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

WHS & WMU graduate’s mission: to be a voice for refugees

Podcasts Charles Honey

For Mehran Najafi, coming to the U.S. as a refugee from Afghanistan was “like winning a lottery ticket.” Now he wants to help other refugees win tickets too.

Field trip to IT company a real-world experience

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Kent Career Tech Center students get a taste of real-world IT work, exploring servers, systems and customer service at Grand Rapids’ Service Express.

Large turnout for Kent County Cup

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Fifty-two students competed in the third Kent County Cup Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament.

Kent ISD sells Howard Christensen Nature Center

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Land Conservancy of West Michigan purchased the property with plans to maintain the 135 acres as a nature preserve.

Kent ISD cuts 10 positions due to loss of grants, dip in online school enrollment

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

The loss of grant funds and declining enrollment at its virtual school leads the School Board to make staff cuts.

Teaching the next generation an important trade

Kent City School News Network

In the latest episode of the “Your Dream is Our Dream” podcast, an electrical instructor and high school senior discuss the importance of the technical trades.

Former Spelling Bee contestant takes top prize

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

15 students competed for the 2026 title of Greater Grand Rapids Spelling Bee champion.

Charting careers in mental health

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

More than 200 students from Kent County districts and the Kent Career Tech Center explored career opportunities in mental health at Pine Rest.

New smartphone law a ‘win-win-win’ for students, teachers, families

All Districts Riley Kelley

The education community talks about the new law restricting smartphone use in Michigan schools.

Young marketers take on real-world challenges

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

A mentorship program gives Kent Career Tech Center Entrepreneurship and Marketing students hands-on experience in how businesses collaborate and bring ideas to life.

Ensuring smooth reunifications after emergency events

All Districts Beth Heinen Bell

Security officers have been practicing and adjusting procedures to create a standardized reunification process used for school districts across all of Kent County.

AI in the classroom: Can it enhance learning without replacing it?

Podcasts Charles Honey

The rapid advancement of AI in schools offers powerful learning tools along with potential problems, educators say.

Preschool program open houses this week

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Free preschool is available to families throughout Kent ISD who have a child turning 4 before Dec. 1.

You’re invited: Take the 2026 SNN audience survey

All Districts Erin Albanese

Your input has helped improve School News Network throughout our first 12 years. Now you can impact our future.

K-12 leaders advocate for weighted school funding formula

All Districts Erin Albanese

After seeing success in other states, local school leaders are advocating for a funding formula that better serves students who have a variety of needs.

Second CTE center coming to former Dutton Elementary site

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Kent ISD has entered into a purchase agreement with Caledonia Community Schools for property located on 68th Street.

A passion & a career could come into alignment

Teaching the next generation an important trade

‘My goal for you is just to get better’

Parent employees spark increase in volunteering

Field trip to IT company a real-world experience

Reading challenge leads to lessons in art, geography & more

Home Improvement class teaches repair basics

School partners with GVSU for literacy event

Braille & beyond: Students learn about navigating an unseen world

ASD classroom now serving your morning pick-me-up

New smartphone law a ‘win-win-win’ for students, teachers, families

Student artists commemorate founding of the US

Kent ISD

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