At North Side Primary Center in Herrin, where many of the district’s youngest students begin their educational journey, I had an opportunity to meet with two people who stand out for their unwavering dedication to their students and the community: Principal Matt Viernow and Kindergarten teacher Melodi Coleman. Together, they’re not just guiding students through the early years of school; they’re shaping the future of the Herrin School District, one child at a time.

Matt Viernow, originally from the Quad Cities, moved to Herrin in 1996 to attend Southern Illinois University. What began as a college adventure has turned into a deep connection with the community, where he’s served as principal at North Side for nearly a decade. "We’re the foundation here," Matt explains. "Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade—these are the years where everything starts. If we get it right here, they’re set up for success down the road."

Matt’s commitment to early education is obvious, but what truly stands out is his connection to the families and the wider community. He laughs about being a familiar face in Herrin—whether it’s at the grocery store or the local Mexican restaurant, where he’s a Friday night regular. "I can’t go anywhere without seeing someone from the school," he jokes. "The kids always know where I’ll be on Friday nights."

But for Matt, those relationships are what make his job special. "It’s a small town, and everyone knows everyone," he says. "That’s a blessing because it means we have strong community support. Our parents are invested, and they trust us with their kids, which is something we don’t take lightly."

One of the highlights of North Side Primary is its "Tiger Cub Club," an initiative that helps ease the transition for children entering Kindergarten. Melodi Coleman, who has been teaching Kindergarten for 30 years, plays an integral role in the program. "The goal is to demystify Kindergarten for both the kids and the parents," Melodi explains. "We invite them to come in several times in the spring before school starts, so they can get comfortable with the classroom, the cafeteria, the playground—all of it."

Melodi’s dedication to her students shines through as she describes the program. "Kindergarteners can be a handful, but they’re the best," she says with a smile. "They’re honest. They’ll tell you anything, even things their parents might not want you to know!" She laughs, recalling how children regularly spill family secrets, from laundry mishaps to bedtime routines. "There’s no filter with them, and that’s part of what makes this age so fun."

Melodi’s passion for teaching began in second grade when she was inspired by her own teacher, Mrs. Gayer. "I knew back then I wanted to be a teacher," she says. And after three decades in the classroom, Melodi is as energized as ever. "It’s the relationships with the kids that keep me going. I stand at the door every day and fist bump them as they go out for recess, and it’s those little moments that matter. Just the other day, a first grader—who wasn’t even in my class—drew a picture of me and wrote that I was his favorite teacher because I always fist bump him. That’s what it’s all about."

For Matt and Melodi, building relationships is key to creating a positive learning environment. "We’re a team here," Matt says. "And that includes the parents. Tiger Cub Club isn’t just about making the kids comfortable; it’s about helping first-time parents navigate what can be an overwhelming experience. We talk to them about everything from how to drop their kids off to what to expect in the cafeteria. It makes that first day of school a lot less scary."

Our community is growing, and so is the need for space at North Side. As more families choose our area, Matt and his team are working hard to make sure they have enough room for all the students. "We’re hoping to expand soon," he says. "Right now, we’re using every inch of space we have, and our class sizes are still manageable, but we could always use more room."

Melodi nods in agreement. "I’ve seen so many siblings come through my class over the years," she says. "You build relationships with the entire family, not just the kids, and that’s what makes teaching here special."

Having educators like Matt Viernow and Melodi Coleman leading the charge at North Side Primary Center is something to be proud of. They’re not just teaching students—they’re building relationships, fostering a love for learning, and setting the foundation for the future success of every child who walks through their doors. And with their dedication, Herrin’s youngest learners are in great hands.