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current gym has been transformed into an amazing new multipurpose room and cafeteria. The new cafeteria now has four large windows that bring in the natural light and offer a wonderful view to the pond outside. All of our classrooms have had a complete makeover; we have newer and better lighting, new ceilings, new carpet, fresh paint, and all new cabinets and countertops. Every bathroom in the building is completely upgraded. We have major changes to our playground, and a brand new parking lot and student drop-off and pick-up zone.”

Martini notes that Cummings isn’t quite complete, adding, “Our new gym will not be entirely finished until December of this year. Our second-grade wing also needs to be completed around the same time. So as we begin the school year, we will still face some challenges, such as getting our second graders moved into temporary rooms, holding specials off a cart in the classrooms, and sharing our new multipurpose room with our PE classes until the new wing and gym are completed. But when everything is finally finished – wow! We’ll have a brand new building.”

Modern Spaces

CommunicatorThe

A publication of the Grandville Public Schools Board of Education

www.gpsbulldogs.org | SEPTEMBER 2015

Staff Grateful for Updated, Secure Environment

Summer is gently winding down and soon fall’s first leaves will scatter and somersault across lawns. As the first day of the school year draws near, construction workers are putting the finishing touches on buildings across the district. Here, the principals of GHS, GMS, Century Park, Cummings and West reflect on the construction that occurred this summer at their schools.“I am excited about the opportunities that the new fitness center and auditorium lobby will provide for our students and the safety that the new secure entrance will ensure,” GHS Principal Chris VanderSlice says. “The construction process has been exciting, and the end products are impressive and demonstrate the Grandville community’s investment in our students. We are thankful for such a caring community.”

Tonia Shoup, Century Park principal, echoes that sentiment. “The new secure entrance allows us to have visitors enter the school in a location that is removed from students,” she says. “Staff members will be able to monitor visitors more easily, which will improve student safety.”

Both the obvious and not-so-obvious changes at West Elementary will make an impact on staff and students on a daily basis. “I am looking forward to new lighting, heating, bathrooms, workroom, carpet, water pipes, sound buffers in the gym, and hallways,” Principal Ann DeYoung says. “The best thing will be the newly remodeled classrooms. The crew from OAK has done a wonderful job on West’s renovations. It’s a huge job.”

“The music students at GMS will have state-of-the-art facilities to continue their excellent work,” says Principal John Philo. “The new office spaces are designed to promote a friendlier environment for our visitors and a more secure building for our students and staff. They are the beginning of a larger project that will give a much needed facelift to the middle school.”

“Cummings underwent an enormous change this summer,” Principal Dave Martini says. “When we start school this year, we will be almost completely finished with our renovations. We will have an entire new wing that will house our fourth-grade classrooms and a brand new gym. Our

School begins on Tuesday, September 8

The transformation of Cummings

Century Park Learning Center

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Dear Families, Community Members, Staff, and Students,

I am truly honored to be a Grandville Bulldog! My first month as your superintendent has been filled with establishing relationships, learning about our current realities, and evaluating systems that are in place. My respect for Grandville has only grown during this time. I have observed an exceptional community-based culture collaborating to promote educational excellence for all students and citizens as a whole.

One of the more popular questions I have been asked is, “What is your vision for Grandville Public Schools?” To explain this, it is important that you know what I believe. Simply put, I believe in high-quality learning opportunities for every student, in every classroom, every day. I believe in the importance of students being involved in one or more quality activities outside of the school day even if they are not directly school related. In addition, I believe in the power of relationships and a strong collaborative culture within a community. It truly takes a village to raise a child and provide the support structures along the way for each student to achieve his/her personal excellence.

These beliefs drive my vision for Grandville Public Schools. We already have a tradition of excellence based upon these beliefs. My mission is to honor our traditional excellence, work with students, staff, and community to define growth edges, and take what is already a great district to new heights.

My wife Kim and I look forward to our family’s move to Grandville! We thank you for the warm welcome thus far and look forward to being a part of what makes this community so special: its people.

From the Superintendent

GHS AP Scores Eclipse the AverageAdvanced Placement classes help students save on college expenses and skip introductory college courses. AP results were released in July. As the bar graph indicates, GHS scores have outpaced the state and global exam averages year after year. A score of 3 or better is considered success, and 85 percent of Grandville students who took an AP exam this year passed it with a score of 3, 4 or 5. This rate is 24 percent higher than the global average and 19 percent higher than the state average for 2015.

