Dealing with attendance and all its ensuing issues is Joey Rickards, the newest member of the Notre Dame Academy family.  

“I think I’ve been adjusting pretty well. I enjoy the fast pace, and there never seems to be a dull moment,” said Rickards.

The NDA community already has a Rickards in the mix. Bob Rickards, her husband, is the well-known soccer coach of both the boys and girls soccer teams.  Aside from her husband, the Rickards’ family has a freshman here too.

“Our oldest daughter, Libby, is a freshman,” explained Rickards, “and we have two more to come–Charlie 8th grade and Evelyn 7th grade.”

But, Mrs. Rickards’ Notre Dame ties run even deeper.

“I attended St. Joseph Academy my freshman and sophomore year, until my family moved to Charleston, SC. My parents, brother, cousins, aunts and uncles all attended Premontre, St. Joe’s and Notre Dame.”

Before joining the Notre Dame staff, Rickards worked for the Catholic Foundation for the Dioceses of Green Bay and the Early Childhood program at Father Allouez Catholic school.

“Although I loved the work I did at the Catholic Foundation, I really enjoy being back in a school setting,” commented Rickards.

She learned about the opportunity here through friends who work at the school.

“I was so grateful for the opportunity to interview,” said Rickards.

With a handful of experience, what does Mrs. Rickards have to be nervous about?

“Being in the hallway when the bell rings!” she replied.

But aside from the initial nerves about the chaos the bell ensues, she expressed how she is looking forward to getting to know the staff, students and families.

“What a blessing to work in such an exciting environment, surrounded by amazing people.”