schels – Madison Catholic Herald Archive (2001-2025)


	St. John the Baptist School in Jefferson teacher Margie Schels, middle, stands with eighth graders Josie Peterson, left, and Karsen Powell, right, during a recent celebration honoring Schels’ 40 years as a Catholic school teacher and more than 20 years teaching at St. John the Baptist. (Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash)

JEFFERSON — As the annual observance of Catholic Schools Week came to a close at St. John the Baptist School in Jefferson, Principal Susan Loof made a bold, but appropriate statement to a teacher sitting in the front row of church.

“You are Catholic education . . . Today is your day to be appreciated in a very public way.”

The teacher was Margie Schels, who was being recognized in that public way for her 40 years as a Catholic school teacher.

Schels teaches religion and math to seventh and eighth graders and is the eighth grade homeroom teacher.

“She touched so many lives,” said eighth grader Josie Peterson. “She cares for other students and she’s very kind and she helps people grow a lot in their faith.”

“She has so many amazing features about herself and she’s just a really amazing person,” said eighth grader Karsen Powell. “I look up to her — she’s just a great teacher.”

Students and staff in Jefferson present tribute to veterans

JEFFERSON — On Wednesday, Nov. 11, students and staff at St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Jefferson presented their annual tribute to veterans in the parish church.

The eighth grade students escorted guests to their seats after presenting them with flags and patriotic wristbands.

Principal Mrs. Susan Loof formally welcomed veterans and thanked them for their service to our country. She then offered a prayer for the veterans and their families.

Students in Jefferson learn about icons

JEFFERSON — Seventh and eighth graders at St. John the Baptist (SJB) School in Jefferson were recently able to catch a glimpse of heaven thanks to the work of Madison-based iconographer, Drazen Dupor.

Students had been studying religious icons in religion classes. In collaboration with art teacher Sally Koehler and with the support of the SJB Home and School Association, students began their first steps on the journey to understanding and appreciating this cherished liturgical art form.