Leadership AccoladesGrand Valley State University honored Teresa McDougall with the 2015 Outstanding Alumni Leader Award for her work in education in Grandville, Kent County and beyond. She serves as an instructional coach for the district, sharing current educational research with teachers and creating collaboration opportunities for them. Assistant Superintendent Scott Merkel describes her as “an eternal advocate for students and student learning.”

The 2015-16 school year is a time of new beginnings for our students and staff. With major construction and renovations comes the opportunity for us to facilitate learning opportunities in ways that we could only talk about in the past. While posing inconveniences in some places during the short term, we realize the significant impact these learning environments will provide our students during the years ahead. On behalf of our students and staff, thank you for your continued support. We can all be proud of what Grandville provides our educational community.

I am eager to begin what I believe will be the greatest school year ever. If you see me at an event, please do not hesitate to say hello. Together we can continue to build on the tradition of excellence that our great community is known for. Go Bulldogs!

Sincerely,Roger BearupSuperintendent@rogerbearup on Twitterwww.rogerbearup.wordpress.comrbearup@gpsbulldogs.org

Teresa McDougall

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Color Guard Instructors Capture World ChampionshipHannah Vander Ark and Sam Carlberg serve as instructors for Grandville’s color guard, but they also perform as members of Interplay, a winter guard group. This has been a banner year for them: With their teammates, they won the 2015 Winter Guard International IO world championship title.

Vander Ark says performing is a cathartic experience for her. “I love the mix of dance, equipment work and storytelling. When you capture the audience’s attention not only with difficult tosses but with your performance energy, it feels amazing.” But she also loves teaching, saying, “I love the relationships I develop with each of my ‘kids’ and even the members of the band. Grandville’s band program is incredible, and I feel so lucky to be a part of growing the color guard up to its level of excellence.”

What kind of student would enjoy color guard? “Anyone who loves to perform, enjoys music, and wants to learn an activity that only a small percentage of people around the world know how to do should join us,” Vander Ark says. “We create a family with our kids, and some of my best friendships came out of this activity.”

Drum majors Grace Warsen, Amanda Bowerman, Dominik Castillo & Bethany Gable

Island ExplorationThis summer, biology teacher Peggy Slattery took a group of students to the Galapagos Islands to participate in ecological research. They stayed on the island of Santa Cruz and traveled to Floreana, Seymour and Plaza Islands. “Most of our days were split into three parts,” Slattery says. “We typically explored one of the islands in the morning, and then alternated every other day with snorkeling or service activities, such as replanting endemic species on a mountainside or searching for tortoises and collecting data about their growth and health. The third portion of our days involved classwork. The classwork included studying the islands’ geography, ocean currents, plant and animal life as well as the evolution of these species.”

Oil AlchemyOver the past year, 18 high school students and science teacher Chad Bridle created biodiesel from vegetable oil. Sponsored by the MSU Bioeconomy Institute, the young chemists taught themselves how to make, test and purify the alternative fuel. Through extensive, self-designed experimentation, they refined the desktop process of production. They carefully considered not only the chemical aspects of the process, but the economic, environmental and safety concerns as well. The team explored how chemical processes are scaled up in industry and toured the industrial chemical facility at the MSU Bioeconomy Institute.

“It was amazing to watch the students grow,” says Bridle. “They used their classroom chemistry knowledge to create solutions to problems. Their eyes were opened to the complexity and variety in the world of chemical engineering.”

“My favorite part of this was getting to figure it out on our own,” student Kayelynn Sousley says. “We had help but mainly did this with peers. It felt like we were real scientists researching things. It made chemistry come alive and it truly opened my eyes to the amazing things that science can do.”

Mastery of MusicDuring the last week of July, the GHS marching band practiced at Central Michigan University, working hard for its upcoming season. As part of an annual summer tradition, students in the marching band stay at CMU for one week of band camp. The daily schedule includes 10 hours of rehearsal, with eight or nine of those hours on the field.

On the final day of camp this summer, the students performed their entire show – memorized – in CMU’s Kelly/Shorts Stadium. “This is the first year that the students have had their show music memorized by the end of camp,” band director Mackenzie Foss says. “The work ethic of the students is outstanding.”

