Welcome Maggie Grace - Portland Schools New Elementary Music Teacher

Mike Sulecki, Portland Schools Director of Music, told the Beacon today, “I’m really excited that Maggie Grace has accepted the position as Portland’s new elementary school’s music teacher”. Grace is scheduled to begin her position this coming school year.

Grace is a recent graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in music education. She grew up and attended school in nearby Howell. Grace said, “Music has always been my passion, and I am so honored and overjoyed that I get to share that passion with my students each and every day! In my classroom, I strive to allow students to experience music in ways that both educate and inspire them.”

Sulecki, who is beginning his fourth year at Portland Schools, reported that Grace was the first choice of the interview panel that consisted of the Oakwood and Westwood Principals as well as a teacher from each of those schools and two art teachers. He said that the panel “Loved her energy. She has a lot of good ideas and will be a great addition to the team.”

When asked about the next school year and what he anticipates, given the current temporary school closure, Sulecki said, “I’m planning for normal.” The Portland Marching Band typically plays in the Ionia Free Fair Parade but that has been cancelled for this year. The next event up is the Portland Fourth of July Parade and as far as Sulecki knows that is still scheduled.

Grace's hiring is pending school board approval.