August 19, 2013
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe that we have officially turned the page of the calendar to August! Teachers are busy working at school to get ready for students to arrive on Monday, August 26 for the afternoon visitation day, beginning at 1:00!
Welcome to ZCS! We welcome two new families to Zeeland Christian and to the SHC program this year! We are delighted and look forward to meeting and building relationships with both the Dryden and Sliedrecht families!
-We welcome Chad and Tammi Dryden to ZCS, with their boys, Attah, in 4th grade, and Kadre, in 7th grade. We look forward to getting to know you! (I heard that Kadre LOVES soccer!)
-We also welcome Tim and Angie Sliedrecht to ZCS and their children, Moses, in 1st grade, Avalien, 2nd grade, and Miriam, in 7th grade. The Sliedrechts will be in Michigan through September, then will be returning as missionaries to Uganda until December, when they will be joining us again in January!
We look forward to getting to know each of these students and their families!
Important Information for the first few weeks of school:
There are a lot of important activities happening during the first few weeks of school!
First Week of School~
We are excited to see students again and hear all about their fun summer vacations! We are planning to have our first SHC day of school on Tuesday, August 27 with the rest of the Zeeland Christian students! There is definitely an exciting feel at ZCS on the first day of school! Our SHC students will come to school for a 1/2 day from 7:40 (middle school) or 8:40 (elementary) until noon. Middle Schoolers will attend the middle school chapel at 8:00 and all of our students will attend the all-school chapel on Tuesday morning at 9:00, where we can worship and praise God for a new school year! Parents are invited to attend as well!
Typically, Tuesdays will be a home-day of learning in the School/Home Collaborative program, but we feel that the first day of school is special at Zeeland Christian and we don't want to miss it! During the first week, students will attend school for the 1/2 day on Tuesday, as well as Wednesday and Thursday (full days). On Friday, there is no school, as we enjoy the Labor Day weekend through Monday, September 2.
Week 1: August 26-August 30~
Monday, August 26- Students are invited to attend the open house from 1:00-2:00. Students can bring their school supplies, and put items in their desks and lockers.
Monday, August 26- Ice Cream Social for new ZCS families!
Tuesday, August 27- Half Day for SHC students (see above for times)
Wednesday, August 28- Full day of school
Wednesday, August 28- Hillside Prayer and Praise service (supper at 6:00pm; service at 7:00pm)
Thursday, August 29- Full day of school
Friday, August 30- NO SCHOOL- Labor Day weekend
Week 2, September 2-6~
-Monday, September 2- No School, Labor Day
-Tuesday, September 3, will be the first "Home-Day" of learning and lesson materials will be sent home on Thursday, August 29.
-Wednesday and Thursday, September 4 and 5- We will have the normal "School-Days" on Wednesday and Thursday, and finish our 4-day week with a "Home-Day" of learning for grades 1-5 on Friday.
-Wednesday, September 4- SHC Middle School and Elementary Parent meetings-
3:45-4:00- Please plan to attend the 1st-8th grade parent meeting for all parents.
4:00-4:20 and 4:20-4:40: 2 identical sessions for Elementary and Middle school.
-Wednesday, September 4 - Friday, September 6- 6th Grade Camp at Camp Geneva.
-Friday, September 6- Middle School- All ZCS students, grades 6-8, will be at Camp Geneva. (See Below)
MIDDLE SCHOOLERS: PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND THE CAMP GENEVA DAY WITH THE ENTIRE MIDDLE SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6. More information will be coming, but please make it a priority to attend this all-middle school camp day.
Week 3, September 9-13: We will jump into a full, five day week, with our regular school and home day schedule.
September 11: ZCS Middle School Information Night- Please watch the Blue Note for the meeting times for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
New Blog site:
We are also excited to launch a new blog site this year with user friendly links to each SHC teacher- Mrs. Patnott, Miss Konyndyk, Mr. Heeres, and Mrs. Walters. Stay tuned as the website is "Under Construction" and will soon be up and running!
We are very excited to see each student for a time of assessment on August 19-21! We love meeting together before school starts so we can meet new students, and reconnect with returning students. We're looking forward to hearing all about their summer, as well as working on some informal assessments together so we can jump into learning to meet individual needs right away when school begins!
Have a great week! Looking forward to seeing you all soon!
Blessings,
Mrs. Walters
for the SHC team- Miss Konyndyk, Mrs. Patnott, and Mr. Heeres
Monday, August 12, 2013
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Final Week of School- June 3-5
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe that we are entering our final week of school! There are a few details I wanted to share with you as we look forward to these last few days of school.
It is hard to believe that we are entering our final week of school! There are a few details I wanted to share with you as we look forward to these last few days of school.
- Monday- Field Day: Students will be enjoying outside field day activities tomorrow with their family groups (grades 1-5)! Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for what looks to be a beautiful, but cooler day! Hot lunch IS available, or you can send a "cold" lunch to school with your child. We will eat lunch together in our classroom. Feel free to stop by anytime during the day to see all of the activities on the ZCS hill!
- Laptop turn in on Wednesday: A laptop form was sent home last week to help your child prepare to return the laptop. Please save any documents, iTunes songs, and photos that you want to keep on a flash drive, as students may not receive the same laptop again in the fall.
- Bussing this week: There will be no bussing Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons.
- Bus Tags: Please be sure to return your child's bus tag to school on Wednesday (or sooner if they are not being used). I did collect most "non-busser" tags last week, but please check your child's backpack, as there will be a $10 charge for any tag not returned. Bussed students tags will be handed in on the child's last bus ride.
- Barnes and Noble- A reading incentive form was sent home last week to encourage your child to continue a regular reading routine throughout the summer. There are many reading programs offered in the area, such as at the Howard Miller library in Zeeland and Herrick Library in Holland. Please encourage your child to READ, READ, READ over the summer! I will also send home a handout with several reading ideas in your child's red folder this week.
- Paper Bag on Wednesday: On Wednesday, as students clean their desk and locker, they will have quite a few items to bring home which may not all fit in their backpack. Please send an extra bag to school with your child to carry everything home!
- Donations to the Philippines: When we empty desks on Wednesday, students have the opportunity to donate pencils, crayons, markers, colored pencils, scissors, etc. to be sent to Grace Christian Community School in the Philippines. Please take a few minutes before Wednesday to decide with your child what could be donated and what should be returned home.
- Passing the Batons: At the end of each school year, students will carry home their own baton which reminds us how we, as parents and teachers work, by God's Spirit, to pass on the baton of FAITH to our children. Each baton contains a special note to remind students of God's continued work in their lives as HE shapes them to become more like Him. Please take a few minutes to read these with your child, place them in a special place during the summer, and return their baton to school in the fall. See this ZCS youtube link which reminds us of our year being "Shaped by Christ" and the privilege and responsibility we have to pass along our faith to our children! LINK: http://youtu.be/j0uO8zPoX_E
It has truly been a blessing to be able to work with you in the education of your children! I am blessed by each child and their amazing ways that they show Jesus to others! I pray that God will bless you, keep you safe over the summer, and that your children will continue to grow in their love for the Lord! I look forward to seeing you again in the fall, and if your schedule allows, for a few summer picnic lunches together too!
In Christ,
Julie Walters
Monday, May 27, 2013
Memorial Day Parade!
Check out the Memorial Day Parade today! Everyone did a great job marching, waving, smiling, and having a great time! Such a wonderful group of kids! So proud that we could march today to be a part of honoring all who have served and sacrificed for our country!
Friday, May 24, 2013
May 27-June 5, 2013
May 24, 2013
Dear Parents,
I pray you will have a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend and will have time to spend with family and friends! It is so hard to believe how quickly this school year has gone and that we have only a little more than a week left of school! We have lots of field trips and events coming up and look forward to the special memories and relationship building opportunities ahead! Please refer to the lesson plans for each day's activities for your child. I look forward to seeing everyone again next week Wednesday, May 29. There are field trips and outings on Wednesday, so dress accordingly.
Looking Ahead:
On Memorial Day, I am planning to march with Isaac, Addie, Alaina, Kenzie, and Sydney. We'll meet on the southwest corner of Cherry St. and South Centennial at 8:45am. Dress in red, white, and blue and I'll see you there! We'll have fun blowing bubbles with the other ZCS students as we march together! Parents will need to check in with me before I can dismiss your child at the end of the parade route.
