Principal’s Reflections
Dear Friends of St. Jerome School,
There is something truly special about the first week of school. And this year, that feeling is even more meaningful as we begin a milestone year together — the 75th anniversary of St. Jerome School!
After a summer of quieter hallways and empty classrooms, our building is once again filled with the sounds that make St. Jerome School such a joyful place — students greeting old friends, teachers welcoming new faces, laughter spilling out of classrooms, and the wonderful energy that comes with beginning a new year together.
From our youngest learners experiencing their very first days at St. Jerome to our 8th graders stepping into their final year as leaders of our school, it has been a beautiful first week. I am reminded again of what a privilege it is to watch our students learn, grow in their faith, build friendships, and discover the gifts God has given each of them.
And none of it happens without you.
Your generosity, prayers, encouragement, and belief in our mission make an incredible difference for the children and families we serve. As we begin this new school year, I want you to know how grateful we are to have you as part of the St. Jerome community.
This year also brings a wonderful new addition to our team, and I am delighted to introduce Laura Hester, our new Director of Advancement.
Laura comes to St. Jerome after more than six years with the Aim Higher Foundation, which provides tuition-assistance scholarships to students in grades K–8 attending Catholic schools throughout the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis -- including many at St. Jerome! During her time at Aim Higher, Laura served in multiple roles working closely with Catholic school leaders, families, and donors. Her experience includes fundraising, donor engagement, event management, and helping execute Aim Higher’s annual gala, which raises more than $1 million each year in support of Catholic education.
Prior to joining Aim Higher, Laura served in a variety of roles in the education sector. She holds a master’s degree in Education Public Policy from Vanderbilt University and lives in St. Paul with her husband and two daughters.
More importantly, Laura comes to us with a deep appreciation for Catholic education and the relationships that make this work possible. I know she is eager to get to know the many people who have loved, supported, and championed St. Jerome School over the years. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to her and introduce yourself. Laura can be reached at lhester@stjeromeschool.org.
As we begin another year together, this incredible 75th year of our school, I want to thank you for continuing to walk alongside our students, families, faculty, and staff. We have so much to be grateful for — and so much to look forward to.
Here’s to a wonderful school year ahead!
With gratitude,
Anne M. Gattman
Principal
St. Jerome School