These first couple of weeks at South Side have been full of new experiences! Some students took their very first bus ride. Others used scissors for the first time. Many made new friends, and some even enjoyed their very first lunch at school.
At Parent Night, we briefly mentioned the importance of healthy eating, but it’s worth highlighting again. The food your child eats throughout the day has a big impact on their energy and learning. Teachers especially notice the difference in the afternoons. For example, students who had some protein with breakfast and lunch usually have more energy and focus to carry them through the school day. Small sugary treats are always fun, but because children’s bodies are still little, we often see how strongly big treats affect them.
In the Haig household, our kids always liked helping pack their lunches. Our family rule was simple: include at least one protein, one fruit, and one vegetable. After that, you could add crackers, Goldfish crackers, granola bars, or even a small treat. For students who eat school lunch, a protein, fruit, and vegetable are always offered, and we strongly encourage students to eat at least most of those healthy options. As you look over the menu with your child, you might encourage them to give the fruit and vegetable a try each day. You can even remind them, “Mrs. Haig says it will help you do your best learning!”
Christy Haig, South Side Principal
Announcements
Absences
Please call the school office at 616.820.3535 any time before 8:30am to let us know each day when 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. If you’d prefer to send an email, please email Rachel Steen. Please be sure to mention symptoms your child is experiencing (fever, vomiting, headache, cough, etc.), as we need this information to submit our weekly health report. Thank you for your help!
Picture Day
South Side’s picture day is Wednesday, September 17. Once we receive the order forms from GPI, we will send them home with students. If you have multiple children at Holland Christian, please remember that order forms are student-specific. If you are planning to order a yearbook, be sure to check that box on your order form.
Medications at School
If your child needs to take medication at school, we need an updated form signed by the physician each school year. If you have not done this yet, please do so as soon as possible. You are welcome to email Hendrina Cupery, our school nurse, if you have any questions. Holland Christian medical forms can be found on our Medical Information & Forms page. For safety reasons, Holland Christian Schools is not able to dispense any medication (whether prescription or non-prescription) to our students without a doctor’s order. Thank you!
Student Safety
After student drop-off, all external school doors are locked for your students’ safety. All students who arrive late for school must arrive through the main front door (Door A) by buzzing in to the school secretary, and check in at the school office. Parents are asked to sign children in and out at the school office if they are coming or going any time within the normal school hours.
Family Connections
We are working on some connection opportunities for this year when families can come into our school, to see what their students are up to and meet other parents. One way we will be doing this is through family lunches after chapel. Each class will be hosting one Thursday chapel this year and families are always invited to come and watch. On the day that your child’s class leads chapel this year, we will also be inviting you to stay and have lunch with the other families in the class right after chapel. Additionally we are planning to offer a couple of open houses and some volunteer opportunities. These are by no means meant to add things to your busy schedule, and if they don’t fit around your work or other commitments, that is fine. However, we are hearing from some families that they would like more opportunities to see what is going on at school and to connect with each other. Specific details will be coming soon, so keep your eyes out for them!
Moms in Prayer
Moms in Prayer is a great way to connect with other moms, pray for your child, and have an impact on South Side. Please join us on Fridays starting September 5 at Providence Church from 8:30-9:30am. Email Nicole Shook with questions.
Save the Date
Parent Board is planning a fun night for South Side students and their families on Tuesday, October 28 from 6-8pm at Rollxscape. There will be a $5 charge per person and Parent Board will cover the rest. More details to come.
Important Website Links
- School Calendar
- School Supply Lists
- Lunch Menu
- Medical Information & Forms
- School Transportation
- Before & After School Programs
Upcoming Dates:
August
- 29: No school
September
- 1: No school/Labor Day
- 6: Fall Kids Stuff Resale: HCHS 9am-12pm
- 17: PreK-2nd picture day
- 24: Walkathon
- 26: Holland Christian Homecoming
October
- 13: Grandparents Day
- 16: Parent-Teacher Conferences (Young Fives-2nd)
- 20: Parent-Teacher Conferences (Young Fives- 2nd)
- 22-24: No school: CEA Convention
