Community Curiosities

With the new baseball field's location, where will the cross country course be? — Megan, community member

Thank you for your curiosity, Megan.

While there is a lot of excitement for our new baseball facilities, we also recognize that change can be difficult when it affects traditions and spaces. We know that changes to our campus footprint can feel bittersweet sometimes--and we know that is the case for some of our cross country families.

Here is the plan for our runners:

• The Transition: Until the final Hickman Field baseball construction footprint is fully set, we will return to the successful cross-country trail used by the district from 2016 - 2021.
• The Future: Once construction is finalized, our administration will work hand-in-hand with the athletic department and our coaching staff to design the next evolution of our trail.

Our goal is to create a route that weaves through our high school property—keeping favorite landmarks like the "shoe tree" part of the experience. It may look a little different than it did before (see the images to understand the changes), but our commitment to providing a high-quality home course for our Laker runners remains as strong as ever.

We want to reassure our community that we are fully committed to our cross-country program and its strong legacy. While the new baseball field will adjust the current path, we are excited to share that we will absolutely have a cross-country trail ready for competition.

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With recent millage and facilities improvement lists, has there been any discussion to add lighting to the middle school parking lot outside the "Big Gym" and admin offices? This lot is very dark during winter evenings and very busy with youth sports. — Jalyn, community member

Jalyn, thank you so much for bringing this up! We are delighted to respond with a very straightforward "Yes."

We are happy to share that new parking lot lighting is indeed a specific piece of the current bond work. We have parking lot upgrades scheduled for the Intermediate/Middle School campus this summer, and improved lighting is a key component of that project.

Safety is our top priority, especially in high-traffic areas where our students and families are active. This is exactly the kind of helpful observation we appreciate—it confirms that our planned improvements are hitting the mark on real community needs.

Our goal is to have those new lights shining by the end of the summer. As with all construction, we ask for a little flexibility as timelines can sometimes take a twist or turn, but we look forward to a much brighter winter season in that lot!

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How many National Merit Finalists have there been in the history of SLPS? Are there any in the Class of 2026? — Joanne, Community Member

Thank you for this question! It’s one that actually sent us on a bit of a "curiosity quest" of our own.

The most direct answer is one we don’t often have to give: we don't know about the history of National Merit Finalists at Spring Lake Public Schools.

However, your question made us curious about what we do know, so we did some digging! After speaking with our registrar and high school counseling team, we gathered some anecdotal evidence of our Lakers’ success:

• Recent Success: On average, we see roughly 1 to 2 finalists per year. Most recently, we were proud to celebrate Edward Brown as a National Merit Finalist in 2025.
• Class of 2026: While we do not have a finalist this year, we are thrilled to share that four of our students will receive Letters of Commendation at this year’s awards ceremony. We want to keep it a surprise for the students and their families, so we won’t be revealing names at this time.

Help Us Build the Laker Archives! Your question highlighted a gap we’d love to fill: the creation of a Spring Lake Public Schools Digital Archive. We want to preserve our history—not just for modern storytelling, but for the Lakers who will be walking these halls decades from now.

We are looking for academic achievements, athletic milestones, fun news clippings, or even just great stories from "yesteryear." If you have records or memories to share, please help us keep the history of Spring Lake alive by submitting them to our digital archive.

👉 Submit to the SLPS Digital Archive Here

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Will there be tours of the new library at the high school or an open house event? — Joanne, community member

Joanne, thank you so much for this question! To be completely honest, your curiosity spurred us into immediate action.

We had been going back and forth on the idea of an open house, wondering if there was enough community interest to make it happen. Your question gave us the "nudge" we needed because, the truth is, we are incredibly proud of this space and have been dying to show it off!

We are thrilled to announce an open house for the Spring Lake High School Hub (our new lounge area) and Media Center. Even better? We’re hosting it in collaboration with the opening night of our spring musical, Once Upon a One More Time—a high-energy Britney Spears jukebox musical which acts as a sort of modern-day Cinderella story, full of high-energy dances!

Join us for the Open House:

• When: Thursday, April 30
• Time: 6:00 PM – 6:55 PM
• What: Enjoy some small crafts and a self-guided tour of the new facilities.
• Attending the Musical: The curtain rises on our modern, Cinderella-style musical at 7:00 PM.

