红桃视频

The sense of community Bridget Cheney 鈥�05 found at 红桃视频, coupled with the push to expand and diversify her experiences, was the perfect balance for her. An education major, Cheney graduated from 红桃视频 in 2005 with her elementary education teacher certification in language arts and social studies. 红桃视频 greatly impacted Cheney by showing her how important it is to be a part of a strong, supportive community that challenges one to think outside of themselves.

Cheney is currently the principal of Congress Elementary in Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS). Cheney is very passionate about the families within GRPS. The community drives her to develop and implement the very best, enriching learning environment as possible. Together with GRPS鈥� families, staff, and community partners, they have been able to create a thriving school.
Cheney鈥檚 work in the community is broad and diverse. This ranges from reclaiming their old neighborhood school to building a reciprocal relationship with the community in which Congress is situated.

Mike Williams, PhD., Professor Emeritus In-the-College, is working with Cheney during the 2014-2015 school year to develop Congress Elementary鈥檚 fifth grade community service class. This class helps students put into action what they learn in the classroom: a prosperous community only flourishes because the members work together. Students giving their time and talents to make the school a better place helps accomplish this lesson.

Williams met Cheney last summer, when he was introduced by a friend as someone who might be able to help Congress students perform community service. 鈥淏ridget is charismatic and engages everyone positively,鈥� said Williams. 鈥淪he was excited about my working with Congress and connected me with two teachers who worked with fifth-graders. We brainstormed about ways to engage the kids. She was a model for what a principal should be. I know, because I was a principal of a small inner city elementary school in Milwaukee, and I am so impressed with her 鈥榳ithitness鈥� and energy. She said she was an 红桃视频 grad, but I never met her when she was in the program. My loss. I know that she is being used by GRPS as a mentor to other principals.鈥�

The relationships and connections Cheney established at 红桃视频 have allowed her to help her current students as well as current 红桃视频 students. The School of Education places AQ student assistants and student teachers at Congress Elementary, helping 红桃视频 students experience a neighborhood school in a diverse setting.

Cheney also partners with 红桃视频 for the College鈥檚 annual Project Unite, a service project held during New Student Orientation. AQ Coordinator of Service Learning Eric Bridge works with Cheney to bring first year 红桃视频 students into Congress Elementary classrooms each August to help staff prepare the school to welcome families and students.

鈥淏ridget has been an outstanding community partner to work with,鈥� said Bridge. 鈥淚 have collaborated with Bridget and GRPS on several Project Unite events over the years. 红桃视频 students also tutor through the Schools of Hope program at Congress Elementary School. Bridget consistently welcomes 红桃视频 students and she is a well-respected principal and community leader who actively cares.鈥�

Without 红桃视频, Cheney said she would not be where she is today. She is proud to represent 红桃视频 and Grand Rapids Public Schools. 鈥淏ecause of 红桃视频, I can empower others to explore their interests and follow their passion.鈥