Month: May 2014

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BLOG BITS 5/30/14

summer sandNEWS FROM THE OFFICE………. Wow…… This is hard for me even to believe……. but this is the LAST Blog Bits for this year!!  Remember to periodically check the blog through out the summer for any news that Mrs. Reagan may be posting.  : )  The office would also like to REMIND you that next Friday, June 6 is an EARLY DISMISSAL for Georgetown.  We will be DISMISSED at 1:00 pm.  (Lunch will be provided before the students are dismissed)
We would like to remind you as parents that it is nice when you like to bring in treats for the fun festivities at the end of the year, however, we are NOT able to provide FREEZER SPACE.  If you are bringing in treats that need to be kept cold/frozen we ask that you either bring them to school in a cooler or make arrangements in advance with your teacher to see when the best time to bring them would be.  THANK YOU!! One last thing.  Our Community Ed Department has just provided us with an updated Tutor List.  Sometimes we know that students need a little extra help through out the summer and school year and this is a great place to find that special person that can help your student!  Please see the attached list for great tutors that are able to help students in grades K-12.  TutorList201314  NOW…….. whether you are okay with this or not…… the countdown to Summer Vacation continues!  lol  Believe it or not we only have 5 school days left!!  Yikes!!  : )
5TH GRADE NEWS………. 5th GR
JUNE 3 ~ 4th/5th Grade Field Day @ Baldwin Middle School with all other elementaries.
JUNE 4 ~ Rain Date for 4th/5th Field Day
ART ROOM NEWS……..   Mrs. Brouwer and Mrs. Persch would like to remind you that Georgetown’s on-line art gallery, ARTSONIA, has lots of new student artwork ready to enjoy!  Our gallery has over 6,570 pieces of student artwork on display!  You can have your child’s artwork printed on a huge variety of items, including coffee mugs and shirts. Hint, hint…Father’s Day is right around the corner, and an original work of art created by your child would be a fabulous gift!  If you need the security key code to access your child’s artwork, please email Mrs. Brouwer: jbrouwer@hpseagles.net
PTC NEWS……..  MARCO’S  PIZZA NIGHT WINNER…….. is FOURTH grade……. Mr. Bowen.   Way to go fourth graders!!  The class will be enjoying a pizza party for lunch on behalf of Marco’s Pizza!!
COMMUNITY NEWS………Sun w:glasses 2014 YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMP………. this is offered to kids ages 5-12.  Please read the following attachments with all of the information.   YMCA Summer Day Camp Brochure 2014   Day Camp Description 2014-Visser
HOPE COLLEGE SUMMER SCIENCE CAMP………Hope College is offering exciting opportunities this summer for students to explore the wonderful world of Science and More. There are over 39 camps to choose from including CSI, Science of Star Wars, VideoGame Making, The Science of Phineas and Ferb, Club Vet, Lego  and more.  The programs will feature “hands-on” interactive investigations designed to teach scientific concepts in a FUN yet challenging way.  A camper manual (for use in the camp) and a parent manual will be provided for each session.  To register, or for more information, visit our website at www.hope.edu/camps/science.html.  For questions, e-mail us at sciencecamp@hope.edu or contact us by phone (616) 395-7628  Partial scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance.  Also – the scholarship deadline can be extended to May 23, 2014.
MOBILE FOOD DISTRIBUTION………. Saturday, June 7, 2014, 10:00 am to Noon.  Hager Park Church is partnering with Feeding America West Michigan to provide a Mobile Food Distribution. The food distribution will take place at Hager Park Church’s parking lot, located at 2635 Bauer Road in Jenison. Sign-in is required, although the food is available to anyone that needs it.  There will be a large assortment of food, including fresh seasonal produce and other high quality grocery items.
WEST MICHIGAN FLIGHT ACADEMY’S ANNUAL FLY-IN……… The West Michigan Flight Academy annual event at the Riverview Airport in Jenison will beSaturday, June 7 from 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. The event welcomes the public to come and enjoy the Misty Blues Parachute Team, airplane rides, car show, airplane display, breakfast, music, raffles, door prizes and more.• Free airplane rides for youth age 7 – 17;  • Misty Blues Parachute Team performance: around 9:00 a.m.  • Breakfast: tri-tip steak, eggs, cheese, sausage, fire roasted salsa and tortillas! Children under 4 free, ages 4-14 $7, adults $10. Catered by Q-It-Up BBQ  • Introductory Flights to benefit the academy’s flight programs, $45  • Airplane display, car show, 50/50 raffle, door prizes and silent auction.  Please see the attached flyer for more information….. West Mi Flight Academy Fundraiser-Fly_In_Flyer-2014
KIDS DAY 2014……… Saturday, June 14. Kids! Moms! Dads! – What better way to celebrate the beginning of Summer than with an affordable, family-friendly event.  Come  to the Hudsonville Fairgrounds between 10 am and 3 pm to enjoy the fun of the 5th annual Kids Day. Kids will be entertained with free stage shows,  $.25 games, lots of prizes, affordable kid-friendly food, and much more.  Kids Daywill happen whether rain or shine. Kids Day is organized by Jehovah Jireh Ministries, and is supported by several local businesses, churches, and organizations.
CAMP 911…………… Free day long program that focuses on safety and prevention techniques for children ages 9-11.  We partner with community agencies such as Consumers Power, Safe Kids Coalition, local Police, Fire and Sheriff Departments to give a variety of experiences.  Camp 911 is a fun, hands-on learning environment that gives children the knowledge, skills and confidence to protect themselves and react safely in emergency situations. Lunch and snacks provided.   Camps begin at8:30 for registration and end at 4:00, they are offered at:
June 16th ~Georgetown Fire Department, 7480 36th Ave, Hudsonville.  July 8th ~ Hudsonville Fire Department, 3275 Central Blvd, Hudsonville.Register at www.lifeems.com and follow the camp 911 link.  Any questions/concerns please contact me at Jan Mosson, 616-242-8812 OR jmosson@lifeems.com
LEARN TO PLAY LACROSSE………. Who:   Boys and Girls, currently in 2nd grade and up. ( separated age appropriately at the clinic).  What:  Learn lacrosse skills from Hudsonville Lacrosse Coaches and players.  When:  June 16-19, M-Thurs, 6-7:30 PM.  Where:  Hughes Park lacrosse field.  Cost:   $35.  Register at HUDSLAX.COM .   Only equipment you need is a short boys or girls lacrosse stick.  No helmet or pads required.

