Kent School Services Network - KSSN

06/19/2026

That's a wrap on KSSN Summer Training Week!

Our Community School Coordinators spent the week learning, collaborating, and preparing for another year of supporting students, families, and schools across Kent County.

We finished the week by trading training materials for laughter, good food, and a well-earned end-of-school-year celebration. It was the perfect way to celebrate another impactful year together.

Thank you, coordinators, for all you do.

06/17/2026

For almost 20 years, KSSN has worked alongside schools, families, and community partners to help students thrive.

We're grateful to School News Network for featuring KSSN in this recent article and Study Hall podcast. Executive Director Dr. Keenan King and Community School Coordinator José Rodriguez share how the Community School strategy helps connect students and families to the resources and relationships they need to succeed.

Read and listen below!

Kent School Services Network is a nonprofit that helps students and families with health care, food and other necessities crucial to learning.

06/17/2026

We're hiring!

KSSN is currently seeking Community School Coordinators to join our team and support students, families, and school communities across Kent County.

Open positions:
• Lee Middle/High School & East Lee Campus (Bilingual Spanish) – Godfrey-Lee Public Schools
• Burton Middle School (Bilingual Spanish) – Grand Rapids Public Schools
• Alger Middle School – Grand Rapids Public Schools

Application deadline: Wednesday, July 1

Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share these opportunities with your networks.

Learn more and apply at: https://www.kentssn.org/connect/employment/

Join us in helping students succeed by connecting schools, families, and communities.

06/16/2026

Summer Coordinator Training Week is underway!

Our coordinators focused on project management, cross-district collaboration, and strengthening connections between elementary and secondary school teams as we prepare for the year ahead.

Thank you to Tacos El Cuñado Kentwood for helping us kick off the week with a great lunch.

We're looking forward to a week of learning, connection, and growth across the KSSN network.

06/12/2026

It's been a busy start to summer in Sparta!

This week, students and families connected at Riverview Mobile Home Park for lunch, activities, and support through KSSN's summer outreach efforts in partnership with community organizations and Kids' Food Basket.

We also had the opportunity to celebrate community investment in Sparta students through a check presentation from the Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS® Schoolhouse Program. Partnerships like these help strengthen the resources and opportunities available to students and families throughout the year. GRAR.com

Whether it's summer outreach, learning opportunities, or community support, we're grateful for the many people and organizations working together to help Sparta students thrive.

06/11/2026

Official KSSN Update: We survived the end-of-school-year chaos. 😅

If things have seemed a little quiet around here lately, it's because the final weeks of the school year were anything but quiet. Between celebrations, field days, graduations, family events, and all the moments that make the end of the year so special, we've been busy helping schools cross the finish line.

While many of our Community School Coordinators are enjoying some well deserved summer time, KSSN's work continues year round. Our team is still supporting families, partnering with summer programs, helping students stay connected, and showing up for school communities across Kent County.

We're excited to share what summer looks like across the KSSN network and the many ways our schools, families, and community partners continue to stay connected long after the final bell rings. Stay tuned.

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!