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July 2016 | Vol. 16 | Issue 1 | Section A Thanks to the generosity of our advertisers, this newsletter was funded using minimal taxpayer dollars. Quality School Choices, Dynamic Enrollment is as Teachers and School Leaders, and a easy as 1, 2, 3… Clear Vision Define the New GRPS Fill out an enrollment form. Forms By Teresa Weatherall Neal, M.Ed., Superintendent of Schools are available at Community & Student Services at 1331 Franklin St SE or It’s back to school time! We - Graduation rates are up. Overall graduation rates 1 online at www.grps.org/enrolltoday. have so many great things to increased by 12% over the last 4 years. Notably, celebrate as we approach the graduation rates increased by 21% for African Bring in your child’s birth certificate, start of the 2016-2017 school American students, 15% for Hispanic/Latino, proof of residence (utility bill or rent year. In less than five years, 22% for English Language Learners, and 15% for receipt, cannot use driver’s license, we have implemented the economically disadvantaged students over the same cell phone bill or insurance bill), GRPS Transformation Plan four year period. immunization record, and emergency with great success. We have 2 Test scores are up. contact information. Missing some strengthened, improved, and - We continue to see improvements in student growth and, once again, our high information? That’s ok! You have expanded our portfolio of 30 days to provide it after turning in school choices; we have sig- schools were among the top composite score gains in the county. your enrollment information, so don’t nificantly improved our talent delay, enroll today! recruitment, retention, and development efforts; and we - Dual enrollment is up. Dual enrollment increased have strategically invested the tax dollars entrusted to us by 52% over the last two years. For students of Attend the orientation at your child’s to restore stability and trust in the district. color, dual enrollment increased by 70% in the last school. Orientation dates and times two years. 3 are listed on page 4. TheTransformation Plan is working! ■ SEE QUALITY SCHOOLS / A3

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ECRWSS Customer Postal 1331 Franklin S.E., PO Box 117 Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0117 2 GRPS News July 2016

Grand Rapids Public Schools Mentor Program for African-American Boys Aims to

‘Create Next Generation of Global Leaders’ JULY 2016 By Charles Honey, Courtesy of School News Network Grand Rapids Board of Education them all the way to graduate school. Despite rising graduation rates 2016 among all black students in GRPS, too Growing Future Fathers and Leaders many male students are not graduat- Tony Baker, Ph.D., President G2G, as it’s commonly called, aims ing on time or dropping out, he said. Raynard Ross, Vice President to avert the problems experienced by Studies show those who don’t receive di- Rev. John Matias, Secretary poorly educated men and foster success- plomas will face “some real dire struggles Monica Randles, M.D., Treasurer ful futures by creating “an intentional in their life,” he says. “It doesn’t mean Wendy Falb, Ph.D. shift in the way we engage African- you’ll have a life of crime, but it means Jose A. Flores, Ed.D. American young men,” says program you’ll struggle a little more than some- Pastor Nathaniel Moody Students chose a statement on leadership to coordinator Emmanuel Armstrong III. one with a diploma.” Jennifer Schottke share with their families Maureen Quinn Slade “We want these young men to grow High school graduates generally Teresa Weatherall Neal, M.Ed. to be fathers, to be husbands and to give live longer, earn more and are less likely Superintendent of Schools Delicious-smelling bags of Popeyes back to the young men in the commu- to commit crimes than those who drop nity,” says Armstrong, counselor coor- Equal Opportunity Institution: Grand Rapids Public chicken lie within reach of seven boys at out, according to a background paper on Schools, as an Equal Opportunity Institution, lunch time. But before they dig in, Rob- dinator of the GRPS Office of Parental the G2G program. complies with federal and state laws prohibiting Engagement. “Our mission is to create ert Hurd has a few things to ask them. The paper also noted African-Amer- discrimination and harassment, including Title IV the next generation of global leaders. We and Title VII (with amendments) of the 1964 Civil “Any April suspensions?” he asks want the young men to rise above the ican males were suspended at twice the Rights Act, Title IX of the Educational Amendment of the third- through seventh-grade stu- situation they are in and understand the rate of all GRPS students in 2012-13 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, dents gathered around the table. Nope, greatness that is waiting for them.” and were more often chronically absent, Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974 as amended 38 they answer. “No conduct reports?” with higher absenteeism correlating to USC 20-12 and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. The District will not discriminate against Nope. That’s good, Hurd says, adding, He lower achievement. works any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, “You guys can do it. I strongly, strongly Hurd sees a special struggle for gender, gender identity and expression, height, believe in you.” with a weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital planning young black males who see little positive reflection of themselves in their curricu- status, pregnancy, disability or veteran status. The “Did I ever tell you being a strong- commit- District’s Civil Rights Compliance Officer is Larry willed person was bad? No,” Hurd tells tee that lum, textbooks or teaching staffs. Johnson. Mr. Larry Johnson may be contacted at the students of Martin Luther King Jr. includes Some perceive school as “a celebra- 1331 Franklin SE, P.O. Box 117, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0117 or (616) 819-2100. The District’s Title Leadership Academy. “Strength is good, Superin- tion of someone else’s culture” and easily guys. It’s good to know who you are and IX Coordinator is Kurt Johnson. Mr. Kurt Johnson tendent doubt they can contribute meaningfully may be contacted at 1331 Franklin SE, P.O. Box feel strongly about what you believe in. Teresa to society, he says. “I try to attack that 117, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0117 or (616) 819- But you’ve got to know how to direct it. Weather- mindset to let them know everybody can 2010. At 6-feet-8-inches and a former basketball star, You’ve got to be able to use that strength Hurd looms as an imposing presence all Neal, be successful.” Title IX Annual Athletics Compliance Report: correctly. But then he zeroes in on one over the students he mentors other Grand Rapids Public Schools is committed to boy who, despite pulling good grades, current The intent is for mentors like securing athletic equity and provides annual Title draws teacher complaints about his and former GRPS officials, and repre- him to walk alongside their students IX reporting to the athletes and parents in an effort behavior and attitude. Hurd looms over sentatives of Grand Rapids Community throughout school into early adulthood, to bring increased attention and resources towards ensuring that gender equity as required by Title the group, all 6-feet-8-inches of him, College, Grand Valley State University sharing insights they’ve gleaned as engineers, educators and other professionals. IX of the Education Amendments for 1972, Grand and delivers a message as strongly as he and the Grand Rapids Urban League. Rapids Public Schools annual report is available at once pulled down rebounds in college. They provide professional development Armstrong himself meets with students www.grps.org. at C.A. Frost and Alger Middle School, for the community mentors and set up To comply with the No Child Left Behind Act “If you do that, guys, you’re going going over their grades and personal to do well.” field trips to museums and other activi- of 2001, Parents Right-To-Know, parents may ties. issues. request information regarding the professional Only then comes the takeout. qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers. In March, they held an African- While research shows black men commonly believe that others perceive Please contact Micky Savage, Director of Human Hurd’s heart-to-heart at MLK American Male Achievement Con- Resources, in Human Resources via email Academy is one of many going on in ference that attracted about 300 them as having “deficits, not assets,” [email protected] or at (616) 819-2028. Grand Rapids Public Schools between ninth-graders and 100 men from the mentors tell them they are “born bril- young African-American males and their community, who will pair up with stu- liant,” he says. adult community counterparts. It’s all dents over the summer. “Once you instill that confidence part of Grade School to Grad School, an JULY 2016 ‘Born Brilliant’ and self-assurance in students, they is published four times per year by initiative to provide black male students can become GRPS Communications Office with support and confidence to help In Grand Rapids, however, G2G is a CEO of a Grand Rapids Public Schools them do well in school and life. being extended next fall to provide men- Fortune 500 1331 Franklin St. SE, P.O. Box 117 tors to female students of all races and Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501-0117 Now completing its second aca- company. ethnicities, not just African-Americans. Phone: (616) 819-2149 demic year, the program pairs some 130 But the program for males remains Continue Fax: (616) 819-3480 students with about 80 men, who agree www.grps.org www.WeAreGR.com focused on black students because, Arm- reading at to spend an hour per week through the John Helmholdt, Executive Director of strong says, “Our research led us to the www.School- school year with them. It focuses on stu- Communications & External Affairs African-American male community first, NewsNet- dents at Ottawa Hills High School and Fifth-grader Trevonte Buckley, here reading Kalli Zielbauer, Communications Coordinator because we saw that’s where the need work.org” a statement he chose about leadership, Kyle Pray, Student Retention Recruitment the elementary and middle schools that says Hurd “tells us how to do good things” was.” Program Coordinator feed into it, with the intent to follow Lynn Ritsema, Administrative Assistant July 2016 GRPS News 3 Quality Schools Continued from A1 - Student attendance is up. We have I am so proud of what we have ac- new Grand Rapids Public Museum cut chronic absenteeism by 36% in complished. GRPS is blessed to have School will start school in brand the last two years. truly the most dynamic teachers, school new, cutting edge classrooms fol- leaders, and support staff in the region. lowing more than $4 million in - Suspensions are down. We have These talented, dedicated, passionate ed- renovations to the 4th floor of the reduced suspensions by more than ucators are united and working together Van Andel Museum Center. Grades 5%, including a 26% reduction like never before to improve student 6-8 will be housed at the Van Andel in lost instructional time due to outcomes and advance the vision of the Museum Center and grades 9-12 suspensions. This is due in large part GRPS Transformation Plan. will be at the former Museum site to our expanded use of restorative at 54 Jefferson. Special thanks to to celebrate with us. practices. More than 5,200 students Coming this fall, we have several excit- our friends at City Hall, Mayor Ro- participated in restorative practices ing developments that I believe exem- This is just the beginning. Com- salynn Bliss, and the Grand Rapids in 31 schools with more than 450 plify the vision and direction of Grand ing fall 2018, we will be re-opening City Commission for working with trained district staff members. Rapids Public Schools. Ridgemoor Park Elementary as the us on this historic opportunity. new Ridgemoor Montessori Academy - School safety is up. Security - New/Expanded C.A. Frost En- - Demolition of 111 College NE. and opening the new Middle College incidents are down 15%. Major vironmental Science Academy. There were only two non-negotia- program at Ottawa Hills High School incidents are down 26%. Thanks to the voters and taxpayers bles in the GRPS Transformation where students will graduate with a high of Grand Rapids, we have renovated - Parent engagement is up. The Plan: school uniforms and tearing school diploma and Associates Degree at the former Covell Elementary facil- number of parents signed up for down 111 College NE. This sum- GRCC. ity to accommodate the expan- classes at Parent University is up mer, we made history by demol- sion of C.A. Frost Environmental It has truly been my honor to serve 37% over last year. There were four ishing 111 College and righting a Science Academy from a K-8 to a as your superintendent during these ex- times more course offerings avail- wrong that has been a longstanding PK-12. This is so symbolic because citing times. I encourage you to sign up able than the previous year with rub and eye sore. As a result of the Covell was one of ten schools closed for our We Are GR Enews and/or social 13,323 course attendees – up 65% demolition, there will be signifi- five years ago and it represents our media to learn more about all the great over last year. cantly improved safety and traffic intentional strategy to invest in and things happening at GRPS! flow along with new and enhanced - Enrollment is stabilizing. We expand quality school choices that parkland and green space. Thanks to posted the best Count Days in two are working. former Mayor John Logie and our decades – back to back. We are now - New Grand Rapids Public Mu- friends in the Heritage Hill Neigh- poised for enrollment growth! seum School. The students at the borhood Association for being there

