GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Nearly three dozen West Michigan schools are getting a financial boost to help students learn outside the traditional classroom.

The Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs recently awarded more than $55,000 grants to 147 schools as part of its Arts & Culture Trek “Bus Grant” program.  Each school received up to $500 to help cover transportation costs for an arts or culture-related field trip through May 31.

 "These grants subsidize field trips across the state and expose thousands of students to arts, science and humanities experiences that enrich classroom learning.  Many of these trips would not have been possible in a year where most schools are continuing to cope with significant budget cuts," says Marianne Dorais, executive director of Michigan Youth Arts.

This year’s recipients include:

• Comstock STEM Academy (Kalamazoo)
• Cooper Elementary (Kalamazoo)
• Kalamazoo C

LOWELL, Mich.—Lowell High School’s first director of guidance and counseling has released a new book.

Hans Andrews’ new book, "Recognition vs. Merit Pay For Our Best Teachers"  focuses on why recognition programs are more meaningful and accepted by excellent teachers over merit pay plans.  According to Andrews, research finds merit pay plans fail and only 50 percent of K-12 schools in the U.S.

LOWELL, Mich.—With 1,524 entries, chances are you didn’t see everything ArtPrize 2013 had to offer. But now, there’s a second chance. 

 The LowellArts Gallery is hosting a collection of ArtPrize 2013 entries created by more than 20 Lowell area artists.  The “Second Glance” exhibit is open to the public through Sunday, Feb. 16.  On the final day, LowellArts will host a “Meet the Artists” reception, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The LowellArts gallery is located at 149 South Hudson St. in Lowell.  Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.