Kentwood Public Schools News

Real World Learning in Action: Cooking Up Excellence at East Kentwood

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:41:00 GMT

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a great opportunity for students to receive hands-on learning. There is no better place to see this in action than the Culinary Arts Center at East Kentwood High School. The learning taking place in this facility is impacting students' lives today and creating opportunities for their futures. Learn about the culinary arts programming in this video from the teachers who lead it.

A Legacy of Excellence--EK Grad Soars on Match Day

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:25:00 GMT

Match Day is an important moment for an individual pursuing a career as a doctor as med students find out on this day where they will go for their residencies. In this Falcon Feature--Alumni Edition, we join 2017 East Kentwood graduate Quynh Tran as she participates in this celebratory moment with her family and friends.

A Warm Pool. A Warm Welcome. A Gathering Spot for the Kentwood Community

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:55:00 GMT

The Kentwood Aquatic Center located at East Kentwood High School is a popular gathering spot for members of our community. Folks of all ages begin arriving at the pool before the sun comes up and keep coming until well into the evening. They are greeted each day with a warm welcome and are served by a dedicated Aquatic Center staff. Learn more about the center in this video created in partnership with AVES Films. For more information on the Aquatic Center, go to their webpage at: https://www.kentwoodps.org/ourcommunity/aquaticscenter/

EK Grad Returns to Serve Students of All Ages

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:22:00 GMT

Our staff members play such an important part in the success of our students and our district. We continue to highlight individuals who truly make Kentwood Public Schools a Destination District for students and families alike. In our latest Falcon Feature, we introduce you to Rob Karel, an East Kentwood graduate who has returned to the district to serve as a 4th grade teacher at Discovery Elementary and the new Theatre Director at East Kentwood High School.

5th Grade Students Experience Real-World Learning at JA BizTown

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:52:00 GMT

In mid February, 5th grade students at Townline Elementary visited Junior Achievement's BizTown, a real-world experience that gives students hands-on learning opportunities focused on what it takes to have a job, be an entrepreneur, and succeed in the professional world.

EK Teacher Connects with Students

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:31:00 GMT

Kentwood Public Schools has an amazing staff, full of a people dedicated to serving our students and families in a variety of roles. In this Falcon Feature, we highlight one of those individuals. KayLee Fredricks is a veteran history teacher at East Kentwood High School who forms strong connections with her students to help bring history to life.

Through the Eyes of Our Students - Drew's KPS Story

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:32:00 GMT

Kentwood Public Schools has a legacy of excellence in the area of the arts. Our diverse student population coupled with the wide variety of opportunities led by a committed group of fine arts educators creates dynamic results in the realm of the arts. In this video, we introduce you to East Kentwood High School student Drew, and we experience his KPS story of music through his eyes.

Honoring Two Distinguished Careers of Service to Our Community

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:52:00 GMT

The office teams across Kentwood Public Schools do great work to serve our students, families, and staff. Whether it be in schools, in departments, or at the administration building, these individuals are dedicated and work hard to ensure success for our students. In this Falcon Feature we honor two members of this group who are retiring after more than 25 years of service each to our district--Deb Block and Judi Ford--and, by extension, we honor and thank all of those folks who serve in our offices.

East Kentwood Art Teacher Recognized as Proud Michigan Educator

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:36:00 GMT

For nearly a decade, the Michigan Department of Education has been highlighting "Proud Michigan Educators" across the state in a special video series, highlighting individuals "who share their passion for education." The latest educator to be featured is East Kentwood High School's Le Tran.

Thank You Kentwood: New School Opens Thanks to Community Support

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:50:00 GMT

Kentwood Public Schools and the Kentwood community have a strong connection. The support the district receives, in a variety of ways, from community members and the longstanding partnership between KPS and Kentwood are foundational to the successes of the district. The opening of Hamilton Elementary and Early Childhood Center, the district's 11th elementary school and first new school in two decades, is a great example of this partnership. Please enjoy this video from our partners at Kingscott Architecture, Engineering, and Design that highlights the building and opening of the new Hamilton as a way to thank our community for its support.

