James Harger

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James Harger left School News Network in January of 2020. James previously reported on West Michigan's economy, courts and politics for The Grand Rapids Press and Mlive.com for more than 37 years. He also is employed as Servanthood Leader at Immanuel Lutheran Church in downtown Grand Rapids. A graduate of Central Michigan University, he also has worked for publications in Holland, Mount Pleasant and Lansing. He is married to Lisa and has one daughter, who lives in Ann Arbor.

Students bypass stodgy classics for books they enjoy reading

Comstock Park James Harger

Students at Comstock Park High School are being encouraged to choose books they enjoy reading and bypass the stodgy classics that once were the backbone of high school lit classes...

‘It only takes one’

Grand Rapids James Harger

Bernice Wisnieski, a second grade teacher at Sibley Elementary School, and her sister, Mary Musto, a teaching consultant at Kent ISD, have teamed up to publish “It Only Takes One Caring Heart,” a children’s book that teaches inclusiveness in the classroom...

Next project: energy savings

Forest Hills James Harger

The project that would pay for itself in less than four years, they say...

Using her skills for good

Comstock Park James Harger

Cebrina Kader has set herself apart in the male-dominated engineering field of computer-aided design...

Student leaders recognized with scholarships

Multi Districts James Harger

Three area high school students were awarded the $500 Helen Claytor Achievement Scholarship last month at the YWCA’s 2019 Tribute Awards ceremony...

Third grade PureMichigan

Northview James Harger

Students learned the three aspects of product development: natural resources, human resources and capital resources...

Third graders learn to listen — with help from drums, other noisemakers

Comstock Park James Harger

Students from schools throughout West Michigan get introduced to the big world of percussion instruments through presentations by Bill Vits, principal percussionist for the Grand Rapids Symphony...

Maranda given 2019 Education Advocacy Award by Kent educators

All Districts James Harger

West Michigan child and family advocate Maranda was awarded the 2019 Education Advocacy Award by the Kent Intermediate Association of School Boards...

Educators back bill on more flexibility in graduation requirements

All Districts James Harger

West Michigan school superintendents are asking state legislators and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to pass a law that would give students more flexibility in earning credits towards graduation...

She got her start at Kent ISD’s Early Childhood Program after a ‘practice interview’

Kent ISD James Harger

Ashley Karsten is the new director of Great Start Readiness Program at Kent ISD...

New robotics class brings 21st century tech skills

Comstock Park James Harger

The class is new this year, as the district attempts to introduce its students to STEM courses earlier in their education...

New childcare training program includes classroom with one-way mirrors

Kent ISD James Harger

A new childcare training and certification program offers up to eight hours of college credits to high school juniors and seniors who enroll in the program at Kent Transition Center...

Kevin Philipps joins Kent ISD as new financial chief, likes education’s collaborative approach

Kent ISD James Harger

After spending the last 13 years as an administrator at East Grand Rapids Schools, Kevin Philipps is the new Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services at Kent ISD...

School starts Fridays with a dance party

Comstock Park James Harger

Twenty minutes of frenetic movement builds pre-learning excitement, discourages tardiness and even gets parents in line...

Kent ISD chief looks ahead after high-profile firing

Kent ISD James Harger

Kent ISD looking to restructure following dismissal of assistant superintendent...

Flex Academy offers students another path to graduation

Comstock Park James Harger

The new academy, which replaces the Career Academy, is staffed by one full-time teacher. Several other teachers drop by during appointed hours to help out in specific subjects...

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School News Network reports on the 20 public school districts in Kent ISD, which enroll more than 102,000 students. Founded in 2013 as an initiative of Kent ISD, we are supported by local districts and community sponsors, and powered by an experienced team of reporters, editors and multimedia journalists. We specialize in covering classroom teaching and learning, analyzing the many issues facing students and highlighting the education magic that happens each day in our public schools.

After facing his own health issue, senior looks forward to helping others

Shop class, summer jobs pave the way for construction career

She can sing, she can lead, she’s the new principal

A 2,200-mile change in location made all the difference for this grad

‘The PIT’ stop: Lab offers space for innovation, creation

Career day all about discovering future opportunities

‘Very freeing’: Students sound off during poetry slam

‘Lemonade wars’ teaches students lessons in economics

Is AI helping you learn, or just making you lazier?

Student reporter looks into impact of school lockdowns

Vietnamese students write family narratives, contribute to local history

Are you feeling the effects of political polarization at your school?

James Harger

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