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED!!! ………… 75 great teenagers (ages 14-17) from Spain need great host families in Michigan for 4 and 6 weeks this summer. They come with insurance, their own spending money, and no need to be entertained – they just want to experience your family for a little while and practice their (already good) English. Best of all it is FREE!  Would you consider opening your home to one of these kids this summer? Contact Mayah Bischoff for more details! 616-607-4769. Dates areJune 29-July 27 and June 27-August 8.

CAMP INVENTION……… Led by Hudsonville Christian staff, the week-long Camp Invention experience (June 16-20) immerses elementary school children in exciting hands-on activities that reinvent summer fun.  A few featured activities include building original prototypes, creating a personalized motor-powered vehicle, and taking apart electronics to construct an epic insect-themed pinball machine.  Each lesson explores connections between science, technology, engineering, and innovation.  Currently receive $15 off until May 16 with the spring into summer discount!  Visit campinvention.org to register or contact Sharon Leerer (sleerar@4hcs.org) for more information.
HUDSONVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION……. Show your appreciation…… The end of the school year is near.  This is a great time to honor a special person, or an entire building staff, who has been a positive influence on your child’s life or school experience.  Teachers, coaches, counselors, bus drivers, and many others, influence and guide them.  One way to show your appreciation to these special people is by making a donation in their name to the Hudsonville Education Foundation.  When a donation is made to the Foundation, the name of the honoree(s) will be posted in each building.  Please see the attached flyer with more information……… HEF-Spring2014
FREE ICE SKATING……….. Celebrate the end of school by FREE ice skating at Georgetown Ice Center, Hudsonville.  For the month of June bring in your school report card during public skating and get in free.  Skate rental additional.  Please see our website,  www.georgetownice.com, for public skating times.  Snacks and full meals available for purchase through BC Pizza, located in our lobby.  Offer ends June 30.
FALL BASEBALL REGISTRATIONS……. Hudsonville & Georgetown Little League are now taking registrations for the Fall Ball program.  Games from Sept 6 – Oct 4.  Deadline is July 7 (space may be limited).  Visit www.hudsonvillelittleleague.com
JENSION STREET DANCE SHOWCASE………. will take place on Thursday, August 7.  REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 10!  This will take place from 4p-9p.   Please read the following attachment with all of the details.   JSD Competition Flyer 052714
MINI STICK HOCKEY TOURNAMENT……… will be held on Saturday, July 19.  This tournament is to benefit the Ryan Fischer Legacy Scholarship.  Please read the attached form for all of the details and how to register!  Kids from under 6 years old to adults can participate!!!  MiniStickHockeyRegistrationForm
HUDSONVILLE YOUTH FOOTBALL REGISTRATION……….. Hudsonville Youth Football is now taking registrations for the fall 2014 season.  Grades 1-6.  Deadline is 7-21.  Visit www.hudsonvilleyouthfootball.com

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.

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER AND WE WILL SEE YOU IN THE FALL!!!