Former Bowen Student Now Serves as a Current Bowen Teacher

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:36:00 GMT

Madilynn Moran is a dedicated teacher in the MoCI room at Bowen Elementary. She is also a Forever Falcon, an EK graduate who actually attended Bowen as a student. In fact, it was an opportunity when she was in 5th grade at Bowen as a student herself that set her on a path to serve in her current position. Please learn more about her story in this Falcon Feature.

Through the Eyes of Our Students - Kayd's KPS Story

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:05:00 GMT

Kentwood Public Schools is committed to telling the stories of our students--through their eyes. To kick off the second season of our series, "Through the Eyes of Our Students," we share with you the story of East Kentwood Senior Kayd Coffman. Kayd chose to come to Kentwood in pursuit of excellence and opportunity. As the starting quarterback of the East Kentwood Falcon varsity football team, he has embraced the unique experience KPS has provided him, both on and off the football field. Here is Kayd's KPS story, through his eyes.

EK Grad Returns to Serve Community as a KPS Teacher

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:53:00 GMT

Valleywood teacher Elijah Lewis knows what it's like to be a student in Kentwood Public Schools. Elijah was a student himself at Southwood Elementary, Pinewood Middle School, the East Kentwood Freshman Campus, and also East Kentwood High School, where he graduated from in 2016. This Forever Falcon attributes many of his successes in life to the teachers who supported him over the years in our dynamic Kentwood community. He has now returned to the district to serve his community as a teacher. Please enjoy this Falcon Feature on Elijah Lewis.

Early Childhood Center Welcomes Community Members for Playgroups

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:44:00 GMT

The Kentwood community has partnered with the district to make early childhood learning a priority for our youngest learners. KPS is highlighting this partnership by hosting community playgroups at its new Early Childhood Center Main Campus twice a week.

East Kentwood High School Jazz Performs at the Prestigious Detroit Jazz Festival

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 17:56:00 GMT

(n/a)

2025-26 School Year is Off to a Strong Start

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:01:00 GMT

The 2025-26 school year began on Monday, August 25 with each student receiving the message that they belong in Kentwood Public Schools. Please enjoy this video of some first day highlights created by our partners at AVES Films. Go Falcons!

Through the Eyes of Our Students - Robel's KPS Graduation Story

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 14:01:00 GMT

Throughout this school year, we have been sharing the stories of Kentwood Public Schools Through the Eyes of Our Students. Please enjoy this look back at East Kentwood High School's graduation, through Robel's eyes. Experience the joy and excitement for students, families, and staff that this celebratory event brings.

Through the Eyes of Our Students - A Falcon Friendship

Wed, 21 May 2025 13:02:00 GMT

Kentwood Public Schools is committed to sharing our students' stories, through their eyes, to highlight their individual experiences as students in KPS and to share more about our district from the people who matter most--our students. In this video you will meet Emani and Brooklyn. Their friendship began as first graders at Explorer Elementary and has thrived all the way into East Kentwood High School and their place on the EK Track and Field team. Hear more about this enduring and endearing Falcon Friendship -- Through the Eyes of Our Students.

East Kentwood Students Build a Home

Thu, 15 May 2025 12:39:00 GMT

For close to 40 years, students in the East Kentwood High School Residential Construction class have participated in building numerous homes throughout the community. In this video, students share their thoughts on what this ultimate real-world learning experience means to them.

Falcon Feature - Vincent Mayfield

Mon, 12 May 2025 19:48:00 GMT

Kentwood Public Schools continues to celebrate our amazing teachers and staff this month by sharing Falcon Features of just a few of the many dedicated staff who make an impact on our students each and every day. We invite you to get to know Vincent Mayfield--a Pinewood MIddle School teacher, coach, and a Forever Falcon.

Falcon Feature: Sarah Kresnak

Mon, 05 May 2025 13:54:00 GMT

Kentwood Public Schools has some of the best teachers and staff around. They are dedicated, caring, hardworking, and talented. Please meet Sarah Kresnak, a first grade teacher at Discovery Elementary who was recently named one of 10 Regional Teachers of the Year in Michigan in this Falcon Feature.

