St. James School

Father Lynch

Pastor

Mrs. Cummings

Principal

Mrs. Clara Cummings is an alumni of St. James School and has always been an active parish member. Her husband, Shawn, teaches Earth Science at Gouverneur High School. She has a daughter, Grace, and son Joseph, who are both alumni of SJS. She also has a daughter, Mae, who is currently a student at SJS. Mrs. Cummings graduated from Clarkson University with an Account Degree and SUNY Potsdam with a Master's Degree in Teaching. She has a growing vision of St. James School and is passionate about Catholic Education. Mrs. Cummings thanks God for leading her back to St. James School!

Mrs. LaPierre

Advancement Director

Mrs. LaPierre is a member of St. James Parish and a longtime supporter of SJS. She and her husband have two daughters who are alumni of SJS, and one daughter who is currently enrolled.  Mrs. LaPierre is enjoying her role as St. James School's Director of Advancement. Prior to her newest challenge, Mrs. LaPierre served as Principal of St. James School for three years. Mrs. LaPierre taught preschool at St. James and has been an active volunteer in the parish and school all her life. Mrs. LaPierre taught elementary school for several years in both public and Catholic School systems and worked as an adjunct professor for the State University of Potsdam. She is married to Mr. Joel LaPierre and has three daughters, Cassidy and Corinne, both graduates of St. James School, and a 4 year old, Frances.

Mrs. Bartholomew

Secretary

Mrs. Perrigo

Preschool/Pre-K

Mrs. Barr

Kindergarten

Mrs. Barr was born and raised here in Gouverneur. She has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's in Curriculum and Education. She is looking forward to her second year in Kindergarten at St. James and being part of the St. James' team. She is NYS certified in Early Childhood as well as Elementary Education.

Mrs. McCloud

Kindergarten Aid

Mrs. Whitford resides in Edwards, NY with her three wonderful dogs. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Literacy Education, both from SUNY Potsdam. She is very delighted to be part of the St. James family and enjoys every minute spent here.

Mrs. Friot

Second Grade

Mrs. Friot lives in DeKalb Junction with her husband and three children. Her children currently attend St. James School. She has been teaching for 14 years in the Diocese of Ogdensburg. She is currently an active parishioner of St. Mary's in Canton where she serves on their parish council and she is a Eucharistic Minister. Mrs. Friot holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Plattsburgh State University and has a Master's Of Science in Reading/Literacy. Mrs. Friot states, "I find so much enjoyment in teaching. I look forward to guiding each of my students to reach their full potential academically, spiritually, and socially. God has granted me many years of happiness and I look forward to many more at St. James School." Mrs. Friot also serves as our school's Religion Coordinator.

Mrs. Sternisha

Third Grade

Mrs. Sternisha has been the third grade teacher at St. James School since 1987 and serves also as our Vice Principal. She received her degree in education from SUNY Plattsburgh with a concentration in mathematics. She is a trained school mentor and works closely with new St. James School teachers. Mrs. Sternisha has a special interest in Japanes Culture and every year, students enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Mrs. Schiszler

Fourth Grade

Mrs. Hanni

Fifth Grade

Mrs. Dana Hanni is 32 years young! She lives in Theresa with her husband Rob, their cat Fluffy, and their dog Ebony.  She grew up in Redwood, New York on Butterfield Lake and attended Hammond Central School for Kindergarten through 12th grade. In May 2008, she graduated with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education  and a specialization in Mathematics from the State University of New York at Potsdam.  In July 2010,  she graduated from SUNY Potsdam for the 2nd time with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. During this time Mrs. Hanni also received a 2nd certification area in Childhood Education.  She enjoys traveling & being with friends and family. Mrs. Hanni is excited to make this her best year yet!

Mrs. Pease

Sixth Grade

We are excited to announce that our 6th grade teacher at St. James School is Mrs. Mary Pease. Mrs. Pease is Catholic and lives in Hammond with her husband and children. She worked in our school last year as our part-time AIS teacher and we feel blessed to have her back as a full time teacher. Mrs. Pease earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Niagara University and is working towards receiving her Master’s Degree. She is NYS certified in the areas of Elementary Education (B-6) and Secondary English. Mrs. Pease enjoys living a healthy lifestyle and begins each day with exercise. She loves to read and shares this love with her students through classroom reading activities. Mrs. Pease is excited to plan the many special activities that our sixth grade students get to partake in including an overnight field trip to Beaver Camp.

Ms. Johnson

Music Director

Director of Music for St. James School and Parish, completing her ninth year teaching at St. James School, she has also served our Parish and school music ministry since 1970. Mrs. Johnson was recently inducted into the Three M’s Music Honor Society

Mrs. Merchant

Art/UPK

Mrs. Merchant serves as our preschool-6th grade art teacher in the mornings and our UPK teaching assistant in the afternoon. She lives in Gouverneur with her husband and daughter. She is passionate about art and has implemented meaningful field trips to art museums and an Art Club for our sixth grade students!

Mrs. Hartle

Physical Education

Mrs. Hartle is completing her fourteenth year as St. James School's physical education instructor. She provides a wide variety of stimulating and physically challenging activities for St. James students. Mrs. Hartle is also coordinating with Fidelis, a Fitness and Wellness grant, geared towards elevating student health awareness and fitness level.

Mrs. Clark

Library

Mrs. Clark and her family have been long time members of St. James School and Parish. Mrs. Clark is a retired teacher and administrator. She serves as our librarian, Scholastic Book Fair administrator, and our Book Battle coach. Mrs. Clark shares her passion of Catholic education and reading to our children in preschool-6th grade.

Mrs. Matott

Library

Mrs. Green

Title I

Mrs. Maloy

School Cafeteria

Mrs. Maloy has worked for St. James School for more than fifteen years is the Director of St. James School Food Services. She was a volunteer while her three children attended St. James School.

Mr. Cronk

Maintenance Supervisor

Mr. Cronk has been in our Maintenance Department since 1989. He oversees the care and operation of all buildings and grounds for the Parish and School. John's four children, Jaycee, Caleb, Johni, and Kraymer, are all graduates of St. James.

Mr. Abar

Custodian

Mr. Abar has worked for St. James for the past eight years. He assists the school and parish with facility maintenance, grounds upkeep, and technology.

Mr. Allen

Custodian