Catholic Community Schools adds to leadership team, hires new principal

St. Joseph Catholic School Principal Sara Michaelson has joined the staff of Catholic Community Schools as the director of learning and teaching, a new position on the leadership team. Peggy Frederickson will take her position at St. Joseph Catholic School in the fall.

Sara Michaelson

“When the director of learning and rteaching for Catholic Community Schools position was posted, it was clear that Sara had the skills and experience we were looking for,” said Scott Warzecha, president of CCS. “Prior to her principal role at St. Joseph Catholic School this year, Sara was assistant principal at Sartell High School, director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment for Eden Valley-Watkins School District, an academic coach at Tech High School, and years of teaching prior to all of that. We recognize her profound talents and we are blessed that she has been called to work for CCS.”

Michaelson will provide direct support and feedback to all instructional and administrative staff on the development of a system-wide, cohesive curriculum that meets and exceeds state standards while supporting the individual needs of each student, CCS said in a news release.

The Catholic Community Schools system includes All Saints Academy (St. Cloud), Cathedral Middle and High School (St. Cloud), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School (St. Cloud), St. Francis Xavier Catholic School (Sartell), St. Joseph Catholic School (St. Joseph); St. Katharine Drexel School (St. Cloud), St. Mary Help of Christians School (St. Augusta) and St. Wendelin’s Catholic School (Luxemburg/St. Augusta).

“Academic excellence is a hallmark of our schools,” Warzecha said. “We are continuing our commitment to exceeding the state academic standards and setting each of our students up for success. This investment helps us deliver on this promise.”

Although she has just one year of experience in the Catholic Community Schools system, Michaelson is looking forward to stepping into this new role to serve students throughout the Catholic Community Schools system.

“I love the community, the Christian values that are interwoven throughout the learning experience of our students, and the team of principals that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know and work with,” she said.

Peggy Frederickson has been selected to replace Michaelson as principal of St. Joseph Catholic School starting this fall.

Peggy Frederickson works with students. (Photos courtesy of Catholic Community Schools)

Frederickson, a St. Cloud State University graduate, will return to the St. Cloud area after spending the past 22 years in teacher and principal roles in Duluth.

“I have both taught and held the role of principal at Stella Maris Academy, formerly St. John’s School, in Duluth. I love the community feel that smaller Catholic schools provide, allowing me to really get to know each family,” she said.

“Peggy has the ideal balance of leadership skills that prioritize academic excellence, the formation of strong Christian values, and the social and emotional well-being of both students and staff,” Warzecha said. “She fits perfectly on our principal leadership team as we work toward building a cohesive Catholic school system in the St. Cloud area. “

Frederickson’s two daughters graduated from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, so she is familiar with St. Joseph and wanted to return to the area.

“When my husband and I were looking at returning to the St. Cloud area to be closer to family, I discovered that St. Joseph Catholic School was hiring and I just knew it would be a good fit,” Frederickson said. “I feel like I’m being called to be here, and I am truly looking forward to working with the students and families in the St. Joseph community.”

Author: The Central Minnesota Catholic

The Central Minnesota Catholic is the magazine for the Diocese of St. Cloud.

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