CONTACT US
Gail Bliss
Gail Bliss
Home School Liaison/Program Director
gail.bliss@nilesschools.org
Office - (269) 262-4505 ext10055 Cell - (574) 340-1025 FAX - (269) 684-9532
(If you use one of the other District Phone numbers, the extension is 10055)
CONTACT GAIL FOR: Any question
I received my MBA through Bethel University and my BA in Business through Taylor University. I have home-schooled for over 20 years. My husband and four children have enjoyed the wonderful experiences we have had on our homeschool journey. All of my children have pursued higher education and are now employed in their chosen professions. Each has been extremely individual and I have enjoyed playing a part in their journey to adulthood and beyond. My own history included being home-schooled, attending private school and attending public school. My experiences growing up as a "Missionary Kid" have ingrained in me an insight into the many ways to learn. Nothing warms my heart more than to see people excited in their learning. We want to help you keep that excitement in your children's learning experience.
I have always believed in the potential of parents partnering with local school districts and was honored to be given the ability to participate in Niles Virtual School. Each child has been created to be unique works of art and our aim is to come alongside you to help you develop your children's skills and talents. Who knows...maybe some day one of our children might discover the next ground breaking technology because of a Lego robotics course they took or become the next Picasso due to an art class that introduced them to a world they never even knew.
Home School Liaison/Program Director
gail.bliss@nilesschools.org
Office - (269) 262-4505 ext10055 Cell - (574) 340-1025 FAX - (269) 684-9532
(If you use one of the other District Phone numbers, the extension is 10055)
CONTACT GAIL FOR: Any question
I received my MBA through Bethel University and my BA in Business through Taylor University. I have home-schooled for over 20 years. My husband and four children have enjoyed the wonderful experiences we have had on our homeschool journey. All of my children have pursued higher education and are now employed in their chosen professions. Each has been extremely individual and I have enjoyed playing a part in their journey to adulthood and beyond. My own history included being home-schooled, attending private school and attending public school. My experiences growing up as a "Missionary Kid" have ingrained in me an insight into the many ways to learn. Nothing warms my heart more than to see people excited in their learning. We want to help you keep that excitement in your children's learning experience.
I have always believed in the potential of parents partnering with local school districts and was honored to be given the ability to participate in Niles Virtual School. Each child has been created to be unique works of art and our aim is to come alongside you to help you develop your children's skills and talents. Who knows...maybe some day one of our children might discover the next ground breaking technology because of a Lego robotics course they took or become the next Picasso due to an art class that introduced them to a world they never even knew.
Angie Pingel
Coordinator - Full Time Learners
Angie.Pingel@nilesschools.org
CONTACT ANGIE FOR: Full time enrollment
Coordinator - Full Time Learners
Angie.Pingel@nilesschools.org
CONTACT ANGIE FOR: Full time enrollment
Mechelle Gilford (a.k.a. Mrs. Gilly)
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
mechelle.gilford@nilesschools.org
CONTACT MECHELLE FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors."
Hello! This is my 20th year teaching. I am excited to be your art teacher. I am an artist and love art. I graduated from the University of Florida. My husband and I are happy to be back in the Midwest. I love to cook and learn new recipes. I am looking forward to learning more about you too and looking forward to seeing all your wonderful artwork!
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
mechelle.gilford@nilesschools.org
CONTACT MECHELLE FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors."
Hello! This is my 20th year teaching. I am excited to be your art teacher. I am an artist and love art. I graduated from the University of Florida. My husband and I are happy to be back in the Midwest. I love to cook and learn new recipes. I am looking forward to learning more about you too and looking forward to seeing all your wonderful artwork!
Kelly Flenar
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record for full-time virtual students K-8
Kelly.Flenar@nilesschools.org
CONTACT KELLY FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors."
Hello, my name is Kelly Hall Flenar. I am an Honors Graduate of Niles High School. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in education from Western Michigan University and my Master of Science degree in education from Indiana University, South Bend. I earned an additional 51 hours from Valparaiso University, Andrews University, and Western Michigan University. I have taught 34 years in the classroom for Niles Community Schools teaching various grades and subjects. This will begin my 3rd year teaching online. I have two children who also graduated with honors from Niles High School, two terrific grandchildren attending Niles currently, and two beautiful and wild puppies at home.
I look forward to working with you on your online educational journey.
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record for full-time virtual students K-8
Kelly.Flenar@nilesschools.org
CONTACT KELLY FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors."
