December 17-21, 2012

December 17-21, 2012

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

During devotions, we have been using an Advent devotional called, “Adornments”, which includes several ornaments with scripture describing the many names, which Jesus referred to himself, such as Bread of Life, Living Water, The True Vine, The Good Shepherd, and others.  Ask your child if they have had a chance to choose a new ornament for our tree and what name of Jesus they shared with us.

Reminder: Student Card Exchange:  Students will bring home construction paper to create a card for their friend.  Please encourage your child to write a note of encouragement or scripture in the card too.  They look forward to sharing these with each other!

Christmas Party preparations:  Thank you to all who have signed up for donations to the party!  If you didn’t get a chance to sign up, watch for Valentine’s Party opportunities to help in February! 

Christmas Party- Thursday, Dec. 20 at 1:00.

Christmas Offerings Opportunities:

• We will be walking to the Dollar General tomorrow right after lunch to purchase socks for the Holland Rescue Mission with Mr. Heeres’ class. We are looking forward to doing this together!  The coordinator at the mission wanted me to extend their heartfelt gratitude for this donation.  She told me that they go through many socks for men, women, and children on a regular basis for residents, so the donation is deeply appreciated!  Join me in praising God that we can be used in a small way to help others in need!

• Also, we are looking forward to distributing the cookies and Christmas treats to the ZCS secretarial staff, “specials” teachers, and others who work with students in our class.  Students will also share cards for their “specials” teachers and other staff.  Please send the cookies and treats to school on Wednesday.  Thank you!

On Monday, we look forward to meeting Isaac’s grandparents, who have just returned for the holidays from Hungary.  Mr. Jack Ippel was a teacher at ZCS for many years.  He and his wife will be sharing about their experiences in Hungary, and a few other surprises as well! 

CHAPEL:  On Wednesday, December 19 at 1:00p.m. We will have our all-school Christmas Chapel in the gym.  All are welcome to attend!

JINGLE JOG:   On Thursday, December 20 at 10:00-10:30a.m. our class will be running in the Jingle Jog.  Parents are invited to meet in the gym or hallways to cheer on your child!  Additional information regarding collecting pledges was sent home last week.

Yearbook forms were sent home last week.  If you are interested in purchasing one, please complete the form with a check made out to ZCS. Reminder:  $15 if ordered by Dec. 21.

Festival of Christmas Concert  (5th-8th Grade) Don’t miss our ZCS “Festival of Christmas” Concert, now scheduled for Thurs., Dec.  20 in the school gym at 7 pm. This is not the date originally published, so please change your calendar. That way you won’t miss all the great Christmas music from our school bands and choirs. We’ve added the grade 5 students to the performers this year! Come and hear traditional carols arranged as swing tunes, marches, and in medleys. Plus, you’ll hear something symphonic from the 7/8 band, and enjoy this year’s debut of the 8th grade vocal ensemble.

Dates to Remember:

Thursday, December 20- Classroom Christmas party at 1:00

Christmas Vacation:  December 22-January 6

Classes Resume:  January 7, 2013

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Walters

December 10-14, 2012

December 10-14, 2012

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: 

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, 

and will call him Immanuel.”  

Isaiah 7:14

As I reflect on “Immanuel- God with us”, I was recently challenged to consider what are some ways that I hope to experience God as “Immanuel” in my own life this Christmas and how I can give the gift of God’s presence to others?  It is my prayer that every day we meet together this advent season, that I will share God’s presence to each student.  They certainly bless me with His presence in so many ways, as we pray together, through singing, and their sweet and caring way of helping each other. I pray that you will know God’s presence in incredible ways this Christmas.  

We have two very busy weeks before Christmas vacation begins, and we will be working hard to pack in learning each day!  We will continue working on our poetry unit, as well as a PBL (Project based learning) unit on our country’s important symbols, holidays, celebrations, and famous “patriotic” people, as well as our focus on Christ’s birth in Bible.  I’m also looking forward to seeing the students culminating work from our science solar system unit on December 19.

Student Card Exchange:  Students will be exchanging names with each other this week so they can work on their Christmas card to share with their classmate at our party on December 20.  Please encourage your child to write a note of encouragement or scripture in the card too.  They really look forward to sharing these with each other!

Christmas Party preparations:  I have created a Sign-Up Genius account: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4EA9AE2BA31-zcsshcchristmas to ask for your help providing food and craft supplies for our party.  You should have received an e-mail regarding this sign-up process, which does not require you to create an account, although it is helpful.  Please check out the list and consider how you can help to provide supplies or assistance for our party.  Thank you!

Christmas Offering Opportunities

We also have a special opportunity to serve others and share with those in need.  Both Mr. Heeres’ class and our class will be sharing plates of cookies with the ZCS secretarial staff, as well as “specials” teachers.  In class during devotions, we have been talking about the importance of “giving” instead of “getting” at Christmas.  We are asking that each child provides 2 dozen “holiday” cookies or goodies (Families with multiple children in the program are asked to provide 3 dozen cookies). They may be brought to school in a tupperware container, or paper plate.  We will then transfer them to a decorative plate to distribute to the staff, who often work behind the scenes at ZCS to keep everything running smoothly.  We truly appreciate the work they do and look forward to sharing a variety of goodies with staff!  Students will also work on cards during class for their “specials” teachers and other staff.

In addition, we will be reaching out to our community by having a sock drive for the Holland Rescue Mission.  Many families in the Holland area are served through the Rescue Mission, so we would like to provide multiple pairs of socks for children, men and women.  We are asking that each child provides $3-5 towards the purchase of new socks.  As a 1st-7th grade SHC group, we will be walking to the Dollar General store next week (approx. 2 blocks from school) to purchase socks that will be delivered to the mission.  If you would like to purchase socks on your own and bring them to school, that is fine too!  Please send in your sock donation by next week Monday.

