Dear Forest Families,
Thank you for all of your support, prayers, feedback and commitment at the start of this new school year. Together we are grateful for a smooth launch to all that God has in store for us together in 25-26! It is an absolute JOY to have our learning spaces filled with the LIFE your children bring to us! I pray that our relationship continues to be marked in truth, respect, care and love.
Speaking of caring for one another, I have a unique request to share with you as we’re building habits this school year. As a community, we deeply appreciate our teachers and all they do to pour into the lives of our children. It’s a tall task they’re engaged in and they each serve so faithfully. The calling of teaching has changed dramatically in the digital era. You, as parents, and I, as their administrator, can access our teachers’ attention around the clock, seven days a week if we so desire. Teachers do work evenings and weekends. However, a full inbox, particularly on a Sunday, means our dedicated teachers may not be able to celebrate the God-given gift of restoration and rejuvenation on the Sabbath.
My request to you: Could we all commit to messaging our teachers when necessary using the “schedule send” feature when we’re thinking of something or raising a need in the off hours? If we all limit our communication to their working day, utilizing schedule send in the off hours, we’ll be able, together, to allow teachers to enjoy tech-free moments in the evenings and particularly on Sundays. If and when you have an imminent need on a particular topic, would you please message me at mrynsburger@hollandchristian.org? I will help as I am able and then, together, we’ll connect with our teacher at the appropriate time.
All joy and thanksgiving,
Miska
Announcements
Walkathon
What is Walkathon? Walkathon is an HC-wide fundraiser where elementary students walk to raise money for their school. The funds raised by K-2 Forest School students go directly to Forest needs. These needs include classroom supplies, educational outings, and other resources. Parents are welcome to watch the event from the bleachers, while the track is reserved for teachers and students.
Walkathon forms will be sent home in your child’s backpack soon and are due back by Wednesday, September 18. The Walkathon event will take place at on Wednesday, September 24. Thank you for helping to keep our Forest School thriving!
Enrollment/Medical Paperwork 25-26
Thank you so much for all the forms and paperwork you have turned in. If you have any questions, please email the office!
Food Services
Please remember to keep an eye on your child’s lunch account. If you do NOT have a family portal account set up, you will need your student’s ID number. Please email Sue for your student ID number. There is no fee to deposit money into your child’s account with a debit or credit card.
Picture Day
Forest School’s kindergarten & 1st grade picture day is September 4, and order forms were sent home with students. If you are ordering a yearbook, this will be the time to do that also. Please note that each form is child-specific, so please make sure each child has their own form. Picture retakes will be October 6 for kindergarten & 1st grade.
2nd Forest Kids’ school pictures will be taken on September 18 at Pine Ridge. Forms will be coming home soon for these!
Pine Ridge/2nd Grade Forest School Car Line Reminders:
- Always use the Graafscaap Road/60th Street entrance and exit please!
- Always pull ALL THE WAY up to the bike racks (or the car in front of you).
- Never stop in the traffic circle. This is for buses AND in case of an emergency.
- Parent pickup is in front of school; it is not at the baseball fields
- Please use your hazard lights at pickup and leave them on until your student is in the car
Absences
Please call the school office at 616.820.3505 or email the office any time before 8:30am to let us know each day your child will be absent. You may leave a voicemail any time and it will be checked in the morning when the office opens. Please leave any symptoms your sick child may have; this information is a requirement for us to report to the county!
Student Safety
After the school day is underway, all doors will be locked. All students who arrive late for school must notify the school office. This policy also applies to picking a student up from school. Please be sure to inform both your student’s teacher AND the office.
Moms in Prayer
Moms In Prayer will be starting back up again this school year on September 5 at Providence Church (across from the middle school) 8:30-9:30am. We look forward to welcoming any moms who would like to partner in prayer for this school year! Please email Nicole Shook for any questions.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent teacher conferences will be October 17 and 21. More information will be coming later this month.
Elementary Handbook
The Elementary Handbook is a great resource for parents providing important details on things like our curriculum, discipline policy, etc.
Important Website Links
- School Calendar
- School Supply Lists
- Hot Lunch Information
- Medical Information & Forms
- School Transportation
- Before & After School Programs
Upcoming Dates:
View the full Holland Christian calendar
September
- 1: No school Labor Day
- 4: K & 1st Picture Day
- 19: 2nd grade Picture Day
- 24: Walkathon
October
- 6: K & 1st Picture Retakes
- 16: Parent-teacher conferences
- 20:Parent-teacher conferences
- 22-24: No school: CEA Convention
- 29: 2nd grade Picture Retakes