Bond Implementation Update Thanks to the otersv and taxpay- bond investments because none of them RFPs for construction managers public meetings with students, parents, ers of Grand Rapids, GRPS is moving were touched by the 2004 bond. Phase and architects and engineers are due and neighbors to participate in the pro- forward with the implementation of the II rounds off the work on high schools in early July. Each of the applicants is cess. Given the tight timeline, we expect $175 million bond to secure, connect, (Innovation Central, GR Montessori required to include in their submission these advisory boards to do most of their and transform the district. $155 million High, Union phase II, SWCC HS phase how they are going to provide oppor- work in August and September with the is for school construction/renovations, II) and then touches on the smaller tunity for locally owned businesses and goal of having plans finalized by the end $10 million for technology, and $10 projects that were not touched by the employment opportunities for Grand of October. million for security. 2004 bond and/or were too large for Rapids residents on each of the projects. GRPS also plans to hold a vendor Warm, Safe, and Dry investments (Riv- Our intent is to bring recommendations The projects have been divided into fair in August with the goal of part- erside, Westwood, Zoo, Campus, Coit, to the Finance Committee for approval two phases. This was necessary simply nering with the Grand Rapids Area Congress, East Leonard, North Park at the July 25 meeting and then full because there is not enough capacity Chamber of Commerce, Urban League, Montessori, Shawmut Hills, Sherwood Board approval at the August 1 meeting. to do more projects upfront and the NAACP, Hispanic Chamber of Com- Park). market is saturated with construction Once the construction managers merce, Hispanic Center, Grand Rapids projects. We have also split the technol- and architect/engineers are on board, Association of Black Businesses, Local ogy and security investments between we will begin the process of appoint- First, and others to actively recruit mi- Phase I is focused primarily on the two phases. Our focus this fall is ing local school advisory boards for nority, women, and locally owned busi- the high schools (CA Frost HS, City, providing every teacher in the district each project that will include teachers, ness to attend the fair and participate in Ottawa Hills, Union phase I, SWCC with new technology to support and principals, support staff, parents, com- the project bidding process. HS phase I), as well as the high priority enhance instruction. We anticipate that munity/neighborhood representatives, elementary/K8s (Buchanan, Brookside, For more information on the bond the security investments will touch every and district representatives. The advisory Frost). This is consistent with the 2008 projects, feel free to contact Facilities at school in the district, with most seeing boards will hold several meetings with Building Improvement Plan that pri- 616-819-3030. a redesign of the main office/entry ways the design/construction team, and they oritized high schools for the next major and/or new security technology. will also help to organize open houses/ 4 Orientation/Open House Schedule July 2016

Elementary (K-5) K-8 Schools High Schools Schools Aberdeen School Burton Middle CA Frost Environmental Science Academy Brookside Elementary Orientation Orientation Middle High Registration 8/17, 10:00-11:00am and 5:00-6:00pm 8/24, 4:00-5:30pm (6th grade) Orientation 8/23, 8/24 & 8/25, 9:00am-4:00pm Open House 8/24, 4:00-6:00pm (Refugee) 8/23, 11:00am & 6:00pm Open House 8/31, 6:00-7:00pm 8/25, 4:00-5:30pm (7th grade) 9/14, 5:30-6:30pm Dickinson Cultural Center 8/30, 12:00-1:30pm (8th grade) City High Middle Buchanan Elementary To be determined Make-up Orientation Orientation Open House Gerald R. Ford Academic Center 8/31, 10:00am-12:00pm 8/23, 9:00am (new families) 9/14, 5:00-6:30pm Orientation Open House 8/23, 11:00am (12th grade) 8/23, 8/24 & 8/31, 10:00am-6:00pm 8/31, 5:00-6:00pm 8/23, 1:00pm (11th grade) Burton Elementary 8/24, 9:00am (10th grade) Parent Meeting 9/6, 9:00-10:30am Orientation 8/24, 11:00am (9th grade) 9/13, 6:00pm 8/23 & 8/25, 6:00-8:00pm CA Frost Environmental Science Academy 8/24, 1:00pm (8th grade) 8/30, 2:00-4:00pm Grand Rapids Montessori High Middle 8/24, 6:00pm (new families) Open House Orientation Orientation Make-up Orientation 8/31, 6:00-7:30pm 8/31, 5:00-7:00pm 8/23, 3:00pm (6th grade) 8/29, 10:00am CA Frost Environmental Science Harrison Park Open House Academy Elementary Orientation (K-5) Center for Economicology 9/14, 6:30pm Orientation 8/23, 11:30am and 3:30pm Orientation 8/31, 6:00-8:00pm 8/25, 9:30am and 5:30pm 8/23, 3:00pm (6th grade) Grand Rapids Learning Center Orientation (6-8) Orientation Campus Elementary 8/16, 8/17 & 8/18, 10:00am Orientation 8/23, 1:30pm, and 5:30pm City High Middle (see high school section) 8/25, 11:30am and 3:30pm 8/11, 8/15 & 8/22, 8:00am-3:00pm Grand Rapids Montessori Open House Open House Grand Rapids Montessori 8/31, 5:00-6:15pm Orientation Orientation 9/6, 5:00-7:00pm 8/9, 10:00am-1:00pm & 5:00-7:00pm Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership 8/17, 2:00-4:00pm Cesar E. Chavez Elementary 8/31, 5:00-7:00pm 8/17, 10:00am-12:00pm & 5:00-7:00pm Orientation Academy 8/31, 5:00-7:00pm Orientation 8/31, 5:00-7:00pm Grand Rapids Public Museum School 8/23, 9:00am, 12:00pm, and 5:30pm Innovation Central Coit Creative Arts Academy 8/25, 9:00am, and 12:00pm Orientation Orientation 8/18, 4:00-5:30pm (7th grade) Orientation 8/1, 1:00-3:00pm and 5:00-7:00pm 8/31, 4:00-6:00pm North Park Montessori 8/18, 5:00-7:00pm (6th grade) Orientation (9th grade) Congress Elementary 8/31, 5:30-7:30pm Riverside Middle 8/2, 9:00-11:00am & 1:00-3:00pm Orientation Orientation (9th-12th grade) Shawmut Hills 8/3, 1:00-3:00pm & 5:00-7:00pm 8/24, 9:00am-4:00pm 8/25, 1:00-4:00pm Orientation (9th-12th grade) 8/25, 11:00am-7:00pm 8/29, 2:00-6:00pm 8/31, 6:30-7:30pm 8/4, 9:00-11:00am & 1:00-3:00pm Open House Open House Make-up Orientation (9th-12th grade) 8/31, 5:00-7:00pm 9/1, 10:00am 9/15, 6:00pm East Leonard Elementary Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy Ottawa Hills Orientation UPrep Orientation To be determined 8/31, 5:00-6:00pm Orientation 8/30, 6:00pm 8/16, 11:00am (6th grade) Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary Southwest Community Campus 8/16, 12:30pm (7th grade) Southeast Career Pathways Orientation Orientation 8/16, 1:30pm (8th grade) To be determined 8/31, 5:00-7:00pm 8/23 & 8/25, 12:00pm and 6:00pm Make-up Orientation Kent Hills Elementary Open House 8/25, 2:00-6:00pm Union Orientation 9/1, 5:00-7:00pm Orientation 8/31, 4:00-6:00pm Westwood Middle 8/16 & 8/18, 8:00am-12:00pm & 3:00-7:00pm (9th grade only) Mulick Park Elementary Orientation Middle Schools 8/22, 2:00-6:00pm (10th-12th grades) Orientation Alger Middle 8/22, 1:00-3:00pm 8/29, 5:00-7:00pm 8/23, 9:00am-1:00pm 8/31, 5:00-6:30pm Orientation (10th-12th grades) Open House Palmer Elementary 8/22 & 8/23 8:00am-4:00pm 8/24, 3:00-7:00pm (10th-12th grades) 9/6, 5:30-7:00pm Orientation (presentation at 9:00am & 2:00pm) 8/25, 3:00-7:00pm (10th-12th grades)

