Hey Bulldogs!
My name is Diane Haley, and I am so excited to be a 2nd grade teacher here at St. Charles Elementary!
I have been teaching early elementary school for over 20 years. For the first 12 years of my career, I taught preschool for SISD Head Start. In 2016, I moved to SPSD, where I taught 1st grade for 7 years and 3rd grade for 3 years. Now I am super excited to move in the middle of these two grades and teach 2nd!
I graduated from Heritage High School, and then earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from SVSU. My favorite subject is ELA. I like reading and love writing! One of my favorite things as an early elementary educator is to watch my students become more confident in their reading and writing skills!
My family is made up of myself, my husband, and my 17 (almost 18)- year-old twin girls, who just started their senior year of high school! I love spending time with my friends & family. My family and I love traveling around our beautiful state, camping, and exploring nature! My favorite place to be is anywhere by the water, especially the beach!
I am so ecstatic to meet all of my students and families as we create an amazing classroom community! I am pumped to see all of the growth my students will have this year! Let’s go Bulldogs! Here’s to the best year yet!
My name is Diane Haley, and I am so excited to be a 2nd grade teacher here at St. Charles Elementary!
I have been teaching early elementary school for over 20 years. For the first 12 years of my career, I taught preschool for SISD Head Start. In 2016, I moved to SPSD, where I taught 1st grade for 7 years and 3rd grade for 3 years. Now I am super excited to move in the middle of these two grades and teach 2nd!
I graduated from Heritage High School, and then earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from SVSU. My favorite subject is ELA. I like reading and love writing! One of my favorite things as an early elementary educator is to watch my students become more confident in their reading and writing skills!
My family is made up of myself, my husband, and my 17 (almost 18)- year-old twin girls, who just started their senior year of high school! I love spending time with my friends & family. My family and I love traveling around our beautiful state, camping, and exploring nature! My favorite place to be is anywhere by the water, especially the beach!
I am so ecstatic to meet all of my students and families as we create an amazing classroom community! I am pumped to see all of the growth my students will have this year! Let’s go Bulldogs! Here’s to the best year yet!
Hello,
My name is Grace Cain, and I am thrilled to join the elementary school as one of its Special Education Resource teachers!
I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University and spent my first year of teaching in a first-grade classroom. My passion and goal are to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for all my students. I can't wait to bring this vision to St. Charles, and I am excited for this next chapter in my life and career!
In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, drawing, spending time with my dog and cat, and being outdoors. I have visited three national parks so far and plan to explore as many as I can!
Here’s to an amazing year filled with learning, excitement, and growth!
My name is Grace Cain, and I am thrilled to join the elementary school as one of its Special Education Resource teachers!
I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University and spent my first year of teaching in a first-grade classroom. My passion and goal are to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for all my students. I can't wait to bring this vision to St. Charles, and I am excited for this next chapter in my life and career!
In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, drawing, spending time with my dog and cat, and being outdoors. I have visited three national parks so far and plan to explore as many as I can!
Here’s to an amazing year filled with learning, excitement, and growth!
Hello!
My name is Nathan Hensler, and I am ecstatic to be the new 7/8th grade ELA teacher!
My career has taken me across the field of education. I have taught all subject areas from 5th-8th grade in both private and public school settings in Michigan and Wisconsin.
I was born and raised in Freeland, Michigan, on my family's 176-year-old farm. Hensler Family Farm is still in operation, working with pumpkins and gourds, flowers, and sunflowers. I spend much of my time working on it with my family. Any other free time I have is spent working out, reading, writing, playing video games, or spending time with my family. My wife stays at home taking care of our two daughters and runs an at-home bakery called Putzy Cupcake, where she makes beautifully decorated cakes and cupcakes.
I am excited to start my time as a Bulldog!
My name is Nathan Hensler, and I am ecstatic to be the new 7/8th grade ELA teacher!
My career has taken me across the field of education. I have taught all subject areas from 5th-8th grade in both private and public school settings in Michigan and Wisconsin.
