Education professionals from Christian schools all over Michigan are gathering in Grand Rapids Oct. 17-19 for the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools (MANS) conference and expo. The conference features professional development, sharing ideas, and fellowship with other faith-based educators.
Teachers and other professionals from our diocese are contributing in a big way; MANS accepted 22 proposals from 26 educators to speak at the conference. They’ll share best practices in topics including technology resources, faith integration in curriculum, literacy development, multi-age classrooms, and place-based education. We’re proud that so many of our educators have so much expertise to share!
They are:
- Jenny LaPonsie, All Saints Academy
- Amy Snodgrass, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Carrie Westman, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Sarah Butch, Corpus Christi Catholic School
- Jo Jones, Corpus Christi Catholic School
- Jaymie Perry, Immaculate Heart of Mary
- Zachary Good, Sacred Heart Academy
- Rev. Stephen Dudek, San Juan Diego Academy
- Rick Muñiz, San Juan Diego Academy
- Amy DeWitt, St. John Vianney
- Elizabeth D'Aurora, St. Patrick (Parnell)
- Maureen Markules, St. Patrick (Parnell)
- Eric Remington, St. Paul the Apostle
- Kathy Swain, St. Paul the Apostle
- Angie Dressander, St. Stephen
- Amanda Makarewicz, St. Stephen
- Kelly Donohue, Saint Thomas the Apostle
- Abby VanDyke, Saint Thomas the Apostle
- Ryan Corcoran, West Catholic High School
- Jenn Krygier, West Catholic High School
- Sean Nolan, West Catholic High School
- Jill Annable, Office of Catholic Schools
- Dave Faber, Office of Catholic Schools
- Greg Ghering, Office of Catholic Schools
- Luzia Tartari, Office of Catholic Schools
- Erin Weaver, Office of Catholic Schools
Additionally, three principals from our Catholic schools have participated on the conference planning committee:
- Kevin Varner, Our Lady of Consolation
- Cindy Thomas, St. Stephen
- Suzi Furtwangler, Saint Thomas the Apostle
Most Rev. David Walkowiak shared words of welcome with the conference on the morning of Oct. 18. See his remarks in the video.
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 31 vibrant learning communities (26 elementary and five high schools) serving more than 6,500 preschool through 12th grade students within seven counties in West Michigan. Our schools inspire young people to grow in Catholic faith and grace, achieve more in school and life, develop creativity and character, and feel welcomed and cherished for their unique gifts. We partner with parents to awaken the whole child to a world of light and life — that grows better and brighter when children reach their potential. Find your Catholic school at this link.