Kent School Services Network - KSSN

05/29/2026

Celebrating an incredible year of the KSSN Mentorship Program!

We are so proud of the mentors, mentees who showed up for each other all year long. Thank you to our KSSN Board members for joining us in celebrating the relationships, growth, and impact happening across our network every day.

05/28/2026

Today was a joyful day at Shawmut Hills School - Grand Rapids, MI!

A huge thank you to the Leprino Foods Foundation for funding Shawmut’s new book vending machine and supporting today’s literacy celebration for students.

We are also incredibly grateful for our amazing partners, Giving Tree Books and Books & Mortar, for helping put great books directly into the hands of scholars.

The new vending machine will continue supporting literacy growth all year long through PBIS rewards, attendance incentives, and positive student engagement. Watching students light up while choosing books of their own was something special.

05/26/2026

Mark your calendars for this upcoming community shoe event hosted by our incredible partners at In The Image!

We’re excited to help connect students and families with free shoes and support for the new school year. Events like this help students walk into school feeling confident, comfortable, and ready to learn.

For event details, eligibility information, and updates, be sure to follow In In The Image directly.

It might be hard to imagine that nylon, mesh, rubber, stitching, and laces have magical properties.

Try telling that to Ben.

When his wiggly Kindergarten toes slid into a pair of size-13T blue sneakers with bright orange laces, something shifted. Suddenly, he could run at supersonic speed. Suddenly, his mom could breathe a little easier. Suddenly, the start of the school year held a little more joy and a little less stress.

That first moment opened the door to a year-round relationship with In The Image, where basic needs are met for the whole family.

Stories like Ben's are why we show up. We can't wait to see you. Save the dates for this August.

📍 DeVos Place | August 12–13, 2026
🔗 intheimage.org/shoes

05/22/2026

Two incredible KSSN leaders are being celebrated in the upcoming Kentwood Public Schools ood Public Schools family newsletter!

✨ Monica Hall is being recognized for the heart, connection, and leadership she brings to Hamilton Elementary every day through the Community School strategy.

✨ Sunil Joy is being welcomed to the KSSN Board of Directors, bringing thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to students and families across Kent County.

We’re grateful to work alongside people who care so deeply about community, belonging, and student success. Shoutout to Monica and Sunil!

05/14/2026

A truckload of bikes and a whole lot of community impact 🚲

Cyle from Coit Creative Arts Academy picked up six bikes last week from Upcycle Bikes to help support adults in our school communities with reliable transportation. We’re grateful for partners like Upcycle Bikes who continue showing up for our families in practical, meaningful ways.

05/12/2026

We’re hiring!

Kent School Services Network (KSSN) is hiring Community School Coordinators for Valleywood Middle School and East Kentwood High School with Kentwood Public Schools.

If you are passionate about supporting students, strengthening community connections, and helping schools thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications are due Tuesday, May 26.

https://www.kentssn.org/connect/employment/

05/11/2026

Let's hear it for Monica and team over at Hamilton Elementary School KPS! Great work!

Huge THANK YOU to Consumers Credit Union for sponsoring our Community Garden at Hamilton Elementary and helping us assemble our new raised garden beds! 🌱

We’re so excited to get planting! Our 4th graders started tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers with Kind Hearts Bloom, and also created beautiful plant signs in partnership with the Grand Rapids Children's Museum.🍅🫑🥒

This project is a true example of community collaboration, and we can’t wait to watch it grow! 🌼

05/06/2026

Look at the great work happening in Sparta. Well done, Anahi!

05/05/2026

Happy National Teacher Appreciation Day! 🍎

Teachers are at the heart of everything we do. As key partners, they help shape, support, and inspire the next generation of leaders every single day.

We’re grateful to stand alongside you.

05/04/2026

When your social media manager asks for a quick, professional photo… and this is what they get 😄

Honestly though, this is what strong partnerships look like. Real, fun, and built on trust. And that’s exactly what makes the work between principals and KSSN Community School Coordinators so impactful every day!