Safety and Security Excellence and Equity in Education

Welcome to the Kentwood Public Schools Safety Department 

The Kentwood Public Schools Safety Department works in collaboration with our student body, parents/guardians, staff, administrators and local law enforcement to assist in providing a safe and secure atmosphere for the educational environment of our students and staff.

To report an incident anonymously

 

Ok2Say

Silent Observer

For mental health support

 

To report a non-emergency school related incident:

 During school hours contact: (616) 698-6700 ext. 42376

 After school or weekends contact: (616) 698-6700  ext. 42376 and leave a message.

Relationships Play a Key Role

The Kentwood Public Schools Safety Department understands that building strong, authentic relationships with students is a pivotal piece when it comes to providing safe and secure environments in our buildings. That is why our district makes building these relationships foundational in all of the work that we do. Some examples of how we do this include:

Capturing Kids' Hearts - This is a longstanding program in Kentwood Public Schools focused on the social-emotional well-being of students.  The program focuses on creating a culture in schools that is relationship driven.  Staff work to create an environment that students feel connected with their peers, connected to the adults in the building and connected to their overall school community. Kentwood Public Schools is proud to have several schools named to the list of Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase Schools on a consistent, annual basis.

Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports - Also known as PBIS, this is a framework for supporting whole school practices that promote a safe school setting. PBIS calls for supporting social. learning, behavioral and emotional needs of students.

Restorative Practices - Kentwood Public Schools began district-wide implementation of Restorative Practices in 2022. This framework is aimed at keeping all in the community safe, engaged, and productive. Building community is a key element of Restorative Practices. In addition, Restorative Practices calls for engaging proactively when someone in the community has been harmed. This calls on the person who has been harmed and the person causing the harm to use tools to resolve conflict and work towards restoring trust.

Each of the above strategies and initiatives are part of the larger goal of creating whole-child environments in Kentwood Public Schools, one of four main goal areas outlined in the district's Strategic Plan which was launched in August 2023.

School Resource Officers (SRO)

KCSD Deputy Karen Barrose- SRO- East Kentwood High School

Phone: 616-698-6700 ext. 42378

Email: karen.barrose@kentwoodps.org

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KCSD Deputy Daniel Forman- SRO- East Kentwood Freshman Campus

Phone: 616-698-9292 ext. 41300

Email: daniel.forman@kentwoodps.org

Kentwood Public Schools Safety Department

6230 Kalamazoo Ave

Kentwood, MI 49508

Our main office is located at East Kentwood High School in the Grand Foyer just inside the Door "A" entrance.

Safety Department Leadership Team

 

 

Chad Songer

Director of Safety

Phone: 616-871-1046

Email: chad.songer@kentwoodps.org

 

Bonnie Geurink-Koetsier

Secretary to the Director of Safety

Phone: 616-426-5253

Email: bonnie.geurink-koetsier@kentwoodps.org

 

Brandon Johnson-Smith

Manager of Safety Operations

Phone: 616-426-4516

Email: brandon.johnson-smith@kentwoodps.org

 

Jamar Chevis

Safety Coordinator-Events

Phone: 616-426-4521

Email: jamar.chevis@kentwoodps.org

 

Julie Didion-Bayne 

Safety Dispatcher

Phone: 616-426-4218

Email: julie.didion@kentwoodps.org

 

Jerome Gardner

Safety Coordinator- Pinewood Middle School (Discovery, Endeavor and Explorer Elementary)

Phone: 616-426-5060

Email: jerome.gardner@kentwoodps.org

 

Michael Lewis

Safety Coordinator- Crestwood Middle School (Bowen, Challenger and Hamilton Elementary)

Phone: 616-426-4296

Email: michael.lewis@kentwoodps.org

 

Terrell Varnado

Safety Coordinator-Valleywood Middle School (Brookwood, Glenwood and Meadowlawn Elementary)

Phone: 616-426-5222

Email: terrell.varnado@kentwoodps.org