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Teachers…many staying, a few seeking new adventures!

I know that many of you have heard that teachers all over the district are making changes in their grade or building due to the openings created by retirements within our district.  We do have some of our staff that are changing either grades or moving to other buildings because of openings that have been created.

Although I am not able to make the changes public at this time (honoring the time required for approval at all levels), I do want you to know that as grade level teams we have been meeting to make sure that student placements for the 2010-11 school year are the BEST placements for your children.

We feel confident and excited about the class lists and the teachers for each grade.  Once I am able to share the names and positions of each teacher, I will announce this via a blog posting.  Because positions may be approved in waves, I may be posting 2-3 updates as they come.

Please be patient…know that we have teachers who are making changes in grade or building are doing so because this is what is best for their career and families…and the teachers who move into these spots are making these moves because they are passionate about the children and teams at each grade group!

*Report Cards are mailed on Monday, June 14.  Your child’s next year’s teacher will be noted on the report card.  Class lists will be posted on the building on June 21.  If your child’s teacher name is “NEW TEACHER” know that an assignment is in process.  As soon as we are aware of the teacher name, I will announce this via the blog.

Mrs. Reagan

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Where did the year go?

I know that I sound melancholy when I say this, but how did this year slip by so quickly?  I can’t believe that I am posting our  Week 38 weekly update–when Week 1 seems not that long ago!

This has been an amazing year…one worth celebrating for so many reasons.  We have MEAP scores to be so very proud of (great work students and teachers), a school grade given by the state that is top notch (can’t share what this is yet—but it is great), two students who received awards for their art work at the 40th International World School Art Exhibition in China, one student art piece selected as the state holiday greeting card, many school/family events sponsored by our Parent Club, the best ever JUST WRITE Celebration, a once in a lifetime meeting with our pen pals from Raey Guang School from Pingtung, Taiwan, and so much more.  A review of our blog will quickly remind you of all that we have to be proud of as a school that learns and grows together daily.

Thank you, parents,  for all you have done to support your child’s learning (social, emotional and academic) at Georgetown this year.  We, as a school, would not be who we are without your support through parent club, classroom volunteerism and the critical day to day support of your child’s learning from home and at school.  You and your children have made this year one of our best!

I will update the blog weekly throughout the summer with news about the upcoming school year (2010-11).  Also, remember that our library will be open each Wednesday from 10-12 noon.  This will be a wonderful opportunity for your child to check out books for summer reading.

Have a safe and wonderful summer!  Mrs. Reagan

BLOG 6 7

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Memories of our time with Raey Guang

Two Schools Two Countries

On June 3, 2010 our sister school, Raey Guang Elementary arrived at Georgetown. We spent two days together ….learning about our cultures, community, educational systems and one another. It was a wonderful time together and one that we will always remember. The slideshow below highlights a few of our special moments together.  Many many thanks to our host families and 29 Georgetown student pen pals who made this experience incredible!  You can also view this slide show on YOUTUBE.

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Another Georgetown Baby!

Mrs. Becky VanSomeren, the director of Early Childhood Daycare and Preschool (affectionately referred to as Eagle’s Nest) had her baby on June 1, 2010.  She and her husband welcome Alayna Grace into their family…and oh what a blessing Alayna is to them!Alayna Grace 6-1-10 124

Mrs. VanSomeren will be home with Alayna through the summer and return in the fall.  Alayna is the fourth staff baby that we have welcomed this year.  She joins Liam, Cameron and Amelia!

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Georgetown School Library OPEN this summer!

Reading  ClaytonIn order to keep reading going strong throughout the summer, we will be opening our Georgetown School Library once a week!

On Wednesdays,10:00-12:00 pm, we will have our library open for Georgetown students to Readerscheck out books. This is a great time to try out some new books, re-read some old favorites, re-connect with friends, and see some of your favorite teachers.

Our first date for Wednesday check-out will be June 16. Mark your calendars and hope to see you there!

Readers TroyI will remind you of this each Tuesday with a blog post.  Many thanks to Mrs. Bast (reading teacher) and Mrs. VandenBerg (librarian) for making this possible.

