With gratitude and God’s guidance, we are delighted to share that Mrs. Gerene Thom will be joining St. John the Baptist School as Principal for the 2024-2025 school year, starting July 1, 2024.
Mrs. Thom is a dedicated educational leader with a proven track record in enhancing student learning environments. Her exceptional skills in curriculum development, fostering student engagement, and nurturing staff growth have made her a respected figure in the field of education. With a deep commitment to building strong community relationships and implementing impactful school improvement initiatives, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to St. John the Baptist School.
Mrs. Thom has been serving the Unified School District of De Pere as a Kindergarten teacher since 2001. During her tenure, she has spearheaded numerous innovative programs, including the development of a district-wide Before and After School Program for students in K-4th grade, the establishment of a “Fine Motor Lab,” and the coordination of the annual district-wide fundraiser, “Redbird Rally.” She has also been instrumental in securing grants and organizing community events that celebrated district families’ cultural traditions.
She holds an Administrative Principal Certification from St. Mary’s University, a Master of Education from Viterbo University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State University. Additionally, Mrs. Thom is a trained tutor using the Wilson Reading System and has completed various professional training programs to enhance her skills and knowledge.
Reflecting on this new chapter, Mrs. Thom said, “I am very excited to work with St. John’s students, staff, and families. As a child, I attended a Catholic school, and I know the lifelong impact it has made on me. Building a strong Catholic faith foundation in our young students is so valuable. I look forward to this opportunity and will do my best to make a positive impact.”
GRACE President Kim Desotell expressed her enthusiasm about Mrs. Thom’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Thom to St. John the Baptist School. Her visionary leadership, dedication to student development, and strong emphasis on community engagement make her an excellent choice to guide St. John the Baptist School into the future. She is eager to lead with a faith-first Catholic approach to all we do. We are confident that she will continue to uphold and enhance the values and educational excellence that our SJB community cherishes.”
This appointment was made possible through the diligent efforts of a dedicated search committee, including the thoughtful participation of parents, faculty, and staff. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed their time, prayers, and insights to this important process.
As we prepare for an exciting 2024-2025 school year, please join us in welcoming Mrs. Gerene Thom and keeping her and the St. John the Baptist School community in your prayers. Together, let us continue to live out our faith and commitment to nurturing the hearts and minds of our students.
Founded in 1888, St. John the Baptist School is a Catholic school in Howard where students grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, pursue high levels of academics, and are surrounded by a community rooted in Christian values. Our staff is committed to developing the whole child by nurturing each child’s academic, emotional, spiritual and behavioral development. By partnering with parents, we aim to individualize student learning in a structured environment where students grow and succeed.
St. John the Baptist School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. John the Baptist provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually. For more information about St. John the Baptist Catholic School, visit their website at https://sjbhschool.org.
GRACE stands for Green Bay Area Catholic Education and is a nine-school system that provides excellence in preschool through twelfth-grade education and serves the 23 Catholic parishes within the Greater Green Bay community. GRACE schools range in offerings and locations, and each has its own distinct history, focus, and parish connections. GRACE is among the largest Catholic school systems in the state of Wisconsin. To learn more, visit gracesystem.org.
