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
We have incorporated distance learning for years and are poised to be a leader in the district as a blended model of new technologies and old practices, giving our students the best of both worlds. Our 1-to-1 student technology device approach ensures that every student has the opportunity to learn inside and outside the classroom.
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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22 Decthru Jan 2
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Winter BreakDate: Dec 22 - Jan 2Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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23 Dec
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Ottawa Hills vs. Union Varsity Basketball at Van Andel Arena 5:00 PM to 9:00 PMOttawa Hills vs. Union Varsity Basketball at Van Andel ArenaDate: Dec 23Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PMLocation: Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarVarsity Girls - 5:00 pm
Varsity Boys - 7:00 pm
Use this link for tickets: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Varsityboys8
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14 Jan
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Alexander Community Engagement Meeting 12:00 PM to 1:30 PMAlexander Community Engagement MeetingDate: Jan 14Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PMLocation: 1331 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarThis meeting will be held in the Auditorium.
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Alexander Community Engagement Meeting 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMAlexander Community Engagement MeetingDate: Jan 14Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: 1331 M.L.K. Jr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, USACalendar: GRPS District CalendarThis meeting will be held in the Auditorium.
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15 Jan
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Stocking Elementary Community Engagement Meeting 12:00 PM to 1:30 PMStocking Elementary Community Engagement MeetingDate: Jan 15Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PMLocation: 863 7th St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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Stocking Elementary Community Engagement Meeting 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMStocking Elementary Community Engagement MeetingDate: Jan 15Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: 863 7th St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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19 Jan
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No School | No LOOP Programming | Martin Luther King, Jr. DayDate: Jan 19Calendar: GRPS District Calendar
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23 Jan
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Union Redhawks Boys Basketball Youth Night 4:00 PM to 8:30 PMUnion Redhawks Boys Basketball Youth NightDate: Jan 23Time: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PMLocation: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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26 Jan
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Union Redhawks Girls Basketball Youth Night 4:30 PM to 7:30 PMUnion Redhawks Girls Basketball Youth NightDate: Jan 26Time: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
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28 Jan
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GRPS Expo & Information Fair 4:30 PM to 6:30 PMGRPS Expo & Information FairDate: Jan 28Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PMLocation: 1400 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, USACalendar: GRPS District Calendar
Join GRPS on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at GRPS University for the annual Expo & Information Fair! With the largest selection of school choices in West Michigan, this is your chance to explore our schools, learn about enrollment, and meet GRPS staff while enjoying free dinner, giveaways, and fun activities.
Bring the whole family and get ready for the 2026–2027 school year—see you there!
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Coit 2nd-grader’s artwork earns a firetruck ride to school December 18, 2025
Dressed in a fresh firefighter uniform and flame-colored scrunchies for Crazy Hair Day, second-grader Sicily made a memorable entrance at Coit Creative Arts Academy in a firetruck.
'Reimagine' Vlog: Celebrating accomplishments and sharing community resources December 18, 2025
As we enter the holiday season, this is a perfect time to celebrate our accomplishments, connect with loved ones, and reflect on the bright moments of the year.
The Ottawa Hills Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce the 2026 Class of Inductees.