Come for the new space, stay for the show! It truly only took one person asking to make this event a reality. Thank you, Joanne, for helping us open our doors to the community in such a fun way.

 

"What’s with all the downed trees near the parking lot?" -Kelly & "Why did they cut down all the trees around the high school?" -Kaeden

First off, Kelly and Kaeden, thank you so much for your curiosity! We truly appreciate you reaching out to understand the "why" behind the changes on campus. We also want to apologize if we haven't been as clear as we could have been from the start regarding the landscaping changes.

The tree removal is part of the larger May 2023 bond construction project, which many of you know brought us the Laker Athletic Center and the new Safe & Secure Entry at the high school. Here is the breakdown of why those specific trees came down:

• New Parking: We are adding additional parking to the south side of the high school’s main entry.

• Tennis Court Addition: This new parking is necessary because we are losing parking spots on the north side of the main entry to make room for four brand-new tennis courts, giving us twelve total on the high school campus.

• Capacity Needs: Between daily student parking and large-scale community events, these extra spaces are vital for keeping traffic moving safely and efficiently (or as efficiently as possible).

Construction in front of the high school will continue throughout the summer, and—fingers crossed—we hope to see our athletes on those new courts by autumn!

What’s happening in the back?

You may also notice work and trees coming down behind the school, north of the Laker Athletic Center. This will be the new home of Hickman Field, which is moving from the middle school to the high school and being upgraded with synthetic turf. Additionally, Wanrooy Field (our softball diamond) is also receiving a synthetic turf upgrade.

A Note on Preservation

We know many in our community value our natural canopy. We do, too, and we acknowledge the challenge of growing the district facility needs with keeping care of our natural surroundings. We are incredibly fortunate to have a highly active Nature Club at the high school. They are in regular communication with our administration to ensure environmental efforts remain a priority. To see some of their fantastic work, check out this recent article on their bird banding efforts here.

Please see the image to understand the placement of the new courts, the new parking spaces, and the new Hickman Field.

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Isn’t there a vote coming up? Could you tell us more about it? -David

David, thank you for asking! It’s always the right time to stay informed about how our schools are funded.

The upcoming vote on the May 5 ballot is for our Non-Homestead Operating Millage Renewal.

This Non-Homestead Operating Millage Renewal vote does come around every so often. If you don't know about it, here are three "must-know" facts about this vote:

1. It is not a tax increase on your primary home: This millage only applies to "non-homestead" properties, such as businesses, rental properties, and second homes.

2. In Michigan, school districts are required to levy these 18 mills on non-homestead property to receive their full allowance from the state. Without this renewal, the state does not "make up" the difference, which would lead to a significant budget gap.

3. It’s a renewal, not a new tax. This millage has been in place for years and would allow us to keep our daily operations running smoothly.

Voting is the ideal place for our community to use their voice. Please do so via absentee ballot or on Tuesday, May 5. 

Thank you!

“Are there planned daily hours of operation for the Laker Athletic Center? Plans for middle school use? Will there be set schedules? Will all of this information be communicated online or on our district website—and will it be spelled out clearly?”
— Nick

Thank you for raising these questions, Nick. They give us an important opportunity to clarify how the Laker Athletic Center (LAC) is currently being used and how we’re continuing to refine its operation.

First and foremost, the LAC is actively and regularly used by our students during the school day. Physical education classes use the space almost daily. Our marching band has shared positive feedback about the acoustics during fall rehearsals, choirs have been in to explore sound and performance, and both our Intermediate and Middle Schools have hosted events in the space. This month, our youngest learners—preschool students—are also spending time in the LAC for play experiences alongside high school students.

In addition, every high school student has an offered access period immediately after school for strength training. From there, each athletic team is scheduled weekly opportunities through coordination with our facility manager.

Your question about middle school use highlights an important gap—one we’re actively looking to fill. (So much so that we hope to release some news for our middle school students in their school announcements next week about turf field opportunities!) We want our students to use this space. During these first five months of operation, we’re intentionally tracking gaps like this and continuing to work toward the best options for all age levels. Thank you for bringing this forward in this forum; Community Curiosities is exactly the right place for these conversations.

As part of the broader discussion around the LAC, we also want to address questions we’ve heard about youth sports programming and facility fees.

While the LAC was built with the support of our taxpayers—something we are deeply grateful for—the bond covers construction only as state law prohibits the use of bond funds for operational purposes such as utilities or staffing.. The bond cannot cover the ongoing cost of operating the facility. Each year, the LAC will cost the district approximately $185,000 for utilities, staffing and supervision, cleaning, and basic upkeep.

Rental and usage fees help share a portion of these ongoing costs so classroom and instructional dollars are not reduced. The district is not making money on the LAC. Even with fees in place, the district continues to absorb part of the true cost of operating the space.

Youth organizations such as Youth Lacrosse are considered partner organizations, not outside renters. These partners serve district students, operate as nonprofits, and align with the district’s mission. Because of that, they are charged reduced, below-market rates.

Our approach is about balance—maintaining community access, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and protecting the longevity of a facility our community invested in together. We’re thankful to our community for passing the 2023 bond and for continuing to engage with us as we work toward the best use of this shared space.

Finally, because the facility is not open to the public, we do not post those hours online, but we do have a basic landing spot for our rental agreements. You can find that here.

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“Why don’t we get Martin Luther King Jr. Day off?”
— Michael

Thank you for raising this question, Michael. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and message are deeply important, and this is a topic we revisit thoughtfully and regularly.

While Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day off for many in our region, it is not universal throughout West Michigan. As part of our negotiated school calendar, the district frequently reviews how this day is best honored. At this time, we have chosen to recognize Dr. King’s legacy through intentional learning within the school day rather than by closing school.

Our belief is that Dr. King’s teachings—centered on service, justice, empathy, and community—are most meaningful when they are explored directly with students. Our schools take time to acknowledge his life and impact, helping students understand both the historical significance of his work and its relevance today.

We recognize that families may have different perspectives on how this day should be observed, and we appreciate the respectful way this question was asked. These conversations help ensure we continue to reflect on our practices and remain thoughtful in how we honor leaders whose messages still shape our world.

“Are spelling and grammar emphasized in high school? Still have typing/keyboard classes available?”
— Marie, community member

Thank you, Marie, for this thoughtful question. The short answer: yes—spelling and grammar are absolutely emphasized throughout high school, though the way we teach and reinforce them has evolved over the years.

Rather than traditional spelling tests or extensive sentence diagramming (though diagramming still appears occasionally in our elementary and middle grades), our teachers now focus on real-world application. Students learn a concept, practice it, and are then expected to demonstrate it in the context of their essays and assignments. When mistakes happen, teachers work with students to make corrections—helping them grow as writers in ways that mirror college and workplace expectations.

As for keyboarding: while we don’t offer a standalone typing class at the high school, we introduce and teach keyboarding skills at the middle school level. From there, students continue to develop those skills naturally, especially since they write several essays each term across their courses. Applying typing skills in authentic academic settings tends to reinforce—and accelerate—growth.

Thank you for raising this question; it reflects a shared commitment to strong literacy instruction across all grade levels.

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“If a student has to leave a sport early in the process because of injuries, how do they return uniforms, and can they get refunded their participation fee if the injury happens early enough?”
— Camryn, student

Camryn, thank you for asking—this is an important and practical question, and we’re glad to be able to clarify.

Returning uniforms or equipment is simple.

• For intermediate and middle school students, items can be turned in to the team’s head coach with an explanation. Oftentimes, turning items in directly to the coaches helps to teach valuable life lessons in communication and the opportunity can evolve into an alternate role on the team.
• For high school athletes, returns should go back to their team’s head coach with an explanation. Similarly, we are seeking life lessons in communication as well as opening the door to other opportunities.

Regarding refunds of participation fees: these are handled on a case-by-case basis, depending on how far the season has progressed before the injury. That process also begins with Susan Theune, who can help families understand their specific situation and next steps.

We appreciate you bringing this forward—these kinds of questions help students and families navigate school life more confidently.

“I’d love to know more about the Lakers that the athletic fields are named after, such as Grabinski, Hickman, and probably others.” -Amy

Our community is filled with great questions, and this one took us on a trip through Laker history. Behind every field name at Spring Lake stands a person whose impact continues to echo through generations of students, athletes, colleagues, and alumni. Their stories are reminders that leadership, care, and community spirit can leave long-lasting impressions for generations to follow.

