Welcome to Brookside Elementary (PK-5)
My name is Wayne Hill, and I am excited to serve as the Interim Principal this year at Brookside Elementary. Brookside is truly a treasure—home to an incredibly diverse and vibrant community of scholars, dedicated teachers, supportive families, and strong community partnerships.
This year, our shared mission is to work together to ensure that every scholar is seen, valued, and given the tools and encouragement they need to thrive. We will meet each student where they are and help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a safe, loving, and inclusive environment.
I believe that when schools and families work hand-in-hand, there is no limit to what our scholars can achieve. Together, we will cultivate a culture of respect, curiosity, and perseverance, empowering our students to not only succeed in the classroom but also develop the character and confidence to be leaders in their own lives.
I look forward to getting to know each of you and working side by side to make this a year full of growth, joy, and memorable moments for every scholar at Brookside.
If you would like more information about Brookside Elementary, please call us at 616-819-2242.
Brookside Elementary
School Hours
Breakfast 8:10 a.m.
Start Time 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal 3:28 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 11:40 a.m.
School Transparency
At Brookside, we pride ourselves on positive relationships and academic growth.
Beautiful, walkable, and surrounded by green space, Brookside Elementary combines a strong academic program with a consistent focus on restorative practices in a safe, vibrant learning community.
Located on the southeast side of Grand Rapids next to the Gerald R. Ford Nature Center and the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, our scholars benefit from learning in their own neighborhood. At Brookside, we are committed to ensuring all scholars experience an engaging curriculum and high achievement. Our staff work with each scholar to identify their needs and help them take their learning to the next level. We also partner with local organizations to ensure that our scholars can bring their learning to life.
The partnership between school staff and caregivers at Brookside Elementary builds a positive, collaborative learning environment. Families are welcomed and encouraged to be involved in various aspects of their scholar’s growth, resulting in a partnership that benefits the Brookside community.
Brookside is proud to offer:
- Parent Teacher Community Council
- Community-based Mentoring
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Services for PK through 5th grade students
- A partnership with the Kroc Center that includes:
- Fine Arts and Movement Education
- Swim Lessons
- A Brookside Community Garden Plot
- A partnership with Groundswell, LGROW, Plaster Creek Stewards, and EGLE, resulting in a student-cultivated rain garden
- Recipients of the Green Schoolyard Grant, resulting in the addition of natural play structures and an outdoor classroom
We have incorporated distance learning for years and are poised to be a leader in the district as a blended model of new technologies and old practices, giving our students the best of both worlds. Our 1-to-1 student technology device approach ensures that every student has the opportunity to learn inside and outside the classroom.
Our newly modernized building is a hidden gem on the west side of Grand Rapids featuring updated entrances, classrooms, air conditioning, and an athletic wing, surrounded by sprawling green space for outdoor education and athletics.
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
Click to see a larger version
Skip to end of gallery
Skip to start of gallery
-
31 Mar
-
Native American Education Program (NAEP) Library Ribbon-Cutting 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMNative American Education Program (NAEP) Library Ribbon-CuttingDate: Mar 31Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar5:30 pm: Program 5:45-7:00 pm: Open House Light refreshments provided.
-
-
3 Aprthru Apr 10
-
No School | No LOOP Programming | Spring BreakDate: Apr 3 - Apr 10Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
22 Apr
-
Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 22Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
23 Apr
-
Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 23Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
24 Apr
-
Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 24Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
25 Apr
-
Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 25Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
26 Apr
-
Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 26Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
27 Apr
-
Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 27Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
28 Apr
-
Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 28Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
-
29 Apr
-
Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The PublicDate: Apr 29Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
-
Previous
March
2026
Next
|
||||||||
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
5
|
6 | 7 | ||
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | ||
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | ||
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | ||
| 29 | 30 |
31
|
||||||
City High Middle & Center for Economicology closed Thur. & Fri.; all other schools open March 11, 2026
Cleanup and remediation work is continuing following flooding at City High Middle School. Both City High Middle School and the Center for Economicology will remain closed for the remainder of the week, with the goal of reopening on Monday, March 16. All other GRPS schools will be open Thursday.
Union Football hosts fourth annual youth development clinics March 11, 2026
The Union High School Football Program is developing the next generation of Redhawks during the fourth annual off-season youth development clinics happening on Sundays in February and March.
Meet Jana Kalumbula, a senior at City High Middle School. She has attended GRPS since preschool.





