I have had the pleasure of having Kasey present to my health and physical education classes this year. Kasey helped teach my PE students the fundamentals of yoga in addition to explaining how beneficial it can be on one's overall wellness. My students in grades 5th-8th loved the change of pace of the traditional idea of PE. They felt a value in slowing down their breathing and the calmness they typically don't get to experience. They also realized quickly that yoga is not as easy as it looks even though Kasey makes it look that way. The students really gravitate to her enthusiasm and knowledge of what yoga can bring to an individual. My health classes enjoy Kasey's breathing exercises and stress and anxiety reducing tools. She provides numerous ways to practice these throughout the day regardless of the adversity each student may be facing. Kasey has a way to help students relate to her and show empathy based on her resilience through her own adversity she has faced. I witnessed a 7th grade boy ask her for a hug after her presentation with tears in his eyes in front of his entire class this year. This explains just how moving her presentations are and how much of an impact they make. Kasey is truly an angel among us! She has been such a blessing to me as well. I am so blessed we have crossed paths.
Erin Vanek
Health & Physical Education teacher Hillside Middle School
(Sent by a parent to the superintendent and principal on April 17, 2024)
Good morning!
My husband and I wanted to reach out in regards to how much we appreciate school counselor Ms. Kellem. Yesterday, throughout the state testing our son,Trevor, was experiencing major anxiety. He has been diagnosed with severe anxiety amongst other learning disabilities and these tests are pure agony for him. Ms. Kellem recognized his symptoms and took action. She went above and beyond taking care of him throughout the entire morning. She walked with him, did breathing exercises, gave him an early lunch, and spent one on one time with him until he was ready to go back to class. Without her care, he most definitely would not have made it through the rest of the school day. As parents, it is very hard to send your child into a situation you know is going to cause them pain and is out of our control. This morning was so much easier knowing he would be in goods hands if this was to happen again. More importantly though, he felt so much more at ease after the support he received yesterday. All of the staff we have come in contact with at Hillside have been amazing, however, Ms. Kellem’s actions yesterday went above and beyond what we could ever hope for our child. Thank you again for all you do for Trevor and for being a wonderful person!
Enrico and Diana Stengert
(Response from the Superintendent to parent)
This is great to read! Thank you so much for sharing!
And, Ms. Kellem, thank you for continuing to demonstrate your commitment to our students!
Charlie Smialek
(Response from my principal to the parent)
Thank you so much for taking the time to send this. Mrs. Kellem does a fantastic job with all of our students, but especially those with anxiety. He is definitely in good hands! Have a great day!
Michelle Cook
Good morning!
My husband and I wanted to reach out in regards to how much we appreciate school counselor Ms. Kellem. Yesterday, throughout the state testing our son,Trevor, was experiencing major anxiety. He has been diagnosed with severe anxiety amongst other learning disabilities and these tests are pure agony for him. Ms. Kellem recognized his symptoms and took action. She went above and beyond taking care of him throughout the entire morning. She walked with him, did breathing exercises, gave him an early lunch, and spent one on one time with him until he was ready to go back to class. Without her care, he most definitely would not have made it through the rest of the school day. As parents, it is very hard to send your child into a situation you know is going to cause them pain and is out of our control. This morning was so much easier knowing he would be in goods hands if this was to happen again. More importantly though, he felt so much more at ease after the support he received yesterday. All of the staff we have come in contact with at Hillside have been amazing, however, Ms. Kellem’s actions yesterday went above and beyond what we could ever hope for our child. Thank you again for all you do for Trevor and for being a wonderful person!
Enrico and Diana Stengert
(Response from the Superintendent to parent)
This is great to read! Thank you so much for sharing!
And, Ms. Kellem, thank you for continuing to demonstrate your commitment to our students!
Charlie Smialek
(Response from my principal to the parent)
Thank you so much for taking the time to send this. Mrs. Kellem does a fantastic job with all of our students, but especially those with anxiety. He is definitely in good hands! Have a great day!
Michelle Cook