CHAPEL:  On Wednesday, December 19 at 1:00p.m. we will have our all-school Christmas Chapel in the gym.  

JINGLE JOG:   On Thursday, December 20 at 10:00-10:30a.m. our class will be running in the Jingle Jog.  Parents are invited to meet in the gym or hallways to cheer on your child!  Additional information will be sent home from Mrs. Miller this week.

Festival of Christmas Concert Don’t miss our ZCS “Festival of Christmas” Concert, now scheduled for Thurs., Dec.  20 in the school gym at 7 pm. This is not the date originally published, so please change your calendar. That way you won’t miss all the great Christmas music from our school bands and choirs. We’ve added the grade 5 students to the performers this year! Come and hear traditional carols arranged as swing tunes, marches, and in medleys. Plus, you’ll hear something symphonic from the 7/8 band, and enjoy this year’s debut of the 8th grade vocal ensemble.

ZCS Curriculum Connection: The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are new math and language arts guidelines that ZCS will be implementing over the next year. The goal of the CCSS is to make sure that students are college and career ready when they leave high school. The ZCS teachers have been learning about the CCSS and looking at how our ZCS curriculum aligns to these new standards.  As we shift to the Common Core State Standards, we will be changing how we assess students annually.  In the year 2014-2015, ZCS students will no longer take the Math or Language Arts MEAP, but will take the new Smarter Balanced Assessments.  These assessments will be taken online, will combine performance and response items, and will allow us to access results more quickly.  For more information, check out http://www.smarterbalanced.org/parents-students/.

Dates to Remember:

Thursday, December 20- Classroom Christmas party at 1:00

Christmas Vacation:  December 22-January 6

Classes Resume:  January 7, 2013

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Walters

December 3-7, 2012

December 2, 2012

As we enter the season of Advent, my prayer is that you will be able to take time as a family to ponder and reflect on the coming of Christ’s birth.  We will also consider God’s amazing plan of salvation through his son, Jesus as we prepare to celebrate his birthday!  We will intentionally pause to reflect on God’s word through prophecy, preparation for his birth and prophecy fulfilled!  May the glory and wonder of Jesus' birth fill you with his peace and presence!

We have several things to remember this week!

Psalm 100 memory work- Postponed to this week Monday, due to a birthday celebration :) and farewell party for Miss Rhodes, our Hope College student last week.  Students will share their great memory work on Monday.  Our next passage,  Luke 2: 6-20, will be sent home this week.  Please work on this at home, as it is a long passage- Due on Wednesday, December 19.  This will be a fill-in-the-blank format, with a word bank included.  We will also work on it at school, adding motions and fun gestures too!

Monday, December  3:

• Students should be prepared to share what they have learned during the Science Weather unit. I can’t wait to see what they have been working on!! 
• Students should also bring their text books to class for a quick check on Wednesday- I’ll send them back home on Thursday!  (Feel free to e-mail me if there is additional information regarding how your child processed the information- discussion, written work, vocabulary work, activities, etc.)
• Weather chart is also due on Monday. 

Tuesday, December 4 - Wednesday, December 19

The Solar System science unit home study:

• Utilize the online teacher’s edition (lessons, virtual labs, inquiry lessons, readers), websites (see Google site in addition to others)
• Please work on the key concepts from the curriculum, as well as supplementing with the other grade level content, online resources, or books from the library!  Have fun with many hands-on learning opportunities!
• December 19- We will again celebrate students hard work and learning with a culminating project, presentation, demonstration, keynote, video, model, poster, etc.

Solar System Units:

Grade 2:  Unit 8

Lesson 1:  What Are Planets and Stars?

Lesson 2:  What Causes Day and Night?

Lesson 3:  (Inquiry Lesson)  How Can We Model Day and Night?

Also People in Science and Engineering and Technology

Grade 4:  Unit 6

Lesson 1:  How Do the Sun, Earth, and Moon Interact?

Lesson 2:  What Are Moon Phases?

Lesson 3:  (Inquiry Lesson)  How Does the Moon Move Around Earth?

Lesson 4:  What Are the Planets in our Solar System?

Lesson 5 (Inquiry Lesson)  How Can We Model the Sun and Planets?

Also People in Science and Engineering and Technology

Grade 5:   Unit 12

Lessons 1, 2, and 3

Christmas Party- December 20:  We look forward to celebrating Christ’s birth together in class on Thursday, Dec. 20.  We will be exchanging names to create Christmas cards for each other.  (We will not be exchanging gifts, but will exchange special notes, made at home, on hand-made/decorated cards.)  During the party, we will play a few games, create a craft and of course, enjoy a little food!  If you would like to help facilitate the games, craft, or snacks, please let me know!  The party will be after lunch recess from 1:00-2:00 pm.

Service Project:  Mr. Heeres and I will be finalizing details this week.  Details and information will be sent home soon regarding our class service opportunity as we reach out to others during the Christmas season!

Box Tops:  It’s time to collect Box Tops again.  Please take a few minutes to cut the box tops off of the products you use in your home and send them in to school with your children. This is a class competition, so bring in the box tops! 

Dates to Remember:

Thursday, December 20- Classroom Christmas party

Christmas Vacation:  December 22-January 6

Class Resumes:  January 7, 2013

Have a great week!!

Blessings,

Mrs. Walters

November 27-30, 2012

November 27, 2012

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving vacation and had many opportunities to build lasting family memories together!  We have many great things planned as we begin the four-week stretch leading up to Christmas!  Mr. Heeres and I will be putting together opportunities for service with our students during these next few weeks. We will be sharing these opportunities with you soon! These next four weeks have a way of passing so quickly, so I really want to use these weeks before Christmas to focus on quality instruction and be intentional to focus on Christ’s birth and the true meaning of Christmas!