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Hello Turns to Goodbye TOO soon!

two countries Raey Guang and Georgetown students sit on opposite sides of cafeteria, waiting patiently to be introduced to their pen pals!

Just as we got to know our Raey Guang friends, it was time for them to depart for their home country, Taiwan!

If you have been following our blog, you are aware that much energy and passion has been devoted to their journey to meet us.  We welcomed them on Thursday, June 3 at 8:30 am and we said goodbye to them at 12:30 pm today (June 4) at Meijer Gardens.

I will share more about the experience in an upcoming post.  Until then, read this excellent article by Matt VandeBunte a writer from the Grand Rapids Press.  His words sum up the experience very well and I am honored that he took the time to visit our welcome ceremony.

Group photo We are friends forever…two countries, two schools…ONE GOAL:  learning together!


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LAST NOTES FROM THE OFFICE!

Hello Georgetown Parents:

Well believe it or not this is our last letter from the office for this school year!   We just wanted to send you a few reminders for next week.

KINDERGARTEN NOTES……  Just remember that Monday, June 7 is the last day of school for the Monday/Wednesday Kindergartners.  Tuesday, June 8 is the last day for the Tuesday/Thursday Kindergartners.

YEARBOOKS……  We have two more copies of the yearbook for sale in the office.  They will be sold for $10 a piece and they will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.

MEDS FROM THE OFFICE…..  If your student has any medication in the office,  either perscription/non-perscription, a parent needs to pick these up from the office.  These cannot be sent home with the student.  If they are not picked up by next Friday, June 11 they will be discarded!

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL….  Thursday, June 10 is our last day of school and the students will be dismissed at 1:00pm! The students will have lunch before leaving school and hot lunch will be available to order.

LOST AND FOUND….  This will be in the hall by the rotunda.  Anything that is not claimed will be donated after Friday, June 11!

Have a terrific summer!

Mrs. Nurenberg  : )

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The week ahead…June 1-4, 2010

I simply cannot believe today is the final day of May…and tomorrow begins the month of June.  How have all these school days flown by so quickly?

I hope that everyone has had a relaxing and fun Memorial Weekend.  This morning, when the sun was School Flagshining, I took a photo of our flags in honor of Memorial Day.  These flags are cared for by Mr. Rob Thurkettle, our wonderful custodian.

For those of you who visited our school last week to celebrate the writing and AUTHORs of these pieces, many thanks!  We also said farewell to our Liverpool visitors on Friday, and this week we welcome our sister school, Raey Guang Elementary. The students and staff arrive on Thursday.  We are looking forward to their arrival and time to learn together.

Here is a snapshot of some of the activities that will take place.  Visit your child’s class blog for more specific information.

BLog wk 40

Mrs. Reagan

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Raey Guang Preparations

flag

On Thursday of this week we will meet our friends from Raey Guang Elementary, our sister school in Pingtung, Taiwan.    A group of 29 students (grades 3-6), four teachers and the principal are traveling from Taiwan to Hudsonville to meet us and learn about the American educational system.  The group has arrived in Los Angeles and visited Disney Land over the weekend.  I received these great photos today from Miss Helen Tai, the teacher who has been my pen pal this year.

Disney

They will be flying into Detroit on Tuesday and traveling to Mackinaw to see the bridge and the island before arriving in Hudsonville later this week.

When they arrive on Thursday, June 3, the students will be matched with their pen pals–Georgetown students who have been communicating via email for four months.  They will go to classes together, share projects, eat lunch, enjoy recess and much more.  At 2:30 pm, we will come together as an entire school to welcome them and exchange gifts.

The Raey Guang students will spend Thursday afternoon and evening with host families from our school.  On Friday, the pen pals (Georgetown and Raey Guang) will visit the Meijer Gardens together.

We are very excited for their arrival.  To view photos of all the pen pals visit this slide show:

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Farewell Liverpool Friends

Liverpool Welcome

During the week of May 24th, we hosted six student teachers from Liverpool, England.  This is a shared partnership between Hope College in Holland and Liverpool Hope University in England.  They spent the past week learning about teaching and learning in our classrooms and they are now on their way back home to family, friends and their university lives.  Thank you for coming….and helping us to celebrate our writing.  We wish you luck in all that you do as teachers!

Liverpool students

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