Meet Mrs. Halsey

Greetings! I am excited to start year 12 of teaching, and my fifth year at James Valley Christian School as the 5-12 Band Director and Early Ed Music Teacher. I am thankful that God has brought me to this school, and I am looking forward to making music and memories with the students! I greatly enjoy getting to know the students, families, and community members, so if I haven't met you, please introduce yourself!

A little about myself. I grew up in Huron and I am a sixth generation resident of Beadle County. After high school I attended the University of Sioux Falls for Instrumental/Vocal Music Education. At USF I was involved in Band, Choir, Theater, and taught piano lessons with the Sioux Falls School District for two years. In the Fall of 2013, I student taught at the Huron Middle/High School with Julie Berger and Larry Petersen, and at Buchanan Elementary with Barbara Nicholas. After student teaching, I was hired as a Kindergarten Para at Buchanan School for one semester. In the Fall of 2014 I accepted the 5-12 Band/6-12 Choir position at Wolsey-Wessington School and taught there until Spring of 2021. During my time at Wolsey-Wessington I also taught K-12 Vocal/General Music and directed Elementary/Middle School Musicals. 

I have been married to Travis Halsey for twelve years, and I love my summers off to spend time with him and our family; our 8 year old daughter Lydia, 6 year old son Simeon, 4 year old son Lucas, and 2 year old daughter Berea. Travis and I love our life as parents and enjoy making memories with our children.

Our family enjoys: going for kick scooter rides and walks around the lake, visiting our family and friends, playing card/board games, going for drives, being outdoors, and being involved with our Church (RiverTree). I have lead worship in the past and enjoy playing/singing worship songs. I enjoy creating and at times I decorate cakes for friends/relatives. I have enjoyed culinary for years and cake decorating has been a passion of mine since I was young. 

Personal Testimony: 

I was raised in a home that focused on learning about God, reading the Bible, and singing Hymns. We listened to pastors on the radio and television daily. I understood the salvation of Jesus and believed that someday I would make a personal decision to commit my life to Him. When I was eleven years old I prayed to accept Jesus into my heart. I thought that accepting Jesus would instantly change me, but I soon learned that growing as a Christian is a process. Over the following years, I came to understand my need to daily surrender to Jesus and let the Holy Spirit work in my life. In college I was blessed with a community of believers who encouraged me, prayed with me, and were instrumental in helping me grow in my relationship with God. I treasure my relationship with my husband Travis and how he encourages, and leads me in my growth as a Christian. I have learned that God is faithful again, and again in my life. I could share many times when impossible circumstances have been made possible by the amazing work of Jesus.  

Personal Education Philosophy:

I believe that every student is unique and has the ability to learn and excel in music if they are given the opportunities needed to develop. I believe that a positive and motivated teacher is vital to encouraging students in their learning. I know that each student brings their own learning styles to my classroom, and that I must understand how they learn in order to teach effectively. I will motivate students through goal setting, weekly formative assessment, rewards, and positive reinforcement. I vow to daily involve students in the music learning process. My desire is to create well developed musicians that can perform with confidence and use these skills throughout their lives.

Quotes: 

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” C. S. Lewis

"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." Benjamin Franklin

"Jesus does not want to simply fix and solve your problems. He wants you to see and know Him in a way you have never known Him before." Chip Ingram