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for your incredible thoughtfulness and generosity for  my birthday!  I’ve included the picture above to help you see what fun we had celebrating as a class!  I am truly blessed to have the privilege of working with such an amazing group of students and their families!  

Also, thank you for your support for His Harvest Stand, and Parkview Home in Zeeland.  We, at ZCS, appreciate your support to the community!  Also, thank you for your donations to our prayer partner, Teacher Marlene, in our sister school in the Philippines.  We will be sending a baby gift to her this week, with other donations that were collected by ZCS families.  Thank you for your thoughtfulness!

Our work for this week was included in the blog posted before Thanksgiving, but I wanted to share additional information for this week:

               Thursday: ZCS "Family" Meeting - Nov. 29 - 7 p.m. - Media Center
All parents, grandparents and friends are encouraged to attend an important meeting on Nov. 29.  Principal Bill Van Dyk and the ZCS Board will share information on the amazing growth ZCS has experienced over the last few years.  They'll also talk about the opportunities and challenges that come with that growth.  Special focus will be on building a new middle school addition.  There will also be a Q & A  time for attendees to ask ZCS questions.  Visit www.zcs.org/strong-together for more information!

Things to keep in mind:

Wednesday, Nov. 28:
Students should say Psalm 100 to me.  (Next passage- Luke 2: 6-20)
Book Fair “Shopping” visit-11:00am-Media Center

Monday, Dec. 3:
Students should be prepared to share what they have learned during the Science Weather unit. I can’t wait to see what they have been working on!!
Weather chart is due.

Box Tops:  It’s time to collect Box Tops again.  Please take a few minutes to cut the box tops off of the products you use in your home and send them in to school with your children.  

ZCS Curriculum Connection: ZCS teachers have been learning about
Project Based Learning (PBL). We are looking at how to take the information that
students learn and present it in a new way through a project or problem to solve. PBL focuses on content, but also on real-life skills that our students will need.  If
you’d like to learn more about PBL, check out:  http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=LMCZvGesRz8&feature=plcp. 

As teachers develop the PBL units they are thinking about how to incorporate "21st Century Skills". To learn more about 21st Century Skills, check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0xa98cy-Rw.

Have a wonderful week!

Blessings,

Mrs. Walters

Nov. 19 and 20, and Nov. 26-30, 2012

November 19, 2012
Monday

Happy Thanksgiving!  I pray that each of your families will experience God's rich blessings during this Thanksgiving week!  I thank God for each of your children that I am privileged to work with each week!  I pray that "The God of hope will fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13  Blessings for a wonderful week filled with gratitude to God.

Here are some things to keep in mind during this short week.  I've included lessons for this week and next week on the blog to give you a bigger overview of where we are headed in the next two weeks.
Lesson materials for this week will be sent home Monday.  Lesson materials for next week will be sent home next week Monday.

I am looking forward to meeting with each of you at conferences this week on Monday after school and on Tuesday during the day and evening scheduled times.  Please take a few minutes to write a special note for your child and leave it in his/her desk!  Your encouragement leaves a huge impression on your child!  Also, I will have a slide show running in the hallway to show some of the things we have done at school this fall.  Enjoy the great pictures of your children!

During conferences, feel free to bring in donations for His Harvest Stand or Parkview Home.  The last day to receive donations is on Tuesday, as they will be distributed after school on Tuesday.  Thank you for your generosity!

Last week Thursday, your child received a friendship bracelet, which needed to be assembled.  Directions were in the bag.  Students are encouraged to wear the bracelet during these next few weeks at school to remind each other that here at ZCS, we are a strong school, with many wonderfl educational options for our children where we can share Christ's love and represent one, strong, unit- called Zeeland Christian. 

This bracelet is a symbol to help us remember the wonderful way God is shaping Zeeland Christian and reminding us how as we continue to grow we celebrate many blessings, and may face challenges along the way.  Parents, grandparents, and the community is invited to attend a November 29 information meeting to hear about the exciting, yet challenging projected growth for ZCS in the few short years ahead.  I hope you can make it to the Nov. 29 meeting at 7:00 in the media center!
See the link to hear Mr. VanDyk explain the significance of the bracelets. 
LINK:  http://vimeo.com/53627644

Students have been asking when we will be having our "Ticket Celebration" at school, which is similar to a store, where students can buy miscellaneous items from our treasure box.  They have been earning tickets all marking period each week for the jobs they do in the classroom.  We will plan to have our celebration next week Thursday afternoon, November 29.  I have gathered a few things to donate to the prize box, but we could use additional donations of gently used toys or books that students no longer use at home, but might appeal to other students.  If you'd like to pick up a couple items from the Dollar Store, that would also be greatly appreciated!  Items such as candy, matchbox cars, books, a can of pop, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, pens, highlighters, etc. are big hits!  Students may bring in their donations anytime before next Thursday.

Also, if students have school pictures that they would like to trade with their classmates, will be sharing pictures next week Monday, November 26.  Students may bring their pictures to school on Monday if they wish to trade with their friends.

Blessings for a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends!

Mrs. Walters

November 12-part 2- Concert info.

Dear Parents,

I just wanted to remind you of the elementary concert tomorrow evening at Community Reformed Church.  Students should arrive no earlier than 6:45 in the gym (to find it- from the sanctuary- go out the doors to the left of the stage, cross the hall and enter the gym).  I will have a quiet activity that students may do while they wait for the program at 7:00. **Also, for new parents- the auditorium fills up VERY quickly, so you may want to come early to find a seat. Your children may sit with you if you arrive prior to 6:45, then escort them to the gym, please. Don't forget your camera!:)

Also, I wanted to remind you about the rehearsal tomorrow morning at 10:30 to noon.  Please have students arrive at 10:15 in my classroom.  At 10:25, they will walk to the class that they attend choir with.  They will then be able to be in the bleachers with their class.  I will be in the gym during rehearsal as well.  You may pick up your child in our classroom at noon. 

