Meet the Principal

Hello!  I would like to welcome you to Bessie Ellison Elementary, the Home of the Braves.  


I am a graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia with a B.S. in Elementary Education and an emphasis in early childhood education.   I received my Master’s degree in elementary education and administration from Northwest Missouri State University.

I have been a part of the St. Joseph School District for 23 years.   I taught first and second grade  for several years before becoming a principal.    I was the principal at Humboldt Elementary for two years before becoming the principal at Ellison.  This is currently my sixth year as principal at Bessie Ellison.

In my spare time, I love to enjoy spending time with my family.   My son, Casey, recently graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree in Business Finance.  He is currently living in Kansas City.  My daughter, Kaitlin, is a sophomore at the University of Missouri-Columbia studying to be a pharmacist.  Go Tigers!   We also have a Yorkshire Terrier named Cooper who is an important part of our family.  My hobbies include gardening, reading, and attending sporting events.   


I am committed to making Ellison one of the top elementary schools in the state of Missouri.   We have been recognized as a Missouri Gold Star School, a national Blue Ribbon School, and a Top 10 School at the state level. All of these recognitions have been for our student's high academic achievements.  The Ellison staff recognizes that this academic success is due to the strong partnership between the school and our families.   


Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance. 


Kim Siela
Ellison Principal