Market Day: I've posted the link (see the sidebar) to the super 4th grade student commercials. Take a look to see each groups' business product. Well done!
Save your Pop Cans! Mini-Economics Unit: Our class has been talking about ways we can support the World Vision organization and I know some students have been bringing in extra change from odd jobs they have been helping with at home. We have shared an ad with teachers that students created in class and have challenged students to donate "10 For Our Friends"! The elementary grade students will be helping us collect pop cans until May 31 to raise money to purchase rabbits, goats, chickens, or ducks. Please save your pop cans and send them to school anytime before the 31st!
Picnic at Lawrence Park: On the last day of school, our class will be having lunch at Lawrence Park for PIZZA and a few games together. We'd love to have parents and siblings come along too! If you are interested in helping with a relay or other game at the park, please let me know. See the link to RSVP with the number attending from your family and the number of pizza slices your family will eat. We are asking for $2.00 - $3.00 per person to cover the cost of pizza. Link to RSVP
Advance Bussing Notice: Please check the bussing schedule carefully:
Monday, June 3, No am bussing for middle school;
Tuesday, June 4, no am bussing for middle school, no pm bussing for elementary
Wednesday, June 5, no pm bussing for middle and elementary school.
Calendar Information:
Dear Parents,
I pray you will have a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend and will have time to spend with family and friends! It is so hard to believe how quickly this school year has gone and that we have only a little more than a week left of school! We have lots of field trips and events coming up and look forward to the special memories and relationship building opportunities ahead! Please refer to the lesson plans for each day's activities for your child. I look forward to seeing everyone again next week Wednesday, May 29. There are field trips and outings on Wednesday, so dress accordingly.
Looking Ahead:
On Memorial Day, I am planning to march with Isaac, Addie, Alaina, Kenzie, and Sydney. We'll meet on the southwest corner of Cherry St. and South Centennial at 8:45am. Dress in red, white, and blue and I'll see you there! We'll have fun blowing bubbles with the other ZCS students as we march together! Parents will need to check in with me before I can dismiss your child at the end of the parade route.
Market Day: I've posted the link (see the sidebar) to the super 4th grade student commercials. Take a look to see each groups' business product. Well done!
Save your Pop Cans! Mini-Economics Unit: Our class has been talking about ways we can support the World Vision organization and I know some students have been bringing in extra change from odd jobs they have been helping with at home. We have shared an ad with teachers that students created in class and have challenged students to donate "10 For Our Friends"! The elementary grade students will be helping us collect pop cans until May 31 to raise money to purchase rabbits, goats, chickens, or ducks. Please save your pop cans and send them to school anytime before the 31st!
Picnic at Lawrence Park: On the last day of school, our class will be having lunch at Lawrence Park for PIZZA and a few games together. We'd love to have parents and siblings come along too! If you are interested in helping with a relay or other game at the park, please let me know. See the link to RSVP with the number attending from your family and the number of pizza slices your family will eat. We are asking for $2.00 - $3.00 per person to cover the cost of pizza. Link to RSVP
Advance Bussing Notice: Please check the bussing schedule carefully:
Monday, June 3, No am bussing for middle school;
Tuesday, June 4, no am bussing for middle school, no pm bussing for elementary
Wednesday, June 5, no pm bussing for middle and elementary school.
Transportation Please turn in your ZPass Buss Tags on or before the last day of school:
- Students that have never used their tags (walkers, parents transport) should turn them in to the school office ASAP.
- Students that are currently using their bus tags may give their tag to the bus driver after their last swipe.
- Students that still have tags on the last day (and will not be riding a bus home) may drop off their tag as they leave the school.
ZCS Extend(ED) Registration For registration details, program offering, or more information, please go tohttp://www.zcs.org/enrichment/
Summer Math Skills Sharpener (grades K-8) and Summer Language Arts Skills Sharpener (grades K-7) All books are $17. Pick-up order forms in the office and return with payment by May 17. In order to receive these books by the end of the school year, we will not be able to accept orders after May 17. We have copies of the books in the office if you would like to see one.
Summer Math Skills Sharpener (grades K-8) and Summer Language Arts Skills Sharpener (grades K-7) All books are $17. Pick-up order forms in the office and return with payment by May 17. In order to receive these books by the end of the school year, we will not be able to accept orders after May 17. We have copies of the books in the office if you would like to see one.
Calendar Information:
-May 27- Memorial Day Vacation/Parade
-May 29- 2nd Grade trip to Camp Roger-all day
-May 29- 3rd Grade to the Zeeland Historical Museum- Leave at 9:00 and return at 11:30ish.
-May 29- 3rd Grade to the Zeeland Historical Museum- Leave at 9:00 and return at 11:30ish.
-May 29- 4th Grade trip to John Ball Zoo
-May 30- ZCS Market Day- 4th grade Vendors! Parents are welcome to visit too!
-May 31- First Grade trip to the John Ball Zoo (AM trip, lunch at a park, return by 1:00ish.)
-May 31- Fifth Grade trip - afternoon outing- more details to follow!
-June 3- Family Groups Field Day- bring sunscreen and water bottles!
-June 5- Last Day of School- Full Day- Lunch in the park together!
Have a great weekend and I'll see you on Wednesday, May 29!
Mrs. Walters
-May 31- Fifth Grade trip - afternoon outing- more details to follow!
-June 3- Family Groups Field Day- bring sunscreen and water bottles!
-June 5- Last Day of School- Full Day- Lunch in the park together!
Have a great weekend and I'll see you on Wednesday, May 29!
Mrs. Walters
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Market Day- Next Thursday!
Dear Parents,
I am so proud of the 4th grade SHC economics team, founders of:
My Stache, Inc. :)
Here is their video/commercial that will be posted with the other 4th grade commercials, and shared with elementary teachers and their students.
Enjoy! Link: http://youtu.be/WcWfIcPVXTY
Market Day Information
Dear Parents,
This
is the ninth year that the fourth grade classes will be holding a market day
experience for students by doing this economics based project. One of the main reasons we have a
Market Day is so the fourth grade students can raise money to support two
students at Grace Christian Community School in the Philippines.
We
need your help to make Market Day a success. We will be holding Market Day on Thursday, May 30 in the
gym. Each grade level will be given a
shopping time during that afternoon.
Our students have been working hard to make their products, which will
be sold for a reasonable price (.50 to $4.00).
There are two things that your
students will need to bring on that shopping day: money and a small shopping
bag to put their items in. We are
recommending that students bring $4 to $5. You may recommend a different amount
that is appropriate for your age group.
Students are not
to bring in more than $5.
Thanks
again for your support! The fourth
graders are excited, and you will be excited too when you see what they have
created. If you have any questions
about Market Day, please feel free to ask us!
4th
Grade Teachers
SHOPPING TIMES
Thursday, May 30 - In the gym
1st Grade: 1:00 - 1:20
2nd Grade: 1:20 - 1:40
3rd Grade and SHC: 1:40 – 2:00
6th Grade 2:00 - 2:20
5th
Grade 2:20 – 2:40
4TH
Grade 2:40 – 3:00
Sunday, May 19, 2013
May 20-24, 2013 Newsletter
Here's a look ahead at May 20-24!
Dear Parents,
I hope you had a chance to enjoy the absolutely beautiful weekend during these last few days! It is really starting to feel a lot more like summer! These next few weeks are key weeks as we continue to work hard to keep our focus on learning! ZCS teachers are very intentional to keep working hard until the very end of the year! Every day is a key learning day and we want students to "own" that idea and stay focused until the very last day of school! Please encourage continued hard work as we keep moving forward both on the home and school days! There is a lot of information in this week's note, as many activities are in full swing!
Science Fusion: I know that a few parents have e-mailed me with specific Science Fusion online questions. I will be available Monday after school or Tuesday afternoon to help with any website questions. Please refer to the reminder e-mail I sent out last week with the username/password information for logging on to the website.
Memorial Day is next week Monday, May 27 (no school). I will be sending all of the materials for next week's home day lessons on Thursday of this week, so you will have all you need for next Tuesday's (and Friday's) lessons. Therefore, I will not see students on Monday or Tuesday, but will see students on Wednesday, May 29 for our "school" day together!
