November 2019.....Featuring Tony Balbo

Tony Balbo

Tony grew up only a mile from St. Joseph High school where he graduated in1986.  Tony began working as a home tutor for students in Special Education from 2000-2003.  He began teaching at the High School in 2003 teaching World History and Alternative Education. In 2004, Tony taught World History for three hours while simultaneously doing his student teaching 4 hours a day.  After that, from 2005-2008, Tony taught Psychology and Sociology.  From 2008 on, he has been teaching Special Education. 

1. Favorite meme?

    I don't really have one.  I'm not of an internet guy.

 2. What's your favorite movie?

    It's a Wonderful Life

3. Favorite song?

    Sussudio, by Phil Collins

4. Favorite color?

     Black and Gold are tied for favorite

 5. Favorite book?

    St. Joseph Teacher's Handbook

 7. Which has been the best phase of your life?

    The last 10 years since I became a parent

9. Biggest fear?

     Death

 10. How would you like to be remembered?

     As everyone's favorite "uncle"

 11. Best present you have ever received?

    Golf clubs from my Dad

 12. Best present you have ever given?

    Sending Mary to Washington, D.C. for her class trip

16. Would you ever change your name, and if so, what would your new one be?

    No.  I'm too old to remember a new name

17. If you were a dinosaur, which one would you be?

    The big one from Land of the Lost

19. Do you have a hobby?

     Several.  Golf, reading, and now writing

21. What do you consider is the most important trait in a person?

    Trustworthiness

 22. What's your favorite subject to teach?

     Algebra

 23. What's your favorite piece of clothing?

     My Terry Bradshaw jersey

 24. Favorite food?

     Steak

26. Water or soda?

    Soda

32. Who are you in your group of friends?

    Anthony Balbo

33. Only child or surrounded by siblings? 

   One full sibling and 5 half siblings

38. Flip flops or sneakers?

    Sneakers

 40. What's your favorite time of year?

     Christmas

 42. Beach or pool?

     Pool, I hate sand

 44. How do you see yourself in 10 years?

    Hopefully, alive

 45. If you were president, what would be the first thing you would do?

     Give a whole heck of a lot more to education after firing Betsy DeVos

46. Three wishes?

    A. My kids grow up to be productive and happy

    B. I live long enough to dance at their children's wedding

    C. To have enough money to travel

48. Junk or healthy food?

     YES

 50. What's the best thing that has happened to you until this moment?

     I adopted Howie and Mary

October, 2019 featuring ................ Natalija Galens

  Natalija has been working in the St. Joseph Public School District as a long term substitute teacher and 5th grade teacher for four years. However, this is her first year teaching in the Resource Room at E.P. Clarke Elementary School. Natalija grew up on a blueberry and cranberry farm ran by her parents in Covert, Michigan. She is the youngest sibling with two older sisters and is eagerly looking forward to being an aunt for the first time in January. Growing up, she attended Grace Christian School in Watervliet, Michigan during the week, but on Saturdays attended a Latvian language school, where she learned the language, culture, and history of her Latvian heritage. Upon graduating from high school in 2012, Natalija began attending Grove City College in western Pennsylvania. After playing four years of both volleyball and basketball for Grove City, Natalija graduated with a degree in PreK-4th grade Elementary Education and PreK-8th grade Special Education. Her experience as a student-athlete taught her many life lessons that she now has the opportunity to pass on to her players as the freshman volleyball coach at SJHS. Recently, Natalija moved to an apartment in St. Joseph, which she loves, because it is running distance to the beach. Some of Natalija's passions besides teaching and coaching are traveling, eating ice-cream, and organizing anything and everything.

1. What's your favorite movie? Any old movie with Doris Day and Rock Hudson in it

2. Favorite song? One Eyed Cat by Jenny & Tyler

3. Favorite color? Blue!

4. Favorite book? The Truth About Forever by Sara Dessen 

5. Which has been the best phase of your life? The present :)

6. Biggest fear? Lacking integrity

7. How would you like to be remembered? I loved well, served well, and empowered change. 

8. Best present you have ever received? My surprise 21st birthday party 

9. If you were a dinosaur, which one would you be? I don't even know the names of any dinosaurs! Ha

10. Do you have a hobby? Many - playing beach volleyball, traveling, reading, dog/house sitting

11. Favorite food? All of it - ice-cream, pomegranates, ribs, etc.

12. Water or soda? Water!

13. Who are you in your group of friends? I am the reformer 

14. Only child or surrounded by siblings? I'm the youngest with two older sisters

15. Flip flops or sneakers? Flip flops or barefoot would be even better!  

16. What's your favorite time of year? fall or summer

17. Beach or pool? BEACH! 

18. If you were president, what would be the first thing you would do? Pray! :)

19. Junk or healthy food? I want to say healthy, but I have a HUGE sweet tooth too.

20. What's the best thing that has happened to you until this moment? I came to know the depth of my sin and yet the even greater depth of God's grace and love for me

May 2019, featuring.............. Barb Clark

Thank you, Mrs. Barb Clark, for all of your years of commitment. You will be greatly missed. Best of Luck!

