Category: Pine Ridge Newsletter

Happy fall! This time of year always feels like such a breath of fresh air. The season is changing, the air is cooling and we find ourselves  starting to fall into the groove of school and work. It has been a wonderful month of school! We’ve had the opportunity to participate in so many different learning experiences; convocation, community growing learning, outdoor learning, worshipping together and so much more. I am blessed to participate and witness the goodness of coming together and learning to live together this year with both students and families. As the season changes we are reminded that God is in all the small parts of our days and he brings us the JOY that we experience. I pray this month is filled with joy for you and your family, that you find moments to notice God’s goodness and thank him for it.
In Christ,
Dinah Pereira

Announcements

Walkathon

Thank you so much for supporting the Walkathon this week! Thanks to your support we were able to raise over $15,000 for South Side and Pine Ridge! It was such a fun day for all HC K-5 students to spend the afternoon together!

Picture Retake Day

Pine Ridge picture retakes are on October 29. To have retakes taken, your child will need to turn in the photo pack that was originally sent home.

Grandparent & Grandfriend Day

Save the date: Monday, October 13 in the afternoon! South Side will be celebrating Grandparents Day in the morning; K-2 Forest School will celebrate Grandparents Day in the spring. Invitations and all the details were sent out in teacher blogs. If you missed this, please let the office know and we can resend to you.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are October 16 and October 20. Emails were sent out with instructions on how to sign up on September 22. If you didn’t receive this district wide email, please let the office know so we can send it to you again. All signups are done electronically and the office does not have access to teacher’s schedules, so please write down the date and time you choose!

A Few Notes from Parent Board

Save the Date! November 6

Pine Ridge students are invited to a night out at Urban Air! Cost is $5 per person. (This event is for Pine Ridge students only–no siblings.) Parents are encouraged to stay. Permission slips will be sent home as the date comes closer as well as instructions on when money is due.

Meals for Teachers

Please help us provide dinner for our teachers during conferences by signing up below:

• PR October 16th Soup Bar
• PR October 20th Taco Bar

Student Life & Discipleship

Did you know that here at Pine Ridge we have what we call our 3 P.Rs?

Practice Respect, Practice Responsibility, Practice positive Relationships.

The 3 P.R.s are how we help Pine Ridge students integrate discipleship practices and student expectations for our Pine Ridge community. During the first month of school we’ve discussed and experienced through interactive lessons how being community-growing helps us to be God-glorifying as a Pine Ridge family. We have experienced beautiful chapels and outdoor play that serve as great examples of our growing together this month!

 

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

Moms in Prayer

Moms in Prayer meets Fridays at Providence Church across from the middle school 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

As a reminder, no student may be in possession of medication.

Food Services

For students taking hot lunch, please deposit money into your student’s online portal before they order! If you have any questions about lunches, please contact Sue.

PowerSchool

PowerSchool is our student information database. You will want to bookmark this site! There is also an app available for PowerSchool for your phone which can be very helpful. If there is a change in your phone number or address at any time during the school year, it is important that we are informed right away. Parents can update their information on PowerSchool directly on the Demographics Change tab. This assures up-to-date contact information for your child.

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

• School Calendar
• School Transportation

Calendar

October:

• 13: Grandparent & Grandfriend Day
• 16: Parent-teacher conferences
• 20: Parent-teacher conferences
• 22-24: No school: CEA Convention
• 29: Picture retakes

November:

• 26-28: No school: Thanksgiving

Pine Ridge is buzzing with new faces and new ideas for an exciting and fun year. We are so blessed by our families and the wonderful turn out that we had at the ice cream social and parent night! We encourage you to sign up and stop in often throughout the year for our different in school opportunities.

As we start to settle into the new school year, I pray that your family also starts to feel settled into a new routine. Our wonderful Holland Christian community has created a devotional book that might help with that routine. You can find one in our Pine Ridge office–stop on it and get one!