On Memorial Day, all elementary ZCS students are encouraged to participate in the Zeeland Memorial Day parade! We will be marching in the parade together as a class. The following students will be marching: Anna, Ellie, Kenzie, Sydney, and Isaac. If you are planning to march and I have not heard from you, please let me know. I will send parade line up info home soon.
Market Day: We are excited about the upcoming 4th grade Market Day on Thursday, May 30! Most products range in price from $1.00 to $4.00. Students in grades 1-6 will have the opportunity to shop and visit each company's booth and are asked to bring no more than $4.00 to spend. Our 4th graders are working to finish their product, "Stache Jars" and are eager to sell them on Market Day. All student products will be advertised on Facebook later this week! (through ZCS Facebook.) In addition, they are creating a 1minute commercial that will be posted so teachers can access the ads and share with students. This is a great learning opportunity to apply their learning from the 4th grade economics unit.
Save your Pop Cans! Mini-Economics Unit: In addition, our class has been talking about ways we can support the World Vision organization and I know some students have been bringing in extra change from odd jobs they have been helping with at home. This week we will begin a short 2 week advertising and collection effort with the elementary grades to collect pop cans until May 31 to raise money to purchase rabbits, goats, chickens, or ducks. Please start saving your pop cans and send them to school anytime before the 31st!
Field Trips: We have several grade level field trips coming up during this week and next. Please check the calendar listed below to see when your child will be going on a field trip. This week, 3rd graders will be going to the Van Raalte Farm for a great outdoor experience! Please dress accordingly. 2nd grade will be going to the Frederick Meijer Gardens on Thursday. Next week there are additional trips for 1st, 4th, and 5th.
Picnic at Lawrence Park: On the last day of school, our class will be going to Lawrence Park for a picnic lunch and a few games together with parents and students! We'll wrap up the afternoon in the classroom together and I'll provide a cool treat! If you are interested in helping with a relay or other game at the park, or coordinating a pizza lunch, please let me know! Thanks!
Chapel: The final chapel of the year will be on Friday, May 24 at 9:00am. Everyone is invited to attend. This is a special end of the year chapel. I encourage you to attend if you are available!
Advance Bussing Notice: Please check the bussing schedule carefully so there are no surprises.
There are several days that ZCS is in session that Zeeland Public is not. Our goal every year is to try to get 174 days of school in. The only way we can do that is to add several days when there is no bussing from Zeeland Public.~
Monday, June 3, No am bussing for middle school;
Tuesday, June 4, no am bussing for middle school, no pm bussing for elementary
Wednesday, June 5, no pm bussing for middle and elementary school.
Calendar Information:
Dear Parents,
I hope you had a chance to enjoy the absolutely beautiful weekend during these last few days! It is really starting to feel a lot more like summer! These next few weeks are key weeks as we continue to work hard to keep our focus on learning! ZCS teachers are very intentional to keep working hard until the very end of the year! Every day is a key learning day and we want students to "own" that idea and stay focused until the very last day of school! Please encourage continued hard work as we keep moving forward both on the home and school days! There is a lot of information in this week's note, as many activities are in full swing!
Science Fusion: I know that a few parents have e-mailed me with specific Science Fusion online questions. I will be available Monday after school or Tuesday afternoon to help with any website questions. Please refer to the reminder e-mail I sent out last week with the username/password information for logging on to the website.
Memorial Day is next week Monday, May 27 (no school). I will be sending all of the materials for next week's home day lessons on Thursday of this week, so you will have all you need for next Tuesday's (and Friday's) lessons. Therefore, I will not see students on Monday or Tuesday, but will see students on Wednesday, May 29 for our "school" day together!
On Memorial Day, all elementary ZCS students are encouraged to participate in the Zeeland Memorial Day parade! We will be marching in the parade together as a class. The following students will be marching: Anna, Ellie, Kenzie, Sydney, and Isaac. If you are planning to march and I have not heard from you, please let me know. I will send parade line up info home soon.
Market Day: We are excited about the upcoming 4th grade Market Day on Thursday, May 30! Most products range in price from $1.00 to $4.00. Students in grades 1-6 will have the opportunity to shop and visit each company's booth and are asked to bring no more than $4.00 to spend. Our 4th graders are working to finish their product, "Stache Jars" and are eager to sell them on Market Day. All student products will be advertised on Facebook later this week! (through ZCS Facebook.) In addition, they are creating a 1minute commercial that will be posted so teachers can access the ads and share with students. This is a great learning opportunity to apply their learning from the 4th grade economics unit.
Save your Pop Cans! Mini-Economics Unit: In addition, our class has been talking about ways we can support the World Vision organization and I know some students have been bringing in extra change from odd jobs they have been helping with at home. This week we will begin a short 2 week advertising and collection effort with the elementary grades to collect pop cans until May 31 to raise money to purchase rabbits, goats, chickens, or ducks. Please start saving your pop cans and send them to school anytime before the 31st!
Field Trips: We have several grade level field trips coming up during this week and next. Please check the calendar listed below to see when your child will be going on a field trip. This week, 3rd graders will be going to the Van Raalte Farm for a great outdoor experience! Please dress accordingly. 2nd grade will be going to the Frederick Meijer Gardens on Thursday. Next week there are additional trips for 1st, 4th, and 5th.
Picnic at Lawrence Park: On the last day of school, our class will be going to Lawrence Park for a picnic lunch and a few games together with parents and students! We'll wrap up the afternoon in the classroom together and I'll provide a cool treat! If you are interested in helping with a relay or other game at the park, or coordinating a pizza lunch, please let me know! Thanks!
Chapel: The final chapel of the year will be on Friday, May 24 at 9:00am. Everyone is invited to attend. This is a special end of the year chapel. I encourage you to attend if you are available!
Advance Bussing Notice: Please check the bussing schedule carefully so there are no surprises.
There are several days that ZCS is in session that Zeeland Public is not. Our goal every year is to try to get 174 days of school in. The only way we can do that is to add several days when there is no bussing from Zeeland Public.~
Monday, June 3, No am bussing for middle school;
Tuesday, June 4, no am bussing for middle school, no pm bussing for elementary
Wednesday, June 5, no pm bussing for middle and elementary school.
Transportation Thank you for using your ZPass Bus Tags this past year. It has been a big help with our counts for overcrowded buses and also being able to locate students when needed. All students that have bus tags will need to turn them in on or before the last day of school:
- Students that have never used their tags (walkers, parents transport) should turn them in to the school office ASAP.
- Students that are currently using their bus tags may give their tag to the bus driver after their last swipe.
- Students that still have tags on the last day (and will not be riding a bus home) may drop off their tag as they leave the school.
ZCS Extend(ED) Registration For registration details, program offering, or more information, please go tohttp://www.zcs.org/enrichment/
Summer Math Skills Sharpener (grades K-8) and Summer Language Arts Skills Sharpener (grades K-7) All books are $17. Pick-up order forms in the office and return with payment by May 17. In order to receive these books by the end of the school year, we will not be able to accept orders after May 17. We have copies of the books in the office if you would like to see one.
Summer Math Skills Sharpener (grades K-8) and Summer Language Arts Skills Sharpener (grades K-7) All books are $17. Pick-up order forms in the office and return with payment by May 17. In order to receive these books by the end of the school year, we will not be able to accept orders after May 17. We have copies of the books in the office if you would like to see one.
Curriculum Connection
Creativity and a Cardboard BoxParents often joke about the fact that their kids would rather play with the boxes that toys come in than the toys themselves. Our kids are born with amazing creativity and as they grow older, our job as parents and teachers is to continue to cultivate that creativity. A little boy named Caine, in East LA, has become well known for his creative use of cardboard boxes. He serves as a reminder to us at ZCS to never underestimate the creativity that God has given our children! For Caine’s story, check out http://vimeo.com/nirvan/
Calendar Information:
-May 22- 3rd Grade trip to Van Raalte Farm- Leave at 9:00 and return approx. Noon.