I was born and raised in Freeland, Michigan, on my family's 176-year-old farm. Hensler Family Farm is still in operation, working with pumpkins and gourds, flowers, and sunflowers. I spend much of my time working on it with my family. Any other free time I have is spent working out, reading, writing, playing video games, or spending time with my family. My wife stays at home taking care of our two daughters and runs an at-home bakery called Putzy Cupcake, where she makes beautifully decorated cakes and cupcakes.
I am excited to start my time as a Bulldog!
Hello!
My name is Jillian Distelrath, and I'm excited to join the team as the new high school chemistry and physics teacher.
I recently graduated from Central Michigan University (fire up chips!) with my Bachelor's in Integrated Science for Secondary Education and am currently working towards my Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in special education and health. I grew up in West Branch and graduated from Ogemaw Heights High School.
When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy going on walks with my boyfriend, attending concerts, and watching my younger sister play sports. I also love anything that is hands-on, baking, sewing, painting, etc.
I cannot wait to create an environment where science is fun and engaging for all students, and I am ready to begin my
career as a St. Charles Bulldog!
My name is Jillian Distelrath, and I'm excited to join the team as the new high school chemistry and physics teacher.
I recently graduated from Central Michigan University (fire up chips!) with my Bachelor's in Integrated Science for Secondary Education and am currently working towards my Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in special education and health. I grew up in West Branch and graduated from Ogemaw Heights High School.
When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy going on walks with my boyfriend, attending concerts, and watching my younger sister play sports. I also love anything that is hands-on, baking, sewing, painting, etc.
I cannot wait to create an environment where science is fun and engaging for all students, and I am ready to begin my
career as a St. Charles Bulldog!
Hello, St. Charles Elementary families!
My name is Jennifer Kuntz, and I am excited to be joining St. Charles Elementary as a 4th grade teacher! I have been an educator for over 20 years and have had the opportunity to teach in a variety of settings, including elementary special education, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, as well as working with students in alternative educational programs. Each experience has strengthened my passion for helping students learn,
grow, and reach their full potential.
I graduated from Freeland High School, earned my bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University, and later completed my master's degree at Saginaw Valley State University.
Outside of the classroom, I have two wonderful children, ages 17 and 19, and a dog who is truly part of our family. When I'm not teaching, you will often find me baking cakes and other sweet treats for family and friends.
Teaching has always been more than a career to me—it's something I truly love. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to join the St. Charles community, and I look forward to building meaningful relationships with my students and their families.
Here's to a wonderful year of learning, laughter, and growth together!
My name is Jennifer Kuntz, and I am excited to be joining St. Charles Elementary as a 4th grade teacher! I have been an educator for over 20 years and have had the opportunity to teach in a variety of settings, including elementary special education, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, as well as working with students in alternative educational programs. Each experience has strengthened my passion for helping students learn,
grow, and reach their full potential.
I graduated from Freeland High School, earned my bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University, and later completed my master's degree at Saginaw Valley State University.
Outside of the classroom, I have two wonderful children, ages 17 and 19, and a dog who is truly part of our family. When I'm not teaching, you will often find me baking cakes and other sweet treats for family and friends.
Teaching has always been more than a career to me—it's something I truly love. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to join the St. Charles community, and I look forward to building meaningful relationships with my students and their families.
Here's to a wonderful year of learning, laughter, and growth together!
Hello!
My name is Brandon Knickerbocker, and I will be teaching 7th- and 8th-grade social studies!
I am a Saginaw Valley State graduate and have spent the past 3 years teaching at Bridgeport High School. My wife and I have lived in St. Charles for 2 and a half years. Together, we have a 1-year-old son, and I love spending time with him. I am a huge sports fan, especially of the Michigan Wolverines and the Detroit Lions.
