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Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

Looking back: Bigs and Littles find rewarding relationships

SNN 10th Anniversary School News Network

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, your School News Network team is re-publishing some early stories from each school district. This story, originally published in December 2013, explores how Thornapple Kellogg Public Schools built 'Big' and 'Little' relationships to spur academic success.

‘It can be miraculous’

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Why I Teach: math teacher Susan McDonald.

Students & grandpas connect through cards, hugs, common languages

Kentwood Erin Albanese

“Refugee grandpas” are working directly with refugee students at Glenwood Elementary School, filling gaps in language and culture, and adding a sense of family.

Bolstered by many while a student, this grad now supports others

Godfrey-Lee Erin Albanese

Jordan Poisson, who shared her story of growing up in poverty in 2014, is now a school counselor at Grand Rapids Public Schools.

History-making superintendent comes back home to lead Godfrey-Lee

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark

Arnetta Thompson is the first Black superintendent and first woman to lead Godfrey-Lee Public Schools.

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.

Safety in the skies is his dream

Caledonia Alexis Stark

Fourth-grader Ryu Fleming hopes to become a pilot one day and safely fly people where they need to go.

His home is on the pitch

Byron Center Alexis Stark

Freshman Allister Allan dreams of playing soccer professionally, with a college degree to fall back on.

Principal shows up as herself, purple glasses and all

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Principal Brenna Fraser is the new leader at Parkview Elementary in Wyoming Public Schools.

‘The bonds are lasting’

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark

District EL Coordinator Andrea Donovan is in her 20th year of teaching in the Godfrey-Lee district, but has been part of the fami-’Lee’ since she was in kindergarten.

‘The universe just has its way of aligning’

Grandville Beth Heinen Bell

John Wondergem attended fourth grade at West Elementary, and later taught fourth grade in the very same classroom. Now, he’s the school’s new principal.

National History Teacher of the Year: ‘Teach truth that resonates’

Kentwood Erin Albanese

National History Teacher of the Year Matthew Vriesman is on a quest for truth.

Ready to lead

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Three new administrators are ready to show their pride at being part of the Forest Hills family.

Leaders in achievement pass the torch

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Laura Preuss brings her passion for helping adults to Kent ISD’s Adult Education program.

Leading to achieve

Byron Center Alexis Stark

Troy Reedy is the new principal at Byron Center High School.

New principal envisions ‘a bright future’ at his alma mater

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

A former teacher is taking the reins as the new leader and foundation-builder at Ottawa Hills High School.

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ABOUT US

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.

From struggling to role model, thanks to strong teacher support

Second-grade teacher: literacy is a civil right

Her motto of ‘always work hard’ leads to early graduation

‘This is when my life starts getting better’: EGR senior pushes through painful loss

Book battle promotes literacy, teamwork

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

Red Hawk Rivals episode 2: ‘Cornhole’

High-school journalists provide behind-the-scenes look at news production

Basketball team unites students, promotes inclusion

His heart is in the health care field

Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

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