Blessings on a joyful start of the year!
Mrs. Dinah Pereira

Announcements

Walkathon

What is Walkathon? Walkathon is an HC-wide fundraiser where elementary students walk to raise money for their school. The funds raised by Pine Ridge students go directly to Pine Ridge needs, such as classroom supplies, educational outings, and other resources. Parents are welcome to watch the event from the bleachers, while the track is reserved for teachers and students.

Walkathon forms will be sent home in your child’s backpack soon and are due back by Wednesday, September 17. The Walkathon event will take place on Wednesday, September 24.

Picture Day

Pine Ridge picture day is September 18. Order forms will sent home with students soon. If your student would like a yearbook in the spring, this will be the time to do that also. Please note that each form is child specific so please make sure each child has their own form. All forms must be turned in regardless of if you choose to order pictures and/or a yearbook.

Grandparent & Grandfriend Day

Save the date: Monday, October 13 in the afternoon! (South Side will be celebrating Grandparents Day in the morning; K-2 Forest School will celebrate Grandparents Day in the spring.) Yes, this is a change from the date originally planned. More details will be coming later this month.

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

Save the Date! November 6

Pine Ridge students are invited to a night out at Urban Air. Cost is $5 per person. (This event is for Pine Ridge students only–no siblings.) Parents are required to stay. Permission slips will be sent home as the date comes closer as well as instructions on when money is due.

Moms in Prayer

Moms in Prayer will be starting back up again this school year on September 5 at Providence Church (across from the middle school) 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 (including inhalers!)--we need an updated form signed by their physician each school year. If you have not done this yet, please do so ASAP. The necessary form is on our Medical Information & Forms page.

If you have questions, you may also contact Holland Christian’s school nurse, Hendrina Cupery. 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 make sure deposit money into your student’s online portal before they order! If you have any questions about lunches, please contact Sue.

PowerSchool

PowerSchool is our student information database. You will want to bookmark this site! There is also an app available for PowerSchool for your phone which can be very helpful. If there is a change in your phone number or address at any time during the school year, it is important that we are informed right away. Parents can update their information on PowerSchool directly on the Demographics Change tab. This assures up-to-date contact information for your child.

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

• School Calendar
• School Transportation

Calendar

September:

• 1: No school: Labor Day
• 2: School resumes
• 18: School pictures

October:

• 13: Grandparent & Grandfriend Day
• 16: Parent-teacher conferences
• 20: Parent-teacher conferences
• 22-24: No school: CEA Convention
• 29: Picture retakes

Welcome (almost) back to school!

We have been blessed with an amazingly sunny and warm summer! I hope that you have been able to enjoy time with family and friends. In the coming weeks, we will be preparing our spaces and our hearts to welcome each student—both those returning and those joining us for the first time—who enters the doors at Pine Ridge. We are excited for the learning and growth that we know will happen this coming school year. At Holland Christian, we are blessed with leaders who prayerfully consider how and where we should lean our hearts each year. This year’s theme and “leaning” will be the Joy of the Lord as we focus on Psalm 16:11: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.” What an exciting leaning that we will experience together this year! I have already started to pray for each family as you start to wind down your summer schedules and gear up for school to start. I am excited to see you all on August 14 for our Ice Cream Social, and pray for a fruitful rest of the summer!

In partnership with you,
Mrs. Dinah Pereira
Principal, Pine Ridge

Announcements

Pine Ridge Carpool Line

As we look to start the new school year it is a good time to introduce our parking lot procedures to our new families, and remind our current families of the procedures!

• To drop off, please use the entrance off of Graafschap Road. Go around the entire circle, (stopping in the circle will impede bus traffic) and stop by the sidewalk in front of the building.
• To pick up, also use the entrance off of Graafschap Road. Go around the entire circle and join a line that will form along the sidewalk and park. The lines begin by the bike racks. Two parallel lines are used for pickup. For the safety of the students, please stay parked until the teacher permits you to leave.

Students who are not riding the bus home MUST be picked up in this carpool pick up. For student safety, we cannot allow students to be picked up in the parking lot by the baseball field. Students who live within walking or biking distance may be permitted to travel home independently with parental permission, as well as children of staff members who will be walking to the Forest School or High School.

