Sidney Public Schools

August 14, 2023

My name is Sharri Vandall.  I am starting my fifth year as West Side Principal.  I have been married for 25 years, have four children, and three grandchildren.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, working in my yard, going to the lake, crafting, floating the river, sky diving, zip lip lining, river rafting, and taking walks.

I have been involved in education for 28 years.  In that time, I have had many roles: non-instructional aide, special education paraprofessional, classroom teacher, instructional coach, and principal.  I believe that all students can learn and succeed.  My hope for your child is that they become a life long learner, persevere when things are difficult, and build a stamina for learning.   All students have strengths, as a staff we hope to foster these strengths.  As the instructional leader at West Side, I believe in transparency.  I want you to be apart of your child’s education, after all, you were your child’s first teacher. 

I am excited for our new “Buddy Bench” on the West Side playground.  When a student is feeling lonely or doesn’t have someone to play with, it is my hope that they will utilize the “Buddy Bench.”  The concept of this bench is that no one will have to go without a friend.  If someone is sitting on the “Buddy Bench” it means that they need someone to play with.  That lets other students know that a friend is needed. 

The educational mission of Sidney Public Schools and West Side is to foster a safe and supportive environment that cultivates excellence in learning through citizenship, self-discipline, motivation, and positive social attitudes.  Cooperation among the school, the home, and the community provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful lives and careers.

I believe that it takes a village to raise a child.  I want you to be involved in your child’s education.  I invite you to come and visit West Side.  It is my mission to have parents in our school.  Throughout the year we will have many activities for you and your student.  Please come see the great things we are doing at West Side. 

At West Side we work hard as a learning community.  In order for your child to learn we need him/or her at school.  Thank you in advance for helping to get your child to school. 

At West Side we have school wide expectations for our students:

Be Safe

Be Responsible

Be Respectful

Be a Learner

Have a great school year!  Please be a part of your child’s education.  We are glad that you are part of the West Side family!

Sharri Vandall, West Side Principal

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” -Plato