Meet the Faculty - School District of Thorp

AGRICULTURE SCIENCE

715.669.5401 ext. 2310

I graduated from UW-River Falls in 1998 and have been teaching agriculture science education ever since. Besides advising the FFA, I also advise the FCA.

Please stop down and take a look at the amazing greenhouses or our 75 foot long high-tunnel used to produce vegetables for the school lunch.

Mr. Schraufnagel-Ag Science Teacher
directory photo of Mr. Schraufnagel

BUSINESS

Mrs. Sherfield

Mrs. Sherfield

715.669.5401 ext. 2170

Hello my name is Mrs. Sherfield and I am a 2012 graduate of Concordia University with a bachelor degree in Business Administration. I have over 25 years of work experience in numerous management and leadership roles in the manufacturing industry. I have been teaching in Thorp since 2016 and find this new avenue to be very rewarding and challenging.

Mrs. Sherfield – Business Education Instructor / FBLA Advisor / Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator

Mrs. Sherfield-Business Ed Instructor
directory photo of Mrs. Sherfield

Ms. Sexton

MS. SEXTON'S INTRO VIDEO

715.669.5401 ext. 2190

Hello! I’m Ms. Sexton and I teach 10th-12th grade English. I have a Bachelor of Arts from UW Eau Claire with an English Education major and a Theatre Education minor. I am also a co-director for the Drama Club as well as the Sophomore Advisor for 2020-21; I so look forward to getting to know this class.

My hometown is “Up Nort” in Rhinelander, WI, so being outside is one of my favorite past times. Be it hiking, canoeing (I just bought my first canoe!), hunting, or fishing I’m happy to be surrounded by nature. You’ll find me running around Burnet Island, Mount Simon, or Timber Ridge depending on the time of year.

I’m most excited about working with students and staff, and growing as learners together throughout the year. I love it when interests can be incorporated into content we’re working with because this classroom is a place where students should be able to express themselves and grow. I can’t wait to see what these vibrant students bring to the table! Let’s all work hard and make this year the best it can be, no matter what gets thrown our way!

Ms. Kiah Sexton-English Teacher
directory photo of Ms. Sexton

Mrs. Raether

MRS. RAETHER'S INTRO VIDEO

715.669.5548 ext. 1570

I am super excited and honored to be a part of the Thorp Middle & High School Staff. I am proud to be a teacher of 25 years with the 2018-19 school year marking the beginning of my 20th year here at Thorp. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, Grades 1-8 with a minor in English, Grades 1-9. I earned my Masters Degree in Teaching and Learning from Saint Mary's University, Winona, Minnesota, in 2003 where my studies focused on writing.

I love the energy that 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students have, and I am committed to creating a comfortable classroom where students can grow and learn as a community of writers. I encourage all of my students to always "Dream Big" for themselves, and I work to build a classroom of respect and responsibility each day.In addition to our English 7, 8, and 9 classes, students also have the opportunity to participate in writing and speaking contests and the school spelling bee. They can also be a part of middle school forensics where we prepare our selections and compete during the winter months.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with the students and families who make up the Thorp community, and it is humbling to witness the dedication of our entire school staff to the education and lifelong learning of our kids.

I welcome students and parents to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have throughout the year either through email or by phone. I am looking forward to the best year yet in my classroom!

Mrs. Raether-English teacher
directory photo of Mrs. Raether

FAMILY AND CONSUMER

Mrs. Noah

Mrs. Noah

715.669.5401 ext. 2340

MRS. NOAH'S INTRO VIDEO

Hi! My name is Holly Noah and I am the Family and Consumer Science teacher, Theater Production Teacher, and Drama Director here at THS.

I have a B.S. from UW-Stout. Prior to my current position, I spent 15 years teaching 4-H members to be responsible citizens and 6 years in the Thorp School District as a Paraprofessional in the Pre-K and Special Ed. Departments.

I am truly excited to be teaching the importance of life skills to the awesome students of THS.

