By Emily Lohr.
Principal, Early Childhood Director
St. Joseph School, Beatrice
As I reflect on the rich history and continuing legacy of St. Joseph Catholic School in Beatrice, my heart swells with pride and gratitude. Having been a part of this institution for the past 13 years, from a first-grade teacher to now serving as the principal, I find it an honor to share the profound impact that St. Joseph’s has had on my life and the lives of countless others in the Beatrice community.
St. Joseph School has a legacy dating back to 1888 and stands as a cornerstone in Beatrice, shaping students’ lives for 136 years. The school has been the heartbeat of many students’ educational experiences, beginning as a high school and evolving into an elementary school for preschool through fifth grade. This institution remains a vital force in both education and spiritual development. St. Joseph’s is known for its faith-filled environment, family-like setting, and emphasis on character-building through strong virtues.
St. Joseph’s is not just my workplace; it gives me and my four children a feeling of home. My kids’ ages range from preschool to fifth grade. My son, now a fifth-grader, has been a part of the school since preschool.
I am blessed to have worked for St. Joseph School for the past 13 years. My vocation as a Catholic school educator and administrator has provided me a front-row seat to the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is in every part of my day, from sunup to sundown. I see His work radiate through our students, guide the voice of our teachers, and build our school into a place of love, compassion, and charity.
When teaching and leading our students, the thing that strikes me the most is the purity of their hearts. Jesus Christ said it Himself: “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.”
All of St. Joseph’s students will transition to public school in the sixth grade, and I see our school serving as an anchor, ensuring that the values instilled in our students remain steadfast. I always emphasize our school’s ability to keep God at the forefront of our students’ lives during enrollment, but also post-graduation. The foundation of education and faith formation offered at St. Joseph School provides students with an opportunity to grow in ways not offered in the public-school setting.
One exciting aspect our students always talk about is our Friday “House Meetings.” At the beginning of each student’s journey at our school, they spin a wheel to determine which of the four houses they will join. We have labeled each house by the four gospels in the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each house is made up of a mix of students from different grades, teachers, and staff.
On Fridays, we hold “House Meetings” to celebrate students who are setting good examples for their peers, to discuss our faith, and to hold friendly competitions. Throughout the year, each house accumulates points, and the winner hosts a school party featuring their house colors. It has been a unique and fun way for the kids to learn more about their faith, and to work together with students of different ages. The various competitions create a platform for certain skills, such as leadership, teamwork, temperance and fortitude. The goal is to showcase each, and who doesn’t love a little friendly rivalry?
When asked, parents express appreciation for the school’s commitment to high moral and virtuous standards. One parent said, “Our children are held to the strongest standard of morals and virtues during the most important part of their lives. The foundation of religion and education are intertwined, and I see my kids learning at a high level and living out their faith every day.”
The family-like atmosphere resonates with many parents, creating a sense of community and belonging. “St. Joseph is like a second home for my children,” shared a parent. “It is like one big family, and we always see familiar faces, whether it is at school, Mass, or some other parish (or community) event. This allows my children to see their friends in all different settings and allows them to flourish.”
This year, St. Joseph School embraces the theme “Radiate Christ.” I am blessed to see our teachers, staff, and students embody this theme through virtues taught each month. If you sit and observe, you can see an environment in which Jesus Christ is in every child. St. Teresa of Calcutta’s words, “Shine through us and be so in us,” encapsulate the spirit of St. Joseph School – a beacon radiating faith, family, and the presence of Jesus Christ in the heart of the Beatrice community.
