Ada Family Connection
August 22, 2025
Hi! My name is Gabbi Kokenakes. I am honored to be the next principal of Ada Elementary!
Last year, I had the privilege of serving as Ada's Supervisor of Student Support Systems. Before that, I worked in the FHPS Instruction Office as the district's Gifted Coordinator, MTSS Instructional Coach, and Supervisor of Media Material Coordinators. Earlier in my career, I taught grades 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th at Knapp Forest Elementary in FHPS, Harrison Park Elementary in Grand Rapids Public Schools, and in the Chicago area. I earned both my master's degree and doctorate in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University.
I am passionate about school being a place where every student, staff member, and family feels known, valued, and like they truly belong. I believe that when schools cultivate joyful learning experiences, meaningful relationships, and high expectations, every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Charlie, our son, Cohen, and our German Shorthaired Pointer, Rue. In my free time, you'll find us spending time outside, reading, cooking, traveling, or on the golf course. This summer we celebrated Cohen’s 2nd birthday and traveled with him to Copenhagen, Denmark.
I am incredibly excited and grateful to be part of the Ada Elementary community. I am so proud to be an Ada Ranger! I look forward to partnering with our students, families, and staff to continue making Ada an exceptional place to learn and grow.
Meet Mr. Culey
Hello! My name is Ryan Culey, and I am thrilled to join Ada Elementary as the Supervisor of Student Support Systems for the upcoming school year.
First, I would like to say that it is great to be back in Forest Hills! I started my teaching career at Knapp Forest Elementary, where I taught alongside a dynamic first-grade team for five years. During the latter half of those five years, I completed my K–12 Administration degree through Michigan State University. Educational leadership has long been a passion of mine, and upon completion of my program, I left Forest Hills to become a Principal at a Kindergarten–8th-grade building in Battle Creek, Michigan. I proudly served the families of that community for the last two school years. During those two years, I learned what it means to be a servant leader and how to effect positive change within a school community, both of which I am excited to bring to Ada Elementary.
My wife, Megan, and I welcomed our first child, Hudson, last summer, and that is what ultimately prompted the search for a position closer to home. When I began that search, it started with Forest Hills. I knew that if I returned, Forest Hills would be the first place I looked. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in this role and am very much looking forward to serving the students, families, and staff at Ada Elementary. Go Rangers!
Fun Facts
We have a rambunctious Portuguese Water Dog named Parker Marvin. He will be very jealous of Chase.
We are a full-blown Spartan family. Go Green!
My favorite children’s book is The Word Collector.
Mark Your Calendar
August 24: JK/K Open House 3:45-4:45 PM
1st-4th Open House 5:00-6:30 PM
August 26: First Day of School! 🎉
Save the Date!
September 25: Ranger Rock Out
October 9: FHC Homecoming
October 12th & 14th: Fall Conferences
March 8th & 10th: Spring Conferences
Ada Arrival and Dismissal
Drop-off begins at 8:35 a.m. Please wait for an Ada staff member to be outside before letting your child out of the car.
For both drop-off and pick-up, please use the car line. The other area is reserved for buses. Below, you’ll find a map showing Ada’s traffic flow. When we all follow the same procedures, our car line runs smoothly!
Thank you for practicing patience and kindness while in line.
- Please remain in your car during drop-off and pick-up.
- Students should exit the vehicle from the passenger side, curbside for their safety.
- Please make sure your child(ren) remain safely seated in the car until it is time to exit.
- In the morning, pull all the way forward when dropping off. This helps keep the line moving continuously.
- Please be patient and never jump ahead of another vehicle in line.
- The only exceptions to these arrival and dismissal procedures are those approved by Gabbi Kokenakes for specific needs, such as health concerns or students with casts.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our students and staff safe and to help make arrival and dismissal run smoothly!
NEW THIS YEAR!- Dismissal Sign for Windshield
If you are picking up from school, please use the sign provided with your family "number" on it. Please pick these up from your classroom teacher at Open House. Please display it on your windshield. This helps us identify your car for your child. Families with multiple children will all have the same number.
We Love Volunteers!
In a continuing effort to keep our students safe, Forest Hills Public Schools (Board Policies #3105 & 4205) requires that parents/guardians and community members submit to a criminal background check prior to participating in any volunteer activities (including field trips) involving our students. The Board of Education recognizes and appreciates the generosity and support it receives from volunteers.
If you have more than one child in the district, you only need to complete the form one (1) time.
We will need a copy of the front of your ID to complete this form. If you would like to scan your photo identification using a mobile device, please see this document with directions on how you can accomplish this task: https://bit.ly/docscan20
The Volunteer Consent Form is kept completely confidential at the District Office.
Ada Elementary Attendance
If your student is going to be absent, please call the Ada Attendance Line at 616-493-8943 by 9:00 a.m. This is a 24-hour voicemail system, so you may leave a message anytime, day or night. Voicemails are checked for messages by 9:00 a.m.
The Ada Elementary office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Ada Elementary Main office number (available from 8:00 to 4:30): 616-493-8940
Gabbi Kokenakes
Email: gkokenakes@fhps.net
Website: https://www.fhps.net/elementary-schools/ada/
Location: 731 Ada Drive Southeast, Ada, MI, USA
Phone: 616-493-8940