For the 2015 season, the marching band will perform “The Ministry of Freedom.” Fans can catch the first show at halftime of the Sept. 18 football game. Performances extend into October, when the musicians will have six competitions. This year’s final performance will be at the state finals on Nov. 7 at Ford Field.

Abby Warsen & Audrie Hoogerhyde

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2015 Retirees“Retirement means no pressure, no stress, no heartache – unless you play golf.” –Gene Perret

In addition to the teachers and administrators listed in the previous issue of The Communicator, the following staff members have announced their retirement. We wish them well as they begin the next act of their lives!

• Jane Kreuyer • Michele Klaver • Susan Phillips • Deb Meyers • William Sinke

Meals Made EasyNutrition and academic achievement go hand in hand. Whether it’s behavioral problems or lower math scores, hungry students are more likely to suffer academically. A healthy diet fuels success at school. To help ensure students do their best, Grandville Public Schools offers nutritious breakfasts and lunches. Prices remain unchanged from last year.

BreakfastBreakfast is served at every school in the district. The menu includes hot items, cereal, fresh fruit, 100% juice and more. Breakfast is just $1.10 at all of the buildings. Kids who qualify for free or reduced lunch also qualify for breakfast.

LunchThrough SendMoneyToSchool.com, parents can use a credit or debit card to make deposits into their children’s lunch accounts, view their balance and monitor items being purchased. The student’s identification number is required to establish an account, and $20 is the minimum deposit accepted. Lunch is $1.95 for elementary students and $2.05 for middle and high school students. Milk is 40 cents at all buildings.

Free andReduced MealsParents may fill out an application for the free- and reduced-price meal program at lunchapp.com. The information on app l i c a t ions i s confidential. A new application must be filed each school year; qualification does not automatically carry over year to year.

Children in households receiving food stamps, FIP or FDPIR and most foster children qualify for free meals regardless of income. A h o u s e h o l d m ay qualify for free- or reduced-price meals due to a temporary loss of income, such as a period of unemployment. Households with incomes within the limits on the chart also qualify. Applications may be submitted any time during the year.

If you have questions or special dietary concerns, please call the food service office at 254-6404.

Bus InformationPlease remember that Transportation Department routes, stops and times often change within the first two weeks of school as drivers and students adjust to the schedule. Your students may be arriving home late the first few days of school until a routine is established. If you have moved, please notify the transportation office of your new address by calling (616) 254-6530.

Reminders for Parents• Your child’s day care provider must be within the school attendance area if you want the availability of bus transportation. In general, the attendance areas are south of 44th Street, north of the Grand River, and in-town. Please call the transportation office at (616) 254-6530 with specific questions.

• Students are limited to one bus stop address in the morning and one bus stop address for the afternoon run. We do not provide day-variant transportation. The driver will only pick up or drop off the student at the same location each day of the week.

• Bus service is not available for non-emergencies such as visits to friends’ homes. In an emergency situation, please call or write the school office and they will provide a pass for a student.

• Walking distance for K-6th grade is one (1) mile. Walking distance for 7 – 12th grade is one and one-half (1-1/2) miles.

• If you meet your student at the bus stop, please do not call them to cross the street. Let the bus driver do his or her job by following our crossing policy.

• Have your child at the bus route at least five (5) minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

Total Family Size Annual Monthly Twice Per

MonthEvery Two

Weeks Weekly

1 $21,775 $1,815 $908 $838 $4192 $29,471 $2,456 $1,228 $1,134 $567

3 $37,167 $3,098 $1,549 $1,430 $7154 $44,863 $3,739 $1,870 $1,726 $8635 $52,559 $4,380 $2,190 $2,022 $1,011

6 $60,255 $5,022 $2,511 $2,318 $1,1597 $67,951 $5,663 $2,832 $2,614 $1,3078 $75,647 $6,304 $3,152 $2,910 $1,455

*For each additional household member

add:

$7,696* $642* $321* $296* $148*

Income Guidelines for Free/Reduced Lunch

Class of ‘85 ReunionThe GHS Class of 1985 will hold its 30th class reunion on Saturday, Oct. 3 at The Intersection, located at 133 Grandville Ave. SW in Grand Rapids. Tickets are $10 each. Please arrive at 7 p.m. There will be a private room to reconnect with classmates and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Parties will move into the VIP section and dance to the Mega 80’s band. Any questions, contact Judy Hill Boomgaard at (616) 886-8258.

