NEW STAFF. This year at Valley Heights we had the opportunity to welcome our new staff; Kelly Wilkens, Jasmine Colle, and Gregory Blake. Mrs. Wilkens was a former Valley Heights teacher in 2010. After a long break from teaching she has decided to come back to the Valley Heights family as the Junior High English teacher. Wilkens stated, “I used to play school when I was younger and make my poor brother sit and listen. Later my Mom became a teacher and that's when I knew this is what I was supposed to do.” After homeschooling for 9 years, Mrs. Wilkens explained that Valley Heights was calling her back, “It was time that I came back and worked with my former student and best friends. This school is like no other, we are truly family.”
Our next new staff member at Valley Heights is Jasmine Colle. Mrs. Colle has taken on the role as the new vocal and instrumental music teacher. She has been part of musical arts her entire life starting at the age of five. During college, Mrs. Colle was a member of the Pride of Wildcat Land, marching in the K-State Marching Band. Mrs. Colle added, “I wanted to teach band to youth because it is a life long skill.” Mrs. Colle admitted her admiration to Valley Heights because, “I loved the aspect of teaching all grades and seeing the growth from 5th grade to senior year.” One of her favorite parts about teaching Valley Heights band is, “The fun that everyone brings, either the sports they are involved in or art, it's fun to put it all together with the band.”
Our final new staff member is Gregory Blake. Mr. Blake is our new para in the Special Education department as a first year teacher. He went on to say, “I knew some people from Valley Heights, and when the job was open I knew it was the one.” He then stated, “I have always been called to help kids and I am excited to start here.” We are excited to invite these new staff members into our Valley Heights community and see the impact they bring to the kids.
Article by Eleanor Toerber