We are saddened but thankful for the time Mrs. Clark has dedicated to our staff and students here at SJPS. As many might know, this is Mrs. Clark's last year as she is retiring. She is approaching the last couple weeks of her career. So, as we get ready to send her off on retirement, we wanted to share a little about her life and career throughout the years.

Mrs. Clark has been teaching for 40 years. She began at Duck Creek School in North Muskegon, K-6, for a half of year (Jan. 1979) in a portable classroom.  They handed her a Dick and Jane book--nothing else.  So, Mrs. Clark generously bought her own books. Following this position she began at New Buffalo Jr-Senior High School:  teaching all core classes, 7-8, for 8 years (1979-1987.) After this experience she started here at St. Jospeh Public Schools. She was at Upton MS for 27 years (1987-2014) and St. Joseph High School from January, 1990-1991 and again at the High School for 5 year (2014-2019.) Mrs. Clark majored in special education of the mentally impaired and English. Her masters is in Learning Disabilities and her favorite subject to teach is English.

 

Mrs. Clark has been married to her husband, Bob, for 34 years. He is the treasure for Lake Township. She also has twin sons, Eric and Rob who are 30 years old. Eric is working on his PhD in Neuroscience research.  He is married to Nicole, who has her PhD in Cognitive Behavior research. Rob does data analysis at Ally Bank in Detroit and is working on his masters.  He is getting married to Kristie this summer.  She is an optometrist in Canada.

During retirement, Mrs Clark plans to continue her current hobbies such as walking, hiking, and camping. She and her husband just bought a camper and have four trips in Michigan planned. She plans to continue doing aerobics, three times a week, at her favorite place, Weko Beach, in Bridgman. As you would expect, Mrs. Clark  loves reading and belongs to two book groups. She is  also planning to visit family members in Maine and Texas and wants to visit Slovakia, where her maternal grandparents were born. 

Best of luck to Mrs. Clark in the next chapter of her life, take care. Please read on to learn more about Mrs. Barb Clark!

Favorite songs: "Your Raise Me Up"  by Josh Groban and "What Doesn't Kill ,You Makes You Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson

Favorite Color:  Blue

Favorite Food:  Santaniello's lasagna  and chocolate

Water or soda: Water

My favorite book from childhood:  A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.

Where did you grow up: Muskegon

Siblings: 4th of 6 kids

Friends: Husband, two friends she has known for 40 years, and her moms-of-twins friends that she has known for 30 year.

Best gift given to me:  Third grade teacher bought her glasses and sent her to summer school.  

Best gift I have given:  Books, sharing the love of reading

How I would like to be remembered:  As Someone who cared about all students and believed they could succeed. Modernizing special education at Upton, from self-contained to inclusion (least restrictive) and using the regular classroom materials instead of workbooks.  Being a part of Battle of the Books for 26 years with her special education students.  Having the first special ed student as captain and students on the winning team.    

Favorite Sayings:  "It may not be easy, but it will be worth it." and  "Difficult times can define you, diminish you or develop you."

April 2019, featuring............. Melissa Leffler-Greenhaw

Melissa Leffler-Greenhaw

Melissa's parents settled in Berrien Springs, MI when her Dad received a position as a Professor of Old Testament Theology at Andrews University.  Melissa was born in St. Joseph, MI as the youngest sibling to her brother Michael and sister Marlena.  Her Mom was able to stay home and returned to her career as an elementary teacher when Melissa was in 2nd grade.  She grew up in Berrien Springs, and completed a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Andrews University. That summer she and her then husband moved to Troy where her teaching career began.  During this time frame she moved to various places in MI due to pursuing her husband's educational path.  At this time Melissa began her Masters Degree as well and completed the degree in 2000 from MSU. Melissa taught in various elementary grade levels during this time frame. She was blessed with their first son, Joshua, at age 28 and decided to become a stay at home Mom. Not very far after they were blessed with Brendan and Caleb.  Almost 11 years ago, due to changes in her life, she decided to relocate back to Berrien Springs.

Melissa was always interested in special education and due to her oldest son's diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 3, it became more personal. Melissa felt she should pursue this as her career. She decided to add an endorsement to become a special education teacher.  

