Author: Amy Hoekstra

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The Half Way Mark: Week 20 of School

Where is this year going?   We are half way through the 2009-10 school year–and to me it seems that it is flying by!  As we look ahead to this week, please note that our all school PJ and Popcorn Day is this coming Friday!

In addition, the first parent meeting regarding changes in the programing for the Cognitively Impaired Program will be held at Park Elementary on Thursday at 4 pm.  An additional meeting will be held on February 1 at 7 pm.  The topic of the meetings will be identical.

Many, many thanks to all of you have contributed to the “SHOUT OUTS” for donations these past few weeks.  Every small donation for the Haiti victims, Takin’ Down Cancer Coin War and Bustin’ Through Books Collection is appreciated.

If you would like to donate to our Bustin’ Through Books collection, we are still taking $1.00 per student for books, old vinyl bean bags, and old books!  If you are a father who would like to read with the students during their reading time, complete our form online.

Two of our incredible Georgetown families have been in the news these past two weeks.  If you have missed the coverage , you can find links here:  Megan Assink, a survivor of Pompe’s Disease, and her family have been covered by many media outlets.  In addition, the Randolf Family welcomed home their forever adopted children from Haiti on Friday night.

Here’s to a great week ahead!

week 20

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Our Connection to Haiti

God's Little AngelsOne of our school families, the Randolf’s, have had their lives transformed quickly by the earthquake in Haiti.  They have been in the process of adopting three beautiful children from God’s Little Children Orphanage and unsure of the time line for adoption–preparing for it to take many, many months.

And, then the earthquake hit.    As Julie Randolf shared, their lives have been transformed in 48 hours.  Due to the hard work put forth by Bethany Christian Services, Dixie from God’s Little Children Orphanage, caring politicians, a private donor for the flight and determine adoptive parents, the Randolf children and many others are now home.

Enjoy the news coverage of this very special arrival!

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PK and K Round Up: 2010

It is hard to believe that we are getting ready for our newest group of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students.   It is time for us to get the word out about enrolling children for the 2010-1011 school year.  PK K

If you have a child that will be in PK or K next year, please mark your calendar for          March 9, 2010. There will be the option to attend a day time program at 10 am  (held at Alward, South or Jamestown).  The material will be the same for all schools, simply held at these locations for those that must attend during the day.

  • All schools will host evening Round Ups at 7 pm.
  • Georgetown’s meeting will be in the Multi-Purpose Room.

If you know a neighbor who has an upcoming PK or K child, please encourage them to complete the registration information and health appraisal form.  These forms are turned into the school office.

REGISTRATION PAPERWORK

INFORMATION ABOUT SCREENING (Held on March 16 and 17) AND CURRICULUM PROGRAMS

Mrs. Reagan

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Bustin’ Through Books

bean bagOn February 2, we begin to devote a portion of every day to focused time for reading.  This will be called BUST THROUGH BOOKS BOOT CAMP.

We need your help to get this up and running!  You can help in three different ways:

1.  If you are a DAD, volunteer to spend a day running our boot camp.  It’s easy…and fun.  Requirements:  Sign Up by clicking on this form; Wear Comfy Clothes; Bring your reading material (work and just for fun); SHOW UP WITH A SMILE, sense of humor and your books.  Jeff Wressell, Lily’s Dad, will be heading up the volunteer list.

2.  Donate $1.00 to your child’s classroom.  The money will go toward buying timers and bean bags.  Write:  BUST THROUGH BOOKS on your envelope, along with your child’s name and classroom.  (We will also take used vinyl bean bags and timers)

3.  Donate any well loved books from your home.  We have students who love to learn about non-fiction topics.  If you have any books on the topics listed below, please donate them to our program.  Books can be dropped off in the library with the incredible, wonderful Mrs. VandenBerg!

Science Topics of Study

* Solar System
* Matter
* Animals
* Plants
* Weather
* Rocks/Fossils
* Force and Motion
* Water
* Light/Sound

Social Studies Topics of Study
* Maps/Globes/Flags
* Hudsonville History
* Michigan History
* Early American History: American Indians, Africans, Europeans, Colonization and Settlement, Slavery, French American War
* Bill of Rights, U.S. Constitution
* Geography/Regions (Hudsonville, MI, U.S.)
* Government (local, state, federal)
* Economics
* Civics: citizenship/rules/trade/rights/responsibilities

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Girls on the Run…still time to sign up!

