HomeProfiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

‘They teach me to be a better version of myself’

Thornapple Kellogg Alexis Stark

Veteran Thornapple Kellogg Middle School teacher Rojean Sprague shares what’s behind her passion for middle-school students and what keeps her in the profession for 31 years and counting.

Educator focuses on cultivating passions

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

Zinser Elementary fifth-grade teacher Jeff Verkaik strives to find joy in the classroom every day.

Creating a supportive environment for all

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

SNN gets to know the new administrative team at Forest Hills Northern High School.

His path led him back to adult ed

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Gerry Verwey is the new director of the Adult Education program.

Fifth–grader demonstrates school pride in presentation

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Savanna Barry wanted to encourage her peers to have school pride, so the fifth-grader took it upon herself to spread the message.

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.

1 234...39 Page 3 of 39

- Sponsorship -

GET OUR HEADLINES IN YOUR EMAIL

SUSTAINING SPONSORS

Join these sponsors

- Sponsorship -

MEDIA PARTNERS

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.

Tour sparked interest in welding

He forecasts snow days with increasing accuracy

‘It’s a civic responsibility,’ teacher says of education work

Someday, he could be on your election ballot

A career in auto repair? For some students, it starts in high school

Lightbulbs are going on thanks to Home Essentials class

New math curriculum spurs creative thinking

Students go 3D with pens

District addresses needs of autism students with smaller classrooms

Podcast: Schools hearing concerns from families over federal deportation plans

Podcast: ‘Serious fun’ leads to serious success

What’s in store for federal education dollars?

Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

GET OUR HEADLINES IN YOUR EMAIL

SUSTAINING SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

ABOUT US

FOLLOW US

OUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS