Beyond the Classroom: Finding Connection at JIA
For students in an online and hybrid learning environment, the school day can look very different from one student to the next. Some may spend much of their time learning independently from home, while others regularly work from the JIA Learning Center. No matter where learning happens, though, students still benefit from opportunities to connect, laugh, collaborate, and simply spend time with peers. JIA’s optional clubs and activities for students in grades 6–12 are designed to create those moments, without requiring students to participate more than they want to.
The opportunities are intentionally varied. Students can explore their creativity in Art Club, tackle hands-on challenges in J-STEM, get moving during Open Gym, learn about language and culture through Spanish Club, connect over favorite books in Book Club, or participate virtually through History Club and Global Explorers Club. Each experience offers a different entry point into the JIA community.
Mrs. Hoving sees that firsthand in Spanish Club, where weekly themes may include cultural events, country exploration, vocabulary, games, music, videos, and crafts.
“Spanish club is a great way to learn about other people and places while building community with your peers here at JIA,” she shared.
Those shared interests also create natural opportunities for students to practice collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. In J-STEM, Mrs. Crossman has watched students learn how to work through challenges together.
“Working in groups to brainstorm, discover each team member's strength, and compromise to find different ways to accomplish a task and reach a goal is rewarding for participating students,” she explained.
Virtual clubs provide that same opportunity for connection in a format that may feel more comfortable or convenient for some students.
Mr. Hamly has noticed students in Virtual History Club become increasingly willing to share ideas and interact with classmates as they participate. “You don’t need to be a ‘history person’ to enjoy the club; if you’re curious and willing to join the conversation, there’s a place for you.”
That may be the most important part of JIA’s club and activity offerings: there is no single right way to participate. A student might attend every week, stop in occasionally, choose one activity that fits a particular interest, or simply try something new. In an environment that offers students significant flexibility and independence, these experiences provide another way to make JIA feel smaller, more connected, and more personal. The invitation is simple: find something that interests you, join in when you are ready, and make the experience your own.
We were proud to recognize some incredible JIA volunteers at tonight’s Board of Education meeting, along with a long-standing community partner, the Knights of Columbus, who generously supports our categorical programs each year.
We are so thankful for the amazing parents, volunteers, and community partners who continue to show up for our students and District.
🍨 From experimenting with high-protein ice cream in his parents’ kitchen to leading a brand now sold in thousands of stores nationwide, 2019 JIA graduate Paul Reiss has turned an entrepreneurial idea into something remarkable.
Now the Co-Founder and CEO of Protein Pints, and a member of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Food & Drink Class of 2026, Paul shares the lessons, mindset, and persistence that helped shape his journey.
🔗 Read his Alumni Spotlight: https://sites.google.com/jpsonline.org/innovate/alumni-spotlight-paul-reiss
Due to the projected weather forecast, we have made the difficult decision to cancel today’s Wildcat Festival.
With thunderstorms in the forecast, anticipated rain impacting facility and ground conditions, and the safety and logistics involved in setting up activities between storms, we simply cannot safely and successfully move forward with the festival as planned.
A huge shoutout and thank you to our Jenison High School Student Council members and staff who have put so much time, energy, and effort into planning this event and working through every possible option to make it happen today. We appreciate you!
We will work with Student Council and our participating vendors to explore another date, if possible, and will share updated information once details are finalized.
At this time, there are no changes or delays to tonight’s football game.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. Go Wildcats!
With thunderstorms in the forecast, anticipated rain impacting facility and ground conditions, and the safety and logistics involved in setting up activities between storms, we simply cannot safely and successfully move forward with the festival as planned.
A huge shoutout and thank you to our Jenison High School Student Council members and staff who have put so much time, energy, and effort into planning this event and working through every possible option to make it happen today. We appreciate you!
We will work with Student Council and our participating vendors to explore another date, if possible, and will share updated information once details are finalized.
At this time, there are no changes or delays to tonight’s football game.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. Go Wildcats!
🏅 We’re proud to share that Jenison Innovation Academy has been recognized as a U.S. News & World Report Best High School for 2026–2027!
By earning a national ranking in the top 40% of high schools, JIA received strong national and metro-area rankings based on measures including state assessment performance, graduation, and college readiness.
This recognition reflects the continued work of our students, families, faculty, and staff to create a high-quality, flexible learning experience where students can grow, achieve, and prepare for what comes next.
🐾 Congratulations, Wildcats!
By earning a national ranking in the top 40% of high schools, JIA received strong national and metro-area rankings based on measures including state assessment performance, graduation, and college readiness.
This recognition reflects the continued work of our students, families, faculty, and staff to create a high-quality, flexible learning experience where students can grow, achieve, and prepare for what comes next.
🐾 Congratulations, Wildcats!
The dogs and cats at Post Family Farm were the star attractions for the 30 JIA students who visited the farm today! It was the perfect summer morning for day two of JIA’s first ever summer camp and the excursion to Post was a clear highlight of the camp so far. The students also enjoyed a hayride, toured the barns, and played on the expanded playground. Great idea JIA!
⚾️ 🏟️ 🇺🇸 Three JIA students recently had the incredible opportunity to join Kindergarten/1st Grade teacher Mrs. Faasse’s nonprofit organization, Opera for ALL, in singing the national anthem at a Detroit Tigers game. Mrs. Faasse and Opera for ALL have been invited to perform the national anthem for the past five seasons, and this year, these JIA students asked if they could join in the experience.
