(616)784-2511
Transparency Report
It is the mission of the Kenowa Hills Public Schools to value, support, and empower all learners to achieve their full potential. Our goal is for all students to master essential skills and become successful, productive citizens into adulthood.
Kenowa Hills Public Schools supports students who are eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act through a cooperation of programs which include general education, resource rooms, supplemental aides and services, Early Childhood Special Education programs, classrooms for students with cognitive impairment, and classrooms for students that are impacted to a more significant degree by their disability and require more intensive programming. All programs and services for any student that requires specialized instruction as it relates to IDEA are determined through each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Kenowa Hills Public Schools utilizes programs and services both inside of our school district as well as through a cooperative agreement with surrounding districts.
The Kenowa Hills Personal Mastery way of teaching thrives in our special education environments. Every child has a personalized learning plan and everyone is aware of expectations for behavior and growth. We focus on collaboration and building strong relationships with both students and parents.
For questions about our special education offerings, please contact:
Luke Scholten
Director of Special Education and Early Childhood Education
3971 Richmond Ct. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
P: 616-647-0910
Special Education Eligibility
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), public schools have a responsibility to identify and support students with disabilities. This identification responsibility is commonly referred to as “Child Find.” In Michigan, which adheres to both the federal IDEA and the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE), child find means schools must seek out and evaluate individuals aged birth to 26-years-old suspected of having disabilities. Parents may also request a special education evaluation if they believe their child could meet educational disability criteria. Ultimately, special education programs and services are provided to eligible students with disabilities who have been evaluated in a manner consistent with IDEA and MARSE.
Eligibility Determination for Specific Learning Disabilities
The Michigan Department of Education requires school boards to adopt and disseminate an approved evaluation model for identifying students with specific learning disabilities (SLD). To determine eligibility for SLD Kenowa Hills Public Schools utilizes an evaluative model commonly referred to as pattern of strengths and weaknesses (PSW). The PSW model involves two main components. The first component is to review the student’s response to targeted interventions in the general education setting. Prior to considering SLD eligibility it should be clear that intensive general education interventions were attempted but unsuccessful in correcting the academic delay(s). The second component is to review existing data and administer assessments in an effort to determine if a pattern of strengths and weaknesses can be identified. Consistent with Kent Intermediate School District PSW Guidelines, the initial eligibility determination team must identify at least four areas of weakness within a single SLD category and three areas of strength in a separate SLD category in order for eligibility to be considered. The specific categories of SLD eligibility as defined by the State of Michigan (Rule 340.1713) are: Basic Reading Skills, Reading Fluency, Reading Comprehension, Math Calculations, Math Problem Solving, Written Expression, Oral Expression, and Listening Comprehension.
Parent Advisors for Special Education (PASE)
Kent Intermediate School District (KISD) maintains a Parent Advisors for Special Education (PASE) committee. This committee provides input on special education programs and service provision within Kent County. PASE is composed of parents of children with disabilities from each of the local KISD school districts. All PASE representatives are volunteers who must be approved by their local boards of education. For more information, visit the PASE website.
To connect with a Kenowa Hills Public Schools PASE representative, please contact the Special Education office: (616) 647-0910.
A Parents Guide to Navigating the IEP Process - Spanish | English
Michigan Alliance for Families - Fact Sheet
IEP Tip Sheet for Parents/Guardians
Special Education Parent Handbook with Procedural Safeguards
Special Education Parent Handbook with Procedural Safeguards - Spanish
MARSE Rules Supplemented IDEA
Kent ISD Special Education Website
Michigan Office of Special Education
Michigan Alliance for Families
Accessing Documents
If you would like to access completed IEP documents, Kent ISD has provided a secure Parent Portal to view those documents at your convenience. Requests for access can use this form or be made via phone at (616) 647-0910. No information will be provided to persons not listed in PowerSchool as either Parent or Guardian. Access the login page here.
Transportation Information
If you child is transported by Kenowa Hills Public Schools Transportation Department and you have questions, please contact them at (616) 453-4757
If your child is transported by Deans Transportation and you have questions, please contact them at (616)-885-1678. Additionally, the Deans Transportation Handbook is available here. If you opt for using the Here Comes the Bus app, information can be found here.
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
If found eligible through an evaluation process, students aged 3-5 with individualized education programs (IEPs) may be supported through a range of services or ECSE program options. All Kenowa Hills Public Schools ECSE services are provided at the Kenowa Hills Early Childhood Center. For more information, or if you suspect your child may qualify as a student with a disability, please call the Early Childhood office at 616-647-0910
Nothing is more precious than your children. Find out how we work to ensure students feel safe, valued, and that they belong.
Safety and Security Commitment to Anti-Bullying Creating Inclusive Environments Safety DrillsLife is busy. At Kenowa Hills, we partner with families to make life easier.
TRANSPORTATION BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CAREOur Personal Mastery educational experience has redefined education and has gained attention around the state and nation. Personal Mastery provides your child with personalized attention from teachers. Instead of teaching to a broad group of students without an understanding of their individual strengths and weaknesses, Personal Mastery allows teachers to interact with students individually or in small groups to help them better address their weaknesses. In this way, we strive to help your child reach their full potential.
PERSONAL MASTERY SPECIAL EDUCATION ENGLISH LEARNERS TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOMAt the home of the Knights, athletic programs are a vital part of building character, drive, commitment, and teamwork for our student athletes.
UP-TO-DATE SPORTS INFO ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT YOUTH SPORTS Athletic BoostersThe arts build pride and community at Kenowa Hills. From our Marching Knights to musical performances at our Performing Arts Center, we believe the student experience really is a work of art.
FINE ART PROGRAMS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
