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State of the Arts

Educators have long recognized the value of music, art, drama and writing for students’ creative development and academic success. This series highlights the many enriching ways students are experiencing the arts.

Senior makes artistic mark on snowplow

Caledonia Alexis Stark

An original painting by Caledonia High School senior Josie Burns will be driving around on the blade of a local snow plow, featuring a message for Michigan drivers.

Fourth-grade Choristers come together in song

Northview Brett Atwood

We visited North Oakview Elementary School to see the Choristers vocal ensemble in action and discover how much work it takes to put a piece together.

Alum returns as band director

Thornapple Kellogg Alexis Stark

Thornapple Kellogg High School alum Clair Jansma is establishing trust and growing her confidence as the new band director, following the retirement of longtime director Ray Rickert.

Symphony visit all about sharing the music

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Elementary students explore instruments and music with help from a few Grand Rapids Symphony members.

Full symphony orchestra joins strings & marching band

Lowell Erin Albanese

By combining the sounds and talents of the marching band and top string musicians, students in the Lowell full symphony orchestra are learning to blend contrasting sounds.

Marching band showcase culminates ‘big effort every day’

Kent City Beth Heinen Bell

What kind of preparation goes into a marching band exhibition performance? We got an inside look at Kent City High School’s band class to learn more.

ArtPrize exhibit honors veterans & their stories

Caledonia Alexis Stark

Caledonia Community Schools students honored America through their artistic contributions to an ArtPrize 2024 exhibit honoring veterans’ art and their stories.

Student musicians tour Europe, performing along the way

Multi Districts Erin Albanese

With Michigan Musicians Abroad, high school students performed concerts in London, Paris, Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

School staff, families join community theater in the most delightful way

Byron Center Alexis Stark

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious teachers and families make up the cast of Byron Center’s summer community theater production of ‘Mary Poppins’ at Van Singel Fine Arts Center.

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Did you hear the news? Longtime director leads final show

State of the Arts Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Teacher and director Dave Howard wraps up his 30-year career with the 2024 Forest Hills Summer Stock production of “Newsies.”

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Partnership between district and church creates opportunity in the arts

State of the Arts Alexis Stark

Lee Street Christian Reformed Church’s third annual “I Am Art” camp brought together neighborhood kids and local artists for colorful crafts, dance lessons and mural painting.

Camp’s mission is to build an art community

Lowell Erin Albanese

Students spend summer days making suncatchers, tie dye, nature collages, treasure maps and painted rocks at Lowell’s first art camp.

Smile, frown or sleepy face? Mural helps identify feelings

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Students created a giant Mood Meter mural to help students understand how they are feeling.

Montessori students sound out the basics of bluegrass

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

St. Cecilia Music Center brings bluegrass to the classroom as part of its in-school programming.

Tuning, tempo and treble clef: Teen musicians leading the way for younger counterparts

State of the Arts Brett Atwood

Caledonia High School’s orchestra leadership team is helping Duncan Lake Middle Schoolers get prepared and excited to continue playing string instruments.

Elementary ukulelists get a feel for strings

Grandville Beth Heinen Bell

From “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” to “Sweet Caroline,” these fifth-graders are becoming strumming pros on the ukulele.

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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.

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Retired teachers return as mentors

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Marshmallows & math make for a sweet multiplication lesson

Senior makes artistic mark on snowplow

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State of the Arts

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