Grand Rapids Public Schools

Three GRPS educators have been named the 2024-2025 Jean Hamilton Cope Teachers of the Year. ⭐ Kim Bradford at North Park Montessori Academy ⭐ Heather Lewis at CA Frost Environmental Science Middle High School ⭐ Christopher Woods at Southwest Middle High School – Academia Bilingüe This annual award, established by generous donors Laurie and Mark Grand in honor of Laurie’s mother, former GRPS teacher Jean Hamilton Cope, recognizes outstanding educators. The honorees receive $1,000 and are nominated for the Michigan Teacher of the Year Award. https://lnkd.in/gnjPN8vU

Congratulations to Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby on being named one of the 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan by Crain's Grand Rapids Business. MORE: https://lnkd.in/gbgUsBqH

For nearly three decades, Jill Staat has been an inspiring presence at GRPS, helping generations of scholars grow. As a Special Education Teacher at Alger Middle School, she says the most rewarding part of her work is the relationships she builds. “I love the students that I work with,” said Staat. “My students are the best! They are funny, kind and eager to learn. Every student is different. Every day is different.” https://lnkd.in/gCsMDe8G

With the crisp fall air rolling in, it’s the perfect time to lace up your running shoes and start training for this year’s Turkey Trot 5K! Here's a guide from Gazelle Sports. https://lnkd.in/gwWNuTAY

Deputy Superintendent of Preschool-12 Learning & Leadership Dr. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell has been recognized with the Jack Chaille Community Philanthropy Award from the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. “My main goal is to best serve our community, especially the folks who are most often at the margins or underserved,” Dr. Lovelady Mitchell said of her leadership of the Centennial Campaign. https://lnkd.in/gJZGj8ap

This project is about building a brighter future. Generations of scholars will learn and grow in this space. Our kids deserve this - and it's all possible thanks to your support of the Reimagine GRPS with Us bond! Our new northeast elementary school: coming in 2027. https://lnkd.in/gk4GTJjh

✅ Ground broken! Construction is officially underway on a new, state-of-the-art elementary school on the site of Aberdeen Academy. It will be the first new school constructed in northeast Grand Rapids in 60 years! When doors open in 2027, scholars and staff from Aberdeen Academy and Palmer Elementary will come together in the new, unified learning environment. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gk4GTJjh

A proud GRPS alumna, JoCara Coleman returned to the district as Burton Middle School’s In-House Specialist, eager to give back to the community where she grew up. https://lnkd.in/gZpehpHV

National leaders visited Grand Rapids to see how green playscapes are benefiting GRPS scholars. “Grand Rapids is ahead of the game, when you when you look at other communities around the country,” said David Beard from the Children and Nature Network. The Cities Connecting Children & Nature Network Nature Everywhere initiative and the Grand Rapids Environmental Education Network initiative have been working collaboratively since 2015 to increase equitable access to nature for all Grand Rapids youth. 

At Union High School, English Language Interventionist Kelsey Gichuki is finding joy in the connections she builds with both scholars and staff. “What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to work closely with scholars while also collaborating with my coworkers,” Gichuki said. Her role allows her to support scholars across a wide range of classrooms while also engaging in the school’s ongoing efforts to strengthen teaching practices. For Gichuki, the teamwork and shared commitment to growth at Union is something special. https://lnkd.in/gsk5PTZN