Mrs. Nurenberg  : )summer water

 

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Perfect Day for a POOL PARTY

Today was the day that seven students left school to play in the pool at the principal’s house!  These seven students were the top winners for our 2014 PTC SPONSORED WALKATHON.  They waited patiently through an extra long winter to earn this day and it was worth every minute of the waiting.

Once we arrived to the pool, we lathered up with sunscreen, ate a healthy lunch of JET’s PIZZA  and SUBWAY and then we SWAM and SPLASHED.  This was followed by a cookie break (in the pool of course) which was followed by more swimming, jumping and diving.  This wore us out, so we needed an ice cream break — and yes, we ate our ice cream in the pool.

We arrived back to school shortly before the dismissal bus rang feeling refreshed and sun kissed after our day at the pool.

Thank you to Lauren Burgess (2x winner), Jackson Burgess, Sheyla Plummer (5x winner), Ava Burlison (2x winner) Leah Burlison, Bryce Counts and Isabelle Swiercz.  Many thanks to our PTC for sponsoring yet another great event!

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The Two Week Countdown to SUMMER VACATION!

CJ with Cotton Candy and Monster Teeth
CJ with Cotton Candy and Monster Teeth

I really can’t believe there are only 8.5 school days remaining of school.  The weather has just gotten warm and we are still trying to learn how to play in warm weather on our playgrounds.

But it’s true…school is out on June 6 at 1 pm.  The next eight and a half days are filled with the final units of study, assessments, project sharing, field trips, etc.  Please be sure to keep up to date on your child’s class blog so that you don’t miss any events.

Many thanks to the PTC for sponsoring the SPRING CARNIVAL on Friday night.  It was very well attended…and the weather was outstanding.  I have a few photos below for you to enjoy.

Some of you may have heard about the mother duck (mallard) that is nesting on our playground.  Karly Gort, a third grader, wrote a story about the duck for our blog.  You can read her story here.

Our week ahead is captured in a snap shot below.  Have a wonderful Memorial Weekend!

Mrs. Reagan

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Playground Duck

One day a momma Mallard duck needed to build a nest.  She needed a safe place to lay her eggs. She found that place under the platform of our climber on the 2/3 playground.  She built her nest out of the wood chips that are under the climber.  Using her beak, she pushed the wood chips into a circle mound and climbed in the middle of it to lay  8 eggs.

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Day after day, she sat on the eggs. Sat.  And sat.  And sat.  She is still sitting there on her eggs.  While she sits, 200 second and third graders play all around her.  Kids stand on the platform and wait their turn to climb or to use the zip line. Even with all that noise and jumping, she still sits on her eggs.

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My third grade classroom windows look out on the playground.  One day while I was doing my work at my desk, I watched the momma duck waddle out from under the platform to the edge of the playground.  She flew to the pond to drink water and eat food.  She left the eggs behind unprotected.  When the second grade kids came out for recess, they saw the nest was empty and tried to touch the eggs.  When the momma duck came back she was not happy.

This is me, looking out of my classroom window.
This is me, looking out of my classroom window.

Now we have kids who stand by her nest and protect it.  Sometimes they make a circle in the wood chips all around the platform to remind people to stay away from the momma duck and her eggs.

There are 8 days of school left.  I hope that the 8 eggs hatch so that I can see the ducklings before summer begins.

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This story and the photos by Karly Gort, third grader in Ms. VanArkel’s classroom

 

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Up Up and Away at Georgetown Elementary!

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We served as the launch site for the REMAX Balloon today.  The visit was timed perfectly to match our fourth grade science air and matter unit of study.  Our entire school watched the REMAX team unfold the balloon, fill it with cool air and then hot air.  As the balloon filled, it rose and the basket lifted off the ground…with Mrs. Reagan inside.  It was a short ride (7 feet up) which was just perfect for a very windy May day!  Many thanks to Malachi Hollis for the great photos of this event.

@georgetownelem

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The BRITISH HAVE ARRIVED!

As I mentioned in our WEEKLY UDATE, we are hosting HOPE LIVERPOOL UNIVERSITY STUDENT TEACHERS this week.

Over the past three years, we have hosted 40 British student teachers.   This year, we will host 7 teacher candidates and they are placed in grades K-5.   Their names are as follows:  Rachel Duggan, Jessica Gorman, Emma Hughes, Sophie McBain, Aoife Powell, Alice Webber and Hannah Wilson.

Please visit your child’s class blog to learn more about these wonderful teachers and the adventures we have had with them this week! @georgetownelem

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Week 35: May 19-23, 2014

We are officially into the HOME RUN STRETCH of the school year.  We have three weeks left to the school year — and this works out to 13.5 days of school.  In addition to the business of completing learning units and assessments at each grade, there are many grade level and classroom events taking place.  Please stay connect with the class blogs for details for events that impact your child.

