by Melinda Widdicombe, GLAS Principal

Greater Lansing Adventist School has been blanketed with God’s love and protection this school year.  Our year has been one of adjustments and accommodations, but by God’s grace, we have continued to thrive, offering both “distance learning” and “face-to-face learning.”  

The staff at GLAS are second to none!  They have risen to the top to provide quality education despite Covid-19.  We are indeed blessed to have such teachers at our school.  Our students are also quite adaptable and are making gains in all areas!  I am very proud of both groups.  

I have said this before, and it bears repeating: what the devil has meant for harm (Covid-19), God has turned into good.  I believe we are a better, richer, stronger school because of our special year.  God has used this situation to grow us, to make us think outside the box, to increase our abilities in technology, and to expand our pool of resources to better meet the needs of our students.  We are on a journey with God at the helm.  We claim His promises daily.  GLAS is moving forward and our trip is an exciting one!  

Our theme this year is “Peace.”  God has provided that for us (and more!).  I invite you to claim our school theme verse as your own and then to watch how God will blanket you with His Holy Spirit.  The verse is in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  

Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we work together to raise children for the Kingdom of God.

Meet the GLAS Staff  

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Melinda Widdicombe is the Principal of GLAS and half-time teacher for the 3rd to 5th grade (morning session).  She enjoys making science come alive through the “hands-on” method—from raising multiple generations of mealworms to growing bacteria and even “making” blood.  Students are eager to learn and participate through her interactive science and math lessons and her engaging Bible class.

Melinda attended Andrews University for her undergraduate degree and Michigan State University for her master’s degree. Melinda’s family includes husband Bill and daughter Lilly, who attends Andrews University. The Widdicombe family has 2 dogs, Bella and Petunia. In her free time Melinda enjoys working in her garden, reading, and spending time with family. What Melinda loves the most about GLAS is that God can be taught in every subject. She also loves the bright minds of her students. Melinda truly values working with an amazing staff that is consistently striving to raise the bar of academic and spiritual excellence. 

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Michelle Kittleson is our Kindergarten to 2nd grade teacher. She has many years of dedicated service as an Early Childhood Educator.  She is continually striving for new ways to engage her students, from going on learning safaris to special cubbies where the students read by flashlights!  Michelle realizes the importance of building a strong base for lifelong learning and academic achievement.

Michelle attended Union College. Her family includes husband Brian, daughter Brianna, son Devon (along with his wife Amber), and son Matthew. The Kittleson family has two dogs, Logan and Toby. In her free time Michelle likes hiding under a blanket reading, visiting art museums, and traveling. Michelle’s favorite parts about working at GLAS are teaching her students about Jesus’ love and working with her fellow GLAS staff.

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Molly Dean is our half-time 3rd to 5th grade teacher and teaches the afternoon session.  Her knowledge of cultures and countries brings Social Studies to life!  She motivates her students’ learning by engaging them with various reading genres.  Molly encourages her students to become creative writers.   Her student’s art paintings are even inspired by famous artists!

Molly attended Southeast Asia Union College in Singapore for her bachelor’s degree and Andrews university for her master’s degree. Molly’s family includes husband Tony, son Ishaan, and daughter Joya. Molly enjoys reading, trying out recipes, walking, and spending time with family. What Molly loves about GLAS is the sense of family. There is a sense of care and kindness. She also loves that she can talk about God and His love anytime in any subject.

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Judy Ramos is our 6th to 8th grade teacher. She uses innovative and engaging ways to help her students stay focused and grow.  She uses creative projects, group collaboration, technology, and classroom contests to keep learning challenging and fun.  Judy seeks to have her students realize that they matter, that Christ came to this world for them.

Judy attended the University of Michigan for undergraduate school and is currently attending Central Michigan University pursuing a master’s degree in Education. Judy will be graduating in 2021. Her family includes husband Israel and sons Immanuel, Micah, and Titus. They have 1 cat named Chance and 11 chickens. Judy enjoys spending time with family, playing sports, and event planning. What Judy enjoys most about GLAS is watching her students grow physically, academically, and spiritually.

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Joshua Ahn is our 9th and 10th grade teacher. He brings excitement to his classroom and inspires his students to realize their full potential.  Josh has a passion for learning and for finding creative and stimulating ways to present lessons.  He encourages his students that the true meaning of success in this life begins with a closer walk with their Savior, Jesus Christ.

Josh graduated from Andrews University with a B.S. in Biology and a master’s degree in Education. Josh’s family includes his mother and father and two younger brothers who live in Chicago. In his free time Josh enjoys playing music and sports. He plays piano and guitar. His favorite sports are soccer, basketball, and volleyball.  What Josh likes most about GLAS is the close-knit family-style atmosphere amongst staff and students. He loves the God-centered vision of the school.

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Donna Hall gives our music program a high level of excellence.  She is extremely talented when it comes to music and can even play the harp!  She directs our bell choir, which is for the 6th-10th grade. Donna is also our Fieldwork Coordinator.  She is instrumental (no pun intended!) in organizing outreach programs where our students can be the “hands and feet” of Jesus.

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Tricia Hall has been the GLAS secretary for the last two years. Tricia has been married to Chad Hall for 25 years. They have 4 children; the youngest is at GLAS.  She graduated from Central Michigan University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Development. Originally from Saginaw, the Hall family has lived in several states, as well as Germany.  

Tricia loves serving through creativity.  She loves interior decorating, is an artist and a photographer, and loves to sing too!  She is a much appreciated part of our music team. She enjoys being outdoors, especially hiking and being near the water. Tricia first heard about the Adventist Church on Strong Tower Radio in 2016, when her family moved back to Michigan, and became a regular listener. She was baptized at camp meeting in 2019.

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