[Mitchell, SD] St. John Paul II Elementary School welcomes Mrs. Sarah Timmer as the next principal of the Catholic elementary school beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
Timmer is currently the Curriculum Director for the Mitchell School District and has been in education since 2008. Timmer previously taught as an elementary teacher including third grade at Gertie Belle Rogers in Mitchell and first grade and kindergarten in Lincoln, Nebraska. Timmer holds a Master’s of Education in Administration from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a Reading Minor from the University of Sioux Falls.
“Sarah brings to our school a great amount of experience in education. She is also a firm believer in the value of Catholic education not only for our Catholic Community but for any parent that is looking for an integral formation and education for their children,” says Fr. Cesar Valencia, Pastor of Mitchell Catholic Parishes and the school. “She is all about doing what is best for children. But, above all, Sarah is a disciple of Christ on a mission of sharing the good news of the Gospel through her leadership role.”
Timmer is also the founder and camp director of Little Catholics Lake Mitchell Bible Camp, a summer camp that began in 2022 and is held each summer at Camp Arroya on Lake Mitchell. The camp has grown to over one hundred students from the Mitchell Catholic Parishes from kindergarten to eighth grade. The camp includes outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, crafts, science, experiments, songs and prayer.
"I am committed to nurturing both the mind and heart and will strive to help students develop habits that deepen their relationship with Christ."
“I am honored to join St. John Paul II School and look forward to getting to know each child personally, sharing the warmth and love of Christ with each of them,” says Timmer. “My goal is to uphold the mission of our school, which will allow each unique child to be a responsible citizen in our ever-changing world. I am committed to nurturing both the mind and heart and will strive to help students develop habits that deepen their relationship with Christ. I am eager to collaborate with teachers, engage the school community, and uphold high academic standards rooted in faith, ensuring a strong foundation for each of our children's growth and happiness!”
Timmer will succeed Principal Robin Cahoy, who has announced her retirement at the end of this school year after over forty years of dedication to the school. Cahoy joined the school, then named Holy Spirit School, in 1983 as a kindergarten teacher and was hired as Principal in 2012.
St. John Paul II School strives to create a community that promotes Catholic values, academic excellence, and stewardship which will allow each child to achieve their highest potential and become a lifelong disciple of christ.The school offers classes from preschool through sixth grade, as well as preschool-aged childcare, after–school care, and a new Summer Academy beginning this year. The school is also in year one of a three year transition to Catholic classical curriculum. More information about the school can be found at https://johnpaul2.org/.