This year, in addition to teaching, I will be helping coach football and wrestling for St. Charles, and I spent this past summer working at Bulldog Kids Care as a childcare provider. I plan to continue spending my summers off from teaching with the childcare team, as I have found that I enjoy staying busy within the district.
My family and I already love this community, and I am excited to serve the students of our fantastic district. I am looking forward to a great year!
My name is Brandon Knickerbocker, and I will be teaching 7th- and 8th-grade social studies!
I am a Saginaw Valley State graduate and have spent the past 3 years teaching at Bridgeport High School. My wife and I have lived in St. Charles for 2 and a half years. Together, we have a 1-year-old son, and I love spending time with him. I am a huge sports fan, especially of the Michigan Wolverines and the Detroit Lions.
This year, in addition to teaching, I will be helping coach football and wrestling for St. Charles, and I spent this past summer working at Bulldog Kids Care as a childcare provider. I plan to continue spending my summers off from teaching with the childcare team, as I have found that I enjoy staying busy within the district.
My family and I already love this community, and I am excited to serve the students of our fantastic district. I am looking forward to a great year!
Hi everyone!
My name is Payton Parrish, and I am thrilled to be joining St. Charles Middle School as a new 6th-grade teacher!
I graduated from St. Charles High School in 2021 and then attended Rochester Christian University, where I also had the opportunity to play college softball. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (PK–6) in December 2025.
This past winter, I was fortunate to return to St. Charles Elementary as an MTSS Para and substitute teacher. Additionally, I am proud to serve as the Head Coach of St. Charles Varsity Softball.
I am incredibly excited to return to my hometown and teach in the school district that helped shape me. There truly is nothing like coming back home and having the opportunity to give back to the community that supported me growing up.
I can’t wait for an amazing school year!❤️🐾
My name is Payton Parrish, and I am thrilled to be joining St. Charles Middle School as a new 6th-grade teacher!
I graduated from St. Charles High School in 2021 and then attended Rochester Christian University, where I also had the opportunity to play college softball. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (PK–6) in December 2025.
This past winter, I was fortunate to return to St. Charles Elementary as an MTSS Para and substitute teacher. Additionally, I am proud to serve as the Head Coach of St. Charles Varsity Softball.
I am incredibly excited to return to my hometown and teach in the school district that helped shape me. There truly is nothing like coming back home and having the opportunity to give back to the community that supported me growing up.
I can’t wait for an amazing school year!❤️🐾
Hi!
My name is Lacey Porter, and I am a new 4th grade teacher for St. Charles Elementary School. I am originally from Battle Creek. I graduated from Albion College in 2022 and moved to the Saginaw area to be with my husband.
I previously taught in a GSRP program for a year before becoming a substitute teacher for St. Charles Community Schools, where I have spent the past three years. I am so excited to begin this new chapter and cannot wait for the school year ahead!
In my free time, I love spending time with my husband, family, and friends. I also enjoy sewing and doing all kinds of crafts. One of my favorite things to do is spend time outdoors riding my horse, Giselle.
I am so excited to meet my students, build a wonderful classroom community, and make this a fun and successful year together!
I can’t wait for this school year! Go Bulldogs! 🐾
My name is Lacey Porter, and I am a new 4th grade teacher for St. Charles Elementary School. I am originally from Battle Creek. I graduated from Albion College in 2022 and moved to the Saginaw area to be with my husband.
I previously taught in a GSRP program for a year before becoming a substitute teacher for St. Charles Community Schools, where I have spent the past three years. I am so excited to begin this new chapter and cannot wait for the school year ahead!
In my free time, I love spending time with my husband, family, and friends. I also enjoy sewing and doing all kinds of crafts. One of my favorite things to do is spend time outdoors riding my horse, Giselle.
I am so excited to meet my students, build a wonderful classroom community, and make this a fun and successful year together!
I can’t wait for this school year! Go Bulldogs! 🐾
Hello Bulldogs!
My name is Michael Kutsch, and I am honored to be the new principal at St. Charles Middle School. I am thrilled to join this incredible community and look forward to meeting each of you.
