Sparta Archives - School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools

No cell phones in class? It’s a good thing, student and principal say

Podcasts School News Network

Five years after Forest Hills adopted a policy severely restricting cell-phone use during the school day, we talk to a student and principal about how that’s working out.

After 50 years, this teacher has no regrets

Sparta Riley Kelley

Mar Higgins is eyeing retirement after a half-century with Sparta Area Schools.

U.S. Rep. Scholten weighs in on national issues affecting local schools

All Districts Beth Heinen Bell

U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten recently sat down with SNN to discuss career and technical education, the upcoming election and more.

Is it enough? Supplemental budget aims to offset mental health, security cuts

All Districts Riley Kelley

Supplemental funds will curb the impact of mental health and safety cuts in the education budget, but they won’t solve everything.

Sparta prioritizes student needs, communication in new district roadmap

Sparta Riley Kelley

Sparta has approved its three-year strategic plan, and is hoping to address top issues this school year.

U.S. Education Secretary: ‘We gotta fight for our educators’

All Districts Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona hosted a roundtable discussion on public service loan forgiveness with local educators.

First-year teacher wants students to know ‘You can have fun while learning’

Podcasts School News Network

In this episode of Study Hall, first-year Kent City teacher Marla Anderson discusses why she chose teaching at a time new teachers are badly needed.

Why do most schools start before Labor Day? Several reasons

Multi Districts Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Middle college programs are the main reason Kent ISD seeks a post-Labor Day waiver for all local school districts. But there are others.

Middle-schoolers tell what they’re excited to learn about this year

Sparta Riley Kelley

Sparta students share their educational aspirations for the 2024-25 academic year.

Bus drivers role-play safety, security events

All Districts Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

More than 170 attended a training focused on educating bus drivers on how to handle unexpected violence and threats.

Starting the school year right for 10,000+ Kent County students

Multi Districts Alexis Stark

Storehouse of Community Resources collaborated with local businesses and community organizations to fill backpacks with supplies for more than 10,000 Kent County students at their inaugural Big Backpack Build event.