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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.

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

Powered by Parents Erin Albanese
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

Powered by Parents Charles Honey
Mandy Mynhier is integrally involved in her two daughters’ schools, including incorporating environmentally friendly practices...
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Video featuring parents encourages more to get involved

Powered by Parents Erin Albanese
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...

Tying Shoes, Zipping Coats, Giving Hugs: ‘Grandpa Dale’ Does it All

Sparta Janice Holst
Dale Allers has three grandchildren, but more than 500 children from ages 5 through 15 who call him grandpa. Allers has worked in same two...

Poppa Belly Floppa Gives ‘That Special Love’

Grandville Jaye Beeler
At Central Elementary School, the spontaneity on the playground pings around grandparent Ernie Sandona, who’s at the center of the dance. His grandson, third-grader...

Dads of Great Students Group Expanding

Powered by Parents Janice Holst
Four years ago, when Todd Yemc was laid off, he went "to work" volunteering every single day in his kindergarten daughter's classroom. Ridgeview's principal, Maryalyce...

Sack Suppers, Popcorn, Fundraisers: She Does it All

Godwin Heights Erin Albanese
Every weekday at about 1:30 p.m., Sheila Gurd arrives at West Godwin Elementary School to deliver hundreds of sack suppers from Kids' Food Basket...
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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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