Have a piece of Laker history or a story of your own to share? We’d love to hear it as we continue to build our archives. Submit it here.

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Grabinski Field

If you’ve ever watched a game under the lights at Grabinski Field, you’ve stood in a place built on pride and perseverance. The field honors Coach Tom Grabinski, who served as defensive coordinator for two years under Coach Tom Hickman before becoming head coach around 1976.

Coach Hickman still recalls his colleague with admiration and respect, describing Grabinski as one of the state’s brightest coaching minds. “He would have finished his career in the Top 10 wins in Michigan,” Hickman said, “had it not been for his early passing.” Grabinski died suddenly of a heart attack at just 39 years old. In a 1986 pregame ceremony, past players and colleagues rallied to dedicate the football field in his memory. The plaque that now overlooks the field carries a line that perfectly captures his spirit: “(Players) Hold their heads up high and be proud they are Lakers.”

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Wanrooy Field

Just down the way at the high school campus, the softball diamond tells another story of love—for sport and for students. Larry Wanrooy was a beloved math teacher and softball coach.

Known for his humor, fairness, and a knack for making math make sense, he was so popular that—according to legend—an unwritten rule was made to prevent the same teacher from winning “Teacher of the Year” two years in a row. Bill Core, a longtime softball coach, quips, “He probably would have won it annually.”

Wanrooy was also a fierce competitor, a lifelong slow-pitch softball player and a diehard New York Yankees fan. Former coach Bill Core remembers him as “a players’ coach” who inspired deep loyalty. Even after his passing at age 49 from brain cancer, his spirit lived on. The teachers’ softball team renamed itself “Wanrooy’s Warriors” and played each first defensive inning of the season without a third baseman—his position—in tribute. 

Wanrooy Field was dedicated in 2001, the first year in what was a new location at the high school.

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Mel Hall Trail

Just beyond the athletic fields at the high school, winding through the woods, lies the Mel Hall Trail, dedicated in 2011 to Spring Lake’s longest-tenured cross country coach. Mel Hall, who passed away in 2010, spent decades guiding runners through both literal and personal journeys. A longtime English teacher, Hall was known for his relaxed, encouraging style—someone who cared as much about the person as the pace. When a new trail was carved out through the school’s wooded area, there was no question whose name should mark it. Each stride along that path continues his tradition of calm leadership and quiet encouragement.

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Hickman Field

And then there’s Hickman Field, home to Laker Baseball and to the legacy of Coach Tom Hickman himself, a true Laker legend. Coach Hickman was the district’s first varsity baseball coach and one of its most enduring figures. Hickman served more than 20 years as head coach across two stints (1963–1971 and 1986–2003), leading teams to a state semifinal and a state final along the way. 

Beyond the diamond, Hickman’s leadership stretched districtwide. He served over 30 years as Spring Lake’s athletic director, shaping programs, mentoring coaches, and setting the tone for what it means to be a Laker.

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A Legacy that Lasts

Each of these names—Grabinski, Wanrooy, Hall, and Hickman—marks more than a field or a trail. They represent decades of dedication, the power of mentorship, and the deep roots of a community that values relationships as much as results.

So next time you walk the grounds of Spring Lake, take a moment to look at those signs, read those plaques, and remember: these spaces are named not just for what these coaches accomplished, but for how they made others feel—proud to be Lakers.

“I see all the information about athletic programs for middle and high school, but not for intermediate and elementary. What programs, if any, are available for those younger grade levels—choir, cheer, theater, athletics, etc.?” –Sarah

We’re so glad you asked this question—it’s a great chance to clarify how opportunities look for our younger Lakers. The short answer: yes, there are opportunities, but they’re not always listed together in one place.

Here’s why: because our PK–6 students don’t participate in interscholastic competitions, those programs don’t appear on the district’s athletics website. One exception—our 6th graders are now able to compete in certain non-cut middle school sports like cross country, wrestling, swimming & diving, and track, so that one group of students would be included in the school website.