Mrs. TenHaken told teachers that the rehearsal is very important for students, and she especially asked if the SHC students were going to attend. I'm hoping to see students in our classroom by 10:15 tomorrow for the rehearsal.  Please let me know if you are not able to to come for the rehearsal tomorrow, or the concert in the evening.


Tomorrow, because of choir practice time at school, please feel free to modify the schedule, but make sure you work on math, spelling, reading, and Bible.  Science is next on the priority list and something you will continue working on all week, so if you run out of time, you can continue later this week.  Also, do not worry about Handwriting for tomorrow.

Thank you!

Julie

November 12, 2012

November 12, 2012

Dear Parents!
Welcome to a new week!  Please note that the blog lesson plans for today and tomorrow have been updated, as well as the Bible lesson for Tuesday.  I will post the rest of the week's lessons this afternoon!  This past weekend I shared in my parent's 50th wedding anniversary celebration, hosting a large group for an open house!  What a wonderful treasure their 50 years have been!  It reminds me of the legacy and commitment to sharing our faith with our children!

I am looking forward to jumping into learning this week.  Please look for a letter in your child's notebook today which details some transitions that we will be making in the next week regarding science and social studies, as well as a few other changes.  I am excited about this transition, as I think it will better represent who we are and the collaborative aspect of our program!  You will also see your child's science workbook in their backpack. The book may stay at home, as you will be using it, in addition to other resources, to learn about our weather unit this month as well as future units of study!

Blessings,

Mrs. Walters

News, Notes, and Lesson Plans for Nov. 5-9, 2012

Mrs. Walters’ Blog News for the week of November 5-9, 2012

Dear Parents,

What an amazing celebration of God’s faithfulness through generations as we celebrated Grandparents Day on Friday!  Students, seated in the bleachers, joined the hundreds of grandparents, seated facing the bleachers, singing praises and worshiping God.  God’s Spirit was a definite presence at ZCS!  I loved the opportunity to meet grandparents and see how excited the students were to share about their learning in our classroom!  They are always welcome to visit our classroom anytime!

There are many details about upcoming activities and events in this week’s note, as well as a special note about the elementary choir concert:

• Just a reminder, that because Zeeland Public Schools does not have school this week Monday or Tuesday, there is no hot lunch or bussing November 5 or 6.

• Parent – Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, Nov. 19 and Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 4:00-8:30 pm. There are additional times available for parents of School/Home Collaborative students during the school day on Tuesday.  You will notice that the time slots online begin at 1:00pm.  In addition, if you would like to schedule a morning conference on Tuesday, please feel free to e-mail me.  

• Scheduling for conferences is open online until November 12. Be sure to sign up by 10:00 pm on Nov. 12 as the system will close after that time. Virtual Paragon (the conference system) can be accessed from a link on the ZCS home page at www.zcs.org. The school’s master password will be mailed to you along with general directions. You will be able to use the same username and password that you used in the spring if you asked the system to save your information. Parents new to the system will have an opportunity to set up an account. If you have any questions please contact Barb Rininger at 879-0301.

• School Picture retakes will be held on Thursday, November 8.  You should have received your child’s pictures last week.  If you would like to have your child participate in retakes, and you are replacing your package, please send your picture packet to school with your child. Additional forms are available in the office.

• Fall Elementary Musical program at Community Reformed Church on November 13-   Students should arrive at Community no earlier than 6:45 in the gym and find their classroom teacher.

• Extra Rehearsal:  Tuesday, Nov. 13 rehearsal for the elementary concert at 10:30 AM until noon in the gym.  We will modify the curriculum expectations on the home day to include the rehearsal time!

• Note from Mrs. TenHaken and Mr. Schonewill:

Dear Parents,

Our fall choir concert is right around the corner! The students have been working hard and are excited to show you what they are learning in choir and music class.  The concert is on Tuesday, November 13 at 7pm  at Community Reformed Church in Zeeland.  All 1st-5th graders need to be in the church gym at 6:50; please do not drop them off before 6:45 as there will not be supervision earlier. Have your child wear a solid, bright colored top and dress pants to the concert (no jeans please).

If you have any questions or concerns check out the music blog at zcsmusic.blogspot.com or email me. Thanks for all of your support! I am excited to see you all at the concert!

Sincerely,
Kelli TenHaken and  Kevin Schonewill
ktenhaken@zcs.org

• First Grade Thanksgiving Feast on Friday, November 16- at school with all of the ZCS first grade students.  Please let me know if your child is planning to attend.  On Monday, November 12, first grade students will participate with Mrs. Zwiep’s class in a Thanksgiving and pilgrim morning of learning.

• Opportunity to serve our friends at Grace Community Christian School in the Philippines:  As a school, we will be collecting several items to send to our sister school in the Philippines.  Our SHC class is going to focus on contributing hygiene items like soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.  I am excited about this opportunity to serve our friends in the Philippines!  In addition, my teacher prayer partner is Teacher Marlene, who us expecting a baby soon!  We will be sending Christmas cards to her class and a small baby gift as well.  If you would like to donate $1-2 towards a baby gift, we will add the gift and Christmas cards to the donated items that will be sent out at the end of November.  If you would like to donate other items, as listed in the Blue Note, feel free to bring them to either our classroom, or the tables set up in the front of school.

• ZCS Town Hall Meeting on November 29 With many blessing come many challenges. The way we teach and the way kids learn is changing. More kids than ever before are enrolled at ZCS. Our school is evolving and our facility needs are too. Join us at 7:00 pm on Nov. 29 in the Media Center for an open, interactive discussion about the urgent space issues at ZCS and our potential solutions.