Ice Cream Social

Our Ice Cream Social will be held on Thursday, August 14 from 6:30-7:30pm as an open house format. You are welcome to visit the classroom, meet your child’s teacher, bring in your child’s school supplies, and enjoy some ice cream. For those who need it, here is the Supply List.

Parent Night: Meet the Teacher

A kid-free evening from 6:45-8pm! This Parent Night is for parents only and allows for teachers and parents to talk through information that is pertinent for the year. A more detailed schedule with grade level times is coming soon. In case you need them, here are the Class lists!

Summer Office Hours

The Pine Ridge/Forest School office will be open starting August 4 on Mondays-Fridays from 9am-3pm until school starts. There will be a few dates TBD for beginning of the school year all-staff off-site meetings, and those dates will be posted on the door once they become available.

Health Appraisal and Immunization Records

All students must be up-to-date on their immunizations BEFORE they start the new school year. As you schedule your well-child appointments with your healthcare provider, please be aware these evaluations will need to be completed. Any students without the required immunizations or approved waivers will not be allowed to begin school until they are complete and approved by the State of Michigan. We are grateful for your help with this!

Medications at School

If your child needs to take medication at school–either prescription or over the counter (including inhalers!)--we need an updated form signed by their physician each school year. If you have not done this yet, please do so ASAP so it is ready by the first day of school. The necessary form is on our Medical Information & Forms page.

If you have questions, you may also contact Holland Christian’s school nurse, Hendrina Cupery (hcupery@hollandchristian.org). 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

Family portal accounts will be ready to receive deposits on Monday, August 11. If you do NOT have a family portal account set up, you will need your student’s ID number. Please email Sue for your student ID number. There is no fee to deposit money into your child’s account with a debit or credit card.

PowerSchool

PowerSchool is our student information database. You will want to bookmark this site! There is also an app available for PowerSchool for your phone which can be very helpful. PowerSchool parent information, including passwords and usernames, will be e-mailed to parents at the beginning of the year or provided to you upon enrollment if you enroll mid-year. If there is a change in your phone number or address at any time during the school year, it is important that are informed right away. Parents can update their information on PowerSchool directly on the Demographics Change tab. This assures up-to-date contact information for your child.

Please update your demographic information in PowerSchool each fall with your latest and most accurate contact information. Simply log in, then either an “update demographic screen” will automatically pop up, or simply click the “change demographics” button on the left of the screen. This information is necessary for field trip participation, emergency response and treatment, student photo permission, and for the office to easily be able to contact a parent or guardian as needed or desired. When listing your child’s emergency contacts, please be sure to list two contacts other than yourself.

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

• School Calendar
• School Transportation

Calendar

August:

• 4: Office is open daily from 9am-3pm
• 14: Ice Cream Social
• 19: First day PK-12
• 21: Parent Night
• 29: No school: Labor Day

September:

• 1: No school: Labor Day
• 2: School resumes
• 18: School pictures

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5.

I have watched as our Pine Ridge family has grown together in learning and servanthood this year. We have been blessed to serve our community over 50 times as individual classes, grade levels and a whole school.  It has been a joy to see students flourish and find their place in our community. I pray that as school days turn to summer we would hold on to the moments of joy and laughter that were experienced this year. It is bittersweet to say goodbye to our 5th graders, but they will blossom under our amazing middle school team. I am excited to welcome our new 3rd graders as they make this. next step. I am grateful for a community that cares for each other and leans on the goodness of God and his faithfulness. I hope you have an amazing summer!

In Christ,

Dinah Pereira

Announcements

5th Grade Families

5th grade celebration (graduation) will be Tuesday, June 3. 5th grade parents are invited to join us at 2pm as we send off our 5th graders to their next adventure at the middle school.

Medical Paperwork 25-26

Any medication prescription or OTC including an inhaler needs a signed form from the doctor before the first day of school.

