VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
MEET OUR STAFF & FACULTY
The mission of Valley Christian School, as an extension of the Christian home, is to provide Bible-based instruction and encouragement so that every student may reach their potential of academic, spiritual, social, and physical development and live a life of love and service to God and others.
Valley Christian School is accredited by the Association of Christian Teachers & Schools
Kathy Thompson
School Administrator
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“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
This has been a verse I rely upon in both my work at VCS and in my own life. What a comfort to know that He sees the completed work even while we are in progress. What a comfort among the body of believers to be able to recognize that his good work will be completed in one another. We can rest assured, even on imperfect days, or on unfamiliar paths that there is an opportunity for victory. More important still is that from each victory and challenge there is the response to praise.
Whether you join VCS as a student, a family, a teacher, or faculty member you join a growing and maturing Christ-centered school. You essentially become a “builder.” We want you to know that your part is vital. God’s purpose for you here is to be part of a continuing legacy. – Welcome.
In Christ,
Kathy Thompson
Meet Our Administration Staff
Katie Elmer
Financial Secretary
I am happy to be serving at Valley Christian School in the gifts God has given me. My husband and I have five children and two son-in-laws. Our two younger children love school at Valley Christian and are so thankful to attend a school where they can learn about God's truth in the Bible alongside their educational courses. My happiest times are spending time with family, traveling, and fishing on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.
Amanda schulze
Academic Advisor
I am excited and grateful to join the staff at Valley Christian School. My husband and I have two children so you can often find me at a hockey rink, basketball court or soccer field. Some of my hobbies include reading, cooking, gardening and trying to get my cat to like me. Mrs. Schulze holds a Bachelor of Science - Business Administration from University of Wisconsin - River Falls.
Jenn Rosenow
Administrative Assistant and Athletic Director
I firmly believe in Valley Christian School's motto of Romans 12:2 and am blessed to be a part of this school. I have lived in the area all of my life and am married with 4 children. It fills me with joy and laughter to watch these students grow up and mature in their faith, knowledge, and community involvement throughout the valley.
Meet Our Teachers
Gail Kerr
Kindergarten
B.S. Early Childhood Education (Pre-K through 3rd), UW-Stout M.S. Early Childhood - Special Education, UW-Whitewater
Jared Mielke
1st Grade
B.A. Piano Pedagogy, Maranatha Baptist University M.A. Church Music, Maranatha Baptist Seminary WI Teaching Certificate, American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence
Darla Kruschke
2nd Grade
B.A. Elementary Education, Concordia College
I have enjoyed a Christian Education all my life and know that Jesus loves me from the tip of my toes to all the hair he has counted on my head. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1v.1 is my favorite verse because he is in control and will continue to be and for that I am so thankful.
Michael Gunderson
3rd Grade
BA from the University of Minnesota and I have studied elementary education at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
I am excited to be a part of the Valley Christian team. I have a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota and have studied elementary education at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. I grew up on a farm in south central Minnesota and currently reside in Minnesota. Having worked and volunteered in several different areas over the years has been a great learning experience, but now I am ready to bring all those experiences together to help teach the next generation. Besides being proud of being able to serve God as a third grade teacher, I am also a proud husband and parent of two sons. I am looking forward to the challenges that await and getting to know the community. To God be the glory!
Cassandra Kalpin
4th Grade
B.S. Elementary Education with General Science minor, University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire.
Diane Brace
5th Grade
BS - Elementary Education and Bible Crown College. Minor in Psychology.
It is with great excitement I enter into teaching 5th grade at Valley Christian School. I had the privilege to teach in the elementary grades at Valley Christian for seventeen years when I first began my teaching career. Each of our three children attended and graduated from Valley Christian during this time. After our children were raised, my husband and I felt called to teach overseas in Christian schools. We served for nine years in two different schools while overseas. As we have returned home, we feel very blessed to have the opportunity to return to Valley Christian.
