Dear Forest Friends,
You may have read a bit about our Parent University evening of learning and dialogue. We’ve been doing a good deal of research and learning about both the blessing and the curse that technology has introduced into our lives over the past decade. Mr. John Barkel, principal at Iroquois in Grand Rapids Christian, Mrs. Tricia Kiepert, principal at Hudsonville Christian and Mrs. Betsy Koop, principal at Zeeland Christian School and I have developed a friendship in the work of serving schools over the years. Collectively we’ve served teachers, staff and communities for long enough to have noticed a change in communication patterns. There is a trend in our nation that shows the duration of an average teacher’s career is much shorter than in years past. We want to buck this trend in our schools and create a warm community for teachers to flourish. When a teacher grows in his or her craft, children and families and the school benefits.
We believe you, our parents, can help in support of our teachers and it involves the change digital communication has introduced into the role and responsibilities our teachers hold. Our teachers deeply love their students. They desire to serve God with their best by loving and skillfully growing the children God has placed in their lives. But even the most passionate servant needs the God-ordained Sabbath in life to restore and continue to serve with their best. As their principal, I have made a commitment to our staff to refrain from messaging in the evening hours and on weekends as much as possible. My hope is teachers can use after-school time to plan, investigate data from the classroom, collaborate, research and rest with their family! Could you help in this regard as well? If you have logistical questions, feel free to email the office. We’ll be happy to assist you. If you have wonders, needs or feedback for your teacher, could you also send messages to our teachers during business hours? Together, we can give our teachers all-important margins and allow them to flourish with our children.
With thanks,
Miska
Announcements
Thank you, Miss Anna
Miss Anna has served our Forest School children and families well over the last few years. However, it is time for Miss Anna to step away from this role to pursue other opportunities in her life. We support her in this decision but are sad to see her go. It is with gratitude, however, that we welcome Mrs. Sara Wierenga to the teacher assistant role as an interim position while we seek the just-right-fit person who loves Christ, will love our children and will support our Forest classroom life. Mrs. Sara Wierenga is a beloved presence in our Forest. She is a Forest School mom, a trained social worker and often serves as a guest teacher in our classrooms. We’re grateful she is on our team. Please join me in prayer as we seek to find our permanent teacher assistant for our children.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Thank for taking the time to come in and meet with your child’s teacher. We love partnering with you and helping your child thrive at school, at home and all the places in between!
Thank You!
A sincere thank you to the Parent Board, and many of you, for bringing in delicious food to refuel teachers during parent/teacher conferences. The meals were greatly enjoyed and appreciated!
Thanksgiving Break
There will be no school Wednesday, November 27-Friday, November 29 so families can celebrate Thanksgiving. Enjoy this special time together as a family celebrating our great God, and the many blessings in our lives.
Dressing Appropriately for the Weather
This is the time of year where the weather changes so frequently its hard to keep up with. Please make sure your child has weather appropriate school each day – including snow gear and boots! Also, now is a good time to double check the extra clothes your child has to make sure they are weather appropriate (and still fit their quickly growing bodies!) If you have any questions about what your child has or needs, please reach out to their teacher.
Pine Ridge Carpool Line
Thanks for continuing to working with us during drop offs and pickups. Please remember to pull ALL the way up to the bike rack even if the weather isn’t ideal. This helps us get as many cars through as possible and keeps the traffic circle clear for the buses!
Late Arrival & Early Pick-Up
Please remember to let both the email the office and your child’s teacher know if your student is going to be late or leaving during our school day. Also, please make sure to sign your student in and out with our attendance form.
Food Services
Please remember to keep an eye on your child’s lunch account.
Absences
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!
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.
Important Website Links
- School Calendar
- School Supply Lists
- Hot Lunch Information
- Medical Information & Forms
- School Transportation
- Before & After School Programs
Upcoming Dates:
View the full Holland Christian calendar
November:
- 27-29: No school: Thanksgiving break
December:
- 23-Jan 3: No school: Christmas Vacation
