Sparta Archives - School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools

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

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

An ambitious county-wide initiative aims to increase the number of students taking classes that teach them career skills and prepare them for the workforce.

Student broadcaster pushes for positive coverage in advisory role

Sparta Riley Kelley

As part of a national advisory team, this Sparta senior is steering the future editorial direction of PBS student programming.

Touched by tragedies, social worker educates families on safe gun storage

All Districts School News Network

Social worker Eunice Benavidez, who’s lost family members to gun violence, talks about a safe gun storage initiative she leads at Kelloggsville Public Schools.

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.

Mobile Farm Science Lab ‘udder-ly’ engaging

Sparta Morgan Jarema

The field trip came to school recently, when Appleview Elementary students were visited by a mobile science trailer for some grade-level activities involving cows.

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.

State of the Student tackles four big topics

All Districts Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Area students were center stage at the annual “Listen. Learn. Lead.” event to share their thoughts about mental health, school safety, engagement and belonging.

High-schoolers talk mental health with education leaders, legislators

Multi Districts Erin Albanese

What can schools do to support student mental health and make connections? Students shared their thoughts on how and why it’s so important to them.

Elementary students ‘adopt’ dairy cow for school year

Sparta Riley Kelley

Ridgeview Elementary students will follow a dairy cow named Tori this school year as part of their curriculum.

No cell phones in class? It’s a good thing, student and principal say

Podcasts School News Network

Five years after Forest Hills adopted a policy severely restricting cell-phone use during the school day, we talk to a student and principal about how that’s working out.