By Nita Miller
JC Breakfast Optimist Club
Jodi Testa, the new St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools Principal was the guest speaker at the July 15 meeting in the Hampton Inn. She and her husband, Randy, have two adult children. Both work in USD 475.
Testa has been a teacher assistant, teacher, Assistant Principal and Principal. Most recently Jodi taught 2nd grade at St. Xavier’s Schools.
After visiting with Father Peter, the bishop and others and reflecting on her purpose in life, Jodi made the decision to apply for the job as Principal. Her goals in her new position are “to focus on learning about traditions at the school; marketing the schools; connecting with patrons; beginning a Visiting Angels group, which will include having senior adults be foster grandparents in classrooms providing cupcakes, teaching hobbies and crafts, building relationships; maintaining high academic standards and being competitive in athletics. There is a full staff, and 90 students are currently enrolled. The goal is to meet or exceed 105 students enrolled”, she said.
Something special about the schools is the foundation of similar beliefs and a common faith – “we are all moving in the same direction”, Jodi stated. A Junior Optimist International (JOI) Club was established at St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools two years ago and will continue to grow with JC Breakfast Optimist Club St. Xavier’s JOI Club Facilitator.
To see the video of today’s meeting, please go to the JC Breakfast Optimist Club Facebook or Youtube pages. Presence at the Club’s meetings are welcome even to non-members. Meetings are held at the Hampton Inn and begin with a light breakfast at 6:30 AM and the meeting begins at 6:50 AM or contact Nita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President, at Nitamiller3@gmail.com.