Hello, My name is Jim Clinkscales and I currently serve as Principal and part-time 4^th Grade teacher.  I grew up in Chula Vista, California and graduated from Hilltop High School. After seven years in retail I began a career in advertising and multimedia CD-ROM production. My work focused on concept development and the supervision of graphic production. I have been married for 22 years and I have two beautiful children. My interests include golf, painting, and I am teaching myself to play the guitar.  I attained my Bachelor’s Degree in Teacher Education from Concordia University, Irvine and my Master’s Degree in Cross-Cultural Education is from National University. My educational experiences provided me with the framework for developing innovative strategies designed to help students reach their true potential.  I have taught in the Chula Vista Elementary School District and here at Pilgrim Lutheran School. I have taught grades 3, 4, and 6. Pilgrim Lutheran School offered me the opportunity to teach in a Christian based environment and it has truly been a blessing. My experience includes work as a classroom teacher and I served as a member of the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s Behavior Team for 2 years.

Favorite Bible Verse:  Luke 11:9-10  “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

My name is Joni Loughney and I LOVE teaching 6th grade at Pilgrim Lutheran!   Believe it or not, I grew up in Chula Vista, where I attended school through 12th grade.  I ventured out of Chula Vista for a bit and graduated from UCLA with a degree in Environmental Studies.  I worked in outdoor and environmental education for a few years while I was completing my California Teaching Credential.  My first teaching job was with a Charter High School in San Diego and soon after, I taught at a middle school, also in San Diego.  I took a nice break to start my family and raise my 3 wonderful children.  I was lucky to work part time at their school as the GATE teacher for a few years.  Now that my children are all in elementary school, I am happy to be back in the classroom full time here at Pilgrim.  I really enjoy spending my weekends with my family, getting out and about in our beautiful county.  I am also a big San Diego sports fan, but my favorites teams have to be my own kids' soccer teams, and of course, Pilgrim Crusaders!

Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:6 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

My name is Shannon Runyan, the 7^th grade homeroom teacher and middle school SCIENCE teacher!  I graduated from Concordia University in Irvine in 1995 and  started teaching right away. My first call was to teach 5th grade at Mt. Calvary in Diamond Bar. I then went to San Francisco and taught 5th grade again. I got married and moved to San Diego to join my husband who was stationed at Camp Pendleton and taught 5th - 8th grade at Grace Lutheran San Diego. I have been teaching at Pilgrim for 9 years in the 7th grade and enjoy being able to share my faith with my students and teach them about God and the love He has for all His children.

Favorite Bible Verse:

Hello, I'm Jennifer Barrett, the eighth grade teacher and middle school Math teacher.  I graduated from San Diego Christian College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development.  I taught high school Math for 5 years with the Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS) through San Diego County Office of Education.  I then started helping at Pilgrim on a part time basis while my kids attended school here.  I've now been at Pilgrim Lutheran for 7 years.  My own kids attended Pilgrim from age 2 through 8th grade.  My hobbies are reading and spending time with the family.  My first grandson will arrive at the beginning of August and I look forward to being a fun grandma. 

Favorite Bible Verse:   Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."