Pella Middle School
November & December 2021
Important Dates
- 1/4 - Class Resumed
- 1/7 - Semester 1/Quarter 2 Grades and LiM Rubric published @ 4:00
- 1/12 - 90 Minute Early Dismissal
- 1/14 - 8th grade orientation & tour at Pella High School
- 1/17 - MLK Day - NO Classes
- 1/19 - 8th grade students register for HS courses (4:15-5:15 or 5:30-6:30)
- 1/26 - 90 Minute Early Dismissal
- 1/2 - 90 Minute Early Dismissal
- 2/7 - Staff Work Day
Preparing Everyone to Learn, Lead, and Achieve.
Congratulations to our Retirees!
I would like to recognize those Pella Middle School staff members who are retiring at the end of this academic year.
They have a combined total of 202 years of Pella Middle School specific experience. Include additional educational experience to that and just think of the impact they’ve had over the years!
Our staff is grateful for their leadership, wisdom, and most importantly their heart for serving the middle level learner. We plan to find ways to celebrate each of them during the second semester, and we wanted to be sure you knew in order to help us recognize and honor these outstanding educators.
How do you replace 203 combined years of Pella Middle School Experience and nearly 250 total years of educational experience? It won't be easy...
Mrs. Amy Belding, Physical Education & Health for 17 years
Amy's journey:
1988-1991 Hartley-Melvin/Sanborn Elementary
1992-1998 ISD#763 Medford, Minnesota Elementary
1998, 2002-2004 Coaching at Oskaloosa CSD
2005 - Present Pella Middle School
Amy has also coached middle school volleyball for many years, an adjunct professor for Wartburg College, Upper Iowa University, Central College, William Penn University, and she has been in education for 33 years.
Mrs. Hazel Bogaard, English Language Arts, Science, and & Resource Teacher for 28 years
Started in the BLUE room at COC in 1986, and she was a case manager for one year (1988-1989). She served at Twin Cedars from 1989-1994.
Hazel came to Pella Middle in 1994, and this is her 28th year in Pella giving her 35 years in teaching.
Mr. Robert Boots, 7th and 8th Science for 33 years.
1982-1989 Osage 8th and 9th Science
Bob started in 1989 at Pella Middle School teaching Science and coaching track, and this school year made his 40th year in education.
Mrs. Jodi Knight, English Language Arts for 30 years
Jodi's journey:
1984-5, Kindergarten at Ames daycare
1986-1990, Substitute teacher for Davenport School District
1992-1994, Associate at Pella Middle School
Jodi started in 1992, and she has taught 7th & 8th social studies; 6th, 7th, and 8th language arts/reading; 6th G/T; 7,8 technical literacy; & 8th digital media and yearbook giving her 35 years in teaching.
Mrs. Tracey Murphy, Physical Education & Health for 28 years.
1989-90 Ruidoso MS, HS & MS Coach, New Mexico
1990-91 University of Northern Iowa
1991-93 Marion MS/Springville HS Coach/Lisbon MS/HS Coach
1993-94 Central College/Coach
1994-95 Pella High School/HS & MS Coach
1995-02 Pella MS Associate/Coach
2002-04 Lincoln & Webster Elementaries
2004-07 Jefferson Elementary/MS
2007-14 Lincoln Elementary/Jefferson Intermediate
2014-22 Pella MS/Coach/Official
This was Tracey's 33rd year in education.
Mrs. Joan Nikkel, English Language Arts for 29 years
1983-1988 4th grade at Grant Elementary in Oskaloosa
1994-1999 Reading Plus K-5 at Jefferson, Webster, and Lincoln in Pella
Joan started full time with the Pella Middle School in 1999 giving her 34 years in teaching.
Mrs. Andrea Van Wyk, Art Teacher for 38 years.
1984 to 1988, Pella Christian High School art instructor
1984 to present, Pella Middle School visual art instructor
1996-1998, Pella Community High School drawing and painting instructor
1999-Present, adjunct professor of Elementary and Secondary Methods of Art Education at Central College
2016-present, adjunct professor of Art Appreciation for DMACC at Pella High School
I am sure you have observed her artwork all over Pella. Andrea is a professional artist, so look her up if you are in need of some art work. This makes Andrea's 38th year of education.
It is rare to see this kind of longevity in a single school, and this special group of educators have been the foundation and main reason Pella Middle School is not an ordinary middle school. It is a place where students are loved, valued, seen, and heard for who they are while getting an outstanding experience. Thank you does not adequately express our genuine appreciation and gratitude for what they mean to our school, district, and community.
8th Grade Student & Parent Meeting at Pella High School ~ January 19
For complete details, please click the link below for the information that was also sent out prior to break.
GREAT Rubric OUT & Leader in Me Rubric IN!
*Please know this is our first attempt, and we welcome your feedback.
WHY a LiM Rubric: We believe in educating the whole child, and we want students and parents to have feedback on the "human" skills of our students. They will impact their lives forever!
The Patriot Pen - 7th Grade Students Honored
Post Commander, Patrick Stark, was at Pella Middle School to honor three students for their patriotism and civic mindedness. Brooklyn Sorheim earned first place, Evan Smith earned second place, and Ellie Plants earned third place with their outstanding articles on, "How can I be a good American?" Well done!
Creators Wanted Experience at Vermeer
Fluctuating Temps Create Messy Floors
10th period LEAD Time - Little Leaders Club
Student Council Delivers again at Christmas for CrossRoads ~ Adopt a Family
The weather outside was frightful, so I settled in next to this virtual fireplace to warm up and catch up with Joeley, Madison, and Ellamae. What awesome students!
Pella Gear and Apparel Needed
Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.
The Counselor Connection
The next counseling small group will be beginning after the first of the year. The Social Club will focus on identifying communication styles, practicing positive communication skills, self-advocacy, and conflict resolution. If you would like me to speak to your child about participating, please email me @ jourdan.vanwyk@pellaschools.org
If your student is in need of winter gear, please contact me and we can assist!
Merry Christmas! And Happy New Year!
Jourdan Van Wyk, School Counselor
Pella Community School District Vision, Mission, and Elements
Pella Middle School
Email: msoffice@pellaschools.org
Website: https://www.pellaschools.org/schools/middle-school/
Location: 613 East 13th Street, Pella, IA, USA
Phone: 6416284784
Twitter: @pellamidschool