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 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

Ph. 269-756-7872

e-mail: heather.briney-kelm@rivervalleyschools.org

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Hello, my name is Heather Briney-Kelm, but everyone calls me Mrs. BK! I live in St. Joseph with my husband, son and two Dalmatians. My daughter attends Lake Superior State University and plays volleyball for the Lakers!  I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College where I played basketball and softball for the Saints. I received my Masters degree from Western Michigan University. During my teaching years, I served as an elementary classroom teacher, mentor, student council advisor and have served on many leadership committees as well as acting principal when mine was away. I have been teaching and coaching for over 28 years and I continue to challenge myself for the benefit of all of the lives that I touch every day.  I genuinely care about my students, parents and staff and enjoy leading them to new successes! My vision is to provide an environment where everyone feels welcome and is happy to come to school everyday. I commit to coming daily with a smile on my face! I am so excited to join the Mustang family!

My Motto:  “Create positivity one person at a time!”

Mrs. BK