Mrs. Abbie will be joining our team as the teacher for the 4/5 preschool classroom. A graduate of Sacred Heart School, she is excited to return to her school community and begin her teaching career here. Abbie attended Alexandria Technical and Community College, where she studied Early Childhood Education and developed her passion for working with young learners.
Abbie and her husband, Loren, recently welcomed their daughter, Ellie, in May 2026. The family lives on a hobby farm near Freeport, where they enjoy caring for their pigs, beef cattle, and their dog, Marley.
In her free time, Abbie enjoys walking, biking, and spending quality time with her family.
ABOUT THE CLASSROOM:
Our preschool program provides a well-rounded learning experience that supports children’s development across all major areas of early childhood education, including reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies, art, sensory exploration, and fine and gross motor development.
The preschool classroom is intentionally designed to encourage children to participate in all areas of learning. Throughout the day, children engage in activities that promote literacy, early math skills, science and social studies, dramatic play, social-emotional development, art, sensory exploration, and fine and gross motor skills.
We also incorporate Catholic values into our curriculum by teaching children about God and helping them understand that each child is a unique and special gift from God.
Other Things To Know
* Mrs. Abbie and the Early Childhood Team are Trained Early Childhood Catalyst Approach Teachers and implement this in the classroom philosophy.
*Classroom Newsletters are sent out every month.
* We have a two year rotating full themed preschool Literacy curriculum.
*We use the His Little Way religion program.
Mrs. Maus has been a Kindergarten teacher at SHS since 2003. She is a graduate of St. Cloud State University. Mrs. Maus and her husband, Craig, live in Melrose with their two girls, Addison and Anika. She likes spending time with her family, going for walks, traveling and watching sports.
“I look forward to getting to know each one of God’s precious gifts to the world. Our year is filled with
laughter, excitement, learning, and compassion for others.”
ABOUT THE CLASSROOM:
- Language Arts: (Super Kids Program and Core 5) Learn letter sounds and how to blend the sounds together to read and write. Increase our vocabulary and comprehension with Read –aloud and Accelerated Reading.
- Math: (Saxon Math) Counting, Number Identification, Number Writing, Telling Time, Identify Money, Addition & Subtraction
- Religion: Participate in Mass, Prayers and learn about God’s World
- Science/Social: Explore the World Around Us
- Character Development: Top 20
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
- Classroom Newsletter comes out weekly
- Monday folders go home Monday and need to be signed and returned
- We go to Mass on Wednesdays, starting in January
- School Spirit Day is every Wednesday
- We have recess every day after lunch
- We have Art, Music, and Phy-ed that is taught by specialists
- We use Chromebooks in our classroom during Learning Centers
Mrs. Amy Van Beck joined the SHS team 2 years ago and is now the full-time Administrative Assistant. Amy has a background and degree in Information Technology. She worked in IT for 10 years and then stayed home with her children for 15 years before returning to the workforce 2 years ago. While she was at home with her kids she also taught fitness classes at a local studio. Amy has been married for almost 25 years and her and her husband Mike have 6 kids ranging from the ages of 5 to 23 – all of which have attended or are attending Sacred Heart School. As a family they love to go camping, ice fishing, relax by bonfires, gardening, play cards and visit the older kids up at NDSU. In her spare time she loves going for walks/runs, traveling, listening to audiobooks and podcasts and enjoying all of God’s great country! She is very excited to be a part of the Sacred Heart team and loves seeing the school grow and thrive.
Mrs. Zink is a graduate of The College of St. Scholastica and is currently working toward her Master’s degree at Saint Mary’s University. She has been part of the Sacred Heart School family for more than 15 years, first as a parent volunteer beginning in 2010 before officially joining the staff in 2019. Her three children, Ethan, Noah, and Sydney, are all proud Sacred Heart graduates, making this community an important part of her family’s story.
Mrs. Zink lives just south of New Munich with her husband, Matt, their children, and their two cats, Lily and Bella. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll likely find her traveling, taking photos, or spending time at the family cabin on the lake.
Mrs. Zink loves helping students discover what they’re capable of. She believes every child brings something unique to the classroom and strives to create a place where students feel valued, challenged, and confident enough to take risks, ask questions, and grow.
ABOUT THE CLASSROOM
- RELIGION: The Ten Commandments , Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy are reviewed with an emphasis on the Eucharistic Celebration and Scripture. Our religion program uses the Word of Life curriculum from the Augustine Institute and Ignatius Press. Through Scripture, prayer, the sacraments, the lives of the saints, and the teachings of the Church, students deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith while growing in their relationship with Jesus. The curriculum encourages students to not only learn about their faith but also to live it each day with kindness, compassion, and a heart centered on Christ.
- CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: TOP 20 Skills are reviewed and reinforced.