• Medication Forms

Waiver Information:

If your child with a waiver is returning to Holland Christian for the 25-26 school year and moving between grades (kindergarten-5th), your current waiver on file is good unless you have chosen to complete a vaccine series during the year that was waived on the waiver. This does include moving between Holland Christian Schools (Forest School, Pine Ridge, South Side and Rose Park).

If your child is a new student coming to HC from a different school district, your old waiver is invalid and you will need to schedule an appointment.

Please have all new student paperwork turned in before August 8th. This gives the office time to process everything before the 1st day. If your child doesn’t have their forms turned in, they will not permitted to start on August 19th.

Lost & Found

Please take a minute to look through the lost and found either physically or check the photo album online. All items remaining items will be donated June 6.

Food Services

Please remember to double check your child’s lunch account and add funds if needed.

Class Lists

The 25-26 class lists will be available and sent out via email the beginning of July. Supply lists will also be sent out at this time.

Before/After School Care: 2025-26

The doors at Pine Ridge open at 7:50 each school morning and students are dismissed at 3:15 each afternoon. If you need care before this time or after 3:30pm, please check out the Before/After School Programs.

Summer Office Hours

June 5-12: The office will be open from 9am-3pm to assist parents. Thursday, June 5 the office will only be closed in the morning due to an off-site staff meeting.

August 4: The office will reopen daily from 9am-3pm, and then resume regular office hours when school begins. There will be a few dates TBD for beginning of the school year all-staff off-site meetings, and those dates will be posted on the door once they become available.

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 Transportation

Calendar

June:

• 3: 5th grade celebration
• 4: 1/2 day: Last day

Happy spring! The flowers are blooming and it is a busy but fun time for most kiddos in West Michigan. I am reminded of the verse in Ecclesiastes that says “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…”. How wonderful a reminder that our God in his infinite wisdom has created seasons. I am always amazed at how spring comes just as we are starting to feel the strain for warmth, a change of clothing and the need for some sunshine–Thank you Jesus! I pray that you find some time to enjoy the changing of the season and some moments of peaceful reflection this spring time.

Blessings,

Mrs. Dinah Pereira

Announcements

A huge THANK YOU to the Parent Team and all the families who shopped at our books fairs this school year. Book fair profit provides funding for new materials for our Pine Ridge and South Side libraries. We were recently able to update our nonfiction collections with nearly $3000 of curriculum-related books at various reading levels. For example, Simple Machines (level H),  Exploring Our Solar System (level Q), and  Ultimate Animal Library (level K).

We also added new fiction series, and several individual fiction titles. Some of these are : Wilderness Adventures, Pig the Pug, Dragon Masters, I Survived, Owl Diaries.

5th Grade Families

5th grade celebration (graduation) will be Tuesday, June 3. 5th grade parents are invited to join us at 2pm as we send off our 5th graders to their next adventure at the middle school.

Tulip Time ’25

3rd and 4th grade families: Tulip Time information has been sent home this week with your student. Please make sure the pickup sheet is turned back in to your child’s teacher as soon as possible! Feel free to add 2 options if you aren’t positive yet who is doing the pickup. Also, there is no hot lunch this day; all students will need a home lunch.

5th grade families: 5th grade students do not march in the parade with Pine Ridge. Your child does have the option to help by marching with South Side. Please have your child sign up in the office if they’d like to participate. South Side needs 12 volunteers this year. If your child is not participating, they will need to be picked up at 11:30am. There is no busing!

Yearbooks

If you did not order a yearbook this fall when pictures were taken, but would like to have one yet, please sign up on the Geskus Website.

Technology Reminder

As a reminder please do not send personal technology to school, including Smartwatches. If they are seen by a teacher, they will be asked to put it in their backpack and take it home. If it is seen a second time it will be placed in the office for a parent to pick up at the end of the day. If parents need to communicate with their student, they can send their student an email or call the office and get a note sent from the office.

Tardies

The front doors at Pine Ridge are unlocked for drop off from 7:50-8:15am. The first bell rings at 8:12 to get students in and ready to start learning at the 8:15 bell. If your child arrives after 8:15, they will be marked tardy. Thank you for helping us get learning started right away in the morning and utilizing all the time we have!