-May 23- 2nd Grade trip to Frederick Meijer Gardens-all day
-May 27- Memorial Day Vacation/Parade
-May 29- 2nd Grade trip to Camp Roger-all day
-May 29- 3rd Grade to the Zeeland Historical Museum- Leave at 9:00 and return at Noon.
-May 29- 3rd Grade to the Zeeland Historical Museum- Leave at 9:00 and return at Noon.
-May 29- 4th Grade trip to John Ball Zoo
-May 30- ZCS Market Day- 4th grade Vendors! Parents are welcome to visit too!
-May 31- First Grade trip to the John Ball Zoo (AM trip, lunch at a park, return by 1:00ish.)
-May 31- Fifth Grade trip - afternoon outing- more details to follow!
-June 3- Family Groups Field Day- bring sunscreen!
-June 5- Last Day of School- Full Day- Lunch in the park together! More details will follow.
-May 31- Fifth Grade trip - afternoon outing- more details to follow!
-June 3- Family Groups Field Day- bring sunscreen!
-June 5- Last Day of School- Full Day- Lunch in the park together! More details will follow.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
May 13-17, 2013
May 13-17, 2013
Happy Mother's Day to each and every mother! Your children have been busy and excited all week thinking of you and making a special gift! Enjoy the sweet time together and cherish every moment with your children! I praise God for you and for the example of Christ you are! May the Lord continue to bless you and your families.
This week we will continue with a big week of learning as we have a full, five day week. We will continue working hard right up until the last day of school. On Thursday, we will have our SHC field trip to DeGraaf Nature Center. Please send a regular "cold" lunch to school with your child. We will not order hot lunch Thursday in order to be ready to leave on time. Also, there are several upcoming field trips planned for individual grade levels. Please check the schedule below carefully. On the last day of school, we are planning a picnic together. Parents are welcome to join us!
Students should be starting to record their observations with their geraniums this week. Please let me know if you have any questions throughout the unit. I think students will enjoy the predictions, observations, and conclusions they can make throughout their scientific process! I have included a small correction for Grades 1-3 in your child's red folder regarding how to access the "Readers" on the Science Fusion website. Please let me know if you have any questions throughout the unit!
I have heard from about half of our students about marching in the Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 27. We would love to have as many of our students march as possible. Please let me know if you are able to join us!
If you have any questions about anything as we begin to wrap up the year, please let me know!
Have a great week!
Mrs. Walters
Here is the schedule of events for the next few weeks:
-May 13- Upcoming 1st Graders (currently in Kdg) who will be joining our SHC class in the
fall will be visiting our room for a short time in the afternoon!
-May 15- 3rd Grade to the Cappon House - Leave at 9:00am and return approx. 11:15.
Happy Mother's Day to each and every mother! Your children have been busy and excited all week thinking of you and making a special gift! Enjoy the sweet time together and cherish every moment with your children! I praise God for you and for the example of Christ you are! May the Lord continue to bless you and your families.
This week we will continue with a big week of learning as we have a full, five day week. We will continue working hard right up until the last day of school. On Thursday, we will have our SHC field trip to DeGraaf Nature Center. Please send a regular "cold" lunch to school with your child. We will not order hot lunch Thursday in order to be ready to leave on time. Also, there are several upcoming field trips planned for individual grade levels. Please check the schedule below carefully. On the last day of school, we are planning a picnic together. Parents are welcome to join us!
Students should be starting to record their observations with their geraniums this week. Please let me know if you have any questions throughout the unit. I think students will enjoy the predictions, observations, and conclusions they can make throughout their scientific process! I have included a small correction for Grades 1-3 in your child's red folder regarding how to access the "Readers" on the Science Fusion website. Please let me know if you have any questions throughout the unit!
I have heard from about half of our students about marching in the Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 27. We would love to have as many of our students march as possible. Please let me know if you are able to join us!
If you have any questions about anything as we begin to wrap up the year, please let me know!
Have a great week!
Mrs. Walters
Here is the schedule of events for the next few weeks:
-May 13- Upcoming 1st Graders (currently in Kdg) who will be joining our SHC class in the
fall will be visiting our room for a short time in the afternoon!
-May 15- 3rd Grade to the Cappon House - Leave at 9:00am and return approx. 11:15.
-May 16- SHC trip to DeGraaf Nature Center- Natural Resources; We will leave school at 12:10 and return by 2:30. Students should plan to bring a “cold” lunch so we can eat together quickly in our classroom. Drivers: Mrs. Sal and Mrs. Tucker (Looking for 1 more, if you’re available).
-May 22- 3rd Grade trip to Van Raalte Farm- Leave at 9:00 and return approx. Noon.
-May 23- 2nd Grade trip to Frederick Meijer Gardens-all day
-May 27- Memorial Day Vacation/Parade
-May 29- 2nd Grade trip to Camp Roger-all day
-May 29- 3rd Grade to the Zeeland Historical Museum- Leave at 9:00 and return at Noon.
-May 29- 3rd Grade to the Zeeland Historical Museum- Leave at 9:00 and return at Noon.
-May 29- 4th Grade trip to John Ball Zoo
-May 30- ZCS Market Day- 4th grade Vendors
-May 31- First Grade trip to the John Ball Zoo (AM trip, lunch at a park, return by 1:00ish.)
-June 3- Family Groups Field Day- bring sunscreen!
-June 5- Last Day of School- Full Day- Lunch in the park together! More details will follow.
-June 3- Family Groups Field Day- bring sunscreen!
-June 5- Last Day of School- Full Day- Lunch in the park together! More details will follow.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
May 6-10, 2013
Dear Parents,
I can hardly believe that we are entering into the final 5 weeks of school this year! I praise God for the amazing group of students I am privileged to work with each week! I will be encouraging your children to continue to stay focused and work hard to the final day of school on June 5! Until then, we have a lot to accomplish and I am eager to jump into this week!
As you know, Tulip Time is officially here this week. We will have a 1/2 day of school on Wednesday, dismissing at 11:50a.m. On Thursday, we will have a full day of school. There will be hot lunch, however, there is NO PM BUSSING. I think the tulips will be beautiful and we'll enjoy much more than a stem-fest this year!! :)
Science Presentations: Students did a fantastic job sharing their learning in our electricity unit last week! I am so proud of how their eagerness to share, their eye contact, self-confidence and ability to recall what they have learned has all grown since they began sharing their work! Well done! I know that you have worked hard to help your child prepare for their presentation and the time you've taught the content and rehearsed for the presentation is amazing. Thank you for your diligence at home. The lesson materials in our Science Fusion online curriculum has valuable material that I don't want anyone to miss, so thank you again for thoroughly covering the material.
New Plants Unit: We are ready to jump into a new Science unit this week, learning all about plants! We will be using the 2nd grade book, Unit 4, and the 5th grade book, Unit 4. The 4th grade material may be used as supplemental material, as we looked that over briefly last fall when we covered the animal unit. Please see the link on the sidebar for the checklist/rubric of lessons and assignments that need to be completed in this unit. In addition, I will be sending home 2 plants with each student. Please send a shoebox or sturdy bag to school on Wednesday to transport these plants home. Students will be using one plant as a "Control-group" and the other plant as a "Variable Group". Students will be making a weekly observation to note similarities and differences between these two plants. The culmination presentation, which will be different from the usual presentation, will be due on Thursday, May 30. Because of field trips that week, everyone will present on that day. Please let me know if you have any questions throughout the unit.
Upcoming Field Trips: We do have several field trips coming up, for each individual grade, as well as an SHC trip to DeGraaf Nature Center next week Thursday. We could use one more driver, so if you are available, please let me know. Please see the list of trips below at the bottom of the newsletter.
Economics Unit: I am excited about the Market Day projects that are under way for our 4th graders! The girls did a fabulous job presenting their "Pitch" to a group of local entrepreneurs or "Venture Capitalists". A flyer was sent home last week, asking for donations for glass jars for their project. If you have any clean jars with lids (mayonnaise, pickles, olives, spaghetti, etc) the 4th graders would appreciate your donation!
In addition, we will be having our own "Mini-Market Day" within our class to continue to raise money for chickens, rabbits, goats, or ducks for the World Vision organization! Stayed tuned for more details as we finalize our "Market Plan" this week!
I have heard from about half of our students about marching in the Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 27. We would love to have as many of our students march as possible. Please let me know if you are able to join us!