Mrs. Noah-Family & Consumer Ed Teacher
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Health

Mr. Boivin

Mr. Boivin

MATH

Mrs. Ciolkosz
Mr. Literski

Mrs. Ciolkosz

715.669.5401 ext. 2210

Hello! I have been teaching since 2004 either in my own room or substituting. I am so excited to be a part of Thorp Schools. I am teaching Physics, Pre-Calculus, Math for Technical Trades (a Transcripted Credit course from CVTC), and Algebra II.

I have an amazing husband and five children that keep me very busy when I am not at school. We have a hobby farm to work with year round and milk trucks to keep on the road. I am also working on my Master's Degree, which will be finished in the Spring 2019.

I am very excited to be a Thorp Cardinal and can't wait to see what the years will bring!

Mrs.Ciolkosz-Math Teacher
directory photo of mrs. Ciolkosz

Mr. Literski

MUSIC

Mrs. Stouffer-Band
Mrs. Corcoran-Chorus

Mrs. Stouffer-Band

Mrs. Corcoran-Chorus

MRS. CORCORAN'S INTRO VIDEO

715.669.5548 ext. 1040

My name is Jennifer Corcoran and I am the K-12 vocal and general music teacher here in Thorp. I teach K-5 general music, 6th grade choir, middle school choir, and high school choir. I graduated from Sonoma State University in California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and earned my Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting at the University of Minnesota.

When I am not in school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our daughters.

I love working with the students here in Thorp and am grateful to be able to do what I love as a career!

Mrs. Corcoran-Choral Director
directory photo of Mrs. Corcoran

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Mr. Boivin

Mr. Boivin

SCIENCE

Mrs. Rhyner
Mrs. Steinbach

Mrs. Rhyner

715.669.5401 ext. 2200

MRS. RHYNER'S INTRO VIDEO

Hello I am Mrs. Rhyner, a middle school and high school teacher here in cardinal country. I am blessed to be part of this district with my husband Kurt (also a teacher here in cardinal country) and two beautiful children.

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle and Secondary Level Education, majoring in biology and minoring in natural science. I also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.

I have taught high school and middle school for 21 years; 14 years in the School District of Loyal and 7 years here in the Thorp School District. I am a guided inquiry teacher, so be prepared to do some thinking in my classes.☺ I currently teach 8th grade Science, Biology, Advanced Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Medical Terminology (CVTC transcripted course).

I am involved in Thorp activities as a National Honor Society Advisor, HS Class Advisor, and Softball as a support person for fundraising.

When I am not a school, I am supporting the activities of my children and their peers, which puts me back at school.☺ Volleyball, Softball, School Play, and Solo and Ensemble are a few of the activities that keep me and my family busy.

I am looking to the new school year with hopes that our current situation will move our educational practices to new levels of achievement for our students. I look forward to working and meeting with students, parents, and staff.

Go! Go! Cardinals!

Mrs. Rhyner-Science teacher
directory photo of Mrs. Rhyner

Mrs. Steinbach

MRS. STEINBACH'S INTRO VIDEO

715.669.5401 ext. 2220

Hello! My name is Teri Steinbach. I would like to take this opportunity to share a little bit about myself and my role at the School District of Thorp. To start, I am proud to share that I grew up on a hog farm about a half hour North of Green Bay. So I am very familiar with and appreciate the great rural life that we have here in Thorp. Following high school, I went on to complete my undergraduate degree at UW-Madison and later my graduate degree at St. Norbert College. I am blessed with a family of my own now that includes my husband, Craig, daughter, Aubrey, and son, Dax. Regarding my role, I have had the privilege of being a science teacher at Thorp High School since 2002 and teaching great students each school year. The classes I teach at Thorp include: Advanced Chemistry/CVTC General Chemistry 806-134, Biochemistry/CVTC Introduction to Biochemistry 806-186, Chemistry, Limnology, Oceanography, Physical Science I, Physical Science II, and Physical Science III.

