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Empowering Abilities

This series shines a light on the abilities of students with physical and mental disabilities and approaches to teaching them.

Method offers trauma-informed approach to managing students in crisis

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley

Kent County schools are turning to an intervention method that focuses on trauma-informed crisis management. Key: understanding what the developing brain does in moments of crisis and the impact of trauma on the brain.

Friend, athlete, advocate uses abilities to help others

Wyoming Erin Albanese

Wyoming High School senior Gabe Craig isn’t interested in talking about himself, but others know why he deserves the Discover Ability Award.

Students explore job opportunities, build skills with holiday market

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Lincoln Developmental Center’s annual holiday market gives students an opportunity to be creative and learn about business.

Concert empowers students to move to the music

Kent ISD Brett Atwood

Movement, relaxation and more movement enhanced the music during the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Access to Music concert for kids who have special needs.

Learning life skills ‘where life happens’

Sparta Riley Kelley

Students with special needs are getting out in the community and learning valuable skills in the process.

Basketball team unites students, promotes inclusion

Wyoming Erin Albanese

From hyping each other up, to teaching and learning skills to cheering on teammates, Unified Sports is all about coming together.

Special education: fulfilling the promise of education for all

All Districts Carol Lautenbach

As a child learns and grows, special education support evolves and changes as well. We spoke with a local educator to learn more about those supports and how parents can best advocate for their child.

New adaptive classes help bridge differences

Sparta Riley Kelley

Students thrive, lead and learn in new, inclusive courses at Sparta Middle School.

All hands on deck for this holiday celebration

Kent ISD Brett Atwood

Lincoln Developmental Center transforms into a winter wonderland when students and staff members deck the halls.

Students spruce up greenhouse, make home for houseplants

Lowell Erin Albanese

Lowell High School students are cultivating a space where staff members’ plants can thrive.

‘It’s really all about providing equity’

Grandville Ezra Craker

General education students and students with cognitive impairments get to learn alongside each other...

Newly configured preschool focuses on being inclusive

Empowering Abilities Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

This year, all of Godwin’s 4-year-old preschool students are now housed at the Early Education Center...

Hot off the 3D printer: communication equity

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

When staff looked to build a better keyguard, they didn’t have to go far to find a solution...

Friendships form through positive links

Byron Center Alexis Stark

Byron Center’s LINKS, recognized by Special Olympics, pairs up students for fun and friendship...

Kind, inclusive, encouraging

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

Central Elementary students practice acceptance and kindness, and share the lessons around school...

Annual LINKS lunch serves pre-holiday staff meal

Byron Center Alexis Stark

LINKS students at Byron Center High sent their teachers off with full stomachs right before Thanksgiving break...

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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.

Budding birder brings energy, passion to job tending school’s bird feeders

Their goal: get to know every Ranger

Kent County Cup winner finds new career focus through esports

Student broadcaster pushes for positive coverage in advisory role

Second- & third-graders learn how things work by doing

Marshmallows & math make for a sweet multiplication lesson

Senior makes artistic mark on snowplow

Initiative aims to double enrollment in career & technical education by 2030

What’s in store for federal education dollars?

Student journalists look at what’s next for tech in West Michigan

Eating disorders topic of Jan. 29 community event

High-schoolers share thoughts on school safety, engagement & more

Empowering Abilities

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