1st Grade

Tara Frank - 1st Grade Teacher: 

Tara Frank, one of our 1st grade teachers, loves being a part of St. Patrick's School. "Everyone here is so supportive and kind," she says. "I really feel as if I am teaching in a small town where everyone knows one another. With such a pleasant atmosphere, St. Patrick's School is inviting, comfortable, and a fun place to be!"

After receiving her bachelor's degree from UNL, Tara taught fourth grade for one year in Macy, NE on the Omaha Indian Reservation. From there, she went to Plattsmouth, NE to teach at St. John the Baptist, where she instantly fell in love with Catholic schools. "I found it much easier to teach when I could tell the children the difference between right and wrong," Tara says. Tara began her journey at St. Patrick's in 2001.  Her goals in the classroom are to provide children opportunities to grow spiritually, as well as academically. "I have found that the more I can get a student involved physically (by dancing, drawing, or movement of any kind), the more they seem to take from the lesson," Tara adds, "so I like to incorporate reading, writing, and movement into as many lessons as possible."

When Tara is not in school, she spends time with her husband, Mark and their two children.  She also enjoys scrap booking, camping, or relaxing out doors..

Patty Hasty - 1st Grade Teacher: 

"Everyone at St. Patrick's School is working together toward a common goal," says Patty Hasty, one of our first grade teachers. "We want to provide each child with a quality education that challenges each student. I love working in a Catholic environment!"

Patty received a B.A. from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and has several graduate hours towards a Masters. She has over fifteen years of teaching experience in Oklahoma and Nebraska. Patty's teaching philosophy is simple. "I believe every child can learn," she says. "It's my job as a teacher to tap into each student to see how he or she learns best."

When she's not at school, Patty enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and cooking.

Tracy Kill - 1st Grade Teacher:

“Teaching at St. Patrick’s has been a wonderful experience,” says Tracy Kill, one of our first grade teachers. “The faculty and staff are very supportive and want the best for each student. I love being able to teach and send my children to such a great school.”

Tracy received her B.A. in Education from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. She has several years of teaching experience in Catholic Schools. She taught preschool for three years in Falls City and fourth grade for three years at St. Joseph’s in Lincoln. She has taught kindergarten and first grade at St. Patrick’s.

In her free time, Tracy likes to spend time watching her family participate in various activities.

Kolleen Mancuso - 1st Grade Teacher Assistant: 

“I have so much enjoyed working here at St. Patrick’s School.   It’s so nice to see the caring, faith filled environment throughout the school.”    I had worked in the insurance business for over 20 years, and decided to make a complete change in what I do.  

I have found this to be a very rewarding job, working with the young students, knowing I can be of help to them everyday is the best feeling.

I was born and raised in Omaha, and went to Marian High School.  My husband Mike and I have one child, Michael, who we consider to be our blessing.  I enjoy running, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

I feel I have acquired a new family here at St. Patrick’s, as the staff, students, parents, and Mr. Ridder have been so good to me and my family.  

Donna Smith - 1st Grade Teacher Assistant:

I have truly been blessed being able to work with the great staff and children here at St. Patrick’s. Thank you. What a great feeling to know that my child is in such a special school and that I am working with such wonderful colleagues.

I have one daughter, Megan, who attends St. Patrick’s School.  Seeing her grow academically, as well as spiritually, has been very rewarding for a mom. 

Our family enjoys the outdoors of camping and fishing. We love to travel and hopefully one day will be able to say that we have been in all 50 states. Reading, scrap booking and collecting retired Christmas Village pieces are just a few of my hobbies. 

Melissa Seppala - 1st Grade Teacher Assistant: