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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.

Rocking Out with Strings, Awesomely

Lowell Morgan Jarema

Mitchell Evink couldn't seem to help playing air cello as he sat on the floor of the band room and watched a video featuring...

An Arts School Takes the Stage

Grand Rapids Charles Honey

Baton in hand, Jaeda Selden led fellow second-graders Kamellah Kidd and Lizzariah Robertson in practicing a song from “The Wiz.” Taking a break for...

History as Song and Story

Kenowa Hills Charles Honey

It was the true story of a horrific murder, but Ben Bedford sang the tale to a gentle melody. “Pulled by four strong arms from...

Art Award Tradition Continues for 35th Year of Excellence

All Districts Erin Albanese

Northview High School sophomore Nick Ensing's drawing depicts a colorful, detailed royal court, staffed by doe-eyed kings, queens and jesters. Junior Ellie Haveman's photo is...

Playing in Tune with Giving Hearts

State of the Arts Charles Honey

Elizabeth Catlin tentatively plucked a few notes on a violin after eighth-graders McKenzie Watkoski and Presley Avery showed her how. The she gamely played...

Revived Program Attracts Student Artists, Musicians

Grand Rapids Charles Honey

From imaginative paintings and sculptures to soothing songs and a silky sax solo, Union High and Westwood Middle school students recently shared their artistic...

Students Jam On, with Plenty of Moxie

Forest Hills Morgan Jarema

Forest Hills Eastern High orchestra students joined forces recently with The Moxie Strings for a night of upbeat contemporary music. But before they did,...

Settling Conflict by Settling Minds with Connective Art

State of the Arts Erin Albanese

With colorful petals radiating from a bright orange center, the mandala Circle of Art rug represents the universe and all its connectivity. For members of...

Students Explore Hip-Hop as ‘Something that You Live’

Grand Rapids Charles Honey

Matthew Duncan lightly shakes a can of spray paint and, like the serious aerosol artist he is, deftly sprays an immaculate orange “o” on...

Adding Sugar to Education’s Cake

Forest Hills Morgan Jarema

As a young mother new to the district in the early 1970s, Candace Hinshaw remembers hearing about a magazine sale at Pine Ridge Elementary...

‘They Learn by Music’

Empowering Abilities School News Network

A drum beat echoes down the halls of Sparta's Appleview Elementary. The source: a boisterous bunch of musicians keeping a beat and dancing to the...

District Talent on Full Display at Art Show

Godwin Heights Erin Albanese

The work of K-12 artists created a huge collage of talent on display recently during the District-wide Art Show. Many mediums were showcased, and high...

‘It’s Incredible, the Opportunities We Get’

Byron Center Charles Honey

Jazz at Byron Center High School has always been about swinging hard and playing big, and hitting the smooth, cool notes just right. So...

‘Free to Try, Free to Do Your Best’

Byron Center Charles Honey

For some students, inspiration came from a science teacher's lesson on the expanding universe. For others, it was reading "To Kill a Mockingbird" for...

‘World-Class’ Band Program Thrives on Community Support

Godwin Heights Erin Albanese

Drive down 36th Street SW between Buchanan and Division on a fall day, and the sound of trumpets, trombones, clarinets, flutes and drums fills...

‘You Find Yourself Striving to be Greater at Something’

State of the Arts Linda Odette

Noah Miller and Heather Price, both 2016 district graduates, are members of the Western Michigan University Marching Bronco Band and got to play at...

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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.

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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