La Crosse year round schools see new beginnings during first day of school July 15, 2021 6:26 PM Kade Overton Updated: LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT)- Northside Elementary’s new principal started the first day of school with a red carpet to give students a day to remember. “It’s memorable to them. They feel important and really we’re here for them. They are our celebrities they are our stars so they should feel that,” said Northside Elementary Principal, Nicki Pope. Pope is new to the La Crosse School District but isn’t new to being a school leader. She was previously a principal in Tomah.