Fulfilling our Mission during a Pandemic

Early in the morning, often long before the sun comes up over the smoke stacks of the Crystal Sugar Plant to the east, you will find two lone vehicles in the Sacred Heart parking lot.  These vehicles belong to High School Principal, Blake Karas, and Elementary School Principal, Joanne Wilson. Like clockwork they are often convening and starting their day long before most roll out of bed. “We are very fortunate to have such strong leaders in their principal positions here at Sacred Heart,” says School President, Carl Adolphson, “Their hard work, attention to detail, and clear communication has been a godsend during this difficult pandemic year.” 

Elementary Principal, Joanne Wilson, will begin her 22nd year at Sacred Heart School this fall. She taught 6th grade for 14 years before being called to the Dean of Academics K-12 position and later adding the role of Principal K-6. In her Dean of Academics K-12 role she oversees the curriculum and staff development programs at the school.  Adolphson states, “Joanne is committed to Catholic education, and she definitely views her position as a ministry. She is a consummate professional in all that she does and exudes what it means to serve others in Catholic education.” She lives her faith, leads by example, and loves Sacred Heart students and school.

Blake Karas will begin his 5th year at Sacred Heart. He spent one year as a teacher and this fall will be his 4th year as Principal 7-12 and Activities Director.  “Blake is such a hard worker and has the natural people skills and ability to multitask and prioritize,” states Adolphson.  These skills help him thrive in his current roles. His passion for academics, athletics, and Catholic education is evident in all he does. “I totally believe the Lord has brought Blake here for a reason, and with Blake and Joanne clicking on all cylinders, our school will continue to stand out academically, in our activities, and faith formation,” comments Adolphson.

The 2020-21 school year will be one that will not be soon forgotten. Sacred Heart School was one of the only schools in the area that remained open with in-person instruction throughout the 2020-2021 academic school year.  

Throughout last summer and this past school year, Blake and Joanne spent an exorbitant amount of time ensuring Sacred Heart was following the guidelines set forth by Polk County Public Health and the CDC, while doing their best to ensure student learning. Following all COVID-19 safety guidelines and having all staff and parents on board with the safeguards is what allowed us to remain in an in-person instructional format and navigate the 2020-21 school year.

Throughout the pandemic, the Sacred Heart teaching staff rose to the occasion.  Most teachers were teaching both students learning in person at school and also a select few distance learning at home due to quarantine or choice.  The teachers went above and beyond, and they did it to serve all Sacred Heart students and families without complaint.  This pandemic really showed that Sacred Heart teaching staff is mission driven, has the grit to take on new challenges, and the flexibility to adapt on the fly.  “The pandemic challenged us to truly call upon our faith,” said Jennifer LeMire, a third grade teacher who is well known for melding faith into her classroom. “Both Principal Wilson and Principal Karas helped us navigate through the year in such a calm and extraordinary way.  They did their part and then let God do the rest.”

Regardless of what the fall looks like for next school year, Sacred Heart School will be in good hands with Joanne Wilson and Blake Karas leading school staff.  Rest assured that those parking spots will be filled yet again each morning, and they will make sure that Sacred Heart is ready to serve students and families in 2021-22. Hopefully masks, social distancing, and the other COVID-19 safeguards won’t be needed, but as long as Sacred Heart continues to be mission driven and leans on faith as their foundation, the staff will be ready to deal with whatever challenges the school might face next year and in years to come.