Month: December 2013

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Walk Away from the Screen…

and grab a book!

Our Reading Teacher, Mrs. Bast, asked that we all use some of our holiday blog time to encourage parents and their children to remember to READ over the vacation.  She shared an article with us that emphasizes the luxury of reading during vacation time.

As you talk about the remaining week of vacation time, plan out how many minutes each day can be devoted to reading a book timetoreador a magazine.  If at all possible, build this time so that you and your child can read together — either the same book or each read your own.

My family and I will travel abroad to visit my daughter who is on her study abroad year.  In preparation for this trip (20+ hours of flying and 8+ hours of train travel), I have selected some great books to help the travel time seem more pleasurable.  When I am home over a wintery vacation, I wait until the snow if falling and mix up some hot chocolate, grab my favorite blanket and curl up on the couch with my book and the dogs.

Do all you can to carve out time for your child to read — and make it an enjoyable time together.  Remember, turn off the screens…put them away so that these are a distraction.  Make the time and sit down and read together for just a few minutes every single day.  This focused time will help your child in reading in school and in life.

 

 

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Learning to Focus in the Digital Age

focus

 

 

I think it’s fair of me to say the following:  With more access to affordable digital devices, many of us struggle to attend to the person who is speaking or the device that is beeping.

While catching up on my professional reading, I ran across this article called,  AGE OF DISTRACTION:  WHY IT’s CRITICAL FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN TO FOCUS

As a school, we talk daily about the importance of concentration and mindful focus toward a single activity or skill.   With this kind of intentional focus and practice over time, learners become more competent and demonstrate a higher achievement rate. We think it is important that all learners become aware of the need to practice this away from school where digital tools are more accessible.  If you find that your children (and you as parents) are distracted by your cell phone, e-reader or other type of screen, do a self-check and then step away to focus on the person who is might be trying to converse with you.

If you want to know more about mindful practices that strengthen attention and awareness, check out Why Teaching Mindfulness Benefits Student Learning.

Now…turn off that screen and find someone to talk with…face to face!

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Read Read Read….

over the holidays!  One great way to read (especially if you were the recipient of an e-reader over the holidays) is to download open libraryfree books from the library (local) or this great online resource:  OPEN LIBRARY.

And, if you or your child prefer to listen to books on your tech device, PLEASE….go ahead and get started.  When your child listens to books on their device, they are building their comprehension skills through listening.  This also exposes them to more vocabulary words which then makes it easier to read the words when encountered in texts.

So….make reading time a priority during your break — either through traditional paper books, e-readers or through audio tech devices.

Happy reading!

Mrs. Reagan

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BLOG BITS 12/20/13

 

Happy Holidays

HAPPY HOLIDAY BREAK GEORGETOWN PARENTS!!! christmas tree

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE………  I cannot even believe I am typing this right now……… I sure hope all of our Georgetown families have a very happy and safe holiday season!!!  Just does not even seem possible that Christmas is next week.  Our 3 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas break were very fast ones, but over all uneventful.  Which is a good thing!  Please make sure you look through the entire post as there are a few things that are taking place right away when we get back to school from the holidays!

swimming4th GRADE SWIMMING……… starts MONDAY, JANUARY 6th!!!  Please make sure your 4th grader is prepared for this when they return to school from Christmas break!!  Students will need to bring a suit and towel for swimming.  Swimming is first thing in the morning so some students like to wear their suits underneath their clothing.  If this is the case please remember to send their “essentials” along with a towel to have after swimming.  Thank you  : )

BACK BUS LOOP…….. Is for Busses ONLY!!!   Please do not drop off or pick up students here.   Students must be picked up/dropped off in front of the school.  Remember that the front loop is for busses only as well in the afternoon..  Please park in a marked parking spot when picking up students.  In the morning you may drive through the circle drive to let students off.  Thank you.

KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP……….Believe it or not…… it is that time of year!!  Kindergarten Round Up will be held on Thursday, February 27 at 7:00pm.  We will be holding it here at Georgetown Elementary in the Multi-Purpose room.  There will also be a morning session if you are unavailable to attend the evening meeting, it will be held at South Elementary at 10:00am on Thursday, February 27 as well.  Registration packets will be made available in all elementary buildings on Monday, January 20.  Please remember….. it is not a first come, first serve basis, so there is not a rush to get these turned in first.

 

GIRLS ON THE RUN ……running-shoe-md We are in DESPERATE need of at least 2 more coaches for this year’s Girls on the Run program.  Coaching is the most rewarding way to get involved with Girls on the Run and learn more about the program. You get to experience the program first hand, feel a sense of accomplishment that you have made a difference in the lives of the girls and have a ton of fun with your team of coaches and incredible girls!  For more information on coaching please visit…  http://gotroac.org/volunteer/coach/  Without the additional coaches we will have to LIMIT the number of girls that can participate.  Please contact Cheryl Havens at havenspc@gmail.com or 616-481-4164 if you are interested.  Shoe fittings will take place at Georgetown on MONDAY, JANUARY 6 from 3:45p to 6:00p.

PTC NEWS…….. JET’S PIZZA WINNER……… was 4th Grade……… Mrs. Huizenga’s classroom!!  Way to go!  They will be enjoying a pizza party for lunch from Jet’s Pizza.  : )

WINNERS OF THE WALK-A-THON FUN FAMILY NIGHT PRIZES  ARE……… Celebration Cinema Movie Tickets – Bryce Norder – 2nd grade Mrs. Ray; Grand Rapids Griffins Tickets – Carson Dykstra – 1st grade Mrs. Woodring; Box of Games- Logan Woody – 4th Grade Mr. Bowen

COMMUNITY NEWS……… FORMAL DRESS SALE…… The West Catholic Parents Club would like to invite your students to our Eighth Annual Used Formal Dress Sale on January 11, 2014, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at West Catholic High School, 1801 Bristol NW, Grand Rapids.  The attached flyer has all the details.  Usually, we have students buying for dances but have also had student & parents buy dresses for cruises & graduations (high school & 8th grade!) Students from ALL schools are welcome to consign their gently used dresses OR to shop for a “new to you” dress!  Consignors set their own prices & will receive 75% of the sale price.  Please direct any questions to me @ 616-540-1969 (call or text) or e-mail mailto:Liz.Miklosi@gmail.com

HUDSONVILLE LITTLE LEAGUE REGISTRATIONS…… baseball cartoonHudsonville Little League Registrations are now open online.  Please visit www.HudsonvilleLittleLeague.com for more info.  Deadline is JANUARY 15.  Payment is NOT due at the same time.  Please register to reserve your child(ren)’s spot today!

S.O.A.R. II……. For the past three years, we have been working on accomplishing our district’s long-range planning goals outlined in S.O.A.R. I (Strategic Objectives to Achieve Results).  A report of the many accomplishments during the past three years can be found at on our district’s website.  To continue our great tradition of excellence at Hudsonville Public Schools and to elevate our successes to the next level, we are asking for your help in the development of our next plan.  We are beginning the community research process to set the goals for S.O.A.R. II.  During the next couple months, we will be conducting 10 focus groups.  Additionally, in the winter months, we will be conducting a comprehensive online survey.  If you are asked to participate, please consider taking part in helping us set the direction for the next three years.

Sincerely, Nick Ceglarek, Superintendent, and Ken Hall, Board of Education President

AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS……… We are a family-friendly and faith based organization that helps girls become women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. American Heritage Girls welcomes girls in Kindergarten through High School. It is never too late to join! We meet the first 3 Mondays of the month from 6:30-8PM at Holy Redeemer Parish 2700 Baldwin in Jenison. Please enter through door “C” and we will be in classrooms 10-12. Please contact Amy Fleck with any questions atamy.fleck1999@gmail.com.

EARLY CHILDHOOD PARENT INFORMATION/REGISTRATION NIGHT……… 

HPS Early Childhood Programs – Parent Information/Registration Night for the 2014-15 School Year and 2014 Summer ProgramPlay:Learn:grow Kids

Information Night Date/Time:  Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ Baldwin Middle School Cafe’  6:00-8:00pm

*Programs include: Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten Care, Before/After School Care, Summer Care.

