Big Rapids, MI – May 5, 2025
Big Rapids Public Schools proudly hosted an American Reading Company (ARC) Showcase today, welcoming educators, administrators, Board members, and special guests to witness the powerful impact of the ARC curriculum on student learning. The event, held at Brookside Elementary, featured classroom visits and presentations from BRPS teachers and students, offering a glimpse into the transformative reading and writing instruction taking place across the district.
Throughout the day, students in grades K–5 shared writing samples, demonstrated learning strategies, and enthusiastically talked about their favorite books with visitors. Teachers shared examples of how ARC has sparked a love for reading and writing in their classrooms, with many highlighting the flexibility of the curriculum and how it allows for creative, personalized teaching moments.
Big Rapids has been implementing ARC over the past two to four years at grade levels K-5, and the results are clearly resonating with both educators and students. The curriculum’s design encourages teachers to adapt lessons to fit their unique teaching styles while still fostering strong literacy growth, and that balance has empowered staff to deliver meaningful instruction that sticks with students.
In attendance were representatives from ARC, administrators from BRPS, educators from other districts considering the curriculum, BRPS Board of Education members, and Michigan State Representative Tom Kunse, who spent time observing classrooms and engaging with students.
The ARC Showcase served as both a celebration of literacy growth and a testament to BRPS’s commitment to student-centered learning. Visitors left inspired by the enthusiasm and creativity of both students and staff, reinforcing BRPS’s standing as a district passionate about cultivating a lifelong love of learning.
