All articles tagged with #grand rapids public schools
Grand Rapids Public Schools in Michigan will be closed on Friday due to power outages caused by strong storms that hit the area. The decision to cancel all events was made to ensure the safety of students and staff. The power outage affected several schools, and the utility company is working to restore power to affected customers. Families are advised to exercise caution in areas with storm damage to avoid potential hazards.
Grand Rapids Public Schools closed all school buildings on Thursday, June 1, and Friday, June 2, due to extreme heat. Eight school buildings in the district currently don’t have air conditioning systems, prompting complaints about the extreme heat from students and teachers. The district plans to address air conditioning and classroom comfort under the upcoming $305 million bond proposal, which would be dedicated to improving facilities and providing a better learning environment. The district decided to close all buildings across the district to avoid any confusion or frustration among families. The district is planning to bring students back to school on Monday, June 5 because temperatures are expected to cool down.
Grand Rapids Public Schools has implemented a backpack ban for students after an 8-year-old brought a loaded gun to Stocking Elementary, the fourth similar case this school year. The ban is for any bags large enough to conceal a weapon the size of a firearm, and clear bags are also not allowed. Students can bring lunchboxes and small compacts to carry personal hygiene items. The district hopes to hear more from parents and students during a community safety forum at GRPS University on May 20.
Grand Rapids Public Schools has banned backpacks from schools after a loaded gun was found in a third-grader's backpack. This is the second Michigan district to do so in less than a month, following Flint Community Schools. Weapons have been confiscated from students four times this school year in Grand Rapids, with three out of four times being found in a backpack. The decision was made to prioritize safety in a rapidly changing world. Some school districts have metal detectors, but studies have found that the student populations of schools with metal detectors are largely made up of students of color.