Pine Ridge Newsletter: April 2026

Springtime in an elementary school feels like everything is waking up and coming back to life! It is truly a season of renewal. Our classrooms are beginning to fill with springtime colors with paintings of the cross, science experiments centered on growth, and our salmon–which are almost ready to be released!

Students seem renewed, bringing extra energy and enthusiasm as they learn and try new things. It’s been especially fun to watch these signs of renewal on the playground as the snow slowly melts, while students create new games and invite others to join.

This sense of renewal is a beautiful reminder of what Jesus did for us more than 2,000 years ago. As we lean into the resurrection of Jesus in the coming days, I pray you are able to take time to reflect and be renewed by the work of the cross. May this season of renewal continue to shape our hearts and overflow into the way we live and care for one another.

Wishing you a safe and wonderful spring break!
Dinah

Announcements

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your schedules to meet with your child’s teacher! We truly appreciate your time, prayers, support, and partnership in your child’s education.

Spring Program

What a great night of worship together! Thank you for joining us and celebrating the Joy of the Lord with our students at Pine Ridge, South Side and Forest School.

5th Grade Families

Save the Date: April 23. Holland Christian Middle School invites 5th grade parents to come to our Spring Launch Night! Meet the staff, hear about the academic and extra curricular opportunities, and get a head start on understanding the transition to the middle school. More details to come as we get closer.

Tulip Time ’26

We have asked for your child’s costume preference for the Tulip Time parade this year. If you have not already filled it out, please fill out this Tulip Time Survey so we can make sure we are prepared with the correct props.

Yearbooks

If you did not order a yearbook this fall when pictures were taken, but would like to have one yet, please sign up on the Geskus Website. If you are unsure, please email the PR office and we can help you.

Student Life & Discipleship Practices

At Pine Ridge this month, we had the joy of participating in our spring program—a special time of worship and community. Together, we shared the message of Jesus and glorified Him through songs we practiced (a lot! 😊). I was so proud of the incredible effort our students and staff put into making it such a meaningful evening.

The kids were excited to express their love for and honor of Jesus with all of you. It was a beautiful night that brought students, staff, and families together to celebrate, connect, and share—making this season of renewal feel even more full and joyful.

As I walked through the foyer of Christ Memorial, I could see the pride and joy on the faces of children and adults alike. It was a wonderful night.

Thank you for being such a joy-filled part of what makes Pine Ridge so special!

Pianos

Pine Ridge currently has two upright pianos in our storage room that are available for new homes. If you or someone you know is interested in a piano, please email the office. You will need to arrange transportation for the piano.

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.

From Parent Board

Thank you so much to those who contributed to the staff meal during conferences. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Interested in joining the South Side + Pine Ridge parent team next year? Email the office and we will get you connected!

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

Please remember that you may turn only right out of the parking lot between 3:15-3:45pm 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 for drop off (and pickup!) so we can fit as many cars in as possible. We cannot stop in the circle for any reason!

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!

Moms in Prayer

Moms in Prayer meets Fridays at Providence Church across from HCMS 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 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. 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

Please remember to keep an eye on your child’s online lunch portal if they take hot lunch. 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.