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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30 Apr
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Citywide Art Show - Open To The Public (8:00am - 8:00pm) 8:00 AM to 8:00 PMCitywide Art Show - Open To The Public (8:00am - 8:00pm)Date: Apr 30Time: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PMLocation: Western Michigan University, 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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North Park Montessori FMP Open House 4:30 PM to 7:30 PMNorth Park Montessori FMP Open HouseDate: Apr 30Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: North Park Montessori Academy, 3375 Cheney Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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14 May
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Last Day of the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)Date: May 14Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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18 May
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CA Frost Middle High School Graduation Ceremony 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMCA Frost Middle High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 18Time: 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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Union High School Graduation Ceremony 7:30 PM to 8:30 PMUnion High School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 18Time: 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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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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Camp Henry trip brings classroom lessons to life April 29, 2026
For fourth-grade scholars at CA Frost Environmental Science Academy, the trip to Camp Henry is a cherished tradition - an opportunity to bring classroom learning to life in the natural world.
Speech team shines at state finals with two champions April 29, 2026
The GRPS Speech Team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Michigan Speech State Finals, earning two state championships and multiple top finishes against the best competitors from across the state.
Meet Diana Calderon, a senior at Southeast Career Pathways.





