Welcome to our Hofer School Family! My name is Kristin Copes, and I am the Principal of Troy Hofer Elementary School. This is a valuable opportunity for our families of Hofer to learn about me as an educator, school leader and mother. I grew up on a small farm being educated in the Coal City school system. Education was always viewed with great importance as my dad was a principal/superintendent of schools and my mom a special education school secretary. Our talks around the dinner table always navigated towards the same question, "What happened at school today?" My two older brothers were wonderful role models growing up, still living minutes from my home today. Upon graduating from high school, I headed to Charleston, IL attending Eastern Illinois University where I earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. After graduating from E.I.U., I accepted a semester position as a preschool teacher for The Grundy Co. Preschool. In 1994, I accepted a first grade position with Morris Elementary School District #54.

Memories of my own first grade year were so vivid to me as I remembered those magical days of sitting in Miss Quinzio's first grade classroom as a little, six year old girl. It was that year I met my best friend, learned to read, and discovered that a classroom is a home with a group of classmates who by the end of a school year become a little family. That year was a magical year where I grew academically, but most importantly Miss Quinzio taught me to dream! It was my goal to someday become that teacher who would make learning magical for my students! For the next 15 years, I was honored to teach my many talented, first grade students of District #54. Four of those years were spent teaching in a looping configuration where my students and I extended our teaching and learning journey throughout first and second grades. While teaching first grade, I began to have the desire to get back into the classroom as a student. In 2001, I graduated from Illinois State University with a M.S. in Educational Administration.

Sixteen years ago, I came to the realization that a new dream had presented itself. I was ready to expand beyond my four classroom walls with a vision of leading as an instructional leader with a mindset of servant leadership for an entire school population. I was ready for the great responsibility and challenge of becoming a school leader. What an honor it was in 2009, when I began my school administration career in Troy. That honor and excitement has grown for this 2023-2024 school year in my fifteenth year as Principal of Troy Hofer Elementary School. As my roles within the school system have evolved throughout my life, my goal for my students has remained constant. I want these elementary years to be magical growing years where we build student skills academically, socially and emotionally. Within our school doors, it is my desire for our Hofer kids to be exposed to role models who inspire them to believe in their dreams. In an educational home where our students are safe, cared for and nurtured, I truly believe that dreams are planted! It is with confidence that I believe the staff ( and I mean the entire staff) who surrounds me each day at Hofer are just the people to foster that sense of "Believing, Dreaming and Achieving" in your children! Now, we get the great pleasure of watching those dreams bloom!

My greatest dreams came true when my son, Carter Lane (24) and daughter, Kerigan Allora (19) were born making me a MOM!   My husband Lance and I have been married for 27 years and enjoy supporting our kids in all that they do; most importantly we love being a family!  Now that our children are grown, we cherish each opportunity that we can be TOGETHER!

Thank you for sharing your children with our Hofer Family on a daily basis!   We value and appreciate your trusting partnership of teaching and learning.  We are anticipating a successful year of educational growth!  I look forward to making many memories with your family in our Hofer Home.  This school year, we welcome the full day preschool program and the littlest learners of Troy to our Hofer Home!

Partners in education,

Mrs. Kristin Copes

Principal, Troy Hofer Elementary School

Greetings Hofer Families and School Community!  My name is Diana Coveny and this is my second year as the Assistant Principal at Troy Hofer this school year!  Throughout my time as a student and now employee of Troy School District 30c, I have always known Troy to be an innovative and well-respected district that puts children first!  Troy Hofer Elementary School, in particular, holds a very special place in my heart as it has served as a second home to me and propelled my professional growth in education, and it is where I have spent the last 15 years of my educational career. The school community and culture that has been created and cultivated at Troy Hofer Elementary School is second to none, and I am honored to partner in leadership with Mrs. Kristin Copes as a part of the Troy Hofer administrative team.   

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with Middle School Endorsements in English and Social Studies from the University of St. Francis in 2006.  When I joined Troy CCSD-30C in 2006, I was hired as a third grade teacher at Troy Cronin Elementary School, and I spent my second year there as a fourth grade teacher. I joined Troy Hofer Elementary fourteen years ago as a fourth grade teacher to open our Troy Hofer’s doors for the first time.  I taught fourth grade for nine years before transitioning to the role of ELL Teacher at Hofer after obtaining my ESL Endorsement and Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lewis University.  I was able to gain experience in all elementary grade levels through my three years in this position.  When the opportunity was presented to continue my lifelong learning and further contribute to our community of educators as the Instructional Coach at Troy Hofer Elementary, I was overjoyed, and served as Troy Hofer’s Instructional Coach for three years!  I continued my education by completing my second master’s degree at University of St. Francis’ in Educational Leadership.  Throughout the past seventeen years in Troy, I have served on numerous Curriculum Committees, Leadership Teams, and served as a Mentor to new teachers.  My professional goals and passion for teaching and learning have continued to grow, and I continue to pursue opportunities to engage in lifelong learning.  

I grew up in the Troy School District School Community attending three of the Troy Schools as a student.  I have always connected with the incredible teachers in Troy and they have inspired me to pursue a career in education.  I currently reside in Minooka with my husband Bryan who serves the City of Joliet as an employee of the Joliet Fire Department, my three children (Natalie, Nicholas, & Noelle), and three dogs (Bosco, Sienna, & Finn).  My daughter is a freshman at Providence Catholic High School.  My son is in eighth grade, and our youngest daughter is a first grader this school year in the Minooka School District.  Our three children keep us busy, usually around a hockey rink!  When I am not at Troy Hofer, I enjoy spending time with my family camping, watching movies, and just being together as a family!

When I began my career in the field of education, my goals were to make a difference in the lives of my students. My aspirations included inspiring children to be lifelong learners and realize their full potential through fun learning experiences. As I have grown in my career, I have found I have a true passion for not only bringing innovative ideas to my own classroom, but sharing those talents with colleagues, reaching students on a grander scale, and leading our school community in continuous growth and improvement.  As Troy Hofer Elementary’s Assistant Principal, I am honored to have been given the opportunity to continue to live and model our vision and mission, lead instruction, continuously improve teaching and learning, and continue to refine and cultivate the relationships I have worked to build in our school community and district.  I am committed to supporting and sustaining a culture of high expectations for the betterment of our Hofer students and school community, and do so with professionalism and integrity.   I am honored to be the Assistant Principal at a school and district in which I am so incredibly invested and love.

I look forward to your partnership in creating a school home for our Hofer children and providing the best educational experience possible.  We value your trust in our school and thank you for sharing your children with us!  We are looking forward to an amazing school year ahead!

Partners in Education,

Mrs. Diana Coveny

Assistant Principal, Troy Hofer Elementary School