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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.

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.

Painting with a personal touch

Byron Center Alexis Stark

Students from every grade level are helping to make the district administration building more vibrant and colorful.

Family members and heroes honored through art project

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Sugar skull drawings show Godwin Heights Middle students’ artistic talents through remembrances of those who have died.

‘Sassy, funny, scary’: students excited to return to the stage

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

The district is set to present its first fall play since the COVID pandemic on Nov. 17 and 18.

00:04:17

In the marching band Grand Prix, this pit crew is tops

Northview Brett Atwood

A group of volunteers has been striking up a proverbial symphony of dedication for decades.

Getting the bands back together

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Central, Eastern and Northern high schools celebrated their music and one another.

High school drumlines keep the beat for downtown event

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Drumlines from Godwin Heights and Grand Rapids had a friendly competition for a good cause at Rosa Parks Circle.

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School News Network reports on the 20 public school districts in Kent County, which enroll more than 90,000 students. Founded in 2013, we are an editorially independent news site funded by Kent ISD, local districts and community sponsors, and powered by an experienced team of reporters, editors and photojournalists. We specialize in covering classroom teaching and learning, analyzing the many issues that enhance or discourage student success, and highlighting the education magic that happens each day in our public schools.

Northview grad is a future forest mapper

Teacher’s latest book focuses on motivation in education

Former principal returns to read, substitute teach at his old school

Fifth-grader publishes book, sequel to come

Future health care pros sample multiple career focuses

Young readers follow the recipe for perfect pound cake

Young engineers turn paper into a wild ride

Montessori students sound out the basics of bluegrass

Diving into social-emotional learning

‘The journey’s not over’: High-schoolers showcase Black history

Art contest celebrates kindness, compassion and community

Parade of Nations is celebration of diversity

State of the Arts

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