A bit about my background: I am a graduate of Saginaw Valley State University and the University of Michigan, holding Master’s degrees in Education Studies and Educational Leadership. For the past five years, I worked at Carrollton Middle School in Saginaw—two years teaching social studies and three years as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. My teaching career also includes time at Clarenceville High School in Livonia and Cass Technical High School in Detroit. Before entering school administration, I spent summers teaching driver's training and worked as a high school referee and NCAA softball umpire.
Though I was born in Saginaw, I grew up in Tampa, Florida. I moved back to Michigan in 2010 and truly wouldn’t want to live anywhere else! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors. In the spring and summer, you’ll usually find me on the golf course, and in the fall, I spend as much time in the woods as possible. I am also an avid reader with a love for nonfiction and American history.
I start every single morning with a workout, living by the motto: “Win the morning, win the day.” I strongly believe in tackling a hard challenge first thing in the morning to continuously push myself to get better.
Joining St. Charles is deeply personal for me. While I didn't attend school here myself, my grandfather, Bernie Cooper, was the high school principal from the 1970s to the mid-1980s. I have wonderful memories of attending football games with him and visiting his office, and he always spoke with immense pride about the St. Charles students and community. I am excited to create positive new memories with all of you.
I hope you are enjoying these final days of summer. I can’t wait to see everyone on the first day of school, Tuesday, August 25th!
My name is Michael Kutsch, and I am honored to be the new principal at St. Charles Middle School. I am thrilled to join this incredible community and look forward to meeting each of you.
A bit about my background: I am a graduate of Saginaw Valley State University and the University of Michigan, holding Master’s degrees in Education Studies and Educational Leadership. For the past five years, I worked at Carrollton Middle School in Saginaw—two years teaching social studies and three years as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. My teaching career also includes time at Clarenceville High School in Livonia and Cass Technical High School in Detroit. Before entering school administration, I spent summers teaching driver's training and worked as a high school referee and NCAA softball umpire.
Though I was born in Saginaw, I grew up in Tampa, Florida. I moved back to Michigan in 2010 and truly wouldn’t want to live anywhere else! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors. In the spring and summer, you’ll usually find me on the golf course, and in the fall, I spend as much time in the woods as possible. I am also an avid reader with a love for nonfiction and American history.
I start every single morning with a workout, living by the motto: “Win the morning, win the day.” I strongly believe in tackling a hard challenge first thing in the morning to continuously push myself to get better.
Joining St. Charles is deeply personal for me. While I didn't attend school here myself, my grandfather, Bernie Cooper, was the high school principal from the 1970s to the mid-1980s. I have wonderful memories of attending football games with him and visiting his office, and he always spoke with immense pride about the St. Charles students and community. I am excited to create positive new memories with all of you.
I hope you are enjoying these final days of summer. I can’t wait to see everyone on the first day of school, Tuesday, August 25th!
Hello St. Charles students and community!
I am the new principal of St. Charles Elementary School, and I am thrilled to be a part of the St. Charles Community Schools district.
As an experienced educational leader and elementary school principal from Saginaw, Michigan, I am dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Throughout my career, I have focused on building strong relationships with students, families, staff, and the community while supporting academic excellence and the social-emotional growth of every child. Over the past eight years as an elementary school principal, I have been honored to receive the Administrator of the Year award at Merrill Park Elementary and a National Blue Ribbon of Academic Excellence while serving at Handley Elementary. I have also had the privilege of representing the State of Michigan as a national presenter specializing in social-emotional support in education.
Before coming to St. Charles, I successfully designed, built, and opened an award-winning, state-of-the-art International Baccalaureate World School for Gifted and Talented students in Saginaw. My collaborative leadership style and commitment to educational innovation help foster a positive school culture that empowers both students and educators.
I was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, where I met my husband. Together, we have two amazing children, a son and a daughter. As true Michiganders, we enjoy spending time camping, hiking, and swimming in the summer, as well as snowboarding and skiing in the winter.