• Meg Lyons • Ann Fenske • Estelle Dykstra • Pamla S. Smith

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Family Educational Rights & Privacy ActThe Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18-years-of-age certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. Including:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access. Parents and eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the school to amend the record they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Family Policy Compliance OfficeU.S. Department of Education400 Maryland Avenue, SWWashington, DC 20202-5920

Directory InformationAccording to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, Grandville Public Schools may disclose directory information relating to a student upon receiving a legitimate request. The following information about a student is defined as directory information:

• name, address and phone number • date and place of birth• major field of study • participation in officially recognized activities and sports• dates of attendance • date of graduation• awards received • honor rolls• scholarships • telephone numbers for inclusion in school or PTO directories• height and weight, if member of an athletic team• height, if member of an athletic team• weight, if member of an athletic team which requires disclosure to participate• school photographs or videos of students participating in school activities, events or programs

Parents, guardians and adult students must inform the school principal in writing by Oct. 1, 2015, if they do not want certain directory information released without prior consent.

Meet the PrincipalAfter GMS Principal Theresa Waterbury announced her retirement earlier this year, John Philo was offered the position of principal and accepted it with enthusiasm. As the former assistant principal of GHS, Philo is a perfect match for the job. He began his career with Grandville in 2003 as a seventh-grade science teacher.

Like a horse jockey waiting for the gate to fling open on race day, he looks forward to the new school year. “I have the energy level of a middle schooler,” says Philo. “I can relate to this age group, to their excitement about new things. And because they’re still in formative mode, there’s a chance to make a real impact.”

American middle schools are often perceived as awkward waiting rooms that students must transition through before they can pass on to high school, where the “real” magic awaits. Philo hopes to help debunk that myth by nurturing a culture that celebrates the here and now.

“Test scores have steadily increased over the last five years at GMS, and that alone deserves celebration by students and staff,” he says. He appreciates the supports that are already in place, adding, “The middle school has a unique team system that allows for students to receive individual attention, so that they are not overwhelmed by the transition from a small elementary building to a larger school. The students get to know the other 150 children on their team.”

Philo describes his leadership style as student centered. He plans to be visible in the halls before, during and after school, as well as in the classrooms, so that he can build relationships with students and teachers alike. “It’s my role first and foremost to support them,” he says.

How can parents and students ensure a successful year? “Reach out to teachers first if there are any concerns,” Philo says. “And everyone is welcome to stop in the office and talk to me or Assistant Principal Brian Mulder. The more we know, the more effective we can be.”

John Philo, GMS Principal

2015-16 Instructional Bell ScheduleTo meet state requirements for instructional time, there has been a slight change in the daily schedule. Each grade level has an additional three, four or five minutes this year.

Young Fives: 8:28 to 11:37 a.m.Elementary: 8:28 a.m. to 3:41 p.m.Middle School: 7:53 a.m. to 2:41 p.m.High School: 7:50 a.m. to 2:42 p.m.

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All-Season Sports Passesthrough the Grandville Athletic Boosters

$250 CENTURY CLUB PLUS PASSES• All membership privileges of Booster Membership listed below• FREE admission for FOUR (4) people to ALL home athletic events (high school and middle school)• FREE reserved parking pass for ALL home varsity football games• $10 Dog Den store voucher• Fall schedule of athletic events

$150 CENTURY CLUB PASSES• All membership privileges of Booster Membership listed below• FREE admission for two (2) people to ALL home athletic events (high school and middle school)• FREE reserved parking pass for ALL home varsity football games• $10 Dog Den store voucher• Fall schedule of athletic events

$25 BOOSTER MEMBERSHIP• Your name is listed in the sports programs• Many volunteer opportunities including the high school concessions, Varsity Sports Awards night, The Car Party and more• Attendance encouraged at meetings held at 7:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at GHS

To buy your athletic passes, send a check to Grandville Athletic Boosters, 4700 Canal St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. You’ll receive your passes via postal mail within 7 to 10 days. Contact an athletic booster for details.

SAVE THE DATE!The 2016 Grandville Athletic Boosters Car Party will be Saturday, March 12, 2016.

Community Education: Learn & ConnectOur office is located at 3843 Prairie St. Go to the district website for a complete list of classes and activities available.