Mrs. Steinbach-Science Teacher
directory photo of Mrs. Steinbach

SOCIAL STUDIES

Ms. Ogle
Ms. Kerg

Ms. Ogle

715.669.5401 ext. 2120

I graduated from the Gilman High School and earned an associate degree from CVTC in the paralegal program. I spent 8 years in various banking positions from teller, accounting, to loan secretary. Later, I went back to college obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education grades 6-12 in Broadfield Social Studies with a minor in history in 2000. I received my Master's Degree in Education from UW LaCrosse in 2004. I teach grades 10 - 12. Courses taught are World History, American Government, Criminal Justice Psychology, and Current American Issues.
I enjoy gardening, reading, camping, and watching sports.

Mrs. Ogle-Social Studies Teacher
directory photo of Mrs. Ogle

Ms. Kerg

MS. KERG'S INTRO VIDEO

715.669.5548 ext. 1580

Hello! I'm Ms. Kerg and I'm excited to begin my first year in Thorp teaching 7th - 9th Social Studies! I'm originally from Menomonie, Wisconsin but have spent the past 4 years living in Minneapolis, MN attending the University of Minnesota.

In the spring of 2019 I received my bachelors degree in political science with a minor in history. I fell in love with the university and faculty which prompted me to complete my Masters of Education at the U of M as well this past summer 2020.

In my free time I love reading outside, exploring the beautiful towns and scenery of Wisconsin, and spending time with my large family playing euchre. I also enjoy attending and supporting clubs, sports and activities to watch students doing what they love!

I'm looking forward to our learning together this year and the ideas and perspectives each student will bring. I'm a huge advocate for life-long learning and student-centered classrooms which will be our focus this year in social studies. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns!

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Mrs. Trowbridge-Special Education Director

715.669.5548

I graduated from Fall Creek High School and attended college at Western Illinois University where I obtained an undergraduate degree in special education. I was a special education teacher in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District for 16 years. I received my masters degree from U-W Superior in Educational Leadership with licensure in the areas of Director of Pupil Services and Principal. This will be my fourth year in Thorp and 24th year in education. I am excited to be both the Thorp Elementary Principal and Director of Student Services. We truly have the best educators in the area and I am proud to be their leader.

I live in Chippewa Falls with my husband, Chad; four children, Cayci, Carcyn, Ethan, and Ana. We have two Golden Retrievers, Leon, and Laila who is our school therapy dog.

Mrs. Trowbridge-Special Education Director/Student Services
directory photo of Mrs. Trowbridge

Mrs. Wiegel-Special Education Teacher

MRS. WIEGEL'S INTRO VIDEO

715.669.5401 ext.2350

Hi, my name is Jackie Wiegel and I am excited to be a Special Education teacher at Thorp High School. I received my certification to teach special education in the fall of 2006 from UW-Eau Claire. Over the years, I have taught all ages levels. I live in Eau Claire with my husband and 4 children (2 daughters and 2 sons). We also have a wonderful dog named Bernie. In my spare time, I enjoy theatre, movies, reading, and baking. I look forward to a wonderful school year and am proud to be a part of the School District of Thorp. Go Cardinals!

Mrs. Wiegel, HS Special Education Teacher
directory photo of Mrs. Wiegel

Mrs. Hollister-MS/HS Special Education Co-Teacher

MRS. HOLLISTER'S INTRO VIDEO

715.669.5401 ext. 1510

As a life-long resident of Thorp, it is truly an honor to work with the young people of our community.

I attended UW-Eau Claire where I obtained my undergraduate and graduate degrees. ln addition to my special education certification for students with specific learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities across all grade levels, I also possess certification to teach in the general education environment at the elementary level. Currently, I am excited to be co-teaching in the middle school and high school.

While teaching is my passion and foremost responsibility, I am also the Thorp Middle School Student Council advisor. The opportunity to assist in the development of young leaders is an exciting privilege!

I am looking forward to another outstanding school year!