Melissa has worked in the St. Joseph District for almost 7 years.  Last but not least, there was a special person, Brian that entered her life over 4 years ago and they just got married December 22, 2018.  Thank you, Melissa for your dedication to SJPS, we appreciate you. Please read on to learn more about Melissa Leffler-Greenhaw.

Favorite Color - Black - I wear tons of black clothes.  I have had a student share with me, "Are you actually wearing another color besides black?"

Best phase of my life - 

All of them.  Even though I don't want to relive any of the challenging phases in my life, I feel that they all have helped me become the person I am today.

How do I want to be remembered - 

I want to be known as a caring and passionate person. This gives me the drive for everyday life at home with family and friends and in my career with colleagues and students. A person that appreciates all sorts of people regardless of race, gender and socioeconomic background, etc.  An individual that cares deeply for others and this in turn impacts all decisions that I make and continue to make.  That I truly want the people in my life to find contentment, peace and believe in themselves.  I feel the greatest joy is not receiving but giving back.  Anyone can give back to others in many different ways and that truly is what makes this world a better place.  I believe we are all special and unique individuals that have a purpose in our lives.

Hobby - 

I do enjoy traveling and spending time with family.

Important trait - 

honesty

Favorite Subject - 

teaching students how to read and math

Favorite piece of clothing - 

Leggings - They are super comfortable and you feel like you are cheating because they are almost as comfy as PJs.

Favorite Food - 

Italian

Favorite Drink- 

Water

Siblings

I am the youngest sibling.  I have an older brother, Michael and a sister, Marlena.

Sneakers or Flip Flops

Flip Flops

Time of Year - 

A beautiful sunny fall day!

Beach or Pool - 

I enjoy listening to the water, looking at the scenery, relaxing in a comfortable chair under an umbrella while watching people and/or reading a book.

In 10 years . . . . 

I see myself still enjoying the relationships I have at present, making new ones and building upon them, teaching students and traveling to various places.

Junk food or healthy food - 

I try to be healthy but do enjoy junk food.  Ice cream is probably the best junk food ever!

Three Wishes:

1) That everyone in my family and whom I am blessed to know in my life are content, healthy and happy.

2) That my kids find a career that they enjoy and find fulfillment doing.

3) That everyone would have the qualities of being selfless (thinking of others before ourselves), believe they are unique and special and in turn reach out to others to make a better world!

ONE of the Many Awesome Things that has happened to me RECENTLY - 

My Family Expanded - I got married to Brian - December 22, 2018.

March 2019, featuring................Kelly Mathey

Kelly Mathey, has been teaching special education for almost 27 years. Kelly started in an Elementary Resource room in Paw Paw where she taught for 3 years. She then took a job in Coloma and was there for 1 year. After her time in Coloma Kelly taught at the Lighthouse Education Center for 7 years then Benton Harbor for 3 years. Eventually making her way here, to St. Joseph Public Schools where she has settled in for 13 years. Kelly has two biological children: Ryan (24) and Kelsey (22). Kelly is married to, as she puts it, "the most amazing man in the whole world!" She also has a Bonus Son, Carson, who is in the 4th grade. Kelly loves her job and her life in general, stating, "I couldn't be happier, every day is a gift, and I am so very grateful." Thank you, Kelly, for your continued commitment to our staff and students, SJPS is proud to have you as part of our dynamic team. Please read below and get to know Kelly!

1. Favorite meme?   Life is 10% of what happens and 90% how you respond

2. What's your favorite movie?  The Notebook

3. Favorite song?   What If by Kane Brown

4. Favorite color?  Pink

5. Favorite book?  The Shack

6. Which has been the best phase of your life?  Right now!

7. Biggest fear? Being buried or burned alive

8. How would you like to be remembered? That I made you feel special

9. Best present you have ever received? A surprise trip to see my daughter in San Diego

10. Best present you have ever given? A surprise birthday trip for my husband to Key West with his best friends

11. Would you ever change your name, and if so, what would your new one be?  Kaylee

12. If you were a dinosaur, which one would you be? A plant eating one

13. Do you have a hobby?  Scuba diving

14. What do you consider is the most important trait in a person? Kindness

15. What's your favorite subject to teach? Reading

16. What's your favorite piece of clothing? Yoga pants

17. Favorite food? REALLY good sushi or Poke bowl

18. Water or soda? Water

19. Who are you in your group of friends? The Designated Driver - hahaha

20. Only child or surrounded by siblings? The oldest of 6

21. Flip flops or sneakers? Flip Flops!!

22. What's your favorite time of year?  Summer

23. Beach or pool?  Beach - on the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean

24. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Retired in the Destin, FL area

25. If you were president, what would be the first thing you would do?  Figure out a logical way to provide Healthcare for ALL (TAX the 1% big-time)

26. Three wishes?  My children to live long, healthy, happy lives.

To get paid to travel. To live a very long, happy, and healthy life, and die in my sleep next to my adorable hubby.

