School News Network

When Philip Choo and his family learned they would be staying in South Korea longer than expected because of a visa issue, his classmates at Forest Hills' Ada Elementary turned the situation into a learning opportunity. Together, they found creative ways to stay connected across the miles, proving that friendship and community can transcend borders. Forest Hills Public Schools Forest Hills Public Schools Foundation

First-graders stay connected to classmate in South Korea After a visa setback has left a classmate back in South Korea, Ada Elementary students used books, letters and video calls to maintain their friendship.

Our staff spent a beautiful summer morning yesterday at the Grand Rapids Public Museum celebrating our community partners and sponsors. We are so grateful for the work each and every one of you do and the learning experiences and opportunities you provide our schools, students, educators and families.

In the garden of West Michigan, you are all the soil, water and sunlight nurturing young seeds and growing the next generation of curious, kind and confident human beings. When we connect and collaborate with each other, everyone wins.

Grand Rapids Public Library
Kent District Library
The Gerald Ford Presidential Library & Museum
John Ball Zoo
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Edustaff
Van Andel Institute for Education
St. Cecilia Music Center
Educatius Group
LMCU
Mathnasium
Owen-Ames-Kimball
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Wedgwood Christian Services
Grand Rapids Symphony
Broadway Grand Rapids
Maranda
Kids' Food Basket
El Vocero Hispano
WGVU

A special shout out to the educators and communicators who joined us as well!

Kent ISD
Kent City Community Schools
Kelloggsville Public Schools
Byron Center Public Schools
Forest Hills Public Schools
Rockford Public Schools

As another school year ends, district leaders from Kenowa Hills Public Schools and Grandville Public Schools wanted their families to feel heard, supported and connected. That hope inspired two elementary principals from schools in Walker to invite families to a series of meetings this year, where they provided a meal to share, offered free child care and facilitated conversations.

Read more from SNN: https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/06/10/family-nights-build-connections-strengthen-support/

Kenowa Hills Zinser Elementary Kenowa Hills Alpine Elementary

Family nights build connections, strengthen support Kenowa Hills and Grandville elementary families came together throughout the school year to share meals and conversations about parenting, relationship-building and resources available in their community.

What's so special about the salad bar full of fresh fruits and veggies at Kent City Elementary? The student council requested it -- and adults listened. Read more from Kent City Community Schools here:

Student-inspired salad bar a hit at elementary lunchtime Not many elementary students take personal pride in their school’s salad bar, but the student council at Kent City Elementary does.

Recently, students in Forest Hills Northern High School’s Drive program earned major recognition at the Square One Innovative Vehicle Design Competition, bringing home multiple top awards for their student-built electric vehicle. Read below for more. Forest Hills Public Schools

FHN Drive team wins top honors at vehicle design competition Students from Forest Hills Northern High School were named grand champions, and earned first place in design and second place in performance for an electric vehicle project.

On May 19, Comstock Park graduate Konnor VanDyke achieved a goal that once seemed out of reach: walking across the graduation stage unassisted.

Just three years ago, Konnor was battling a rare form of cancer that left him unable to use his legs. Through determination, resilience, and hard work, he made it to graduation day on his own two feet — an inspiring milestone in an incredible journey.

Follow Konnor's story in the link below. Comstock Park Public Schools

Commencement walk extra sweet for grad ‘who has conquered so much’ After a brain cancer diagnosis forced him to relearn how to walk and learn, Konnor VanDyke returned to school, graduated with his classmates and earned the 2026 Grit Award.

Congratulations to the Kent District Library for an amazing “On the Same Page” event with authors Kristin Hannah and Megan Chance. Kent District Library Kristin Hannah

“I think it helped people learn about being kind. You certainly think about it more as you go about your day," said Comstock Park fifth-grader Betsie Reyna. Students at Pine Island Elementary focused on kindness by filling a classroom kindness jar. Click the link below to learn more. Comstock Park Public Schools

Tracking kindness, one pom-pom at a time Since December, Pine Island students have been counting their acts of kindness by filling a canning jar with pom-poms.

Check out the exciting happenings on the riverfront Saturday at Grand Rapids Public Museum with a slate of events from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Maranda has the story!

To celebrate the grand opening of its new Riverfront expansion along the Grand River, the Grand Rapids Public Museum will be holding a community celebration this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.!

Summer learning opportunites span art, reading, history, science, animal, music, STEM and more at area organizations. Check out this a list of the many camps and programs for students to use their imaginations, have fun, explore and develop skills.

Grand Rapids Public Museum Grand Rapids Public Library Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park St. Cecilia Music Center John Ball Zoo Grand Rapids Art Museum, Mathnasium Mathnasium of Grandville Van Andel Institute for Education Grand Rapids Children's Museum

Summer abounds with learning opportunities From camps to reading challenges to skill development, area organizations offer all kinds of learning opportunities this summer.