Welcome to the 2026–2027 School Year!
Dear Briggs & Cardinal Families,
As we gear up for another exciting school year, we have a few wonderful leadership updates and staff transitions to share with our district community!
Welcoming Our New Interim Principal at Briggs Elementary: Mrs. Michelle Conner
We are thrilled to introduce Mrs. Michelle Conner as the new Interim Principal at Briggs Elementary for the 2026–2027 school year! Mrs. Conner brings a wealth of experience, warmth, and a strong dedication to supporting students, staff, and families.
A Note from Mrs. Conner:
"I’m married to my husband, Dan, and we have four children altogether. I have a son, Grady (25), and a daughter, Aisling (24), and I was lucky to gain two stepdaughters, Alex (36) and Shelby (35), when Dan and I got married 14 years ago. We also have four grandchildren ranging in age from 5 to 13!
I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, and have spent the majority of my life there, though I also spent a few years teaching in Guatemala as well as Virginia. I’ve been an educator for 33 years—spending 22 years as a classroom teacher before moving into school administration."
Please join us in giving Mrs. Conner a warm Maquoketa welcome when you see her around school!
Leadership & Staff Updates
Mrs. Gabrielle Recker: Will be serving as Principal at Cardinal Elementary for the 2026–2027 school year. We are excited for her continued leadership and dedication to our younger learners! We are looking forward to her leadership throughout our transition to Maquoketa Elementary opening Fall of 2027!!
Mrs. Sara Bennis: Has transitioned into a new district role as our District Induction Coach. In this role, Mrs. Bennis will be providing dedicated guidance, mentorship, and support to our first- and second-year teachers across the district.
Mrs. Sydney Snyder: Will be joining us at Briggs on the third grade team as a classroom teacher. We are excited for her to continue building relationships with the students she got to know last year at Cardinal.
Mrs. Emily Jackson: Will be joining us at Briggs as a special education behavior teacher. We look forward to the relationships and support she will be providing our students.
Mrs. Allison Gandrup: Will be transitioning from her role at Cardinal Academy to serve at Cardinal Elementary as a special education behavior teacher. We are excited to have her join our team!
Mrs. Michelle Tvedt: Will be the elementary English Language Learner teacher for Briggs & Cardinal Elementary. We’re excited to have her support for our young learners!
Open House Information
Briggs Elementary: Please join us Wednesday, August 19th, from 4:30-6:00pm.
Cardinal Elementary: Please use Meet the Teacher to sign up for a meeting time with your child’s classroom teacher between 1:00-5:30pm. Sign-up info coming soon!
We are looking forward to a fantastic, productive, and exciting school year ahead. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our schools!
Gabrielle Recker, Cardinal Elementary Principal
Michelle Conner, Briggs Elementary Principal