I am excited to meet the staff and students, and I am ready for the first day of school and an exciting journey with St. Charles Community Schools.
Please share St. Charles Community Schools' most recent job opportunities.
Check out our website for more open positions.
https://www.stccs.org/page/employment-opportunities
Check out our website for more open positions.
https://www.stccs.org/page/employment-opportunities
St. Charles Elementary School had the BEST day ever at Bulldog Day yesterday!
It was wonderful to see everyone and to witness the students' excitement about returning to school. St. Charles Elementary School is thrilled for our first day back in session on Tuesday, August 25th!
We enjoyed seeing each and every one of you and hope you have a fantastic weekend as you prepare for another great school year. Go Bulldogs!
https://youtube.com/shorts/bt9gJliPvAg?feature=share
It was wonderful to see everyone and to witness the students' excitement about returning to school. St. Charles Elementary School is thrilled for our first day back in session on Tuesday, August 25th!
We enjoyed seeing each and every one of you and hope you have a fantastic weekend as you prepare for another great school year. Go Bulldogs!
https://youtube.com/shorts/bt9gJliPvAg?feature=share
Now Accepting Schools of Choice Applications for 2026–2027!
St. Charles Community Schools is proud to participate in the Schools of Choice Program under Sections 105 and 105c of the Michigan School Code - giving families outside our district the opportunity to become part of our school community!
We are currently accepting applications for grades K–12, including virtual students, who are interested in attending St. Charles Schools. We also have room available in our GSRP and Y5 programs.
If you know a family who may be a great fit, please share this post and help us spread the word!
Click here to learn how to enroll today: https://stcharlescsmi.sites.thrillshare.com/page/enrollment-copy
St. Charles Community Schools is proud to participate in the Schools of Choice Program under Sections 105 and 105c of the Michigan School Code - giving families outside our district the opportunity to become part of our school community!
We are currently accepting applications for grades K–12, including virtual students, who are interested in attending St. Charles Schools. We also have room available in our GSRP and Y5 programs.
If you know a family who may be a great fit, please share this post and help us spread the word!
Click here to learn how to enroll today: https://stcharlescsmi.sites.thrillshare.com/page/enrollment-copy
St. Charles Community Schools "School Supply List" grade levels PreK- 6th grade...
Reminder!
Please join us for Bulldog Day on Wednesday, August 19th from 3 pm- 7 pm.
A message from St. Charles High School Principal, Mr. White:
Dear St. Charles High School Families,
We are excited to welcome our students and families to Bulldog Day on Wednesday, August 19, from 3:00–7:00 PM!
Bulldog Day is an opportunity to visit the high school, meet staff, ask questions, and get ready for a successful school year.
Freshman Orientation
Choose either the 3:00 PM or 5:00 PM session.
Freshmen and their families will receive important information about:
High School Expectations – Attendance, academics, behavior, cell phones, and taking greater responsibility.
Graduation Requirements – Understanding credits, required courses, and why every course and every semester counts toward graduation.
Saginaw Career Complex (SCC) – Career and technical education opportunities available to our students.
Dual Enrollment – Opportunities to earn high school and college credit while in high school.
Getting Involved – Athletics, clubs, activities, and other ways to become part of the Bulldog community.
We look forward to seeing you on August 19 and welcoming everyone back to St. Charles High School!
Go Bulldogs!
Tom White
HS Principal
St. Charles High School
NOTE: The letter below has the same content as the written content above.
Dear St. Charles High School Families,
We are excited to welcome our students and families to Bulldog Day on Wednesday, August 19, from 3:00–7:00 PM!
Bulldog Day is an opportunity to visit the high school, meet staff, ask questions, and get ready for a successful school year.
Freshman Orientation
Choose either the 3:00 PM or 5:00 PM session.
Freshmen and their families will receive important information about:
High School Expectations – Attendance, academics, behavior, cell phones, and taking greater responsibility.