Mrs. Hollister-MS/HS Co-Teacher
directory photo of mrs. Hollister

Ms. Palmer-Special Education Teacher

Hello! My name is Mackenzie Palmer and I am a special education teacher. I have wanted to be a teacher since kindergarten, so I am thrilled to be starting my first official year! I student-taught in the district in September and October with Jackie Wiegel in the high school. After I graduated from UW - Eau Claire in December I got hired here in January! I’m looking forward to see what this year brings!

I also coach the high school Esports team. We are a competitive video game league that plays against other high schools in Wisconsin! It was a blast starting this team up last year, so this year will be even better!

A little more about me! During my free time, I love reading, playing video games, playing with my cat, running, doing puzzles, and watching Netflix. Disney movies are my favorite! I also love to travel. I have been to 6 different countries on 4 different continents, and I don’t plan on stopping!

Have a great day!

Mrs. Kotecki-Paraprofessional

Hello, my name is Donna Kotecki. I am a paraprofessional in the Special Education department. I have held this position since 2003. I love what I do. That’s because I love kids and helping them learn. I also love sharing with them the value of what they are learning, making it a positive experience for them. I currently work in the High School/Middle School. Over the years I have worked with every grade level, truly enjoying them all.

I am also a member of the Thorp community, having farmed for 30+ years alongside my husband on the family farm established in 1893. I have three married adult children and 9 grandchildren. I enjoy having “Grandma Camp” each summer. I love being outdoors watching nature around me as I walk each day. I enjoy cooking and baking everything from scratch. My bible study group is a favorite time I meet with others. I also quilt when time allows.

Mrs. Kotecki-Special Ed Paraprofessional
directory photo of Mrs. Kotecki

Mrs. LaCanne-Paraprofessional

Hello, my name is Pam LaCanne,

I have been with the Thorp School since 2010. My family and I moved to Thorp in 2009 from Minnesota. Yes, Viking fans we are! I’m a Special Ed paraprofessional in the High School. I enjoy the challenges our job has for us. It always keeps your mind thinking. In Minnesota, I worked with adults with disabilities with MSOCS for 23 years. I went to MSU for 1 year and tech college for 6 months in the Human Service program. We have a 200 acre farm south of Thorp. When we moved here we knew no one. However, I still remember coming to Thorp School to get our kids enrolled in summer school. The staff here were kind and helpful and yes, they are still working here. I have 3 students enrolled here, Emmanuel, a senior, McKenna, a junior and Alexis, an 8th Grader. I enjoy helping all students.

Mrs. LaCanne-Special Ed Paraprofessional
directory photo of Mrs. LaCanne

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Mr. Goettl

Mr. Goettl

MR. GOETTL'S INTRO VIDEO

715.669.5401 ext. 2270

Hi my name is Sam Goettl. I am a 2002 Stanley-Boyd High School graduate and a 2006 University of Wisconsin Stout graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Technology Education. I got my first teaching job right here in Thorp and this is where I have been teaching for the past thirteen years. I teach a variety of technical courses from metal working, auto body, basic automotive maintenance, construction, engineering, and some introductory courses. We have a great selection of courses that can make for a well-rounded individual.

When I am not teaching I enjoy hanging out with my wife and four boys. I also enjoy hunting with my family, being out in the woods, and working on my hobby farm where we raise a few beef cattle.

Mr. Goettl-Technology Education Instructor
directory photo of Mr. Goettl

VISUAL ARTS

Ms. Ruhe

Ms. Ruhe

MS. RUHE'S INTRO VIDEO FOR BASIC ART 1

MS. RUHE'S INTRO TO YEARBOOK/DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

715.669.5401 ext. 2330

Hi, my name is Makaya Ruhe and I’m the visual arts teacher for grades 7-12 here in Thorp. The courses I teach are Exploratory Art for 7^th and 8^th grade, Basic Art 1, Yearbook/Digital Photography, Advanced Art 3, and Senior Studio.

I grew up in Chippewa Falls and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with my Bachelor of Science in Art Education with two minors in Ceramics and Art History. In my free time, you can find me in my “at home studio” throwing on my potter’s wheel, antiquing around the Midwest, or hanging out with family & friends. I aspire to be a world traveler and have already conquered nine countries, with many more to come.

