Principal’s Page

AUGUST 6, 2026

Dear St. Celestine School Families,

It is with a great deal of excitement and anticipation that we start the 2026-2027 School Year. We look forward to our 1st through 8th graders having their first day on August 20, 2026. Our PreK and Kindergarten students have their first full day on August 24, 2026 (CORRECTED DATE).

The St. Celestine School staff has always been second to none, and this continues into the new school year. We were blessed to have 100% teacher retention from the 2025-2026 school year and this helps create continued stability and strength as we move into a new academic year.

GRADE - ROOM NUMBER - TEACHER

  • PreK 3/4 - 110 - Mrs. Alyssa Jelinek
  • PreK 4 - 109 - Mrs. Paula Niklewicz
  • Kindergarten - 113 - Mrs. Michelle Doyle
  • Kindergarten - 114 - Mrs. Patti Jensen
  • 1st Grade - 107 - Mrs. Mary Guerrero
  • 2nd Grade - 104 - Ms. Anna Deavila
  • 2nd Grade - 105 - Mrs. Susan Petri
  • 3rd Grade - 100 - Mrs. Monique Mueller
  • 3rd Grade - 101 - Mrs. Christin Kamptner
  • 4th Grade - 102 - Mrs. Jennie Griffin
  • 4th Grade - 103 - Ms. Cosette DiVenere
  • 5th Grade - 213 - Mrs. Cara Schnoebelen
  • 5th Grade - 211 - Ms. Tina Addante
  • 6th Grade - 205 - Ms. Amy Roberts
  • 6th Grade - 203 - Mr. Don Shanahan
  • 7th Grade - 206 - Mr. Michael Rios
  • 7th Grade - 202 - Mrs. Leticia Orozco
  • 8th Grade - 204 - Mr. Sean Monahan
  • 8th Grade - 207 - Ms. Giovanna Gianfortone

St. Celestine’s enrollment is over 370 students, the strongest in the area. This year promises to be a strong and positive year. With many new initiatives designed to support learners in every way. They include:

  • PreK 3 and 4 year olds will be receiving daily immersion in Spanish instruction for 30 minutes per day as part of the Early Childhood Language Intensive Program (ECLIP) offered through a partnership with the University of Notre Dame. Research shows that exposure to and knowledge of more than one language leads to stronger literacy skills for learners.
  • St. Celestine School has invested in a new Reading program for 3rd through 5th grade students. After thoughtful review of multiple reading programs, Into Reading was selected. This excellent Reading series transitions students from learning to read to reading to learn by focusing heavily on advanced decoding, academic vocabulary, and deep comprehension of complex texts. It prepares upper elementary students for middle school through rigorous text analysis and structured writing, skills that are crucial for Junior High.
  • Our Junior High students will also be receiving instruction for a new literature program called ThinkCerca, a highly respected and effective program. This online platform combines printed material and digital materials to help build vital critical thinking and argument literacy. Students are guided through reading closely, making claims, backing them with evidence, explaining reasoning, and addressing counterarguments across subjects like language arts, science, and social studies.
  • St. Celestine School students will continue to have the ability to participate in After School clubs. This year, the Junior High teachers are layering in additional club-like activities based on student interest as part of an ongoing effort to bring more experiential learning and relationship building to the Junior High experience. These opportunities will be part of the school day and will take place every other week. All Junior High students will be welcome and participation from session to session will be based on ensuring work is completed and students are making positive behavioral choices.
  • St. Celestine School is in the process of redesigning its website and we are looking forward to launching early in the school year. The new site promises to be informative and visually engaging for our school community.

The school staff and I cannot wait to welcome students into a new school year. Many grades have spaces available, so if you are aware of a family in search of a school, please recommend St. Celestine School. Every family makes this school a stronger and better school. Thank you for being part of our community.

As always, please contact me if you have any questions. I can best be reached at sklich@stcelestineschool.org.

You are in my prayers. Please keep the school in yours.

With Gratitude,

Sheila M. Klich - Principal

JULY 29, 2026

Dear St. Celestine School Families,

As a reminder, the start of school is just around the corner. Please contact the school if you have any questions about starting school.

The first full day for Grades 1 through 8 is August 20. PreK and Kindergarten families will have selected a meeting slot for either August 20 or 21. The selection of a time slot happens at Organization Day. The first full day for PreK and Kindergarten is August 24.

Organization Day is on August 4, from 4 pm until 7 pm. That is when paperwork packets can be picked up in the gym and gently used uniform pieces can be purchased in the Lunchroom courtesy of our amazing Parents Club. Families are also able to receive information about the amazing opportunities our school and parish organizations offer. Please note that any outstanding balances must be resolved to receive a packet.

We look forward to seeing everyone face to face at Organization Day after the long Summer break! Please contact Parents Club if you are interested in volunteering on Organization Day. Hours spent volunteering count towards the mandatory service hours for the year.

Many grades continue to have open spaces and it’s not too late to refer a new family. There is a $300 tuition reduction for referring families, which is applied to the April 2027 tuition payment.

Please stay tuned for updates as we begin the year. Please contact me with any questions and needs you have for the school year. I can be reached at sklich@stcelestineschool.org.

With Gratitude and Blessings,

Sheila M. Klich - Principal

Click on the right sidebar of this page to see earlier Principal's Pages in PDF format for the Year 2025-2026.