Wealthy Elementary School

Diversity is more than a holiday to be celebrated in East Grand Rapids. Each of our three elementary schools has incorporated diversity into the daily routine. Teachers carefully choose books that students can identify with and time is devoted to discussing differences in opinions and perspectives on a range of situations. Individuals are celebrated for their unique and special qualities that they bring to our student body. 

A Spanish curriculum has been developed for students in grades 1 through 5 and is considered a core academic area. Lessons take place in the classroom for 20 minutes 4 days a week.  Students are not only introduced to the Spanish language but also taught about the Latino culture.

The second graders at Wealthy participate in a 4 month long Travelmate program. Each child chooses a stuffed animal to send on travels around the globe. The class receives postcards from around the United States and the world. Children record their travel mates’ journeys on maps and discussions take place about the many locations and cultures.

Each spring, Wealthy Elementary students participate in a traditional powwow with members of a local Native American tribe. This mini powwow culminates with a study of the many tribes from throughout the United States.

During the week of March 17, Marimbaman David Hall delighted everyone at each of our elementary schools with his marimba music. He was informative, entertaining, engaging and, all in all, a great musician and performer! He played music from Mexico, Argentina, Germany, Gambia, Japan, and the USA. Some students had a chance to accompany him with instruments and students and teachers enjoyed dancing to the marimba tune of the Mexican Hat Dance. ¡ Olé !

El Mercado Azteca
Wealthy fifth graders recently held an Aztec Market.  Using Spanish phrases
to sell and buy “Aztec” items they made in art class, students did a lot of
bargaining! They are now ready to travel with you to Spanish speaking
countries and help you get market goods at bargain prices!