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East Grand Rapids Middle School

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School Information

Hello East Grand Rapids Middle School Families,

As the principal at East Grand Rapids Middle School, I am incredibly honored to serve the students and families in our community. Our team at EGRMS is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and rigorous learning environment while meeting each student where they are and fostering their growth as young learners. Our focus, as outlined in our School Improvement Plan, is on supporting the whole child, including their social and emotional well-being.

One way we support the whole child is through a program called PIERS. This program provides intentional time each day for our staff to support students’ overall well-being and academic growth. The mission of our PIERS program is:

To enhance our students overall middle school experience by actively engaging all students in positive character building qualities that will serve them well into the future!

The program includes two days each week dedicated to team building and social and emotional learning (SEL) lessons. The remaining three days focus on providing intervention and enrichment opportunities for each student.

East Grand Rapids Middle School thrives thanks to our vibrant and engaged Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). This group supports the school through volunteer opportunities and financial donations, and our staff is extremely grateful for all the support provided. Our main fundraiser each year is the EGRMS Regatta, an exciting annual cardboard boat race on Reeds Lake. Students collaborate in teams with their PIERS group to design and build boats, using only cardboard and duct tape, culminating in a thrilling race! This event is truly a highlight of our school year!

My wife, Allison, and I live in East Grand Rapids and our two daughters attend EGRPS. Much of our free time is spent attending their events and being active in the community. 

I look forward to meeting each student and family. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything that I can do to support your family. 

Warm regards, 
Jeff Dykhouse

Principal Dykhouse's X Feed

    Jeff Dykhouse
    Middle School Principal

    Principal Jeff Dykhouse's school photo

    Jeff Dykhouse became principal of East Grand Rapids Middle School in 2019. Prior, he served as an assistant principal for four years and a middle school social studies teacher for eight years. As principal, Mr. Dykhouse's leadership focus centers on supporting the whole child as students progress through the pivotal years of adolescent development. He is passionate about helping students grow and learn about who they are as people and learners, and shaping their journey as they proceed to high school and beyond. Mr. Dykhouse holds a master's degree and an education specialist degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University. 

     

    Katie Potter, Administrative Assistant

    Zach Jager
    Middle School Assistant Principal

    Zach Jager Geskus Photo

    Zach Jager has been the Assistant Principal at East Grand Rapids Middle School since 2023. Before joining East, he was a high school assistant principal for one year. Prior to his administrative experience, Mr. Jager taught middle school social studies for seven years and a student leadership class. Mr. Jager earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Grand Valley State University in 2014 and his master's degree in education administration and leadership from Northern Arizona University in 2019. While teaching, Mr. Jager enjoyed developing relationships with each student in his class and helping them cultivate a sense of leadership in their areas of interest. As an administrator, he wants to bring that same classroom approach to a schoolwide setting - encouraging students to be leaders, take chances, and respect one another for who they are. Mr. Jager’s goal is to help establish practices and procedures at EGRMS that embolden these ideas. He looks forward to getting to know each of your children and integrating himself within the East community!  

     

    Jennifer Webb, Administrative Assistant