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Classrooms for All

Districts in Kent County and nationwide are experiencing increasing diversity, with students representing various races, ethnicities, identities and cultural backgrounds. In a new series, SNN explores this trend. We will highlight the many ways diversity is a strength for students, teachers and communities alike, while requiring an intentional focus on equity and awareness. Even as much of the nation is roiled by conflict over immigration and racism, SNN will feature diversity as a source of cultural competence and real-world education for students.

Spanish dual immersion program set for fall debut

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark

Recruiting has begun for one class of kindergartners to pilot the program next year. Bilingualism has been shown to benefit high school graduates in college and careers...

Teacher shares holiday tradition with students

East Grand Rapids Beth Heinen Bell

“A big part of Chinese culture is that it’s shared,” and this teacher is doing just that at Breton Downs, in honor of the Lunar New Year...

Building community, one gumdrop at a time

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Students and their families in the Kent ISD Oral Deaf program build candy houses and community at a holiday event...

The school where high expectations are universal

Kentwood Erin Albanese

Consistency, relationships, focused instruction help boost student achievement, educators say...

Visual learning helps ELL students build skills, boost comprehension

Comstock Park Karen Gentry

This Mill Creek Middle teacher builds empathy and patience by becoming ‘the other’ in foreign countries...

‘Unapologetically us’: students, teachers talk through ethnicity, race issues in inclusion effort

Kelloggsville Sean Bradley

Kelloggsville High School held panels showcasing student perspectives to inform faculty and staff on race and diversity issues....

Books represent students in state’s most diverse district

Kentwood Erin Albanese

Educators in Kentwood Public Schools prioritize stocking library shelves with books featuring diverse characters and by diverse authors...

Students showcase biculturalism during Hispanic Heritage Month

Grand Rapids Erin Albanese

Lessons all month focus on Hispanic culture, contributions...

Christmas in August wraps up

Classrooms for All Alexis Stark

After 15 years serving West Michigan schools, School Supplies Santa goes out the way it came in: providing teachers with school supplies for the new school year...

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