Please let me know if you have any questions about anything as we begin to wrap up the year. There are many things going on, so please let me know if you need any additional information!
Have a great week!
Mrs. Walters
Dates to Remember:
-May 8- Tulip Time 1/2 Day of School
-May 9- Full Day of School- No PM BUSSING
-May 9- 2nd Grade Walking field trip to City Hall. Leave at 1:00, return approx. 2:30.
-May 13- Upcoming 1st Graders (currently in Kdg) who will be joining our SHC class in the
fall will be visiting our room for a short time in the afternoon!
-May 15- 3rd Grade to the Cappon House - Leave at 9:00am and return approx. 11:15.
I can hardly believe that we are entering into the final 5 weeks of school this year! I praise God for the amazing group of students I am privileged to work with each week! I will be encouraging your children to continue to stay focused and work hard to the final day of school on June 5! Until then, we have a lot to accomplish and I am eager to jump into this week!
As you know, Tulip Time is officially here this week. We will have a 1/2 day of school on Wednesday, dismissing at 11:50a.m. On Thursday, we will have a full day of school. There will be hot lunch, however, there is NO PM BUSSING. I think the tulips will be beautiful and we'll enjoy much more than a stem-fest this year!! :)
Science Presentations: Students did a fantastic job sharing their learning in our electricity unit last week! I am so proud of how their eagerness to share, their eye contact, self-confidence and ability to recall what they have learned has all grown since they began sharing their work! Well done! I know that you have worked hard to help your child prepare for their presentation and the time you've taught the content and rehearsed for the presentation is amazing. Thank you for your diligence at home. The lesson materials in our Science Fusion online curriculum has valuable material that I don't want anyone to miss, so thank you again for thoroughly covering the material.
New Plants Unit: We are ready to jump into a new Science unit this week, learning all about plants! We will be using the 2nd grade book, Unit 4, and the 5th grade book, Unit 4. The 4th grade material may be used as supplemental material, as we looked that over briefly last fall when we covered the animal unit. Please see the link on the sidebar for the checklist/rubric of lessons and assignments that need to be completed in this unit. In addition, I will be sending home 2 plants with each student. Please send a shoebox or sturdy bag to school on Wednesday to transport these plants home. Students will be using one plant as a "Control-group" and the other plant as a "Variable Group". Students will be making a weekly observation to note similarities and differences between these two plants. The culmination presentation, which will be different from the usual presentation, will be due on Thursday, May 30. Because of field trips that week, everyone will present on that day. Please let me know if you have any questions throughout the unit.
Upcoming Field Trips: We do have several field trips coming up, for each individual grade, as well as an SHC trip to DeGraaf Nature Center next week Thursday. We could use one more driver, so if you are available, please let me know. Please see the list of trips below at the bottom of the newsletter.
Economics Unit: I am excited about the Market Day projects that are under way for our 4th graders! The girls did a fabulous job presenting their "Pitch" to a group of local entrepreneurs or "Venture Capitalists". A flyer was sent home last week, asking for donations for glass jars for their project. If you have any clean jars with lids (mayonnaise, pickles, olives, spaghetti, etc) the 4th graders would appreciate your donation!
In addition, we will be having our own "Mini-Market Day" within our class to continue to raise money for chickens, rabbits, goats, or ducks for the World Vision organization! Stayed tuned for more details as we finalize our "Market Plan" this week!
I have heard from about half of our students about marching in the Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 27. We would love to have as many of our students march as possible. Please let me know if you are able to join us!
Please let me know if you have any questions about anything as we begin to wrap up the year. There are many things going on, so please let me know if you need any additional information!
Have a great week!
Mrs. Walters
Dates to Remember:
-May 8- Tulip Time 1/2 Day of School
-May 9- Full Day of School- No PM BUSSING
-May 9- 2nd Grade Walking field trip to City Hall. Leave at 1:00, return approx. 2:30.
-May 13- Upcoming 1st Graders (currently in Kdg) who will be joining our SHC class in the
fall will be visiting our room for a short time in the afternoon!
-May 15- 3rd Grade to the Cappon House - Leave at 9:00am and return approx. 11:15.
-May 16- SHC trip to DeGraaf Nature Center- Natural Resources; We will leave school at 12:10
and return by 2:30. Students should plan to bring a “cold” lunch so we can eat together quickly
in our classroom.
and return by 2:30. Students should plan to bring a “cold” lunch so we can eat together quickly
in our classroom.
Drivers: Mrs. Sal and Mrs. Tucker (Looking for 1 more, if you’re available).
-May 22- 3rd Grade trip to Van Raalte Farm- Leave at 9:00 and return approx. Noon.
-May 22- 3rd Grade trip to Van Raalte Farm- Leave at 9:00 and return approx. Noon.
-May 23- 2nd Grade trip to Frederick Meijer Gardens-all day
-May 27- Memorial Day Vacation/Parade
-May 29- 2nd Grade trip to Camp Roger-all day
-May 29- 3rd Grade to the Zeeland Historical Museum- Leave at 9:00 and return at Noon.
-May 29- 3rd Grade to the Zeeland Historical Museum- Leave at 9:00 and return at Noon.
-May 29- 4th Grade trip to John Ball Zoo
-May 30- ZCS Market Day- 4th grade Vendors
-May 31- First Grade trip to the John Ball Zoo (AM trip, lunch at a park, return by 1:00ish.)
-June 3- Family Groups Field Day- bring sunscreen!
-June 5- Last Day of School- Full Day- Lunch in the park together! More details will follow.
-June 3- Family Groups Field Day- bring sunscreen!
-June 5- Last Day of School- Full Day- Lunch in the park together! More details will follow.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
April 29-May 3, 2013
Notes for April 22-26, 2013
Dear Parents:
What a joy it was to see the sunshine this weekend! I hope you all were able to be outside and enjoy the warmer weather and the feel of spring! We continue to see God’s hand in creation as HE turns the winter into spring! The birds singing in the morning and the blossoming flowers continue to remind me that we serve a risen, and ALIVE Lord!
The first grade teachers shared these observations from the field trip last week: We were blessed with great weather for the field trip on Tuesday. The rain held off until it was time to leave the Discovery Center and it wasn’t too cold outside! (The children had prayed so hard for the weather to be nice and so they were super thankful to God!) The two guides were great and it really was a fun learning time for all of us. I loved to see the children’s faces as they touched the different animals and learned about them.
We also enjoyed the our last Family Group meeting on Thursday. Students decorated white paper bags for an organization called Kids Food Basket. This organization provides meals for children who need them in the Grand Rapids area. We also had the opportunity to pray a blessing for the eighth graders in our group, since this is the last time that we meet as family groups this year. See this link to learn more about this ministry:
SHC Parent Meeting: Thank you to all who were able to come to the parent meeting last week Thursday. I realize it is an extremely busy time of year, as spring sports and activities are underway. If you were not able to attend, and did not receive the materials we shared at the meeting, please let me know and I will gladly pass that along to you!
We are thrilled to welcome Miss Jillian Konyndyk and Mrs. Phyllis Patnott into our program, as well as continue to work with Mr. Jim Heeres! Jillian will take on the role as “Lead middle school teacher” and will be teaching science and language arts. Phyllis will be teaching math for grades 1-8, and Jim will continue to oversee the social studies curriculum for middle school, and work to develop the unique middle school identity in the SHC program. Both Jim and I will work to further develop curriculum for students in grades 1-8, specifically with Project Based Learning units of study.
In the elementary program, parents will continue to be responsible for teaching science at home, and will also begin implementing the Bible lessons at home as well, with the curriculum and a pacing provided, in a way format to science. We will continue to have specific and intentional Bible conversations at school, as we work to incorporate God’s word into everything we do at ZCS. Social studies will continue to be taught at school. However, specific Bible lessons will be taught only at home.
In the middle school classroom, science will be taught by Miss Konyndyk only at school. Mr. Heeres will oversee the home day social studies lessons on the blog to inform students and parents about the “Living History” curriculum which will be taught only at home, with the exception of once a week discussions in class with Mr. Heeres to pull the home day lessons together.