EK Students Recall the Joy of Recess

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 19:05:00 GMT

Each moment in a school day is unique and has something special to offer our students--including recess. Recently we invited a group of East Kentwood High School students back to an elementary playground so that they could relive and reminisce about the joys of recess.

Through the Eyes of Our Students - Donavan's Kentwood Story

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:04:00 GMT

Kentwood Public Schools offers a wide range of rich extra curricular learning opportunities. Whether it be in athletics, the arts, robotics, and more, KPS offers excellence both in and out of the classroom. Being a student who finds success in these activities takes commitment, determination, and passion. In collaboration with our partners at AVES Films, we invite you to enjoy Sophomore Donavan's Kentwood story, a student-athlete, through his eyes.

KIDS Program

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:25:00 GMT

(n/a)

Through the Eyes of Our Students - Mawqar's Kentwood Story

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:21:00 GMT

At Kentwood Public Schools, we strive to see the work we all do Through the Eyes of Our Students. KPS is a special place, made up of amazing students with unique and meaningful stories. Mawqar, aka Mo, is a Sophomore at East Kentwood High School. He has been a student in Kentwood Public Schools since he was a young boy at Challenger Elementary. We can learn a lot from Mo and his story. We invite you to watch Mawqar's Kentwood story, through his eyes.

Family Toolkit

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

(n/a)

Family Toolkit

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

(n/a)

Family Toolkit

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

(n/a)

Family Toolkit

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

(n/a)

Family Toolkit

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

(n/a)

Family Toolkit

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

(n/a)

Family Toolkit

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

(n/a)

Family Toolkit

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

(n/a)

Family Toolkit

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

(n/a)

Family Toolkit

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

(n/a)

Family Toolkit

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:54:00 GMT

(n/a)

District Implements New K-8th Math Curriculum

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:21:00 GMT

Kentwood Public Schools is implementing a new K-8th grade math curriculum this year aimed at helping students utilize math skills to be resourceful problem solvers and thinkers, creating a path for lifelong math success.

Looking Back...Looking Ahead: District Prepares to Open New School

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:51:00 GMT

Kentwood Public Schools is planning to open its 11th elementary school for the 2025-26 school year. The opening of the new Hamilton Elementary and Early Childhood Center requires that the district change the elementary attendance boundaries at all of its elementary schools. This video provides a look at what has taken place so far this year in this important process as well as looks ahead to what will take place in the coming months.

Through the Eyes of Our Students - Nuha's Kentwood Story

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 14:03:00 GMT

Recently, East Kentwood Senior Nuha Hussein was selected to be a member of the national 2024-25 Student Advisory Team for the PBS News Student Reporting Labs. She is one of only 31 students nationwide to receive this honor. Nuha traces her love for visual storytelling to a class she took her Sophomore year from Mr. Preston Donakowski at East Kentwood High School. Nuha has a great story to tell and we share her Kentwood story with you, through her eyes.

Through the Eyes of Our Students - Gabriel's Kentwood Story

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:54:00 GMT

At Kentwood Public Schools, we are committed to seeing the work we do Through the Eyes of Our Students. KPS is a special place, made up of amazing students with unique and meaningful stories. Gabriel is an 11th grade student at East Kentwood High School. He is new to the country and is learning English. This is Gabriel's Kentwood story, through his eyes.

Sisco Preparing to Lead Hamilton Elementary & Early Childhood Center

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 13:47:00 GMT

Ahnna Sisco has been named as principal at the new Hamilton Elementary and Early Childhood Center. In mid-October she took a tour of the construction site as she begins to work with district leadership to create a warm and welcoming school for her new students and a successful launch to the school's opening in August 2025.

New Early Childhood Building Is Off to a Strong Start

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 16:13:00 GMT

Kentwood Public Schools opened its new, state-of-the-art early childhood building in August. The building is off to a strong start thanks to our students, families, and staff.

KPS Launches Fresh Approach to Cafeteria Choices

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 19:13:00 GMT

Kentwood Public Schools is trying a fresh approach when it comes to bringing produce to the district's cafeterias. Learn about the hydroponic farming initiative taking place this year at East Kentwood High School.

