GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) — For Westwood Middle School Principal Mackenzie Ritsema, strong relationships are at the heart of effective leadership.
“I thrive on relationships. I take pride in having a relationship with every student here,” she said.
Ritsema brings a background in athletics and education to her role at Westwood, drawing on lessons she learned as a student-athlete to shape her approach to leadership.
“Sports were able to give me the opportunity to learn leadership and different skills,” she said.
Growing up, Ritsema played hockey, basketball and softball. She continued playing softball in college, where she developed skills that she now carries into her work as a principal.
“I want to be someone consistent for everyone here at Westwood - using what I learned out on the athletic fields,” she added.
Ritsema has spent her career at GRPS. She started teaching at Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary School before moving to Richmond Park Montessori. She later served as an assistant principal at North Park Montessori.
Now leading a middle school, Ritsema said she especially enjoys working with scholars during a formative time in their lives.
“I just really love being at the middle school age because they're just trying to figure out who they are and where they fit into the world,” she said. “There is nothing I would love more than to be able to be that positive, consistent influence on them.”
For Ritsema, that influence goes beyond academics. She wants Westwood to be a place where scholars can grow as students while also developing as people.
“Shaping them as a person, not just what we can learn in the classroom, I want my scholars to just be good people at the end of the day,” she said.
That focus on relationships and personal growth is also what Ritsema says makes Westwood special.
“The best part about Westwood is the scholars, and what they bring every day. I love my job. I love coming here every day.”