Kent School Services Network - KSSN

10/14/2026

Another good example of resources coming into our schools and community showing up! Great work, DaJuan!

10/13/2026

A little glimpse into what the Community School strategy looks like in action!

From partnering with Feeding America West Michigan to connect families with fresh food, to collaborating with school leaders at Kentwood Public Schools, to sharing resources and opportunities with families, our Community School Coordinators are making connections that matter.

Different schools, different needs, one shared goal: removing barriers and helping students and families thrive.

This is the power of Community Schools, and we couldn't do it without our incredible coordinators, school leaders and community partners!

10/07/2026

Today is Count Day across Michigan schools!

Count Day helps determine critical funding for schools, but attendance matters far beyond today. KSSN Community School Coordinators work year-round with students, families, schools and partners to remove barriers to attendance and help students arrive ready to learn.

We loved seeing Sibley and Hamilton students celebrate today with Walk to School and Safe Routes to School activities. Because showing up matters today and every day.

10/07/2026

Yesterday, KSSN Board members and community partners visited Alpine Elementary to see the Community School strategy in action.

Community School Coordinator Kim Poplaski shared some of Alpine’s wins, including creative solutions to address attendance challenges that helped decrease chronic absenteeism by 5% last year, as well as expanded out-of-school-time opportunities for students.

Thank you to Kim, Principal Jason Snyder and the Alpine team for welcoming us and sharing what Community Schools can make possible!

Not pictured: KSSN Executive Director Dr. Keenan King and Alpine Elementary Principal Jason Snyder.

10/07/2026

Meet Estafany Garcia, KSSN Community School Coordinator at Godfrey Elementary.

💼 15+ years of client-focused experience
✨ Small business owner and public notary
🤝 Loves building trust and making complicated things feel simple

Estafany brings a strong background in communication, relationship building and helping people navigate important moments with confidence. Those skills fit right in with the work of a Community School Coordinator.

We’re excited to have Estafany as part of KSSN!

10/05/2026

Meet Neni Andrade, KSSN Community School Coordinator at Union High School!

🎓 M.S. in Mexican American Studies with an emphasis on health and wellness
🤝 Experienced in student support and resource navigation
💛 Passionate about community building and educational equity

Neni brings a wide range of experience supporting and advocating alongside students and communities. Now, they’re putting that experience to work building connections at Union High School.

Welcome to KSSN, Neni!

10/05/2026

Reminder: today is the last day to apply for this position at Innovation Central High School!

We’re hiring a Community School Coordinator at Innovation Central High School!

Community School Coordinators are at the heart of KSSN’s work, building relationships with students, families, school staff, and community partners to help connect the school community with resources and opportunities.

If you’re a relationship builder who believes in the power of schools, and communities working together, we’d love to hear from you.

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

Grand Rapids Public Schools

10/03/2026

We’re wrapping up our Intern Spotlight Day with Scarlett Pummell!

📍 Explorer Elementary
🎓 Grand Valley State University, Social Work
📚 Fun fact: Scarlett worked as an assistant librarian this summer and loves to read!

Scarlett is excited to learn more about the many ways a community works together to create a safe and supportive learning environment for students.

We’re so glad to have Scarlett learning alongside KSSN and the Explorer Elementary community this year. Thanks for following along as we introduced some of our interns today!

10/03/2026

Our Intern Spotlight Day continues with Jesusa Velasquez!

📍 Southwest Elementary School
🎓 Grand Valley State University, Social Work
🌱 Fun fact: Jesusa loves trying new things, from cooking and learning new languages to traveling!

Jesusa is a senior at GVSU and is looking forward to learning new skills and gaining experiences that will help shape her work as a future social worker.

When she’s not learning something new, you might find her hiking, listening to an audiobook or tending to her plants.

We’re excited to have Jesusa learning alongside KSSN and the Southwest Elementary community this year!

10/03/2026

Say hello to another KSSN intern, Ainsley VerWys!

📍 Meadowlawn Elementary
🎓 Calvin University, Social Work
💍 Fun fact: Ainsley got married this summer!

Ainsley is excited to build connections with staff and students at Meadowlawn while learning more about different school systems in Grand Rapids and how KSSN supports student and family learning.

We’re excited to have Ainsley learning alongside the Meadowlawn community this year!