St James School

Father Rocker

Stephen Rocker grew up in Port Leyden, NY, the youngest of six children.  He graduated from South Lewis Central School in Turin and Wadhams Hall Seminary-College in Ogdensburg.  He has graduate degrees in theology and philosophy from the University of Louvain (Belgium) and the University of Ottawa (Canada). He taught philosophy and was part of the formation staff at Wadhams Hall Seminary-College and has served in a number of parishes in the Diocese of Ogdensburg.  Father Rocker also served in the diocesan mission in Peru and has been pastor of St. James and Sacred Heart parishes in Gouverneur and Edwards since July 2008.

Mrs. Kotz

Interim Principal

Mrs. Kotz is a graduate of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Canton.  She is completing her ninth year at St. James. Mrs. Kotz taught Pre-K her first 2 years at St. James and until accepting the principal position has been teaching first grade.  Mrs. Kotz is also a trained mentor for new teachers. She received her Bachelors in Childhood Education and a Masters degree as a Literacy Specialist from SUNY Potsdam.

St. James School Secretary

Mrs. Cronk has been actively involved with SJS for almost twenty years, as a parent, volunteer, and now as the SJS Secretary.  Mrs. Cronk has four children that are either alumni or current SJS students and her husband John is the SJS Maintence Supervisor.

Advancement Director
Mrs. LaPierre is a member of St. James Parish and a longtime supporter of SJS.  She and her husband have one daughter who is an alumni of SJS, one daughter currently enrolled, and one daughter that is a future SJS student!
Mrs. LaPierre is enjoying her 1st year 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,a graduate of St. James School in 2011, Corinne, a fourth grader, and a new baby girl, Frances.

Preschool/Pre-K

Kindergarten

Mrs.  Stowell joined the St. James Staff in September 2010 as the kindergarten teacher. Previously, she taught third grade for 6 years at St. Mary's Catholic School in Canton.  Mrs.  Stowell holds certification in Preschool through sixth grade and a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

Mrs. Barr

First Grade

Ashley 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 being back at St. James and being part of the St. James' team.  She is NYS certified in Early Childhood as well as Elementary Education.

Second Grade

Mrs. Cloonan is a graduate of St. James School, Gouverneur High School, Mater Dei College, and SUNY Potsdam.  She and her husband Michael have two daughters,Meghan and Melissa, both graduates of St. James School.  Meghan is a  first grade teacher and Melissa is beginning a surgical fellowship.

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Mrs. Berlin is a native of Morristown NY and a graduate of SUNY Potsdam, with an MST in childhood Education. She has a M.A. in Counseling from Webster University and a B.A. in Sociology and Health Services Administration from SUNY Fredonia. Mrs. Berlin also serves as the SJS Religious Coordinator and School Counselor. She is recently married to Robert, has a pet tortoise named Ezma, and resides in Canton NY.

Fifth Grade

Mrs. Curry received a MSED from SUNY Potsdam in Literacy Education.  She is certified in grades Pre-K through 12.  Mrs. Curry has been a substitute teacher for several years and is excited to be part of the St. James Family.  She and her husband Darrell reside in Lisbon.

Sixth Grade

Mrs. Schrodt has served for several years as an AIS instructor at SJS and is serving SJS as our sixth grade classroom teacher.  She lives in Harrisville with her husband and three sons.  Mrs. Schrodt is excited to work with  students, families, and staff at St. James School and coordinates all sixth grade programs,  including a trip to Beaver Camp, The Student Store, and Newspaper Club.

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.

Art

Physical Education

Library

Mrs. Ferrick is the mother of two SJS alumni and one current SJS student.  She has been a volunteer and an active member of the SJS community for many years.  Mrs. Ferrick is a volunteer member of our Library team.

Mrs.  Wickham

Library

Mrs. Wickham and her husband Rob live in Richville, NY, with their two sons, both of whom are enrolled at SJS.  Mrs. Wickham is an ardent supporter of SJS and an active volunteer, coordinating our bi-annual bookfairs and acting as a member of our library team.

Title I

Schol Cafeteria

Maintenance Supervisor

Custodian