8/31, 5:00-6:30pm Make-up Orientation 8/26, 9:00am-1:00pm 8/25 & 8/26, 8:00am-4:00pm Zoo School Open House Sibley Elementary Open House Orientation 9/14, 5:30-7:00pm Open House 9/8, 4:00-5:30pm 8/30, 6:00pm 9/15, 4:00-5:30pm UPrep Stocking Elementary Blandford School Orientation Orientation Orientation 8/18, 11:00am (9th grade) 9/1, 6:00-7:00pm 8/25, 6:00pm 8/18, 12:30pm (10th grade) Open House 8/18, 1:30pm (11th and 12th grade) 9/15, 6:00-7:00pm Make-up Orientation 8/25, 2:00-6:00pm July 2016 Bell Schedule & News 5

School Bell Schedule Drop Off/ Bell Drop Off/ Bell Breakfast Times Breakfast Times AM PM AM PM Aberdeen School 8:10 8:30 3:23 KEC Oakleigh K-8 8:15 8:30 2:58 Academy of Business, Leadership & Entrepreneurship @ 7:10 7:40 2:18 Ken-O-Sha @ Campus, AM session 9:15 11:51 Innovation Central Ken-O-Sha @ Campus, PM session 12:31 3:07 Academy of Design and Construction @ Innovation Central 7:10 7:40 2:18 Ken-O-Sha @ Van Auken, AM session 9:15 11:51 Academy of Health, Science & Techonolgy @ Innovation 7:10 7:40 2:18 Ken-O-Sha @ Van Auken, PM session 12:31 3:07 Central Ken-O-Sha Elementary 8:10 8:30 3:23 Academy of Modern Engineering @ Innovation Central 7:10 7:40 2:18 Kent Hills Elementary 8:10 8:30 3:23 Alger Middle School 7:15 7:40 2:18 Kent Vocational Options 7:30 7:35 2:08 Blandford School 7:50 8:10 3:03 Lincoln Developmental Center 7:50 8:05 2:18 Brookside Elementary 8:10 8:30 3:23 Lincoln School 7:50 8:05 2:18 Buchanan Elementary 8:10 8:30 3:23 Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Academy 8:10 8:30 3:23 Burton Elementary 8:10 8:30 3:23 Mulick Park Elementary 8:10 8:30 3:23 Burton Middle 7:15 7:40 2:18 North Park Montessori @ Wellerwood, PK-K, AM session 9:00 12:07 CA Frost Environmental Science Academy Elementary, 8:50 9:10 4:03 K-5th grades North Park Montessori @ Wellerwood, PK-K, PM session 12:47 3:53 CA Frost Environmental Science Academy High Middle, 7:10 8:00 2:43 North Park Montessori, 1st-8th grades 8:50 9:10 4:03 6th-10th grades Ottawa Hills High School 7:10 7:40 2:18 Campus Elementary 8:10 8:30 3:23 Palmer Elementary 8:10 8:30 3:23 Center for Economicology @ City 7:45 8:00 2:38 Pine Grove Learning Center 7:50 8:05 2:18 Cesar E. Chavez Elementary 8:10 8:30 3:23 Project Search 8:00 2:43 City High Middle School 7:45 8:00 2:38 Riverside Middle School 7:15 7:40 2:18 Coit Creative Arts Academy 8:50 9:10 4:03 Shawmut Hills 8:10 8:30 3:23 Congress Elementary 8:10 8:30 3:23 Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy 8:50 9:10 4:03 Dickinson Academy 8:10 8:30 3:23 Sibley Elementary 8:10 8:30 3:23 East Leonard Elementary 8:10 8:30 3:23 Southeast Career Pathways Center, AM session 9:00 2:39 Gerald R. Ford Academic Center 8:50 9:10 4:03 Southeast Career Pathways Center, PM session 4:00 8:00 GR Montessori, PK-6th grades 8:50 9:10 4:03 Southwest Community Campus 8:50 9:10 4:03 GR Montessori, 7th-12th grades 7:10 7:40 2:18 Stocking Elementary 8:10 8:30 3:23 Grand Rapids Learning Center 7:45 4:15 Union High School 7:10 7:40 2:18 Grand Rapids Public Museum School 7:50 8:10 3:03 University Prep Academy, 6th-7th grade 7:35 8:00 2:38 Harrison Park School 8:10 8:30 3:23 University Prep Academy, 8th-12th grade 7:10 7:35 2:13 KEC Beltline 7:35 7:40 2:11 Westwood Middle School 7:15 7:40 2:18 Zoo School 7:55 8:15 3:08 GRPS Early Childhood Successfully Transforms to Inclusive Pre-Kindergarten Learning By Matthew Beresford, Director of Early Childhood Education During the past school year, Grand high-quality early childhood classrooms past year high student growth in meeting Hills parent). Rapids Public School’s Early Childhood continues to encounter barriers nation- and exceeding those new learning goals. During the past year, GRPS has been Department worked in partnership with wide. Parents of preschoolers with and with- recognized within the State of Michigan the Early Childhood Special Education out special needs celebrated the district As part of phase two of the GRPS as a highly effective model of early child- Department to transform pre-kinder- inclusion transformation and their child’s Transformation Plan, we evaluated ac- hood inclusion and has hosted learning garten learning experiences to be more learning success with comments such as, cess, participation, and support barriers tours from other urban districts want- equitable to all children across the dis- “My son’s learning goals were met by the within the district and worked to design ing to improve their opportunities and trict. Recently, the U.S. Department of staff getting to know his preferred learn- and implement a new Inclusion model of outcomes for all young children. For the Health and Human Services and the U.S. ing style and giving him access to the teaching preschoolers with and with- 2016-17 school year, we are excited to Department of Education released the same curriculum as all the other kids to out special needs together as much as expand our inclusion model and increase first federal policy statement on inclusion, achieve academic and social goals” (MLK possible. These children now shared an its capacity and resources to support even “Inclusion of Children with Disabilities Jr. Leadership Academy parent) and aligned curriculum and student assess- more preschoolers learning and laugh- in Early Childhood Programs”, and it was “Inclusion has benefited my child in that ment with ambitious expectations for ing together within their neighborhood clear in that statement that the physical she has experienced and learned that not learning, and their teachers saw in the schools around our grand city! placement of children with disabilities in everyone is the same and it’s ok!” (Kent 6 GRPS Calendar July 2016