- READING: Our reading instruction is built around the Arts & Letters curriculum from Great Minds. Through rich, engaging texts and meaningful discussions, students develop strong reading comprehension, critical thinking, vocabulary, and analytical skills. Each module encourages students to explore literature and informational texts in depth while making connections across history, science, and the humanities. Students are challenged to think deeply, support their ideas with evidence, and grow as thoughtful, confident readers.
- ENGLISH:: Our English curriculum combines Morpheme Magic and Patterns of Power to help students become stronger, more confident writers and communicators. Through Morpheme Magic, students build vocabulary by learning Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes, giving them the tools to understand and use new words with confidence. Patterns of Power teaches grammar, conventions, and sentence structure in the context of authentic literature, helping students see how grammar works in real writing rather than through isolated drills. Together, these programs strengthen students’ reading, writing, vocabulary, and communication skills while encouraging them to become thoughtful, effective writers.
- MATH: Our math instruction is built around the Saxon Math curriculum, which uses a proven incremental approach to help students build confidence and mastery. New concepts are introduced in small, manageable steps while previously learned skills are continually reviewed and reinforced. This approach helps students develop strong computational skills, deepen their mathematical understanding, and become confident problem-solvers who can apply what they have learned in a variety of real-world situations. Skills include:decimals, fractions, ratio, application of math concepts to solve real-world problems, pre algebra concepts, geometry, data analysis and probability,
- EARTH SCIENCE: Our science curriculum uses Nitty Gritty Earth Science, an engaging, hands-on program that encourages students to explore the world around them through investigation and discovery. Throughout the year, students study topics such as Earth’s structure, weather and climate, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, and Earth’s changing systems. Through experiments, observations, and inquiry-based learning, students develop critical thinking skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how our planet works.
- A highlight of our science year is our trip to Long Lake Conservation Camp, where students take their learning beyond the classroom. Through hands-on outdoor experiences, they explore Minnesota’s natural resources, ecosystems, wildlife, and environmental stewardship while participating in activities that reinforce the concepts they’ve been studying throughout the year.
- HEALTH: Our Middle School Health curriculum covers essential topics to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This program includes units on Safety and Injury Prevention, Mental Health, Drugs and Tobacco, and Alcohol, designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and lead healthy lives. Through engaging activities and discussions, students learn about personal health, wellness, and responsible choices.
- SOCIAL STUDIES: Our social studies curriculum uses Northern Lights: Minnesota Studies to help students explore the history, geography, government, economy, and diverse cultures that have shaped our state. Through engaging lessons, primary sources, projects, and discussions, students gain a deeper understanding of Minnesota’s past and present while developing important critical thinking and citizenship skills. Throughout the year, students are encouraged to make connections between historical events and the communities in which they live today.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
- A class newsletter is sent through FastDirect every Monday.
- Sixth grade students write and produce the annual SHS Christmas Program.
- Canoe Building Project
- Class economy is used to teach basic financial skills.
- Other Opportunities: Mass serving, SHS Strings, Safety Patrol
- Students may choose to participate in drama, knowledge bowl, and sports through the Melrose School District.
Mrs. Chrystal will be starting her second year in the Early Childhood Program. This year she will be the Young Preschool Teacher as well as the director for the infant-young preschool programs. Chrystal attended St. Cloud Technical College, where she studied Early Childhood Education. She has 18 years of early childhood experience and is very passionate about the littlest SHS students.
Chrystal has been married to her husband, Mike, for almost 24 years. They live south of Melrose, where they enjoy gardening. They have been blessed with three children and two grandchildren who are their pride and joy.
In her free time, Chrystal enjoys camping, reading, and spending time with her family.
ABOUT THE CLASSROOM:
Our preschool program provides a well-rounded learning experience that supports children’s development across all major areas of early childhood education, including reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies, art, sensory exploration, and fine and gross motor development.
The preschool classroom is intentionally designed to encourage children to participate in all areas of learning. Throughout the day, children engage in activities that promote literacy, early math skills, science and social studies, dramatic play, social-emotional development, art, sensory exploration, and fine and gross motor skills.
We also incorporate Catholic values into our curriculum by teaching children about God and helping them understand that each child is a unique and special gift from God.
Other Things To Know
* Mrs. Chrystal and the Early Childhood Team are Trained Early Childhood Catalyst Approach Teachers and implement this in the classroom philosophy.
*Classroom Newsletters are sent out every month.
* We have a two year rotating full themed preschool Literacy curriculum.
Ms. Emily has experience working in childcare and classroom settings and has a special love for infants. Ms. Emily believes that babies thrive when they feel safe, loved, and cared for, and she strives to make every day full of cuddles, smiles, learning, and fun.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Emily enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Ethan. She loves being outdoors, spending time around their cows, and enjoying the simple things in life. She also loves getting creative and working on fun projects. She feels very blessed to do what she loves and is excited to share her days with the little ones at Sacred Heart.
