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Arts and Academics

Writing their own success stories

Caledonia Alexis Stark
In a few short years, the Caledonia Creative Writing Team has gone from a few eighth-graders competing out of state, to becoming the 2025 JustWrite State Tournament Grand Champions.

Middle-school architects get design lessons from the pros

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
From floor plans to feedback, students discover what it takes to design a house — and where to put the laundry.

Book club sparks discussion, love of reading 

Wyoming Morgan Jarema
The after-school book club has been meeting for a decade.

Second-grade musical blends creativity, life lessons

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
The annual performance helps students meet music and theater standards, while building confidence and showcasing their unique strengths.

Leaving her mark on the world with watercolors, pens and pencils

Byron Center Alexis Stark
West Middle School seventh-grade artist Mia McDowell is a finalist in the international Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes annual ARTEFFECT competition.

Discovering the power of coding, one keystroke at a time

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
The high school’s computer science classes are helping to ignite students’ interest in programming.

Basking in the glow of their art

Sparta Riley Kelley
More than 500 Ridgeview students created glow-in-the-dark, undersea art scenes for a recent project.

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

Wyoming Erin Albanese
In a new lab complete with advanced technology, students are making stickers, skateboards, T-shirts and much more.

Career day all about discovering future opportunities

Comstock Park Brett Atwood
Students engaged with professionals by asking questions and learning about a wide range of career options.

‘Very freeing’: Students sound off during poetry slam

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley
The poetry slam at Cedar Springs High School gives students an opportunity to express themselves in an encouraging environment.

‘Lemonade wars’ teaches students lessons in economics

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Students learn about marketing and profit and loss with a friendly competition over who can sell the most lemonade. 

‘Uniquely talented’ a cappella ensemble finds the right beat

Northview Beth Heinen Bell
What is From the Top? “A bunch of music nerds in a room, just jamming out together and bringing that energy.” Get to know this high school a cappella ensemble.
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Practice with a pro makes for perfect NYC performances 

Byron Center Alexis Stark
Byron Center High School’s jazz orchestra worked with professional musician Walter Blanding to prepare for their eighth trip to the Essentially Ellington Competition and Festival.

From humble beginnings to ArtPrize winner, artist shares his story

Forest Hills Brett Atwood
2023 ArtPrize winner Abdoulaye Conde recently visited Forest Hills elementary schools to share his life story and culture. 

Middle-school multitasking: exploring career pathways during lunch 

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
The goal of these lunch talks is to help students think about possible careers as they plan for their next steps after high school.

Pilot class helps students navigate college, early careers

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark
Lee High School’s pilot career and college preparation class, in partnership with the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative, is helping students forge futures that include furthering education.
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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.

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