My name is April Heitland, and it is my honor to serve as the principal at North Ridge Elementary.  The 2022-23 school year marks the start of my 16th year in the Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District and my 11th year at North Ridge Elementary, and my 24th year in education.

I earned my teaching degree at Buena Vista University. I taught in Avoca, Iowa and with the Des Moines Public School District before moving to Grimes in 2007. I have taught preschool, kindergarten, first, third, and fifth grade and have also been a Reading Recovery teacher.   While in the classroom, I completed my M. ED. in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University and am currently completing my Specialist Degree in Superintendency also at Northwest Missouri State University.  

When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, running, and reading. We love to cheer on the Mustangs and Hawkeyes and hang out on the lake whenever we have the chance.

I have never experienced such an amazing group of dedicated teachers like the ones at North Ridge and in the Dallas Center-Grimes District. It is our pleasure to work alongside you and your family to find success for all students.