Chapel

We would like to extend an invitation to our weekly chapels: Chapel happens each Tuesday from 1:25-1:55pm. Please be sure to check in at the office!

Lost & Found

The Lost & 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.

Absences & Appointments

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! 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 email the office of any appointments or early dismissal/late arrival information. That helps us make sure your student is ready for pickup or lets 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:

Please remember that you may turn only right out of the parking lot between 3:15-3:45pm 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 bench even if the weather isn’t ideal for pickup AND dropoff so we can fit as many cars in as possible. We cannot stop in the circle for any reason during those times.

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 8:30-9:30am. 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 Transportation

Calendar

May:

• 8: 1/2 day: Tulip Time Parade
• 26: No school: Memorial Day

June:

• 3: 5th grade celebration
• 4: 1/2 day: Last day

Announcements

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your schedules to meet with us. We value the partnerships we have with you as parents and love sharing the growth your child has shown!

From Parent Board:

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who brought dinner to the teachers during parent-teacher conferences. Your generosity and thoughtfulness made a big difference, and it was deeply appreciated by all. Thank you for supporting our teachers and helping to make this busy time a little easier for them. We are so grateful for your kindness and continued involvement in our school community!

We also want to extend a big thank the volunteers who helped with the book fair for your time and dedication. Your hard work in setting up, assisting shoppers, and ensuring everything ran smoothly made a huge difference. We couldn’t have done it without you!

5th Grade Families

Holland Christian Middle School invites 5th grade parents to come to our Spring Launch Night! Meet the staff, hear about the academic and extra curricular opportunities, and get a head start on understanding the transition to the middle school. See the 6th Grade Launch Night Flyer for more information.

5th grade celebration will be Tuesday, June 3. More details to come as we get closer.

Tulip Time ’25

We have asked for your child’s preference for the Tulip Time parade this year. If you have not already filled it out, please fill out this Tulip Time Survey so we can make sure we are prepared with the correct props.

Yearbooks

If you did not order a yearbook this fall when pictures were taken, but would like to have one yet, please sign up on the Geskus Website.

Technology Reminder

As a reminder please do not send personal technology to school, this includes Smartwatches. If they are seen by a teacher, they will be asked to put it in their backpack and take it home. If it is seen a second time it will be placed in the office for a parent to pick up at the end of the day. If parents need to communicate with their student, they can send their student an email or call the office and get a note from the office.

Tardies

The front doors at Pine Ridge are unlocked for drop off from 7:50-8:15am. The first bell rings at 8:12 to get students in and ready to start learning at the 8:15 bell. If your child arrives after 8:15, they will be marked tardy. Thank you for helping us get learning started right away in the morning and utilizing all the time we have!

Chapel

We would like to extend an invitation to our weekly chapels: Chapel happens each Tuesday from 1:25-1:55pm. Please be sure to check in at the office!

Lost & Found

The Lost & 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.

Absences & Appointments

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! 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 email the office of any appointments or early dismissal/late arrival information. That helps us make sure your student is ready for pickup or lets 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:

Please remember that you may turn only right out of the parking lot between 3:15-3:45pm 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 for pickup AND dropoff so we can fit as many cars in as possible. We cannot stop in the circle for any reason during those times.

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 8:30-9:30am. 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 Transportation

Calendar

April:

• 4-11: No school: Spring break
• 14: Return to school!
• 23: 6th Grade Launch Night for Parents

May:

• 8: 1/2 day: Tulip Time Parade
• 26: No school: Memorial Day

June:

• 3: 5th grade celebration
• 4: 1/2 Day: Last day

Spring time is almost here and we can feel the energy of all the wonderful things that come with springtime. We are reminded of the growth and flourishing that happens naturally with creation and how our good Lord in his perfect way, made it this way. In that same way, we see students starting to show their growth and flourishing in all different types of ways. They are finding new books that they love to read, investigating the outdoors in new ways, and sharing new ways of living in community together. My prayer is that we continue to build each other up and find ways to spur each other to seek Jesus in all we do.