With his deep commitment to spiritual guidance and support, Father Dan enriches our school with his wisdom, compassion, and dedication. His presence and leadership play a vital role in nurturing our faith-based education and fostering a strong sense of community.
Gina grew up on the campus of St. John’s University. She attended St. John’s Prep, College of Saint Benedict, and completed her Master’s Degree at St. Thomas.
Gina began her teaching career in the Twin Cities, working in a large public school. After the birth of their sixth child, Gina and her husband, Jeff, moved their family to Becker so their children could enjoy a childhood growing up in the country while Gina became a stay-at-home mother.
In 2014, Gina and Jeff moved to Albany to care for her parents while going back to teaching. She quickly fell in love with the Stearns County Catholic schools.
Outside of the classroom, Gina enjoys biking the Wobegon Trail, kayaking, and spending time with her grandchildren. She considers raising her six children her greatest accomplishment and is grateful for the opportunity to now support and encourage them as they raise their own families.
ABOUT THE CLASSROOM
- Reading: Students explore a variety of reading genres and literary elements through novel units and our Benchmark curriculum. Core5 provides individualized support to strengthen reading skills at each student’s level. A special emphasis is placed on helping each student discover great books that capture their personal interests and inspire a love of reading.
- English: In English, grammar instruction and daily writing practice help students become proficient writers who can clearly express themselves.
- Math: We study addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Students also learn estimation, geometry, percentages, probability, and are introduced to algebra and negative numbers. This curriculum helps build strong problem-solving skills and a solid foundation in mathematical thinking for upper elementary and beyond
- Religion: We use the Word of Life religion curriculum, published by The Augustine Institute and Ignatius Press. This faithful, engaging curriculum helps students develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ while deepening their understanding of the Catholic faith. Through Scripture, Sacred Tradition, prayer, the sacraments, and the lives of the saints, students grow in their knowledge of Church teachings and are encouraged to live as joyful disciples of Christ in their daily lives.
- Social Studies: Students study the history of the United States, spending much of the year exploring the Revolutionary War and the founding of our nation. Through the lives and leadership of important historical figures, students discover how their courage, perseverance, faith, and vision helped shape the United States and continue to influence our country today. Throughout our study, students reflect on the role of faith, moral decision-making, and the ways God works through individuals and historical events
- Science: Students explore scientific concepts through hands-on activities and daily experiments using the scientific method. As they investigate the wonders of the natural world, students recognize the beauty, order, and complexity of God’s creation. Each lesson encourages a sense of awe and gratitude as students discover how science reveals the greatness and creativity of God, the ultimate Creator of all things.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
- 5th and 6th grade students participate in Wednesday and Friday masses in a variety of ways: lecturing, singing, playing guitar, and serving.
- 5th and 6th grade students have the option to join School Patrol.
- 5th graders use the information they have learned in American History to choose a historic person to research and present in the 5th Grade Wax Museum.
- 5th graders have opportunities for many leadership roles in our school
rs. Knakmuhs is excited to join Sacred Heart School as the second-grade teacher. She is a graduate of Grand Canyon University, where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Education.
Mrs. Knakmuhs and her husband live near St. Rosa with their four children, Cooper, Brooks, Reese, and Baylee. When she’s not in the classroom or cheering from the sidelines at her children’s many sporting events, she enjoys reading, crafting, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family.
She is looking forward to a wonderful year of learning, growing, and making memories with her second-grade students!
ABOUT THE CLASSROOM
- Reading: Super Kids Program, phonics, accuracy, fluency, comprehension and transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn.
- Math: Saxon Math, addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, place value, time, money, and skip counting.
- Social: Pearson, People and Place, map skills and what makes a community.
- Science: Interactive Science, matter, living things, how things grow and change
- Religion: Acension Press
- Character Development: TOP 20
- Students also have music, phy.ed. and art taught to them by specialists.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
- A class newsletter is sent home every Monday through JMC.
- Assignment sheets are sent home weekly to keep parents informed about nightly assignments.
- We have title services available for reading and math.
- Students attend mass weekly. Classes have the opportunity to plan and lead the mass every 6 weeks
This is Ms. Schmiesing’s second year teaching first grade. She graduated in December of 2024 with her bachelors in education and a pre-primary endorsement. She is an SHS alum, and knows how valuable a Catholic education can be.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Schmiesing enjoys coaching and playing volleyball, camping, four-wheeling, and spending time with her family and friends.
ABOUT THE CLASSROOM:
Reading: Super Kids Program ~ Reading, Phonics, Spelling, Comprehension, Vocabulary, Fluency.
