Pine Ridge Newsletter: December 2023

“Oh holy night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.”

Those words ring loud in my spirit this time of year. A savior was born into the world and I get to know and experience a relationship with him today, more than 2,000 years later- AMAZING! Here at Pine Ridge we strive to bring this special time into our classrooms in tangible ways. We serve just as Christ did during his time here on earth. We have made wreaths for our senior citizens, are collecting items for mothers in need, and will sing HIS praises through caroling later this month. I pray you find time this holiday season to reflect on the brightness of Jesus Christ, coming to earth as a baby.

Blessings and MERRY CHRISTMAS,
Dinah

Announcements

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 18-22. Here’s what we (along with South Side & Forest School) have planned:

12/18 Monday: Christmas socks
12/19 Tuesday: Christmas sweater
12/20 Wednesday: Red/green day
12/21 Thursday: Christmas headgear (antlers, hats)
12/22 Friday: Christmas PJs

Positive OptionsS

Our Positive Options baby and maternity drive is still going strong! Items will be collected through December 20. Please have all items in by this time so we can get them boxed up and brought over to Lakeshore Pregnancy Center to bless the families over there. Just a reminder that this is in lieu of classroom gift exchanges. We have received a list of a few needs to collect: baby shampoo, baby lotion, formula

Christmas Luncheon for Staff

Parent Board will be providing lunch for all teachers and staff on Monday, December 18. We are looking for parents who would be willing to cover lunch in the classroom so teachers can attend. Please sign up to cover a classroom if you are willing!

Parent Survey

We continue to work hard at communicating consistent behavioral expectations at Pine Ridge. Please take a moment to take the 10 minute parent survey to help us continue to grow.

Thank you from the Parent Board!

The Parent Board would like to thank you for your support of our teachers and staff during the month of November! Your cards and tokens of appreciation brightened their days.

Scholastic Book Fair

Pine Ridge Book Fair will run December 4-7 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.

Your child will have the opportunity to shop with his/her class during the day Tuesday, December 5. 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 6 2-4pm and Thursday, December 7 3-6pm. 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!

December Concert

Pine Ridge’s band and orchestras are excited to celebrate Jesus’ birth by using our hard work and talents to create a joyful noise! They will put on a short concert on December 18 at 2pm in the Pine Ridge gym. This is in place of their evening concert which typically happens around Christmas time. Parents are welcome to join us

Save the Date

January 30 from 6-8pm for a South Side and Pine Ridge Skating Party! More details coming soon

Lost and Found

The Lost and Found table outside the office at Pine Ridge is growing! If your student is missing something, please check it out.

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.

Office Contact Information

If you need to get in touch with the office, please email Cara Karasiewicz & Kristi Washburn or call 616.820.3505. Feel free to leave a voicemail or send us an email at any time to excuse your student, let us know about appointments or any changes to your student’s normal pickup routine. It is important the office knows as well as your student’s teacher! Also, when excusing for illness please let us know the symptoms of your child. We need this information to report to the health department.