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Jenison Performing Arts Center will include recycled phone books

Jenison Performing Arts Center will include recycled phone books

JENISON, Mich.—The new Jenison Performing Arts Center will feature some eco-friendly insulation, thanks to Pinewood Elementary Students and Jenison based Nu-Wool Co.

For the past five years, students at Pinewood have been collecting used phone books to learn about recycling and the positive impact it can have on the environment.  This year, classes collected more than 9,000 pounds of phone books.

The recycled phone books were previously used by Nu-Wool to create eco-friendly cellulose insulation used in Habitat for Humanity homes.  However this year, Nu-Wool and its sister company are making cellulose batts from the phone books, which will be installed in the Performing Arts Center’s sound absorbing “clouds”, which will be suspended from the ceiling.  The cellulose batts will also be used in the facility’s office walls.

Relay for Life a success

Relay for Life a success

Rockford Relay For Life raised $318,000 for the American Cancer Society, making it one of the most successful fundraisers in the state.

Other West Michigan communities are doing their part.  During the Wyoming-Grandville Relay For Life on May 10, participants raised at least $54,857.  That same day, participants in the Grand Haven-Spring Lake Relay For Life collected at least $45,984 for the American Cancer Society.  Runners and walkers in East Grand Rapids raised at least $56,531 during their Relay For Life May 17.  On May 18, the Relay For Life of White Lake generated at least $43,211 for the American Cancer Society, while Relay For Life of Comstock Park raised at least $42,815.

And don’t count local colleges out.  In April, Grand Valley State University raised at least $85,263 during its Relay For Life, Western Michigan University collected at least $32,083 and Aquinas College raised $5,670.

Plenty more communities are planning Rel

Local school makes list of America's Most Challenging High Schools

Local school makes list of America's Most Challenging High Schools

MUSKEGON, Mich.—Mona Shores High School has made the list of “America’s Most Challenging High Schools.”

The Washington Post compiled the Challenge Index to identify schools that are the most successful at persuwading average students to take college level courses and tests.  This year, Mona Shores High School ranks 1,078th out of 22,00 high schools nationwide, and 13th in the state of Michigan.

Nearly 400 Mona Shores High School students will participate in AP testing this spring.

Other West Michigan schools that made the list of challenging high schools include: Grand River Prep in Kentwood (#2), Black River in Holland (#4), East Grand Rapids (#8), Lowell (#13), Portage Central in Portage (#23) and Jenison (#29).

School is just starting for local MSP trooper recruits

School is just starting for local MSP trooper recruits

The school year is wrapping up for many people, but it’s just beginning for dozens prospective Michigan State Police troopers.

Sunday, May 12, 80 men and women from across the state began the 125th Trooper Recruit School.  For the next 21 weeks, MSP members and academy staff will train the recruits in firearms, water safety, defensive tactics, patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, first aid, criminal law, crime scene processing and precision driving.  Recruits who successfully complete the training will graduate October 4.

Michigan State Police selected recruits from more than 3,000 potential candidates.

Win a makeover for your school from the Detroit Pistons

Win a makeover for your school from the Detroit Pistons

(Detroit Pistons) – Does your library or gym need a new look?

Here’s your chance to win a makeover in the School Makeover contest from the Detroit Pistons and NBA Live, Learn or Play, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance.

The School Makeover, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance and the Detroit Pistons, is accepting submissions from elementary and middle schools in the state of Michigan, through June 1. Submissions at www.nba.com/pistons/farm-bureau-school-makeover should include at least four images of the school’s library or gymnasium to be considered in the selection process.

“Farm Bureau Insurance agents are involved in their local communities all across the state. Michigan isn’t just a market for us, it is our home,” said Vic Verchereau, Farm Bureau Insurance vice president of Marketing. “We firmly believe in supporting safe and clean learning environments for our youth.

Inaugural junior class surpasses national average ACT scores

Inaugural junior class surpasses national average ACT scores

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- Wellspring Preparatory High School’s junior class averaged a 23.4 score on the ACT, a curriculum and standards-based tool that assesses readiness for college.

The 2012 ACT report indicated the national average at 21.1 and state average at 20.1 out of a possible 36.

“This average truly reflects the hard work and dedication of our students and faculty,” said Wellspring Preparatory High School Principal Koree Woodward.  “We are dedicated to guiding our students down a path that will lead to life-long success and they are committed to putting in the effort that will help to position them for college.”

Wellspring Preparatory High School promotes academic excellence that directly leads to college readiness and success.

Be nice. Bench

Be nice. Bench

The community can check out his bench on display at the Rivertown Crossings Mall from April 8 through May 1. This bench was designed by art students at Grandville High School to be auctioned off in recognition of the West Michigan be nice, positive anti-bullying initiative & Mental Health Month.

For more information, Call (616)254-6570 or go on-line to www.grandville.k12.mi.us/ for more information.