Brookside Building
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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.

Wayne Hill
Principal

School Apps

Brookside Elementary

2505 Madison Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: 616-819-2242 Fax: 616-819-6059
Wayne Hill
Principal
Dominic Shannon
Scholar Success Coordinator
Melissa Volquez
Head Secretary

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. 

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
  • 5 Nov
    • FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College)
      Date: Nov 5
      Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Translation services available in Spanish.
  • 10 Nov
    • FAFSA Workshop (Grand Rapids Community College)
      Date: Nov 10
      Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
      Location: Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Translation services available in Spanish.
  • 12 Nov
    • Coffee and Conversation With Mr. Hill and Ms. Wallace
      Date: Nov 12
      Time: 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM
      Calendar: Brookside Calendar
    • FAFSA Workshop (Ottawa Hills High School)
      Date: Nov 12
      Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Translation services available in Spanish
  • 19 Nov
    • Burton School 100th Year Celebration
      Date: Nov 19
      Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
      Location: 2133 Buchanan Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
      Short program at 6:30 pm
  • 25 Nov
    thru Nov 27
  • 26 Nov
    • GRPS 34th Annual Turkey Trot
      Date: Nov 26
      Location: Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
      Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
  • 14 Dec
    • Winter Concert 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Winter Concert
      Date: Dec 14
      Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Calendar: Brookside Calendar
  • 16 Dec
    thru Dec 18
  • 21 Dec
    thru Jan 1
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