SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (AP) - A South Sioux City elementary school principal has been honored as the state’s best by a national group.
Covington Elementary Principal Sheri Fillipi received the National Distinguished Principal Award for Nebraska on Friday during a ceremony at the school, the Sioux City Journal reported (https://bit.ly/1eLMzrl ).
Friends, family members, colleagues and students were present in Covington Elementary’s gymnasium to celebrate with her. Teachers took turns at the microphone sharing memories of educating kids; student choirs sang songs praising her work.
“She’s at the door every morning to greet the kids as they come in,” said Nedra Chasar, whose son attends the school. “It’s pretty neat; it’s very personal.”
Fillipi will attend a conference in Washington, D.C., in October with the other 49 state winners.
The award is given out by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Educators nominate principals they believe exemplify quality leadership in education in each region of their state. There are five regions in Nebraska.
Fillipi was nominated by Sarah Williams, principal at McAndrew Elementary School in Ainsworth, Neb. She then applied for the state award and was notified in December that she had won.
Fillipi, who is serving her second year as Covington Elementary’s principal, attributed much of her success to those around her.
“It’s really a celebration of our district and the support that has been given to me,” she said. “And the people you work with, because you do nothing alone. It’s all about the team and the people you surround yourself with.”
Fillipi’s husband, Kevin, said his wife puts her students first in everything she does.
“Whether she’s dealing with teachers or other principals, it’s always about what’s best for the kids,” he said.
Dennis Schmitz, a former colleague of Fillipi’s, said Fillipi has proved herself to be an effective leader and a positive influence on both her students and faculty.
“Being a woman in this profession is kind of difficult, and she handles it pretty well,” he said. “When she needs to be tough she can be tough. She’s a really great listener, which makes her a really effective communicator.”
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