Committed To The Students And Families

My daughter has attended St. Charles School for the past two years. She landed in the care of St. Charles after completing preschool-sixth grade at Holy Trinity School, where our son attended kindergarten through eighth grade and where I taught junior high. A new career opportunity led me back to the Greenville area, which required us to look for a new school for our daughter, because the distance was no longer feasible to drive everyday. When we began looking into new options for our daughter, St. Charles was the first school on our list because of its faith-based education. Before making the commitment, I called former parents, spoke with former teachers and the current principal, and had my daughter visit. We decided it would be a good fit, and it is a decision we are happy we made, especially given the unusual circumstances of the past two school years.

At the start of the pandemic, when schools were required to shut down and take on virtual learning, the staff at St.Charles took the changes in stride and helped their students finish the year by providing support academically, spiritually, and emotionally. As the pandemic continued into a new school year, the Diocese of Grand Rapids remained committed to providing in-person instruction for students. St. Charles developed a game plan and when school started, the staff did everything they could to make sure students were safe, secure and successful during the school year. The staff juggled many different teaching formats: in-person, virtual, and all the in-betweens. They communicated effectively and even accommodated late pick-ups for our daughter. Through it all, they remained committed to the students and families of St. Charles School.

I know the commitment and dedication required to teach at a Catholic school.There are long hours of planning lessons and grading papers. There are sleepless nights spent worrying about student health and learning struggles. There are countless prayers sent asking for guidance and direction, prayers of thanksgiving and hope, and silent prayers for strength and patience. I know the sacrifices these teachers make every day in order to provide a quality education for their students. I’m grateful for the dedicated staff of St. Charles School who choose to follow their calling to teach and inspire the students. Without people like them, Catholic schools would not exist, our communities would suffer, and faith would not flourish. If you are looking for a school where the staff will educate and love your child like they are their own, you have found the place.

~Jill Teegardin