Kalamazoo RESA

“From the very beginning, they have been so supportive…” 💛

When Mehnoor first arrived in her preschool classroom, everything felt new, including the language she used to communicate. Like many children adjusting to a new environment, she was shy and unsure how to connect with others.

But with the care and dedication of her teachers, that quickly began to change. Her family shared, “They have been very supportive from the very beginning and also helped improve her learning skills...When we first moved here she was really shy to communicate with others because of the language barrier,” her family shared, “but I’m so thankful to them that they helped her improve her English”

At KRESA, we’re committed to creating welcoming, inclusive classrooms where every child can grow, connect, and thrive.

👉 Give your child that same strong start! Preschool enrollment is now open for fall! Find the link in the comments.

Our Popsicles in the Park event was full of smiles, laughter, and plenty of ways to stay cool on a warm day. Families enjoyed colorful face painting, creative crafts, and endless bubbly fun while the water table and refreshing popsicles kept everyone feeling refreshed and happy! 💦🎨

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Oshtemo Park for an afternoon of connection, play, and summertime joy. We loved seeing our community come together and can’t wait to do it again soon! 💛

✨ Join Our Team at KRESA! ✨

Are you passionate about supporting students and helping them thrive? We’re looking for a dedicated School Psychologist to join our team and make a meaningful impact across our schools.

In this role, you’ll partner with educators, families, and support staff to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally because every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. 💙

Ready to make a difference? 👇Application link in the comments.

Building up the teachers of tomorrow! 🍎✨

Our Educator Academy students in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program spent the school year in internship classrooms, teaching full lessons, assisting with band concerts, and making a huge impact across 41 Kalamazoo County schools.

Since October, they’ve spent three days a week under the guidance of 100+ incredible mentor teachers. To say thank you, interns gifted their mentors cookies made by our Culinary students and plants grown by our Horticulture team!

Thank you to our community partners for shaping the future of education!

Proud Partner Moment! 🌟

We are so honored to work alongside Kalamazoo Area School Retired Personnel (KARSP) to help award 11 local students with scholarships.

During their June meeting, the KARSP members met with the award recipients and were able to hear about their future plans. We are so grateful for this longstanding partnership, which began in 1995 with two student scholarships.

✨ We Are Wednesday ✨

This week, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Megan Lozen, WoodsEdge Learning Center Coordinator, who has dedicated 13 years to supporting students, staff, and families at KRESA. 💙

For Megan, no two days look the same, but each one is grounded in leadership, collaboration, and heart. From supporting staff and solving challenges in real time to celebrating the meaningful growth of students, her work is centered on people.

What brings Megan the most joy? Seeing others feel supported, valued, and confident. Whether it’s helping a student feel safe, a family feel heard, or a staff member recognize their own impact, she leads with care and a deep belief in the potential of every individual.

Over the years, Megan has seen a powerful shift toward more inclusive, strengths-based, and neuro-affirming practices, ensuring students are not defined by limitations but by possibility. And it’s that continued momentum, collaboration, and commitment to belonging that excites her most about the future.

At the heart of it all, Megan reminds us that this work is deeply human. It’s about listening, advocating, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.

💬 “The students we serve are capable, curious, and deserving of meaningful opportunities to learn, connect, and belong.”

Kalamazoo RESA and the Kalamazoo RESA Foundation are proud to celebrate seven outstanding educators as recipients of the 2026 Targeted Assistance Grants (TAG)! 🎉

These dedicated staff members will use their awards to pursue certifications in Special Education and Early Childhood Education—investing in their growth and the students they serve every day.

A special thank you to Superintendent Dr. Dedrick Martin and our department supervisors for personally presenting the awards and recognizing this incredible work. Thank you also to the Kalamazoo RESA Foundation for helping to fund this initiative.

Join our team!

Kalamazoo RESA Career Connect is seeking a skilled individual to join the team as a Career Development Consultant.

This role focuses on creating career planning tools, events, and work-based learning opportunities while building strong partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community groups. You will also use data systems to track program success, train K-12 school staff, and lead efforts to make sure all students have equal access to these career resources.

Learn more about this position and apply at: kresa.org/jobs.

We loved welcoming Farm Animals On The Go to our playgroups. Thank you for bringing such a special and memorable experience to our families! 🐐💛

The children had so much fun meeting and learning about the animals, and the highlight for many was getting the chance to bottle feed the baby lamb.

What a sweet moment! Experiences like this spark curiosity, build connections, and create joyful memories for our youngest learners.