2016-2017 CALENDAR

August 11, 2016 Back to School Celebration, John Ball Park, 4:00-7:30 pm January 14, 2017 Floyd Mayweather Boys Basketball Classic, Ottawa Hills High School, (in case of rain – City High Middle) 12:00 pm August 19, 2016 DISTRICT CLOSED January 16, 2017 NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King Day, Conference Exchange Day August 25, 2016 Football Season Opener - Ottawa Hills v Kenowa Hills, Houseman January 17, 2017 Theme School & Centers of Innovation MAP testing Field, 7:00 pm January 18-20, 2017 Half Day for Students PK-8 August 25, 2016 Football Season Opener - Union v Wayland, Wayland High School, Secondary Exams (AM) 7:00 pm End of 2nd Marking Period September 6, 2016 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL January 23, 2017 Beginning of 3rd Marking Period September 6-8, 2016 Adult Education Registration January 23- MAP Testing (Grades K-8 mandatory; 9-11 optional) September 7-30, 2016 MAP Testing (Grades K-8 mandatory; 9-11 optional) February 10, 2017 September 17, 2016 Ottawa Hills High School Volleyball Tournament, Ottawa Hills High January 25, 2017 Kindergarten Here I Come, Grand Rapids Public Museum, 5:30-7:30 School, 9:00 am pm September 19, 2016 First day of LOOP programming January 31, 2017 Theme School & Centers of Innovation Application Deadline September 30, 2016 Ottawa Hills High School Homecoming Football Game, Houseman January 31, 2017 Ottawa Hills High School v Union High School Boys Basketball, Union Field, 7:00 pm High School, 4:00 pm October 1, 2016 Ottawa Hills High School Girls Swim Invite, Ottawa Hills High School, February 4, 2017 Ottawa Hills Boys Swim Invite, Ottawa Hills High School, 9:00 am 9:00 am February 4, 2017 Red Hawk Boys Basketball Showcase, Union High School, 12:00 pm October 1, 2016 FAFSA Application Opens for 2017-2018 (studentaid.gov/fafsa) February 6, 2017 NO SCHOOL October 5, 2016 STUDENT COUNT DAY February 6- WIDA Testing October 14, 2016 Union High School Homecoming Football Game, Houseman Field, March 24, 2017 7:00 pm February 8, 2017 STUDENT COUNT DAY October 15, 2016 GRCC Dual Enrollment Applications Due (Winter Semester) February 10, 2017 Ottawa Hills High School Red Out Game for AHA, Ottawa Hills High October 19, 2016 College Board PSAT/NMSQT (Grades 9-11) School, 6:00 pm October 20, 2016 School Choice Expo, City High Middle, 4:00-6:00 pm February 15, 2017 GRCC Dual Enrollment Applications Due (Summer Semester) October 22, 3016 Middle School/Elementary Cross Country Invite, GRPS University, February 28, 2017 FAFSA Deadline 10:00 am March 23, 2017 End of 3rd Marking Period October 24-28, 2016 Michigan College Application Week March 24, 2017 NO SCHOOL November 1, 2016 First Round College Application Deadline for Colleges/Universities March 27, 2017 Beginning of 4th Marking Period November 4, 2016 End of 1st Marking Period March 31, 2017 DISTRICT CLOSED November 7-8, 2016 NO SCHOOL for Students April 1, 2017 Grand Rapids Community Foundation Scholarship Applications Due November 9, 2016 Beginning of 2nd Marking Period April 3-7, 2017 NO SCHOOL, Spring Break November 22, 2016 No LOOP Programming April 10-May 26, 2017 MI-Access Testing (alternative assessment for Grades 3-8 & 11) November 23, 2016 NO SCHOOL – Conference Exchange Day April 10-May 5, 2017 M-Step Testing (Grades 5, 8 & 11) November 24, 2016 NO SCHOOL – Holiday April 11, 2017 SAT Test (Grade 11 only) November 24, 2016 24th Annual Turkey Trot, Van Andel Arena, 8:00 am April 11-12, 2017 PSAT Test (Grades 9-10) November 25, 2016 DISTRICT CLOSED April 12, 2017 WorkKeys Test (Grade 11 only) November 29, 2016 Ottawa Hills v Union Girls Basketball, Union High School, 5:30 pm April 15, 2017 GRCC Dual Enrollment Applications Due (Fall Semster) December 1, 2016 School Choice Expo, Gerald R. Ford Academic Center, 4:00-6:00 pm April 18, 2017 PreK to Kindergarten Student/Parent Transition Event December 8, 2016 Theme School & Centers of Innovation MAP Testing April 24-May 12, 2017 MAP Testing (Grades K-11) December 15, 2016 Theme School & Centers of Innovation MAP Testing April 25, 2017 Make-up SAT Test (Grade 11 only) December 16, 2016 No LOOP Programming April 25-26, 2017 Make-up PSAT Test (Grades 9-10) April 26, 2017 Make-up WorkKeys Test (Grade 11 only) December 17, 2016 GRPS Battle of I-96 Holiday Hoops Tournament, 12:00 pm May 1-26, 2017 M-Step Testing (Grades 3, 2, 6 & 7) December 23, 2016 - NO SCHOOL, Winter Break January 2, 2017 May 26, 2017 No LOOP Programming January 3, 2017 School Resumes May 29, 2017 DISTRICT CLOSED, Memorial Day January 5, 2017 Blandford Informational Meeting, 8:30-9:30 am June 2, 2017 Last Day of LOOP Programming January 10, 2017 School Choice Expo, Location TBD, 4:00-6:00 pm June 8-9, 2017 High School Graduations (Tentative) January 12, 2017 Theme School & Centers of Innovation MAP testing June 12-14, 2017 Half Day for Students PK-8 Secondary Exams (AM) January 12, 2017 Zoo School Informational Meeting, 8:30-9:30 am, Ballroom upstairs End of 4th Marking Period June 15, 2017 Conference Exchange Day July 2016 Transportation 7

Theme School Transportation Process

Transportation regions can vary for each theme school. Pick-up will be at an attendance area school within the specified region. Drop-off will be at a neighborhood bus stop within that region. If your child lives within the attendance area of his/her theme school and lives more than 1.0 mile from the school, he/she will be picked up at a local pickup spot.

Your child will be picked up at one of If your child’s Theme school is... the following: C.A. Frost Environmental Science K-5 Campus, Congress, MLK Academy, East C.A. Frost Environmental Science 6-8 Leonard, Dickinson, Harrison Park, @ Covell Shawmut, Sibley, Stocking Coit Creative Arts Academy Campus, Congress, East Leonard, Kent Hills, Harrison Park, MLK Academy Gerald R. Ford Academic Center Brookside, Campus, Cesar E. Chavez, Congress, MLK Academy, Mulick School Grand Rapids Montessori Buchanan, Campus, Congress, Dickinson, MLK Academy, Mulick School North Park Montessori Aberdeen, Congress, East Leonard, Harrison Park, Kent Hills, North Park Montessori, Palmer, Stocking Sherwood Park Global Studies Buchanan, Burton, Brookside, Dickinson, Academy Campus, Cesar E. Chavez, Ken-o-Sha, Mulick Southwest Community Campus Buchanan, Burton, Congress, Campus, Cesar E. Chavez, East Leonard, MLK Academy, Mulick, Dickinson, Sibley

Blandford/Zoo/GR Museum School City Middle / Center for Economicology

Students will be picked up at a Students will be picked up at a comprehensive middle school comprehensive middle school (Alger, (Alger, Burton Middle, Riverside or Burton Middle, Riverside or Westwood) Westwood) • In the A.M., if students live • In the A.M., if students live more than 1.5 miles from their more than 1.5 miles from their neighborhood middle school, they neighborhood middle school, they will ride in with the neighborhood will ride in with the neighborhood middle school students and transfer middle school students and to the City shuttle bus. transfer to Blandford/Zoo shuttle • In the P.M., students are shuttled to bus. a designated elementary school and • In the P.M., students will be transported on to a neighborhood delivered to a neighborhood bus stop if they live more than 1.0 mile stop within .5 miles of their home. from the elementary School. 8 Phone Directory & Uniforms July 2016

