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Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

Same family, different major goals

Northview Beth Heinen Bell

Twins Christian and Xander both have big plans for the future, yet you won’t find them working together. We recently spoke with the pair about their (very individual) dreams and how their school is helping them get there.

Her leadership style: bring out the best in others

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

Kenowa Hills veteran teacher and friendly neighborhood dog walker Brooke Johnston is the new principal at Zinser Elementary.

She wants students to have ‘every opportunity’ and ‘learn in the best ways they can’

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

SNN gets to know Comstock Park’s new special education director.

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.

She really means it: ‘Our school is a family’

Grandville Beth Heinen Bell

Julie Scott is the new Early Childhood director and principal of the Early Learning Center. SNN gets to know her better in this edition of Meet Your Administrators.

New dean helping kids navigate the world

Thornapple Kellogg Alexis Stark

Longtime educator and Thornapple Kellogg High School’s first dean of students, Sean McLaughlin, is now the first dean of students at Page Elementary.

‘I need to teach. I need this job, here in this place, with these students’

Northview Beth Heinen Bell

English teacher Betsy Verwys calls her job at the Northview Next Career Center the hardest, but most rewarding, teaching job she’s ever had. We asked what motivates her to keep returning to the classroom after 25 years.

Early career shift a win for this educator, those she serves

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Jenny Fee says she is looking forward to serving as the Kent ISD’s assistant superintendent of instructional services.

The ‘MVP’ in the principal’s office

Wyoming Erin Albanese

New Wyoming Junior High Principal Mike Perez hopes to be “that somebody that could make things better” for students. SNN gets to know him better in this edition of Meet Your Administrators.

A new, shared role for two familiar faces

Thornapple Kellogg Alexis Stark

Thornapple Kellogg High School has two new assistant principals: Gregg Bruno and Jeff Dock.

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.

Inspired by her grandmother, she wants to be a ‘school mom’

Thornapple Kellogg Alexis Stark

Amy Forman is the new principal at Page Elementary.

He’s a football fan all about empowering team excellence

Caledonia Alexis Stark

New Emmons Lake Elementary Principal Nathan Walters says he learns joy and gratitude from his students.

Agents of change teaming up to lead, with snacks

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark

Godfrey Elementary’s new principal Joseph Alcaraz is in the driver’s seat and assistant principal Colleen Heyboer is riding shotgun.

Their aim: helping students ‘find their community’

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

William Cataldo is the new Northern Trails 5/6 principal, and Natalie Bice is the new Central Middle School assistant principal.

Scooch over; this principal wants to eat lunch with you

Grandville Beth Heinen Bell

Alan Bosker is the new principal of Cummings Elementary School. SNN gets to know him better in this edition of Meet Your Administrators.

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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.

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’

He is demonstrating how important English is in business

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

Partnership with Black-founded nonprofit brings dedicated learning space

Learning life skills ‘where life happens’

State of the Student tackles four big topics

High-schoolers talk mental health with education leaders, legislators

Student news crew interviews state superintendent

Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

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