I am very excited for my first year at Thorp and can’t wait to create some awesome art! Please reach out with any questions, collaborations or concerns.

PSYCHOLOGIST

Mrs. Demske

Mrs. Demske

715.669.5401 ext. 1380

Hello! My name is Nicole Demske and I am the school psychologist for the School District of Thorp.

I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 2005 from UW-Stevens Point. I then attended UW-Eau Claire and obtained a Master's Degree in Education in 2006 and a Specialist in Education Degree in School Psychology in 2008.

My career began in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District. I took a few years off to raise my children and then returned to work on a part-time basis working for CESA 10 at the School District of Gilman. I am very excited to devote more time back to my career; and I couldn't be happier to be part of such an amazing team in Thorp!

I am very involved with my children and their activities. I love sports and enjoy spending time with my family at the lake! I live in Stanley with my husband and two children.

Mrs. Demske-School Psychologist
directory photo of Mrs. Demske

GUIDANCE

Mrs. Hein-Guidance Counselor

Mrs. Hein-Guidance Counselor

715.669.5401 ext. 2230

Welcome, I am the 9-12 School Counselor here at Thorp High School. I graduated from Thorp High School in 1993 and then attended UW-Parkside where I earned my bachelors in Sociology and Economics. I then earned my Master's Degree in School and Community Counseling from Marquette University in 2004.

Mrs. Hein-HS Guidance Counselor
directory photo of Mrs. Hein

SCHOOL NURSE

Jamie Smith-School nurse
Mrs. Hull-Health aide

Jamie Smith-School nurse

715.669.5548 x1090
jsmith@thorp.k12.wi.us

My name is Jamie Smith, and I am the registered nurse for the School District of Thorp since 2018. I graduated from Chippewa Valley Technical College in 2014 with an Associate Degree in nursing. In 2018, I completed a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing. Furthermore, I am a current Doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with nurse residency experience in pediatric primary care.

I am originally from Fall Creek, Wisconsin, and graduated high school in 2009. I currently live south of Stanley with my husband, Will, and two children, Reise (7) and Ana (5). As a family we enjoy going to movies at the Stanley Theater, traveling, spending time with friends, and being outdoors. Outside of family time, I enjoy reading and going for walks.

I love working for the School District of Thorp because it is a positive work environment, and I am able to assist in providing a healthy and safe learning environment for students.

Mrs. Smith-Nurse

photo of school nurse Mrs. Smith sitting on a bench

Mrs. Hull-Health aide

LIBRARY

Mrs. Beloungy-Librarian
Mrs. Pszeniczny-High School Library Assistant

Mrs. Beloungy-Librarian

715.669.5401 ext. 2380

Hello! My name is Julie Beloungy and I am excited to be the new Library Media Specialist at the Thorp Elementary and High School Libraries.

I grew up in Wisconsin and graduated from UW Madison with a Bachelors of Science degree in Landscape Architecture. After working in a public library for almost 12 years, I have enjoyed helping people find the information and materials they need. It is also so rewarding to help a child find a book that gets them excited about reading and I am thrilled to be working in the school libraries now. I am currently enrolled at UW Milwaukee to earn my Library Media Specialist Certification and look forward to working with the students and staff at Thorp!

I live in the area with my husband and two daughters who both attend school in the District. I love to spend time with my family, run, and travel anywhere that has water and hiking trails.

Please stop in either the Elementary or High School library to see the wonderful spaces, staff, and resources that we are proud to offer the students.

Mrs. Beloungy-Librarian
directory photo of Mrs. Beloungy

Mrs. Pszeniczny-High School Library Assistant

715.669.5401 ext. 2380

Hello, my name is Karen Pszeniczny I am the Media Specialist/Assistant in the High School Library. I am also the RVA Parent Coordinator. I have been employed with the District since 2003. I am privileged to be part of empowering students and guiding them for their future endeavors and truly enjoy being a part of their everyday lives.