Grand Rapids University Prep Academy

Looking for affordable ways to get outside this weekend? Join us at Riverside Park for free-for-City-residents kayak rides! These 30-minute rides are a great way for beginners of all ages to get a feel for kayaking and enjoy the water. Event details:

🙋 Who: Grand Rapids City residents
🚣 What: Free 30-minute rides, including equipment and demo
📍Where: Riverside Park Lagoon (Riverside Park Kayak Launch on Google Maps)
🗓️ When: June 12-14, during regular kayak rental hours (4-8 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sat./Sun.)

✏️ Know Before You Go
• Participants under the age of 18 must have an adult present.
• Solo kayaks will be available for ages 10+.
• Kids under 10 can ride in a tandem kayak as long as they fit in a life jacket
• Young children must be safely fitted in a PFD to participate. Our PFDs fit children who are approximately 30 lbs and up.
• Participants are also welcome to bring their own coast guard approved PFD.

Regular kayak rentals will still be available. Learn more about kayaking rules, ages, and more at: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/departments/parks-recreation/recreation/kayaking/

We are excited to invite you to a series of upcoming community conversations hosted by Grand Rapids Southeast Promise Neighborhood. These events are a great opportunity to connect, share your experiences, and help shape the future of our schools and neighborhoods. Each session includes food, childcare, and a welcoming space for your voice to be heard.

Wednesday, June 10 – UPREP (512 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
Time: 4:30–6:00 p.m. or 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Topic: Student Attendance & Success
This session will focus on attendance and the real-life challenges that impact it. Families are encouraged to share their experiences and ideas to help ensure every student can succeed.

Wednesday, June 17 – MLK Community Center (900 Fuller Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506)
Time: 4:30–6:00 p.m. or 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Topic: College & Career Readiness
Come discuss what students need to achieve their goals after high school. Your input will help inform supports that prepare students for college, careers, and beyond.

At each event, families will:

Enjoy free food (including food trucks)
Have access to free childcare
Explore real community data and share their perspectives
Help shape GRSEPN’s priorities and future plans
Please RSVP in advance: bit.ly/GRSEPNOurVoice
(Kindly RSVP at least two days ahead if you need childcare or interpretation services.)

We hope to see you at one—or all—of these important conversations!

We are so proud of you Daisy!

GRPS Milestone: UPREP Sophomore Becomes First To Receive State CTE Credential Website for Grand Rapids Public Schools

Calling All Middle School Bengals Volleyball Players! 🏐
Are you entering 6th–8th grade for the 2026–2027 school year? Join us for the Ottawa Hills Middle School Volleyball Camp and build your skills, make new friends, and have fun on the court!
📅 June 16–18
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Ottawa Hills High School Gym (2055 Rosewood Ave SE)
💲 FREE to attend!

Attention all 2026-2027 UPREP families! Please save the date(s) for our mandatory orientations. 9th grade families will only need to attend one session. If you have scholars in multiple grades, between 6th and 10th grade, please plan to attend our makeup day on August 11th. Finally, all 11th and 12th grade scholars and families must attend orientation on August 13th. It is very important as we will discuss topics related to the school year and graduation. If you have not already visit enroll.grps.org to complete the online registration, please do so at your earliest convenience. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at 616-819-1010.

Congratulations Mrs. Steffes! Mrs. Steffes is one of our amazing teachers and we are so thankful for her. Way to be LIT!

🎉 Congratulations to this month's Caught Being Awesome winner, Brittany Steffes, of Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy!
Grand Rapids University Prep Academy / Grand Rapids Public Schools

According to her peers, Brittany goes the extra mile for her students. Starting from her room which is bright, colorful, and has fun seating. Lesson plans and learning are coordinated to a tee. She has a passion for teaching and getting students where they need to be.

Well done, Brittany 🥇🏆

***If you know a teacher who’s creating a classroom where curiosity, creativity and critical thinking thrive, we’d love to celebrate them! Nominate at bit.ly/2WiQvjm

So proud of our athletes!

Ottawa Hills, Union Athletes Represent GRPS at State Track and Field Finals Website for Grand Rapids Public Schools

That’s a wrap for the 2025-2026 school year! Thank you so much for being in our school family. We hope everyone has an amazing summer and we will welcome our new and returning family members back on Monday, August 24th.

Last week Thursday, our 6th and 7th graders had their final visit to the GR Kroc Center. Scholars have enjoyed visiting throughout the school year to participate in activities such as art, boxing, basketball, soccer, climbing wall, drama, and music. Thank you to all of the staff from UPREP, the Kroc, and Dean for providing this amazing opportunity for scholars.

Save the date! The first day of the 2026-2027 school year will be August 24th.