Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How will Grand Rapids’ new in-class cell phone ban affect students?
And on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar - Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
Hello again Grand Rapids! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How will Grand Rapids' new in-class cell phone ban affect students?
- Want to welcome families at Grand Rapids' new pediatric mental health center?
- How are Grand Rapids school officers preparing to calm tense student moments?
Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: What did one strawberry say to the other strawberry? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 80 and low of 60 degrees.
- Wednesday: Humid with a stray t-storm, temps: high: 78, low: 62.
- Thursday: Partly sunny with a shower, with a high of 80 and low of 57 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Grand Rapids students return to school under new cell phone ban (fox17online.com) — Students in Grand Rapids Public Schools are starting the year under Michigan's new classroom cell phone restrictions, meaning devices must be powered off and stored during lessons. Families can still reach students through school offices, and local parents are weighing the tradeoff between fewer distractions and safety concerns as the policy rolls out. 
2. Pine Rest Pediatric Center launches new volunteer program (woodtv.com) — Pine Rest's Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health in Grand Rapids is recruiting volunteer "family welcome ambassadors" to greet and guide families during stressful visits. Adults 18 and older can apply online, commit to a weekly four-hour shift, and receive full training and screening from Pine Rest to support children and parents seeking mental health care.
3. School safety officers sharpen de-escalation skills ahead of new school year (schoolnewsnetwork.org) — School safety officers from Grand Rapids and neighboring districts spent four days at Kent ISD sharpening de-escalation, mental health first aid, and legal awareness skills before classes resume. Through realistic scenarios and peer feedback, officers practiced calmer approaches to distressed students and built a shared toolkit to keep local school environments safer and more supportive.
4. Grand Rapids Union football preview: New offense holds promise for Red Hawks (mlive.com) — Grand Rapids Union High School's football team is banking on a more experienced quarterback and a new pass-friendly offense to jump-start its 2026 season. The Red Hawks open at home against Grand Rapids rival Ottawa Hills on Aug. 27, then face a mix of winnable games and tough OK Green opponents as they try to start faster than in recent years.
5. Why Fallout Shelter Signs Remain on Grand Rapids Buildings (wgrd.com) — Fallout shelter signs you may still spot on Grand Rapids buildings actually trace back to Cold War civil defense planning, and some locations remain documented today. A local group, Grand Rapids Civil Defense History, has mapped shelters and old sirens around the city and Kent County, offering photos and context for curious residents.
📸 Around Grand Rapids
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Grand Rapids
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Senior Treats
Northern High School Forest Hills , 3801 Leonard St NE, Grand Rap
7:30 am - PTO New Parent Coffee; playground
Wealthy Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49506
8:15 am - PTO General Mtg; playground
Wealthy Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49506
8:30 am - PTO Back-to-School Bash
Breton Downs Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49506
4:00 pm - Back to School Picnic
Wealthy Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49506
5:30 pm - High School Study Skills Workshop (presented by FHN PTO) in Media C
Northern High School Forest Hills , 3801 Leonard St NE, Grand Rap
6:00 pm - Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer →
Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids
6:30 pm - Candlelight: Tribute to British Rock Legends →
Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids
8:45 pm
Wednesday August 26
Thursday August 27
Tuesday September 1
Saturday September 5
📣 Grand Rapids Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Wyoming Business Leaders
Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber-Commerce Marge's Donut Den 1751 28th St. SW Wyoming
8:00 am - Downtown Grandville Farmers Market
Grandville Jenison Chamber of Commerce Downtown Grandville Pavilion
9:00 am - Tuesdays: Fit & Strong →
Georgetown, MI Calendar, 7100 8th Ave, Jenison
9:00 am - Tuesdays: Flex & Focus →
Georgetown, MI Calendar, 7100 8th Ave, Jenison
9:45 am
Tuesday August 25
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Wait, where did summer go?
It feels like we just kicked off summer break, and somehow, it's already time for BACK TO SCHOOL! As those school buses hit the roads, backpacks… (Nextdoor ) - How do you feel about dog parks?
Does your dog(s) enjoy them? I was so excited about dog parks, and thought my dogs would love them. Sadly none of them like the parks. They dont… (Nextdoor Creston)
- AtWork Group posted a job opening for Hi-Lo Driver 2nd shift (start at $15.50) in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
- Workbox Staffing posted a job opening for Forklift Operator in Grand Rapids. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Grand Rapids here.
Ok Grand Rapids! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: If you weren't so sweet, we wouldn't be in this jam! (Thank you Patti F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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