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Empowering Abilities

This series shines a light on the abilities of students with physical and mental disabilities and approaches to teaching them.

Speech, occupational therapy blend during weekly class

Lowell Erin Albanese

A new class brings together speech and occupational therapy — proving to be a good mix for Lowell middle-schoolers.

New communication boards give students an outside voice

Caledonia Alexis Stark

New communication boards at all five elementary schools plus the Early Childhood Center promote inclusivity.

New bus allows transportation for all students — together

Wyoming Erin Albanese

A new wheelchair accessible bus allows students to ride with their classes to field trips

Young brains, big potential: From birth onward, special-ed services can make a lifetime of difference

All Districts School News Network

"Study Hall" talks to Lindsey VanDyke about how intervening with children’s special needs from the time they’re born can best prepare them for school and life.

Level playing field offers connection for students of all abilities

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

A new program brings students together through sports to make connections and friendships.

What would closing U.S. Dept. of Education mean for special education in Kent County?

Podcasts Charles Honey

President Trump has vowed to shut down the U.S. Department of Education. What’s at risk for special-education programs locally if this happens?

Through his eyes, he communicates

Kentwood School News Network

Kentwood Public Schools and Aves Films features Mo, a student who uses an eye-gaze device to communicate, in its latest episode of “Through the Eyes of Our Students.”

Students make connections through school’s recreational program

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Unified Champion Schools program helps students ‘find joy and make friends’ on the basketball court.

Oral Deaf Program marks 125-year legacy of support & success

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Early screenings and technology has helped students in Kent ISD’s Oral Deaf Program make the transition to their home schools sooner.

District addresses needs of autism students with smaller classrooms

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Recognizing some of its students need a smaller learning environment, Kelloggsville opened two of its own autism spectrum disorder classrooms.

Method offers trauma-informed approach to managing students in crisis

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley

Kent County schools are turning to an intervention method that focuses on trauma-informed crisis management. Key: understanding what the developing brain does in moments of crisis and the impact of trauma on the brain.

Friend, athlete, advocate uses abilities to help others

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Wyoming High School senior Gabe Craig isn’t interested in talking about himself, but others know why he deserves the Discover Ability Award.

Students explore job opportunities, build skills with holiday market

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Lincoln Developmental Center’s annual holiday market gives students an opportunity to be creative and learn about business.

Concert empowers students to move to the music

Kent ISD Brett Atwood

Movement, relaxation and more movement enhanced the music during the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Access to Music concert for kids who have special needs.

Learning life skills ‘where life happens’

Sparta Riley Kelley

Students with special needs are getting out in the community and learning valuable skills in the process.

Basketball team unites students, promotes inclusion

Wyoming Erin Albanese

From hyping each other up, to teaching and learning skills to cheering on teammates, Unified Sports is all about coming together.

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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.

Re-launched elementary program seeks male volunteers

She shares the joy of teaching, language & smiling ‘for real’

She decks the freshman hall with all things jolly

Band member, Scout builds tools for drummers

Healthy, fulfilling vending options: books

New math strategy equals confidence, competence

Alum shares love of reading, writing with students

Training a robot, one fish at a time, in Hour of AI

Speech, occupational therapy blend during weekly class

High school students lead lessons for middle-school peers

Trailblazing counseling dog, founding ‘Ram Pack’ member, retires

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

Empowering Abilities

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