Our Team

Gerry Verwey Principal
Gerry serves as the Principal for Kent Innovation High and completed his post-secondary education at Grand Valley State University and Wright State University. He also serves as the Principal forMyschool@Kent and is the program supervisor for Kent ISD’s new teacher mentorship program called the New Teacher Community. Gerry was a secondary science teacher for 16 years. He has been nominated for the Michigan Teacher of the Year, Michigan Science Teacher of the Year, and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science. In his “spare” time, he is also the head cross country and track coach at Grace Christian University in Grand Rapids.
Send an Email
Skip to end of staff cards Skip to start of staff cards
MelanieRose Straub Administrative Assistant
MelanieRose is the administrative Assistant for MySchool@Kent & Kent Innovation High. Her experience includes working for a non-profit managing a grant from United Way to prepare young adults for their GED exams. Additionally, MelanieRose previously worked as an instructor/academic coach for SuccessLink from 2012-2015. She is very happy to return to MySchool@Kent serving students and their families from all over Kent County.
Send an Email
Skip to end of staff cards Skip to start of staff cards
Phil Matthews Social Studies & Personal Finance Facilitator
Hi! I am the Civics/Economics facilitator at KIH, working mostly with the 11th grade students. I received my bachelor’s degree at Grand Valley State University in Secondary Education, Social Studies, and Psychology. I absolutely love making connections with other people and I find value in quality, positive interactions.
Send an Email Read More
Skip to end of staff cards Skip to start of staff cards
Laine Monks Teacher Consultant
Laine loves teenagers and facilitating learning! KIH is a great fit for her and she loves her job! She has a background in teaching special education and being a teacher consultant; the majority of her career in Kentwood Public Schools. She has been a Strategic Learning Specialist, mentor, department head, administrator and has designed curriculum.
Send an Email Read More
Skip to end of staff cards Skip to start of staff cards

Project Based Learning

Project-based learning is the way students master their material in every class at Innovation High. Students work through multiple projects during the year and develop key workplace skills, like problem-solving and critical thinking.

Students working in group with shared screen

Engage Students Students work through multiple projects during the year and develop key workplace skills, like problem-solving and critical thinking.

Student working one on one with facilitator

Personalize Learning Students research, ask and answer questions and then demonstrate what they've learned in presentations to business and community members.

Student Collaboration Students work together in teams to create real projects and solve real problems