Principal

It is a privilege and an honor to lead Norris Middle School as the building Principal.  As a former student of the Omaha Public Schools, I believe in the power that an education can give our students.  I have worked with students and families of Omaha Public Schools for the past 11 years.  Norris Middle School has a strong tradition of loyalty, integrity, and honor within our academic, athletics, and various other activities.   

As the Principal of Norris Middle School, my goal is to create and maintain a school environment in which all students want to come to learn, where staff want to come teach, and where parents want to send their children because they know they are safe both physically and academically.  Respect, Achievement, Success. It’s a Redbird Thing!  Go Redbirds!   

Degrees and Certifications: 

Doctor of Educational Leadership: Doane University  

Educational Specialist Degree: Doane University  

Superintendent Endorsement: Doane University  

Masters in Educational Administration: Doane University 

Bachelors in K-12 Physical Education: York College  

Associates in Criminal Justice: Northeastern Junior College  

Assistant Principal/Data Processor

Ms. Stacie Denning has been at Norris Middle School since 2007.  She has served at GATE Facilitator, Instructional Facilitator and currently works as the Data Processor/Assistant Principal.  Ms. Denning earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Creighton University, a Master's degree from UNO in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and a Master's Degree in Administration from Concordia University.  "I love being a part of the Norris community and being a Redbird!  It has been a great place to grow both personally and professionally."

Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

Mr. Brett Schnabel has been in education for over 20 years and has been with the Omaha Public Schools for over 15 years.  Mr. Schnabel began his career with Omaha Public Schools as a Physical Education Teacher and Coach at Omaha North High Magnet School.  He finished his time at North High School as a Dean of Students and Assistant Athletic Director.  Mr. Schnabel has served Norris Middle School as an Assistant Principal and Activities Director for the past decade.  Mr. Schnabel's mission with Omaha Public Schools is to impact the students, staff, and community he serves by providing positivity, hope, and leadership.  Mr. Schnabel has loved working to improve the future of his Redbird students and believes in the power of Redbird Nation to provide students a positive learning experience as they move onto High School.  Success, Achievement, Respect...It's a Redbird Thing!  Go Redbirds!

Instructional Facilitator/ADR

Ms. Catherine Collington has been with Omaha Public Schools since 2008. During her time at OPS, Ms. Collington has served as a reading teacher, Instructional Facilitator, and Academic Data Representative. Ms. Collington earned her undergraduate and Master's at Creighton University.   “I love working for OPS and helping my students become productive members of our community."

Instructional Facilitator

Mrs. Brandy Burse has been employed with Omaha Public Schools for 19 years. During her time at OPS, Mrs. Burse has served in a variety of positions: paraprofessional, Secretary, Teachers, and currently one of the Instructional Facilitators at Norris Middle School. Ms. Burse earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education from the University Nebraska-Omaha and her Master’s in Administration 7-12 from Midland University.  

Dean of Students

Mr. Duane Jabens joined OPS in 1998, after receiving his Bachelors of Science degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. Mr. Jabens began his career as a Mathematics teacher and coach at Norris Middle School. Later he transitioned to the Title I Instructional Facilitator for a year, before becoming a Dean of Students after receiving his Masters in Administration degree from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. “I have loved working at Norris with its diverse population of staff and students, and enjoy seeing our Redbirds sore to success.”

Dean of Students

Mr. Wize has been with OPS since 2002.   Mr. Wize has been a teacher and coach and now fills the roll of Dean of Students for Norris.  Mr. Wize enjoys helping the teachers and students at Norris reach their potential and loves working with the greater Norris community.