Liverpool emblemAll week long, we will host student teachers from Hope Liverpool University.  Hope College, located in Holland, Michigan, participates in an exchange program with Hope-Liverpool University, located in Liverpool, England.  As part of their program, they spend a portion of their days in college education courses and in school settings.  The goal of the program is to help these future teachers experience global teaching and learning settings and through that experience understand the commonalities and differences in helping all learners to achieve.  We will share more about them once they arrive on Monday.

Our Fifth Graders head to Camp Pinewood on Wednesday for a three day one-of-a-kind bonding experience.  We are hoping for perfect camping weather for them and their 5th grade friends from Bauer Elementary.

Friday (May 23) is school wide RED WHITE and BLUE day in honor of Memorial Weekend.  This is also the day of our PTC SPONSORED END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR CARNIVAL.  The carnival will be held in the front loop of the building (outside), weather permitting from 5-8pm. (Rain date May 31). There will be Prizes, Pizza, & Cotton Candy. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, contact Stacey Alexander (616) 914-6896. Order forms for wrist bands were sent home on Monday of this week.

Have a wonderful week…and a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend.

Mrs. Reagan

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2014 MILLIONAIRES

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We have grown our MILLIONAIRE CLUB exponentially this year!  To become a Georgetown Millionaire, each student must read 1,000,000 words.  Listed below are the 2014-15 winners for this year and you can also view past winners here.  The photo above does not include all students listed below due to the crazy schedule that spring brings!

ONE MILLION WORDS

  • 3rd Grade- Talia Delinck, Carson Downer, Liz Havens, Simon Troyer, Jennifer Williams
  • 4th Grade- Maggie Ambrose, Elaina Fuzi, Ryan Gharajanloo, Elise Gort, Ava Ham,
  • Ethan Impens, Harrison Jones, Jacob Redder, Madelynn Wierda
  • 5th Grade- Makenna Overweg, Sarah Spears, Andy Szlachcic, August VanDam, Isabella Vreux, Aidan Water-Umfleet

TWO MILLION WORDS

  • 2nd Grade- Milena Sremba, and Nathan Zwier
  • 3rd Grade- Seth Banninga
  • 5th Grade- Luke Bouma, Greydan Overweg

FIVE MILLION WORDS

  • 4th Grade- Aidan Klein
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Girls on the Run Service Project

 

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Our Girls on the Run team selects a service project to complete before the end of the school year.  This year, the team raised money to create potted flowers pots for the front of the building and clean up and add plantings to our Grace Thatcher bench area near the ponds. Grace, a third grader at Georgetown in 2006-07, died of brain cancer during the summer of 2007.  Grace was a beautiful, bright and environmentally focused girl.  We placed the bench in the back pond area to help others take time to appreciate the sounds of nature that she loved so much.

The potted impatience look beautiful in the front of our building.  A group of students and I spent time near the ponds today and were impresses with weeded and freshly planted hostas, lilies and impatience around the bench.  Thank you runners for the work you did to help our school grounds look welcoming and beautiful.  Also, many thanks to Mrs. Havens and her team of coaches who worked with these girls from March-May of this school year.

If you are interested in coaching Girls on the Run next year (girls grade 3-5), please let Mrs. Haven’s know via email (chavens@hpseagles.net).  She is already building the roster for next year and this is a program we would like to continue.  It benefits the girls, the coaches and our entire school.

 

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We Have Something to Say: JUST WRITE!

This was the most amazing week of celebration at Georgetown Elementary School.  We honored 650 writers — students bdin K-5 and teachers.  Their writing was displayed throughout the building on lockers, classroom doors, tables, shelves and walls.  And, for those of you who honored us by attending the open houses, I know you were impressed by their ability to write stories that carried the reader’s attention from beginning to end.

We end the week of open houses with  JUST WRITE SKIT performances — teacher performed acts of one writing piece from each grade.  The photos at the end of the slide show below highlight the seven student writers and the teachers that performed their pieces.

devPerhaps one of the most important displays demonstrates the progress our students make as writers with strong writing instruction each year that they are in school.  The writing they produce in fifth grade is a result of years of work on the writer’s part and as a result of excellent instruction by the teachers.  And, I would like to place a *bragging disclaimer for the following: Georgetown teachers are committed educators who work closely together to scope and sequence instruction for all students with a focus on high expectations.  Because of their expert instruction, the students are able to demonstrate their thinking through writing — an essential skill for work place success.

As the incredibly fortunate instructional leader of Georgetown Elementary, I am proud of both the students and the teachers.  Thank you so much for attending our celebration.  We look forward to hosting you in 2015 with equally magnificent pieces of writing!