Laurie Field named new Immaculate Conception Principal

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Teamwork and togetherness can be a definite recipe for success.

Those attributes have been a winning combination for many students over the years when it comes to hitting the books and learning the ropes of life.

Laurie Field agrees.

Field was recently named the new principal at the Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Charles City. She’s taking that cohesive mindset to heart in an effort to shape and mold young lives at the Catholic grade school in town.  

“I truly believe education is a collaboration – 100 percent. I don’t think any one person can do anything alone. I think you have to do it together,” said Field.

Field takes over for Lynette Hackett, who was IC Principal for three years prior to Field taking over on August 1. Hackett took a job at St. Patrick’s Elementary School in Cedar Falls. Hackett lives in Waterloo and drove an hour to work each day to oversee her students in Charles City.

“It’s closer to home,” said Field, who was hired at IC as a special education/instructional support teacher in 2011.

Field grew up in Elma. Her journey to Charles City and the IC grade school started after her graduation from Crestwood High School in Cresco. She then went to Nebraska, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in special education from Wayne State College. Shortly after graduating college, Field took a job in Norfolk, Nebraska and taught the autism program in that school district.

It was then in 2007, when tragedy struck. Field’s first husband and father of her three daughters – Bryan Effle – passed away of brain tumor. It was one of the reasons several years later that she enrolled her daughters in IC.

“Obviously — their dad dying. I wanted them to be able to talk openly about their faith and what happened to them,” said Field.

Field then decided to move to Charles City, where her parents — Joe and Nancy Johnson — live. Field’s relationship with IC began when she joined the church and enrolled her daughters in the grade school. Field soon accepted a job for AEA (Area Education Agencies) in Waverly, where she would commute every day and work for the next three years.

In 2010, Laurie married Jay Field and started her job at IC the following year in 2011 after she was hired by then–principal Mindy Hart.

“I just fell in love with the school. The church, the teachers were amazing. I liked the small setting for my kids,” said Field.

Field believes communication is key to a great school environment. She also doesn’t mind inquiring about issues to better understand them and to listen.

“I’m a sponge. I like information and I like to learn. I’m not afraid to ask questions,” said Field.

Field has many exciting and fun things for students to take part in once the school year starts. Students will be doing podcasts for the community and to let people know what’s going on in the building.

“We’re looking forward to doing some podcasts – hopefully getting into some more digital things where the kids are being able to have some leadership roles and getting that out there,” said Field.

The first day of school at IC is Thursday, Aug. 23. There is also chance for the community to get to know their new IC Principal better next Tuesday when conferences take place. Conferences run Tuesday at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m.

One thing that will be missing when school starts this fall at IC is Field’s three daughters — Allyson, Kylie, and Shelby. They have all moved on to the middle school here in Charles City.

“It will be different. I’m excited for them to move on into the public school and spread their wings,” Field said.