Our Leadership

Russ Ainslie, Principal

Principal Picture.gif

Education:

1972 Western Michigan University - Bachelor's of Arts - Elementary Education
1993 Western Michigan University - Masters of Administration

Previous Education Experience:

14 Years as an Elementary classroom teacher in Grades 3-6
8 Years in Curriculum department at central offices
8 Years as Superintendent of Kent City Schools

What do you like most about working here?

I enjoy working with the staff and students. We all work together to provide an environment where "academic excellence" thrives.

Other work experience we might want to mention:

I worked my way through college by working summers at Kellogg's in Battle Creek.

Tim Grinwis, Dean

endeavor dean.jpg

Education:

Western Michigan University – Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education
Western Michigan University – Master of Arts, Education Technology
Western Michigan University – Pursuing a Master of Arts, Education Leadership

Previous Education Experience and Number of Years in the Field:

3^rd Grade 1 year
4^th Grade 1 year
5th grade 8 years
6^th Grade 1 year
7^th Grade Science 1 year

What do you like most about working here?

Working here at Endeavor has provided me the opportunity to grow as an educator and a person. I have the wonderful opportunity to be able to reach out and help children, and to help teachers learn and grow as professionals.

Personal:

My wife, Kathleen, and I have five grown children and are very proud of them. We love to travel, and watch our two grandchildren grow. I love to play golf and to cook as well.

Sylvia Jewell, Dean

Education:

Olivet College – Bachelor of Music Education
Eastern Michigan University – Masters of Arts - Elementary Education
Central Michigan University – Masters in Arts - Educational Leadership

Previous Education Experience and Number of Years in the Field:

Choir Director/General Music - 10 years – Addison Community Schools
4^th Grade - 3 years – Addison Community Schools
3^rd Grade - 1 year – Addison Community Schools
Principal - 2 years – St. John Catholic School – Albion, Michigan
2^nd Grade - 3 year – Endeavor Charter Academy
Reading Specialist – 3 years – Endeavor Charter Academy
Instructional Coach – 3 years – Endeavor Charter Academy

What do you like most about working here?

I feel fortunate to work for an organization where student achievement is our primary goal. Working among a talented, caring staff and in partnership with parents we are committed to helping each individual child be college ready. We seek to help develop well-rounded students through our Moral Focus Program where character is as important as achievement. Our staff creates a family-friendly environment for students and parents to feel safe and secure. At Endeavor I truly feel I am making a difference in the life of a child.

Personal:

I am married to Ken Jewell and mom to three wonderful children, Robert (24), Chantel (22) and Abby (16). When I’m not working, Ken and I enjoy biking on Michigan Trails and spending time with our grandson, Hayden (3). As a pianist and vocalist I enjoy participating in the music ministry at St. Ann Catholic Church in Augusta. I’m involved in my daughter Abby’s high school life as a cheer mom and board member of the Gull Lake Sports Boosters.

Lynn Lahusky, Dean Y5-2

Education:

University of Nevada, Las Vegas – Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
Grand Valley State University- Master of Education, Educational Leadership

Previous Education Experience and Number of Years in the Field:

3^rd Grade 2 years
6^th Grade 3 years
Kindergarten 9 years

What do you like most about working here?

I have been at Endeavor for 12 years now. I have been through many changes and I have been given the opportunity to grow as an educator and a person. Taking on the role of dean gives me the wonderful opportunity to be able to reach out and help children, and to help teachers learn and grow as professionals. I was very successful in the classroom and challenge myself to help my teachers become very successful as well. I love working here because we are a family.

Personal:

My husband, Joe, and I have three beautiful children. Our oldest is a student at GVSU in Grand Rapids. Our two younger ones attend Endeavor as a 5^th grader and a 3^rd grader. I enjoy spending time with my family, going to all of my children’s sporting events, and reading.