Hello, my name is Kelly Hall Flenar. I am an Honors Graduate of Niles High School. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in education from Western Michigan University and my Master of Science degree in education from Indiana University, South Bend. I earned an additional 51 hours from Valparaiso University, Andrews University, and Western Michigan University. I have taught 34 years in the classroom for Niles Community Schools teaching various grades and subjects. This will begin my 3rd year teaching online. I have two children who also graduated with honors from Niles High School, two terrific grandchildren attending Niles currently, and two beautiful and wild puppies at home.
I look forward to working with you on your online educational journey.
Mary Landgraf
Mary Landgraf
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
mary.landgraf@nilesschools.org
CONTACT MARY FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors." / All questions from her homeroom students /
Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
mary.landgraf@nilesschools.org
CONTACT MARY FOR: All questions about the classes she "teacher mentors." / All questions from her homeroom students /
Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
- Graduated from Saint Mary's College with a BA degree with a major in Social Studies and minor in English and a secondary teaching license
- Earned a master's degree in the Art of Classroom Teaching from Michigan State University
- Earned her elementary teaching endorsement from Andrews University
- Taught English and Social Science in Niles Community Schools for 34 years
- Was the At-Risk Coordinator at Niles High School for five years
- Has taught or is teaching at Bethel College, Lake Michigan College, and Southwestern Michigan College
- Is the Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record for Niles Virtual School
- Is currently a teacher for the Niles Adult Education Program and the WAY program
Jared March
Jared March
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
jared.march@nilesschools.org
CONTACT JARED FOR: All questions about the classes he "teacher mentors." / All questions from his homeroom students /
Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I'm a K-12 home school graduate who earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from WMU, and decided to come back and teach home schoolers through West Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts. At WMHFA, I teach 4 concert bands, a jazz band, 2 brass ensembles and the Northern Lights Marching Band. I also am the music director of the Gull Lake Partnership as well as a Mentor teacher for the Niles Virtual School. I play keys in the indie rock band Michigander and enjoy rock climbing, biking and scuba diving.
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
jared.march@nilesschools.org
CONTACT JARED FOR: All questions about the classes he "teacher mentors." / All questions from his homeroom students /
Any general partnership questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
I'm a K-12 home school graduate who earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from WMU, and decided to come back and teach home schoolers through West Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts. At WMHFA, I teach 4 concert bands, a jazz band, 2 brass ensembles and the Northern Lights Marching Band. I also am the music director of the Gull Lake Partnership as well as a Mentor teacher for the Niles Virtual School. I play keys in the indie rock band Michigander and enjoy rock climbing, biking and scuba diving.
Josh Rinehart
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
josh.rinehart@nilesschools.org
CONTACT JOSH FOR: All questions about the classes he "teacher mentors." / All questions from his homeroom students / Any general NVS questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
Bachelors of Science / K-12 Certification in Physical Education
I am a lifetime resident of Southwest Michigan. I graduated from Edwardsburg High School and earned my BA at Western Michigan University. I am married with three kids; Jaxon 8, Ellie 2 and Kellen 1. As a family we enjoy traveling with Ocracoke Island and Disney World as our favorite destinations. In the summer we like to kayak and BBQ and spend as much time outside as possible. I have had several teaching assignments over the years I have taught a careers class at Ross Beatty High School in Cassopolis, worked with WAY in Niles and currently teach 7-12 Physical Education at Brandywine Jr/Sr high. My first teaching job was as an Elementary Physical Education teacher in Avondale, AZ. Along with teaching I have coached several sports at the youth and varsity levels. I am currently coaching my sons youth baseball team and look forward to watching his development as a player.
Mentor Teacher/Teacher of Record
josh.rinehart@nilesschools.org
CONTACT JOSH FOR: All questions about the classes he "teacher mentors." / All questions from his homeroom students / Any general NVS questions / Any general questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp.
Bachelors of Science / K-12 Certification in Physical Education
I am a lifetime resident of Southwest Michigan. I graduated from Edwardsburg High School and earned my BA at Western Michigan University. I am married with three kids; Jaxon 8, Ellie 2 and Kellen 1. As a family we enjoy traveling with Ocracoke Island and Disney World as our favorite destinations. In the summer we like to kayak and BBQ and spend as much time outside as possible. I have had several teaching assignments over the years I have taught a careers class at Ross Beatty High School in Cassopolis, worked with WAY in Niles and currently teach 7-12 Physical Education at Brandywine Jr/Sr high. My first teaching job was as an Elementary Physical Education teacher in Avondale, AZ. Along with teaching I have coached several sports at the youth and varsity levels. I am currently coaching my sons youth baseball team and look forward to watching his development as a player.
