It is always nice to settle into the rhythm of a new school year and see our students growing together as a community. This past week, I watched a group of students help a child with visual difficulties navigate the playground, making it possible for them to join in the fun. I chatted with a group of mixed girls from 3rd, 4th and 5th grades who were all playing a game of four square together; and at Grandparents Day, our community of students from Classic, Forest, and our Homeschool Program came together to worship! These moments remind us that bringing God’s Kingdom into our school happens in the little things we do each day—welcoming others, including someone new, and showing kindness.
We are so thankful to be part of this community that seeks to love like Jesus and bring His Kingdom into the world around us. What a gift it is to work together, encourage one another, and watch our students learn what it means to care for others. May we continue to find joy in the small moments and be thankful for the many ways God is working through our Pine Ridge community!
Grateful and thankful,
Dinah
Announcements
Lost & Found
Please take a look at the photo album and claim your child’s lost items! All unclaimed items will be donated the week of Thanksgiving.
Picture Retake Day
Pine Ridge picture retake day is November 4. Simply bring in your picture packet or your original order form if your student was absent on Sept. 24. These typically happen first thing in the morning so please have your child start their day at school if possible!
Messages from Parent Partners
- Join your Pine Ridge friends for our Rollerskating Party November 2 from 6 – 8pm at Rollxscape. This is for PR (and Homeschool Connection 3rd-5th grades) students only; siblings are not invited due to space! Parents may stay. Cost is $5 per person (not just skaters).
- November is our MONTH OF THANKS! Keep your eye out for an email with more details from the office and consider blessing our teachers and staff! Remember, cards and small tokens of appreciation go a long way. Thank you for your support of those who care for our kiddos!
- Thank you for signing up to bring meals for conferences. Stay tuned for more opportunities to volunteer coming up in the coming months!
- Mark your calendars for the Book Fair coming to Pine Ridge December 4-11. We need volunteers to help run this event; please sign up here! This is a great time to grab Christmas gifts and help support our library!
Dutch Dance
Dutch Dance registration is open, and we’d love to have you join us for Tulip Time 2027! There’s something special about coming together each spring to dance, make memories, and carry on a Holland tradition. Be sure to get your dancer(s) signed up by Saturday, January 9, 2027, at 11:59pm. Returning dancers need to register again too. We hope you’ll join us for our Kinder Middel Dutch Dance Info Meeting on December 10, 2026 6:30pm at the Tulip Time Office at 42 West 8th St. in Holland. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the upcoming season and ask questions. Feel free to invite a friend who might love being part of Dutch Dance!
Can’t wait to see everyone and get dancing!
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to partner with us and talk about your child at parent-teacher conferences. We truly are blessed to partner with each of your families. Thank you also for those of you that contributed to the meals that were provided.
Heaven and Nature Sing
You are invited to celebrate Christ’s birth at our annual “Heaven and Nature Sing” event! This year ALL preschool-5th South Side Elementary, Forest School and Pine Ridge Elementary families are invited to attend our FREE HC Christmas celebration at Michigan Farmstead (formally known as The Critter Barn)! Walk together through the Luke 2 Christmas story, experience a live nativity and join in for Christmas caroling. An RSVP is requested by November 30 so we can prepare a smooth and joy-filled experience for your family.
Welcome Walk
We’re excited to invite all current Holland Christian preschool, pre-K, and young 5s families from every campus to our Welcome Walk! This open-house-style experience is designed specifically for current families as they begin thinking about enrollment for next school year. Please click the link here for more information and registration.
Student Life & Discipleship Practices
At Pine Ridge, we are excited
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.
Please email or call the school office at 616.820.3505 any time before 8:15am 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.
Pine Ridge Carpool Line Reminders
- Always use the Graafscaap Road/60th Street entrance and exit.
- Always pull ALL THE WAY up to the traffic cone (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.
- Please use your hazard lights at pickup and leave them on until your student is in the car.
Dads + Grandpas in Prayer
Moms in Prayer
Moms in Prayer meets at Providence Church (across from the middle school) on Fridays 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.
Medications at School
If your child needs to take medication at school–either prescription or over the counter, we need a form signed by their physician in order to administer. This includes daily meds, inhalers, emergency meds and antibiotics. The necessary form is on our Medical Information & Forms page.
If you have questions, you may also contact Holland Christian’s school nurse, Lindsey Prentice. She will help you set up a plan for the office to assist in administering the medication. For safety reasons, Holland Christian Schools is not able to dispense any medication to our students without a doctor’s order. Thank you!
Food Services
For students taking hot lunch, please be sure to deposit money into your student’s online lunch portal before they order! If you have any questions about lunches, please contact Sue.
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
November:
- 4: Picture retakes
- 25-27: No school: Thanksgiving Break
December:
- 4: 5th grade Band+ 4th & 5th Grade Orchestra Concert during the school day.
- 21-Jan 3: No school: Christmas Break