• Upcoming Dates:

November 9- Report Cards will be posted online
November 13- Fall Elementary Musical program at Community Reformed Church.  Students should arrive at Community no earlier than 6:45 in the gym and find their classroom teacher.
November 19-20- Parent Teacher Conferences- Evenings/ School is in session
November 21-23- Thanksgiving Vacation- No School
November 29- ZCS Town Hall Meeting

You and your families continue to be in my prayers!

Blessings,

Mrs. Walters

October 29-November 2, 2012- Blog News

Mrs. Walters’ Blog News for the week of October 29 - November 2, 2012

"Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation."  Joel 1:3   I pray that each generation would leave a legacy of faith to the next generation! 

Dear Parents,

I am looking forward to meeting several grandparents on Friday for Grandparent Day!  If I have not yet heard from you letting me know about our family’s plans for this special day, please let me know! 

Schedule:
All school Chapel  for grades K-8
9:10-9:15 Welcome from Mr. Van Dyk
9:15-10:00 Chapel
10:00-10:20 Coffee with staff
10:20-11:30 Visit any classroom
11:30-12:00 Lunch with grandchildren in the classrooms- or SHC children may be dismissed with their grandparent at this time.

Parent – Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, Nov. 19 and Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 4:00-8:30 pm. Scheduling will be online from Nov. 1-12. Be sure to sign up by 10:00 pm on Nov. 12 as the system will close after that time. Virtual Paragon (the conference system) can be accessed from a link on the ZCS home page at www.zcs.org. The school’s master password will be mailed to you along with general directions. You will be able to use the same username and password that you used in the spring if you asked the system to save your information. Parents new to the system will have an opportunity to set up an account. If you have any questions please contact Barb Rininger at
879-0301.

ZCS will be having full days of school on both Monday and Tuesday; however, SHC parents are welcome to sign up for a conference time during the day on Tuesday, as well as the evening options. 

School Picture retakes will be held on November 8.  Pictures that were taken earlier will be available for viewing soon, which will give you the opportunity to pursue retakes if you wish.

Friday, November 16- First Grade Thanksgiving Feast- at school with all of the ZCS first grade students.  Please let me know if your child is planning to attend.

I am in the process of adding new website links and songs to our SHC Google Site.  Each week I will attach this Blog note to the website as well.  The link is:
Link: https://sites.google.com/a/zcs.org/university-model-program-mrs-walters/

I will also be adding additional photos from our Writer's Celebration to our site as well!

Upcoming Dates:
November 2-  Grandparents Day
November 9- Report Cards will be posted
November 13- Fall Elementary Musical program at Community Reformed Church.  Students should arrive at Community no earlier than 6:45 in the gym and find their classroom teacher.
November 19-20- Parent Teacher Conferences- Evenings/ School is in session
November 21-23- Thanksgiving Vacation- No School

You and your families continue to be in my prayers!

Blessings,

Mrs. Walters

A few notes for Friday, Oct. 26, 2012

Dear Parents,                                                                                                      October 25, 2012

I wanted to let you know that I've loaded the song, "66 Books of the Bible" to the SHC google site - see the "music" tab on the side bar.   You'll notice the song is listed in 2 different formats.  The top format is one that you can simply "play" and listen, without downloading, which is nice for students to listen to - without adding a lot of downloaded "stuff" to either your family computer, or to their laptop.   The second format will require you to download the song, which you may do if you choose.
I will be working to add songs to this page on the google site so students can access music that we sing in class to reinforce/enrich our curriculum!

Also, I sent home a "Time for Kids" election packet for older grades.  This is an optional packet of information, to be used as extra credit during these few weeks prior to the election.  We will be covering the electoral college in detail and connecting this directly to the actual election.  Feel free to use this material as supplemental material.  If your child did not receive this packet and you'd like to work on it together with your child, I'll be happy to sent one home, just let me know!

We have had a wonderful week at school together!  Thank you to the parents who brought treats and juice boxes to school for our celebration!  The kids were excited to "toast" each other before listening to each others' stories!  I am so excited to see students' wonderful writing and presentation of their stories today!  We had a great celebration this morning and students read their stories using a microphone to everyone in class!  i have pictures of each student and I'll be adding those to our blog and/or google site soon!    Also, students did an amazing job creating commercials this week - we have a few yet to hear/see on Monday. 

We are also working to finalize the science posters- using the laptop application Kidspiration to organize information at a very basic level to introduce the application using curriculum; as well as using a "pencil and paper" type format with posters too.  I'm very happy with the dual formats for their work.  Next week, we'll introduce another application, "Pages" to create a brochure highlighting details of a region of the U.S. 

i have received a few pictures of grandparent's reading from students.  They are great!  If you haven't yet sent these to school, please do so next week.  Feel free to e-mail a picture if that is more convenient.  I'd be happy to print it at school. Also, you will notice 4 yellow "Grandparents Day" handouts in  your child's red folder- 2 for grandmas and 2 for grandpas.  These will be added to your child's spiritual journal.  It is not necessary to return to school before Grandparents Day, or whether or not your child will be attending Grandparents Day.  We at ZCS, are working to be intentional to foster opportunities to help families leave a legacy of faith to their children and grandchildren.  These yellow interview sheets are a wonderful way for grandparents to share their heart for their grandchildren.  Feel free to mail it to out-of-town grandparents, asking them to return them when complete so children can bring them back to school.  Thank you so much for your help to add this special piece of a faith story for your child!

Blessings for a great weekend!

Julie

10.22.12-10.26.12

-->Mrs. Walters’ Blog News for the week of October 22-26, 2012

“These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, ² so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. ³ Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.

