A new year, a new hope

St. Edmond begins school year with increased enrollment

The first day of school presents hope, optimism and change for those attending St. Edmond Catholic School.

In the middle school levels, that means a brand-new structure designed to provide better learning for all.

"We are very excited about the '26-'27 school year and what lies ahead for us," said Maury Ruble, who is the principal for grades 5-12. "In the middle school, we have a new structure that features teams of content-specific teachers grouped by grade levels five and six, and grade levels seven and eight."

But that is not the only change.

"We are also launching our new inclusive education program, which provides us the opportunity to deliver targeted interventions to our students who are the most in need of additional academic resources and support," he said.

Ruble welcomed three new teachers to the middle school and three more at the high school level.

"Our enrollment in the secondary is up in real numbers, and in the fact that we have now officially added the fifth grade to the middle school family," he added. "Our teachers returned to us with great energy and joyful spirit, and we are excited the kids are back to get it all started."

Enrollment numbers have also increased, as 841 students started school, including 25 new families across TK-12. Each of the 25 new families are paired with a mentor family to help them navigate their first year and get familiar with the St. Edmond school community.

"'Holy boldness' means being willing to stand up for what is right, speak with love, include others, try something difficult and use our gifts to make a difference," said Tabitha Acree, elementary principal. "We want our students to understand that living out their faith isn't just something we do at church; it is something we carry with us into our classrooms, friendships, families and community."

Among the new faces will be Ashley Faiferlick, Tanja Jensen and Reagan Goodell at preschool; Rachel Doster, Susan Winter, Sophie Dooley, Molly Mitzel and Anna Jones at elementary; Matt Bartholomew, Sheila Huebsch, Kara Wirtz and Travis Balt at middle school; and Joan Ascherl and Barb O'Connor at high school.

For senior Sophia Schlienz, Monday marked her last first day of school, which created mixed emotions for her. Schlienz has committed to play softball at Iowa Central Community College next year.

"I'm really excited to start my senior year," said Schlienz, who took part in the annual senior sunrise tradition with her classmates. "There are a lot of benefits that come along with it, but it's also bittersweet because I have gone to St. Ed's my whole life.

"It has become such a big part of who I am, so I will be sad to leave when that time comes."