Great Things Happening at GHAPS

A recent U.S. News and World Report analysis places every GHAPS elementary and middle school on their “Best Schools” lists, along with Grand Haven High School (GHHS). For the first time, the analysis provides separate elementary and middle school rankings. The news comes just as Robinson Elementary School receives a National Blue Ribbon School distinction and Grand Haven High School’s Interact Club prepares to accept a 2023 Governors Service Award.

Robinson Elementary is one of 11 Michigan schools named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category. Awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, this distinction places Robinson among Michigan’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments and nationally normed tests. Students, teachers and staff celebrated at a special assembly in October where each received a blue ribbon to commemorate the honor. Principal Jeff Marcus is with Superintendent Grimes and other Robinson staff in Washington D.C. to accept the award today and tomorrow, Nov. 16-17.

The U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Elementary Schools” list places all seven GHAPS elementary schools in the top 15% of the 2,654 Michigan elementary schools factored into this ranking. Rosy Mound Elementary secured an impressive #7 state ranking and is also the top-ranked elementary school in Ottawa County.

Both Lakeshore Middle School and White Pines Intermediate School were ranked in the state’s top 4% on the “Best Middle Schools” list. Lakeshore Middle School achieved a ranking of #50 in the state, making it the third-highest ranked middle school in Ottawa County.

Ranked #80 among 1,166 high schools, GHHS is among Michigan’s top 7% on the Best School’s list—and has some exciting news of its own. GHHS teacher and Interact Club advisor John Mauro recently learned that the club will be recognized at the 2023 Governors Service Award Ceremony hosted by the Michigan Community Service Commission on Nov. 28 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. The Youth Impact Award honors candidates who “offer guidance, support, and encouragement to cultivate the positive and healthy development” of youth in “making a difference in their communities, state, and nation.” All Interact Clubs are required to complete two service projects per year, but the GHHS Interact Club regularly packs their calendar with nearly a dozen opportunities to serve. The hands-on projects place students in situations where they interact with those being served and are given time to question and reflect on the experience.

“We always have space to improve, and we are focused on that. But it’s important to acknowledge when hard work and dedication lead to great things,” explains Grimes. “Our students, teachers, staff, and administration all deserve to be recognized. They’re truly amazing and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Grand Haven Area Public Schools is a district of distinction for students in preschool through 12th grade. With a goal of providing exceptional educational experiences, GHAPS is committed to success for all students and strives to provide exemplary programs and opportunities to meet their diverse needs. Visit ghaps.org for additional information.