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The Rapid City resident is familiar face in the area's education circle. She taught at RC elementary from 1980 to 1987 and has been special programs coordinator for Kalkaska Public Schools for two years. She has been in the field of education for 23 years.

The principal role is an addition to her duties. She will continue to coordinate special programs for KPS.

"I am just so thrilled," she said last Friday in her new office. "I am ecstatic. "I'm going to be busy, but don't know how to be any other way."

Heller began teaching in 1977 in Lapeer. She earned her undergraduate degree at Central Michigan University, where she met her husband of 27 years, Tom, who works for Merit Energy.

"In 1980, we got married and moved up here," she said. "I had signed up to sub with KPS and school had started.

"They had an overflow first graders and were looking for a full-time teacher. taught fulltime for three four years."

Heller earned her master's degree in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University.

The Hellers have lived the area for 27 years and have three children. Jessica, 24, is a Michigan State University grad and lives in San Diego, CA. She works for AmeriCorps. Zachary, 22, a student at Hope College and will graduate in May 2008 with a degree in sociology/ criminology. Jake, 18, is a senior at Kalkaska High School and pla

ys on the football team. Heller said that she is proud to be involved in the Kalkaska Public Schools district.

"The Reading First grant has allowed us to have all kinds of training for the teachers," she said. "Our K through three, both here and in Kalkaska offer more than in Grand Traverse County, in the area of literacy.

"It's exciting -and important for people to understand that."

Heller will continue her duties with the KPS Title I program and special programs.

"I am a K through 12 advocate for student needs - primarily literacy," she said. "We will continue implementing programs in areas of their needs. The top priority is students."

She added that the teachers are excited to have a full-time principal.

"I can take care of my teachers so that they can take care of the students," she said. "Anything that I can do to help them, I will.

"I have wonderful Title I teachers and they make sure student needs are met. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful staff."

Heller said she is looking forward to working with the community, the PTA and the Friends of Rapid City elementary.

"I'm full-time here," she said. "This is where people will find me."

Unless someone is looking for her at 6 a.m. on a morning she happens to be swimming at the Kaliseum. Heller also enjoys reading, riding bike and crafts.

"I've dabbled in everything," she said. "Give me a bead ... I used to sew but really, my hobby is my work. "My building is my classroom ... I'm really excited about helping to make a difference with the kids."