The Georgetown Girls on the Run team will be meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning March 2nd. For more information on the program please visit GOTR.   The coaches this year are Elly Bainbridge and Jennifer Waters.

You can still sign up to participate with the online registration form.  This will be open until January 27, go to www.gotroac.org
GOTR

Girls must be fitted for shoes at a scheduled Shoe Fitting.  Girls can NOT go directly to Gazelle Sports to be fit for their shoes.

We will be holding five shoe fittings once all registration is closed.  These dates/times are ONLY for girls to be fit for shoes, registration will NOT be available.  In order for girls to receive their shoes by the first practice they need to be fit by February 6!

Shoe Fittings:

  1. Wednesday, February 3:  4pm-7:30pm; Holland Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut Drive , Holland , 49424
  2. Thursday, February 4:  4pm-6:60pm;  Grand Haven Center for Women in Transition, 300 N. Ferry, Grand Haven, 49417
  3. Saturday, February 6:   9am-12:30pm;  Holland Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut Drive , Holland , 49424
  4. Wednesday, February 10:  4pm-7:30pm; Grand Haven Center for Women in Transition, 300 N. Ferry, Grand Haven, 49417
  5. Saturday, February 13: 9:30am-1pm; Lakeshore Middle School , 900 S. Cutler St , Grand Haven, 49417

If you have any questions, please e-mail Elly at ellyatlas@sbcglobal.net

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Crossing Guard Needed

Mrs. Jodi Rosekopf has been our crossing guard for the past five months–and she has done an outstanding job!  I have received many compliments about her work and her SMILE as she crosses our children safely each morning and afternoon.

Mrs. Rosekopf’s hours are increasing at her Eagle’s Nest job and as a result, she is looking for a replacement for crossing guard duty.  If you are interested in this position, please contact our office (Mrs. Ripley or Mrs. Nurenberg, 797-9797 x 22401).

Hours for crossing guard duty are as follows:

Morning, 8:25-8:50; Afternoon 3:40-4:00 pm

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Help for Haiti

Many of our families and staff members have connections to the people in Haiti — either through mission trip experiences, social outreach programs or adoption agencies.  We have been asked to seek donations for a medical team that will be leaving with supplies next week.  Haitian Baby

If at all possible, we would like to ask anyone that is able to bring ANY OF THE ITEMS LISTED BELOW for donation to this medical mission.  Dr. Tenhaff, a local doctor with the Georgetown Medical Center, will be participating in this trip and is one of the doctors seeking much needed supplies.

  • Medical Supplies:  antibiotic ointments, gauze, bandaging of any kind, any unused antibiotics (pills) they can use, tylenol, ibuprofen (adults and children)
  • Miscellaneous supplies: sheets, blankets, hand sanitizer, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers, formula
  • Non Perishable: beans and rice (this is the basic staple of the people)

For those who would prefer to donate money, please make checks out to BYRON CENTER BIBLE CHURCH HAITI MISSION.  Checks should be placed in an envelope marked:  HAITI MISSION and sent to the office.  We will make sure that these checks are included with the donated items.  (Dr. Tenhaff attends this church and works directly with the medical clinic in Haiti.)

Thank you for any help you can provide.    If you are interested in following the best site for up to date information about the desperate situation in Haiti, visit the New York Times Lede Blog.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

MLKToday is a federal holiday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. — an American who fought for civil rights for all citizens of the United States of America.  We remember his accomplishments throughout the year, but give special recognition on the 3rd Monday of January each year.  This date was selected because it is near his birthday, January 15.

To find out more about his life — including his family and unforgettable moments, visit the History Channel. Larry Ferlazzo, one of my favorite twitter teachers, has collected a series of excellent  resources on his site.  Finally, President Obama shared his thoughts about the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. and how we can use this important piece of history to deal with some difficult challenges ahead.