Upcoming Parent Information meeting for interested families: We are looking forward to another parent information meeting for parents interested in learning more about the program. Please share the Tuesday, May 14, 7:00pm meeting date with others who might be interested in learning more. Also let me know if you need additional SHC brochures.
We are thrilled to see God’s hand in the development of the SHC program. We covet your prayers and praise God for your incredible support throughout the year!
Here’s our look at the week ahead:
- Science- I have materials available to complete the circuit inquiry lesson that you may gladly borrow to use at home. Please let me know if you need these supplies and I’ll be glad to send them home on Monday.
- Science Presentations: You are welcome to join us as we hear from students as they share their electricity presentations on Wednesday and Thursday morning. The times are as follows:
- Wednesday-1st and 2nd grade sharing at 11:10-11:45- 1st and 2nd grade science electricity project presentations.
- Thursday-3rd-5th grade sharing at 10:40-11:20 - 3rd-5th grade science electricity project presentations.
- Market Day: This week, 4th graders will meet with “Venture Capitalists”, local business entrepreneurs, to share their “Pitch” and describe their market day product. Market Day will be on Thursday, May 30. All other ZCS elementary students will be able to “shop” at the 4th grade booths to purchase these products. Due to our home and school day format, they will also need to work outside of class to a certain degree to complete the project.
- Continue to send in the White Caps reading completed form to redeem an order form for 2 free tickets.
- We will be having another information meeting on May 14 for families interested in learning more about the SHC program. We would like to have a panel-type discussion at that next meeting and have current families join the discussion. If you would be interested in attending the meeting and sharing a little about your family’s experience, please let me know. We would like to have a family representative from our class, as well as from Mr. Heeres’ class attend each meeting. Please continue to join me in prayer for the growth and development of the program!
- Memorial Day Zeeland Parade: I have heard from 1 student who will be marching with me on Memorial Day! I know it is over a month away, but I would like to get an estimated count for how many students will be marching with our class in the Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 27. Usually each ZCS grade marches together in the parade. If there is enough students, I would like to have us walk together in the parade. Also, each grade has a “theme” (bubbles, streamers, etc.) for the parade too, so we’ll need to think about that. Please let me know if you are planning to have your son/daughter walk with our class in the parade!
Upcoming Dates:
-May 8- Tulip Time 1/2 Day of School
-May 16-Postponed from last week’s rainout - SHC trip
to DeGraaf Nature Center- Natural Resources; We will leave school at 12:10 and return by 2:30.
Students should plan to bring a “cold” lunch that we can eat together in our classroom.
Drivers: Mrs. Sal and Mrs. Tucker (Looking for 1 more, if you’re available).
-May 23- 2nd Grade trip to Frederick Meijer Gardens-all day
-May 27- Memorial Day Vacation/Parade
-May 29- 2nd Grade trip to Camp Roger-all day
-May 29- 4th Grade trip to John Ball Zoo
-May 30- ZCS Market Day- 4th grade Vendors
-May 31- First Grade trip to the John Ball Zoo (AM)
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Mrs. Walters
Sunday, April 21, 2013
April 22-26 Newsletter
Notes for April 22-26, 2013
Dear Parents:
Wow! What an incredible time we had at Central Wesleyan Church last Friday afternoon! It is such a great blessing to see how the Lord has created a deep sense of community and amazing relationships within our SHC groups! I heard a couple kids say, “We should have this every Friday!” Thank you to the Spitters family for their generosity to share the facility and coordinate this great time together! I praise God for the privilege of being able to work with such a dedicated group of families this year!
Last week Thursday, we also enjoyed an amazing performance from the Hearts in Hand group from Jamaica. It was incredible to see how they, being completely deaf, were using their passion for God to share in worship through sign language and dance.
Also on Thursday, Mr. Joel Meyer, our own ZCS teacher, did an a amazing job as he shared his experience as a published author and challenged students to create a drawing that ties in with a songs he has shared with individual classes.
We have another big week ahead, with our final Family Group meeting on Thursday, and Fun Night for the whole school on Friday night. On Wednesday, I will be attending an iPad training conference, put on by the CLC network. I’m looking forward to more effectively meeting students' needs using iPads. Miss Gillman will be subbing in the morning, and Mrs. Senti, formerly a ZCS Spanish immersion teacher as well as a former homeschool parent, will be subbing in the afternoon.
Here is a peek at we can look forward to:
- Science- Electricity Unit- I’ve noticed several students have begun to complete the checklist of activities for this unit! Keep up the great work. Also, I have materials available to complete the circuit inquiry lesson that you may gladly borrow to use at home. Please let me know if you need these supplies and I’ll be glad to send them home! Also see the PDF “books” posted on the blog for additional resources.
- Market Day: All 4th graders (including our own SHC 4th graders) will be working in small groups to create products to sell at the annual Market Day on Thursday, May 30. I am working with the other 4th grade teachers to create a rich PBL experience for students. Our students will work both with the traditional classes, as well as in our own class on school days. Due to our home and school day format, they will also need to work outside of class to a certain degree to complete the project. Please see the information in your child’s folder for additional information.
- Continue to send in the White Caps reading completed form to redeem an order form for 2 free tickets.
- We will be having another information meeting on May 14 for families interested in learning more about the SHC program. We would like to have a panel-type discussion at that next meeting and have current families join the discussion. If you would be interested in attending the meeting and sharing a little about your family’s experience, please let me know. We would like to have a family representative from our class, as well as from Mr. Heeres’ class attend each meeting. Please continue to join me in prayer for the growth and development of the program!
- Memorial Day Zeeland Parade: I know it is over a month away, but I would like to get an estimated count for how many students will be marching with our class in the Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 27. Usually each ZCS grade marches together in the parade. If there is enough students, I would like to have us walk together in the parade. Also, each grade has a “theme” (bubbles, streamers, etc.) for the parade too, so we’ll need to think about that. Please let me know if you are planning to have your son/daughter walk with our class in the parade!
Upcoming Dates:
-April 23- 1st Grade trip to the Outdoor Discovery Center and Timber town- leave ZCS at
8:40 to ODC, then lunch at Timber Town, weather permitting; Returning about 1:00.
8:40 to ODC, then lunch at Timber Town, weather permitting; Returning about 1:00.
-April 25- 2nd Grade walking field trip to the Zeeland Historical museum, 9:00-10:30.
-April 26- Fun Night
-April 27- 7th Grade Car Wash
-May 8- Tulip Time 1/2 Day of School
-May 16-Postponed from last week’s rainout -
SHC trip to DeGraaf Nature Center- Natural Resources; We will leave school at 12:10 and
return by 2:30. Students should plan to bring a “cold” lunch that we can eat together in
our classroom. Drivers: Mrs. Sal and Mrs. Tucker (Looking for 1 more, if you’re available).
SHC trip to DeGraaf Nature Center- Natural Resources; We will leave school at 12:10 and
return by 2:30. Students should plan to bring a “cold” lunch that we can eat together in
our classroom. Drivers: Mrs. Sal and Mrs. Tucker (Looking for 1 more, if you’re available).
-May 23- 2nd Grade trip to Frederick Meijer Gardens-all day
-May 27- Memorial Day Vacation/Parade
-May 29- 2nd Grade trip to Camp Roger-all day
-May 29- 4th Grade trip to John Ball Zoo
-May 30- ZCS Market Day- 4th grade Vendors
-May 31- First Grade trip to the John Ball Zoo (AM)
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Mrs. Walters
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Blog Notes- April 15-19, 2014
Notes for April 15-19, 2013
Dear Parents:
In spite of the cold and rainy weather, we have been “shining” in our classroom! It was great seeing the sunshine today! I’m hopeful we’ll see warmer temps and more sunshine this week! We had a ball, releasing some pent up energy last week Thursday, singing, “Shake a Friend’s Hand”! Ask your child to sing it to/with you!!
We are into our final marking period of the school year already! We will continue to work on staying focused and productive as we work “full speed ahead” during these last 8 weeks of school.
Here is what we have coming up this week:
- Thank you to all who came out to the auction last Friday! The SHC basket earned $50 for ZCS! Thank you to your incredible generosity!
- On Thursday we will have a Young Author's celebration and hear from our own ZCS teacher and Michigan author, Mr. Joel Meyer! We will continue to work on our non-fiction writing to share with our Young 5's buddies after they are published.
