Forest Hills Public Schools Post Outstanding 2010 MEAP Scores

Forest Hills Public Schools Post Outstanding 2010 MEAP Scores

Forest Hills students have posted outstanding MEAP scores

for  the 2009-2010 year.  The Forest Hills students placed at

the top of  the Kent County District and the State of Michigan

charts.

In Mathematics, Reading Science, and Social Studies the

percent of Forest Hills students continues to be higher

for every test than what was achieved overall by students

in the District & State.  Some of the results already meet

the federal requirements of No Child Left Behind mandate

of 100% proficiency by 2014.

FHPS meadowbrook elementary entrance

You can view Forest Hills Public Schools test scores here.

As state and federal governments have raised expectations

for student performance, Forest Hills students have recorded

higher levels of achievement.  The school staff, parents and

students should be be proud of the effort and accomplishment

for this year’s test scores.

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Ada Michigan Park Programs ~ Spring 2010

Ada Michigan Park Programs ~ Spring 2010

Spring is here and Ada Parks Programs are underway.

Take a look at what fun programs the Ada Parks are offering this spring.

Pre-register by calling 616-676-0520

or email: mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com

Ada park entrance sign Ada MI 49301

”Senior Specials at Ada Park”

Pre-register at the park office 676-0584 before the day of the event

$2/per event payable on site the day of the event.

Bird Break – Thursday April 15th  9-10 AM

Ada Park Les Craig Learning Center

A morning gathering in the learning center for coffee and donuts,

followed by a guided leisure walk ( 25 minutes) to look for and

listen to local birds.

Nature Walk – Thursday May 6th – 9-10 AM

Ada Park Shelter and Trails

A guided walk ( 40 minutes) along the paved paths through the

Arboretum and Nature Area in search of spring wildflowers

and other natural beauties. Refreshments at the end in the

shelter.

Lunch with Punch  Wednesday, June 9  12-1 PM

Ada Park Les Craig Learning Center

A time to gather with friends for a nice meal and fellowship

in a pleasant setting. Lunch provided by the Ada Park staff

and volunteers. Optional walk in the park after lunch.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FREE SPECIAL EVENT

Earth Day/Arbor Day Festival  Saturday April 24th 10 AM –2 PM

Come celebrate Earth day and Arbor Day together in this special

event in Ada Parks’ Locke Arboretum. There will be activities

for all ages including workshops, guided walks, displays, exhibits,

handouts, make & take crafts, plus games & fishing for kids.

One free tree sapling to each family as supplies last.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Youth Discovery Days  Age 3-5  10 AM – 12 noon

Ada Park Learning Center    $4/youth

Especially for Pre-Schoolers along with a parent or guardian to have

a fun, educational adventure out in Ada Park,  Each session with

an indoor hands-on activity, nature craft and a guided discover

experience outdoors.

Cool Critters – Wednesday April 21

Does it have fur, scales or feathers? Does it run, swim or fly?

Look for the many different critters that live just outside

our back door.

Beautiful Bugs  Wednesday May 12

What beautiful bugs live in our neighborhood? Go on an insect

hunt and pretend to be a firefly looking for some friends.

Jump, Frog, Jump!  Wednesday June 2

Frogs are singing, croaking, and jumping everywhere. Look and

listen for frogs around the pond, try to hop like a frog, and

make a fun “frog” craft to take home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kids Bike & Safety Rodeo  Ada Park ( Free- Donations accepted)

Saturday June 12 10 AM – 1:30 PM  4-12 yr olds

Kent Country Sheriff Department will host fun activities and food

for all who attend with bike inspections, helmet inspections, bus

safety, fire safety plus a bike obstacle course form 10- 12 AM

At noon awards, raffles, and a free cookout lunch followed by

the ‘Bike Parade” at 1:00pm  Bring your own bike and helmet.

Donations up to $ 5.00 per child will go towards the Community

Policing Unit. Make checks payable to: K.C.T. S Action Fund.

Call 616-632-6220 for more information or the Ada Parks Office.

Free Evening Fishing  Ada Park  Thursday June 17 from 6-8 PM

Open fishing for youth with their families at the Ada Park pond.

Poles, bait, assistance and snacks provided. Pre-registration

requested by calling the park office 676-0584

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities,plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

Winter Family Fun at Ada Township Park Feb – Mar 2010

Winter Family Fun at Ada Township Park Feb-Mar 2010

Winter fun is on the schedule in Ada Michigan this winter.

The following  activities were published today:

Ada Township Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a series of

upcoming programs for youth & families to get outside & enjoy

the winter.

