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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.

‘It feeds me,’ says teacher-artist

Grandville Beth Heinen Bell

By day she’s a biology and chemistry teacher at Grandville High School. By night and on weekends, and, really, all the time, she’s an artist — and now, an ArtPrize finalist.

It takes a community to stage a musical

Byron Center Alexis Stark

The Van Singel Fine Arts Center’s community theater production of “The Sound of Music” brought together a cast of Byron Center staff, students and their families.

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Strings at Stocking strikes a chord

Grand Rapids Brett Atwood

Students at Stocking spent time learning and performing on string instruments thanks to St. Cecilia Music Center...

Painting on the walls encouraged here

Northview Morgan Jarema

When a renovated East Oakview Elementary welcomed students in Fall 2022, art teacher Amy Tefft was excited to see what amounted to a blank canvas...

Student musicians take sounds outside the classroom

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

West Michigan non-profit Project ESME brings together student musicians from different skill levels and schools to play a variety of pop, rock and film music...

A festive display of art

State of the Arts Dianne Carroll Burdick

Student creations showcase classroom learning, creativity...

‘Amazing Alphabet’ mural stretches from alligator to zebra

State of the Arts Erin Albanese

Students transformed letters into artsy animals to create the mural for kindergartners...

Drawing her life to embolden others

Sparta Jane Lally

Junior Isabel Gauthier, a lifelong artist, uses art to help her deal with struggles and encourage others...

How did a world-famous van Gogh get into fifth grade?

Lowell Meghan Gracy

Murray Lake Elementary students study van Gogh’s “The Bedroom” through a 3D replica from the Heart for Art program...

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Learning about the art of the possible

State of the Arts Alexis Stark

Grand Rapids Public Schools high school students learn about careers in the arts from GRCC visual arts professors...

Theater students find community through ‘Matilda’ musical

Lowell Meghan Gracy

While the story of Matilda showcases a dysfunctional family, the Lowell High School cast performing the musical has found kinship through their production...

Being fully present

Forest Hills Carol Lautenbach

The mind contributes to the sound, tone and feelings musicians produce. Learning mindfulness benefits the musician and contributes to harmony of all kinds in this Central Woodlands classroom...

Pinch pots, penguins, pumpkins & more

Comstock Park Karen Gentry

Stoney Creek Elementary students are learning the basics of art and their mediums, then showing off their skills to friends and family...

Student art gets gallery showing

Byron Center Alexis Stark

Byron Center students learned different artistic techniques and got to see their projects displayed in downtown Grand Rapids...

Students present artistic twist on being nice

Lowell Erin Albanese

Students display art to share messages of kindness, community and compassion...

Student artwork depicting Michigan’s strengths wins state competition

Forest Hills Carol Lautenbach

When announcing the winner of this year’s State of the State art contest, Lt. Gov. Garland Gilchrist said he was encouraged “to see Michigan’s strengths through these students’ eyes”...

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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.

His heart is in the healthcare field

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

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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