A child's environment provides the foundation for learning. Ideally, children come to school physically and mentally prepared to learn. Successful students get to school on time, well-rested and well-fed. They arrive happy, calm, and motivated to learn. They have self-discipline and good work habits.
For even the most advantaged families, meeting these standards is difficult. For families with multiple challenges, it can seem impossible.
To help families, Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports the Kent School Services Network (KSSN) http://www.kentisd.org/kssn .
KSSN brings needed health and human services into the school building for students and their families. This coordinated and responsive approach to providing services removes many of the barriers families often face. With their needs met, the classroom becomes a place where students can focus on learning, and their teachers can focus on teaching.
Currently, KSSN Community School Coordinators, healthcare workers, Department of Human Services caseworkers and mental health professionals are in 18 schools in six districts including Kentwood, Wyoming, Godfrey Lee, Godwin Heights, Cedar Springs and Grand Rapids Public Schools. This effort has resulted in a fewer cases of chronic absenteeism, fewer school suspensions and increased parental involvement.
KSSN was created in a broad, community-wide partnership. This partnership includes foundations, nonprofits, county government, school personnel and the Kent Intermediate School District, which oversees the program’s ongoing operations.
To learn more about KSSN, please call the Community Foundation at 616.454.1751.
