Welcome to my world! I am Kathy Pinke-Thorson, alias "Mrs. P.T." I am a country girl at heart. I grew up on a farm near Dexter, MN, where my hard- working parents raised dairy, beef, and chickens. I was a graduate of Hayfield High School, and then attended and graduated from Luther College in 1978. I was hired in Stewartville where I have been employed for the past 38 years. I taught 5th grade for two years, kindergarten for one, 4th grade for twenty-eight, and returned to kindergarten eight years ago. My free time is spent riding and training horses, gardening, music, and spending quality time with my family and church.

I have three loves in my life: my faith, my family, and my school kids. We have a blended family of eight. I married my husband Mark 27+ years ago and became a wife and mom of two almost teens at the same instant. Our two oldest children are Travis, 40 of Lakeville, MN and Jessica soon to be 38 of Stewartville. Travis works in technology and has two sons, Ryker and Tytan. Jessie is married to Aaron Brinkman of Stewartville, and they have two children Dawson and Sierra. Our children from our marriage include our daughter Kasey 26 who teaches Jr. High in Austin, MN, our 24 year-old son Micah who is in business, our 21 year-old son Noah, is a Lance Corporal in the US Marines stationed in San Diego at present, and our 18 year-old daughter Kiah just started college hoping to major in elementary education. Our family loves sports, traveling, music, time at the lake, and time together.

My Philosophy

I believe childhood is a journey and not a race. Instilling a love of learning is what my classroom is all about.