A Familiar Face for Fourth Grade

OCS is pleased to welcome a new fourth grade teacher this year: Sara Benzschawel!

While Sara waited for a fresh new order of textbooks to arrive, she expressed how excited she was to begin teaching at OCS.

“I love the sense of community they have here,” said Sara. “I like how all the kids know each other in all the grades. Everyone is really close. … It’s a different vibe [compared to a public school].”

Sara has been a substitute teacher for OCS in the past, so she is familiar with the supportive environment.

“I was blown away by everybody’s kindness and willingness to help each other,” she said.

As Sara prepares her lessons for fall, she plans to include plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning.

“I’d like to have them up and moving around,” she said. “I don’t want them to just sit in the classroom. I don’t want to just speak at them.”

Sara, who grew up in Hartland, Wisconsin, in a Christian household, earned her master’s degree in education from Portland State University. Since returning to Wisconsin, she has had more opportunities to get involved with her church.

Sara lives with her husband Eric and their three daughters and two cats in Jackson. They are soaking up the summer with outings to carnivals, water parks and hiking trails. 

Sara loves spending time outdoors and taking photos, with her daughters being her favorite subjects.

If you have a fourth grader, be sure to say hello to Mrs. Benzschawel this fall! Your student will be in good hands in her lively classroom.