EcoSchool

Kalkaska Public Schools

SEEDS EcoSchool
at Birch Street Elementary School

Serving 30-35 students a day — Grades K-2
 
ROUTINE
Mon-Thurs from 3pm to 6pm – Mealtime at 3pm
Lesson of the Day  3:30pm – 4:30pm
Plus Physical Activity – Snack – Homework Help
 
LOCAL EMPHASIS
A School & Community Garden is on school property
Student-involved Lesson Planning
A monthly FAMILY FUN NIGHT
 
SITE COORDINATOR:
Emily Parrish
eparrish@ecoseeds.org 
School Address: 309 N. Birch Street, Kalkaska, MI 49646
School Phone: 231.258.9146
 

SEEDS EcoSchool
at Kalkaska Upper Elementary School

Serving 30-35 students a day — Grades 3-5
 
ROUTINE
Mon-Thurs from 3pm to 6pm – Mealtime at 3pm
Lesson of the Day  3:30pm – 4:30pm
Plus Physical Activity – Snack – Homework Help
 
LOCAL EMPHASIS
A School & Community Garden is on school property
Student-involved Lesson Planning
A monthly FAMILY FUN NIGHT
 
SITE COORDINATOR:
Emily Parrish
eparrish@ecoseeds.org 
School Address: 309 N. Birch Street, Kalkaska, MI 49646
School Phone: 231.258.9146
 

SEEDS EcoSchool
at Rapid City Elementary School

Serving 40-45 students a day — Grades K-5
 
ROUTINE
Mon-Thurs from 3:05 to 5:50 pm – Mealtime at 3:05 pm
Lesson  of the Day  4:30-5:05pm
Plus Literacy Block – Physical Activity – Free Choice
 
LOCAL EMPHASIS
A School & Community Garden is on school property
Forest & the Rapid River are nearby
A monthly FAMILY FUN NIGHT
 
SITE COORDINATOR: 
Brett Bontrager
bbontrager@ecoseeds.org 
231-384-2825
School Address: 5258 River St. Rapid City MI
School Phone: 231.331.6121
 

SEEDS EcoSchool
at Kalkaska Middle School

Serving 30 to 35 students a day — Grades 6-8
 
ROUTINE
Mon-Thurs from 3:15 to 6:15pm – Mealtime at 5:30 pm
Lesson of the Day  4:30-5:30
Plus  Snack & Meet – Homework Help – Outdoor Activity
 
LOCAL EMPHASIS
Student-involved Lesson Planning
A monthly FAMILY FUN NIGHT
 
SITE COORDINATOR: 
Brett Bontrager
bbontrager@ecoseeds.org 
231-384-2825
School Address: 1700 W Kalkaska Rd. Kalkaska, MI 49646
School Phone: 231.258.9081
 

Stories

Headshot of Alex and Anna standing side by side

Alex and Anna are helping mentor elementary students in SEEDS EcoSchool, the same program they attended as elementary students. Both seniors at Kalkaska High School, they worked with SEEDS EcoSchool this past summer as summer camp staff and found their time with the younger students very rewarding.

Three students smile at the camera while leaning into each other, one playfully puts bunny ears behind another

Kids need a place where they can belong, where they can be themselves, learn about the world around them, and grow healthy relationships with their peers and mentors. SEEDS EcoSchool is that place for hundreds of students across Northern Michigan.

Photo of former EcoSchool student Alex

“I would say that my time in SEEDS made me more successful in high school and helped make me the way I am today.”