St. Francis Elementary School
First grade teacher retires after St. Francis Elementary School bids fond farewell to music teacher career of service in ISD 15 Angie Hylen SFES Community Relations Coordinator
Kathy Tagg has devoted her entire professional career to educating children in Independent School District 15. She started as a substitute teacher in the district and has served as a first grade teacher at St. Francis Elementary School ever since. In addition, Tagg, her husband and their two children are all former graduates of St. Francis High School. As she winds up her last year and looks forward to retirement, she appreciates Submitted Photo the opportunity that she has Kathy Tagg had to educate students for her entire career at her alma mater. Over the years, one of the highlights for Tagg has been teaching science, particularly natural science. She has a personal appreciation for nature and the environment and has enjoyed sharing that with students. The bird feeders in the grassy area to the east of the school have been placed there by Tagg to foster this interest. Under the guidance of Tagg, scores of students have observed chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, gold finches, cardinals and blue jays outside the classroom windows as they visit the bird feeders. Students draw the birds and record observations in their science journals. Tagg said she will miss seeing the excitement of students as they learn about the natural world, something that has been especially valuable as some children today spend less time exploring outdoors. “My favorite bird feeder was one that attached to the window with suction cups—until a squirrel ripped it off,” reminisced Tagg. “There were so many blackbirds at that feeder it looked like a scene from the old Hitchcock movie!” Tagg has also had an affinity for teaching art and is known among teachers for the quality art projects her students have created. She has fond memories of the art show formerly held at SFES, and has often been a go-to source for innovative projects and learning activities for students. Fellow first grade teacher Laura Hogue says that Tagg is uncomfortable getting personal attention for her creativity, but she has quietly been a leader among the first grade teachers for years. “Since I’ve taught with her, I’ve been in awe of her lessons and her creativity, in reading, math and especially in art and science. I will miss her greatly as a colleague and a friend,” added Hogue.
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Angie Hylen SFES Community Relations Coordinator
St. Francis Elementary School students will miss a familiar face in their music education classes next year, as music teacher Meri Humphrey plans to make a career change. Humphrey has been a staple in the music departments of ISD 15, teaching at East Bethel Community School and St. Francis Elementary School. For the past several years she has served as the only music instructor at SFES, charged with teaching all 700 students, in addition to directing special musical events and programs. Music has always been an important part of Humphrey’s life. She was a member of a mixed choir, performed vocal and piano solos at her church, and even sang in an opera in college. She was a church choir director for ten years and taught elementary music in the Forest Lake School District before she began her career in ISD 15. Students in Humphrey’s classes are exposed to music in a number of ways. They learn the basics of tempo, dynamics and rhythm. They sing a wide variety of music from diverse cultures and backgrounds, in addition to traditional American music and children’s songs. Students in different grade levels learn to play rhythm instruments, handbells, the xylophone and the recorder. In addition, Humphrey has spent numerous hours after school directing vocal and instrumental ensembles. A career highlight for Humphrey has been the programs that she has directed
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over the years, especially the most recent productions that have evolved into multidisciplinary events integrating vocal and instrumental music, art and drama with original scripts she has written. The SFES community has great memories of past programs including the Dr. Seuss Musical of 2011, which involved whimsical music, costuming and artwork, along with a special appearance by Principal Kathy Kohnen Meri Humphrey dressed as the Cat in the Photo by Diane Peterson Hat. The 2012 production, students. “I love to hear kids are The Lights of Freedom, made singing songs they learned in the history of the American music class elsewhere. It’s nice Revolution come alive to know that music puts a song through music, drama and in their heart,” said Humphrey. period costumes. Last year’s program,Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears, told an African folktale accompanied by Free Estimates! colorful artwork, lively music and dance. Humphrey will miss the H people at SFES, particularly s E A “Give U ” collaborating with staff on M T I Z cross-curricular projects. She A Break E R communicates with classroom teachers to incorporate grade level standards into her music lessons and has worked closely with technology teacher Diane Peterson on numerous HOME & BUSINESS integrated lessons. “Meri is an New Construction • Remodeling and Repair • Commercial amazing music teacher. She’s Residential Windows & Doors one of those special teachers Glass of All Types • Plastics who touches the ‘musical Shower Doors • Mirrors hearts’ of her students and her AUTO Glass colleagues,” says Peterson. “She Auto Glass Repaired & Replaced has made a profound impact Boat • RV Tractor & Heavy Equipment on SFES. She will be greatly Insurance Specialists missed!” 30678 Hwy 47 NW Humphrey has enjoyed MN Glass sharing her love of music with Isanti, MN Association
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