For Kids Ages 3-5, Discovery Days Program: Build a Bird Feeder

Tuesday, February 17, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00

Ada Park Learning Center,  $4/youth

Designed especially for Pre-Schoolers along with a parent or guardian

to have a fun, educational adventure out in Ada Park.  This session

will explore different birds and how they feed, making bird feeders

to take home and outdoor discovery hike looking for birds.

Come dressed for both indoors and outside activity.

Ada park entr sign

For Kids Ages 7-12, Junior Naturalist Program:

Winter Survival on Snowshoes Saturday, February 20, 2010

10:00 a.m. – 12:00, Ada Township Park, $4/youth

Starting inside the Learning Center with tips and tricks on how to

prepare for winter outings.  Followed by an outdoor winter

adventure where youth will be challenged to “survive” out in the

park by making a shelter, fire, finding food and signaling for help.

Come dressed to be outside in the woods.

Snowshoes and snacks provided.

For Kids of All Ages and Families: Birds of a Feather

– Part 2: nesting boxes

Saturday, March 6, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00, Ada Township Park,

$3/adults $2/youth

Meet in the Learning Center to learn about how different birds

need different types of nesting sites, habitats and materials.

Then work as a “team” to build your own nesting box (bird house)

suitable for local birds.  Materials and tools supplied.

Pre-registration requested by Wednesday, March 3 by calling 676-0520

or email: mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com.  Pay on site.

Pre-registering is highly recommended for all Ada Parks & Rec. programs

by calling the Ada Park office at 616-676-0520

or email: mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com.

Payment of fees may be made on the day of the program.

Ada Township Park is located at 1180 Buttrick Drive in Ada, MI 49301.

Contact the Ada Park office for more details: 616-676-0520,

mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com, www.adatownshipmi.com

Map picture

Ada Township Park

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities,plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report – Watermark Residences Nov 2010 ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report – Watermark Residences Nov 2010 ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report – Watermark Residences Nov 2010

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263


Kent County Michigan High Schools Rank Top in U.S.

Kent County Michigan High Schools Rank Top in U.S.

U.S.News & World Report has published it’s ranking of Top High Schools

in the United States  last month for 2010.  Of the 21,00 schools in the country

considered, Michigan was ranked overall in 26th place, with 864 schools

ranked.

Of these, 324 were considered eligible for ranking and 75 made Gold,

Silver, or Bronze status.  Twenty were awarded Silver or Gold Rank in

the state and of these, Kent County  had 7 Open Enrollment High Schools

awarded Silver.  Fifty Five high schools in Michigan were awarded Bronze,

3 in Kent County.

forest hills eastern hs campus

Silver Award Schools:

City High-Middle School – Grand Rapids MI

Forest Hills Eastern High School – Grand Rapids – Ada MI

Forest Hills Central High School – Grand Rapids – Ada MI

East Grand Rapids High School – East Grand Rapids MI

Bronze  Award Schools:

Kelloggsville High School – Grand Rapids MI

Lee High School – Wyoming MI

Lincoln School – Grand Rapids MI

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report – Adatowne – Jan-Dec 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Adatowne Jan-Dec 2009

Adatowne is a popular entry level home market in the Ada area of

the Greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area.

Part of the appeal is the proximity of Ada Elementary, Forest Hills

Central Middle and High Schools, Ada Christian Schools, St Roberts

School and being close to the village of Ada. Adatowne is an

established subdivision, started in the early 1970’s by E.L. Ladd

Builders of Ada.

I have held many open houses in these plats  and sold many of

the homes as new construction – to be built.

If you doubt the power of your home as an investment, a basic

ranch in Adatowne (about 1000 sq ft) sold  for $ 19,900 in 1975.

Ada Drive Ada Michigan

Adatowne Residential Neighborhood in Ada, Michigan

Jan- December 2009 Real Estate Market Report

7  Sold, 0 Pending, 2 For Sale, 3 Expired

Adatowne Active Listings: 2

Adatowne Average Active price – $132,450

Adatowne Active average price/SqFt – $87.71

Adatowne Active average days on market – 111

Adatowne Pending: 0

Adatowne Sold Listings: 7

Adatowne Average Sold Price – $ 134,400

Adatowne Average sold price/SqFt – $90.01

Adatowne Average Sold days on market –100

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Absorption Rate for Adatowne is 3.44 months,

which means it would take 3.44 months for the active listings to sell,

if no other homes entered the market, according to current sales

statistics.    Price per square foot has went up for both sold

and active listings this year, though average sold price went down

by $30K.  The market here was all over for price, topping at $133/SqFt

to a bargain $55 a sq ft.  The larger  homes brought the best price

per sq ft for sellers.  Condition continues to be the difference

between getting the best price and selling at rock bottom.