2024-25 School Year is Underway!

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 15:23:00 GMT

The 2024-25 school year is nearing the end of its first week in Kentwood Public Schools. Take a look at the warm welcome students received to kickoff the year.

We are Kentwood Public Schools - A Destination District

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 17:51:00 GMT

The Kentwood Public Schools staff is eagerly looking forward to welcoming students back for the 2024-25 school year on August 19. Our district is growing, a destination district for students, families, and staff. This video gives a look at what our district has to offer as we live out our vision of Excellence and Equity in Education for each of our students.

EK Class of 2024 Soars Into the Future

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 18:02:00 GMT

600 students graduated from East Kentwood High School in late May. Enjoy this video as we salute the class of 2024 and congratulate our Forever Falcons.

Collaboration Brings Monsters to Life

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 19:50:48 GMT

A great collaborative learning project brought Elementary students from Bowen Elementary together with students from East Kentwood High School to create a fun-filled Monster Mash!

KIDS Program Provides Opportunities

Tue, 21 May 2024 14:36:00 GMT

The Kentwood Public Schools KIDS program provides a wide range of opportunities for students to learn and grow beyond the classroom doors.

EK Students Enjoy Holi

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:46:40 GMT

EK students took part in the annual Holi Festival of Colors in late March.

EK Students Prepare for Spring Musical

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:02:00 GMT

Enjoy this behind the scenes look as East Kentwood students prepare for this year's spring musical, The Secret Garden.

5th Grade Discovery Student Writes and Publishes Book

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 13:35:14 GMT

Meet a fifth grade writer from Discovery Elementary who is sharing his love of reading and writing.

East Kentwood Diver Soars to New Heights

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 14:05:00 GMT

Meet East Kentwood's Elisee Kanda, member of the school's dive team, and learn about his story.

New Falcon Football Coach Looking Forward to Success at East Kentwood

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 14:44:00 GMT

(n/a)

East Kentwood High School's We The People Team

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 14:55:00 GMT

East Kentwood High School's We The People team has won back-to-back state championships, building upon the long-standing tradition of excellence of the program, and now prepares for the national championship in April.

Gordon & Carter Receive GIANT Awards

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:16:47 GMT

(n/a)

ABC Orchestra

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:16:00 GMT

The ABC Orchestra is one of many opportunities Kentwood Public Schools students have to explore and enjoy learning through the arts. Enjoy this video look as the group prepared for and performed in the Collage Concerts in December 2023.

KPS EKHS Culinary Arts Ribbon Cutting

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:50:00 GMT

(n/a)

Saturday Science School at EK

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 13:35:00 GMT

East Kentwood High School students lead the Saturday Science School camp for elementary students.

Falcon Feature Anthony Tran

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 15:35:00 GMT

Meet Anthony Tran, Social Studies teacher at East Kentwood High School, and learn how he is positively impacting students.

Elementary Stem Classrooms

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Step inside an elementary STEM classroom to see how it's part of the district's culture of excellence.

Elementary STEM Classes

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 22:37:00 GMT

Step inside an elementary STEM classroom to see how this work is helping to create a culture of excellence in Kentwood Public Schools.

Falcon Feature Matt Vriesman

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Meet Matt Vriesman, history teacher at East Kentwood High School and the 2023 National History Teacher of the Year.

Welcome Back - First Day of School 2023 - 2024

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 11:44:00 GMT

(n/a)

KPS Chromebooks

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 15:08:00 GMT

Each student in KPS gets a district-provided Chromebook to impact student learning.

KPS Safety Update

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 20:57:00 GMT

Kentwood Public Schools provides an update on best practices in the important area of student and staff safety.

Summer Learning Labs

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 20:30:00 GMT

Summer Learning Labs take flight to shape a culture of excellence for student learning.

Facilities Team Hard at Work

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 20:40:00 GMT

The KPS Facilities team is hard at work to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 20:52:00 GMT

We congratulate the East Kentwood High School class of 2023, soaring to new heights, but always Forever Falcons!