Study Hall from School News Network
Join our rotating cast of journalists, school leaders, teachers and students to explore what's happening in school districts across Kent County, Michigan and beyond. We dive into the issues, challenges and changes related to public education today, and highlight the fabulous teachers and brilliant, creative students who make our schools such exciting places to learn.
Episodes
13 episodes
Young brains, big potential: From birth onward, special-ed services can make a lifetime of difference
Q: How early do special-education workers in Kent County begin helping children with special needs? A: From the time they’re born. As part two of our discussion about the
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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14:45
What would closing U.S. Dept. of Education mean for special education in Kent County?
President Trump’s March 20 executive order calling for closure of the U.S. Department of Education ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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36:08
A career in auto repair? For some students, it starts in high school
We’ve all been there: the car won’t start and we don’t know why. That’s where auto mechanics save the day, and that’s what students are learning in Ron Denning’s automotive maintenance and repair class at Grandville High School. Gra...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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32:35
Community-school worker: immigrant students and families apprehensive about Trump deportation plans
Brianna Vasquez de Pereira, a Kent School Services Network coordinator in Kentwood, discusses the questions and fears of immigrant families about President Trump’s deportation plans. (Note: This podcast was recorded prior to Presid...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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28:22
Touched by gun violence tragedies, social worker educates families to safely store their guns
As parents and educators grapple with the ongoing problem of gun violence in schools, ensuring safe storage of guns at home has become a prime focus of averting tragic shootings by young people. Eunice Benavidez, a social worker for Kelloggsvil...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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26:07
No cell phones in class? It’s a good thing, this student and principal say
A recent survey found 72 percent of K-12 teachers say students being distracted by cell phones in their classroom is a major problem. Some states and school districts have adopted policies restricting their use by students during the school day...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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29:51
First-year teacher wants students to know ‘you can have fun while learning’
Study Hall welcomes Marla Anderson, who is just beginning her teaching career this fall as a first-grade teacher at Kent City Elementary School. A Kent City native, she is excited to enter a profession badly in need of new teachers. Along with ...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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30:16
What it means to be a ‘Grad with Grit’
Kentwood — In this episode, “Study Hall” welcomes recent Crossroads Alternative High School graduate JB Barnes and his dad, Kevin Barnes. JB was recently featured as a Kentwood Public Schools
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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35:26
Superintendent and teacher talk about a decade of challenges and rewards
Study Hall welcomes Jerry Hopkins, Kenowa’s superintendent for the past 13 years, and Robyn Bradford, a district teacher for the past 32. The veteran educators reflect on a tumultuous decade that saw students forced to learn at home by a glo...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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30:13
Counselor who overcame challenges clicks with middle schoolers
“Study Hall” welcomes Jordan Poisson, a Lee High School graduate who is now a school counselor at Westwood Middle School in Grand Rapids Public Schools. School News Network has followed
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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30:07
Advocating for people with disabilities with Lowell High School junior Ezequiel “Q” Gonzalez
Study Hall welcomes Lowell High School junior Ezequiel “Q” Gonzalez, who School News Network featured as a student leader in the article, "A voi...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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21:29
Why teaching truth in history matters, with History Teacher of the Year Matt Vriesman
Study Hall welcomes East Kentwood High School history teacher Matt Vriesman, who was recently named National History Teacher...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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36:51
Welcome to Study Hall, a podcast about education magic
Founding Editor Allison Kaufman and Managing Editor Erin Albanese talk about how and why our uniquely cool School News Network.org publication was formed, what our laser-guided mission is and how our team of go-getter reporters goes ab...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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30:27
