HomeProfiles of Students, Staff, TeachersPowered by Parents

Powered by Parents

This series highlights the parents, grandparents and other volunteers who give their time in schools to help students and teachers do their best.

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...

From recycling to running to laminating, this mom pretty much does it all

Mandy Mynhier is integrally involved in her two daughters’ schools, including incorporating environmentally friendly practices...

00:03:54

Video featuring parents encourages more to get involved

Parents’ voices unite in an uplifting video that shares their experiences in the district and encourages others to get involved

‘I’m the appreciation chairperson’

Lowell Morgan Jarema

Parent volunteer Melissa Kelley-Carey says even the smallest amount of time is a big help, and that help doesn’t always come in the form of hours clocked

She supports school with business partners, great food

Grand Rapids Charles Honey

Rachel Lee encourages other neighborhood parents to check out the school, and helps in the classroom and on the playground, all while running her own restaurant, Citizen

Almost a Teacher, Now She Helps Them All

Kenowa Hills Charles Honey

Danielle Storey leads a line of bundled-up kindergartners through the halls of Central Elementary School, to an exit where parents wait by their cars...

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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.

Teacher strives to empower through art

Why so happy? ‘Kindergarten is just my jam’

KEC campus principals encourage empowerment, connection

‘I love to see things grow,’ veteran educator says

Sixth-graders lead drone-coding lesson

New art classroom invites ‘productive artistic work’

Orchestra covers ABCs of performing across genres

ArtPrize-inspired event integrates tech, soft skills

Students shape conversation at annual Listen. Learn. Lead. event

Annual State of the Student event highlights student voice

Quarterback: biggest growth has come from mix of peers, cultures

Around the world for the holidays

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