The History of Middle School - North

Middle School - North first opened its doors in September of 1966 with a teaching staff of 22 and a student body of 424. The North Crusaders were on their way! Mr. Bueford Rickman, Middle School - North's first principal, helped the staff and students establish high standards in all areas of the instructional program.

Dr. Roy Cloud followed Mr. Rickman as the Middle School - North principal and during the seven years he served in that capacity, established very positive, close-knit ties between the school and its community. At the end of the 1993-94 school year the third principal of Middle School - North, James Dooley, retired after serving in that position for 20 years. Middle School - North thrived under Mr. Dooley's leadership. In the spring of 1994, Mr. Erick Alsup was named principal. In the 1999-2000 school year, Middle School - North was selected as a Michigan and National Blue Ribbon School. In January 2000, Mr. John Da Via was appointed principal to Middle School - North, after serving as associate principal for two-and-one-half years. Mr. Alsup at that time was appointed to the principalship of Middle School - East.

Middle School - North has truly been a leader in educational efforts on a district, county, and state level. The school was selected as one of Michigan's 10 exemplary middle schools in 1989-1990. Other significant events include its participation as a demonstration school in the 1977 MAMSE State Conference and its selection as one of 25 Michigan elementary and middle schools to pilot the Michigan Department of Education MAPS program in 1986-1987. Mr. Mel Miller, a Middle School - North social studies teacher was selected as the 1981 Michigan Teacher of the Year and was the first runner-up for National Teacher of the Year honors that year. Middle School - North also completed the NCA accreditation cycle and was fully accredited in the 1999-2000 school year. Middle School - North also the status of Michigan Exemplary School and National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 1999-2000. On March 24, 2000, Middle School - North hosted the Vice President of the United States, Mr. Al Gore, as a guest for the day.