Administration

Greetings Block Parents and Community,

I am Elsie Rivera Quiroga, Principal of Block Middle School. I was born, raised and educated in East Chicago.  “GO SENATORS.”   SCEC educational foundation inspired me to pursue my teaching Career at Purdue University and then Indiana University NW.  After graduating from Purdue, I began my career in Portage School System in 1985.  I spent four years teaching Spanish to Portage High School students.  In 1989, our family relocated to O’Fallon, Missouri, where I taught Spanish at Francis Howell North High School.  I would spend my spring and summer breaks with my family in East Chicago.  After 10 years in the “Show me State”, we decided to return to East Chicago.  I believe, there is no place like home.  We came back to give back.  That year, I was hired to be a Special Education Teacher at Central High School. 

I returned to IUN and  I completed my Administrative Degree. I am proud to say, I am the first Puerto Rican hired to be Vice Principal at Central High School. I worked there for several years.  Later on I worked at Block Jr., West Side Jr, and McKinley Elementary. I have had the privilege to work beside extraordinary and amazing principals, faculty and staff.   For that reason, my educational experiences have afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing students’ achievement and well- being.  My educational philosophy is that all students can learn, given a positive and safe learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, and supportive parents and community. 

This year will be my 38th year in education.  I want to express my gratitude for the continual support and encouragement to lead and educate our students to achieve academic success.