Writing: Handwriting, Descriptive/Creative Writing
Math: Saxon Math, hands-on learning with manipulatives, counting with 10 frames, adding and subtracting, learning how to write number sentences.
Science: Plants, animals, water cycle, seasons, weather, types of matter, five senses.
Social: Learning about where we live, authority figures, jobs, what the Pledge of Allegiance means.
Religion: Mass responses, Hail Mary, Our Father, Sacred Heart Mission Prayer, Word of Life.
AR Requirement: Read daily and meet monthly goal.
Character Development: Top 20
ABOUT THE CLASSROOM
- Reading: comprehension strategies in fiction and nonfiction selections, story structure, and writing strategies taught with Benchmark and novel units.
- Math: multiplication, division, fractions, place value with decimals, area, perimeter, missing numbers, order of operations, and word problems.
- English: parts of speech (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives), prefixes, suffixes, proofreading, and editing.
- Social Studies: map skills, communities, government, historical/cultural differences, goods and services, regions and states of the USA
- Science: energy, heat, motion, electricity, plants, animals, ecosystems, and Earth’s resources.
- Religion: parts of the Mass, types of prayer, memorization of the Ten Commandments and the Rosary, and taking part in the Mass
- Handwriting: cursive
- OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
- We are transitioning into the intermediate grades now. We develop and take pride in our independence!
- Planners and google docs are resources your child should know how to use.
- We learn how to be Top 20 students in class and in the real world.
- We acquire self-motivation to achieve educational and personal goals.
- Students have the chance to break out of their comfort zone and learn how to play guitar and serve at the weekly masses.
- We have small groups for Language Arts and Math. This helps us get more direct attention and instruction. These groups are not final and can/will change throughout the year.
- We take monthly STAR Math and Reading tests. This helps us recognize if we are continuously learning or if there is an area we should study more thoroughly.
- We try to incorporate moving into our learning, as well as visual models. We truly understand that everyone learns differently and sometimes needs to move, see, or hear it again.
Mrs. Harren has been involved in education since 1999 when she graduated from the College of St. Benedict with a BA in Elementary Education. Throughout her 17 years of teaching, Mrs. Harren has taught kindergarten through 4th grades. She has been a part of Sacred Heart since 2008. In 2016, Mrs. Harren accepted the role as principal at SHS. She received her MA in Educational Leadership from St. Mary’s University in 2019. She is excited to inspire our amazing teachers to be extraordinary. She wishes to create an environment where all students know that they are loved by God, their family, and their teachers.
Mrs. Harren and her family live in the country, south of Freeport. They have chickens, cats, and dog Luna. In her free time, she enjoys camping, reading, gardening, biking, and spending time with her family and friends.
ABOUT THE CLASSROOM
The children learn through main core development in reading, writing, math, science/ social, art, sensory, and fine and large motor. We offer themes to help grasp these concepts, we also teach them in centers with a Montessori type approach and educational tools to help them become rich in understanding and problem solving.
The preschool classroom is set up so that children are encouraged to take part in all aspects of learning such as: reading, writing, math, science, dramatic play/social, art, sensory, and large and fine motor development. A significant part of our day in preschool, consists of taking part in group activities that allow children to learn to work together cooperatively, and practice social skills that they will use throughout their life. We learn about God and Jesus, and that each of us is a special gift from God. Special efforts are made to ensure that each child feels comfortable to share his/her thoughts and ideas.
Other Things To Know
* Mrs. Viere and the Early Childhood Team are Trained Early Childhood Catalyst Approach Teachers and implement this in the classroom philosophy.
*Classroom Newsletters are sent out every month.
* We have a two year rotating full themed preschool Literacy curriculum.
*We use the His Little Way religion program.
Ms Sianna is a lead teacher in the toddler room. She has experience with toddlers working in a home daycare environment in her early years of employment . She worked in a daycare center for 5 years before coming to Sacred Heart and is now starting her 3rd year. She is excited to continue with the Sacred Heart team. She lives with her family on a farm south of Freeport and in her free time she enjoys spending time with family, friends and her boyfriend.
Originally from southeastern Minnesota, God’s plans (and a certain dairy farmer) eventually led her to Stearns County. After graduating from Winona State University, she converted to Catholicism, spent two years as a missionary with NET Ministries, and one year as a substitute teacher in the cities. She then taught Kindergarten in St. Cloud for two years before getting married and staying home for several years to raise her growing family.
She is grateful to be back in the classroom since 2024 and feels especially blessed to have all of her children at SHS. She lives near New Munich with her husband, John, and their six kids – Cecilia, Zélie, John Paul, Rebekah, Audrey, and Monica. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time in the kitchen (especially when she has it to herself!), being outside with her kids, reading books, always learning, and date nights with her husband.