My name is Vikki Carlson. I am the Director for Secondary Teaching & Learning for North Platte Public Schools. I am proud to be a North Platte High School graduate from the class of 1987.

After graduation, I earned my secondary teaching degree in Language Arts, Speech Communication, and Theater at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. I then continued on with my post-secondary career earning my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane College and my Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

 

I have taught at both the middle school and high school level and have been an administrator at both the middle school and high school level, as well. My educational career spans 20 years of classroom teaching and principalship.

 

My husband, Lance, is also a North Platte High School graduate and successful business owner. Our family, including our two sons, is fully vested in the North Platte community, and we are grateful for the educational opportunities North Platte Public School district provides.

 

Through my evolution as an educator, I have crafted my own personal belief statement which drives my passion for teaching and learning. We are all learners at our core. We became educators because we believe we can positively impact the life of a young person. We know that fundamentally successful learning for a student evolves out of a steadfast and caring relationship grounded in professional boundaries. As educators, we know we are only as strong as our weakest member; therefore, we are committed to collaboration and celebration that embeds high expectations, assumes positive intent, models respect for one another, and honors autonomy so that our North Platte Public School District’s teachers and school leaders accepts no less than the very best from one another. Through these professional channels, our students are guided through their learning journey to prepare them for becoming a citizen who positively impacts the world.

 

 

​My name is Denise DiGiovanni. I was born in McCook, Nebraska, and I grew up on a acreage near Stapleton, Nebraska. I graduated from Stapleton High School in 1989. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Wayne State College. My post secondary degrees include a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and a Masters in Educational Leadership, both from Doane University.

I have been a part of North Platte Public Schools family of educators for nearly twenty years. I am currently serving as Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning. My previous assignments have included District HAL coordinator, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) teacher at Adams, principal at Hall School, instructional coach at Jefferson, Adams, and Madison, and fourth grade teacher at McDonald Elementary.

 

​My life’s mission is live passionately, learn endlessly, and lead honorably. In short, I I try each day to…

 

Lead by example

Therefore, I model a collaborative practice of teaching and learning.

Explore new possibilities

Therefore, I encourage risk taking and creative problem solving.

Adhere to a higher ethical and moral standard

Therefore, I seek to make decisions that are just, fair, and truthful.​

Develop productive relationships with students, staff, families, and the community.

Therefore, I treat others with sensitivity, dignity and respect.

Encourage active family and community participation in the learning process.

Therefore, I use the community’s diverse cultural and social resources to strengthen school culture.​

Reflect on personal and professional experiences

Therefore, I find daily opportunities to think, wonder, and question.​

Serve Others

Therefore, I strive to understand the needs, abilities, and beliefs of the people I serve.​