Principal's Corner

I am excited to be serving as the principal of DeWitt Middle School! I believe that helping all of our students to reach their fullest potential is a daily mission. I strive to not only help our students, but to get to know their individual interests, strengths, and challenges.

It has been my privilege to serve the DeWitt community for over 10 years in a variety of capacities as a teacher and administrator. I completed my undergraduate work in Science and Math education at Hope College and then started my career as an elementary teacher within the Zeeland Public School District. When my wife and I relocated to the mid-Michigan area I started with DeWitt Public Schools. I have always been impressed with the support that our schools receive from parents and other community members. I also value the high expectations that our parents have for their students and for the education that they receive during their journey through our schools. Middle-school students are at a critical stage in their lives and are going through so many changes that each day can be different from the next . I enjoy working with students as they navigate the many transitions, challenges, and joys of this stage of their life.

My wife Cari is an elementary music teacher in East Lansing and we are blessed with three children: Kaila, Alaina, and Davis. Outside of school, you can usually find me cheering for MSU, cheering for the New York Yankees, spending time with my family, and/or running.

I look forward to supporting the growth of all of our students, partnering with families, and moving the middle school forward! Please contact me at any time if you have questions about our programs or want to talk about your child's education.

I would first of all like to express my sincere excitement with regards to having the opportunity of working with the students, parents, and staff at DeWitt Middle School. As a former at-risk student myself, I fully understand the importance of helping adolescents take responsibility for their actions through cooperative discipline in order to ensure that each individual maximizes their true potential. I inherently believe that all children are good and are capable of accomplishing anything when they receive appropriate support both from home and at school through effective communication.

Prior to becoming an administrator, I was a social studies teacher for 10 years at the high school (9 in DeWitt) after earning my bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in 2005. I experienced first-hand the benefits of student-centered lessons through the use of differentiated instruction. Furthermore, I learned more than anything the importance of teaching the whole child holistically speaking, in order to meet the rigorous expectations set forth by the state. In 2012, I went on to earn my master’s degree from Spring Arbor in Curriculum and Instruction and have used this experience to serve on several committees within the district.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending my time with my loving wife Cheylo and daughter Aubrey. Additionally, I enjoy working out, snowboarding, golfing, spending time with friends, and watching sports. I am a huge Lions fan and hope someday that we will finally win a Superbowl (similarly to my family’s chances of winning the lottery I know!)

Parents, I know it can be challenging at times keeping up with everything with regards to your child’s progress. I also know from experience that asking the right questions about school is an art form in order to avoid the simplest responses from your child. Please remember, however, that you can monitor your child’s progress by seeing a teacher’s gradebook on-line through Infinite Campus. There is even an app for smart phones! Furthermore, be proactive and contact the teacher immediately if any concerns arise. Many of our talented staff have additional resources which can help reduce any potential anxiety. You can also find additional resources on topics ranging from social media, mental health, and academic resources on the main page of our school's website under the link parent tool kit.

In conclusion, I look forward to working with you and wish you and your family all of the best for this upcoming school year. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,