District News

Several weeks ago, I was honored to be invited to visit the Van Andel Research Institute by the father of one of our students. He and his wife chose Kentwood because they recognized the importance of living in a 21st century global community with a school system that emphasizes creative problem solving and innovation!

As I observed the cancer research being done at Van Andel, ironically, I was struck by the importance of what we do rather than the valuable work they do. The kids in Kentwood classrooms today are the researchers and leaders of tomorrow. They will solve problems yet to be understood. They will take jobs yet to be created. They will receive awards from music and films yet to be heard and seen. Inspire one child in 2010-11, and generations of children will be impacted.

In the year ahead, three attributes of the Kentwood Public Schools will be highlighted:

1. A 21st century global community where relationships matter. In this century, being competitive means having an ability to work with individuals from around the globe with multiple cultures and languages. Kentwood students have a competitive edge because they can experience and observe healthy relationships with staff members and students from around the world! We must continue to capitalize on this opportunity!

2. Leading through innovation and creative problem-solving: Exciting things are happening in Kentwood classrooms. Technological changes offer opportunities for teachers to be innovative in new ways and for students to engage in new problem-solving approaches. Please let your friends and neighbors know as your children engage in creative problem-solving activities. These are stories that need to be told.

3. Committed to excellence: In everything we do, and at every level of the district, our commitment to excellence must be data driven, customer focused and centered on continuous improvement.

You will hear and see this repeated throughout our district in the coming year. Teachers will reinforce this in the classroom. These themes will be revisited in school communication with parents and community members. In addition, this will be demonstrated in the continued collaborative efforts of our booster clubs, parent teacher organizations and community partnerships.

Thank you to the members of our Kentwood School community. Your many talents and commitment to the success of our students continue to make us who we are. I am fortunate to work with supportive parents and community members, a gifted team of administrators, teachers, staff members, and board members who frequently place the needs of students before their own.

Julie Makarewicz | The Grand Rapids Pres...

KENTWOOD -- Meadowlawn Elementary students could find the way to school paved with new sidewalks, a crosswalk and additional lights this spring.

The school district partnered with the city in obtaining a Michigan Department of Transportation "Safe Routes to School" grant. City officials say they hope the $71,135 award is only the first of the grant money.

"We've got two more joint applications with the school (that) the state is reviewing right now," said Pat Hughes, the city's assistant engineer. "We're extremely hopeful -- especially after receiving this grant -- that we'll be able to get more."

Read the full article at MLive.com

New Students who still need to register for EKHS 10-12 bldg must:

1. Call the guidance office 698-6700 x 42209 to SET UP AN APPOINTMENT for enrollment
2.  Pick up an enrollment packet at the SWITCHBOARD
3.  Fill our packet and be prepared with all required new student enrollment information:
Birth Certificate
Shot Records
Proof of Residency (i.e. Gas Bill or Lease)
Official High School Transcript
Exit Grades if you are leaving in the middle of a term
Copy of IEP or MET if you are receiving Special Education services

Click to view the 2010-11 Registration Schedule

GRAND RAPIDS -- Piles of cardboard boxes filled with shoes rested haphazardly in a fenced-off section of In the Image's store on South Division Avenue on Friday.

But come Tuesday, the shoes will be organized by size onto shelves, and local elementary students and their parents will find the perfect pair of shoes for the upcoming school year with the help of more than 260 volunteers.

2009-2010 Reports 

(All files are PDF documents and require a PDF reader to view)

District Overview
Kentwood Public Schools Annual Report

Elementary Schools
Bowen   |   Brookwood   |   Challenger   |   Discovery   |   Endeavor   |   Explorer  
Glenwood   |   Meadowlawn   |   Southwood   |   Townline

Middle Schools
Crestwood   |   Pinewood    |   Valleywood

High Schools
East Kentwood High School (Grades 9-12)
Crossroads