Fall Recreation BrochureOur fall brochure will be sent home the first week of school, or find it online at gpsbulldogs.org the last week of August. From adult ballroom dancing, to yoga and F.A.S.T.!, there’s something for everyone this season. Look for classes and lessons in fencing, self-defense, girls basketball, indoor soccer, crafts, roller skating and ice skating, hunter safety, snowmobile safety, cheerleading, baton twirling and more.

AquaticsGrandville Public Schools offers swimming lessons and other aquatics programs. Find a listing of classes in the fall brochure, at gpsbulldogs.org, or Google “Grandville Community Aquatics.”

Golden Age CardsThe Golden Age Card entitles retirees, age 60 and older, to free admission into home athletic events at Grandville Public Schools. If you live within the Grandville Public Schools district and are at least 60 years old and retired, please call Community Education at 254-6553 or stop into our office at 3843 Prairie Street (corner of Prairie and Ottawa) to receive your Golden Age Card.

Men’s Early Morning Open BasketballMen’s early morning open basketball meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 6 to 7:30 a.m. at Grandville Middle School. If you enjoy playing basketball and would like some exercise, please join in on the fun. Bring a light-colored and dark-colored shirt each time. The cost is $2 per morning, or $25 for September through December and $25 for January through April no matter how many mornings you play. Passes are available at the Community Ed office at 3843 Prairie Street, or call 254-6553 for more information.

Pesticide InformationAs part of our pest management program, pesticides are occasionally applied. The majority of outside grounds applications are done during summer months. Ground pesticides are never applied when children are in school. You have the right to be informed prior to any pesticide application made to the grounds and buildings. In certain emergencies, pesticides may be applied without prior notice, but you will be provided notice following such an application. Notification will be posted by the school’s main entrance at least 48 hours before a pesticide application. In addition, there will be a posting at gpsbulldogs.org at least 48 hours in advance.

If you would like to request prior notification, please contact:Arlyn Cribley4100 Kenowa SWGrandville, MI 49418(616) 254-6530

Asbestos ReportIn compliance with a law passed in 1988, our school district contracted with an independent state-certified architectural and engineering firm to do an extensive asbestos survey of each of our buildings. Based on the findings of the inspection, a comprehensive management plan was drafted in accordance with state and federal guidelines. This plan detailed the response action that the district would be taking regarding materials containing asbestos in our buildings.

Any area left with asbestos-containing material is being monitored on a regular basis to ensure it remains in satisfactory condition and formal inspections are done every six months.

The comprehensive management plan is available for inspection. If you wish to have a personal copy, please notify the maintenance department and it will be supplied to you within five (5) working days. The maintenance office is located at 4100 Kenowa SW, Grandville, MI 49418.

Armed Forces Recruiting & the Selective ServiceState and federal law requires all public school districts to make available to military recruiters and service academies the names, addresses and phone numbers of high school students. However, if a student or the parent or legal guardian of a student submits a signed, written request that indicates that the student or the parent or legal guardian does not want the student’s directory information to be accessible to official recruiting representatives, then the officials of the school shall not allow that access to the student’s directory information. Signed requests must be sent to the high school guidance office before Oct. 1, 2015. If a request is not received before that date, student directory information will be released to the Armed Forces of the United States and its service academies.

Annually the high school will notify male students age eighteen (18) or older that they are required to register for the selective service.

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Student Privacy and Parental Access to InformationThe Grandville Public Schools Board of Education respects the privacy rights of parents and their children. No student shall be required, as a part of the school program or the district’s curriculum, without notification and parental consent to submit to or participate in any survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information concerning:

• Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or his/her parents;

• Mental or psychological problems of the student or his/her family;

• Sex behavior or attitudes;

• Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;

• Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;

• Legally recognized privileged and analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;

• Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or his/her parents; or

• Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such a program).

This requirement also applies to the disclosure of student information for marketing purposes with the exception of a business providing a school-related service (i.e. class rings, senior photos, graduation materials, etc.), and where the company signs an affidavit agreeing not to sell the personal information.

Further, parents have the right to inspect, upon request, a survey or evaluation created by a third party before the survey/evaluation is administered or distributed by the school to the student. The parent (if an unemancipated minor) or the student (if an adult or an emancipated minor) will have access to the survey/evaluation within a reasonable period of time after the request is received by the building principal.