*These evenings are a chance to gather information about the programs, meet staff, and visit a preschool classroom.  There will not be a formal presentation, so come anytime between 6:00-8:00 p.m.  Children are welcome.

*For more information, please call Shellie or Becky at 616-797-0842.

COMMUNITY ED NEWS………. Hudsonville Community Education has many offerings for your kids.  For more information or to register, please visit www.hudsonvillepublicschools.org or call Rebecca at 669-7747, ext. #3.  Listed below are some of the activities that are available currently.

Upcoming Winter Activities to be on the lookout for……….. 3rd-6th GRADE BOYS BASKETBALL…. JR EAGLES BASKETBALL FOR BOYS & GIRLS….JR DANCE CLINIC….KITCHEN CREATIONS….LEARN TO ICE SKATE….BEGINNING FENCING…. INTRO TO HOCKEY….LEARN TO SKATE (ROLLERBLADING)…..PARKING LOT SELF DEFENSE/AWARENESS…..BOWLING (UP THRU ADULT AGE)……YOUNG REMBRANDTS DRAWING

UPCOMING DATES

1/6 ~ First Day back to school

1/6 ~ Girls on the Run Shoe Fittings 3:45p to 6:00p

1/6 – 1/17 ~ 4th Grade Swimming Lessons

1/7 ~ Jet’s Pizza Night

1/10 ~ Popcorn Friday

1/15 ~ Marco’s Pizza Night

1/31 ~ NO SCHOOL/WINTER BREAK

2/3 ~ NO SCHOOL/WINTER BREAK

2/4 ~ Jet’s Pizza Night

2/7 ~ Popcorn Friday

2/19 ~ Marco’s Pizza Night

2/27 ~ KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP @ 7:00pm

2/28 ~ NO SCHOOL

HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY BREAK!!      Mrs. Nurenberg  : )2014

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Ice Day: NO SCHOOL

ice

It looks like we get a head start on our holiday vacation.  The roads are hazardous due to the ice which means school is cancelled today.

Be safe if you are walking outside…and extremely cautious if you are driving.  Have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends and we will see you in the new year!

Mrs. Reagan

 

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Week 15: December 9-13, 2013

Our week ahead is calm….and that is a WONDERFUL thing to say during the holiday season!    With the amazing program behind us, we are able to resume a schedule that is free of rehearsals and filled with routine we are familiar with.

Again, be sure to check your child’s class blogs for assignments, tests and special events that may be posted in these locations.

With the cold winter weather in full swing, please remember to have your child wear those mittens, gloves, hats and scarves.  The wind blows fiercely on our playgrounds — so even when the sun is out, winter accessories are essential.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Reagan

 

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BLOG BITS 12/6/13

christmas tree

HAPPY FIRST FRIDAY OF DECEMBER GEORGETOWN PARENTS!!

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE………  Wow……. can you believe it……. it is December and Christmas break is only TWO weeks away.  We had a very busy week with the Holiday program, the Holiday Gift Shop and we finished the week off with Popcorn Friday!   Just a friendly reminder….. if you DID NOT order your DVD of the Holiday program we are not accepting any more orders here in the office.  If you missed ordering one at Georgetown please feel free to contact WCET directly at 669-3332.  Try to stay stress free these next couple of weeks and just try to enjoy the season!  : )

5TH GRADE CANDY CANE SALE……. 

candy caneThe annual 5th grade Candy Cane sale is officially here!  Each year, our 5th grade classes sell candy canes to help raise money for 5th grade camp experience and 5th grade celebration.  This year the sale runs from Wednesday, December 4 through Wednesday, December 18.  The cost for each candy cane is $1.00 and they will be delivered the same day they are ordered.

Thank you for your support and Happy Holidays!