Together with their families, John, Odyn, and Will traveled to Detroit and became part of a 53-member choir that performed at Comerica Park before the Tigers took on the New York Yankees. The students had the chance to share their voices on a major league stage while creating memories that will last a lifetime (and the Tigers beat the Yankees, too).
This was a special opportunity to celebrate student confidence, creativity, and community beyond the classroom. We are so proud of John, Odyn, Will, and Mrs. Faasse for sharing their voices and representing JIA in such a meaningful way! 🐾 ✨ 🎶
Together with their families, John, Odyn, and Will traveled to Detroit and became part of a 53-member choir that performed at Comerica Park before the Tigers took on the New York Yankees. The students had the chance to share their voices on a major league stage while creating memories that will last a lifetime (and the Tigers beat the Yankees, too).
This was a special opportunity to celebrate student confidence, creativity, and community beyond the classroom. We are so proud of John, Odyn, Will, and Mrs. Faasse for sharing their voices and representing JIA in such a meaningful way! 🐾 ✨ 🎶
A little afternoon rain couldn’t stop current and new Jenison Innovation Academy students and their families from enjoying every minute of their special summer cookout yesterday! Friends. Food. Fun. Go JIA!
A small act of kindness can make a big difference. 💚
Throughout the month of April, JIA’s Student Leadership Team organized a Stuffed Animal Drive to support children and families receiving care at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our students and families, more than 75 stuffed animals were collected and donated! 🧸✨ These cuddly companions will help bring comfort, smiles, and encouragement to children during challenging moments.
We are so proud of our JIA community for demonstrating compassion, leadership, and the power of giving back. Thank you to everyone who donated and helped make this project a success!
Throughout the month of April, JIA’s Student Leadership Team organized a Stuffed Animal Drive to support children and families receiving care at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our students and families, more than 75 stuffed animals were collected and donated! 🧸✨ These cuddly companions will help bring comfort, smiles, and encouragement to children during challenging moments.
We are so proud of our JIA community for demonstrating compassion, leadership, and the power of giving back. Thank you to everyone who donated and helped make this project a success!
🍓🥦🥕🍎 Happy School Lunch Hero Day!
Today we recognize and celebrate Ms. Jan for her dedication, care, and hard work in supporting our JIA students. From providing nutritious meals to creating a positive and welcoming environment, she plays an essential role in helping our learners thrive.
Thank you, Ms. Jan, for everything you do to nourish our students and support their success. Your impact reaches far beyond the lunch line!
Today we recognize and celebrate Ms. Jan for her dedication, care, and hard work in supporting our JIA students. From providing nutritious meals to creating a positive and welcoming environment, she plays an essential role in helping our learners thrive.
Thank you, Ms. Jan, for everything you do to nourish our students and support their success. Your impact reaches far beyond the lunch line!
⚽️✨ Elective Experiences is a fantastic course option for our elementary learners, offering them the opportunity to attend on campus for a half day each week. During this time, students rotate through four engaging elective activities.
In a recent Physical Education rotation with Mr. Ritsema, students participated in a dribbling relay race. This activity challenged them to keep the soccer ball close to maintain control while navigating around defenders coming their way. ✨⚽️
In a recent Physical Education rotation with Mr. Ritsema, students participated in a dribbling relay race. This activity challenged them to keep the soccer ball close to maintain control while navigating around defenders coming their way. ✨⚽️
📚✨ Throughout March, JIA celebrated National Reading Month, and it was definitely one for the books!
Excitement filled the room as "Mystery Readers" stopped by Mrs. Faasse's class to share their favorite stories with our kindergarten and 1st grade students.
In 2nd and 3rd grade, Mrs. DeJonge's students brought the pages to life through "Reader's Theater," building confidence, expression, and a love for creative storytelling.
From surprise guests to dramatic performances, March has been a celebration of imagination, curiosity, and the power of reading! 💡📚
Excitement filled the room as "Mystery Readers" stopped by Mrs. Faasse's class to share their favorite stories with our kindergarten and 1st grade students.
In 2nd and 3rd grade, Mrs. DeJonge's students brought the pages to life through "Reader's Theater," building confidence, expression, and a love for creative storytelling.
From surprise guests to dramatic performances, March has been a celebration of imagination, curiosity, and the power of reading! 💡📚
We're sharing a peek into the everyday curiosity, creativity, and joy our elementary students bring to the classroom. JIA learning continues, even on Snow Days! ❄️
Our 2nd and 3rd graders turned into paleontologists 🦕✨ Check out these photos of the four different fossils they created during their Science project!
Our Kindergarten students had their very own ABC Parade celebrating all the letters they’ve learned so far! We’re so proud of their hard work, excitement, and big smiles as they showed off their alphabet achievements! 💚
🎨🌏 JIA Elementary students have been busy exploring creativity and culture! Our K-5 learners dove into Aboriginal dot art in Cultural Arts, discovering how color and pattern tell powerful stories.
🍦Science has never been so sweet! Our J-STEM Club explored the science behind freezing points by making their own ice cream! From mixing ingredients to watching it freeze in real time, students got a cool hands-on lesson in chemistry. 😎
🎉 Homecoming Week was a blast! Our students showed off their school spirit with fun spirit days, creative outfits, and unforgettable moments at the dance. Thanks to everyone who made this week so full of energy, laughter, and Jenison pride! 💚
🌱🥕Our Kindergarten and First Grade students had a great time in the school garden last week! From digging in the dirt to picking fresh carrots, they’re learning where healthy food comes from and having fun doing it! 🌞
