Welcome Kaylee Hanson: Meet Our New Kindergarten Teacher at Holy Family School

At Holy Family School and our parishes, we work to make everyone feel welcome. The same goes for Kaylee Hanson, who started as a kindergarten teacher for the 2020- 21 school year. However, in this case, it’s more of a “welcome back,” as Ms. Hanson attended Holy Family School as a student. Ms. Hanson’s co-teacher, Mrs. Deb Spanier, was her kindergarten teacher!

Holy Family School is also a family affair for Ms. Hanson. Her cousin, Ms. Morgan Gamradt, and aunt, Mrs. JoAnn Kohorst, both teach at the school. Ms. Hanson’s parents and grandparents have been longtime supporters of the school, as well.

“My grandparents, Ed and Marlene Klaphake, were very strong in the Catholic faith,” she says. “My mom’s side of the family has always been proud supporters of Holy Family School in the form of donations and time.”

Ms. Hanson graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead and is so thankful to start her teaching career at our school.

“The reason why I wanted to come back to Holy Family School is that I felt a bond with the staff when I attended school here,” she says. “They were great role models for me.”

Although she says it’s been a difficult year, particularly in managing all of the COVID-19 rules, Ms. Hanson loves being back at the school where she spent a lot of her childhood. Teaching the Catholic faith to her students and being able to practice it with staff is such a joy to her.

“I love that there is a connection with religion at Holy Family School,” she says. “The students enjoy learning more about it and it is rewarding to see them grow in their faith. With my fellow staff members, we discuss the Catholic faith every single day. We also pray every morning, and that is something that I haven’t always done in the past.”

Ms. Hanson says the staff is there for one another and they are truly a team. Her former kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Spanier, has served as her mentor.

“She has so much experience, which helps,” Ms. Hanson says. “When I have a question, she knows the answer. She’s always willing to help me out.”

In her free time, Ms. Hanson enjoys travel, being on the lake, and spending time with friends. As for what she enjoys about teaching, the answer is easy — reading and the alphabet.

“Watching the progression my students make as they learn new words is rewarding to me,” Miss Hanson says.

So, we want to take this opportunity to say a big welcome back to Ms. Kaylee Hanson!

Ms. Kaylee Hanson started at Holy Family School teaching kindergarten in 2020.

Ms. Kaylee Hanson with her parents and sister.