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GRPS hosting listening sessions for parents to weigh-in on remote learning so far

Posted at 7:17 AM, Sep 08, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-08 07:24:02-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It's been a few weeks since students at Grand Rapids Public Schools returned to class for virtual learning.

The district is now putting together a series of listening sessions so parents have a chance to weigh in on what is working and what barriers families are facing.

School-based virtual listening sessions will be held between Tuesday, September 8, and Monday, September 14, via Zoom.

The time of each session varies by your kid's school. For a full list, click here.

List of GRPS Listening Sessions

District officials are hoping parents can bring ideas on how to improve the current learning plan.

We spoke to GRPS officials about what the general feedback has been so far.

"It's largely been positive," said John Helmholdt, executive director of communications and external affairs for GRPS.

"We're still working to ensure that we have maximum participation from students," Helmholdt said. "So there are daily attendance calls. We are chasing the students to make sure that they have the devices, internet access, everything they need so they can fully participate."

From an enrollment standpoint, Helmholdt says GRPS is right where the district projected.

"We're encouraged by that, but again, we want to do everything we can to support our students, make sure they have the devices and the internet everything they need so they can participate," he said.

A district-wide listening session is planned for September 17 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.