Pine Ridge Newsletter: May 2025

Happy spring! The flowers are blooming and it is a busy but fun time for most kiddos in West Michigan. I am reminded of the verse in Ecclesiastes that says “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…”. How wonderful a reminder that our God in his infinite wisdom has created seasons. I am always amazed at how spring comes just as we are starting to feel the strain for warmth, a change of clothing and the need for some sunshine–Thank you Jesus! I pray that you find some time to enjoy the changing of the season and some moments of peaceful reflection this spring time.

Blessings,

Mrs. Dinah Pereira

Announcements

A huge THANK YOU to the Parent Team and all the families who shopped at our books fairs this school year. Book fair profit provides funding for new materials for our Pine Ridge and South Side libraries. We were recently able to update our nonfiction collections with nearly $3000 of curriculum-related books at various reading levels. For example, Simple Machines (level H), Exploring Our Solar System (level Q), and Ultimate Animal Library (level K).

We also added new fiction series, and several individual fiction titles. Some of these are : Wilderness Adventures, Pig the Pug, Dragon Masters, I Survived, Owl Diaries.

5th Grade Families

5th grade celebration (graduation) will be Tuesday, June 3. 5th grade parents are invited to join us at 2pm as we send off our 5th graders to their next adventure at the middle school.

Tulip Time ’25

3rd and 4th grade families: Tulip Time information has been sent home this week with your student. Please make sure the pickup sheet is turned back in to your child’s teacher as soon as possible! Feel free to add 2 options if you aren’t positive yet who is doing the pickup. Also, there is no hot lunch this day; all students will need a home lunch.

5th grade families: 5th grade students do not march in the parade with Pine Ridge. Your child does have the option to help by marching with South Side. Please have your child sign up in the office if they’d like to participate. South Side needs 12 volunteers this year. If your child is not participating, they will need to be picked up at 11:30am. There is no busing!

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.

Technology Reminder

As a reminder please do not send personal technology to school, including Smartwatches. If they are seen by a teacher, they will be asked to put it in their backpack and take it home. If it is seen a second time it 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 their student an email or call the office and get a note sent from the office.

Tardies

The front doors at Pine Ridge are unlocked for drop off from 7:50-8:15am. The first bell rings at 8:12 to get students in and ready to start learning at the 8:15 bell. 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!

Chapel

We would like to extend an invitation to our weekly chapels: Chapel happens each Tuesday from 1:25-1:55pm. Please be sure to check in at the office!

Lost & Found

The Lost & Found table outside the office at Pine Ridge is growing into tables!! If your student is missing something, please check the photo album online or stop in and check it in person.

Absences & Appointments

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! 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 email the office of any appointments or early dismissal/late arrival information. That helps us make sure your student is ready for pickup or lets us know they are coming later and are accounted for. All students must be signed in and out from the office by an adult!

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 bench even if the weather isn’t ideal for pickup AND dropoff so we can fit as many cars in as possible. We cannot stop in the circle for any reason during those times.

Food Services

Please remember to keep an eye on your child’s lunch account and add funds as necessary.

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.