Glenn School Eagle Post

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!

There is something truly special about starting a new school year at Glenn Public School. In a small school like ours, we have the opportunity to know our students well, celebrate their individual strengths, and build strong relationships with families and our community. I am so excited to welcome our Glenn Eagles back through our doors!

Each morning, I look forward to greeting students with a Hug, High Five, or Handshake. Those little moments of connection matter. They help us build relationships and remind our students that they are known, valued, and cared for at Glenn. Almost all of our Glenn staff members have been trained in Capturing Kids’ Hearts, a program focused on social-emotional well-being, relationship-building, student connectedness, and creating a positive school culture.

One of the most meaningful parts of this work is our classroom Social Contracts. Students have the opportunity to help establish expectations for how they want to treat one another and how they want their classroom community to feel. This gives students ownership of their learning environment while helping them understand that they are responsible for their words, choices, and actions. Of course, we also have schoolwide and playground expectations that help keep our Glenn community safe, respectful, and welcoming for everyone.

September is a busy and exciting month! For our students to have a successful year, establishing routines at home and at school is extremely helpful. A few simple routines can make a BIG difference: Empty backpacks every day. Check folders for important notes, forms, or homework. Prepare lunches and water bottles the night before. Your morning self will thank you! Have clothing and outdoor gear ready to go. Sweatshirts, rain boots, jackets, and other outdoor gear are important, especially at our nature rich school! Establish a consistent bedtime and morning routine. Well-rested students are ready to learn and enjoy their day at Glenn.

Speaking of our Nature Rich school, we ask that students have a pair of “inside shoes” to wear during the school day and a separate pair of shoes or boots for outdoor adventures. We love getting outside at Glenn, but we also want to take care of our beautiful school building and floors!

One of the things that makes Glenn special is the way our students and families look beyond our own school community to help others. During September, we will be collecting donations for the Al-Van Humane Society in South Haven. Students, families, and community members are invited to bring donations and place them under our Giving Tree in the main entryway. Some of the items needed include: Dog and cat food, Cat litter, Dog and cat toys, Paper towels, Trash bags, Other items from their wish list. You can find the complete wish list at Al-Van Humane Society. Thank you for helping our Glenn Eagles show kindness and compassion to animals and families in our community!

At Glenn, “Readers Are Leaders!” Each month, every student will receive a FREE, grade-appropriate book to help build their own in-home library. We want our students to develop a love of reading and have books available at home that they are excited to read. We encourage every student to read for 15–20 minutes each day. Read with your child, have them read to you, listen to an audiobook together, or simply give them time to explore a book they enjoy. Every minute counts! And don't forget about our local libraries! They are fantastic resources for discovering new books, authors, and topics. There is a whole world waiting to be explored through reading!

Keeping our students safe is always our top priority. During drop-off and pick-up, please make sure your child enters and exits the vehicle from the passenger side. This is the safest location for our students and our Safety Patrol members. If you need to get out of your vehicle, please park in a designated parking space or across the street at the church. We need to keep the traffic moving so that everyone can arrive and leave safely. Thank you for helping us keep our Glenn Eagles safe!

Our school board meetings are another great way for families and community members to stay connected to what is happening at Glenn Public School. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. We will provide FREE childcare with Ms. Victoria during the meetings so that families can attend. Come learn more about our policies, procedures, goals, finances, programs, and all of the exciting things happening at Glenn. We will also recognize a student each month through our “Student Spotlight.”

Enjoy these last few days of summer!

Sincerely,

Jamie Walle
Superintendent/Principal
Glenn Public School

This is my 4th year teaching at Glenn Public School. Prior to teaching at Glenn I was the Reading Interventionist at Hamilton Elementary School. I was blessed to stay at home with my children while they were young but prior to that I taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grades.

I have 3 kids. Eli is in his 3rd year of college at GVSU, Ben is in 12th grade and Grayce is in 7th grade. They all keep me very busy but I cherish this because it goes by so fast!

I have been an educator for 25 years. I have taught for the US Navy, Davenport University, and this is my 20th year here at Glenn. Currently, I am the Math Interventionist; however, I help with anything and anyone who needs assistance. I continue to work with kids because I love it and enjoy helping them become lifelong learners. I feel lucky to have had so many outstanding students. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, kids, and 7 grandkids. I also enjoy sewing and traveling. This will be my last year teaching, and I will make this an amazing year. Thank you for letting me have the opportunity to educate your children.