⁴ Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ⁵ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”       Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Dear Parents,

I am passionate about not only continuing to develop the partnership that we share as we strive toward academic excellence, but also coming along side you, as parents, to nurture and equip your children in their faith journey!  I consider the Deuteronomy passage to be one that challenges me personally as a parent, but also as a teacher, to be used by God to foster spiritual growth and disciplines in my students, your children.  I count it a privilege as well as a great responsibility to share God, his son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit with your children so that they may “love the Lord THEIR God with all their heart, soul and strength.”

I hope that your family enjoyed a wonderful long weekend together!  Last week Thursday and Friday, I attended the CEA/MANS convention in Grand Rapids. The theme for the weekend was "Celebrating the Past ~ Looking Toward the Future".  I was reminded through video testimonials of the generations of students who have been given the gift of a Christian education and the legacy those who have come before our students are leaving for the future generations.   I was also challenged and inspired by great speakers as I attended many sectionals.  I am excited to continue to work to strengthen the use of technology in the SHC program, as this generation of students will become more and more adept as they use technology in every facet of their lives! 

You and your families continue to be in my prayers!

Blessings,

Mrs. Walters

Here is the School/Home Collaborative and ZCS news and notes for the week!

Follow the School/Home Collaborative program on the new Google site link!

Link: https://sites.google.com/a/zcs.org/university-model-program-mrs-walters/

Take a look at the new Google SHC site, which includes website suggestions which compliment the curriculum, SHC Weekly newsletters, link to the blog, as well as photos of students. 

Grandparents Day- Friday, November 2:  Grandparents Day is a wonderful time for both students and grandparents as they celebrate this special day together! If your child(ren) is/are  planning to attend, please let me know by Friday!  Schedule:
All school Chapel  for grades K-8
9:10-9:15 Welcome from Mr. Van Dyk
9:15-10:00 Chapel
10:00-10:20 Coffee with staff
10:20-11:30 Visit any classroom
11:30-12:00 Lunch with grandchildren in the classrooms- or SHC children may be dismissed with their grandparent at this time.

Please remember to bring in pictures of grandparents reading! We would love to display many pictures of their grandparents reading books, newspapers, Bibles, etc. in their favorite chair, spot, etc. These can be posed or spontaneous shots, and can be of various sizes. They may be pictures of only the grandparents reading, or can include their grandchildren in the picture as well!  We will display the pictures either outside our door or inside our classroom.  We are hoping this will not only be a fun thing for grandparents to see, but will also show our children that enjoyment of reading is a lifelong pleasure.  Please send in your pictures by this week by Thursday, October 25! 

School Picture retakes will be held on November 8.  Pictures that were taken earlier will be available for viewing soon, which will give you the opportunity to pursue retakes if you wish.

Parents of 4th-7th Graders: The ZCS Destination Imagination program is about to kick off for the year. Student “try-out” forms are due back on Oct. 24. The success of the program, though, depends on parent coaches. If you are wondering what is involved in being a DI coach, please attend a brief informational meeting with Mr. Joustra in Conference Room 50 on Monday, Oct. 22, at either 2:40 or 3:40.

Book-It!  We are wrapping up the October Book It reading goal at the end of the month.  As your child completes the pizza goal sheet, please send it to school to redeem the Pizza Hut coupon for a free personal pan pizza!  Great job students!

Field Trips:  Stay up to date with the Google calendar posted on the blog.

Friday, November 16- First Grade Thanksgiving Feast- at school with all of the ZCS first grade students.  Please let me know if your child is planning to attend.

Parent – Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, Nov. 19 and Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 4:00-8:30 pm. Scheduling will be online from Nov. 1-12. Be sure to sign up by 10:00 pm on Nov. 12 as the system will close after that time. Virtual Paragon (the conference system) can be accessed from a link on the ZCS home page at www.zcs.org. The school’s master password will be mailed to you along with general directions. You will be able to use the same username and password that you used in the spring if you asked the system to save your information. Parents new to the system will have an opportunity to set up an account. If you have any questions please contact Barb Rininger at

879-0301. 

ZCS will be having full days of school on both Monday and Tuesday; however, SHC parents are welcome to sign up for a conference time during the day on Tuesday, as well as the evening options. 

Note ZCS Calendar Date Change: In March, 2013: We will have off from school on Monday, March 4, for Parent/Teacher Conferences, not Tuesday, March 5. Please make this change on your calendars.

Upcoming Dates:

November 2-  Grandparents Day

November 13- Fall Elementary Musical program at Community Reformed Church

November 19-20- Parent Teacher Conferences- Evenings/ School is in session

November 21-23- Thanksgiving Vacation- No School

Have a great week!

Mrs. Walters

October 15-17, 2012

 Mrs. Walters’ Blog News for the week of October 15-18, 2012

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable his judgements, and his paths beyond tracing out!  Who has known the mind of the Lord?  Or who has been his counselor?  Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?  For from him and through him and to him are all things.  To him be the glory forever! Amen.”  Romans 11:33-36

It is my prayer for each child, that as they continue to grow and learn, they will be filled with wisdom that comes from God.  When I think of the mind of the Lord, I realize that he, our all-knowing God, has given us the rich gift to fill our minds with thoughts focused on Him in praise, as well as the privilege of learning and growing!  What an awesome God we serve!

Enjoy the short week and your long weekend!

Blessings!

Mrs. Walters

Here is this week’s news and notes!

Grandparent/Grand-friend Day- November 2:  Please let me know if your child and adults will be attending the Friday, Nov. 2 activities!  Our SHC classes will have a shortened morning of activities, and will dismiss at 11:30.  Students may leave with their grand friends, or you may pick them up at that time. 

