Ottawa Area Students Are COLLABORATIVE

“Our goal is to have the kids come up with an efficient and effective way to provide food to all the families in Ottawa County. One of the students said, `We're going to be able to make a difference. We're truly going to be able to solve a problem that affects a lot of people.'” —Gwen Luban, Oakwood Intermediate School fifth-grade team leader

“I wanted my students to recognize the world is bigger than just our classroom and school.”—Emily Sloterbeek, Teacher

“Our school nurse goes above and beyond her professional requirements, providing a helping hand and a listening ear to every student who requires her attention.” —Marcy Engelsman, 4th-grade teacher at Woodside Elementary School

“It was so exciting to be a part of a life that has been changed,” says Julie. “The day the audiologist said that his hearing was at 100% is a day that I will never forget.” —Julie Van Oordt, 1st/2nd Grade Combination Teacher at Allendale Christian School

“It amazes me that less than a year ago Marcy’s goal for Arlo was to have a fifty-word vocabulary and now we’re working on three to four-word phrases, and I can actually talk to my child,”  —Christina Threloff, parent

“We spend a lot of time reading and writing about the Iditarod itself focusing on the enduring themes of perseverance, determination, dedication, and ultimately being willing to work hard even if we fail.” —Ben Braymer, Zeeland Public School Teacher

“They understand we’re dealing with real issues here and it really impacts them. It’s an emotional experience when the blinders come off.” —Brian Williams, Grand Haven High School

“It’s great. We walk and talk about stuff. It teaches you life lessons. It’s changed my thinking about school.” —Jacob Smidt, Student