- We are excited to be able to enjoy time together at Central Wesleyan Church this afternoon from 1:00 - 3:00! We so appreciate the Spitters’ generosity to share the facility and this great afternoon with us!!! We are looking forward to a fun time together with all of the SHC families in our class, and Mr. Heeres’ class too! Please RSVP by Thursday.
- Continue to send in the White Caps reading completed form to redeem an order form for 2 free tickets.
- We enjoyed meeting two prospective families last week Tuesday at the SHC information meeting. As we continue to receive inquiries about the program, we will have occasional visitors come to our classrooms, as families appreciate seeing the program “In Action”. Please join me in prayer for the growth and development of the program!
- We will be having another information meeting on May 14 for families interested in learning more about the SHC program. We would like to have a panel-type discussion at that next meeting and have current families join the discussion. If you would be interested in attending the meeting and sharing a little about your family’s experience, please let me know. We would like to have a family representative from our class, as well as from Mr. Heeres’ class attend each meeting.
- I will include an SHC brochure in your child’s red folder this week. Please share this with another family who may be interested in learning more about the program. If you need more brochures, please let me know! YOU are a strong voice for the SHC program! Thank you for sharing about the program to those who are interested in learning more! You are a blessing!
Upcoming Dates:
-April 16- Middle School Information night
-April 18- Young Author’s Celebration- K-5
-April 19 (Friday) 1:00-3:00p.m.- SHC trip to Central Wesleyan Church for a fun afternoon together! Thank you to the Spitters family for coordinating this special event!
-April 26- Fun Night
-April 27- 7th Grade Car Wash
-May 8- Tulip Time 1/2 Day of School
-May 15- 3rd Grade- Cappon House tour
-May 15- 3rd Grade- Cappon House tour
-May 16-Postponed from last week’s rainout - SHC trip to DeGraaf Nature Center- Natural Resources; We will leave school at 12:10 and return by 2:30. Students should plan to bring a “cold” lunch that we can eat together in our classroom.
Drivers: Mrs. Sal and Mrs. Tucker (Looking for 1 more, if you’re available).
-May 27- Memorial Day Vacation/Parade
-May 31- First Grade trip to the John Ball Zoo (AM)
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Mrs. Walters
Thursday, April 4, 2013
April 8-12, 2013 Notes
Notes for April 8-12, 2013
HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Matthew 28:8-9
I pray that you have been able to rest and relax over our spring vacation, and that you have experienced a wonderful time of worship, as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection!
Dear Parents,
I’m looking forward to seeing your children on Monday! Here is what we will be working on this week!
New Science Unit: I’m excited to share this week’s lessons, as we will together, be entering into a Science unit studying electricity. Because only the 4th grade text book has a unit covering this material, I have put together a packet for each student, detailing the unit. Each family also has access to this 4th grade unit using the Science Fusion online site. We will be incorporating additional writing and reading into the science unit as well as a greater focus on inquiry and wonder!! Let me know if you have any questions! I’ll send a copy of the packet home on Monday, but have posted it as well on the blog. You will also see PDF books, and inquiry lessons, in addition to the packet of information.
New Science Unit: I’m excited to share this week’s lessons, as we will together, be entering into a Science unit studying electricity. Because only the 4th grade text book has a unit covering this material, I have put together a packet for each student, detailing the unit. Each family also has access to this 4th grade unit using the Science Fusion online site. We will be incorporating additional writing and reading into the science unit as well as a greater focus on inquiry and wonder!! Let me know if you have any questions! I’ll send a copy of the packet home on Monday, but have posted it as well on the blog. You will also see PDF books, and inquiry lessons, in addition to the packet of information.
DeGraaf Nature Center field trip Thursday! We are also looking forward to another field trip on Thursday. We’ll leave school around 12:10 and return about 2:30. Please send a sack lunch to school Thursday, as we will be eating at school a bit early to leave for DeGraaf Nature Center on time. We will need 2-3 drivers, so let me know if you are available!
Door Decorating Contest! I am very proud of our class, as they won “Honorable Mention” for their hard work to decorate our classroom door for the “March Is Reading Month” contest. Each of them added a part of the story from our read-aloud book, James and the Giant Peach.. Take a look!!
ZCS Auction on Friday~ Don’t forget the ZCS auction is this week Friday! Come out for a fun night! I’m looking forward to spending time with a few students for a pizza picnic at the park with my auction item!! I can’t wait to see our class “Coffee/Chocolate” basket donation as well! Thank you to all who donated to the basket, and a special thank you to Heather Dykhouse for coordinating basket donations and putting the basket together!
Book-It and West Michigan Whitecaps Reading Club: Please send in students completed Book-It and Whitecaps forms as soon as they are completed! Whitecaps home games began on April 4 and I'd love to give your child his/her ticket order form to receive 2 free tickets! The completed bookmark should be returned to school in order to receive the order form!
Extend-Ed: Information packets are still available if you did not receive one during conferences. Summer activities through ZCS are listed with information regarding types of class offerings, dates, times, and cost. Please let me know if you need a packet!
Book-It and West Michigan Whitecaps Reading Club: Please send in students completed Book-It and Whitecaps forms as soon as they are completed! Whitecaps home games began on April 4 and I'd love to give your child his/her ticket order form to receive 2 free tickets! The completed bookmark should be returned to school in order to receive the order form!
Extend-Ed: Information packets are still available if you did not receive one during conferences. Summer activities through ZCS are listed with information regarding types of class offerings, dates, times, and cost. Please let me know if you need a packet!
SHC Information Meeting for Interested Parents: I’m also looking forward to meeting with families interested in learning more about the SHC program on Tuesday evening, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. If you would be interested in attending the meeting and sharing a little about your family’s experience, please let me know. We will be having another meeting in May if you are unable to attend this week’s meeting. We would like to have a family representative from our class, as well as from Mr. Heeres’ class attend each meeting.
If you know of families who may like to learn more about our program, please let them know about the upcoming meeting. You can pick up an information packet in our room to pass along to interested parents. We continue to be in prayer about the growth and development of the program! YOU are a strong voice for the SHC program! Thank you for sharing about the program to those who are interested in learning more! You are a blessing!
Upcoming Field Trips:
-April 11 (Thursday) - SHC trip to DeGraaf Nature Center- Natural Resources; We will leave school at 12:10 and return by 2:30. Students should plan to bring a “cold” lunch that we can eat together in our classroom.
-April 19 (Friday)- SHC trip to Central Wesleyan Church for a fun afternoon together! Thank you to the Spitters family for coordinating this special event!
-May 31- First Grade trip to the John Ball Zoo (AM)
Dates to keep in mind:
April 8- School resumes
April 12 Auction
April 16 Middle school information night
April 18 Young Author’s celebration – K-5
April 26 Fun night
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Mrs. Walters
Sunday, March 24, 2013
March 25-29, 2013
Notes for March 25-29, 2013
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
Dear Parents,
As we enter into this week leading up to our Savior’s death and His resurrection, I pray that you will truly celebrate this great gift of eternal life! I am so excited to hear YOUR children share their heart and spiritual depth of understanding of the events leading up to Christ's death. My prayer is that they will continue to become more and more rooted in their love for Jesus!
Here are just a few things to keep in mind during this four-day week:
We will have an Easter chapel on Tuesday at 9:00am. We will also be saying farewell to Pastor Leo and Elma, as they prepare to leave Zeeland and head back to Manilla. You are welcome to attend this special Easter service!
March Is Reading Month: HAT DAY will be this week Thursday to celebrate the Ecuadorian culture! We will also be culminating our March Is Reading Month focus by decorating our classroom door in an elementary contest! Students will be depicting a book we have read and decorating our door to resemble key elements from the book!
The auction is coming up soon after break on April 12. If you would like to contribute to our class “coffee/chocolate” themed basket, please send $2-3 to school and give it to either Ty or Abby Dykhouse by Thursday. Thank you for your support for our SCH classes!
Upcoming Field Trips:
-April 11 (Thursday) - SHC trip to DeGraaf Nature Center- Natural Resources; We will leave school at 12:10 and return by 2:30. Students should plan to bring a “cold” lunch that we can eat together in our classroom.