In partnership with you,
Mrs. Dinah Pereira

Announcements

Parent-Teacher Conferences

An email went out regarding parent-teacher conference signups. If you still need to sign up or have any questions, please email the office for information. Conferences will be held March 20 and March 25.

From Parent Board

Parents! We would love to support our Pine Ridge teachers with a meal for parent-teacher conferences on Thursday, March 20. Please sign up through Signup Genius!

Doughnuts at Dawn

Parent Board will be hosting Donuts at Dawn on March 7, a special time for students to gather with a parent or other special adult for a treat in the gym before school. Please join us at 7:45am in the gym! Due to space, please bring only one adult.

5th Grade Families

Holland Christian Middle School invites 5th grade parents to come to our Spring Launch Night! Meet the staff, hear about the academic and extra curricular opportunities, and get a head start on understanding the transition to the middle school. See the 6th Grade Launch Night Flyer for more information.

Technology Reminder

As a reminder please do not send personal technology to school, this includes Smartwatches. If they are seen by a teacher, they will be asked to put it in their backpack and take it home. If it is seen a second time it will be placed in the office for a parent to pick up at the end of the day. If parents need to communicate with their student, they can send their student an email or call the office and get a note from the office.

Running Clubs

We are still looking for some volunteer coaches for both of our running clubs! Please email the office with any questions. This is a great way to get involved.

Tardies

The front doors at Pine Ridge are unlocked for drop off from 7:50-8:15am. The first bell rings at 8:12 to get students in and ready to start learning at the 8:15 bell. If your child arrives after 8:15, they will be marked tardy. Thank you for helping us get learning started right away in the morning and utilizing all the time we have!

Chapel

We would like to extend an invitation to our weekly chapels: Chapel happens each Tuesday from 1:25-1:55 pm. Please be sure to check in at the office!

Swimming Lessons

Holland Christian elementary students have the privilege of receiving swimming lessons each year through the Holland Aquatic Center. These lessons are provided  during the school day for two weeks. We recognize that this program could be a little uncomfortable for children. Because our children are blessed to be raised in Michigan and surrounded by bodies of water, we believe this safety instruction is a blessing that we pray they will never need, but that we still feel responsible to equip them with. If you find yourself pondering over the “why” of lessons, please listen to HC mom Jenny White on the why of swim safety. This HCAC Swim School welcome video can help you understand a bit about the logistics. Any questions please feel free to email the office.

Swimming lessons will be happening March 17- 28 for 3rd and 4th graders this year!

Lost & Found

The Lost & 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.

Absences & Appointments

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! 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 email the office of any appointments or early dismissal/late arrival information. That helps us make sure your student is ready for pickup or lets 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:

Please remember that you may turn only right out of the parking lot between 3:15-3:45pm 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 for pickup AND dropoff so we can fit as many cars in as possible. We cannot stop in the circle for any reason during those times.

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 8:30-9:30am. 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 Transportation

Calendar

March:

• 14: End of quarter 3
• 19: Band Extravaganza
• 19: Report cards emailed
• 20: Parent-teacher conferences
• 25: Parent-teacher conferences

April:

• 4-11: No school: Spring break
• 14: Return to school!

We’ve been having a blast at Pine Ridge in 2025. We’ve had all our holiday festivities, cardboard sled racing, STEAM projects, Salmon raising, a whole school book sale and a few snowdays thrown in- WOW! I am constantly amazed at all the good learning and how much growth has happened. We just had our book sale and we are hoping that these new books in kids’ hands encourage them to keep reading. Thank you for reading with your kiddos at home as we work to keep the momentum going. I am excited to continue to partner with you and to celebrate all the great things happening at Pine Ridge!

Happy Reading!
Mrs. Dinah Pereira

Announcements

5th Grade Families:

Save the Date:
Holland Christian Middle School invites 5th grade parents to come to our Spring Launch Night! Meet the staff, hear about the academic and extra curricular opportunities, and get a head start on understanding the transition to the middle school. See the 6th Grade Launch Night Flyer for more information.