SUPPORT STAFF
Heather Krenk
Heather Krenk
Accounts Payable / Community Expert Liaison / Mentor / Technical Support
heather.krenk@nilesschools.org
Cell - (269) 587-0154
CONTACT HEATHER FOR: All questions regarding the website / Questions regarding Community Experts / Any NVS questions / Any questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp / Mentoring
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University majoring in criminal justice and sociology. After working as a counselor and administrator in the field of community corrections for a decade, I left full-time employment to raise my family. My husband and I have five children, all of whom have been home schooled, generally during middle and high school. During my time at home I have owned and operated two business, volunteered, and written four books. Currently, I have my hands full home-schooling our youngest child, supporting three children at university, renovating our house, and continuing my volunteer work. I enjoy kayaking, genealogy, gardening, the outdoors, learning new things, and solving problems.
Accounts Payable / Community Expert Liaison / Mentor / Technical Support
heather.krenk@nilesschools.org
Cell - (269) 587-0154
CONTACT HEATHER FOR: All questions regarding the website / Questions regarding Community Experts / Any NVS questions / Any questions regarding Canvas or GoSignMeUp / Mentoring
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University majoring in criminal justice and sociology. After working as a counselor and administrator in the field of community corrections for a decade, I left full-time employment to raise my family. My husband and I have five children, all of whom have been home schooled, generally during middle and high school. During my time at home I have owned and operated two business, volunteered, and written four books. Currently, I have my hands full home-schooling our youngest child, supporting three children at university, renovating our house, and continuing my volunteer work. I enjoy kayaking, genealogy, gardening, the outdoors, learning new things, and solving problems.
Valerie Sandoval
Registrar/Mentor
valerie.sandoval@nilesschools.org
Registrar/Mentor
valerie.sandoval@nilesschools.org
CONTACT VALERIE FOR: Enrollment at NVS/Her Homeroom
I have lived in Southwest Michigan my whole life and have been a stay at home mom for the past 14 years. I am married and we have 2 sons who both attend Niles Schools. With the Covid-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to try virtual school with my children. While one did not enjoy it and chose to go back to in person learning, my other son excelled with virtual. It gave him a chance for individualized attention and he grew more independent and confident. I feel each learner is an individual and what works for one does not work for all. I am excited to be a part of the Niles virtual team and look forward to working with you and your student.
I have lived in Southwest Michigan my whole life and have been a stay at home mom for the past 14 years. I am married and we have 2 sons who both attend Niles Schools. With the Covid-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to try virtual school with my children. While one did not enjoy it and chose to go back to in person learning, my other son excelled with virtual. It gave him a chance for individualized attention and he grew more independent and confident. I feel each learner is an individual and what works for one does not work for all. I am excited to be a part of the Niles virtual team and look forward to working with you and your student.
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Tracy Shemanski
Mentor tracy.shemanski@nilesschools.org |
CONTACT VALERIE FOR: Her Homeroom
Hello, my name is Tracy. I am here to help assist you with your classes at Niles. A little about myself. My past experiences are in the education and telecommunications fields. I am a homeschooling mom of 2 amazing kids. In my free time I enjoy going on nature trails, playing games and baking yummy treats with my family.
Hello, my name is Tracy. I am here to help assist you with your classes at Niles. A little about myself. My past experiences are in the education and telecommunications fields. I am a homeschooling mom of 2 amazing kids. In my free time I enjoy going on nature trails, playing games and baking yummy treats with my family.
PARTNERSHIP INFORMATION
The Partnership Office is located at Oak Manor located at One Tyler St, Niles, MI 49120
GPS address: 2120 20th Place, Niles, MI 49120
FAX: (269) 684-9532
MAILING ADDRESS:
Niles Virtual School
ATT: Gail Bliss
1 Tyler Street
Niles, MI 49120
Office hours:
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
These are general office hours, you may want to contact us before you come as we may be in a meeting
or on a visit. Please feel free to make an appointment.
Gail is able to meet with you in your home, at a coffee shop, the library or at the office.
GPS address: 2120 20th Place, Niles, MI 49120
FAX: (269) 684-9532
MAILING ADDRESS:
Niles Virtual School
ATT: Gail Bliss
1 Tyler Street
Niles, MI 49120
Office hours:
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
These are general office hours, you may want to contact us before you come as we may be in a meeting
or on a visit. Please feel free to make an appointment.
Gail is able to meet with you in your home, at a coffee shop, the library or at the office.