Kari Dykstra - Team 14
I've always known that I wanted a career where I could help people strive to better themselves and reach for their dreams.
I received my Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University with a major in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. Less than a year after graduation, the feeling that I was missing out on my true calling lead me back to begin classes at Grand Valley State University in order to get my teaching certificate. I continued taking classes there after receiving my certificate, and now hold a Master's of Education Degree.
My teaching career began in a nearby school district where I taught 7th and 8th grade science for one year and then first grade for one year. When the opportunity presented itself to begin teaching in Fruitport Community Schools, I couldn't imagine a better fit. The oldest of my three children was already a student at Beach Elementary, so I was well aware of the amazing, dedicated teachers, administrators, and staff. Now in my 8th year of teaching in FCS, I am deeply grateful that I get to help shape the future for the Fruitport children whom my family and I call our neighbors and friends.
Jamie Gustin - Team 13
I was born in Muskegon and love living so close to Lake Michigan! I am married to a wonderful man who is also a teacher. We have four beautiful children. Aaron is 14 years old and is in ninth, Braden is 13 years old and is in seventh grade, Kendall is 8 years old and is in third grade, and Sarah is 8 months old. My parents, in-laws and most of my extended family all live in this area. I love living so close to my family!
After I graduated from high school, I attended and graduated from Grand Valley State University. My first job was teaching in Hesperia, and I taught there for 6 years; then came to Fruitport. This will be my 17th year teaching. I have been blessed to be an early elementary teacher now for 10 years. Beach Elementary School is such a wonderful place to work and I have enjoyed getting to know all the caring, generous and friendly families and staff here at this school.
Aside from teaching, I also enjoy reading, spending time with my family, attending Bible studies, and bike riding. Every day I thank God for the many blessings in my life. Working with young children fills my heart with joy as I watch them grow into lifelong learners. They are true blessings and I feel called to work with them to help them become contributing citizens in our future society and community.
I've always known that I wanted a career where I could help people strive to better themselves and reach for their dreams.
I received my Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University with a major in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. Less than a year after graduation, the feeling that I was missing out on my true calling lead me back to begin classes at Grand Valley State University in order to get my teaching certificate. I continued taking classes there after receiving my certificate, and now hold a Master's of Education Degree.
My teaching career began in a nearby school district where I taught 7th and 8th grade science for one year and then first grade for one year. When the opportunity presented itself to begin teaching in Fruitport Community Schools, I couldn't imagine a better fit. The oldest of my three children was already a student at Beach Elementary, so I was well aware of the amazing, dedicated teachers, administrators, and staff. Now in my 8th year of teaching in FCS, I am deeply grateful that I get to help shape the future for the Fruitport children whom my family and I call our neighbors and friends.
Jamie Gustin - Team 13
I was born in Muskegon and love living so close to Lake Michigan! I am married to a wonderful man who is also a teacher. We have four beautiful children. Aaron is 14 years old and is in ninth, Braden is 13 years old and is in seventh grade, Kendall is 8 years old and is in third grade, and Sarah is 8 months old. My parents, in-laws and most of my extended family all live in this area. I love living so close to my family!
After I graduated from high school, I attended and graduated from Grand Valley State University. My first job was teaching in Hesperia, and I taught there for 6 years; then came to Fruitport. This will be my 17th year teaching. I have been blessed to be an early elementary teacher now for 10 years. Beach Elementary School is such a wonderful place to work and I have enjoyed getting to know all the caring, generous and friendly families and staff here at this school.
Aside from teaching, I also enjoy reading, spending time with my family, attending Bible studies, and bike riding. Every day I thank God for the many blessings in my life. Working with young children fills my heart with joy as I watch them grow into lifelong learners. They are true blessings and I feel called to work with them to help them become contributing citizens in our future society and community.