Parents have the right to inspect, upon request, any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum of the student. The parent will have access to the instructional material within a reasonable period of time after the request is received by the building principal. Academic tests or assessments are not considered instructional materials.

For FamiliesFun with Grandkids Zentangle Grandparents connect with younger friends or family members through the fascinating world of Zentangle. Pre-registration is required. Open to children ages 8 and above and adults of any age. Saturday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m.

For Young Children – Ages 6 & YoungerFamily Storytime All AgesThursdays, Sept. 10 – Nov. 19, 10 a.m.

For School-Age Children – Ages 6 & OlderKDL Lab: littleBits: Learn and Invent with Electronics Explore, tinker and innovate with littleBits, the ultimate electronic building tool. Saturday, Sept. 19, 1 p.m.

TeensHot Jobs of 2020 The job you may have someday probably doesn’t even exist yet. Technology and innovation are changing the workplace like never before. Join us as we talk through the Hot Jobs of 2020 and how you can set yourself up for success by utilizing career exploration resources while still in high school. Pre-registration is required and participation is limited. Saturday, Oct. 17, 1 p.m.

AdultsBoomer Social Club:Celebrating Life in the Laughter Lane As part of our Boomer Social Club, senior comedienne Judy Schreur will show you a humorous look at the power of laughter. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 1 p.m.

Extraterrestrial Life: What Lies Beyond Us Explore the scientific discoveries that cause us to wonder about life beyond our own planet with Dr. Jason Smolinski. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m.

The Grandville branch of the Kent District Library is located at 4055 Maple SW. Phone: 784-2007. www.kdl.org

Registration is required for most library programs.

Visit KDL!

Non-Discrimination PolicyAny form of discrimination or harassment can be devastating to an individual’s academic progress, social relationship and/or personal sense of self-worth.

As such, the Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information (collectively, “Protected Classes”) in its educational programs or activities.

The Board also does not discriminate on the basis of Protected Classes in its employment policies and practices as they relate to students, and does not tolerate harassment of any kind.

Equal educational opportunities shall be available to all students, without regard to the Protected Classes, age (unless age is a factor necessary to the normal operation or the achievement of any legitimate objective of the program/activity), place of residence within the boundaries of the District, or social or economic background, to learn through the curriculum offered in this District. Educational programs shall be designed to meet the varying needs of all students.

Hall of FameThis summer, Jim Leonardo was ushered into the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Leonardo is currently a physical education teacher and cross-country coach for Grandville. After coaching baseball for 30 years in three West Michigan school districts, he is very deserving of this honor. Congratulations, Mr. Leonardo!

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School Calendar 2015-2016

School starts on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 for all Grandville Public Schools’ students.

Vacation Dates:Thanksgiving: Nov. 25 - 27

Holiday Break: Dec. 21 - Jan. 1No School: Jan. 18 (Staff Reports)

Mid-Winter Break: Feb. 15 - 16Spring Break: April 1 - 8

Memorial Weekend: May 27 - 30

Last Day: June 10, 2016 Students - AM Only

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDGrand Rapids, MI

Permit No. 1

Grandville Public Schools3839 Prairie Street SWGrandville, Michigan 49418

Keep up-to-date on what’s going on in the district by liking our Facebook page. Visithttps://www.facebook.com/grandvilleschoolsfor the latest information about students’ accomplishments, district news, school activities and upcoming events.

Special Events at Bulldog StadiumVictory DaySaturday, Sept. 19 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.Admission: Free

Please join us for this special afternoon and cheer on Grandville students with cognitive and physical impairments. Ranging from 7 years old to high school age, they will have their moment in the sun as football players or cheerleaders. Coach Eric Stiegel says this group of 25 children will run through the tunnel, score touchdowns and perform field drills – all with the same fans, coin toss, announcer, photography and national anthem as a regular game. Each child is paired up with a mentor from the Grandville football or cheer team. Learn more about the concept at VictoryDayFootball.com.

All Alumni HomecomingFriday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.

The Grandville Education Foundation and the Grandville Athletic Boosters invite all alumni to attend the 2015 Homecoming game against East Grand Rapids. Just $10 gets you admission into the game and tickets for two concession-stand items. Go to GrandvilleEducationFoundation.org to buy tickets online and learn more about events.