Returning to Sioux City North Middle School for Their Third Year of Opperation

Two years ago Sioux City Community Schools opened the school year in this new, beautiful facility. On Thursday morning I had a glimpse at seeing how comfortable staff and students were in their 'home'.

Greeting our trio as we entered the building was Sue Novak, SCESPA president and Special Education associate. Sue (pictured at right) led us on a tour of the building.

Joining us as guide on our tour and making introductions of staff was Tim Foix, 6th grade Social Studies teacher. Tim is a long-time association leader and a member of the Siouxland UniServ board.

One of the great educators we met in our school tour was the 2007 Sioux City Teacher of the Year Sheila Coyle. Sheila is an enthusiastic person with a great sense of humor. Sheila is a Middle School Art teacher. Congratulations, Sheila as Sioux City's 2007 Teacher of the Year!

Making time in their busy day of leading this great Sioux City Middle School to visit with us are building leaders Nancy Ferding (on the left) building leader/assistant principal and Shawn Chesteen (pictured with me) building leader/assistant principal. Assistant Principal Nancy Ferdig has been awarded the School Administrator's of Iowa 2007 Iowa Assistant Principal of the Year. Congratulations Assistant Principal Nancy Ferdig!

We had the chance to visit about legislation before the Iowa General Assembly as well as delivery of Professional Development at North Middle School. How fortunate the staff of North Middle are to have such progressive thinkers and leaders in assistant principals Nancy Ferdig and Shawn Chesteen!

Our last stop before leaving North Middle School took us to the school's Media Center--always a hub of activity. Here I captured a photo of a mural that students in the Talented and Gifted Art class painted.

It is obvious that the staff at North Middle School work to find common ground in the best interest of students to provide quality public education for their students. Thanks for your leadership, North High staff!