Welcome, Mrs. Kathy Vandegriffe!!!
Strain Japan R16 School District is proud to announce and welcome Mrs. Kathy Vandegriffe as the new Superintendent/Principal. We are excited because she brings lots of experience and dedication. As an Administrative Intern for many years, she had many responsibilities that included but not limited to MAP coordinator, 504 Coordinator, chairman of the PDC, NEE Administrator training, coordinating evaluation procedures, SPED Director, Athletic Director, and is a Professional School Counselor.
Mrs. Vandegriffe received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southeast Missouri State University. She received a Master of School Counseling, Master of Educational Administration, and Specialist in Education from Missouri Baptist University. Kathy started her career in education as a FACS teacher at Union Middle School and then worked at Franklin County R-II School for the last 19 years. "My heart is in small schools. I attended a small K-8 as a student and have spent most of my career in a small school. Schools like Strain Japan are the backbone of our small rural communities and they should be honored and cherished” … "I have to say I am over the moon about this. I could not have found a more perfect school to be a part of! I look forward to getting to know everyone in the community and officially getting started." Mrs. Vandergriffe said.
Kathy has been married to her husband, Kevin for 20 years. They have three daughters; Ava is 16 and is a junior in high school, Ella is 13 and is in the eighth grade, and Iris is 12 and is in the seventh grade. Ella and Iris will be joining the Strain Japan family in the fall!
We are confident, that she will be a valued asset to our school and guide us with the continued success of Strain Japan!
Mrs. Vandegriffe received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southeast Missouri State University. She received a Master of School Counseling, Master of Educational Administration, and Specialist in Education from Missouri Baptist University. Kathy started her career in education as a FACS teacher at Union Middle School and then worked at Franklin County R-II School for the last 19 years. "My heart is in small schools. I attended a small K-8 as a student and have spent most of my career in a small school. Schools like Strain Japan are the backbone of our small rural communities and they should be honored and cherished” … "I have to say I am over the moon about this. I could not have found a more perfect school to be a part of! I look forward to getting to know everyone in the community and officially getting started." Mrs. Vandergriffe said.
Kathy has been married to her husband, Kevin for 20 years. They have three daughters; Ava is 16 and is a junior in high school, Ella is 13 and is in the eighth grade, and Iris is 12 and is in the seventh grade. Ella and Iris will be joining the Strain Japan family in the fall!
We are confident, that she will be a valued asset to our school and guide us with the continued success of Strain Japan!
