Following the plan, Mary A. White Elementary, which is currently one of six district elementary schools housing Young Fives through fourth-grade classrooms, will host the district’s Preschool Development (PDP) and Great Start Readiness (GSRP) Programs, along with the district’s Young Fives and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs.
Students currently attending or planning to attend Mary A. White in the fall will be welcomed by one of three other district elementary schools based on home address:
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Rosy Mound Elementary for students living west of Beacon Boulevard (US-31)
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Peach Plains Elementary for students residing on the north side of River Haven (Springbrook Dr. and north, plus Oaktree)
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Robinson Elementary for students on the south side of River Haven (Winding Creek Dr. and south)
Grand Haven Area Public Schools Superintendent Kristin Perkowski shared, “While we recognize that transitions like this can be difficult for our families, this decision reflects our commitment to providing the best possible learning experiences for our students. By enhancing our early childhood programs and optimizing our facilities, we are positioning our district for future success, ensuring that we can continue to offer a high-quality education for generations to come.”
Facing a projected enrollment decline of nearly 650 students over the next five years based on district trends and census data, Perkowski said this change reflects the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainability while also prioritizing the ongoing success of students and meeting the needs of its community.
“Change is never easy,” Perkowski shared. “But it also brings new opportunities. Our vision is to expand early learning opportunities for our community, enhance nature-based learning for our youngest learners through new and strengthened community partnerships, and improve kindergarten readiness by concentrating our early learning efforts under one roof.”
A Parent Information Session will be held on Monday, February 24, at 6 p.m. in the Mary A. White Elementary gymnasium to provide further details and answer questions. Family open-house events will be scheduled at students’ new schools to welcome Mary A. White students and families before the end of the current school year. The district will share more information about open house events and other engagement opportunities as the details are finalized.
Kindergarten Roundup will be held Tuesday, March 4, at 6 p.m. for the families of all incoming Young Fives and kindergarten students at each GHAPS elementary school. Future Mary A. White families planning to attend Kindergarten Roundup can expect a separate communication this week confirming the new home school they should attend.
For more information or to check school assignments, families are encouraged to visit the district’s interactive boundary map on the GHAPS website or contact the district office at 616-850-5000.
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