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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.

‘Amazing Alphabet’ mural stretches from alligator to zebra

State of the Arts Erin Albanese

Students transformed letters into artsy animals to create the mural for kindergartners...

Drawing her life to embolden others

Sparta Jane Lally

Junior Isabel Gauthier, a lifelong artist, uses art to help her deal with struggles and encourage others...

How did a world-famous van Gogh get into fifth grade?

Lowell Meghan Gracy

Murray Lake Elementary students study van Gogh’s “The Bedroom” through a 3D replica from the Heart for Art program...

00:00:18

Learning about the art of the possible

State of the Arts Alexis Stark

Grand Rapids Public Schools high school students learn about careers in the arts from GRCC visual arts professors...

Theater students find community through ‘Matilda’ musical

Lowell Meghan Gracy

While the story of Matilda showcases a dysfunctional family, the Lowell High School cast performing the musical has found kinship through their production...

Being fully present

Forest Hills Carol Lautenbach

The mind contributes to the sound, tone and feelings musicians produce. Learning mindfulness benefits the musician and contributes to harmony of all kinds in this Central Woodlands classroom...

Pinch pots, penguins, pumpkins & more

Comstock Park Karen Gentry

Stoney Creek Elementary students are learning the basics of art and their mediums, then showing off their skills to friends and family...

Student art gets gallery showing

Byron Center Alexis Stark

Byron Center students learned different artistic techniques and got to see their projects displayed in downtown Grand Rapids...

Students present artistic twist on being nice

Lowell Erin Albanese

Students display art to share messages of kindness, community and compassion...

Student artwork depicting Michigan’s strengths wins state competition

Forest Hills Carol Lautenbach

When announcing the winner of this year’s State of the State art contest, Lt. Gov. Garland Gilchrist said he was encouraged “to see Michigan’s strengths through these students’ eyes”...

Thanks to Ariel, he’s part of that world

East Grand Rapids Beth Heinen Bell

A former student-turned-Disney artist shared his talents and advice with middle school digital art students, and shows it’s about more than following a dream...

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A past, present and future tradition

Grand Rapids Brett Atwood

Performing the Victorian-era holiday musical is a 45-year tradition for Blandford School...

Students create portrait of Grand Rapids man killed by police officer

Kentwood Erin Albanese

“Through the Veil” a portrait of Patrick Lyoya, by East Kentwood students, is on display for ArtPrize...

How creativity changes the world

Caledonia Student Showcase School News Network

Pathways of creativity and ingenuity have tempted the larger scope of humanity since its earliest ancestors... (Student Op-Ed by Jenna Waggoner)

‘Freedom’ message by student artist coming to 50 restaurants

Grand Rapids Alexis Stark

Sophomore Kahari King’s mural art is going up in 50 McDonald’s locations as part of a larger project with other students across the state...

Celebrating student masterpieces at Festival

State of the Arts Dianne Carroll Burdick

Nearly 150 students from 28 West Michigan schools displayed their artwork at the Festival of the Arts Youth Art Exhibition...

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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.

Friend, athlete, advocate uses abilities to help others

Her career path was laid in first grade

She helps students develop language, read, write & grow

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

Mobile Farm Science Lab ‘udder-ly’ engaging

Partnership pairs high-schoolers with scientists for real-world research

Simulated crime ties science, critical thinking & data analysis

Opportunities abound at first in-house career fair

Method offers trauma-informed approach to managing students in crisis

Friend, athlete, advocate uses abilities to help others

Students explore job opportunities, build skills with holiday market

Concert empowers students to move to the music

State of the Arts

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