Prior to teaching, I grew up in a Christian home, graduated from high school, and attended Crown College where I majored in Elementary Education and Bible and minored in psychology.
My hope and goal are that the students I teach will learn and be given tools to seek to be life-long learners, love and service for the One true God, love others, and hold firmly to a Christian world view in all they encounter.
Joy Mielke
6th Grade
B.A. in Bible and Sacred Music with emphasis in piano from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in Owatonna, MN M.A.T. in Theology in Biblical Counseling from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Plymouth, MN
“Life is not all about me. Life is about knowing and loving God and serving others.” That is my motto. I find it a great joy to connect Biblical principles and the glory of our God with the academic subjects. That’s why I love Christian education. It is rewarding to watch students connect the lessons in the books with daily living and with the wisdom of our God. I have enjoyed the years of subbing in all the grades at Valley Christian School, and I look forward to teaching the 6th graders on a full-time basis. Teaching that changes lives for eternity is my passion.
Bethany Kalpin
English
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education
I was born and raised in Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin. I’ve always enjoyed the scenery and Fall colors that God paints; so, I often take walks in Interstate Park to capture photographs of His artistry. I was inspired to become a teacher by the kindness and compassion of my own high school teachers. I am an avid reader and writer, who loves to share the fun of language and expression with students. I challenge students to think of their skills as an art form just waiting to be mastered. For His glory we were made, so for His glory, we should strive to be our best.
Frank Nameny
Social Studies
BA in Intercultural Studies from Providence College & Theological Seminary and a MA in Ministry Leadership from Crown College.
The joy of the Lord is my strength!
I endeavor to know God more and more as I was saved when I was in first grade. The journey is not unlike the Israelites coming out of slavery to the Promise Land.
I hope to bring to Valley Christian a genuine passion for Christ while teaching history with a Christian worldview. Federick Douglas said, “It is easier to raise strong children than to repair broken men.” I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of their young lives.
I have a BA in Intercultural Studies from Providence College & Theological Seminary and a MA in Ministry Leadership from Crown College.
Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not trust in an idol
or swear by a false god
Kathy Thompson
English
B.A.S. Psychology, B.A. English Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota-Duluth
Teaching at Valley Christian School since 2012 with fifteen years involvement with Valley Christian School as a parent and volunteer.
Six years homeschooling
I am blessed with a gracious husband, four beautiful children and a kind Heavenly Father who has lavishly poured His love and mercy out on me.
I believe in being a “student for life.” I love to read and I love to write. Currently, my reading continues to center around English History, and more specifically, Elizabeth I and Mary Shelley. I dabble in writing and keeping notes on these subjects and others and simply find great delight in the study of the “individual” on the literature, art, and historical timelines. I dabble in watercolor, fortunately enjoying the process over perfection.
Teaching philosophy: Words are meant to breathe life. “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Proverbs 18:21 — words, the message they send, the power they hold, and the spirit they speak over the individual are worthy of our respect. There is much gravity to the responsibility we hold. There is also much freedom and satisfaction in their God-given intention put to proper use.
Sharlene Prinsen
Spanish
We welcome Mrs. Prinsen as our new high school Spanish teacher. More information coming soon!
Eric Strohbeen
Bible
B.S. Business Management & Marketing, Crown College
I attended Valley as a student from 1st grade until I graduated in 2011. I appreciated the Christian education I received and now I enjoy being able to share that same Christian worldview as a teacher.
Andy Quance
Physical Education/Geometry
B.A. Communication Studies with an emphasis in Relational Studies, Minor in Spanish, Bethel University
athletic department
Athletic Director: Jenn Rosenow
Basketball: Rich Fisk
Volleyball: Lynette Schone
Soccer: Andy Quance
Track and Field: Erik Severson
Football: Erik Severson
Hockey: Co-op with Somerset High School
School Board
Adam Wallis -President
Betty Greydanus – Treasurer
Amy Hering – Board Member
Ashley Cross – Board Member
David Richter – Board Member
Erik Severson – Board Member
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