Welcome to Congress Elementary
(PK-5)
Thank you for your interest in Congress Elementary. I am proud to lead such an amazing group of scholars, families, and staff members. We pride ourselves on having a growth mindset. We focus on rigorous academics, social emotional learning, and maintaining positive relationships. We believe all scholars have the potential to reach their academic goals. Partnering with our families and our community reflects our enriching educational experience.
If you would like more information about Congress Elementary, please call our main office at 616-819-2201.
Principal
Jennifer Williams
Congress Elementary
School Hours
Breakfast 8:10 a.m.
Start Time 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal 3:26 p.m.
Half Day Dismissal 11:40 a.m.
School Transparency
Relationships are at the heart of all we do at Congress Elementary.
Congress is a unique neighborhood school nestled in the East Hills community. Local businesses are within walking distance and have been integral partners and supporters of scholars, staff, and families.
Housed in a historic building, Congress Elementary is celebrated for its inviting school culture and scholar diversity. Congress Elementary is also identified as a Cultural Center. Teachers have been trained and hold English Language (EL) credentials to support best practice teaching. We are a smaller population but provide an enriching educational experience. We offer Art, Music (general music skill building with free violin lessons), P.E., and Spanish.
We place substantial emphasis on teamwork, and we pride ourselves on communicating clearly with families to support our scholars. Working collaboratively with caregivers, we ensure our strategies and lessons address scholars’ scholastic and social-emotional needs simultaneously. At Congress, our scholars are challenged daily because we promote and believe in the power of a growth mindset.
Congress is grateful to have strong caregiver involvement through the Parent Teacher Community Council (PTCC) and collaboration with community organizations throughout our city and state.
As a Congress cub, your child can benefit from the following partnerships and programs:
- Kids Hope USA (academic and social mentoring)
- Trinity Outreach (evening tutoring and science night)
- GROW after-school program, The Salvation Army
- TeachingWorks program, University of Michigan
- High Impact Leadership program, Western Michigan University
- Artists in Residence (AIR) School, Grand Rapids Symphony
- Girls on the Run (GOTR)
- The Language Artist program, Grand Rapids Art Museum
- Jump Jam, Spectrum Health
- GRPS Athletics (including cross county, track & field, basketball, and soccer)
The project at Congress Elementary includes a complete replacement of the old heating system, providing new cooling and ventilation to the building. The project also includes upgrades to interior finishes in the building and new electric and gas service.
Publish Date: January 11, 2024
The project is substantially complete and under the one-year guarantee period.
Publish Date: November 17, 2023
The project is substantially complete, including the exterior paving of the small parking lot. The striping of the parking lot will take place on Monday, November 20.
Publish Date: November 3, 2023
The project is substantially complete; the heating and cooling systems are functional and under the one-year guarantee period. The extra exterior scope of work will be completed by mid-November.
Publish Date: October 13, 2023
The HVAC and interior scope of the project is substantially complete with the additional added exterior project scope anticipated to be complete by mid-November.
Publish Date: September 29, 2023
The project is substantially complete with final punch list items anticipated to be completed by mid-October. The project included replacing the existing heating system and providing a new cooling system.
Publish Date: September 15, 2023
Over the past couple of weeks, the mechanical, electrical, and interior finishes continued on the second floor of the school. The rooftop cooling unit serving the gym was installed and will be operational by 09/22. The anticipated completion date for the project is October 13, 2024.
Our newly modernized building is a hidden gem on the west side of Grand Rapids featuring updated entrances, classrooms, air conditioning, and an athletic wing, surrounded by sprawling green space for outdoor education and athletics.
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24 Apr
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Secondary & Shared-Time Public Reception at Citywide Art Show 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMSecondary & Shared-Time Public Reception at Citywide Art ShowDate: Apr 24Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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24 Aprthru May 9
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Citywide Art Show (8:00 am - 5:00 pm)Date: Apr 24 - May 9Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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25 Apr
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Elementary Reception at Citywide Art Show 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMElementary Reception at Citywide Art ShowDate: Apr 25Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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26 Apr
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Preschool Here I Come 9:00 AM to 2:00 PMPreschool Here I ComeDate: Apr 26Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PMCalendar: GRPS District CalendarEvents will take place at all preschool locations with the exception of Grand Rapids Montessori and Ridgemoor Park Montessori.
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9 May
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Family & Community Engagement (FACE) Volunteer Celebration 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMFamily & Community Engagement (FACE) Volunteer CelebrationDate: May 9Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMCalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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15 May
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Last Day of Great Start Readiness Preschool Program (GSRP)Date: May 15Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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16 May
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English Language Secondar Awards Night (virtual) 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMEnglish Language Secondar Awards Night (virtual)Date: May 16Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMCalendar: GRPS District CalendarPlease watch for additional details.
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18 May
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Ottawa Hills Marti Beckering Softball TournamentDate: May 18Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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20 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 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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City High Middle School Graduation Ceremony 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMCity High Middle School Graduation CeremonyDate: May 20Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PMLocation: Houseman Field, 162 Houseman Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Two schools in Grand Rapids Public Schools earned high national and metro-area rankings in the 2024 Best U.S. High Schools rankings released Tuesday by U.S. News and World Report.
Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby and Board of Education Treasurer Jen Schottke have both been named to the list of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan for 2024 by Crain's Grand Rapids Business.
Art created by Grand Rapids Public School scholars will be on display for two weeks during the biggest student art show in Michigan.