Welcome

St. James Lutheran School is committed to providing in-person, Christ-centered education to children from the greater Quincy area.  It supports a comprehensive program serving a culturally diverse population of children from age three through grade eight. We have been blessed to be able to provide this education for nearly 175 years!

Our Staff

Mrs. Jennifer Riley

principal & 7th/8th Grade lead teacher

Education  

• Master of Science in Educational Leadership, 2022, Western Governor's University, Salt Lake City, UT 
• Master of Education in Reading, 2016, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, SD 
• TEACH FOR AMERICA 2008-2010, Kyle, SD 
• BA in International Economics and Cultural Affairs, 2008, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN 

Teaching Experience  

• 6th Grade Teacher, Seymour Elementary, Payson, IL (2022-2024)
• Kindergarten Teacher, Immanuel Lutheran, Olivette, MO (2020-2022)
• Middle School ELA, Spanish, History, & PE, Trinity Lutheran, Indianapolis, IN (2017-2020)
• Reading Interventionist, General Beadle Elementary, Rapid City, SD (2015-2016)
• Curriculum Development, AmeriCorps Ready School. Rapid City, SD (2014-2015)
• Music & Technology Teacher, White Creek Lutheran, Columbus, IN (2012)
• First Grade Teacher, Little Wound Elementary, Kyle, SD (2008-2010)

Favorite Bible Verse 

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. “ Jeremiah 29:11

Rev. Matt Riley  

Pastor

Favorite Bible Verse 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
 In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths. "  Proverbs 3:5-6

Mrs. Alyssa Collins

School Secretary

Favorite Bible Verse 

“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31

Mrs. Jen Altgilbers

PreK Teacher

Education  

• Bachelor of Science in Early Education, Grand Canyon University (In-Progress)
• Substitute Teacher Certification, 2008
• Certificate of Professional Licensed Child Care Provider, 2006
• Licensed Wedding/Party Planner, 2004

Teaching Experience  

• Preschool Teacher, St. James Lutheran School, 2016 – Present
• Computer Literacy Teacher, St. James Lutheran School, 2020- Present
• 1st Grade Aid, St James Lutheran School, 2010-2016
• K – 8th Grade Substitute Teacher, St. James Lutheran School, 2010 - 2016

Favorite Bible Verse 

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Mrs. Kristi Scott

Kindergarten Teacher

Education  

• Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Quincy University, Quincy, IL

Teaching Experience  

• Kindergarten, St. James Lutheran School, 1995 - Present

Favorite Bible Verse 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18

Mrs. Jennifer Huntley

1st Grade Teacher

Education  

• Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, MacMurray College, Jacksonville, IL

Teaching Experience  

• 1st Grade, St. James Lutheran School, 2015 – Present
• Warsaw Elementary School, 2005 – 2015
• Quincy Public Schools, 2001 – 2004
• Delevan Elementary Schools, 1993 – 2004
• Illinois Center for Autism, 1992

Favorite Bible Verse 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!” Joshua 1:19 

Mrs. Denys Stark

2nd Grade Teacher

Education  

• Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, Quincy University, Quincy, IL
• Associate of Arts, John Wood Community College, Quincy, IL

Teaching Experience  

• 2nd Grade, St. James Lutheran School, 2013 – Present
• 4th Grade, St. James Lutheran School, 2012-2013

Favorite Bible Verse 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Mrs. Renita Mohr

3rd Grade Teacher

Education  

• Bachelor of Arts, Concordia College, River Forest, IL

Teaching Experience  

• St. James Lutheran School, 1983 – 1987; 1993 – Present
• Substitute Teacher, Quincy Public Schools, 1989 - 1991

Favorite Bible Verse 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Mrs. andrea salo

4thGrade Teacher

Education  

• Lutheran Teacher Diploma, 2009, Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI – Through the Colloquy Program.
• Master of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching, 2005, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, 1999, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 

Teaching Experience  

• 4th Grade Teacher, St. James Lutheran School, Quincy, IL (2023-Present).
• 5th Grade Teacher’s Aide, St. James Lutheran School, Quincy, IL (2022-2023).
• 3rd Grade Teacher, St. John’s Lutheran School, Hannibal, MO (2018-2020).
• 4th Grade Teacher; 4th and 5th Grade Teacher, Ascension Lutheran School, Fort Wayne, IN (2014-2017).
• 7th and 8th Grade; 1st and 2nd Grade Part-Time Teacher, St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Northville, MI(2010-2013).
• 1st-8th Grade Teacher, Hosanna-Tabor Lutheran School, Redford, MI (2000-2009).

