St. Cloud Cathedral Middle School is Expanding

(KNSI) – Catholic Community Schools says it is expanding the Cathedral Middle School, and officials have already chosen a new principal to lead it.

A press release from CCS says the school will expand to include grades six through eight, and Erin Hatlestad has accepted the position as Cathedral Middle School Principal.

Hatlestad graduated from the College of St. Benedict with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and received her Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of St. Thomas. Hatlestad has 26 years of experience in Catholic education and served as principal of Sacred Heart School in Sauk Rapids. For the last ten years, she has been principal of St. Katherine Drexel School in St. Cloud.

In a statement, Hatlestad says she has always had “a passion for pre-K through 12th-grade Catholic education, especially within our St. Cloud area Catholic Community Schools,” adding, “I’m excited to continue my journey within this student focused school system as we build on the traditions of the current Cathedral Middle School while adding new and exciting project-based design thinking curriculum.”

“Erin brings compassion for students and a passion for teaching and learning. Her creativity, her endless level of energy and her love for Catholic education is exactly what the Cathedral Middle School needs,” said Kathy Crispo, Cathedral High School principal. “I’m looking forward to this partnership as we continue to develop both the Cathedral Middle School and High School programming.”
CCS President Scott Warzecha also issued a statement welcoming Hatlestad to the position saying, “It’s my privilege to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to Erin as she continues her journey with Catholic Community Schools and her commitment to Catholic education as the new Cathedral Middle School principal.”

The new Cathedral Middle School will be in the south building of the Cathedral Campus and will welcome sixth-graders starting in the fall of 2022.

Hatlestad’s first day as principal will be this July, allowing for a one-year transition period.

For more information about Catholic Community Schools or enroll your child for the 2021/22 school year, click here.

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