27. Junk or healthy food? Healthy

28. What's the best thing that has happened to you until this moment? Falling in love with my incredible husband.

February 2019, featuring...........Ryan Vree

Ryan Vree

Secondary Resource Room Teacher 

St. Joseph High School

Ryan Vree is a teacher for special education at St. Joesph High School. Ryan is originally from Jenison, Michigan.  He has lived in St. Joseph for 12 years and LOVES it.  This school year is Ryan's 13th year of teaching. He is currently in his 2nd year of teaching at St. Joseph High School.  He taught for 11 years at Bangor High School.  His wife, Megan, is also a teacher, teaching 2nd grade.  Ryan has 3 children:  Hayden 8, Liam 5 & Norah 2 and a dog name Charlie.  He from Western Michigan University...Go Broncos!  This is also Ryan's 13th season of coaching wrestling in both the Varsity and middle school levels. It is an absolute pleasure having Ryan as part our team at St. Joseph High School. Read below to get to know Ryan a little better!

1. What's your favorite movie?  Dumb and Dumber 

2. Favorite song?  “Plush,” Stone temple pilots

3. Favorite color?- blue

4. Favorite book? “Big Shot” by Chris Paul  

5. Which has been the best phase of your life? - I really enjoyed the freedoms of being college-aged  :)

9.  Biggest fear?-  that I won’t see a Detroit Lions  super bowl in my lifetime :(

10. How would you like to be remembered?  -  as a someone who smiled a lot and was a good listener.

11. Would you ever change your name, and if so, what would your new one be?- No!  My name is only 8 letters and people can usually pronounce it.  I’ll take it!

12. Do you have a hobby? - anytime I can get out and do physical activity outside, I am a happy person  

13. What do you consider is the most important trait in a person?- being a good listener 

14. What's your favorite subject to teach? math and PE  

15. What's your favorite piece of clothing? I probably have too many shoes and hats

16. Favorite food? Pot roast, mashed potatoes and mayonnaise salad (made by my mom)

17. Water or soda? Sparkling water (I drink 3-4 each day)

18. Who are you in your group of friends? The shortest guy

19. Only child or surrounded by siblings? Middle child of 3 boys  

20. Flip flops or sneakers? Flip flops

21. What's your favorite time of year?  I LOVE  the summer weather 

22. Beach or pool?  Pool 

23. How do you see yourself in 10 years?-  hopefully healthy and still doing what I enjoy doing  

24. If you were president, what would be the first thing you would do?  Start looking for a new job  

25. Junk or healthy food?  Healthy food with a chocolate chip cookie for desert 

26. What's the best thing that has happened to you until this moment? Each moment I added a new person to my family  

January 2019, featuring.......Anne MacDonald

Mrs. Anne MacDonald has been teaching for St. Joseph Public Schools since August of 1998. Her 20 years of dedication have been greatly appreciated. Anne is married and a Mother of two sons. Not only is Anne a loyal staff member, she is also an active member of the community and a graduate of St. Joseph High School. When asked by colleagues what they admire most about Anne, their responses were very similar. Anne is very caring, strong willed and an advocate for all students. Anne always puts students best interests first and she will go the extra mile no matter what. It is safe to say that Anne is respected by staff and adored by her students. Thank you for all of your years of dedication, Anne. 

1. What is your favorite Movie?
     Dr. Zhivago

2. Favorite Song?
     September by Earth, Wind, and Fire and Pachelbel Canon

3.  Favorite Book!
     Nicholas and Alexandria

4.  What has been the best phase of your Life?
     My 20's were great, but I think now is the best phase of my life

5.  Biggest Fear?
     Not being around to see my kids grown and happy

6.  How would you like to be remembered?
     Caring, honest and a good Mother

7.  Would you ever change your name, and if so, what would your new one be?
     I wouldn't change my name

8.  Do you have a hobby?
     Sewing

9.  What do you consider is the most important trait in a person?
     Honesty and integrity

10.  What's your favorite subject to teach?
     Math

11.  Favorite food?
     Scallops

12.  Water or Soda?
     Water

13.  Who are your group of friends?
     Cindy, Pat, Pam, Jen, Barb, but I love my friends at Upton

14.  Only child or surrounded by siblings?
     Youngest of 4 children

15.  Flip flops or sneakers?
     Flip Flops

16.  What's your favorite time of year?
     Summer/Fall

17.  Beach or Pool?
     Pool

18.  How do you see yourself in ten years?
     Retired and enjoying traveling around the country

19.  Junk or Healthy food?
     Both

20.  What's the best thing that has ever happened to you?
     My family, friends and having a job I love