Graduation Requirements – Understanding credits, required courses, and why every course and every semester counts toward graduation.
Saginaw Career Complex (SCC) – Career and technical education opportunities available to our students.
Dual Enrollment – Opportunities to earn high school and college credit while in high school.
Getting Involved – Athletics, clubs, activities, and other ways to become part of the Bulldog community.
We look forward to seeing you on August 19 and welcoming everyone back to St. Charles High School!
Go Bulldogs!
Tom White
HS Principal
St. Charles High School
NOTE: The letter below has the same content as the written content above.
A Message from St. Charles Middle School Principal, Mr. Kutsch:
Dear St. Charles Middle School Parents and Guardians,
On behalf of the staff and faculty at St. Charles Middle School, it is my pleasure to invite you and your student to our 5th annual Bulldog Day on Wednesday, August 19th, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Bulldog Day is an essential event designed to help our students transition smoothly into the upcoming school year. During this time, students will be able to pick up their class schedules, locate their lockers, tour the building, and meet their teachers.
To ensure a seamless start for both incoming students and families navigating new routines, we will be hosting two special orientation sessions in the Middle School Gym:
First Orientation: 4:00 PM
Second Orientation: 5:30 PM
These sessions will briefly cover important campus policies, expectations, and resources available to support your child’s academic and personal success throughout the year. You are welcome to attend whichever session best fits your family’s schedule.
We look forward to seeing you on August 19th as we partner together to make this school year a successful and rewarding experience for our students. Thank you for your continued support of our school community.
Best,
Michael Kutsch
Principal, St. Charles Middle School
NOTE: The attached letter has the same content as the written content listed above.
Dear St. Charles Middle School Parents and Guardians,
On behalf of the staff and faculty at St. Charles Middle School, it is my pleasure to invite you and your student to our 5th annual Bulldog Day on Wednesday, August 19th, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Bulldog Day is an essential event designed to help our students transition smoothly into the upcoming school year. During this time, students will be able to pick up their class schedules, locate their lockers, tour the building, and meet their teachers.
To ensure a seamless start for both incoming students and families navigating new routines, we will be hosting two special orientation sessions in the Middle School Gym:
First Orientation: 4:00 PM
Second Orientation: 5:30 PM
These sessions will briefly cover important campus policies, expectations, and resources available to support your child’s academic and personal success throughout the year. You are welcome to attend whichever session best fits your family’s schedule.
We look forward to seeing you on August 19th as we partner together to make this school year a successful and rewarding experience for our students. Thank you for your continued support of our school community.
Best,
Michael Kutsch
Principal, St. Charles Middle School
NOTE: The attached letter has the same content as the written content listed above.
Everyone is invited!!
Middle School Principal Mr. Kutsch is inviting everyone to visit the newly opened St. Charles Middle School building before Bulldog Day. This open house event will allow guests to explore the halls, peek into classrooms, and meet the new principal.
Please note that this event is solely an opportunity for walk-throughs. All other important information, including locker combinations, schedules, and introductions to the teaching staff, will be provided during Bulldog Day.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to Principal Kutsch at kutschm@stccs.org
Middle School Principal Mr. Kutsch is inviting everyone to visit the newly opened St. Charles Middle School building before Bulldog Day. This open house event will allow guests to explore the halls, peek into classrooms, and meet the new principal.
Please note that this event is solely an opportunity for walk-throughs. All other important information, including locker combinations, schedules, and introductions to the teaching staff, will be provided during Bulldog Day.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to Principal Kutsch at kutschm@stccs.org
School pictures will not be taken on Bulldog Day this year.
All students and staff will be pictured on September 2, 2026.
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All students and staff will be pictured on September 2, 2026.
Use code: FE91026
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A Health Fair for vision, hearing, and dental screenings will take place next week on August 18th. This event will benefit any incoming Kindergarteners who need these services. Please share this opportunity with families who may benefit.
