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East Grand Rapids High School

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School Information

Hello, East Grand Rapids Community!

I am profoundly honored to serve as the East Grand Rapids High School Principal! Rich traditions, exceptional co-curricular experiences, and high expectations for excellence make our school community a special ecosystem for students to grow, develop, and achieve.

As the school’s principal, I am committed to…

  • Showing a caring attitude and positive regard for all students and families
  • Demonstrating my belief that all students can achieve at high levels
  • Listening carefully and fully investigating concerns brought to my attention
  • Returning phone calls or emails within 48 hours during the school week
  • Being present at after school events to support our students and connect with families
  • Being open to ideas that can improve our school

I look forward to opportunities to work in collaboration with community stakeholders to advance the success of our Pioneers.

Best regards,

Alex Schukow, PhD

The front of East Grand Rapids High School. 

 

Dr. Alex Schukow
High School Principal

Dr. Alex Schukow in front of a light blue background

Dr. Alex Schukow, his wife, Kristen, and his stepdaughter, Seeley Rose, live within ten minutes of East Grand Rapids High School, and they enjoy walks around Reeds Lake. His family includes two black-and-white cats named Duke and Dutchess, and a French bulldog named Dottie.  

Dr. Schukow’s leadership is guided by the following values: collaboration, belonging, growth, gratitude, and resilience. He started his professional career as a high school science teacher and has building-level administrative experience at the upper elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Dr. Schukow earned a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership through Eastern Michigan University.

 

Nancy Scott, Administrative Assistant

High School Administration

Annie Kim Sytsma (Ms. Kim)
High School Assistant Principal

Ms. Annie Kim Sytsma outdoors

Annie Kim Sytsma (Ms. Kim) joined EGRPS in 2024 as the Assistant Principal of East Grand Rapids High School. She grew up in Irvine, California and came to West Michigan by way of Calvin College in 2003. She resides in Rockford, Michigan with her husband, Rob, and their sons, Deacon (7) and Roman (6). They also have Rufus, a black lab, and Jarvis, a chocolate lab, in addition to a gaggle of chickens.

Ms. Kim began her teaching career as an English and Psychology teacher at Cedar Springs High School. She earned a Master of Arts in Educational Technology (2014) and a Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology (2017). Ms. Kim served as a District Instructional Technology Specialist and an Intervention Coordinator. She pursued the Path to Leadership program operated by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals to earn a PK-12 administrator certificate. 

Ms. Kim’s purpose and passion for serving students, staff, families, and the community is based on the following words from Eleanor Roosevelt: “For our own success to be real, it must contribute to the success of others.” Building relationships and systems where people are inspired and empowered is at the core of her leadership principle.

 

Caroline Kiel, Administrative Assistant

Chris Zylstra
Athletic
Director

Chris Zylstra at a hockey game surrounded by kids.

Chris Zylstra joined EGRPS in 2021 as the Director of Athletics at East Grand Rapids High School. Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts from Aquinas College in secondary education with an emphasis in social studies. He also earned his Master of Science in educational leadership from Western Governors University.

Before coming to East Grand Rapids High School, he taught and coached baseball and football at various high schools in South Carolina, Quincy High/Middle Schools in Michigan, and Wyoming High School in Michigan. Chris also served as the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Lakeview High School for the 2020-2021 school year.  

Chris and his wife, Bryttani, have two daughters, Lawsyn (7) and Mara (3). Chris is passionate about the East Grand Rapids community and all of our athletic programs, as we continue to grow our shared athletic program and strive to continue the Tradition of Excellence!

 

Wende Johnson, Administrative Assistant

Learn more about EGR High School