KENT CITY, Mich., Dec. 16, 2025 — State Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker) and Kent City Commissioner Liz Morse joined students at Kent City Elementary School for an Hour of AI classroom experience in celebration of Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 8-14). Hosted by Grand Valley State University and Code.org, this interactive event gave policymakers the opportunity to see firsthand how schools are approaching meaningful and developmentally appropriate AI education as part of STEM and computer science.

“Teaching kids to use AI responsibly isn’t just about technology—it’s about empowering them to think critically, solve problems creatively and lead with integrity,” Glanville said. “Computer Science Week is an opportunity to highlight programs like Kent City that provide our students with essential skills to navigate today’s world and a foundation for future success.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a 2025 proclamation recognizing Computer Science Education Week and the Hour of AI. Earlier this year, she signed Public Act 206 of 2024, sponsored by Glanville, which requires all schools to offer at least one computer science course by the 2027-2028 academic year.

“At Kent City Community Schools, our AI Steering Committee is committed to ensuring that artificial intelligence enhances, not replaces, the human connections at the heart of teaching and learning,” said Bill Crane, Kent City Community School Superintendent. “By approaching this work thoughtfully and collaboratively, we are building a framework that empowers educators, strengthens instructional practice and keeps student needs at the center.”

The elected officials observed 24 fifth grade students engage in a hands-on educational activity, Code.org’s AI for Oceans, designed to introduce students to the basics of artificial intelligence and machine learning by teaching them how to “train” AI to sort and label data.

The event was part of the global Hour of AI campaign, designed to help students and educators everywhere take their first steps into understanding and creating with AI through hands-on, accessible learning activities. Over 120 Michigan schools participated in an Hour of AI as part of Computer Science Education Week.

“AI is reshaping every sector of the workforce, and Michigan students deserve early opportunities to understand how this technology works,” said Larry Wyn, MiSTEM CS program manager with GVSU’s Regional Math and Science Center. “GVSU and the MiSTEM Network are working together to expand access to AI learning so students can move from simply using AI tools to understanding and creating with them.”

Over the past several months, the Kent ISD EdTech Team has partnered closely with the Kent City Community Schools AI Steering Committee to support an intentional and strategic approach to AI adoption across the district. This work has included developing a districtwide implementation toolkit and providing professional learning that builds educator understanding of AI Literacy, AI Ethics, AI Fluency and AI Development. Together, they have focused on increasing staff confidence, aligning AI use with instructional goals and ensuring every step reflects the district’s values and vision for teaching and learning.

 

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