Riley Kelley

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Riley Kelley is a reporter covering Cedar Springs, Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Rockford 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.

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.

District kicks off school year with new, improved website

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

The district recently wrapped up the nine-month process of updating its website to make it a more useful resource for community members.

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.

Her recipe for success: impact, inspiration & extra bacon

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

Jennafer Slanger, new principal of Lakeside Elementary, is ‘grateful and honored’ to be with East Grand Rapids Public Schools.

‘Really a blessing’: AEDs delivered to GR high schools

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

State Reps. Carol Glanville and Kristian Grant delivered AEDs, donated by the NFL and the state Legislature, to Ottawa Hills and Union high schools.

Unconventional path leads ‘people person’ to new admin post

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

This wedding planner turned marketer turned educator is now serving the district that first jump-started her interest in teaching.

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.

New grants charge up districts’ plans to buy EV buses

Multi Districts Riley Kelley

Funding from the state will help with planned EV bus purchases for Kent ISD, Grand Rapids Public Schools and Kentwood Public Schools.

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School News NetworkA Window into Your Public Schools

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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.

Kent County Cup winner finds new career focus through esports

Student broadcaster pushes for positive coverage in advisory role

Retired teachers return as mentors

Friend, athlete, advocate uses abilities to help others

Marshmallows & math make for a sweet multiplication lesson

Senior makes artistic mark on snowplow

Initiative aims to double enrollment in career & technical education by 2030

Fourth-grade Choristers come together in song

High-schoolers share thoughts on school safety, engagement & more

Student broadcaster pushes for positive coverage in advisory role

On podcast, teen shares about major loss, forgiveness & gratitude

Poet pens work celebrating school library’s achievement

Riley Kelley

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