We have received a challenge to have students bring in pictures of grandparents reading! The plan is to have your children to bring in pictures of their grandparents reading books, newspapers, Bibles, etc. in their favorite chair, spot, etc. These can be posed or spontaneous shots, and can be of various sizes. They may be pictures of only the grandparents reading, or can include their grandchildren in the picture as well!  We will display the pictures either outside our door or inside our classroom.  We are hoping this will not only be a fun thing for grandparents to see, but will also show our children that enjoyment of reading is a lifelong pleasure.  Please send in your pictures by October 25! 

Doors will be locked:

For security reasons, Zeeland Christian staff will be locking all of the exterior doors to our school after 9:00 a.m. except for one door in the preschool, one door behind school on the south side, which is in the middle school area by the Walcott Memorial, and one door in the front of school by the flagpole. Please make a note of this. If you come to school after 9:00, you'll need to use one of these doors.

Curriculum Notes: 

            Social Studies- We are continuing The Election Process presentations and debate for the “First Cat” or “First Dog” in the White House.  We will be soon transitioning to the actual 2012 election.

Book-It!  Keep up the great work reading for the Book-It incentive!  For only 15 minutes of reading per day, your child can easily win a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut!  It is also a great way to encourage a wonderful love for reading!  As soon as your child completes the Pizza Hut incentive chart, he/she may turn it in for a coupon for a personal pan pizza!

Note Date Change: In March, 2013: We will have off from school on Monday, March 4, for Parent/Teacher Conferences, not Tuesday, March 5. Please make this change on your calendars.

Upcoming Dates:

October 18-19- CEA Teachers Convention- No School Thursday or Friday

November 2- Grandparents Day- The SHC classes will meet on Nov. 2 (Fri) for an abbreviated morning schedule to celebrate Grandparents Day!

November 13- Fall Elementary Musical program at Community Reformed Church

November 19-20- Parent Teacher Conferences- Evenings/ School is in session

November 21-23- Thanksgiving Vacation

Have a great week!

Blessings,

Mrs. Walters

October 8-12, 2012

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Mrs. Walters’ Blog News for the week of October 8-12, 2012

 “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.” ~ Isaiah 26:4

One of my favorite devotional books is Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young.  Through this author, God reminds me of his great love, and his desire that we enjoy a deep, personal relationship with him.  The October 6 message reminds me again of the theme verse for the School/Home Collaborative program, Proverbs 3:6.   I am reminded that Jesus calls us to follow him wholeheartedly, “with glad anticipation quickening our pace”.

As the SHC program is now in it's second year, I wait with eager anticipation and look forward to seeing God's plan to grow and shape the program.  Please continue to pray with me for God’s guidance as we seek to meet the needs of students and partner closely with you, such supportive parents.  We are excited about the amazing potential for growing collaboration and the resources in technology, which will help students blossom as independent learners.

Have a great week!

Blessings!

Mrs. Walters

Here is this week’s news and notes!

Curriculum Notes:  

            Social Studies- The Election Process: You will notice a change in the lesson plan format this week.  We are excited to begin a PBL unit on the election process.  We will be doing this as a whole class using laptops and online resources.  We will take a break from the MC3 curriculum, incorporating news about the current election process and learning more about our government and our role as citizens.

            Science- In addition, because the new Science units in both 2^nd and 4^th grade are similar in topic, we will also be learning as a whole group, incorporating materials from both the 2^nd and 4^th grade curriculum for all students in addition to other resources.

Field Trips:  Stay up to date with the Google calendar posted on the blog.

First grade students will be going to the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum this week Friday morning from 8:45-12:30.

Just a reminder:  When a field trip falls on a “school” day, please plan that your child will attend the event with the students in our class from their grade, as well as students in the traditional classes.  However, if a trip is planned and it falls on a “home” day, students and parents may choose whether or not to participate.  Teachers have asked to know if your child is attending the field trip at least one week prior to the trip for planning and driving purposes.  Please e-mail me if your child will be going on the trip so I can let that classroom teacher know and help arrange transportation.

Book-It!  I have noticed many of the students have already begun the Book-It reading program.  For only 15 minutes of reading per day, your child can easily win a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut!  It is also a great way to encourage a wonderful love for reading!  As soon as your child completes the Pizza Hut incentive chart, he/she may turn it in for a coupon for a personal pan pizza!

Note Date Change: In March, 2013: We will have off from school on Monday, March 4, for Parent/Teacher Conferences, not Tuesday, March 5. Please make this change on your calendars.

Upcoming Dates:

October 18-19- CEA Teachers Convention- No School

November 2- Grandparents Day- The SHC classes will meet on Nov. 2 (Fri) for an abbreviated morning schedule to celebrate Grandparents Day!

Have a great week!

Blessings,

Mrs. Walters

October 1-5, 12

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Mrs. Walters’ Blog News for the week of October 1-5, 2012

“The glorious God is the only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords…God will be honored and his power will last forever.”

I Timothy 6:15-17

I love to be reminded of God’s promises for us, his dearly loved children!  I pray that you will be touched by His power and His presence this week, and that you will see God as our amazing Ruler and King!  I am in awe, that even as our all-powerful King, he deeply desires to have a wonderful relationship with each one of us.  I love the devotional Jesus Calling, and a complement devotional Jesus Calling For Kids.  In it, author Sarah Young reminds us that God wants us to come to him…to come, draw near, and he will give us a quiet place to rest, and that He has the power to take care of us! 

I pray that God will shower you with His blessings this week as you seek to follow Him, to be in the palm of His hand, and reach out to others!

Blessings!

Mrs. Walters

Here is the upcoming news and notes!  Also if you are not receiving the ZCS Blue Note on a weekly basis, please let the office staff know!

School Pictures- Make up day is November 8.  Pictures that were taken today will be available for viewing in the next few weeks, which will give you the opportunity to pursue retakes if you wish.

Field Trips:  Stay up to date with the Google calendar posted on the blog.