School Uniforms Required at All Schools Uniforms are required at - School logos/school related attire may be worn all GRPS schools this fall. - Athletes may wear game day gear on game days Superintendent Teresa Weath- erall Neal called for district- • City High/Middle School wide school uniforms in the - Spirit wear from the approved list, including GRPS Transformation Plan, logo wear, in royal blue, black or gray which was adopted in 2012. The proven benefits of school - Additional options for pants/bottoms include uniforms include: gray and dark brown - Athletes may wear game day gear on game days GRPS Phone • Increased focus on teaching and learning • Grand Rapids Learning Center • Reduced distraction, peer pressure, and behavioral Directory issues - Exempt from policy due to location on GRCC Campus • Cost savings to parents/families Information...... 616.819.2000 • Grand Rapids Montessori High School • Strengthened school pride Action Line ...... 616.819.2500 - Spirit wear in maroon, gray or black • Improved school safety Adult Education ...... 616.819.2734 - Hoodies are not permitted The school uniform policy equiresr students to Athletics/Student Activities ...... 616.819.2010 wear collared, solid shirts in navy blue, light blue, • Innovation Central High School Board of Education ...... 616.819.2197 white, red, black, or orange. Examples of approved - Spirit wear includes any shirt with the school styles of shirts are polo shirts and button downs. For Business Services ...... 616.819.2070 or district logo bottoms, students can wear navy blue, black, or khaki. Communications ...... 616.819.2149 Bottoms can be pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, or jump- - Athletes may wear jerseys on game days Community & Student Services ...... 616.819.2150 ers. Denim, sweatpants, leggings, and jeggings may not - JROTC is permitted to wear uniform on be worn as bottoms. Leggings, tights, or nylons may be JROTC Uniform Wednesday Curriculum/Instruction ...... 616.819.2162 worn under a skirt or dress. - Hoodies are not permitted Dean Transportation ...... 616.819.3000 GRPS is pleased to partner with five preferred • Ottawa Hills High School Early Childhood ...... 616.819.2111 vendors to help families access school uniforms. One of those preferred vendors is Meijer. Meijer offers year - Spirit wear must be orange or black with the Elementary and K8 Office ...... 616.819.2020 round uniforms at their stores on Alpine and 28th school logo English Language Learners ...... 616.819.2129 Street at Kalamazoo. They also carry uniforms at their - Prefer students to wear orange, white or black Clyde Park, Cascade, Plainfield, Standale, and Gaines Facilities and Operations...... 616.819.3030 shirts Township stores during the back to school season. - Athletes may wear game day gear on game days Fine Arts ...... 616.819.2156 Another preferred vendor is Screen Ideas. Screen Ideas - JROTC is permitted to wear uniform GED Testing & Preparation ...... 616.819.2734 offers low cost uniforms and has a new storefront in St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. The store is open Mon- - Hoodies with school logos are permitted GRASP...... 616.819.2548 day-Friday from 12:30-5:30pm. Screen Ideas also offers • Southeast Career Pathways Homeless Program ...... 616.819.2519 uniforms through their website www.grandrapidss- chooluniforms.com. Office Depot also provides online - Will continue with current dress code policy. Human Resources ...... 616.819.2022 ordering at www.grandrapidspublicschools.yukillc.com. • Union High School LOOP/LOFT After School Program...... 616.819.2165 All uniforms ordered through Office Depot will be shipped to your home at no charge. Lands’ End is also - Spirit wear must be red, black, white or gray Middle School Office...... 616.819.2129 a preferred vendor, offering online, over the phone, and and is only permissible with appropriate Nutrition Services ...... 616.819.2135 in-store shopping. Finally, Goodwill offers uniforms uniform pants as outlined in the Uniform Discipline Policy Office of Information Services...... 616.819.2152 through their stores. - Athletes may wear game day gear on game days Organizational Learning ...... 616.819.2340 Learn more about uniform requirements and preferred vendors at grps.org/uniforms. - JROTC is permitted to wear uniform Payroll/Retirement ...... 616.819.2040 High School Uniform Policy - Hoodies with school logos are permitted Public Safety/Security ...... 616.819.2100 High schools students will follow the same • University Preparatory Academy High School Office ...... 616.819.2112 uniform policy as elementary, K-8, and middle school - Will continue with current dress code policy. Shared Time ...... 616.819.3200 students with some exceptions. At the principal’s discretion, Fridays may be non- Special Education ...... 616.819.2185 • CA Frost Environmental Science Middle/High uniform days. Principals will determine appropriate School Student Advancement Foundation ...... 616.988.5430 attire for these days. These will be published in each - As an additional color option for shirts, green is school’s handbook and/or newsletter. Superintendent of Schools ...... 616.819.2193 permissible Title I ...... 616.819.2125 Transcript Requests...... 616.819.2153 Volunteers ...... 616.819.2519 July 2016 Nutrition 9 School Meals Make a Difference! Free Meals for All Students Supplemental Services Application Required Save Time and Money; Eat Breakfast at School Community Eligible Meals is an innovative pro- Schools will be distributing and collecting this Did you know that school breakfast helps kids gram that allows Grand Rapids Public Schools to offer extremely important application in September. The learn? School breakfast: breakfast and lunch to every student, free of charge. information you provide by completing this applica- • Improves test scores We know that classroom performance is tied directly tion is required to ensure that the many services GRPS • Helps with comprehension and memory to students being prepared mentally and physically. By provides on behalf of your child continue without removing financial barriers to accessing a healthy and interruption through the coming school year. GRPS • Helps with vocabulary tests nutritious breakfast and lunch at school, every student receives millions of dollars from the state and federal • Improves performance on demanding mental at GRPS is able to fuel their body for a more productive government to provide the services listed below – all of tasks and reaction to frustration day of learning. Please make the effort to ensure that which is dependent upon the information you provide • Helps reduce the number of mistakes your student is participating in our school breakfast and to us in this application. These special services include: • Reduces tardiness lunch program every day. Check out menus and videos • Free breakfast and lunch for all students • Improves attention and behavior about our program on our website: www.grps.org/nutri- • City bus passes that provide transportation for • Provides the nutrition needed to learn. tion. GRPS high school students Don’t miss out on the most important (and over- Employment Opportunities • Free tutoring and afterschool programming for looked) meal of the day. Mornings are busy enough just Don’t forget, our department is always looking your child getting out the door on time, so for your convenience for motivated and enthusiastic adults to work for the • Extra teacher aides and much needed specialized every GRPS school provides free breakfast every school Nutrition Services Department. If you enjoy working staff for your child’s classroom day. Students need to be at their best in the morning. with kids and are looking for part-time work during the Getting a good night’s sleep, followed by a nutritious • Additional classroom technology, computers, school day at one of our school buildings, we have posi- breakfast at school will provide your child with a great and internet access tions available for cafeteria aides and substitute cooks. start to their learning day. Breakfast is available prior For more information, call our office at 819-2135 or go • College testing services and waivers of college to the first hour bell. Check with your child’s school for to www.grps.org for an online application. application fees times. • Field trip and special event opportunities More High School Students Eating Breakfast at School Ottawa Hills and Union High Schools took part in a Breakfast Pilot at the end of the 2015 -2016 school year. The pilot was run in conjunction with United Way in an effort to increase breakfast consumption among all students in West Michigan. Nationwide, the number of teens who eat breakfast is quite low. According to a study conducted by Kellogg’s, less than 40% of American high school students eat breakfast (1). However, countless studies continue to prove the advantages of eating breakfast as it relates to improved academic performance. Additionally, many educators agree that breakfast is important for students. Below are the percentages of educators who recognized benefits when more of their students ate breakfast (2): • 68% noticed better behavior during school • 74% identified lower complaints of headaches and stomachaches • 87% saw improvements in academic performance • 93% indicated kids had better concentration throughout the day The reakfastB Pilot had a dual purpose. The first part focused on gathering more information about barriers and reasons why high schools students choose not to eat breakfast. A written survey was administered to students, and United Way staff also talked with students during the breakfast period at school. The second part of the pilot centered on getting more students to have breakfast. A “Grab and Go” meal was provided to teens that arrived after the serving time in the cafeteria. Carts with food were positioned at the main entrance and students were offered balanced breakfast components as they entered the building. The intention of the Grab and Go option was to give all students access to a healthy meal to start their day. All children should have breakfast every day. The pilot turned out to be eryv successful with the support of Principals Rod- ney Lewis and Karl Nelson as well as the staff teams at both Ottawa Hills and Union. Though they were each relatively short in duration (3-4 weeks), breakfast participation grew significantly within both schools. Compared to the number of students served at lunch, Ottawa Hills had a 12% increase in breakfast participation. Union also saw great improvement, with an average of 100 more students consuming breakfast each day. Results from student surveys and discussions as well as post-pilot staff surveys will be analyzed to help develop additional strategies to improve breakfast consumption district- wide during the upcoming school year. 1. http://www.kelloggs.com/en_US/the-power-of-breakfast/breakfast-in-america.html 2. http://www.hungerinourschools.org/ 10 GRPS News July 2016

