HomeProfiles of Students, Staff, TeachersPowered by Parents

Powered by Parents

Powered by Parents is a series highlighting the parents, grandparents and other family members who give their time in schools to help students and teachers do their best.

‘Teacher assistant with a grandma spin’

Grand Rapids Erin Albanese

Granny K is a foster grandparent to the children at East Leonard Elementary...

Capturing students’ special moments

Kent City Abigail Ham, SNN intern

Grandparent Mary Wilson shows support for Kent City schools and students in many ways, but especially with her camera...

‘I love you! Have a good day!’

Grandville Beth Heinen Bell

In an era when nearly nothing for schools has been stable, parent volunteer Lacey Funke has been a constant presence for the Cummings Elementary community...

’Heroes for the day’

Comstock Park Karen Gentry

This year about 20 dads participated. Before the pandemic, that number could reach more than 100...

From wildlife biologist to ‘faux-brarian’

East Grand Rapids Phil de Haan

This Breton Downs volunteer also coordinates a team of more than 50 parent and grandparent volunteers...

Dynamic volunteers make things happen for teachers, students

Forest Hills Morgan Jarema

This pair of Ada Elementary powerhouses want you to know that no matter your skills or availability, you can help at your child’s school...

‘It’s like getting wrapped up in a hug every day’

Byron Center Erin Albanese

These Brown Elementary volunteers keep the tailgates, fun runs and dunk tanks going, as well as everyday needs...

Spreading joy, for Alice

Caledonia Alexis Stark

After a big loss, a Caledonia family is doing something special for Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center in memory of their daughter...

School Supply Santa plans to gift staff to show support, thanks

Byron Center Erin Albanese

Denise Kooiker realizes school staff members are tired and weary. so she’s started an initiative to support their mental health...

‘A light in a dark year’

East Grand Rapids Morgan Jarema

A retired teacher finds a way to continue to impact young learners, even in a year when she cannot come inside the building...

Longtime volunteer does whatever’s needed for school: ‘I love being here’

Grand Rapids Charles Honey

A 24-year parent and grandparent volunteer tends to student and family needs at Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy...

Dad mixes cooking, anti-bullying message

Grand Rapids Charles Honey

Parent to GRPS kindergartner has found the right recipe for giving back to school, sharing food, skills and spreading kindness...

Faithful recycler, expert laminator, dedicated teacher supporter

Lowell Morgan Jarema

In the long run, said Alto Elementary parent volunteer Angie Kennedy, what she and other parent volunteers contribute to is maintaining teacher enthusiasm for a career in education...

‘The Mary Poppins of the library’

Byron Center Erin Albanese

Mom Laura Gearhart works her magic at Countryside Elementary, rapidly shelving books and completing countless tasks...

This Mr. T is no tough guy, but a gentle friend to students

Volunteer Charles Travis, 83, is a retired General Motors toolmaker who has spent the past years devoting six hours a week to helping students at the ECC read...