Sic leaves singing

by Mary Le Arneal
published 5/13/09

Nancy Sic has spent her entire teaching career in the North Bend school system. As she leaves the system at the end of the school year, she continues to sing praises of the school.

“It says a lot for the community, the school system that teachers stay so long. It’s a good reflection on the kids.”

But leave she must. The 56-year-old has lots of plans of things she wants to do while she is still young.

Sic, a native of Laurel, attended Midland Lutheran College in Fremont. While there she met her future husband, Gene Sic, of North Bend. Her first job after graduating in 1975 with degrees in music, music education and elementary education was at District 93, northeast of North Bend, teaching first and second grade.

“Fred Ladehoff and Jeff Voss were in my first class,” Sic said with a laugh.

When the elementary music position opened at North Bend Elementary two years later, Sic was asked to change jobs. She taught vocal music, kindergarten through sixth grade, as well as beginning instrumental music. She taught full time until the position was RIFed in 1979. Her daughter, Stephanie, had just been born so Sic was happy to work part time.
Sic even taught PE for two years in the mid-1980s.

“All elementary education majors are certified to teach PE,” Sic said. “I brought in friends to help me. John Buller and Paul Emanuel taught basketball, friends from college taught soccer. The most important thing I did was have my whistle ribbon match my outfit each day. The kids noticed that.”

She continued working 3/5 time until Claire Eason retired in 2000 and Sic was asked if she would want to do both music programs.

“I told Mike Ough I’d give it a one year trial, and I liked it!”

Sic divided her time between the elementary and high school for the last nine years. Her biggest headache and her greatest joy were the programs.

“I kept a spread sheet for the elementary programs so I knew that every child was up front at least once,” Sic said.

Sic said the high school musicals were always fun, but it was always tough working around other activities and schedules.

When asked what she will miss most when she retires, without hesitation Sic said “The kids.”

“This had been the best group of kids to work with in the high school. And I love the excitement of learning with the little kids.”

Sic said she will also miss the staff and good friends she has made at the school.

What does she plan to do in her retirement? Sic has lots of plans including visiting her son, Andrew, in Arizona more, take classes, sing more, maybe do some community theater, golf, do things with her family and substitute teach.

“It’s a good time to leave now,” Sic said. “I have lots of great memories.

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