------------------------NEWS RELEASE---------------GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (First Steps Kent) – A collaborative team of parents, educators and advocates in Kent County launches a coordinated spring-summer marketing campaign for state-funded free preschool this week. Designed with bright colors, bold graphics, and adorable children, the materials focus on the benefit of preschool for little ones throughout the county. Campaign posters, flyers and yard signs will be shared by schools, preschools, doctors’ offices, salons, grocery stores and more—essentially, any organization serving parents of preschoolers. “We don’t have buckets of money for a big advertising push, so we are taking it to the streets with our amazing network of parent volunteers, community advocates, and grassroots activists,” said Judy Freeman, director of Great Start Collaborative for Kent County.

ROCKFORD, Mich.-- Rockford Public Schools is getting the green light to borrow $76 million to refurnish and remodel its school buildings, purchase school buses and create and improve playgrounds, athletic fields and facilities. 

Tuesday night, voters approved the district's bond proposal,  3,473 votes to 1,646 votes.  Rockford Schools will have 28 years to repay the debt.  

For the entire election results, visit the WZZM 13 homepage here.

SPARTA, Mich.-- Appleview Elementary has become one of the 30 schools in Kent County who have adopted the "Be Nice" positive anti-bullying campaign. The Mental Health Foundation designed Be Nice to spread awareness surrounding the issues of bullying and importance of encouraging kindness and treating people with civility community-wide.  The Be Nice campaign strives to educate students and community members about how simply “being nice” is an effective way to promote a safe and civil environment within the school and community.    To promote their pledge to Notice, Invite, Challenge and Empower ourselves and others, a helicopter fly over has been arranged and scheduled for Sparta Area Schools on Thursday, May 1.  Appleview will be joining all Sparta Spartans K-12 at the Spartan Stadium for this exciting event.