St. Mary’s Faculty & Staff

Joanne LownPrincipal at St. Mary

Judy Bashor2nd Grade Teacher

Margie BlackSpanish, PE, Religion teacher

Margie Black

Spanish, PE, Religion teacher

Email:
Phone: (417) 623-1465

Started with JACS: August 1989

Classes: Grades 1-5 Spanish teacher, K-5 P.E. teacher, 3rd grade religion teacher

Degrees and Certifications: Bachelor of Science in Education from MSU (formerly SMSU) in 1989 | Catechist Certification

Professional Memberships: NCEA, MOAHPERD, MOSHAPE

Recognitions: Golden Apple Nominee, Golden Apple Finalist, JACS Educator of the Year in 2018, MO Heart Healthy School of the Year in 2019

Favorite Scripture Quote: "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Favorite Saint:

Favorite Feast Day:

I came to the JACS system in August of 1989. At that time, I taught Spanish at McAuley, Religion at St. Peter’s and PE at St. Mary’s, and I was the head Volleyball and Softball Coach and asst. Basketball Coach at McAuley as well! Currently, I teach PE at St. Mary’s and Spanish at both St. Mary’s and St. Peter’s, and I was the asst. Volleyball Coach at St. Peter’s this past year.

I’ve always known that I wanted to be a teacher, and because of my upbringing and experience attending both Catholic and public schools, I knew early on that I wanted to teach specifically at a Catholic school. To be able to bring Christ into the classroom/gym/playground and share this great faith of ours with my students and colleagues is a blessing beyond measure! Celebrating Mass, singing and praying together is the best way to start any day! I love working with kids and being able to help them learn. Seeing the ‘light go on’ as they grasp a concept is very rewarding. Having those students come back years later to visit with you is the icing on the cake!

My husband and I have 4 children, three of whom have either gone through our system or are currently enrolled. We are parishioners at St. Mary’s, and we are involved in our Church in various ways. I am a Youth Leaders for our high school Youth Group. I also serve on the Board of Directors for Community Support Services and the Will Norton Miracle League Foundation. In my free time (?), I enjoy fishing, swimming, gardening, browsing antique shops, watching my kids play sports and spending time with friends and family.