John Helmholdt
Director of Communications & External Affairs 
E-Mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: (616) 819-3740
Fax: (616) 819-2146
Cell Phone: (616) 481-2152

Welcome to the GRPS Communications & External Affairs Office website!   Here you can find up-to-date news and information about the events and great things happening throughout the district.  If you have any questions, would like to receive additional information, or would like to share your thoughts or give feedback, please contact us at (616) 819-2149 or e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Highlights Newsletter
Highlights is the district’s newsletter, which is filled with information and highlights about the schools, programs, services, events, and grand happenings at GRPS. It is printed and mailed to every residential household and business located within the City of Grand Rapids (approximately 85,000). It is also available at local restaurants, coffee shops, libraries, health clinics, and other points of interest. Thanks to a “sponsorship/advertising” program and our generous supporters, Highlights is printed and mailed at no expense to taxpayers.

News Releases
GRPS issues frequent media advisories, news releases, and prepared statements regarding events, issues, people, and special projects related to the district and our schools.  Click on the link on the right for a list of our most recent news releases. If you have an idea or issue related to GRPS that you believe is newsworthy, please contact us and we will make every effort to generate media coverage.

Social Media
If you would like to stay up to date on the latest at GRPS, follow us on: