Chillicothe, MO – This morning, Tuesday, September 23rd, the Chillicothe School District proudly recognized two outstanding educators, Tara O'Dell and Traci Norris, as "The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread." Their exceptional contributions to the district have made a significant impact on students and staff alike.
Traci Norris, CHS Math Teacher
Traci Norris, a dedicated and thorough math teacher at Chillicothe High School, consistently puts her students first by demanding their very best. Known for designing rigorous and detailed lessons, Mrs. Norris not only prepares her students for advanced math courses and state and national assessments but also equips them to tackle real-world math challenges beyond high school.
Her teaching approach includes carefully modeling mathematical steps and problem-solving processes, ensuring that students build a deep understanding of the material. Mrs. Norris challenges her students daily while showing unwavering belief in their abilities, fostering a growth mindset that encourages them to excel. The community is fortunate to have Mrs. Norris shaping future generations of mathematicians and leaving a lasting legacy through her high expectations and commitment to excellence.
Tara O'Dell, CMS Librarian
Tara O'Dell, the new librarian at Chillicothe Middle School, has embraced her role with remarkable energy and vision. She has transformed the media center into a warm and welcoming hub for both students and staff. Going above and beyond to support technology needs, Mrs. O'Dell created a comprehensive Tech Tip handout that helps teachers troubleshoot everything from Chromebook issues to gradebook navigation, saving valuable instructional time and building staff confidence.
Known for her uplifting communication style, Mrs. O'Dell consistently shares positive praise and celebrates the efforts of others, fostering a supportive and encouraging culture throughout the building. As an active and collaborative member of the building leadership team, she brings insightful perspectives from her 20 years of classroom experience and works seamlessly with colleagues across all grade levels and departments. Her proactive support, collaborative spirit, and genuine care for others make her an invaluable asset to the CMS community, and her contributions are making a lasting impact on both staff and students.
The Chillicothe School District is proud to honor Tara O'Dell and Traci Norris for their dedication and commitment to excellence in education. Their hard work and passion for teaching truly make them "The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread."