January was truly a testament to the wonders of what nature can do. We are so grateful to be joyfully back into our school routine and hope to continue in that rhythm.
As I walked through the halls the other day, I found myself just behind a few third grade students heading to recess. As they talked, I overheard one say, “We should look for kids to play with who might need a friend on the playground today.” Another student replied, “Yeah, I don’t like it when I can’t find a friend to play with.” I was tempted to stop and affirm their thoughtful words and kind intentions, but I didn’t want to interrupt what was such a beautiful example of pure, genuine, and unprompted hospitality.
This past month, we have been leaning into what it truly means to show hospitality and welcome others. It goes beyond inviting someone to play, sit, or eat together—it reflects a sincere desire for others to feel seen, welcomed, and valued.
My hope and prayer is that this month, you and your family find new and refreshing ways to extend hospitality and care to those around you.
In Christ,
Dinah
Announcements
Wacky Wednesdays
- February 4: PJ Day
- February 11: Sports day (NO equipment, just clothing please!)
- February 18: Hawaiian Day
- February 25: Backwards Day
The winning class each week (largest % of students participating) will get a hot chocolate party provided by our Parent Board!
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are coming up! You will receive an email from the administration office with instructions on how to register for conferences in a few weeks. Please remember to note the time and date as the office does not have access to teacher schedules.
- Thursday, March 26: 4-8pm
- Monday, March 30: 4-8pm
Spring Program
Pine Ridge, along with South Side and Forest School will be holding our Spring Program on Thursday, March 12 from 6:30-7:30pm at Christ Memorial. More details will follow.
Tardies
The doors at Pine Ridge lock at 8:15 each morning. If your child arrives after 8:15, they will be marked tardy. Thank you for helping us get learning started right away in the morning and utilizing all the time we have!
Running Clubs
For boys: TTQ is a fun, high energy after school program designed exclusively for boys in 3rd-5th grade; it incorporates strength and stretching exercises, activities designed to help develop a healthy lifestyle along with training for a 5K. The spring running season begins the week of March 16th, with a final 5K on May 16th. Please contact our head coach Kristen Chan if you are able to be a parent helper; her contact info is on this TTQ Flyer.
For girls, there is Pine Ridge Girls Running Club, a club organized and run by parent volunteers. It follows much the same organization of TTQ with 2 practices a week, held right after school. This running club will culminate in the Tulip Time Run on Saturday, May 2. Please contact the Pine Ridge office if you can help us by being a coach for this event!
Student Life & Discipleship
As we step into a brand-new year, we’re invited to dream big—setting new goals, making fresh plans, and discovering new ways to grow. During chapel this month, I challenged students to think about what NEW things God might be calling them to do: inviting a new friend to play, trying a new hobby, or finding a fresh way to encourage someone else. Together, we explored what it means to be Kingdom builders and Image reflectors—understanding that we help build God’s Kingdom when we reflect the image of Jesus in our words and actions.
The students were all in! They eagerly shared creative ideas for reaching out to others—not just through giving “items” like food or clothing, but through kindness, service, and intentional actions. Their excitement was contagious, and we’re looking forward to trying some of these ideas in the coming months.
That same enthusiasm is carrying over into their personal growth as well. Students are motivated to set new goals and demonstrate discipleship through respectful and responsible choices. This month alone, nearly 500 tickets were earned and turned in for meeting or exceeding PR expectations—what an incredible accomplishment! It has been so rewarding to watch students connect these behaviors to real-life situations and imagine how they can live them out in our community.
Thank you for partnering with us as we learn, grow, and joyfully work together to build the Kingdom of God!
Practice Respect, Practice Responsibility, Practice positive Relationships.
Lost & Found
The lost and found album is updated regularly. Please keep checking it out and having your child claim the things that belong to you!
Pine Ridge Carpool Line
Just in case you need a refresher after break on our carpool procedures:
- Use the Graafschap Road/60th Street entrance and exit.
- Always pull ALL THE WAY up to the bike racks (or the car in front of you).
- Never stop in the traffic circle. This needs to be clear in case of an emergency as well as for the buses.
- Parent pickup is in front of school; it is not at the baseball fields, the tennis courts or anywhere else!
- Please use your hazard lights at pickup and leave them on until your student is in the car.
- The only children permitted to walk are those who are walking/biking directly home or their parent is a staff member of Holland Christian.
Swimming Lessons
Holland Christian elementary students have the privilege of receiving swimming lessons for two weeks during the school day each year through the Holland Aquatic Center. Because our children are blessed to be raised in Michigan surrounded by bodies of water, we believe this safety instruction is a blessing that we pray they will never need, but that we still feel responsible to equip them with, even if this program is a little uncomfortable for some children. If you find yourself pondering over the “why” of lessons, please listen to HC mom Jenny White on the why swim safety. This HCAC Swim School welcome video can help you understand a bit about the logistics. Any questions please feel free to contact the Pine Ridge office.
Swimming lessons will be happening May 11- 22 for 3rd and 4th graders this year.
Moms in Prayer
Moms in Prayer meets Fridays at Providence Church across from the middle school from 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.
HC Technology Reminders
Personal technology is not necessary in a school setting and disrupts the learning environment. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Cell phones
- Smartwatches
- personal laptops
- MP3 players
- any other non-school-issued personal technology.
These items are not allowed to be used or be visible from the time a student enters school in the morning until the final bell rings. If a student needs to use their device, they must receive direct permission from a staff member. Please do not send personal technology to school including smartwatches. If such items are seen by a teacher, the student will be asked to put them in their backpack for the remainder of the day and take them home; if seen a second time, the item will be placed in the office for a parent to pick up at the end of the day.
If parents need to communicate with their student, they can send an email to or call the office to have a note delivered. Thank you for helping us make learning a priority!
Medications at School
As a reminder, no student may be in possession of any medication over the counter or otherwise. The only exceptions are an epipen or inhaler with the correct forms completed in the office!
Food Services
For students taking hot lunch, please deposit money into your student’s online portal before they order! If you have any questions about lunches, please contact Sue.
PowerSchool
PowerSchool is our student information database. You will want to bookmark this site! There is also an app available for PowerSchool for your phone which can be very helpful. If there is a change in your phone number or address at any time during the school year, it is important that we are informed right away. Parents can update their information on PowerSchool directly on the Demographics Change tab. This assures up-to-date contact information for your child.
Elementary Handbook
The Elementary Handbook is a great resource for parents providing important details on things like our curriculum, discipline policy, technology policy, etc.
Important Website Links
Calendar
February:
- 13-16: No school: Winter break
March:
- 12: Spring Program at Christ Memorial
- 13: End of 3rd quarter
- 20: Report cards
- 26: Parent-teacher conferences 4-8pm
- 30: Parent-teacher conferences 4-8pm