Upcoming Trips:

10/3- 3^rd Grade- Outdoor Discovery Center- Native American Study (Wednesday)

10/12- 1^st Grade- Grand Rapids Children museum (Friday- AM)

Just a reminder:  When a field trip falls on a “school” day, please plan that your child will attend the event with the students in our class from their grade, as well as students in the traditional classes.  However, if a trip is planned and it falls on a “home” day, students and parents may choose whether or not to participate.  Teachers have asked to know if your child is attending the field trip at least one week prior to the trip for planning and driving purposes.  Please e-mail me if your child will be going on the trip so I can let that classroom teacher know and help arrange transportation.

PBL- Mini-Lesson:  Thank you for attending the PBL sharing time today!  It was such a joy to watch all of the students- your kids- interact with you and the other parents, as well as and grow in their confidence as they shared their learning!  Thank you for continuing to show your support by coming to your child’s learning celebrations!

Book-It!  I have noticed many of the students have already begun the Book-It reading program.  For only 15 minutes of reading per day, your child can easily win a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut!  It is also a great way to encourage a wonderful love for reading!

Math Pentathlon is a fun, after school program (Tuesday, 2:45-3:45 for middle school students, and 3:45-4:45 for elementary) that begins October 9 and will run through mid-March. This is a program for students of all abilities who enjoy playing games and some friendly competition. Registration is from 9/19 through 9/28, and forms are available in the office, in classrooms and outside of the Resource Room, in the front hallway. Please contact Mrs. Patnott (ppatnott@zcs.org) with any questions.

Online Social Studies website:  If you do not have the MC3 curriculum on your child’s laptop, please let me know.  I believe that just about everyone has provided a flash drive for the information and lessons!

Note Date Change: In March, 2013: We will have off from school on Monday, March 4, for Parent/Teacher Conferences, not Tuesday, March 5. Please make this change on your calendars.

Upcoming Dates:

October 6- Pumpkin Parade- This Saturday!

October 18-19- CEA Teachers Convention- No School

November 2- Grandparents Day- The SHC classes will meet on Nov. 2 (Fri) for an abbreviated morning schedule to celebrate Grandparents Day!

Have a great week!

Blessings,

Mrs. Walters

9.24-9.28.12

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Mrs. Walters’ Blog News 

September 24-28, 2012

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. 

He is my God, and I will praise him.

Exodus 15:2

Once again, I ask you to join me in praising God for the new week that lies ahead and for the reminder from scripture that HE is our strength and song.  I will praise him for who he is and how he continues to fashion us into his image, shaping and molding us, like clay, to become like him.  I am looking forward to an exciting week, where we can welcome Roman and Brandon Johnson to our School/Home Collaborative community!  I pray that they would be easily and quickly enfolded into the wonderful group of kids in our class!  Also, please introduce yourselves to their mom, Stacey too, as they have recently moved from Tennessee!

There continue to be many activities to look forward to.  Watch the ZCS Blue Note, as well as our blog closely for upcoming dates and info!

School Pictures:  Our class will be having pictures taken next week Monday, October 1.  Information and an order form will be coming home today. 

Field Trips:  Stay up to date with the Google calendar posted on the blog.

Upcoming Trips:

9/24- 2^nd Grade- Crane’s Orchard and picnic lunch- bring sack lunch (Monday)

9/26- 3^rd Grade- Van Raalte Farm- Plants on the Move (Wednesday)

10/3- 3^rd Grade- Outdoor Discovery Center- Native American Study (Wednesday)

10/12- 1^st Grade- Grand Rapids Children museum (Friday- AM)

When a field trip falls on a “school” day, please plan that your child will attend the event with the students in our class from their grade, as well as students in the traditional classes.  However, if a trip is planned and it falls on a “home” day, students and parents may choose whether or not to participate.  Teachers have asked to know if your child is attending the field trip at least one week prior to the trip for planning and driving purposes.  Please e-mail me if your child will be going on the trip so I can let that classroom teacher know and help arrange transportation.

Math Pentathlon is a fun, after school program (Tuesday, 2:45-3:45 for middle school students, and 3:45-4:45 for elementary)that begins October 9 and will run through mid-March. This is a program for students of all abilities who enjoy playing games and some friendly competition. Registration is from 9/19 through 9/28, and forms are available in the office, in classrooms and outside of the Resource Room, in the front hallway. Please contact Mrs. Patnott (ppatnott@zcs.org) with any questions.

V.I.P- Very Important Person! Payton Wirebaugh celebrated her birthday just a few days before school started!  She is our V.I.P. this week! 

This year, when your child celebrates his/her birthday, or half-birthday, we will be celebrating the Very Important Person that God has made by having a VIP week, and a special day during that week when your child may share birthday treats.  I will be sending home a note for each child with his/her selected VIP week and ideas for ways your child may want to share more about him/herself!

Online Social Studies website:  There have been a few changes made to the MC3 online Social Studies website for all teachers, as you, and many teachers have found.  It is still possible to access the online curriculum, but it requires a few extra “clicks”.  If you have already sent a flash drive to school, I have copied the curriculum for your child onto the flash drive.  Look for the flash drive in the red SHC folder on Monday.  You will also find directions for copying the flash drive info to your child’s desktop.  This will give you instant access to the lessons and supplemental materials (handouts) without having to download it.

Change of Date in March, 2013:   We will have off from school on Monday, March 4, for Parent/Teacher Conferences, not Tuesday, March 5. Please make this change on your calendars.

Upcoming Dates:

October 6- Pumpkin Parade

October 18-19- CEA Teachers Convention- No School

November 2- Grandparents Day- The SHC classes will meet on Nov. 2 (Fri) for an abbreviated morning schedule to celebrate Grandparents Day!

Please let me know if you have any questions throughout the week!

Blessings,

Mrs. Walters