SIDNEY -- North Elementary School is nearing its century celebration. It is also near the end of its service to students in Sidney.

North Elementary has served as a beacon for students and families on the north side of Sidney. It is being closed at the end of the school year due to budget cuts.

Principal Nancy Rowlett talks of the school being almost a focus point, a community center for families in the north neighborhood. Students met the buses going to other schools, were offered breakfast and a warm place to gather before classes. It had been the site of before and after school child care services. 

"North Elementary has had a special place in the hearts of many students, parents, para educators, staff, teachers, and community members. I have enjoyed having the privilege of giving tours to alumni who have had fun walking through North’s hallways and classrooms, while they think of fond memories of when they attended North. Different age groups remember grade levels being in various areas of the school," she said.

Music Teacher Misty Michelman has 20 years of memories at North Elementary.

"I have taught music for 20 years up here at North Elementary, and probably one of my fondest memories, year after year, is the Veterans Day Concert that my third graders put on. Every year, just the love and the joy that the kids, and the pride that they have in what they do is just awesome, and it's just going to be something that stays with me forever and ever. They really own it, and it's really important to them, and it's something that's going to stay with me long after I'm gone from here too.  

Tessa Janssen, Technology and Special Education teacher, has many memories at North. Among them is celebrating the school's 90th birthday.

"I remember the year that we celebrated North's 90th birthday, for the older building. It reached 90 years old. We had cake, and we invited the parents, and our music teacher, Misty Michelman, put on a nice music production for the parents while the kids were standing out in front of North Elementary singing to the parents so it was just nice little contribution to the many years North Elementary has been open," Janssen said.

She also recalls the year she made a "Big Head" of the principal, Linda Westfall. Each classroom took a turn hosting the image doing various activities. 

Kristin Nienhuser has memories as a student and teacher.

"I grew up on the north side of Sidney, and I attended North Elementary for grades K through 3. In Kindergarten, I remember that we had a playhouse in the corner that I will never forget. We had a lot of fun in that playhouse. My first and only teaching position has been the third and fourth grade Special Ed position at North where I have had the pleasure of working alongside Mrs. (Linda) Whited. She was a para when I went here. The thought of North closing and no longer being a school is very difficult. I was attending school here when we became the North All Stars, and now I am an All Star staff," Nienhuser said.

She, as others, now has emotions, memories, tied to a building facing retirement.

"I have appreciated the many dedicated staff members who work hard to take care of students throughout the day and offer a quality education to all students. I have enjoyed getting to know all the wonderful students and families through the years! I especially enjoy the smiles and hugs from North students. I will truly miss that," Rowlett said.

Sidney Public Schools Superintendent Andrew Farber gave insight on the state of Nebraska cutting funding to public schools, its affects on Sidney Public Schools and what's next for the rural Cheyenne County School Thursday morning on The Big Boy. Listen to the full interview HERE.