Amid COVID-19, Sue Gardner took on a brand new role as Kent ISD assistant superintendent helping to administer and support the existing high school programs and help start new ones...
Determined to bring back choir in a safe manner, this teacher made changes to her classes based on the latest scientific research and best practices by fellow teachers...
Over 120 choral students in grades 9-12 will join voices in a virtual choir to celebrate the graduations of about 45 senior singers, in a prerecorded concert to be posted on the Rockford Choirs YouTube channel...
In response to the social and emotional impacts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Rockford’s Developing Healthy Kids Campaign wants students and families to know they are not alone...
Cedar Trails Elementary School’s “specials” teachers — art, music, physical education and literacy and technology — have joined forces to create an outdoor recreation program...
Under new order, colleges and high schools must close for in-person learning through Dec. 8. Kindergarten through eighth-grade can continue in person...
Robert Dedrick, who works at Arrow Roofing, voted at Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School: “I’m tired of the mess that’s going on. It’s crazy.”
Editor’s note: Voters across Kent County took to the polls — many of them located at public schools — on a sunny Tuesday, to help decide a historic election that promised a record turnout. Our SNN photographer, Dianne Carroll Burdick, captured their enthusiasm and thoughts at three polling places.
Jack Stegehuis, left, a worker for the city engineering and clerk’s offices during the election, talks with Todd Ernst, a contractor for Joy To The Polls, a nonpartisan group that brings musical playlists to polling sites to keep the mood positive and chill. Stegehuis brings supplies and polling equipment to the polls, including this station, Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy
Heather Prahl, an athletic trainer, and her husband Jordan, a Ph.D. candidate who works at the Van Andel Institute, brought their 4-week-old twin boys, Henry and Hector, to their polling station, Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy: ‘Every vote counts,’ Heather said. ‘We’re voting for their future.’
Yaya Rodriguez, who owns a baked-goods business, voted at Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School: ‘Your vote matters.’
Scott Brew, who works in advertising, has one child at Wealthy Elementary and two kids at East Grand Rapids High School, voted at Breton Downs Elementary School: ‘I’m really happy at the level of engagement in East. People care and get involved.’
Gina Porcaro, who works in sales, voted at Breton Downs Elementary: ‘It’s very important to vote and everyone should do it.’
Rachel Bruursema, who works at the nonprofit Partners Relief and Development, voted at Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School: ‘I do think this election is significant. I have a lot of peace about it. I’m glad we can vote. It is an honor.’
Rick Price, an independent representative for Steel sales, has two grandkids who go to Lakeside Elementary. He voted at Breton Downs Elementary: ‘Voting is important for the country.’
Dianne Carroll Burdick has worked as a photojournalist in the West Michigan area since 1991. A graduate of Western Michigan University, she has photographed for The Grand Rapids Press, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, Detroit Free Press, Advance Newspapers, Grand Rapids Magazine, BLUE Magazine and On-the-Town Magazine. She has been covering the many exciting and thought provoking stories of K-12 public education for School News Network since 2016.
Orchestra teacher and cellist Eric Hudson longs for the days when he can direct student musicians in concerts and tours and play in his own ensemble once again. To help speed that process along, he is participating in a COVID-19 vaccine trial...
After 24 years of teaching, John Schut believes incorporating fun and service into education is more engaging for students than taking notes in a classroom...
In response to the social and emotional impacts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Rockford’s Developing Healthy Kids Campaign wants students and families to know they are not alone...
Working with the health department has been crucial in helping area school leaders understand the nature of COVID-19, the types of mitigation strategies that can be most effective and how to plan for the future...
Working with the health department has been crucial in helping area school leaders understand the nature of COVID-19, the types of mitigation strategies that can be most effective and how to plan for the future...
More Kent County districts continue to announce temporary school building closures, as schools contend with a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in Kent County and Michigan...
Educators can register their students for spring’s MiCareerQuest, an annual opportunity for tens of thousands of students to learn more about the wealth of careers within West Michigan’s high-demand industries...
Polls find that students’ engagement in their school work declines as they ascend the grades. Tests that don’t relate to their real-life experiences exacerbate the problem...