‘A Better Life, a Safe Life, a Good Future’ Grads with Grit: Hadi Aljazaeri By Charles Honey, Courtesy of School News Network 7-year-old sister, Rahmah. and students, and students made fun of his 6-foot-5- inch height, he said. He stopped going for more than a “America has freedom. That’s why we came here,” year before coming to Grand Rapids, where he saw “a said Raheem, with Hadi translating. “There was no safe big, big difference” in the schools. life in Iraq. You don’t have human rights. But here in America we do.” Enrolling first at Union High, he took English as a second language classes and studied vocabulary at night. Raheem said he did not think of himself when He finished his program at two alternative schools for they moved to Grand Rapids in the spring of 2013. He older students: the Grand Rapids Learning Center, a thought of his children. partnership with Grand Rapids Community College of- “I decided to come to America for a better life, fering online learning; and Southeast Career Pathways, a safe life, a good future. I did not see any of those in an individualized program with a community-based Hadi with his family: father Raheem, mother Shaymaa Iraq, so I want you to get those here,” he said, speaking emphasis. and sister Rahmah to Hadi. “The schools here are really good,” said Hadi, who We were in the living room of the family’s tidy came as a freshman and is now 20. “The people are so In a swirling sea of students in red and white caps Southeast Side apartment. Raheem congenially served friendly. The teachers are really helpful.” He proudly and gowns who were hugging family members and be- me strong, sweet tea as he and Hadi described their shows certificates he’s received for academic excellence. ing photographed, Abdulhadi Aljazaeri stood tall with journey to America from Iraq. It took them 2 ½ years a beaming smile. In his hand he clutched something As for local students’ take on his height, “They to be approved for immigration as refugees, Raheem precious: a high school diploma. said, ‘Hey, you are very tall – come on, let’s play basket- said. ball!’” Hadi said with a smile. “I said, ‘Wow, OK, let’s Standing outside Sunshine Community Church, They erew aided in Iraq by the International do it!’” where he had just tossed his tassel in the Union High Organization for Migration, which estimates more than School graduation ceremony, the young man his friends Ready for College three million Iraqis have been displaced by conflict call Hadi knew this was something he would never since 2014. Their entry into Grand Rap- Hadi took the same atti- forget. ids was facilitated by Bethany Christian tude toward his new country: “This is the best moment of my life,” Services, which provides services to many Let’s do it. Hadi said, his well-spoken English rich of the estimated 900 refugees expected to “I was saying, ‘I have to do with the accent of his native Iraq. “This is resettle this year in West Michigan. this. America’s going to be awesome. My family here with me, they are “They are an exceptional family,” said my life,’” Hadi said firmly. so, so happy.” Kristine Van Noord, program manager Hadi called his graduation “I see my future. I can do A little more than three years after for Bethany’s refugee adult and family “the best moment of my life” whatever I want. I do have emigrating with his family from Baghdad, program. “Right from the very begin- rights. I just say, this is my Hadi had just achieved a milestone that ning, they had specific goals and dreams, life, here.” would fundamentally change his life. After and they have been very proactive in With a broad smile, he added, “It’s like I’m an dropping out of school in his war-ravaged meeting those.” American right now.” homeland, he now held the ticket to Hadi is confident about his future, Leaving Violence, Finding Friends college and career in a new country he is saying, “I just want to go for it” Three years later, he can see his future more clearly. happy to call home. The family was also sponsored by He has been accepted at GRCC, where he plans to Crossroads Bible Church, which pro- study nursing while keeping his options open. He The moment didn’t come easily. Hadi vides refugee families with job searches, tutoring and sounds up to the challenge. knew no English when he arrived in Grand Rapids and other services. Shelley Bauer, a teen parent educator in struggled to understand his teachers. But he persevered “I just want to go for it,” he said. “I just want to Cedar Springs Public Schools, and husband Tim were for a year at Union High, then completed his studies at study hard.” “a second family to us,” Raheem said. two alternative Grand Rapids Public Schools. Raheem, now a baker at a local market, smiled and They helped ease the family’s transition from Iraq, He chose to return to Union for his graduation said to his son, “I am 50. I don’t have the opportunity where ongoing sectarian violence and unstable gover- because, he said earlier, “That happens just one time in to be like you. But I am very happy to see where you nance made life difficult, and where thousands now flee life. I am really happy when I do that graduation walk.” are.” the terrors of ISIS. Raheem blames lax gun Indeed he was, striding across the stage, receiving laws for the death of Hadi’s brother, who at His mother, Shaymaa, said she seeks his diploma and shaking five hands, including that of age 12 was accidentally shot by a friend. “a safe life” for her children, telling them, Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal. Then he pro- “That’s all I want (for) you guys.” Raheem worked there in bakery and ceeded out with 135 fellow graduates to the “Star Wars” dairy businesses, and for a time as a radio At the graduation ceremony, Hadi’s theme and joined the red-and-white sea outside. installation technician at Camp Taji, a U.S. family and friends gathered around him “I got a high school diploma, so this is the biggest coalition forces military installation, where with photos and smiles. Later, he sent thing in my life,” he said. “I’m proud of myself.” he once helped extinguish a building fire, some of the photos and talked to Raheem’s Hadi proudly noted. But life was “no good” brother in Iraq. His uncle said to Hadi, ‘A Better Life, a Safe Life’ in Iraq, Raheem said. “You have no choice, “I’m very proud of you. Keep going. Make His parents are also proud. His father, Raheem, you have to leave.” something of your future.” and his mother, Shaymaa, say they left a lawless, dan- Hadi did not like his school, either. It Hadi with the diploma he earned after Standing tall in his red mortarboard, gerous land to provide a better home for Hadi and his coming to Grand Rapids from Iraq was dirty, lacked respect between teachers Hadi looked fully prepared to do so. July 2016 GRPS News 11 The Student Advancement Foundation—Your GRPS Foundation—Helping Students Thrive!

It’s Back-to-School time! Just like you, we’re often—at school and at home. Using new technol- 40%, and the Positive Behavior Interventions and sharpening our pencils in preparation for a fresh start ogy, GRPS can better track and populate their Supports (PBIS), which support a culture of learn- to a new year of hard work and dedication to student libraries with interesting, relevant and appropriate ing by reinforcing and celebrating student success success. That’s priority number one in Grand Rapids reading material. As a result, circulation is up, es- both academically and socially. Public Schools and for the Grand Rapids Student pecially through the school district’s digital library. • Active, Healthy Kids are Ready to Learn Advancement Foundation. Just look at the growth and For the 2016/2017 school year, the SAF continues SAF continues its grant support for GR8 Sports, achievement in the past five years. Students’ test scores to support these efforts with a renewal grant to the Great Kids, a program providing free, after school and attendance rates are up. Our kids are in school, GRPS libraries. athletics for all GRPS students in kindergar- engaged, and ready to learn. • Capturing the College Climate ten through eighth grade. The research is clear, As the primary Partnering with Michigan State University and the children involved in sports are more likely to be fundraising partner for MSU Alumni Club of West Michigan, 200 second engaged and successful in school. GRPS, the Student Ad- and third grade students and chaperones visit the • Creating CapABLE Leaders for Tomorrow vancement Foundation MSU campus one Saturday each fall. Students are The SAF provides sustaining support for the Acad- is also leading the way. treated to a football game and exclusive tailgate emy of Business, Leadership and Entrepreneurship The SAF provides grant event, featuring games, inflatables, lunch, plus vis- (ABLE) at Innovation Central High School, help- support for unique and its and photos with the MSU Dance Team, Coach ing students learn the elements of operating a small real world educational Izzo and Sparty. business, and offering opportunities to participate experiences in Grand Rapids Public Schools ensuring • Removing Barriers to Student Success in local, state and even national marketing and that all students thrive. But we don’t do it alone! We’re SAF’s Principals Student Support Fund provides business competitions. calling on our community colleagues to join us this mini-grants to principals during the school year • And So Much More! year to ensure our city’s students have the right tools to address needs that hinder a successful learning and the best opportunities for a world-class education. SAF’s work relies on our community partners. In- environment. Mini-grants include discretionary terested in joining us with your gifts of time, talent Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of the grants and funds for essential needs, like school uniforms, or treasure (or all three!)? Join us for our annual community collaborations that SAF will support this eyeglasses or bus passes. Equally important, mini- Foundation for the Future Luncheon on Octo- upcoming school year: grants also support critical district-wide initiatives, ber 19. Like us on Facebook at “Grand Rapids • Supporting Literacy like the “No More than Five” Attendance Chal- Student Advancement Foundation.” Or visit our GRPS wants all children to read and to read lenge, which has decreased chronic absenteeism by website at www.grsaf.org. 12 Public Safety July 2016 Back To School Safety Tips By: Larry D. Johnson, Chief of Staff & Executive Director of Public Safety & School Security As the summer winds down and or other electronic devices that our students get prepared to return to will distract you from traffic and school, take advantage of some of the dangerous situations. upcoming safety and back to school • Beware of your surroundings and events that are being sponsored by the if you see anything suspicious get Grand Rapids Public Schools, such a good description of the person as the Free Child Safety Day Event or vehicle and report it to an adult sponsored by Engineered Protection Sys- immediately. tems (EPS Security) and the KlassKids Foundation. This special offer will be • Never approach a suspicious ve- available at the annual GRPS Back to hicle. School Celebration Thursday, August • If you see something - say some- 11, 2016 from 4:00 -7:30 pm at John thing. And remember if you are Ball Park, located at 1300 West Fulton afraid to contact the police, you Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan. can always call Silent Observer to Marc Klass will be on site to offer report a crime. fingerprints and photographs of children Motorists at no cost. Parents will receive this information that they can utilize in the • Be very careful when driving in a event they have a child disappear. In school zone or near a school. addition to this and other programs, • Remember that school is open and members of the GRPS Public Safety lots of students will not be paying Department will be on hand to talk with attention when crossing the street. students and parents about bullying and the impact it has on students. • Stop for all flashing red lights on school buses and make it a practice Below are additional tips to con- to just be careful around school sider as schools open in a few weeks: buses. Parents • Pay attention to school crossing • When dropping your children off guards that assist our students in

