PCS

07/19/2026

Meet the new staff! Connie will be serving as the Principal for the 2026/2027 school year!

My name is Connie Tighe Humble. I am a 1979 graduate of Webster City High School. I attended Mt Mercy in Cedar Rapids for two years. I then transferred to UNI in Cedar Falls and graduated with my BA in Elementary Education in 1983. I also have a reading endorsement and coaching endorsement. Later, I graduated from ISU in 1989 with a MS in Educational Administration. I have worked in education for 42 years. I worked at many different age levels enjoying each level for different reasons.

I taught for 36 years in the following schools:
Garner Iowa-12 years in 4th grade. I coached BB, track and volleyball.
Roseau, MN--1 year English as a Second Language with adults from Laos and Vietnam
Estherville, Ia-- 5 years teaching ESL at the high school–16 years 7th grade science, reading, math–2 years 8th grade writing-I also coached track and cross country and was a mentor for new teachers.

Administration 6 years:
I was the Demoney Elementary principal for 6 years in Estherville grades preschool-4th grade. We had around 450 students with 4 or 5 sections at each grade level. We implemented new reading and math programs during this time. We also revisited our MTSS process to better serve our students.

I have been married 42 years to my husband, Bob, a retired engineer. We have six children ages 24-39. (Margot, Rob, Liz, Zach, Colleen, Laura) We are members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Estherville.

07/18/2026

Meet the new staff! Laura will be serving PCS as the lead teacher this upcoming school year!

My name is Laura Frerk, and I am incredibly excited and honored to be joining the Pocahontas Catholic School family this year. As a 1999 PCS graduate who was born and raised in Pocahontas, returning to the school that helped shape who I am today truly feels special! It is a blessing to have the opportunity to serve the same school community that played such an important role in my own education and personal growth.

Education has always been one of my greatest passions. I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology from Coe College before completing my degree in Elementary Education with an Instructional Strategist I (Mild/Moderate Disabilities) endorsement from Mount Mercy University. In 2025, I completed my Instructional Strategist: All Disabilities (Strat ALL) endorsement and earned my Master of Education in Special Education from Upper Iowa University. I am currently pursuing my Master of Educational Leadership with a Principal Endorsement at Northwestern College and look forward to earning my principal's license in June 2026.

For the past 13 years, I have served as the K–5 special education teacher at Twin Rivers Elementary School. During that time, I have had the privilege of working alongside incredible students, families, and educators. My passion is working with data to design instruction, implement interventions, and analyze growth. Helping children grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually has been one of the greatest joys of my career. I believe every child has unique gifts, limitless potential, and deserves to feel known, valued, and loved.

My husband, Steven, and I have been blessed with five wonderful children, Brecken, Wiley, Theo, Finley, and Louis who keep us busy with their many activities. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, attending my children's activities, reading, cheering on our favorite sports teams (Go Hawks!), and working out. Those moments keep me grounded and remind me of the importance of balancing hard work with quality time spent with the people we love.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to return to PCS and serve the school and community that have always held a special place in my heart. I look forward to getting to know our families and helping to make this a wonderful school year filled with faith, learning, and growth.

07/17/2026

2026/2027 Supply List

07/17/2026

Meet the new staff! Alissa Van Middendorp will be teaching 2nd grade this upcoming school year!

Hi there!

I was born and raised in Spirit Lake, Iowa. I was lucky enough to attend Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa where I played soccer and accomplished my degree in Elementary Education. I have been lucky enough to teach for 7 years and in those 7 years I have learned so much from students, staff and parents. I look forward to meeting new faces and exploring a new town!

A few fun facts about myself: I love to go on walks with my husband, daughter and son. I am not much of a sweets person, but I will always eat some dark chocolate chips. Also, I love a good book in the sunshine!

07/16/2026

Meet the new staff! Kennedi will be joining PCS for the second semester in 1st grade after Kay DeWall will be there for the first quarter.

Hello! My name is Kennedi Cran, and I am excited to be joining the Pocahontas Catholic School family as the long-term 1st grade substitute teacher this year!

I graduated from Humboldt High School in 2022 before earning my Associate of Arts degree from Iowa Central Community College. I then transferred to the University of Northern Iowa, where I am completing my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Literacy Education. This fall, I will begin my student teaching experience at Pocahontas Elementary before completing my final placement at Lucia Wallace Elementary in Algona. I am on track to graduate in December.

I have always had a passion for working with children and helping them develop a love of learning. I strive to create a classroom where every student feels safe, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. I believe that building strong relationships, providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences, and fostering a positive classroom environment help students grow both academically and personally.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, gardening, cooking and baking, going on walks, and supporting my boyfriend and his dad at their races. I value spending quality time with the people I love and taking advantage of every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

I am truly excited to become part of the Pocahontas Catholic School community and begin this next chapter of my teaching journey. I look forward to building relationships with students, families, and staff while creating a classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn each day.@

07/15/2026

Please stay off the playground and walking path today as it is being sprayed for weeds! Thanks for understanding!

07/02/2026

Got PCS clothing that no longer fits your child? Don’t get rid of them, drop them off at the Parish Office to be available for other families to use this coming school year!

07/01/2026

06/20/2026

Color Run 2026, thanks to everyone who participated!