Mt. Pleasant Middle School has new administration

MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant Middle School has a new principal and new associate principal for the 2022-23 school year.

The new associate principal, Sherri Orris took some time to introduce herself to the community.

Sherri Orris

Orris enjoys working with this particular age group of students and looks forward to the opportunity to build positive relationships with them.

Her previous educational experience, over the last 30 years, mostly consists of teaching in grades first through sixth, and her most recent endeavor includes instructional coaching for elementary and middle school.

Orris received her undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and her master’s from Northwest Missouri State University.

“I am looking forward to a fun and productive year at Mt. Pleasant Middle School,” Orris said. “Please stop in to introduce yourself if you are near our school!”

About Orris, outside of school

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Columbus Junction, Iowa but currently live in Washington.

Tell us about your family.

I have two grown daughters.

My oldest daughter, Lauren, lives in Lenexa, KS with her husband, Brian.

Emma, the youngest, lives in Ainsworth with her fiance, Travis and my grandson, Elijah, who is four.

I also have two dogs, Ozzy and Hazel.

About Orris, at school

Do you have a motto/mission statement for why/how you approach your job?

My job as an associate principal will give me the opportunity to support the staff, students and parents in many different ways by working toward a common goal of doing what is best for the students.

What is the best part of middle school? (or best part to see as a principal/adult)

The students are the best part of middle school.

I know this age can be confusing when making the transfer from elementary buildings to secondary but it can also be so exciting to see the personalities and characteristics develop in each one of the students.

If you could do one thing for the students of your building what would it be?

I would love to create an atmosphere where all students feel safe and accepted and are given the opportunity to learn.

The school building would allow all students to be themselves, have fun, and learn to their highest potential.

How do you interact with students and teachers on a daily basis?

I love to use my sense of humor to talk and greet my staff and students.

I want everyone to feel welcomed into our school family.

What is your favorite school lunch?

As a child, I loved to eat school lunch.

My favorite day was when they served chili and cinnamon rolls.

On special occasions, my mom would allow me to take my lunch and I was always excited because she would put a special piece of candy in my lunchbox to have after I finished my lunch.

(So sometimes I had to secretly throw away what I didn't eat so I could have my candy!)

What are some things that were written by your teachers on your report cards when growing up?

Unfortunately, my report cards often had that I talked too much during class.

This seemed to continue during every year I was in school.

I was the child who may have been moved because I could not keep quiet as the teacher was instructing!

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com