Pine Ridge Newsletter: December 2024

This past month in chapel we focused on Servant living and Image reflecting, two of our discipleship practices. We talked about the idea that it is so easy to focus on the “me” during this time and it is hard, as kids (and adults alike) to really focus on others. I challenged us to use the last few weeks of this year to find ways to bless others, to reflect Jesus in a purposeful way. Through our Christmas Service project we are blessing three different organizations this season. It has been a joy to watch kids walk into school with items, smiling and excited to add it to their grade level table. They take time to find a spot and see what new items have been added by others. It will be a great day, when we are able to GIVE these items and BLESS others!

Similarly in Luke 2, we are reminded of what we have already received- the greatest gift. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” We have been blessed to receive a Savior who came to save the world. This may not always seem like enough or maybe it has lost its luster, but during this busy time and season may we not forget whom we worship and praise- Jesus Christ, the Lord! He is the giver of all good things and as a Pine Ridge family we have been given such good things.

I pray blessings over you and your loved ones this Christmas season!

Dinah Pereira

Announcements

Scholastic Book Fair

Pine Ridge Book Fair will run December 6-12 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 sig n up to volunteer for the book fair. Your child will have the opportunity to shop with their class during the day Tuesday, December 10.

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 11 2:00-4:00pm and Thursday, December 12 3:00-5:30pm. 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 6 at 8:20-9:10am in the Pine Ridge gym. Parents are welcome to join us

Christmas Service Project

If you’ve been around Pine Ridge for Christmas in years past, you know we have done a collection of items for Positive Options in lieu of present exchanges in the classroom. We encourage students to celebrate this time of year by giving to others in need. This year each grade level will be giving to a different organization, our hope being that we can help as many as we can in our community. We will be collecting items from Please see the following links for the wishlists by grade for their chosen organization.

3rd Grade: Positive Options
4th Grade: Rest Haven Care Center
5th Grade: Hope Packages

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 16-20. Here’s what we (along with South Side & Forest School) have planned:

12/16 Monday: Christmas headgear (antlers, hats)
12/17 Tuesday: Christmas sweater
12/18 Wednesday: Red/green day
12/19 Thursday: Christmas socks
12/20 Friday: Christmas PJs

Lost and Found

The Lost and 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.

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.

Absences & Appointments

Please call the school office at 616.820.3505 or email the Pine Ridge 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 inform the office of any appointments or early dismissal/late arrival information. That helps us make sure your student is ready for pickup or let’s 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:

Thanks for all those who have seen the “Right Turn Only” sign for after school pickups and adhered to it! For those who haven’t noticed it, please note that you may only turn right out of the parking lot between 3:15-3:45 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.

Student Safety

After the school day is underway, all doors will be locked. All students who arrive late for school must notify the school office. This policy also applies to picking a student up from school. Please remember to come into the building to sign your student in or out.

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 8:30-9:30 am. 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.