Recently all of our Forest Kids, kindergarten through our big fifth graders, gathered together at the Ridge to celebrate and give thanks for a big accomplishment. Research shows that the average American child spends 1000 hours per year in front of a screen. We’re working to put children back where God intended their childhood to be: smack dab in the middle of the marvels of creation while reaching academic benchmarks along the way! By our calculations, our first graders reached their 1000th hour of learning and playing outside on November 17! So we gathered together to celebrate this special moment. Research on the benefits of outdoor time in childhood is compelling. The list of physical, social, emotional and spiritual health is long. I’m preaching to the choir, aren’t I! That’s why each of you put up with the laundry load that you do. Thank you for your support of our hard working staff. Thank you for encouraging your little one to enjoy God in creation! Thank you for partnering with us every day! We love this vocation. We love your child! We love to spend time with God in His marvelous creation too! May listening to just a moment of our special time in praise together fill your heart today:
Announcements
And Heaven and Nature Sing!
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair will run December 4-7 and we are in need of parent volunteers to staff the times that are open for shopping! Interested in helping at the Book Fair? Please sign up here.
Your child will have the opportunity to shop with his/her class during the day Tuesday, December 5. If your child plans to purchase books during the school day on his/her own, please send cash for them to use. The book fair has an abundance of books, but there are also pens/pencils, posters, and other fun items to purchase. It may be a good idea to talk to your child about their choices ahead of time and your expectations for their purchases. It is also important to note that SALES TAX will be added on to their purchase, so please plan accordingly.
The Book Fair will be open for families to shop Wednesday, December 6 2-4pm and Thursday, December 7 3-6pm. If you plan to shop with your child Wednesday or Thursday, the Book Fair will accept cash, check, or credit card. Checks can be made to Holland Christian Schools.
We appreciate your support of the book fair which supplies funds for the library!
Christmas Spirit Week
To get into the spirit of Christmas, we are going to have some fun, themed days our last week of school before Christmas Break, December 18-22. Here’s what we (along with South Side & Forest School) have planned:
- 12/18 Monday: Christmas socks
- 12/19 Tuesday: Christmas sweater
- 12/20 Wednesday: Red/green day
- 12/21 Thursday: Christmas headgear (antlers, hats)
- 12/22 Friday: Christmas PJs
2nd Grade Lost and Found
There is a table outside the office at Pine Ridge that is growing! If your student is missing something, please check it out.
Christmas Break
There will be no school December 25-January 5 so families can celebrate Christmas together with families and friends.
Illness Reminders
Please remember that we do have a 24-hour policy for any fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. For colds and coughs, please use your discretion as we know these things can linger.
Absences
Please call 616.820.3505 or email the school office EVEN IF you have let your student’s teacher know any time before 8:30am to let us know each day your child will be absent. You may leave a voicemail at any time and it will be checked in the morning when the office opens.
Important Website Links
- School calendar
- School Supply Lists
- Hot Lunch Information
- Medical Information & Forms
- School Transportation
- Before & After School Programs
- Elementary Handbook
- PowerSchool
Upcoming Dates:
November
- 1: Picture retakes 2nd grade
- 22-24: No school: Thanksgiving
December
- 25-Jan 5: No school: Christmas Break