DECEMBER LUNCH MENU……… December 2013 Hud Elem 2    Deposit Slip

 

toysTOYS FOR TOTS………..Georgetown as a school is collecting toys for Toys for Tots this Holiday season.  The drop box is now located in the lobby out side of the office.  Some of you may have seen this already on TV, but we have joined in the collection with Channel 13 News.  Lets try to do our very best to make this a very happy Holiday season for many children in our area!  No matter how little or how large the gift,  it can bring a HUGE smile to a child’s face!!  This is a great way show our children that the Holidays are for sharing.  : )  The collection box will be in the lobby until THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12!!

GIRLS ON THE RUN ……running-shoe-md If you are interested in coaching the girls this year, please contact Cheryl Havens at 616-481-4164 orhavenspc@gmail.com.  We’re in need of inspiring coaches for these wonderful girls.  Shoe fittings will take place at Georgetown on MONDAY, JANUARY 6 from 3:45p to 6:00p.

PTC NEWS…….. MARCO’S PIZZA WINNER……… was 4th Grade……… Mrs. Walenta’s classroom!!  Way to go!  They will be enjoying a pizza party for lunch from Marco’s Pizza.  : )

COMMUNITY NEWS……… AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS……… We are a family-friendly and faith based organization that helps girls become women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. American Heritage Girls welcomes girls in Kindergarten through High School. It is never too late to join! We meet the first 3 Mondays of the month from 6:30-8PM at Holy Redeemer Parish 2700 Baldwin in Jenison. Please enter through door “C” and we will be in classrooms 10-12. Please contact Amy Fleck with any questions at amy.fleck1999@gmail.com.

Christmas giftsGIFTS OF APPRECIATION……. Are you wondering what gift to get your child’s teacher or bus driver for Christmas this year? As we all know, Christmas is a great time to recognize those special people – teachers, coaches, counselors, bus drivers, and other staff members – who are a positive influence in your child’s life and school experience.  One way to show your appreciation is by making a donation in their name to the Hudsonville Education Foundation.  It’s a gift that keeps on giving!  Please see the attached donation form (or pick one up at your child’s school) for more information and directions for making your gift.  Gifts of Appr-Dec2013

EARLY CHILDHOOD PARENT INFORMATION/REGISTRATION NIGHT……… 

HPS Early Childhood Programs – Parent Information/Registration Night for the 2014-15 School Year and 2014 Summer ProgramPlay:Learn:grow Kids

Information Night Date/Time:  Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ Baldwin Middle School Cafe’  6:00-8:00pm

*Programs include: Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten Care, Before/After School Care, Summer Care.

*These evenings are a chance to gather information about the programs, meet staff, and visit a preschool classroom.  There will not be a formal presentation, so come anytime between 6:00-8:00 p.m.  Children are welcome.

*For more information, please call Shellie or Becky at 616-797-0842.

COMMUNITY ED NEWS………. Hudsonville Community Education has many offerings for your kids.  For more information or to register, please visit www.hudsonvillepublicschools.org or call Rebecca at 669-7747, ext. #3.  Listed below are some of the activities that are available currently.

BOYS 3rd-6th GRADE BASKETBALL……

Upcoming Winter Activities to be on the lookout for……….. ROCK THE GYM…… BASEBALL CLINICS…….. SOCCER………TAE KWON DO…….. JR. EAGLES BASKETBALL…… COOKING CLASSES…….. GUITAR CLINIC

UPCOMING DATES

12/10 ~ Jet’s Pizza Night

12/18 ~ Marco’s Pizza Night

12/20 ~ Classroom Holiday Parties

12/23 – 1/3 ~ Holiday Break

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!      Mrs. Nurenberg  : )

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Special Week Ahead: Dec 2-6, 2014

We kick off our busy week with a showcase of our K-5 music program at Fair Haven Ministries. This will be held on Tuesday evening.  Visit this link to find out important details.  This is a very special night — one that we are able to watch the children shine musically.

A special Holiday Shop will be set up for our students to purchase gifts for family members.  This shop is made possible  through our Parent Club —and all of the parent volunteers who so graciously help the children shop.

And…we wrap the week up with POPCORN DAY!  This is another event sponsored by our Parent Club, funded with your donations and run by parent volunteers.

Enjoy the week ahead!

Mrs. Reagan

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