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
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19 May
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Southwest Middle High Academia Bilingue Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMSouthwest Middle High Academia Bilingue Graduation CeremonyDate: May 19Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Innovation Central High School & Grand Rapids Montessori Graduation Ceremony 7:30 PM to 8:30 PMInnovation Central High School & Grand Rapids Montessori Graduation CeremonyDate: May 19Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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20 May
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Ottawa Hills High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMOttawa Hills High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 20Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Grand Rapids Public Museum High School Graduation Ceremony 7:30 PM to 8:30 PMGrand Rapids Public Museum High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 20Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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21 May
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Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMGrand Rapids University Preparatory Academy Graduation CeremonyDate: May 21Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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City High Middle School Graduation Ceremony 7:30 PM to 8:30 PMCity High Middle School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 21Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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25 May
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Memorial DayDate: May 25Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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27 May
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Grand Rapids Learning Center Graduation Ceremony 6:00 PM to 7:00 PMGrand Rapids Learning Center Graduation CeremonyDate: May 27Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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1 Junthru Jun 3
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Half Day for Scholars | No LOOP ProgrammingDate: Jun 1 - Jun 3Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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3 Jun
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LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR SCHOLARSDate: Jun 3Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Tuesday’s commencement ceremonies moved indoors May 19, 2026
Due to the potential for pop-up showers this evening, Tuesday's commencement ceremonies will be moved indoors to Union High School.
As yet another example of their community-based learning model, Grand Rapids Public Museum School students recently got outside to help those who may call its streets home.
Redhawks Golf Achieves Goal at Conference Championship May 15, 2026
The Union Redhawks boys golf team placed third at the conference championship on Wednesday, May 13.