-April 19 (Friday)- SHC trip to Central Wesleyan Church for a fun afternoon together! Thank you to the Spitters family for coordinating this special event!
-May 31- First Grade trip to the John Ball Zoo (AM)
Dates to keep in mind:
March 29- NO SCHOOL
March 29-April 5 Spring vacation
April 8- School resumes
April 12 Auction
April 16 Middle school information night
April 18 Young Author’s celebration – K-5
April 26 Fun night
An SHC Information Meeting will be held on Tuesday evening, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. for parents inquiring about the School/Home Collaborative program. If you know of families who may like to learn more about our program, please let them know about the upcoming meeting. You can pick up an information packet in our room to pass along to interested parents. We continue to be in prayer about the growth and development of the program! YOU are a strong voice for the SHC program! Thank you for sharing about the program to those who are interested in learning more!
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Mrs. Walters
Sunday, March 17, 2013
March 18-22, 2013 Notes
Notes for the Week of March 18-22, 2013
John 15: 5-9: “I am the vine. You are the branches. If anyone remains joined to me, and I to him, he will bear a lot of fruit. You can’t do anything without me. If anyone does not remain joined to me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and dries up. Branches like those are picked up. They are thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain joined to me and my words remain in you, ask for anything you wish. And it will be given to you. When you bear a lot of fruit, it brings glory to my Father. It shows that you are my disciples. Just as the Father has loved me, I have loved you. Now remain in my love.”
Dear Parents,
As we continue to focus on the Passion Week, I continue to reflect on the love Jesus shows for his disciples, continuing to teach and instruct them right up until his arrest, and showing the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. My prayer for your children is that they will be drawn to Christ, growing in love for Him, and recognizing his great love for each of them. We will continue to focus on the days leading up to Christ’s death, and resurrection, and talking about what this means for each of us, to “remain in Him”.
I have heard many wonderful comments about G.P. S., the elementary musical last week! I pray that you were blessed by a time of celebrating God’s great plan of salvation as you watched your kids sing and celebrate Christ’s love.
8th Grade Play: On Wednesday afternoon we will be watching the first act of the 8th grade play, “The Beverly Hillbillies”. The play will be held on Thursday and Friday this week at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale during lunch, and after school in front of the office.
Philippines visitors: We are excited to have our friends from the Philippines visiting ZCS for the next few weeks! We will have an opportunity to have them visit our class, as well as talk together about our friends in our sister school, Grace Community Christian School. We will be having a special chapel on Tuesday at 9:00am. You are welcome to attend, even though this is a home day!
Family Groups: The next family group activity will be held on Friday, March 22 at 1:00. Please let me know if your child is planning to attend. I have not hear from many yet, but would love to have your child participate!
Upcoming Field Trips:
-March 21 (Thursday)- 1st grade trip to Frederick Meijer Gardens. The cost is $5.00 for parents.
-March 21 (Thursday)- 4th grade field trip to Lansing. Students need to be at school at 7:30, leaving at 7:35. They will be returning approximately 4:00-4:15 and can be picked up in the parking lot behind school
-April 11 (Thursday) - SHC trip to DeGraaf Nature Center- Natural Resources; We will leave school at 12:10 and return by 2:30. Students should plan to bring a “cold” lunch that we can eat together in our classroom.
-April 19 (Friday)- SHC trip to Central Wesleyan Church for a fun afternoon together! Thank you to the Spitters family for coordinating this special event!
Dates to keep in mind:
March 21-22 Eighth grade play
March 22 End of marking period
March 29-April 5 Spring vacation
April 12 Auction
April 16 Middle school information night
April 18 Young Author’s celebration – K-5
April 26 Fun night
An SHC Information Meeting will be held on Tuesday evening, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. for parents inquiring about the School/Home Collaborative program. If you know of families who may like to learn more about our program, please let them know about the upcoming meeting. You can pick up an information packet in our room to pass along to interested parents. We continue to be in prayer about the growth and development of the program! YOU are a strong voice for the SHC program! Thank you for sharing about the program to those who are interested in learning more!
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Mrs. Walters
Saturday, March 9, 2013
March 11-15, 2013 Notes
Notes for the Week of March 11-15, 2013
Dear Parents,
I truly appreciated the time we could spend together during conferences last week. It is such a blessing to partner with you in the education of your children! Your love and commitment to “training up your child in the way he/she should go” is truly evident! As we move toward the end of the school year, I look forward to working together on the goals we have discussed for your child and celebrate with you their great progress!
We had a wonderful time at VanRaalte Farm last week Thursday! God is revealing signs of spring as we looked at the maple trees, with the sap running, as well as learning about the many Michigan birds we hear during this time of year. YOUR kids did an amazing job asking great questions and just having a blast being outside and seeing the sugar shack in action! Thank you to Mrs. Iford and Mrs. Koning for driving, and to Mrs. Meekhof for assisting too! We are looking forward to the next trip together on April 11to DeGraaf Nature Center, learning about our natural resources. Look for new pictures from the trip on the blog!!
G.P.S. Elementary Musical: This week Tuesday is a big day, especially for our 2nd-4th graders! We will be meeting at school at 12:35 to board the bus and go to Community Reformed Church for the rehearsal for the G.P.S. Musical! I will accompany our class to and from church. Students can be picked up around 3:15 in our room. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHETHER OR NOT YOUR CHILD WILL BE ATTENDING THIS IMPORTANT REHEARSAL!
A note from our Music Directors:
The elementary musical is next Tuesday, March 12 at 7pm at Community Reformed Church. The second, third and fourth graders are excited to show you what they have been working on in choir over the last couple of months! The night of the performance, please bring your son or daughter to the church gym by 6:50. If you come earlier than that, keep your students with you until 6:40 as there will not be supervision in the gym until then; the doors of the sanctuary will open 6:30. Students should wear jeans with their G.P.S. t-shirts to the concert. This will be a fun night of singing and acting; you will be encouraged to look to God and His word as your guide as you journey through life. We hope to see you there! If you have questions, please check out our blog at zcsmusic.blogspot.com or email kschonewill@zcs.org or ktenhaken@zcs.org. Thanks!
Tuesday night supervision: Because of a previous commitment I have had for several months, I am sad that I will not be able to attend the musical on Tuesday evening. I am planning to watch the DVD of our famous singers and actors when it is available! I will be in prayer for all students involved during the performance! I wanted to let you know that Mrs. Kim Walters, (ZCS preschool teacher and SHC mother of Carissa Walters, grade 7) will be chaperoning our students and will meet our group in the gym with Carissa at 6:45p.m. She will be in charge of our group during the show, and will make sure all kids are picked up by their parents afterwards. I can’t wait to hear all about it on Wednesday morning!
Red Day: Thursday, March 14- In honor of our Chinese friends you may wear red to help celebrate prosperity and spring.
Family Groups: The next family group activity will be held on Friday, March 22 at 1:00. Please let me know if your child is planning to attend. I have not heard from many yet, but would love to have your child participate!
Upcoming Field Trips: -March 13 (Wednesday)- 3rd grade trip to the Van Andel Museum with Mr. Sneller’s class. They will be leaving school at 8:45 and returning around 3:00. Please pack a disposable sack lunch for your child.
-March 21 (Thursday)- 1st grade trip to Frederick Meijer Gardens. The cost is $5.00 for parents.
-March 21 (Thursday)- 4th grade field trip to Lansing. More details to follow!
-April 11 (Thursday) - SHC trip to DeGraaf Nature Center- Natural Resources; We will leave school at 12:10 and return by 2:30. Students should plan to bring a “cold” lunch that we can eat together in our classroom!
-April 19 (Friday)- SHC trip to Centrl Wesleyan Church for a fun afternoon together! Thank you to the Spitters family for coordinating this special event!
An SHC Information Meeting will be held on Tuesday evening, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the media center for parents inquiring about the School/Home Collaborative program. If you know of families who would like to learn more about our program, please let them know about the upcoming meeting. You can pick up an information packet in our room to pass along to interested parents. Please join me in prayer about the growth and development of the program. YOU are a strong voice for the SHC program! Thank you for sharing about the program to those who are interested in learning more!
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Mrs. Walters
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