Hello, Grand Rapids: Hogwarts-inspired school; 200 new jobs planned

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – When I was teen, I remember my parents driving me around trying to find a fake plastic sword because my AP English teacher was having us act out scenes from two Shakespeare plays.

My teacher made learning about “Romeo and Juliet” and “Julius Caesar” fun. She said dramas should be watched and performed, not just read.

I reflected on all the ways my teachers engaged me and my classmates when reporter Danielle James told readers about how Grandville Public Schools’ Oakestown Intermediate School had embraced a house system to promote sense of belonging inspired by the fictitious Hogwarts school from the “Harry Potter” books.

Many kids have immersed themselves in that fun story set in a strange world. Students assigned to houses will be engaging in friendly competitions to gain points for things like academic success and good character. The house system is also built on student leadership.

Reporter Brian McVicar had employment news for those out of school. The Northland Corporation that makes refrigerators in Greenville just received a $1.3 million state grant as part of an expansion that will result in 200 new jobs.

The company, about 35 miles from Grand Rapids, got the award from the Michigan Strategic Fund and currently has 116 workers.

Reporter John Tunison shared a sad story with readers about a 19-month-old girl starved to death in an apartment on the city’s southeast side filled with lice, bedbugs and feces, police said. Skii Swope’s mother, Brooklynne Davis, 24, is being held in the Kent County Jail without bond.

That’s what caught our eye in the Grand Rapids area this week. Take a look at those headlines, and others, below.

Hogwarts in West Michigan? Students sorted into mythical ‘houses,’ competing for points

West Michigan manufacturer plans up to 200 new jobs, $21M investment

Toddler girl starved in apartment filled with bed bugs and feces, police say

Grand Rapids mother charged as toddler dies in ‘horrific’ child abuse case

JD Vance criticizes Gotion battery plant’s ties to China at Big Rapids rally

Ottawa County commissioner wants recount, concerned with election night website crash

‘A mom is never wrong.’ Family of boy killed by father demand changes to court system

About 210K without power across Michigan after overnight storms

4 takeaways from JD Vance’s rally near Big Rapids

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About Hello, Grand Rapids: Each week, we deliver the big headlines straight to your inbox. Sign up for the newsletter here. Monica Scott is the editor for MLive Media Group/The Grand Rapids Press and Muskegon Chronicle, who previously was a reporter who covered the city, county and schools in the community.