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James Harger

James Harger
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James Harger left School News Network in January of 2020. James previously reported on West Michigan's economy, courts and politics for The Grand Rapids Press and Mlive.com for more than 37 years. He also is employed as Servanthood Leader at Immanuel Lutheran Church in downtown Grand Rapids. A graduate of Central Michigan University, he also has worked for publications in Holland, Mount Pleasant and Lansing. He is married to Lisa and has one daughter, who lives in Ann Arbor.

Kent ISD researcher appointed to panel on A-F school grading scale

Kent ISD James Harger
Sunil Joy, a data researcher for Kent ISD, is one of five education experts appointed to a peer review panel that will review the state’s new A-F grading scale for public schools...

Kent ISD focused on improving outcomes for center-based special education students

Empowering Abilities James Harger
Now that Kent ISD has completed its takeover of nine center-based special education programs, Director Paul Dymowski says it’s time to focus on improving outcomes for the nearly 1,400 students enrolled in the programs...

North Park Montessori School reopens after asbestos scare

Grand Rapids James Harger
North Park Montessori School is reopening for the new school year after getting a clean bill of health following an asbestos exposure scare last winter...

Cops and campers bond over cool summer experiences

Comstock Park James Harger
Deputies from the Kent County Sheriff’s Department hosted a week-long day ‘Camp CP With A Deputy’ for fourth and fifth graders at Stoney Creek Elementary School. Camp organizer Julie Brown, a resource officer at Comstock Park High School, said the camp was designed to build rapport between youth and cops...

State legislators get schooled on effect of Michigan’s education cuts

All Districts James Harger
School superintendents from Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties gave their state legislators an earful about how state funding cuts have impacted students during a meeting on Monday, June 24...

York Creek camp offers fun, art, skill-building – and, of course, food!

Comstock Park James Harger
Children and teens who live at York Creek Apartments can find fun and free meals at the York Creek Summer Program, an eight-week camp experience sponsored by Comstock Park Public Schools, Wedgwood Christian Services and Comstock Park Community Outreach Partners and more...

Two programs become one, to help infants and toddlers

Empowering Abilities James Harger
The Ken-O-Sha Home Community program will fit hand-in-glove with Kent ISD’s Early On program when Grand Rapids Public Schools transfers its special education center programs to Kent ISD this summer, leaders say. Both programs serve children with impairments from birth to 3 years old...

Kindergarten-readiness tests show need for early childhood programs

All Districts James Harger
The good news? The first round of funding from a countywide early childhood millage approved by voters last fall will help establish those programs...

Students tell designers what they want to see in their park

Grand Rapids James Harger
Students who helped redesign Plaster Creek Family Park were the guests of honor when dignitaries from the City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Public Schools broke ground on the $1.045 million project...

Plan failed? Draw up a new one

Grads with Grit James Harger
Two years ago, Chris Hribek was on a road to nowhere with failing grades, attendance issues and an attitude problem...

Chess players gain focus, swagger

Comstock Park James Harger
A fast-paced chess tournament has become a popular diversion for some students at Comstock Park High School. Math teacher Peter Luczyk said his helps him get to know students...

Fourth-graders celebrate year’s end with overnight camping retreat

Comstock Park James Harger
The school’s five fourth-grade teachers rely on about 40 parents to supervise some 120 students during the overnight stay at the Salvation Army’s Little Pine Island Camp...

Pine Grove Learning Center offers profoundly challenged students an opportunity to learn

Empowering Abilities James Harger
The Pine Grove Learning Center is where 103 of the most challenged special education students and their families in Southwest Kent County find unconditional acceptance. They also find an opportunity to learn and grow despite their physical and learning disabilities...

Students progress despite their impairments at Pine Grove Learning Center

All Districts James Harger
Teachers at the Pine Grove Learning Center take the long approach as they work with severely impaired students who attend the center-based program, which will transition from Grand Rapids Public Schools to Kent ISD this summer...

‘Amazing’ teachers at Pine Grove offer a beacon of hope for students like Evan

All Districts James Harger
Despite his multiple impairments, 14-year-old Evan Valdivia is learning to respond to others around him thanks to teamwork by his family and the staff at Pine Grove Learning Center...

North Park Montessori School to reopen after getting clean bill of health

Grand Rapids James Harger
The North Park Montessori School building will reopen this August after air testing inspections gave the building a clean bill of health, Grand Rapids Public School officials announced. School officials plan to explain their plans for the re-opening to parents and staff at meetings on Tuesday, May 28...
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