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State of the Arts

Educators have long recognized the value of music, art, drama and writing for students’ creative development and academic success. Yet the arts remain squeezed by tight budgets and test-driven performance standards. This series highlights efforts to protect and promote school arts programs.

Student musicians tour Europe, performing along the way

Multi Districts Erin Albanese

With Michigan Musicians Abroad, high school students performed concerts in London, Paris, Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

School staff, families join community theater in the most delightful way

Byron Center Alexis Stark

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious teachers and families make up the cast of Byron Center’s summer community theater production of ‘Mary Poppins’ at Van Singel Fine Arts Center.

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Did you hear the news? Longtime director leads final show

State of the Arts Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Teacher and director Dave Howard wraps up his 30-year career with the 2024 Forest Hills Summer Stock production of “Newsies.”

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Partnership between district and church creates opportunity in the arts

State of the Arts Alexis Stark

Lee Street Christian Reformed Church’s third annual “I Am Art” camp brought together neighborhood kids and local artists for colorful crafts, dance lessons and mural painting.

Camp’s mission is to build an art community

Lowell Erin Albanese

Students spend summer days making suncatchers, tie dye, nature collages, treasure maps and painted rocks at Lowell’s first art camp.

Smile, frown or sleepy face? Mural helps identify feelings

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Students created a giant Mood Meter mural to help students understand how they are feeling.

Montessori students sound out the basics of bluegrass

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

St. Cecilia Music Center brings bluegrass to the classroom as part of its in-school programming.

Tuning, tempo and treble clef: Teen musicians leading the way for younger counterparts

State of the Arts Brett Atwood

Caledonia High School’s orchestra leadership team is helping Duncan Lake Middle Schoolers get prepared and excited to continue playing string instruments.

Elementary ukulelists get a feel for strings

Grandville Beth Heinen Bell

From “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” to “Sweet Caroline,” these fifth-graders are becoming strumming pros on the ukulele.

Middle-schoolers develop skills, confidence through theater

Lowell Erin Albanese

How do students go from nervous newcomers to accomplished thespians? By getting on stage and going for it at Lowell Middle School.

Tape art creates eye-catching experience

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Students studied illusion and space before creating the designs on the Wyoming High School walls.

School musical offers students new experiences

Byron Center Alexis Stark

The cast of Byron Center High School’s production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ weigh in on how they balance a musical rehearsal schedule with sports, school and other fine arts commitments.

Training voices, cultivating friendships, building confidence

Northview Morgan Jarema

Crossroads vocal music teacher Tami Hjelm says choir class is far more than practice and performing.

60 musicians + 19 schools = one beautiful sound

Multi Districts Alexis Stark

Student musicians came together to perform in Grand Rapids Community College’s High School Honor Band for one night, and one night only.

Places, everyone; it’s showtime

Northview Morgan Jarema

Students at Northview High School volunteered for the seventh year to take part in 10-minute plays written by their peers.

‘Artastic’ artistry awaits art admirers

Byron Center Alexis Stark

This year’s Byron Center Public Schools Visual Arts Showcase features art from K-12 students and a collage concert featuring the high school’s band, orchestra and choir. The artwork is currently on display for the public.

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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.

Inspired by her grandmother, she wants to be a ‘school mom’

He’s a football fan all about empowering team excellence

Agents of change teaming up to lead, with snacks

Their aim: helping students ‘find their community’

Student musicians tour Europe, performing along the way

School staff, families join community theater in the most delightful way

Did you hear the news? Longtime director leads final show

Partnership between district and church creates opportunity in the arts

Summer internship leads to national news segment

What do you want to learn? Zinser students weigh in

These middle-schoolers strive to be strong readers

Middle-schoolers tell what they’re excited to learn about this year

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