Dear Forest Friends,
Most of us tend to think of Easter as a single day to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, but did you know that many Christians around the world celebrate Jesus’ victory over death for an entire season? This is called Eastertide—a season we celebrate renewal, as we are reminded that through Christ, all things are being made new.
In our Forest, our students experience this renewal firsthand. As they explore the woods, they witness buds opening, streams flowing, and new life emerging all around them, they bear witness to daily reminders of God’s ongoing work of renewal in His creation.
We are excited to celebrate our third annual All-School Eastertide Celebration this spring. On April 15, we will gather to proclaim that JESUS IS ALIVE and to rejoice in the renewal of life we have in Him. Be sure to ask your child to share all about the celebration.
Christ is risen, He is risen indeed!
Miska
Announcements
Thank You
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedules to meet with teachers for conferences. What a wonderful time of celebrating all the growth that has already happened this year!
Welcome Pam Koops
Grandparents/friends Day Friday, May 1
Please pass along our invitation to your special Grandparents/friends! We’d love to pull out all of the stops and welcome them to our beautiful spaces in our Forest. Friday, May 1 in three different celebrations we will give thanks to God for surrounding us with the support and care of loved ones. Please note the timeframes and locations for each age level:
- 8-9:30am: Second grade will meet at Pine Ridge at 8am and board buses to the classroom
- 10-11am: Combined Kindergarten AND 1st grade at 880 Ottawa Avenue
Class Lists for 26-27
As we look to spring, our team also begins planning for the 2026-2027 school year. We will soon be in the process of creating class lists. Many staff members put a great deal of effort into creating balanced lists for the upcoming school year. Children are paired with teachers and friends in an environment that allows for new relationships to form and flourish. Our priority is each child would be placed in the best learning environment to meet their developing needs. Among other criteria we weigh the following when carefully creating a new class community:
- Academic progress/needs
- Relational values/needs with teachers’ style
- Behavioral balance
- Friend balance/new friends
We deeply value your partnership and input but, in order to create a balanced class community, we are not able to accept teacher requests. We commit to give our best to provide each child with a healthy, balanced home away from home and thank you for your understanding.
Student Life and Discipleship
As we grow to live more like Jesus, we gain understanding of our Discipleship Practices, the everyday ways our faith takes root and becomes visible in how we learn, relate, and serve. A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, learning from Him and becoming more like Him in heart, mind, and action.
Across our learning spaces, we see these practices come to life in beautiful, age-appropriate ways. Our kindergarteners are beginning as wisdom seekers, asking thoughtful questions, wondering about God’s world, and learning to listen for truth. In first grade, students delight in discovering order in creation, noticing patterns, structure, and beauty as reflections of God’s design. Our second graders help to grow our community through leadership and skill development taking initiative, helping others, and using their gifts to serve.
These are small but meaningful steps in a lifelong journey of discipleship, as our students learn not just about Jesus, but how to walk with Him each day.
Important Website Links
April
- 3-12: Spring break
- 13: Classes resume
- 15: Eastertide
May
- 1: Grandparents’ Day (K-2)
- 7: 1/2 day: Tulip Time Parade (1st and 2nd graders stay for parade.)
- 21: Field Day
- 25: No school: Memorial Day
June
- 3: 1/2 day: Last day of school