For everything else, information gets shared in weekly school communications such as Holmes Happenings, Jeffers Journal, and Intermediate Insights, as well as other forms of communication–like flyers being sent home in student folders. That’s where you’ll find details about after-school opportunities. That information is given to us by those specific community programs. That said, we don’t always get every single offering, so staying current on those weekly updates is important.  

Another way to stay in the know on youth options is by following active social media pages or websites. We know our Laker Youth Wrestling, Laker Youth Football, Laker Youth Cheer, Laker Youth Lacrosse (all of which are community organizations and not directly affiliated with the school district, though we cheer them on) have active groups. Additionally, many of our students play club soccer for Lakeshore FC or try out for local theatre at Central Park Players, and you can check them out on social media or on their websites.

Finally, families can look to excellent local resources like NORA (North Ottawa Recreation Authority) for year-round programs and Spring Lake Recreation Commission for summer offerings. These often include offerings for adults as well, but they are good resources for opportunities nonetheless.

We recognize that’s a lot–and a lot of different places to check. So, if you’re ever unsure where to start, communicate with our beacons of knowledge–our school administrative assistants–who can help point you in the right direction. 

Thank you for the question—it helps highlight how much our community cares about giving students opportunities at every age.

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“Why not do early release every Wednesday instead of every other? As a parent I just think it would be easier to keep my days straight if it were every week, haha. I’m so afraid of forgetting it’s an early release day!” –Jen

We’re so grateful for this question—it gets right to the heart of balancing family routines with school improvement. The short answer: we landed on every other week because it felt like the right amount of time to support both our families’ schedules and our staff as we build this new routine together.

Here’s a little more context: our early release Wednesdays are dedicated to PLT work—Professional Learning Teams—a new way of growing together as educators. It’s built around a simple but powerful idea: teachers teaching teachers. That doesn’t just happen during early release, of course; it’s happening in staff meetings, in shared planning times, and in countless hallway conversations. But those every-other-Wednesday afternoons give the work sharper focus and deeper consistency.

We also knew this is a new rhythm for families, so we chose every other week instead of every week to ease the transition. Right now, this is the plan moving forward, but we certainly expect to review this every year to make sure it’s the right way year-after-year. Ultimately, we believe our community has the capacity to adapt—and we’re confident the payoff is worth it. PLT work directly fuels stronger teaching, better collaboration, and ultimately, greater learning for students.

Thank you for asking this—it helps us explain why this schedule matters and reminds us to keep communicating clearly as everyone settles into the routine.

As for not forgetting, set a bunch of alarms (haha). Thank you for the attention as we start this new routine this Wednesday!

“Why do we do school supply lists on the school website, then just a handful of days before Smart Start find out our child’s class—and sometimes that teacher has a different supply list?” -Elise

We’re grateful for this question, and we want to grow in our skill at this. The short answer: consistency in supply lists is something we’re striving for, but it’s not always easy with more than 100 teachers across the district.

Here’s how it currently works: schools publish general supply lists in the spring/summer to help families prepare early. Once class placements are finalized, some teachers share additional items that reflect the way they set up their classrooms or teach their subjects. That can cause the differences you’ve noticed.

Your curiosity is an important reminder that this can feel frustrating, and it’s driving conversations about how we can do better. Our goal is to make back-to-school preparation as smooth and predictable as possible, and we’ll continue working toward more consistency districtwide.

Thank you for raising this—it’s exactly the kind of thoughtful question that helps us grow.

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“Would the district ever consider condensed Smart Start days? With different kids in different buildings, the entire week becomes challenging.” -Meeghan

We really appreciate this question—it gets at the heart of how we balance family needs with school decision-making. The short answer: yes, all of our routines are always up for consideration. This one will be, too.

The main reason Smart Start is spread across the week is to allow our shared staff to be present in each building, greeting students and families, and helping everyone begin the year on a strong note. That structure, the one where we allow all building educators to be present at as many Smart Starts as possible, also ensures a calmer, more welcoming first day for students as they transition back into school because they’ve seen their teachers’ faces once before.

That said, we recognize that for families with children in multiple buildings, the current setup can feel challenging. There isn’t a perfect “right” schedule, but we’re always striving to find the best balance for students, staff, and families alike. Your curiosity helps keep that goal front and center as we reflect and grow.