On behalf of the Tea Area Middle School, we welcome you to the 2019-2020 school year!
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I write this letter of introduction as the new Tea Area Middle School principal. First and foremost, I would like to thank Mr. Fechner for his mentorship and leadership in making this as smooth of a transition as possible. I have big shoes to fill and am honored to carry forward Tea Area Middle School’s strong educational traditions.
As an educator, I have had the privilege of serving students ranging from elementary to the high school level. I started my journey in Whittier Middle School as a Counselor, and while I enjoyed my experience working in the Sioux Falls School District, it was very important to me to serve my home community of Tea, SD. This school year marks my 7th year in the Tea Area School District where my family lives and my own children attend school.
I would also like to introduce our Assistant Principal, Miss Allison Bertram who brings a multitude of experience and talent to the Middle School. Miss Bertram is currently serving in her 6th year as a Tea Titan and her 10th year in education. I look forward to working with her throughout the school year.
All of our teachers and support staff have spent hours preparing materials, lessons and their classrooms to welcome our new 6th graders and returning 7th and 8th graders. Every year is a big transition, especially for our 6th graders, and we have worked hard to make it as seamless as possible for your student. I extend my gratitude to them for all their hours of preparation.
Additionally I would like to offer my appreciation to our custodial and tech staff. They have worked diligently throughout the summer months to prepare our building for the upcoming school year. Many updates have taken place and will continue throughout the year, none of which would have been possible without their dedication and hard work.
All of us are excited to begin what promises to be an amazing year as we focus on providing consistent, rigorous, and relevant academic experiences for our students that enable them to make real-world connections while also building strong character and lasting relationships. Focusing on our Tea Area School District educational initiatives will ensure all students have the opportunity to reach their goals.
As your new principal, it is important to me that everyone who steps through our doors feels invited and welcome here. This is OUR school, and we look forward to collaborating with you in delivering a challenging and diverse curriculum in a safe and nurturing learning environment. Working together will enable us to meet the challenges of the upcoming year with success, because in the words of Simon Sinek, “Together Is Better.”
Miss Bertram and I have an open door policy and we welcome any opportunity to meet with you. Please feel free to call or email to discuss any concerns you might have throughout the year.
Thank you, and Go Titans!
Michael S. Bullis
Principal – Tea Area Middle School