Favorite Bible Verse 

“ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Mrs. Debra Bowles

5th/6th Grade Teacher

Education  

• Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, Quincy University, Quincy, IL
• Associate of Arts, John Wood Community College, Quincy, IL

Teaching Experience  

• St. James Lutheran School, 2004 - Present

Favorite Bible Verse 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Mrs. tina vaughn

7th/8th Grade ELA & 5th/6th Social Studies

Education  

Teaching Experience  

• St. James Lutheran School, 2022 - Present

Favorite Bible Verse 

Mrs. Sherry Strackeljahn  

Music

I have been blessed to teach and work at St. James for almost 34 years. I have taught combined seventh and eighth grade classes, along with sixth grade, second grade, and first grade, which I taught for over twenty years.  I retired from full-time teaching after the 2015-2016 school year. I had the privilege of serving as assistant principal for many years and I still enjoy teaching music to our elementary students. I have also served as a staff member working in both the church and school office.

God has truly blessed me in this wonderful ministry!  I look forward to continue working with so many of my former students and their children as well as working with the newest members of our school family!

Mrs. Madeline Hagemann

Librarian

Education  

• Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN 1971

Teaching Experience  

• St. James Lutheran School, 1984 - Present

Favorite Bible Verse 

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

Mrs. hannah fournier

Title I teacher

Education  

• BA in Early Childhood Education, 2015, Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL

Teaching Experience  

• Title I Teacher, St. James Lutheran School, Quincy, IL (2023-present)
• Kindergarten Teacher, Iles Elementary, Quincy, IL (2018-2023) 
• Preschool Teacher, Early Childhood and Family Center, Quincy, IL (2015-2018)

Favorite Bible Verse 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
 In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths. "  Proverbs 3:5-6

Mrs. kristin Smith

Hot Lunch Director

Favorite Bible Verse 

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  Philippians 4:6

Mr. Dale Strackeljahn

Technology Director & music

As a retired Administrator for the State of Illinois, and a former school bus driver for Quincy Public Schools, I am blessed to volunteer my time at St. James Lutheran School.

My involvement with the School began in the 1980's when our two children attended. Having had an interest in electronics and technology for a long time, I found myself gradually assuming more and more responsibility for the technology program at St. James. Currently I head the School’s Technology Committee and do my best to help keep our technology up to date and functioning correctly.

I also enjoy leading the middle school chimes and hand bells choir!

Code of Conduct

St. James Lutheran School is a Christian school engaged in the Christian education of the whole child.  Students are expected to conduct themselves in a God-pleasing manner  We as faculty, staff, volunteers and administrators are a team working to develop self-discipline in each student.

Our discipline is based on the Biblical concept of reproof and correction. Proverbs 29: 15 – 18 states, “The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.  Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.” 

Students are to conduct themselves in a manner that is pleasing to parents, faculty, and God at all times and at all places as found in Holy Scripture. 

Respect adults in word and deed. Addressing all adults with their proper title is expected.  Students are not to address adults by their first name.

Teachers and staff will also follow the discipline policy as outlined in the “Student Progressive Disciplinary Action Form” for the management of the school as a whole. 

Faith's Law

Faith’s Law expands the criminal definition of grooming beyond electronic communications to include written communications and acts committed in person or by conduct through a third party. The law also makes it clear that mandated reporters must report suspected grooming to DCFS under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. In addition to expanding the criminal definition of grooming, Faith’s Law includes several new requirements for schools and educators intended to prevent sexual abuse and misconduct in schools.

The law specifically provides that any violation of the employee code of professional conduct or failure to report a violation may subject an employee to discipline, up to and including dismissal from employment. As part of this law, we are sharing a copy of the Resource Guide to support you and your family should you need it.