Ben and Katie Bozek are the proud parents of three busy children. Jaden is 13 years old and is in 8th grade; Eli is 11 years old and in 6th grade; and Naomi is 8 years old and in 2nd grade.
The Bozek family have been with GRPS since 2010 when Jaden started the 4-year old preschool program at Grand Rapids Montessori Academy. They chose the Montessori program based on the approach to teaching and learning and the individualized nature of the program. The values and approach of Montessori align closely to the family’s parenting style and how they understand child development.
Katie tries to attend as many field trips and out of school opportunities as she can. Over the past several years, she has helped with the Zoo School week and the Immerse Program at the Public Museum, as well as, single-day trips provided throughout the year. She finds these experiences important to providing a well-rounded educational experience and wants to encourage her children to engage and participate in these opportunities. It is also important to her to understand what her kids do at school so that the conversations can continue at home. Ben engages through the sports program at school. He served as a basketball coach last year and this year. He has enjoyed being able to get to know the other students and create an environment of learning and working together in a different capacity.
Being involved in the school is important to both of them because it is a large part of their children’s lives. Since the children spend the majority of the day at school with their friends and teachers, it is important that the parents are involved and know whom they are talking about and can participate in those types of conversations with them.
They believe education opens many doors and opportunities, not just in academic areas, but in life in general. They believe in the old saying, “knowledge is power” and are thankful that their kids have had teachers who have cultivated a love of learning in each of them. They hope their children will continue to love to learn and grow in all the ways that will help them be a well-rounded person.
Katie has a M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Ph.D. in Family and Child Ecology. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and owns a private practice. Ben has a B.A. in Social Relations and Telecommunications. He is a licensed real estate broker, appraiser, and the owner of Grapids Real Estate, LLC.
Ben and Katie have many proud moments as parents, but they are the proudest when they see the kids work through a situation or area where they were previously struggling.
The kids are all involved in extra-curricular activities. Jaden and Eli are involved in basketball, football and travel baseball. This year both will be traveling out of state with their baseball teams to play in tournaments. Eli also loves fishing. Naomi has done coach-pitch baseball; however, she has found her love for ballet dancing recently and has decided to pursue dance. She recently was a firefly in the CARE Ballet’s production of a Mid-Summer Night’s Dream. As a family, they enjoy being active outdoors when the weather allows! Brad and Katie are a growing group of power parents in Grand Rapids Public Schools.
