IN THE KITCHEN WITH: LINDA NICK

Middle school principal loves what she does; Things have changed in the course of her career, but her passion remains the same, By Rose Sgarlato Linda Nick has been the principal of Sparta Middle School for seven years. Since she was in kindergarten, Nick knew she wanted to be a teacher. She is determined to teach her students life lessons along with a great curriculum. “I came home one day and said I’m going to be a teacher. I’ve been one my whole career. I love middle school — you have to like 13-year-olds,” Nick said. After graduating from the College of St. Elizabeth, Nick began her career as a seventh grade math teacher in Vernon for 19 years. She eventually earned a masters degree enabling her to work her way up the administrative ladder as assistant principal at Glen Meadow in Vernon and principal at Hackettstown Middle School. “It was a natural progression for me. I was lucky enough to get hired in the same district I worked for,” she said. Under her tenure at Hackettstown, the school received the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award. There are 988 students at Sparta Middle School who attend sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Along with a staff of 85, Nick plays many roles. “It’s about being more than a principal — you become a guidance counselor, a nurse,” Nick said. “It is never the same every day. The kids are finding their way — discovering who they are. Everyday is like a rollercoaster, if I can help them, then I’ve done my job.” Nick believes the educational process has changed in recent years. “The requirements from the state are stricter. The standards are up. They want us to be able to teach to the high and the low by structuring lessons that meet the needs of all the kids which is challenging,” she said. And with the digital age, students respond differently. “Their minds are quick — always going. They learn in so many different ways. It all has to do with technology,” Nick said. “There are a lot of nice kids at our school. They say thank you and please, and I know these values are coming from home.” Nick considers herself a traditionalist. “Kids need to take responsibility for their mistakes. You have to have rules and enforce them. Even though they don’t like rules, they want structure. And if you make a mistake, wipe the slate clean and start over,” she said. When the day comes when Nick moves on, she has some closing thoughts: “I want people to remember me as a fair person and a proponent of education. And that I was accessible and there for them.” Taco Party Dip 1 8-ounce package cream cheese 1 can of vegetarian beans 1 package of mixed Mexican cheese Heat cream cheese in microwave for 35 seconds. Spread in the bottom of pie plate. Add one can of vegetarian beans. Add one package of Mexican cheese. Bake at 325° for approximately 20-25 minutes.