HISTORICALLY LOW at school, be aware of school rules crossing the street. regarding student drop off. Make * • Remember the speed limit in RATES attempts to keep personal vehicles school zone and make it a practice APPLY TODAY out of the bus drop off and pick to slow down by another five miles up lanes. per hour. • Encourage your student to cross The opening of the school eary is the street utilizing the cross walks an exciting time for students of all ages. at all times and not to run across Safety is our number one priority and as the street in the middle of the it gets closer to that first day of school, blocks. we want you to be aware of the thou- REAL • With younger children, walk the sands of students who will be moving school route with them and show around our city. them the safe places in the event of Finally, continue to take advantage PEOPLE an emergency. of summer programs such as the Grand • Identify bus stop locations and Rapids Pubic Schools Summer LOOP enforce and review all bus rules program and the many Parks and Rec- REAL with your student. reation programs that our community offers. Nothing is more rewarding then Students helping a child learn to read; nothing MORTGAGES • Walk on the sidewalk and use bike is more rewarding than helping a child MERCANTILE BANK MORTGAGE SERVICES paths when riding a bike to school, achieve a goal; and, nothing is more wear a bike helmet and obey all of important than helping a child become There are plenty of mortgage options out there, but chances are there is only one that is just right for you. Let a Mercantile the rules of the road. successful. Bank mortgage lender help you ﬁnd the perfect mortgage for your life and your future. No gimmicks and no games, just solid • Always ride your bike with the So as you enjoy these last few weeks mortgage options with competitive rates designed around flow of traffic and remember if of summer continue to think safety and your needs. you are coming to school early or let’s get off to another wonderful year in Visit MercBank.com/Mortgage to ﬁnd a local Mercantile lender leaving school late, you may need a the Grand Rapids Public Schools. We and to see our current loan specials. bike light on the bicycle. hope to see all of you on August 11, 2016 at John Ball Zoo and if you at- • Always wear light colored cloth- *All loans subject to credit and collateral approval. tend the event stop by the Public Safety ing and do not wear headphones Booth to say hello. July 2016 GRPS News 13 Free Child Safety Packet Available Aug 11 Join Engineered Protection Systems (EPS Security) and Marc Klaas of the KlaasKids Foundation at the GRPS Back to School Celebration on Thurs- The KlaasKids oundationF was day, August 11, 4PM-7:30PM at John created following the 1993 kidnap and Ball Park. They will host their annual murder of 12-year-old Polly Klaas. City Building Goals: KlaasKids Print-A-Thon to promote KlaasKids Foundation child safety programs are designed to promote and educate families about child safety, Reestablish the Grand River as the draw to the city answer questions, and provide families awareness and education for parents & region. with a child safety kit at no cost. and children in an effort to protect children against violence. Since 1994, Each participating child will receive Develop a true Downtown neighborhood home to a Print-A-Thon events have fingerprinted diverse population. a comprehensive packet of child safety and photographed more than 1,000,000 tools, including: children at no cost to families and with- Build a 21st century transportation system. out data basing children’s personal and • Digitized fingerprints Establish an equity-driven growth model in Downtown private information. • Updated photograph Grand Rapids. Don’t miss out on this rare and • DNA Collection Kit unique opportunity. Reinvest in public space, culture & inclusive • Proactive child safety tips programming. For more information, please call • 9-point plan on what to do if 819-2149. Retain & attract families, talent & job providers with your child disappears high quality public schools. Grow more & better jobs & ensure continued vitality Shiza Shahid: Empowering Girls of the local economy. & Women Around the Planet By Charles Honey, Courtesy of School News Network 2016 Agenda for Action: “What is it,” she asked, almost in a by the Michigan Women’s Foundation, whisper, “that you plan to do with your which has its heart set for tomorrow’s Plant 200 trees. Deliver 650+ new housing wild and miraculous life?” female leaders and advocates. units toward residential And in that moment, you could And Shiza didn’t disappoint. Put food trucks in the critical mass in Downtown. public realm. almost glean flickers of light emanating “I really liked the fact that she Startup Downtown from the members of her young audi- stressed the importance of regardless of Cut the ribbon on the resident’s network. ence, more than 2,500 girls and young where you are in the world, you can still Coldbrook Edge. women on the verge. reach out to help people in need,” said Evaluate options for Build a coalition to funding restoration of the The challenge was Abigail Choffell, grow minority-owned rapids in the Grand River. issued by Shiza Shahid. a senior at Grand businesses. And her listeners were Rapids City High. Turn up the volume on Redesign Calder Plaza. comprised of high “There was public art. school and college nothing stopping Enhance 131 overpass Change public policy to students from Kent and her from achieving lighting at Cherry, Pearl promote affordable adjacent counties, mes- her goals, and I’ve & Bridge streets. housing. merized by this woman now been inspired Increase allowable who hails from half a Break ground on Lyon to take risks myself building heights to world away. Square transformation. that I didn’t think maximize development Young Women for Change members Ana Lopez and Morgan Locke Launch bike-share But in some magi- (far right) pass out journals to GRPS students I’d be able before.” potential Downtown. cal way, it felt as though Added feasibility analysis. she was having a private Reboot the Downtown Daniela Puente, Area Shuttle. Renovate Grand Rapids conversation with them all at the same a senior at Innovation Central High, Public Museum School time. “Shiza’s talk was very inspiring and Pilot winter warming pits space & design program If you don’t know of Shiza Shahid hopeful. It made me think a lot about & huts. for 54 Jefferson. yet, don’t fret. You will. what I want to do in the future to make She’s the international figure, a change.” originally from Pakistan, who’s igniting Shiza has that effect on people. women the world over with the desire GR Forward, unanimously approved by the Grand Rapids City Commission in December 2015, is a And she owes it mostly to the story community plan and investment strategy to transform the Grand River into a distinct asset and support to harness their gifts for the good of of Malala Yousafzai, a fellow Pakistani the next generation of growth in Downtown Grand Rapids. themselves and others. who at the age of 15 was shot and criti- In April, she spoke at an “Empow- cally injured by the Taliban while aboard downtowngr.org #GRFwd erment Forum” sponsored ■ SEE SHIZA SHAHID / A15 14 Athletics July 2016 High School Fall Sport Start Date Winter Sport Start Date Cross Country Aug. 10th Boys’ Basketball Nov. 14th Football Aug. 8th Girls’ Basketball Nov. 7th Girls’ Golf Aug. 10th Bowling Nov. 14th Boys’ Soccer Aug. 10th Competitive Cheer Nov. 7th Girls’ Swimming Aug. 10th Hockey Oct. 31st Ottawa Hills Athletics: 616-819-2879 Boys’ Tennis Aug. 10th Boys’ Swimming Nov. 21st Volleyball Aug. 10th Wrestling Nov. 14th Fall Sport Coach Phone Email Football Christian Verley 616-648-1991 [email protected] Middle School Volleyball Sara Sherry 616-240-2106 [email protected] Fall Sport Start Date Winter Sport Start Date Football Aug. 22nd Boys’ Basketball Nov. 1st Girls’ Swimming Alex Brinks 616-634-2044 [email protected] Volleyball Sept. 6th Coed Swim Nov. 1st Boys’ Soccer Andrew Semanson 248-763-4487 [email protected] Cross Country Sept. 6th Competitive Cheer Nov. 1st Sideline Cheer Kierra Gardner 616-438-3540 [email protected] Boys’ Soccer Sept. 6th Coed Bowling Feb. 1st Boys’ Tennis Andre Posey 616-821-2393 [email protected] Girls’ Basketball Feb. 1st Wrestling Feb. 1st Girls’ Golf Craig Kooienga 616-635-0995 [email protected] For more information contact your building’s athletic director. Cross Country Dan Ebright 616-608-2209 [email protected] Elementary Sports Winter Sport Coach Phone Email Fall Sport Sign-ups Boys’ Basketball Van Mayfield 616-706-2591 [email protected] Cross Country Sept. 6th Physicals Girls’ Basketball Pat Charity 808-352-4202 [email protected] Soccer Sept. 6th All student athletes must have a Boys’ Swimming Eve Julian 616-970-1661 [email protected] Basketball Nov. 1st physical dated on or after April 15th, For more information contact your 2016 to be able to participate in athlet- Competitive Cheer Kierra Gardner 616-438-3540 [email protected] elementary school. ics for the 2016-17 school year. Wrestling Paul Arrington 616-822-6426 [email protected] Bowling Terry English 616-337-5709 [email protected] Calling All Volunteers Hockey Tim Sena 586-260-0128 Any parents, family, or community member interested in volunteering your time to support student athletes of GRPS, please contact the volunteer office at 819-2131 or go to www.grps.org/volunteer for the volunteer application. Union Athletics: 616-819-3168 We are currently looking for: • Elementary coaches for Cross Country, Soccer, Basketball, and Track Fall Sport Coach Phone Email • Turkey Trot volunteers Football Rick Angstman 616-648-2279 [email protected] Volleyball Jayne Niemann 616-350-7363 [email protected] Please be aware you will need to fill out our volunteer application and be cleared and approved before assisting any programs. Girls’ Swimming Jerron Julian 616-550-6692 [email protected] Boys’ Soccer Athletic office 616-819-3168 Sideline Cheer Lindsay Harrison 616-309-8181 [email protected] PRESENTED BY: Boys’ Tennis Tom Harrison 616-322-9574 [email protected] Girls’ Golf Jason Stachura 269-830-3530 [email protected] Cross Country Dan Droski 616-260-2669 [email protected]

