Dear St. Elizabeth's Community,

As we close in on the final days of the school year, the energy at St. E’s is unmistakable. We’re soaking in the last moments of a year filled with curiosity, growth, and connection while looking ahead with anticipation to some of our most beloved traditions: our 4th and 5th Grade Continuation Ceremonies, the Talent Show, Field Day, and 8th Grade Graduation. These events are more than celebrations—they’re markers of transformation, resilience, and the relationships that shape our school.

This is also a time to recognize and deeply thank the incredible volunteers who have given their time, energy, and love to help make this year special. As the backbone of our community building and engagement, we have a number of parents, caregivers, and community members who work behind the scenes and beside us, to support events, offer their talents, and make sure our students feel surrounded by care.

To our dedicated SESPA leaders and volunteers—Amanda Bissell, Shelly Burns (who helped launch the year so well), Amy Golden, Sam Latoff, and Jennie Tuttle-Baughn and—thank you for your thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and service to the school. Thank you as well to Aimee Archer, Valeria Brito, Emily Henke-Groves, Danielle Lacy, and Michele Olivier for your enthusiasm, organization, and support at our community and admissions events.

And a very special thank you to the Room Parents who helped us forge friendships (among students and families) in our classes during the 2024–25 school year. Your support of our teachers is appreciated deeply.

Kindergarten: Amy Golden, Darrell Hornbacher

1st Grade: Brittany Ballard, Ashley Shareef
2nd Grade: Claire Dumke, Jennie Tuttle-Baughn
3rd Grade: Megan Harper, Cat Pizzol
4th Grade: Carnita Edwards
5th Grade: Shelley Burns, Michele Olivier

Middle School: Alexis Donovan, Monice Mills

Your commitment to our classrooms and teachers helped keep our community close-knit and well-supported all year long.

And to each and every one of you who kept our Staculty’s spirits high with notes of appreciation, snacks, and treats throughout the year, you helped us sustain our energy and joy—thank you. Our growing waistlines are proof you fed us well!

We would also like to thank some important people who have shared their skills in ways that don’t always get the spotlight, but are essential to our community: 

• Chad Bonaker and Jeffrey Knudsenfor your AV expertise during our performances, concerts, and showcase events

• Saxon Kincey, for bringing out the recording artist in all of us in the music classroom, and Paul Rasmussen, for your time and enthusiasm as our choir accompanist

• Jane Olivier—our most consistent volunteer in history—for sharing your love of reading with students and ensuring the library is welcoming and well-organized. So many books!

• Dondrae Mills for your guidance with our social media ads

• Ryan Scheriff for your handyman work so our classrooms and hallways can best support student learning

To our thoughtful classroom substitutes—thank you for stepping in with care and professionalism. We’re grateful to: Aimee Archer, Brittany Ballard, Brenda Castro, Ashley Gaffney, Stacie Hanson, Monice Mills, Sarah Obuchowski, Ellen Parman, and Katie Thomason,.

As we enter these last joyful days together, we celebrate all we’ve accomplished as a community—and all the people who made it possible. Let’s finish strong and head into summer with hearts full and spirits high.

With deep gratitude,

Adriana Murphy
Head of School