MHS Principal - Mark Bensinger

Email: mbensinger@rivervalleyschools.org

Phone: 269-756-7619

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Hello River Valley Community,

I am excited to serve as your new Middle/High School Principal. My name is Mark Bensinger, and I’ve been enjoying every moment since my journey here began on April 9th. My career has been diverse and enriching, encompassing roles from a police officer to educator to building principal, and even a stint as a real estate agent in central Michigan following two back surgeries. I served Olivet Middle School as building principal for 4 years, I served a year as the DeWitt Jr. High AP/AD, 4 years as principal of Dewitt's 5-6 building, Herbison Woods School, and a school year at Blended Learning Academy's Credit Recovery HS in DeWitt Twp. as Build Leader.

This varied background has provided me with a broad perspective on leadership, where respect, responsibility, high expectations, and community engagement are paramount. I am dedicated to fostering an environment where every student and staff member feels valued and empowered to learn and improve. Together with our capable team, including Assistant Principal Jason Oetjens, Athletic Director Colby Caid, and other office staff we are focusing on enhancing instructional leadership and nurturing a positive school climate and culture of high expectations coupled with the support to achieve.

On a personal note, my family is deeply connected to this beautiful region. We spent over 10 years enjoying summers on Lake Michigan in the Silver Lake area when the kids were younger. My son is turning 21 soon, and my daughter, a junior at Waverly High School, will be graduating next year. We plan to move closer to the community once she graduates. We do have a home to sell in Dimondale and a few things that need to be done over this next year, but they are not huge. In the meantime, I’m staying at the Lakeside Inn and planning to find a transitional apartment this fall. (Keep me in mind for the fall if you have a condo or other rental!) I am looking forward to deepening our connections and working together to inspire our students to learn and grow in a supportive and dynamic school environment! Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 517-646-7149, or mbensinger@rivervalleyschools.org.

Warm regards,

Mark Bensinger

MHS Assistant Principal - Mr. Jason Oetjens

Ph. 269-756-7872

e-mail: joetjens@rivervalleyschools.org

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Hello Mustangs!

My name is Jason Oetjens, and I’m the new assistant principal of the River Valley Middle/High School! I feel so blessed to be here!

I'm very excited to make this move as I have been working towards this for a long time. So a little bit about me, I'm originally from the eastside of Michigan and grew up in Milan. I'm a HUGE Detroit sports and U of M fan and will talk sports for hours with anyone! I'm also a huge comic book and Funko Pop collector which drives my wife crazy, but it's an enjoyable part of my life especially if I'm on the hunt for a certain piece. Additionally I’m big into gaming and going to comic cons with my family.

My wife Amy and I will be married 19 years this coming December, and we have had many wonderful adventures together throughout the years, and more to come! She teaches at Paw Paw High School where her classes include teaching Chemistry and Forensics. We have 3 kiddos, Alec who turned 25 last week, Lucas (LT for short) will be 18 next month, and Abbie will be 16 in April. Along with our kids we have 3 dogs (2 Great Pyrenees and a Beagle) and 6 cats, so our house is quite full!

My education career has spanned the better part of 17 years, 15 of those in the classroom teaching American and World History. I've taught here in Michigan as well as Katy, Texas which I have to say has been a blessing. Teaching in Texas really brought out the desire to become a administrator to further serve both teachers and students. You will hear me say that a lot as I love to serve the school community. For the past 2 years I’ve been the director of the Watervliet WAY Program. I’ve also coached Varsity Girls Soccer in Watervliet, as well as in Milan and Dundee which are on the eastside of the state.

I feel very fortunate to have been given this opportunity to serve the staff, students and families of River Valley Middle/High School, and I can’t wait to get started!

Go Mustangs!

Jason Oetjens

Athletic Director/Activities Director - Mr. Colby Caid

e-mail: ccaid@rivervalleyschools.org

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Hello Mustang Country!

My name is Colby Caid and I am the new Athletic Director and Activities Director at River Valley

Middle/High School. I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve our

students in this new role. I was previously the PE/Health Teacher here at River Valley for 12

years and have had many coaching positions over the years - ranging from varsity baseball,

middle school basketball, middle school track and most recently our high school strength coach.

Over those years I have developed countless positive relationships with our students and I am

very excited to keep developing those relationships as the Athletic Director and Activities Director.

On a personal level, I am happily married to my wife, Tabitha, and would not be in this position

without her support. We have two wonderful children, Chloe and Colton who both attend River

Valley. Our kids are actually third generation Mustangs. My mom, my dad, my wife, and I all

graduated from River Valley and I cannot wait to say that my children did too. Needless to say,

the Caid family bleeds navy and white! I am also an avid Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers fan

but really love all sports. I am yet to come across a sport I do not enjoy playing - competition is

fun!

I feel blessed to be a part of such an amazing community and look forward to continuing to grow

as a Mustang!

WeAreRV!!

-Colby Caid