Technology Reminder:

As a reminder please do not send personal technology to school, this includes Smartwatches. If they are seen by a teacher, they will be asked to put it in their backpack and take it home. If it is seen a second time it will be placed in the office for a parent to pick up at the end of the day. An excerpt from our handbook states;

Personal Technology: Personal Technology is not necessary in a school setting and disrupts the learning environment. Personal Technology includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Cell Phones
• Smartwatches
• Headphones or Earbuds
• Personal Laptops
• MP3-Players
• Etc. (i.e. Any non-school issued personal technology)

If parents need to communicate with their student, they can send their student an email or call the office and get a note from the office. Personal Technology items are not allowed to be used or visible during the time a student enters school until the final bell rings. If a student needs to use their phone, they must receive direct permission from a staff person to do so.

Running Clubs

We are still looking for some volunteer coaches for both of our running clubs! Please email the office with any questions. This is a great way to get involved.

Wacky Wednesdays

We have a couple Wacky Wednesdays left for your student to participate:

• February 5 – Hat Day
• February 12 – PJ Day (snow day make up!)

The winning class each week (largest % of students participating) will get a hot chocolate party provided by our Parent Board!

Tardies

The front doors at Pine Ridge are unlocked for drop off from 7:50-8:15. The first bell rings at 8:12 to get students in and ready to start learning at the 8:15 bell. If your child arrives after 8:15, they will be marked tardy. Thank you for helping us get learning started right away in the morning and utilizing all the time we have!

Chapel

We would like to extend an invitation to our weekly chapels. Chapel happens each Tuesday from 1:25-1:55 pm. Please be sure to check in at the office!

Swimming Lessons

These lessons are provided at the Holland Aquatic Center. Holland Christian elementary students have the privilege of receiving swimming lessons each year through the Holland Aquatic Center. These lessons are provided  during the school day for 2 weeks. We recognize that this program could be a little uncomfortable for children. Because our children are blessed to be raised in Michigan, surrounded by bodies of water, we believe this safety instruction is a blessing that we pray they will never need, but that we still feel responsible to equip them with. If you find yourself pondering over the “why” of lessons, please listen to HC mom Jenny White on the why swim safety. This HCAC Swim School welcome video can help you understand a bit about the logistics. Any questions please feel free to email the office.

Swimming lessons will be happening March 17- 28 for 3rd and 4th graders this year!

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.

Absences & Appointments

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! 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 email 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:

Please remember 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 for pickup AND dropoff so we can fit as many cars in as possible. We cannot stop in the circle for any reason during those times.

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.

Important Website Links

• School Calendar
• School Transportation

Calendar

February:

• 14: No school: Staff PD
• 17: No school: Winter Break

March:

• 14: End of Quarter 3
• 19: Band Extravaganza
• 19: Report Cards Emailed
• 20: Parent Teacher Conferences
• 25: Parent Teacher Conferences

Happy new year to all our Pine Ridge families! I don’t know about you, but I am not one for “new years resolutions” or even early goals. I like to take a moment to reflect on the past year and then jot down my hopes and prayers for the coming year. I do this because I know that ultimately it is not I who guides my life but Jesus Christ. He has given me life, a purpose and he has a plan laid out for me. This past year I heard a speaker talk about finding  “bright spots” in our day to day lives. He said that as humans we tend to look for and find the problems, hard things and even sometimes create challenges for ourselves. I am challenged by the word in 1 Thessalonians, “Encourage one another and build each other up”. I pray that we can do that this new year, encourage each other, find the bright spots and share them with those around us. Thank you for your partnership and continued support as we live into 2025.