Additional Ada Michigan Articles:

Ada Michigan Real Estate Reports

If you would like more information about Ada or Grand Rapids

Homes, please feel free to contact me directly.

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate – Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Photo of Ada MI  by Bonnie Westbrook

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Michigan First Snow of 2009

Grand Rapids Michigan First Snow of 2009

I guess I am still a kid at heart. What a thrill to wake up and see the

white crystals of snow coating everything in sight! Needless to say,

with the amount of snow we received, it is a “Snow Day” for most

of the kids in Grand Rapids area.  While it is not inconvenient for me,

it is for most people. Roads are slippery, traffic is slow and commute

times are much longer than our normal speedy travel.

I took a few photos so you can see what we woke up to in GR this

morning.

front yard first snow

back yard first snow

winter morning view

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Foto Friday – Christmas Railway Garden Meijer Gardens 2010 ar125812218972939 Foto Friday – Christmas Railway Garden Meijer Gardens 2010 ar125812225271331 Foto Friday – Christmas Railway Garden Meijer Gardens 2010

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Roselle Park Ada Michigan Grand River Natural Habitat Refuge

Roselle Park Ada Michigan Grand River Natural Habitat Refuge

Roselle Park in Ada Michigan along the Grand River is  247 acre park

that is a dedicated Natural Habitat Refuge.  On a rainy Saturday a few weeks

ago, we stopped and took  a few photos.  It was cold and windy but

the fall colors were great.  We walked on one of the trails along the Grand

River. A very peaceful place to visit. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Silos at Roselle Park

These silos were left from the previous owner of the property. The one with

the stars on top has been made into a 9 story observation tower.

view east from silo

View from the observation tower toward the Grand River

leaves on path

On the walking trail along the river.

river at park

The Grand River is  the longest river in Michigan. It starts near Hillsdale MI and

winds it’s way north then west, eventually emptying into Lake Michigan.

This photo above  is just north of the confluence of the Thornapple River at Ada MI.

Additional Articles on  Roselle Park:

Roselle Park Nature Preserve on the Grand River

Roselle Park Flood Stage Spring 2009 Video

Roselle Park Photos

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Grand Rapids Michigan Cost vs Value Report 2010 ar125812218972939 Grand Rapids Michigan Cost vs Value Report 2010 ar125812225271331 Grand Rapids Michigan Cost vs Value Report 2010

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Autumn in Grand Rapids Michigan

Autumn in Grand Rapids Michigan

Nature has so many lessons to teach us.

We don’t always pay attention to what she is saying but when

we do….we have a chance to share a moment of clarity and

wisdom.  On our excursion through the Grand Rapids area

yesterday, we encountered this maple tree.  How many

times have we sped past and not noticed it? Hundreds, probably.

Why did we notice it yesterday?

It shone out its brilliant yellow light on a rainy day, saying:

Look at me!  In a few days my golden leaves will be on the ground,


so notice me today….right now! maple in fall Grand river Dr

We did. We stopped to take a photo and share it with you.  Each day

we have the opportunity to notice and appreciate the beauty around us.

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_____________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Autumn Golf in West Michigan

Autumn Golf in West Michigan

West Michigan has 4 seasons and fall or autumn is one of our favorites.

The foliage on the trees is yellow, red, orange, shades of green, and

brown.  It all combines to paint  lovely colors all over our landscape.

We captured a few photos of the fall season here in Ada Michigan

on the Thornapple River this last weekend.  All were take from

Thornapple Pointe Golf Club near the Gerald R Ford International

Airport, just southeast of Grand Rapids.

In fact, we joke that it is the TCPB course here…….trains, cars, planes, and boats

can all be seen and heard from the course.  We had an airboat travel down the

river while we were playing but I didn’t get my camera out in time to catch it in a photo.

Fairway on the river Ada MI

Sand Trap Scenery Ada MI golf club

Thoranpple Pte river view

Fall Maple refl water

_____________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater

Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids

Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community,

great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM


Nature’s Canvas ~ Autumn in West Michigan

Nature’s Canvas ~ Autumn in West Michigan

Fall Maple refl water

This was captured yesterday playing golf at Thornapple Pointe Golf Course

on the Thornapple River in Grand Rapids Michigan.

My friend, Paul, and I got in a quick 18 holes in the afternoon.

The golf course was pretty open which left me time to snap a few shots

of our local scenery.   This little maple is putting on quite a show!

_____________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan  Rankings

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM