The halls of St. Clair Public Schools filled with laughter, reunion hugs, and back-to-school excitement as students, families, and staff gathered for the secondary open house and elementary conferences to launch the 2026–2027 school year.
Elementary conferences took place over two dedicated days—Thursday, August 27, and Monday, August 31—giving young Cyclones the opportunity to drop off school supplies, meet their new teachers, and participate in a fun building-wide scavenger hunt to win prizes.
In the secondary hallways and common areas, student organization tables were bustling with activity as families explored extracurricular offerings:
- FFA: Chapter advisor McKinsey Rew was on hand to recruit incoming members and share plans for the upcoming agricultural education year.
- Class of 2028: The junior class spearheaded a fundraiser selling custom Cyclone and Spartan blankets to support their future after-grad celebrations.
- Athletic Backers: Booster members promoted upcoming fundraising initiatives, including the highly anticipated Backer Bingo event scheduled for September 19.
- Student Leadership & Honor Society: Isabella and Maddy represented Student Council while Stella and Marshall helped welcome students on behalf of MHS.
- Speech & Theater: Paxton and Will promoted Cyclone Speech, while Addison and Olivia greeted students eager to join the theater department for its upcoming Fall production.
- Clubs & Activities: A combined table highlighted options for the After School Club, Spanish Club, and Kids Connection care program.
At the media center desk, Kate Thompson managed Chromebook distribution and reviewed digital citizenship policies. A key focus this year includes an intentional effort to reduce screen time for elementary students—a move welcomed warmly by parents and educators alike.
Nearby, grade-specific check-in stations allowed students to pick up schedules and locker assignments. Classroom lockers quickly transformed into personalized spaces, with students like Kloe bringing magnetic mirrors, organizational shelves, and storage bins to start the year off prim and proper.
In the secondary wing, Mrs. Birr’s classroom welcomed a fresh wave of math students while simultaneously debuting the 2025–2026 school yearbooks. As returning students picked up their orders, they shared collective laughter at Homecoming images from the year prior—some students even recalled the exact moment the picture was taken then vowed to “make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
St. Clair warmly welcomed several new secondary teachers to the district, including Christopher Magner, Luke Swiechowski, and Mitchel Pomije. Reinforcing the district’s commitment to holistic student care, St. Clair introduced its very first elementary social worker, Isabel Anderson. “Everyone has been so welcoming, and I’m ready to help any student that needs it,” she shared during the open house events.
Meanwhile, seasoned educators such as Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Wellmann, and Ms. Corpstein reconnected with returning students. Miller expressed delight and surprise at seeing how much returning students had grown over the brief summer hiatus. One student in particular appeared to have grown several inches over the summer, and a brief side-by-side comparison had Miller in disbelief.
The elementary building also introduced new faculty members Mr. Mellstrom, Mr. Sellner, and Ms. Ullom to incoming families.
Alongside the new hires, St. Clair celebrated several major milestones among veteran staff:
- Second Grade: Ms. Haller and Mrs. Kenne each mark over 10 years of service in the district.
- Fourth Grade: Mrs. Sander enters her 16th year of teaching.
- Elementary Veteran: Mr. Andree approaches three decades of teaching at St. Clair.
With locker doors shut, supply boxes stowed away, and schedules set, the Cyclone community stands ready for an inspiring year of academic and personal growth. Good luck to all St. Clair students, teachers, administrators, and staff on a fantastic 2026–2027 school year!