Winter Sport Coach Phone Email Boys’ Basketball Brandoen Guyton 616-885-0880 [email protected] Girls’ Basketball April Kidd 616-328-7525 [email protected] Boys’ Swimming Athletic office 616-819-3168 Competitive Cheer Lindsey Harrison 616-309-8181 [email protected] Wrestling James Lundy 616-450-1677 [email protected] Bowling Charles Anderson 616-214-2819 [email protected] Hockey Tim Sena 586-260-0128 Contact the coach (listed above) or your high school athletic director to get involved and for practice/tryout times. July 2016 Athletics & GRPS News 15 Don’t miss our special events: Thursday, August 25th at 7:00pm “GRPS Kick-Off” Football Season Opener at Tuesday, November 29th at 5:30pm Ottawa Hills vs Union Girls Basketball at Union Houseman Field Saturday, December 17th at 12:00pm GRPS Battle of I-96 Holiday Hoops Classic Saturday, September 17th at 9:00am Ottawa Hills Volleyball Tournament at Ottawa Hills Saturday, January 14th at 12:00pm Floyd Mayweather Basketball Classic Friday, September 30th at 7:00pm Ottawa Hills Homecoming Game at Houseman Tuesday, January 31st at 4:00pm Union vs. Ottawa Hills Boys Basketball @ Union Field Saturday, February 4th at 9:00am Ottawa Hills Boys Swim Invite at Ottawa Hills Saturday, October 1st at 9:00am Ottawa Hills Girls Swim Invite Saturday, February 4th at 12:00pm Red Hawk Showcase at Union Friday, October 14th at 7:00pm Union Homecoming Game at Houseman Field Saturday, February 10th at 6:00pm Ottawa Hills Red Out Game for AHA at Ottawa Saturday, October 22nd at 10:00am MS/Elementary Cross Country Invite at GRPS Hills University Thursday, November 24th at 8:00am 24th Annual - GRPS Turkey Trot 5K Back to School, Back to Sports! Malachi is a Great Sign up now! game or meet on Saturday for eight Kid! He is a four All GRPS elementary and middle weeks. Volunteer coaches are expected sport athlete and a school students have the opportunity to teach and model healthy behaviors, school leader on and to participate. There are 14 sports in supervise children and help establish a off the field, including captain on both middle school, from track and cross- strong connection with GRPS families. the wrestling and track teams. And aca- country to football, cheer and soccer, To learn more or to apply as a volunteer, demically? Malachi also thrives in the and six offered in elementary. You can please contact Alyssa ([email protected] classroom, with a GPA over 3.0. Mala- learn more and sign up at your student’s or 616-988-5430, ext. 3) or visit the chi is just one of the 5,000 Great Kids, school or by visiting the GRPS website GRPS website at www.grps.org/volun- who participated in afterschool sports at www.grps.org/athletics. teer. tion for Grand Rapids Public Schools. last year through GR8 Sports, Great Volunteer! Donate! Kids. GR8 Sports, Great Kids ensures All gifts are fully tax deductible. To Volunteers are needed! From GR8 Sports, Great Kids athletics make a gift, go to www.grsaf.org/gr8- that every GRPS elementary and middle coaches to game help, GRPS is looking programs are free for all students. Com- school student has the opportunity to sports-great-kids. For sponsorship in- for volunteers to help with all sports and munity investment is needed to offset formation, contact Cara at the Student participate in a district after-school anyone can apply. The time commit- the costs of the program. Donations can sports program, at no cost to the student Advancement Foundation (cara@grsaf. ment as a coach includes one or two be made to the Grand Rapids Student org or 616-988-5430, ext. 5). or the family. hour-long practices each week and a Advancement Foundation, the founda- Shiza Shahid Continued from A13 a school bus, targeted for speaking out At 17, Shiza developed a thirst to Michigan Women’s Foundation. be.” on behalf of women’s right to educa- change the world, but knew she’d need Shiza’s turnaround wasn’t lost on She added that change begins close tion. a formal education. She found one at Puente, who now feels charged to help to one’s roots, and issued a challenge For her bravery, Malala was award- Stanford University in the States, whose girls of Mexican descent like herself. to affect things “in your home, your ed a Nobel Peace Prize, the youngest administrators were impressed enough “There are thousands of girls in Mexico schools, your churches, becoming the to ever be so honored. And her story to award her a full-ride scholarship. that do not have the same opportunities leader you were meant to be.” – which includes forging a relationship During her sophomore year, she I do,” she said. “So I’m inspired to try to “There are,” said the superinten- with Shiza – is creating powerful ripples learned about Malala, 11 at the time, reach out to girls there, and help them dent, “no boundaries.” for girls and women in every corner of who was blogging about the importance get an education, in addition finishing Following her remarks, Shiza was the planet. of education – a slap in the face to the mine.” asked by a member of her audience Taliban. That’s why the Michigan Women’s Deriana Peoples, a senior at Grand how someone attending high school Foundation brought her here – not After graduating Stanford, Shiza Rapids Union High, echoed similar sen- in Grand Rapids, Michigan can have a only to speak before their group, but to accepted a job as a consultant and was timents: “Shiza taught us all not to give worldwide impact. engage the hundreds of students – most assigned to Dubai, her “dream job.” But up on our dreams,” she said. “When you “People make it complicated,” Shiza from schools within the Kent Interme- not for long. When she heard Malala make a mistake, you need to correct it answered, suggesting that too often, we diate School District -- who filed into had been attacked, she flew to be by her and learn from it. “hear about something horrible but very Calvin College’s fieldhouse. side in a hospital in England. “That’s how you become great.” quickly stop noticing it. We become de- She shared the story of Malala, but While there, she realized that “There Worldwide, says Shiza “66 million sensitized.” also of herself, first drawing on her early are certain moments when you have to girls are missing from classrooms,” and Instead, she offered, “Become more years, during which she pursued a road decide who you are,” and she implored those numbers increase as refugees con- aware. So much is broken. Acknowledge of purpose and self-discovery. At 14, she her audience to “Let your heart guide tinue to surface amid growing tensions the truth that it’s wrong, and then make began volunteering on behalf of babies you, for it already knows.” overseas. it your place to feel like you should born to women in prison, learning In the midst of that epiphany, Shiza Shiza’s message hit home for Grand care.” about how some “are discarded before recalls, “Someone needed...to build a Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Start a blog to combat things like they were even born.” movement.” Teresa Weatherall Neal. bullying, she said. Build up your knowl- At 16, she assisted victims of an The esultr of that realization is the Calling Shiza’s appearance “A defin- edge, your expertise. “Don’t wait,” she earthquake that claimed some 70,000, “Malala Fund,” set up to support local ing moment,” she said that “We may said, “for someone prettier, for someone toiling in a relief camp where girls were entrepreneurs who sponsor programs never have the opportunity to experi- richer.” ordered by oppressive males not to show to increase educational opportunities ence this again,” and asked the audience their faces in public. for girls and women – groups like the to consider “becoming all that you can 16 July 2016

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