Hello! My name is Alena Kupres, and I’m excited to join Glenn School once again this year as the K–5 Music Teacher! I grew up and still live with my family on a beautiful farm in Fennville; I attended Fennville Elementary then Saugatuck Middle and High School before getting my bachelors from

Grand Valley State University.

I’m thrilled to be in such a unique, nature-focused school so close to home. I bring to my classroom a lifelong love of music, having been a full-force goofy band kid all throughout middle and high school (shoutout clarinets!). Along with this comes a natural sprinkling of random trivia, vocabulary, and the tendency to turn sidebars into life-lessons. In music class, students will have opportunities to sing, move, play instruments, explore musical traditions, and develop their creativity and confidence through hands-on activities.

I’m looking forward to getting to know each student and making music class a fun,

welcoming place where everyone can participate, learn, and make some noise!

Hello! My name is Katie Jesser, and I teach Technology at Glenn School. I love helping students think creatively, solve problems, and discover all the ways they can be creators of technology, not just users. I hold degrees in Computer Information Systems and Language Arts/Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University. Glenn holds a special place in my heart. Three of my four boys attended school here, and even my grandma was once a Glenn student!

My name is Miss Victoria, and this is my fourth year working at Glenn as the Before and After School Care Aide. Throughout my time at Glenn, I have truly enjoyed working with young children and providing additional support, guidance, and attention to those who may need it. I have a natural ability to connect with children and help them feel comfortable, supported, and cared for.

I genuinely enjoy being part of the school community and having the opportunity to watch the children learn, grow, and build meaningful relationships. Being able to make a positive difference in a child’s day is something I value deeply, and I am grateful to be a part of the Glenn school community. I look forward to continuing to support our students and help create a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for them each day

Hi! I'm Jennifer Strebeck! I recently joined the team as the Executive Assistant. I'm excited to be part of the school community and look forward to getting to know everyone and supporting the students, staff, and families. Outside of work, I enjoy watching movies, reading, and of course, coffee! I'm married and have three kids, so family time is also a big part of my life.

I am a Business Development Manager and Sales Engineer for North America, Extruded Plastic Sheet Products. I attended Davenport University for Sales and Marketing. I've worked in Operations and Sales for 36 years. I also served 10 years in the US Air Force, both active and reserve, before returning to Michigan.

I am married with two children, and three grandchildren. When I'm not working I enjoy spending time with my family, boating, bicycling, hunting, fishing, and traveling.

This will be my 4th year on the board and I am running for re-election this fall. I found himself at Glenn School because my wife and children all attended. My family and I have been involved with the school for many years in various capacities. When the opportunity came up to learn more about the inner workings of the school and to serve in a larger role, I was very excited. I find the staff are vibrant, focused group of people to work with. I appreciate the expertise and dedication of all staff members and the way the students are cared for continue to inspire me.

Sarah Hogan is a learning and professional development leader who moved to Glenn in 2024 with her husband, Adam, and their daughters, Margot and Louise. She has served on the Glenn School Board since early 2025 and is Senior Director of Learning Strategy & Development at the California Society of CPAs, where she leads learning strategy, product development, leadership development, and new learning initiatives. With more than 15 years of experience in professional education, Sarah is passionate about lifelong learning, community engagement, and supporting Glenn School’s Nature Rich program.

Bradley Wolfe, a Pennsylvania native and Mechanical Engineering graduate from Trine University, works as a Mechanical Engineer at Midway Machine Technologies in Zeeland, designing custom commercial food processing equipment. He lives in Glenn with his wife, Kate, and son, Thomas, and enjoys house renovations, golfing, and contributing to his in-laws’ fruit farm.

I have lived in Glenn for about 11 years, and the surrounding area for many years.

I have an associated degree from Lake Michigan College. I am the office manager at Brush Enterprises, my husband’s repair shop in South Haven. We also run a small farm at our home. We’ve got about 70 beef cows, ranging from cute calves to mamas & bulls. During market season (April through October) you can also catch me at the Farmer’s Market (South Haven).

I have 3 wonderful children. My oldest joined the marines, and just began his fourth year. He is currently stationed in Japan. My daughter just graduated high school. My youngest is Parker, he is in 5th grade this year. He spent 4 years at Glenn, and just transitioned to Douglas for a bigger class before the middle school. He is the reason I came to Glenn. Outside of work and markets my kids keep me busy with sports: soccer, basketball, and baseball. I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Glenn is such an amazing place with a sense of community that can’t be found elsewhere. I encourage everyone to come on out to our board meetings, listen to what’s going on behind the day to day. I also encourage everyone to volunteer whenever possible, the PTC has my heart to