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WELCOME TO BRETON DOWNS ELEMENTARY

Be Kind. Be Caring. Be Respectful.

A group of smiling young girls sitting together in what appears to be a classroom or activity space, with shelves and windows visible in the background.
WELCOME TO BRETON DOWNS ELEMENTARY

Be Kind. Be Caring. Be Respectful.

Upcoming Events

Latest News

photo of graduation 2025 at Memorial Field

When the class of 2026 receives their diplomas at graduation May 21, they will have more than five million reasons to thank donors to the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation.

That’s because in their time in East schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, the Foundation, thanks to its donor, has contributed more than $5 million to their education. 

This year’s graduates have benefited from Foundation grants every step of the way, from classroom libraries in elementary school to the Middle School Innovation Lab to programs like Gone Boarding, “We the People,” and Robotics in high school. Some of those programs were in place before the class of 2026 came along, and some, like new 3D printers, scientific measuring devices, and band instruments, were brand new grants that this year’s graduates were the first to experience.

The class of 2026 has also experienced an enormous increase in the levels at which the Foundation has been able to support our schools. In 2013-14, when this year’s graduates were in kindergarten, the Foundation contributed $130,178 to the district. This school year, the Foundation, thanks to our donors, will offer our schools $728,972 in support, more than five times the amount from just 12 years ago. 

So congratulations to this year’s graduates. And congratulations to everyone who has supported the Foundation over the years for the part you played in giving the class of 2026 an educational experience that is second to none.

Read More about More Than $5 Million in Support for This Year's Graduates
Two teachers standing in an art museum in front of a colorful painting

A professional development day by art educators, for art educators, and held in an area hotspot for the arts? The prospect was more than enough to draw teachers from all over West Michigan to the second annual Art Ed Summit, which recently took place at the Muskegon Museum of Art.

The summit was a collaboration among Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon ISDs. More than 50 teachers attended to learn about how to help students identify and pursue viable arts careers, and to participate in panel discussions with professional artists who’ve worked in comic-book illustration, graphic design, game design and more.

Read more from our partners at School News Network!

Read More about Helping students see what’s possible through arts careers

Program Highlights

5th Grade Kindness Community

First Day of School
Student Leaders

At Breton Downs, fifth grade student leaders teach K-4th grade students the importance of kindness and giving back to the community. Each year, the Fifth Grade Kindness Community nominates a community organization to raise money for and creates a craft to teach the school about that organization. 

We are so proud of these student leaders! 

Camp Miniwanca

Group of girls with helmets on standing in the woods.
Camp Miniwanca

Breton Downs fifth-grade students start the year with an overnight experience at Camp Miniwanca in Shelby, MI. In addition to experiencing hands-on science lessons, students also bond together through team-building challenges, nature hikes and canoeing, and all the challenges that make up a classic camp adventure. The interpersonal threads that tie together on this trip bind Breton Downs fifth graders for the rest of their final year of elementary school, and beyond.

Elementary Musical

Student acting as Gaston in the musical Beauty and the Beast
Elementary Musical

The elementary musical is a very special opportunity in which every student can be involved! Students in grades K-1 are able to learn a song and dance and perform live on stage at the start of the show. Second graders have the added opportunity to make a cameo appearance. Students in grades 3-5 may showcase their singing and acting skills on stage or work behind the scenes helping with costumes, artwork, setting the stage, lights and sound, directing peers, and more! This is a wonderful opportunity for the entire Breton Downs Elementary school community to work and grow together!

BRAVO!

Group of kindergarteners in front of a giant apple outside
BRAVO! Fundraiser

Bravo! is a fun-filled night out for parents that directly supports our students as the largest fundraiser for the Breton Downs PTO. Parents come together for appetizers, drinks, games, auctions, raffles and live entertainment! This is a great community-builder for the families of Breton Downs students.