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.

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.

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.

Parents, students revitalize C.A. Frost garden

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

Parents and students have spent hundreds of hours bringing a school garden back to life.

Experienced volunteer is a teacher’s dream

Thornapple Kellogg Allison Poosawtsee

She’s a learning obstacle unstuck-er...

Teacher’s mom makes positive impact in kindergarten classroom

Comstock Park Karen Gentry

A teacher and her volunteer mom team up to benefit Stoney Creek kindergartners...

She’s with the band

Northview Morgan Jarema

Regan Johnson has student musician uniforms well in hand, thank goodness, because that is a veritable symphony of coordination...

‘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...

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School News NetworkA Window into Your Public Schools

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.

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