Blessings,
Dinah

Announcements

Technology Reminder:

As a reminder please do not send personal technology to school, this includes Smartwatches. If they are seen by a teacher, they will be asked to put it in their backpack and take it home. If it is seen a second time it will be placed in the office for a parent to pick up at the end of the day. An excerpt from our handbook states;

Personal Technology: Personal Technology is not necessary in a school setting and disrupts the learning environment. Personal Technology includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Cell Phones
• Smartwatches
• Headphones or Earbuds
• Personal Laptops
• MP3-Players
• Etc. (i.e. Any non-school issued personal technology)

If parents need to communicate with their student, they can send their student an email or call the office and get a note from the office. Personal Technology items are not allowed to be used or visible during the time a student enters school until the final bell rings. If a student needs to use their phone, they must receive direct permission from a staff person to do so.

Kinderdance

Kinder Dutch Dance 2025 registration is now open! Practice is during one lunch recess per week, starting February 17. See this flyer for more info and the link to register. Registration deadline is January 18, 2025. Fee is $25 with additional cost for required costume and wooden shoes.

Running Clubs

Do you have a love for youth fitness? Are you looking for a way to invest in the students at Pine Ridge? This spring, we hope to have running clubs for both girls and boys.

Boys:
TTQ is a fun, high energy after school program designed exclusively for boys in 3rd-5th grade; it incorporates strength and stretching exercises, activities designed to help develop a healthy lifestyle along with training for a 5K. The Spring season begins the week of March 10th, with a final 5K on May 17th. Check out the TTQ Flyer in your child’s teacher blog for Kristen Chan’s contact information to sign up to be a coach.

Girls:
There is Pine Ridge Girls Running Club; a club organized and run by Pine Ridge parent volunteers. It follows much the same organization of TTQ with 2 practices a week, held right after school. This running club will culminate in the Tulip Time Run on Saturday, May 3. Please contact the Pine Ridge office if you can help us by being a coach for this event!

Wacky Wednesdays

Let’s break up the dreary and cold days with some fun! The following Wednesdays will be themed for students to participate – as chosen by our 5th graders:

• January 15 – Sports Day (clothing and hats only; no equipment please!)
• January 22 – PJ day
• January 29 – Neon Day
• February 5 – Hat day

The winning class each week (largest % of students participating) will get a hot chocolate party provided by our Parent Board!

Tardies

The doors at Pine Ridge lock at 8:15 each morning. If your child arrives after 8:15, they will be marked tardy. Thank you for helping us get learning started right away in the morning and utilizing all the time we have!

Chapel

We would like to extend an invitation to our weekly chapels. Chapel happens each Tuesday from 1:25-1:55 pm. Please be sure to check in at the office!

Swimming Lessons

These lessons are provided at the Holland Aquatic Center. Holland Christian elementary students have the privilege of receiving swimming lessons each year through the Holland Aquatic Center. These lessons are provided  during the school day for 2 weeks. We recognize that this program could be a little uncomfortable for children. Because our children are blessed to be raised in Michigan, surrounded by bodies of water, we believe this safety instruction is a blessing that we pray they will never need, but that we still feel responsible to equip them with. If you find yourself pondering over the “why” of lessons, please listen to HC mom Jenny White on the why swim safety. This HCAC Swim School welcome video can help you understand a bit about the logistics. Any questions please feel free to contact the Pine Ridge office.

Swimming lessons will be happening March 17- 28 for 3rd and 4th graders this year!

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.

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:

Please remember 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 for pickup AND dropoff so we can fit as many cars in as possible. We cannot stop in the circle for any reason during those times.

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.

Important Website Links

• School Calendar
• School Transportation

Calendar

January:

• 1-3: No school: Christmas Vacation
• 6: Back to School!
• 15-17: Hearing & Vision testing
• 20: No school: MLK Day

February:

• 14: No school: Staff PD
• 17: No school: Winter Break

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 sign 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.

Important Website Links

• School Calendar
• School Transportation

Calendar

December:

• 6: Band and Orchestra Concert
• 13: Last day to turn in Christmas project items
• 23-Jan 3: No school: Christmas Vacation

January:

• 1-3: No school: Christmas Vacation
• 6: Back to School!
• 20: No school: MLK Day