Welcome to the first episode of Doodle Caboodle, a new series where we sit down with the people who shape everyday life at Nysmith. First up: Mr. Balk, who is celebrating his 30th year at Nysmith and his 25th year in the classroom. He started teaching here in 1997, and in that time he has also become a Nysmith parent and a Fairfax County volunteer firefighter.
Mr. Balk's connection to Nysmith runs deeper than his own tenure. He met his wife through the school, and they are celebrating their ten year wedding anniversary this year.
Now the connection continues with the next generation. His son is starting kindergarten this year, and his daughter is starting second grade, giving Mr. Balk a rare perspective of both sides of the Nysmith experience.
"I know this school is special, and I know I've told you that probably before, but to see it through their eyes, it's just another level. It's absolutely amazing. I'm blessed."
Ask Mr. Balk what he loves most about teaching and the answer is immediate: the individual connection with every student. That philosophy has carried him through three decades at Nysmith, and it shows in how he talks about the job. It's less about the subject and more about the relationship.
He played soccer from the age of three or four all the way through college, and he still loves teaching it. But when asked about his true favorite, he pointed to something else: introducing a student to a brand new sport and watching that first spark of excitement take hold.
When Mr. Balk isn't teaching, there is a good chance he is on call. He is in his 14th year as a Fairfax County volunteer firefighter, and he spends much of that time training the next generation of firefighters at the academy. His son has already told him more than once that he wants to be a firefighter too.
More stories from the Nysmith community are coming in future episodes of Doodle Caboodle. But nothing tells the story quite like seeing it in person. We invite you to schedule a tour and experience the Nysmith difference for yourself.