Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/260029
Education FOCUS ON LEARNING School districts raise the bar on innovation and technology The Kentwood School District has approximately 8,500 students in sixteen buildings within 24.25 square miles. It is a wonderful family-oriented com- munity that truly supports education. They provide highly trained staff to educate the children in a safe and orderly environment. Education in Kentwood is about capturing the excitement of children to learn and to inspire them to believe in the value of all human beings. In 2013 a new Superintendent, Michael Zoerhoff, was hired to lead the third-largest school district in Kent County. He replaced retiring Superintendent Scott Palczewski. East Kentwood offers 21 Advanced Placement (AP) courses; more than any other school district in the area. The AP Government class offers students the opportunity to compete in We the People: The Citi- zen and the Constitution, a program in which teams of students discuss issues related to the United States Constitution by delivering information on constitu- tional issues. The team has won several state compe- titions in Michigan as well as placing in the top 10 in the country several times. In addition, East Kentwood offers a four-year debate curriculum. Debaters have won numerous state titles, tournament championships, and speaker awards. Students compete throughout the country at all levels. Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Reeder oversees a district of 4,400 students "Provid- ing educational opportunities for every level of academics and interests that provides safe, personal options to each student, will prepare them to be college and career ready." The district has added additional student clubs and educational courses at the high end as well as support programs for those students challenged by their current level of learn- ing, he continued. The Wyoming Public School District has a staff of approximately 500 employees, ocusing on community, personalized learning and technology, the area's school districts are committed to teaching students the diverse skills needed to succeed in today's fast moving world. Current discussions for future development projects include creating a college-campus like setting with multi-storied buildings specializing in math and science, literature and the arts, and business and apprentice training (health, medical, etc.) programs. Included in the arts building would be a small theatre for dancing/drama productions. East Kentwood High School is also proud to have Olympic Athlete alumnus, Tia Brooks. Tia is an American shot putter. In 2012, she won both events before competing at the US Olympic Trials. At the Trials, she placed third in the shot put and qualified to represent the United States at the 2012 Summer Olympics. She placed 19th at the Olympics. 2