Charger News
September 23, 2022
Mr. Rob Smith, Principal
Mr. Jeremy Sherman, Assistant Principal
(812)663-9215
Staff Highlight-Fourth Grade Team
Mrs. Hellmich
Hi. My name is Dottie Hellmich. This is my 29th year of teaching, with 26 here at NDES. I've taught 6th grade and 4th grade, and I spent 8 years in the tech department as the Technology Integration Specialist. My husband, Ken, and I have 2 grown children and 3 beautiful granddaughters. We live on a farm, and I enjoy the peace and quiet that it provides. At school, I love helping students learn, grow, and be successful. I enjoy all things "techie" and love using technology in the classroom. Outside of school, I'm passionate about spending time with family and traveling. Most recently, we traveled from Oregon to Montana with many stops along the way to see the amazing landscape of our country. I also like to read, ride horses, bake, and do crafts. I'm very proud to be a North Decatur Charger!
Mrs. Brown
Hello! My name is Kara Brown, and I teach 4th grade at NDES. I'm married to my husband, Darren, and we have three children: Troy (11), Greyson (8), and Briella (4). We enjoy watching football together, swimming, and boating. I grew up in Decatur County and graduated from South Decatur in 2003. Mr. Smith was my third grade teacher! I attended Ball State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 2007. I've taught 2nd, 4th, and 6th grades. This is my 16th year of teaching, and I absolutely love it! NDE is the BEST place to be!
Mrs. Messer
Hello Everyone! My name is Mandy Messer, and I am a very proud 4th grade teacher. I graduated from Indiana University-Indianapolis where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and I received my Master's Degree from Olivet Nazarene University in 2004 in Elementary Education. This is my 27th year of teaching (2 years at Hamilton Southeastern Schools, 15 years at Batesville Community Schools and 10 years right here at my favorite place to be, North Decatur Elementary). I absolutely love teaching 4th grade and have found that the students have a willingness to learn, are full of energy and have a great sense of humor. I have been married to my husband Rich for 25 years, and we have 3 boys, Trey, Connor, and Reid, and a big dog named Wrigley. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends, watching my boys play sports, reading, taking trips to the ocean, and shopping. I am so blessed to be able to work with the amazing students, families, and staff at NDES, and I am very proud to be a Charger!!
August Character Counts Students
These students displayed the trait of positivity.
Fun in Life Skills!
Important Dates to Remember
- Book Fair: September 26th-30th.
- Picture Retake Day: October 3rd.
- Parent Teacher Conferences: October 5th.
- Fall Break: October 10th-14th
Mark your calendars: Christmas Concert Dates
- First and Second Grade: December 1st at 7PM.
- Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth: December 5th at 7PM.
- Third Grade: December 12th at 7PM.
All concerts will take place in the high school gym.
Super Sixth Graders
August
Josie Hartman and Avery Weisenbach