parent Bulletin - November 11, 2022

11/14/2022

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Parent Bulletin - November 4, 2022

11/14/2022

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Parent Bulletin - October 28, 2022

10/31/2022

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Teacher Spotlight - Mrs. Rocans!

10/31/2022

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Meet Mrs. Rocans, our 5th grade teacher!

~Why did you decide to become a teacher?
"I had absolutely no intentions of being a teacher, much less a Lutheran teacher. As I tell the story to the students, I was minding my own business being a Catholic housewife who never went to college, and God put people and situations in place to turn me into a Lutheran teacher! The main situation He used was the school my daughter ended up attending even though we weren't Lutheran - St. Paul Lutheran School in Mt. Prospect. They welcomed us to their school and church, and before we knew it, we were taking the classes to become Lutheran and I was actively volunteering in the classrooms. About seven years later, having attended Oakton Community College and Concordia University, I was a Lutheran teacher. St. Paul continues to be a blessing in my life as we have attended church there for over thirty years, my three grandchildren are students there, and my daughter is one of the kindergarten teachers! Moral of the story - God puts you where He wants you to be and never underestimate the ministry of a Lutheran church and school!"

~What do you like about teaching 5th grade?
"In my career I have taught grades three to seven, but my style and way of doing business works best with fifth graders. They are bright enough to have great discussions and are generally respectful and enthusiastic about school. They are working their way to becoming young adults, but don't quite have that attitude that often comes with junior high. Could I teach another grade? Sure, but I wouldn't be as effective as I feel I am in fifth grade."

~What do you like to do in your free time?
There isn't much during the school year, but I love summer when I get a chance to spend time with my family and friends. I love spending time with my grandchildren - I think I broke the record this summer for the most sporting events attended by a grandma! I love traveling with my husband - both to our camper and on fishing trips. I like to meet up with a friend each week to walk and chat. I feel very blessed to have the summer to do the things I love."

~What do you love about St. John's?
"Even though it's a cliche, we are a family! The kids often act like siblings, and because we spend so much time together, the students and I also develop a strong connection. Parents are supportive and appreciate what we do for their kids. I very much appreciate that I am regarded by the administration as a professional and that I am allowed to run my classroom the way I think is best for the kids. I've also been blessed to have some supportive colleagues which makes life as a teacher so much easier."

~Do you have a favorite book or author?
"I love to read, especially sitting in my swing in my backyard or in my camper. I don't really have a favorite book, but I do enjoy reading certain authors - Jodi Piccoult, Kristin Hannah, and thanks to Mrs. Yerkes, I recently discovered Colleen Hoover. My walking friend is also an avid reader, so we often exchange book suggestions."

~What is something that might surprise us about you?
"I have an almost 44-year-old daughter and I've been married to Mr. Rocans for 46 years. I spend a lot of time in the summer going on fishing trips even though I don't fish, or go in the boat, or even know how to swim! I went to 12 years of Catholic school (my mom was not too happy when I became Lutheran!). I still have the same friends that I met over 50 years ago as freshmen in high school."