One of my favorite moments to peek in on our classroom families is morning devotions during Advent season. It’s quite typical for classroom families to gather together in a darkened classroom with only the glow of a small light centering the children. Tones are hushed as they listen to the promise of the coming Messiah. Come, Lord Jesus, come. How grateful I am that this is a “normal” day’s start for our children in their formative years as they are establishing their patterns and rhythms of life. You are in our prayers as you also lead your family through the Advent season traditions. May your rhythms, celebrations and moments often point to the coming of our Messiah both 2000 years ago and to our hearts today.
With hope,
Miska
Announcements
And Heaven and Nature Sing!
Our creative parent board has developed a special event for your family to enjoy our Forest together and celebrate the beauty of Christmas as shared in Luke 2. Join us with your family from 6-7:30pm on Thursday, December 12! We have a special craft planned for your children, a nighttime hike through Luke 2 and Christmas caroling around the campfire. In order for us to have enough materials for our crafts and hot chocolate to keep you warm, would you kindly RSVP for Heaven and Nature Sing by Friday, December 6. Hope to see you there!
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 16-20. Here’s what we (along with South Side & Pine Ridge) have planned:
- 12/16 Monday: Christmas headgear (antlers, hats)
- 12/17 Tuesday: Christmas sweater
- 12/18 Wednesday: Red/green day
- 12/19 Thursday: Christmas socks
- 12/20 Friday: Christmas PJs
Thanksgiving & Christmas Breaks
- There will be no school Wednesday, November 27-Friday, November 29 so families can celebrate Thanksgiving.
- There will be no school December 23-January 5 so families can celebrate Christmas.
Scholastic Book Fair
Pine Ridge Book Fair will run December 6-12 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 to volunteer for the book fair.
Second graders will have the opportunity to shop with their class on Tuesday, December 10.
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 11 2-4pm and Thursday, December 12 3-5:30pm. 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!
Absences & Appointments
Please call the school office at 616.820.3505 or email the Pine Ridge 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! Also, please note 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.
Please inform the office of any appointments or early dismissal/late arrival information. That helps us make sure your student is ready for pickup or let’s us know they are coming later and are accounted for. All students must be signed in and out if coming after class has started or before the last bell.
Pine Ridge Carpool Line
Thanks for all those who have seen the “Right Turn Only” sign for after school pickups and adhered to it! For those who haven’t noticed it, please note that you may only turn right out of the parking lot between 3:15-3:45 so we can still get cars in and out as quickly and safely as possible! Also, remember to pull ALL the way up to the bike rack even if the weather isn’t ideal. AND please watch out for pedestrians and kids on bikes crossing 60th Street!
Food Services
Please remember to keep an eye on your child’s lunch account.
Moms in Prayer
Moms in Prayer is a great way to connect with other moms, pray for your child, and have an impact on the school. Please join us on Fridays at Providence Church from 8:30-9:30am. Please email Nicole Shook with questions.
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
November:
- 27-29: No school: Thanksgiving break
December:
- 23-Jan 3: No school: Christmas vacation
