Riley Kelley

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Riley Kelley is a reporter covering Cedar Springs, Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids and Sparta school districts. An award-winning journalist, Riley spent eight years with the Ludington Daily News, reporting, copy editing, paginating and acting as editor for its weekly entertainment section. He also contributed to LDN’s sister publications, Oceana’s Herald-Journal and the White Lake Beacon. His reporting on issues in education and government has earned accolades from the Michigan Press Association and Michigan Associated Press Media Editors. Riley’s early work in journalism included a stint as an on-air news reporter for WMOM Radio, and work on the editorial staff of various student publications. Riley is a graduate of Grand Valley State University. He originally hails from western Washington.

‘There’s always somebody championing you’ at Cedar Springs High School

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley

The Every Student Known initiative at Cedar Springs High School is fostering a safer, happier school community.

Ensuring the ‘right to read’: library advocates recognized

Rockford Riley Kelley

Three Rockford library leaders have been recognized by the Michigan Association of School Librarians.

High-schoolers use TikTok to inform, entertain

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley

Cedar Springs media students are making the best use of TikTok, to deliver positive, entertaining and informative messages.

On state council, junior hopes to ‘make school better for every individual’

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

East Grand Rapids High School junior Taj Osborne has been appointed to the Michigan Department of Education’s Student Advisory Council.

Hospitality & tourism academy prepares students for ‘life beyond the classroom’

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

Ottawa Hills is celebrating the return of its Academy of Hospitality & Tourism.

Elementary students ‘adopt’ dairy cow for school year

Sparta Riley Kelley

Ridgeview Elementary students will follow a dairy cow named Tori this school year as part of their curriculum.

Teacher develops keycard hall pass system

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

An electronic system for logging trips out of the classroom is jumpstarting students’ interest in technology.

Four years after pandemic, chronic absenteeism still a problem

Comstock Park Riley Kelley

Four years after the pandemic, students continue to miss more school than they should.

After 50 years, this teacher has no regrets

Sparta Riley Kelley

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

At Meadow Ridge, engagement & enthusiasm lead to success

Rockford Riley Kelley

Rockford’s Meadow Ridge Elementary is one of 12 National Blue Ribbon schools designated this year in Michigan, and here’s why.

Ukraine ambassador: Students ‘have the power’ to shape the world

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

Bridget Brink, U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and East Grand Rapids alum, shared about the current war and its worldwide implications.

Lesson No. 1: how to be an informed voter

Multi Districts Riley Kelley

Kent County students and educators give their thoughts on civic duty, voter responsibility, information overload and the magnitude of the presidential election.

Middle-schooler’s ‘I Voted’ sticker voted among best in state

Rockford Riley Kelley

A Rockford student is behind one of the top entries in the Secretary of State’s “I Voted” sticker contest.

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.

Student-built boats make a splash during regatta

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

Middle-schoolers applied math, science and art lessons to their entries for the competitive regatta fundraiser.

Former globe-trotting researcher approaches post with curiosity and humility

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

Jessica Schwarz, a former wildlife biologist, brings a holistic approach to her new role leading Cesar E. Chavez Elementary.

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School News NetworkA Window into Your Public Schools

ABOUT US

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.

Not just a volunteer, but ‘a piece of the library’

He is demonstrating how important English is in business

New ‘fami-LEE’ leader fueled by coffee and community

This teacher enjoys the sincerity & hilarity of high-schoolers

Simulated crime ties science, critical thinking & data analysis

Opportunities abound at first in-house career fair

Partnership with Black-founded nonprofit brings dedicated learning space

Levitating cars? Anything’s possible in STEM Academy

State of the Student tackles four big topics

High-schoolers talk mental health with education leaders, legislators

Student news crew interviews state superintendent

Cultural fair: Students share countries, culture

Riley Kelley

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